Chapter 154 - Mission Preparation

Ceres entered Ardan’s office, three days later. “So, looks like you finally decided,” Ardan said without turning his chair around.

Ceres nodded. “I’ll do the mission, but I want to be the main force that enters the prison.”

“That’s going to be a bit hard to implement, you’re not a top-rank agent yet.” Ardan frowned. It would be hard for him to justify Ceres’s involvement in the main attacking force for the prison since Ceres had theoretically joined the force just very recently.

“Wasn’t the capture of a Keeper good enough?” Ceres pointed out.

“You’re right, but the surveillance on you from central command would be much more intense. You can not reveal your identity at all to anyone else, not even write it down on a screen if possible. I will find the right time to reveal your identity.” Ardan contemplated.

The central command would definitely be suspicious of Ceres: an individual who had joined the rebellion and managed to capture both an Athen Defender enforcer and a Keeper in the short span of seven days. If they didn’t know better, they would have thought it was a spy from the enforcers, similar to a trojan horse.

Ardan tapped the table. “I should have a slot for you as an exosuit repairer. You finally get to show your skills off.”

Ceres nodded. “Just get me in the prison and I’ll save Braton and Lisa.”

Ardan nodded. “Good, then I’ll vouch for you. The briefing will be in five hours from now, so go get prepared. Just be aware that you won’t be working with your squad any longer, since they did not accept the promotion. You’ll be working with another team.”

“Isn’t the prison break mission supposed to mobilize almost every single agent?” Ceres asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous, we can’t throw every single agent at the prison and hope to get in without a few distractions. This will be a major offensive operation that would be spread out all over the planet.” Ardan grinned.

***

Kitana walked slowly down the main street of a small town. The entire scene was already swarming with enforcers, the investigators and their drones already checking and scanning everything. She spotted an overturned armoured hovercar which had been hit with countless kinetic bullets, riddling it with holes at the end of the street.

A series of bloodstains were on the ground along with the holographic outlines of the bodies of the guards marked on the floor like a crime scene. Kitana watched as a hovering drone projected a basic human figure, running multiple simulations of how the fight played out.

The surviving two Athen Defenders enforcers who were knocked out by Ceres were left sitting at the side, slowly trying to recover from their concussion and injuries.

“Wow, looks like the enforcers are really shit these days, hmm? How the hell are you going to even form a fighting force?” A high-pitched female voice laughed out loud. It was a female Keeper wearing an exosuit with the number 459, a 2nd generation Keeper.

She squatted in front of the two Athen Defenders enforcers. “Look at you two, couldn’t hold three Victorious Revolts down for even more than five minutes!”

“Th..they were too good!” One of the enforcers stammered. “They infiltrated our hovercar before we even knew it and…”

Before he could finish, a swift kick to his head immediately knocked him out.

“Oh, and it wasn’t your fault that the hovercar was hijacked? All I hear are fucking EXCUSES! If you had held him for maybe just ten more minutes, our Keeper drop-pod would have reached on time instead of being forced to chase through the Abela Forest!” The female Keeper grabbed the head of the enforcer she just kicked, yelling into his ear with force.

“Stop it, Vernette! Focus on the mission.” Kitana ordered, internally sighing. Vernette was one of the second-generation Keepers that she selected. While Kitana had defeated her in the selection trials, she was slightly impressed by the raw aggression she displayed. Kitana saw it as a growing pain to sharpen this wild blade.

Vernette may be extremely violent, but she had been thoroughly beaten by Kitana three times, making her compliant towards Kitana. Vernette herself had been disqualified from the competition for murdering her opponent during the main stage’s group battle.

“Tsk.” Vernette dropped the head of the unconscious enforcer onto the floor with a loud thud, stomping off towards Kitana. The remaining enforcer was too afraid to argue back with Vernette, merely scrambling over to his fellow enforcer to check his head.

Kitana didn’t bother checking in on the enforcer her subordinate just kicked, merely ignoring them as she walked into the bar where Don and Regan were discussing. The bar was completely empty save for a lone injured Regan tied to the chair, being interrogated by another Keeper. He had his hand tightly gripped onto the back of Regan’s neck.

“Any info, Fardi?” Kitana walked up to the male Keeper, who was the third member of her squad. Instead of being an inner, he was an outer from Zone 11, a rarity among the inner-dominated Keepers.

Fardi merely nodded, before passing over his multi-terminal which had the detailed information of the entire fight including video logs from the cameras around the town, as well as information on the two mercenaries that Regan hired.

