October 11th, 2026. 08:30.
Inside Sly's office, all looks as tidy as ever aside from a few broken windows and at least three bullet holes in the walls near the first window on the left side, all proof of the elegance coming from the one Colonel who despite all the attempts on his life, all the trials and tribulations thrown at him for every choice he makes, even with the near betrayals, he still stands firm as ever, all ready to lead his warriors and soldiers to battle, all in the name to free their precious planet from the Zlocu's grasp.
As Sly sits on his chair with all the documents at hand, he also checks the laptop on his desk to revise the latest messages he received due to the successful operation in the last Zlocan fortress located outside Los Angeles even if it meant a handful of lives being lost along the way. The messages also carry some images of the latest activities of the UEF in other parts of the world, including one where the Canadian flag is raised alongside one of the UEF in the middle of a jubilant crowd of varied people in many uniforms.
As he folds some of the documents in the locker on his left, a buzzing sound is heard near the table, yet he merely presses a button near the desk with a microphone attached to it as he leans toward it.
"Good morning, Colonel Sylvester here. What brings you here?"
"Sly, it's your man Jack and the Warriors, you said we should come here by this time, remember?" Jack's voice says, which makes Sly laugh for a bit while still keeping his index finger on the button, all while he keeps his green uniform as steady and tidy as he can give it.
"Oh right, kinda forgot about it. Well, come in then." With that, he presses the other button that emits a beeping sound near the door, which makes it open. From there, the main quartet, as well as their partners, enter with most of the casual clothing that they can show, with most saluting Sly as some sit down while others stand on their feet, their gazes focusing on Sly as he clears his throats and places the last document on the locker, locking it up as he sits firmly in his desk once more, all while eyes focus on some of the Warriors with some cuts and bandages in some of the arms and legs.
"Well, you're all aware of why I summoned you all here, right?" Sly asks.
"About the latest reports for our upcoming activities, man," Jack replies with a slight smile on his face.
"Exactly that. Well, let's go with the easy one. As we all know, the latest recruits we got from the fortress, while with some complications detected on their psyche, have been approved for further training under our command. Especially for that one Julian who was the one who gave us the key to penetrate the Hollywood Line," Sly says.
"Ye still sure he ain't a dirty spy for us?" Lucy asks with her arms crossed.
"Luce, I can guarantee you that a true spy wouldn't have gone to such lengths to ruin their own side like that," Sly replies with a small grin on his face This makes Jack, Malak and Tany laugh in response to which she merely shrugs in response.
"Also, I think you should give Julie Julian a break Luce, that poor pup had roughly rough already!" Tany adds as she pokes Lucy in the cheek.
"Alright, I think she gets it now. Anyway, with those recruits in mind, it's why Rian is tasked with training them for unconventional types of warfare based on his latest battle record. And no offense to you Logan, but I think he may like this job better than your style."
"Well, I believe it's more than that, Sylvester. I'm sure he'll teach them well as I tried with him," Logan says while holding his arm as he paces for a bit.
"Hope that's the case. Not just that, we're also bringing new weapons for the neophytes, which I'm sure would help us out in determining how we can carry out the big one."
"Ya sure it won't blow up in their faces?" Ed asks as he raises an eyebrow.
"They have safe modes, I'm sure the three would handle them just fine."
"And I'm sure they have some dang fine muscles to lift one of those things. Like, a drill or something!"
"Wait for the results first, Ed, then we can discuss how well those muscles are, OK?" Ed merely shrugs in response while Malak chuckles for a bit.
"Not like you would be able to try them, Old Ed," Malak says, to which Ed merely waves his hand around, which makes Malak stop chuckling.
"Let me guess, that big one you're talking about is what we think it is, Mister Sly?" Andrei asks.
"Ain't you a quick learner, right? But yes, it is indeed. And let me tell you, compared to the rest, this may take many days to prepare. It's not just the forces all over America we need to lay the hammer on, we also need a handful of our allies in the Pacific to further press on the remaining Zlocs in the region." As Sly explains this, Amira trembles a bit with the mention of "allies", mouth quivering for a bit as well.