“Tiberium Shadows…” Kitana read off the multi-terminal, noting that it was a dark mercenary outfit that was extremely expensive to hire. Compared to the mercenaries that she worked with when extracting Doctor Theria, they were probably worth close to ten times more.

“Seems like your collaboration with the rebels really paid off, did it not, Regan?” Kitana took over, with Fardi retreating back, removing his hand to reveal a custom-made nerval plug. He had gotten all the information by hacking Regan’s neural interface.

Fardi wasn’t particularly good at fighting, but he was extremely adept at sniffing data streams via the neural plug. He simply had to ask a question before the victim’s mind will automatically retrieve the data for him. This was the main reason why Kitana added him to her squad, as even she recognized that her prior interrogation techniques were not good enough.

“We had a deal! I set the trap up perfectly, but it was you guys that fucked it up! I was promised amnesty if I turned them over!” Regan spat out a bloody tooth onto the floor as Kitana pulled up another chair to face him.

“The deal was with Sergeant Wright of the Athen Enforcers, who is currently missing, presumed dead. Either way, he had no power to provide you with amnesty even if it was a success.” Kitana stated, as a matter of fact, causing Regan’s face to pale significantly.

“However, since you have shown sincerity in dealing with us, we are prepared to offer you an exclusive manufacturing contract for exosuit parts to New Saint. Are you interested?”

Regan’s face lit up again, quickly nodded. “Anything to work with you guys. I myself am all for the unification of the planet and for safety!” The day truly had been a rollercoaster of emotions for him, but he wasn’t about to give up that easily. Anything could be achieved as long as he was still alive.

Fardi held his multi-terminal in front of Regan, showing the contract. Regan read it excitedly before his eyes suddenly bulged. “This.. this is extortion! How do you expect me to survive like this?”

“Perhaps you could consider not hiring Tiberium Shadows any longer and use the extra money instead.” Kitana smiled before standing up and turning to leave. “Fardi, ensure he signs the contract.”

She stepped back out onto the street, seeing Vernette waiting for her outside. “Here’s the fully reconstructed fight sequence, the AI has played out the most possible scenario.” Vernette pointed to a holographic video that the other investigators were watching.

The video log showed a team of two poorly equipped rebels in their usual Victorious Revolt exosuit, while there was one rebel with a high-tech exosuit. “The AI postulates based on the performance characteristics of the exosuit and how fast it managed to take down the enforcer squad, it should be equivalent to a low-tier Dynasty training exosuit.”

The upper echelons of the Loeric Empire naturally had the best resources to invest in their exosuit development, so both their members and exosuits were top-notch in the star nation, even the training exosuits.

“This is a serious accusation if it’s true. If hard evidence of a Dynasty member interfering on Athen appears, it will be a diplomatic scandal!” One of the investigators muttered.

“No, it’s not a Dynasty member.” Kitana shook her head. “It could very well be a criminal exosuit from a dark mercenary outfit. The rebellion is continuously getting supplies from the Beyond through Rockhold. Send the data to the space command and tell them to track all shuttles going in and out of Rockhold. We now have full jurisdiction over the entire planet.”

The investigators nodded, splitting up to continue finding clues. Kitana double-checked all the data, trying to pinpoint where the rebels went. “Any luck finding out where that Keeper went?” She asked Vernette.

“Eh? I don’t know, Command hasn’t gotten back to me yet. The last location was Abela Forest, we should go over.” Vernette scratched her head. She was not a data nor technical expert, running completely on instincts. Kitana sighed, wondering why she even bothered asking her.

“No, the Abela Forest is too dangerous. Don’t underestimate the Oraous. We’ll wait for more backup before we begin a full search. Most likely there is a rebel hideout in the forest.” Kitana continued pouring over all the data, checking all her assumptions. “Could it really be a Dynasty member? Perhaps an exiled one from the Beyond….”

***

Ceres entered the same lecture room where he had his ‘orientation’ to the rebellion. Sierra was still glaring at him from the podium as he walked up the stairs, finding an isolated seat. He noted that only major and critical agents were in this meeting, but the numbers were minuscule compared to the total number. He counted maybe a total of a hundred of them.

“This briefing is highly confidential, and no questions are to be asked till the end of the briefing. All agents here in this lecture hall are considered to be of top security clearance, either through your continued efforts, skills or otherwise…” Sierra shot a scathing glance towards Ceres, who ignored her.

“Other agents are not privy to the information in this briefing, so do not share it with anyone beyond this room apart from the ‘White Fang’. Not even other rebel cell leaders are to know this information. This is to limit the level of betrayal possible.” Sierra continued, pulling up a visualized inventory list of what the rebel cell had.

“In two and a half weeks’ time, we will be striking the maximum-security prison known as Haui’s Moon, an asteroid in low Athen orbit.” Another detailed screen of the asteroid’s detail and orbital parameters appeared in front of every agent in their seats. A loud wave of murmurs rippled through the hundred agents, each of them whispering to the other.

“Again, no question till the end of the briefing. This will be the first major offensive operation by the rebellion, in which all rebel cells planetwide will be mobilized. However, not every cell’s objective will be the same, and a single cell may have to attack multiple objectives at the same time. Please look at the inventory list.” Sierra pointed out the inventory list.

“We have been running low on supplies ever since Oliver’s declaration and subsequent unification of the planet. With time, our supplies will dwindle to nothing. Sure, we have more than enough nutri-paste and water to wait it out, but we will be sitting ducks. Hence, this mission is effectively a do-or-die. Haui’s Moon is our largest objective, but the entire purpose is to boost our strength, promote our cause and delay the unification of the planet.”

“We all know that the enforcers are on the cusp of initiating an attack into Rockhold, but it’s only a matter of when. Defending Rockhold is part of our objective, but we cannot merely defend. Other cell groups are tasked with offensive operations in New Saint as well during this period.”

“As the top agents, you have the right to know what our cell group’s targets are. Our objectives are as follows:

1. Free all prisoners from Haui’s Moon and subsequently ferry them down to New Saint and back to our base here.

2. Shut down all routes between Rockhold and New Saint, and defend Rockhold.

The other cell groups have differing targets. All objectives are required in order for full mission success. Delaying the unification will buy us ample time to strengthen our forces.”

Sierra showed an organizational chart of the ‘White Fang’ cell groups – all minor agents were assigned to shutting down the trade routes, while control of the three zones was for everyone else.

“We’re throwing everything we got at this operation. It’s been five years of continuous ambush and raiding, but Oliver’s declaration has pushed us to the brink. You are the agents that will raid the prison and free all our brethren that have been trapped there.” Sierra stated confidently.

Ceres frowned slightly. As far as he could see, objective two was merely meant as a distraction, aka cannon fodder. However, he could not disagree with the strategy. Rather than forcing a pitched battle, it was better to stall the enforcers and try to inflict as much damage as possible.

“In order to raid the prison, we will have to work together with ‘Sliver Ring’, who will procure the starships for us and pilot them.” Sierra showed the screen with the details on Haui’s Moon again.

The asteroid wasn’t particularly big, only about 25 kilometres wide in an irregular shape like playdough. The solar arrays that powered the prison were very much obvious on the surface, but the rest of the prison was hidden below the rocky surface. The prison was rated to hold about three hundred thousand prisoners, though it was not clear as to whether it was near maximum capacity at all.

“The details on how we get to the prison are not privy to us, so we will rely on Silver Ring. We will be the boots on the ground, assaulting the prison once they drop us off. The method of entry is not known yet.”

The cutaway view of the prison was shown. “There’s only one visually confirmed entrance into the prison, however, we have postulated a few exhaust tunnels that we can potentially use. It’s unclear the level of defence at the exhaust tunnels, but the entrance is heavily defended. There are anti-starship turrets, anti-personnel turrets along with a battalion of prison guards patrolling regularly.”

A simple map of the landing site was shown, which was on the opposite side of the asteroid to prevent detection. Ceres was not an expert in space warfare so he had no idea how the ships were going to hide.

“Once we breached the entrance, we must quickly control the command centre of the prison. The cells in which the prisoners are being held are highly pressurized at six times atmospheric pressure, with a built-in function for the prison guards to immediately depressurize the cells instantaneously. It is critical that we prevent them from using this function and that we find a way to permanently disable it.”

Ceres was shocked. This effectively meant the prison had an entire kill switch enabled at all times. With a single push, they could kill all prisoners within the prison by a simple difference in pressure thanks to the vacuum of space. It would take ages to safely depressurize all of them without them exploding.

“Do not worry about trying to depressurize the prisoners instantly. Our objective is to control the prison and permanently disable the kill switch functionality. The way to disable that is to target its main power plant as well as its five auxiliary power backup systems.” A detailed map of the prison layout showed the backup nuclear power generators hidden at various spots of the prison.