"But in order to do that, we serve as the Spec Ops of sorts as the first line of fire?" Logan asks.
"Something like that, you can fulfill that part in tandem with the new unit if they prove their worth. Also, Seiner, I think you can upgrade your drones for a bit to help scout further down aside from being on the ground, correct?" Sly asks as he glances at Seiner. Seiner merely chuckles in response as he smirks.
"You're asking the right guy, mate. Getting man and machine to cooperate is no hard task at all when you get the right tools and personnel," Seiner says.
"As expected from you, Seiner. In a few hours, we'll determine where you will be deployed to scout any potential activity or defense mechanism they have present, especially if it concerns those laser walls we put up with since San Jose. The sooner we know, the better we can act, what do you say?" As Sly asks, he glances at the trembling Amira, who glances away from Sly as Logan holds her hand in an attempt to calm her trembling.
"Ami?" Tany asks as he sees her as well.
"Is there something of the matter, Amira?" Sly asks as he leans for a bit while still sitting. From every angle, ever since the day she returned from the fortress, has shown an unusual amount of shakiness and uneasiness coming from her, almost as if there's one dominant fear going through her, one that she may not be alone in sharing it.
"Hey Amira, I know it's been harsh since the fortress but I swear-" Jack groans for a bit as he tries to place his bandaged arm near Amira's shoulder in an attempt to tap her with a slight smile on his face. "I swear we will make this as easy as we can try, for all of us. Not fully guaranteed, but it's the best we Humans can try for you."
"Actually, retract that bit of you going on a scouting operation today," Sly says as he crosses his hands, which makes some swiftly shift their gazes on Sly over this unusual response from him.
"Sly, you sure there's something of the matter?" Andrei asks with raised eyebrows, still unaware of the gravity of the situation.
"I believe that many of you still suffer from the effects of the recent operation, both on the inside and outside. In that case, I think you can take a break for two or five days, give or take, depending on well you feel ready. Not to mention, such states of the mind and body can jeopardize the mission too," Sly explains.
"Well, we gotta need it honestly. I'm still feeling a bit of the cuts from those bastards in the fortress," Jack says as he clutches his arm with the bandage.
"Easy there, Jackie, I'm sure we could find somewhere to relax for a bit. Maybe that court outside? Or maybe even the pool on the left side?" Lucy says as he caresses Jack's arm for a bit, to which he smiles in response.
"Oh, I think I found a goodie one!" Tany says while searching with her phone.
"What would that be, Tany? A casino or an arcade?" Andrei asks.
"The unisex San Luis Hot Springs, just some half an hour away here, get all wet with the hottest artificially artificial thermal waters in here!"
"Oh, I went there once a year ago by myself. Honestly, maybe some company won't be that bad, I hope," Logan says as he smiles for a bit.
"Are you sure this will be okay for you, Logan?" Amira asks.
"We'll see, Amira. Trust me on this." Logan merely nods as he hugs her.
"Oh, and we can ask for the trio of pups to come too, right Sly man?!" Tany asks as she leans near the desk, to which Sly leans a bit back in response.
"Well, let them finish the training first and then you can ask them. The one condition I have for this break time is this; use it as much as you can, whatever your mind allows it, but also be prepared for what's to come, alright?" Sly says. To which most of the EW nod in response.
"We won't let you down, Sly," Jack says as he leaves the room with Lucy.
"You never do, perhaps you never will," Sly replies as he chuckles for a bit as the rest of the EW leave the room. As he sits back properly, he glances at Amira holding hands with Logan as they leave, to which he sighs in response as they head for the door, anticipating what could happen next.
Amira... Hope you don't lose it over this.
Roughly at the same time. Los Angeles.
The city itself, while still presenting a bright, clean and metallic imagery to its surrounding as Zlocan craft hover around the city, the situation is steadily changing the more the news of the latest assaults and attacks of the UEF emerge on the public, which could mean that the "stability" and "safety" is at risk, everything the Zlocu brought in for those who decided to help them may vanish someday, something that those in the higher class would desire the less to see.