“Expect heavy resistance throughout the entire prison. While the prison is designed against a revolt by its inmates, we should expect Keepers and other enforcers to be stationed there. Our last attack on the enforcer’s space command centre has caused them to significantly increase funding into their defences.” Sierra pointed out the automated turrets and possible lockdown measures in place.

One of the agents couldn’t hold back his worries any longer and raised his hand. “Ma’am, the moment we invade the prison, the enforcers will immediately come running to us. How are we going to evacuate the entire prison?”

Sierra smiled, not blaming the agent for asking the important question. “This is why timing is critical. The enforcers are currently planning to attack Rockhold under the guise of the major gangs. This coupled with our all-out offensive from other cell groups in every part of New Saint will cause them to falter and disperse. We have a few attacks planned on all essential command infrastructure of the enforcers, which will force them to divert their attention.”

A graphical view of Haui’s Moon appeared. “There are a few means of transport that are used to rotate the prison guards by the hundreds, we will use them to evacuate. If enforcers do arrive, we will have to utilize the turrets installed in the prison to deter them. Taking into account the diversion, no more than five corvettes and a battalion of enforcers will be deployed to stop us.”

A wave of murmurs spread through the agents. For their cell group, they had always been fighting underground, with minimal space training. To ask them to fend off a whole corvette and twenty Keepers in zero-gravity conditions is almost impossible.

“The expected timeframe of the prison break will be two weeks from commencement. Within two weeks, all prisoners must be evacuated towards the planet. We will provide key details on landing points and regroup positions. If we can pull this off, we would have an additional force with which to truly take out the enforcers with.”

An increase in a hundred thousand former rioters and rebels would be a great manpower increase.

A major-rank agent frowned. “This is really a battle of annihilation. If we fail, there will be no hope left for the rebellion.”

Sierra’s face turned solemn. “Exactly. Over the next three weeks, it is imperative that we prepare as much as possible. Focus on your own training while our internal command AI allocates roles for all of you. You will be assigned to your squad as soon as possible, and then you will begin compatibility training with them. Each of you has a vital role to play. You will receive additional information later today once it’s done. Equality starts with a fire!”

The agents including Ceres stood up and chanted back. “Equality starts with a fire!”

“Dismissed.” Sierra left the room immediately to commence her administrative work, while the agents lingered around in the lecture room, discussing it.

“Finally, we’re doing something real,” One of the more senior rebellion agents was excited. “This will be the nail in the coffin for the Five Families and their cronies. We’re going to free our brothers and light a fire in New Saint!”

A few other agents cheered along, while Ceres left the room on his own, not wanting to take part in the celebration. He may have agreed to join the prison raid, but he still held his own moral doubts about the ‘good’ of this mission.

Was it right to plunge New Saint into utter chaos? He would be actively assisting in the starting of a new wave of mass rioting.

He had no information on what percentage of the three hundred thousand prisoners were rebels. It would be ignorant for him to simply wave his hand and ignore the potentially heinous crimes that the rest of the prisoners were incarcerated for in the first reason.

The reason why he finally agreed to the mission was so that he could root out those that would indiscriminately attack innocent people at the prison first before evacuating them to the planet.

Ceres’s multi-terminal beeped, showing a message from Don and Randy to meet them in the mess hall. Their briefing had just concluded as well.

As Ceres entered the mess hall, it was a hive of bustling activity and excited conversation. It was obvious that the cell group was kicking into high gear, and the general atmosphere made for a tense environment. Don and Randy waved him from a long table, where they were already discussing their posting into Rockhold.

“Hey Ceres, what’s it like being a high-ranked agent?” Don grinned as he put his hand around Ceres’s shoulders when Ceres sat down. Don was much closer to Ceres ever since their first mission together where Ceres effectively saved his life.

“I bet it must be good! A brand new bunk to yourself, better training resources and equipment than us…” Randy pouted, still slightly sad that he was blocked from the promotion by Don. However, he could also not deny that he had already been severely hurt during the first mission, which meant he could definitely not handle a similar mission himself.

“It’s nothing much. How can I enjoy the new bunk when we’re heading out for a mission?” Ceres replied as he glanced around the mess hall.

Emotions were flooding his vision from the tens of thousands of rebel members, all showing an extreme height. But he could also sense a slight wave of unease among many of the rebel members, even Don and Randy.

With such a big operation coming up, it’s not clear whether they would even be able to make it home alive. Don and Randy were in the dark about the true objective of the upcoming operation, thinking that the defence of Rockhold was the main goal.

Ceres swore to do his best this time, to make sure as few of them died as much as possible.