Near one of the tall skyscrapers located in western downtown, large mobs gather around the entrance as they shout at the Zlocan guards shielding the entrance while stepping out of the cargo trucks with their electric batons, digital shields, and some assistance drones flying overhead as the mob shouts at them over the latest string of events. Mainly a mix of those filled with tattoos of certain crosses and other religious symbols, as well the sharply dressed or even some normally dressed people as they try to press inside the tower.
"You promised us peace, and this is what we get?!" a light-skinned male asks in front of a guard.
"Now the vicious, baby-killing, communist traitors are near our doorstep thanks to you!" a female one shouts as well.
"Let us lead the way for once!" another light-skinned male asks as he tries to push forward to one of the guards, only for the line of them to strike them through their batons, some yelling from the shock as they get hit by the batons, with the drones firing some canisters near the ground, which makes the crowd spread out as it drops a kind of gas that leaves those nearby coughing heavily before being tackled by the other Zlocan troopers by stunning them with their rifles or batons as they get dragged to the trucks. If this is the way to keep order for them, then so be it.
Inside the tower on the top floor, Raven overlooks the riot with arms crossed on his back, thinking of what Richard told him on their way back, as well as the options looming in his brain, all while Yamja sits around with a scowl on her face with clenched hands, all while Dakrin limps at Raven's direction, all with an endoskeletal device attached to his heel when Julian shot him.
"That's just great, the citizens are now mad because of your fuck up!" Dakrin says as he tries to grab Raven's shoulder, only for him to swat him away.
"Humans are equally to blame for the failure, Dakrin. Weak Zlocans should not be given the treatment you Humans do whenever something goes wrong," Raven retorts.
"Because you're Aliens, you all those spaceships, mechas and everything that comes from the most advanced of empires, and you still are pushed that badly by them? Boy, can't wait to see the wonder back on Zlocu if it's what we can expect from you!"
"All while you Humans merely shot missiles at your useless satellites. Humans don't stop boring me from day to day, and this is no exception."
"And what about Jason? I thought this Project Jesus or whatever of yours is what was supposed to make us stronger and yet they still fucked it up! Trust me, if I ever get-" But before Dakrin can continue, Raven pulls his claws in front of him while grabbing him by the collar, to which Dakrin yelps and tries to break free from his grip to no avail as he grunts as well.
"An upgrade is coming for him, it's what always when it comes to efficient machines, especially from those who serve our empire. This time, not even the strongest of bullets would be able to break the shell of his. And perhaps you would serve as a fine test practice as a form of discipline if you want to." But just as Raven is about to tighten his grip, the door opens as the Zlocan guards stand aside to the let beings head inside. They are none other than Rioso and Mora, all strolling around as they head for the office near the window.
"Hey, what's the commotion here?" Rioso asks, unaware of the ordeal.
"This disobedient Human wants to lay the blame on others as usual. I am sure you may have heard of it by now," Raven replies while keeping his grip.
"Lots are seeing red today, Lord Raven, but maybe if there's a form of reassurance to deliver on the citizens, you can think of it if necessary," Mora replies while holding Rioso's hand.
"Like that would work with the likes of him...!" Dakrin says beneath his breath before Raven drops by pushing him aside to the desk.
"I never said I would do it," Raven replies.
"Oh, then who may be the one then?" Rioso asks, eyes widening in anticipation.
"The one called Richard." With that, Raven presses a button on his wrist, all while a static sound is heard for a bit as it waits to pick up a signal to contact with. After a few moments of silence, the static stops while a line of communication appears.
"Nice to hear you again, Mister Raven! Is there any other favor you can kindly ask from me?" Richard's voice says with a cheery tone.
"Have you devised another way to contain the anger among the citizens? It's clear that it would take more than our force to get them in line. I've heard from you in your many speeches."
"Well, I like to tell them what they need to hear, especially when it concerns those who obsess over pride coming this way."
"Can you present more than words to us, you old fart?!" Dakrin shouts.
"Please, calm down, young man. All of us are feeling afraid that all the precious work we the Zlocu and all the good Americans have built for would be gone in a mist. I know it's unfortunate that the misguided UEF have used all the best tricks in their book to surpass us, but there's no need to panic, my fellow friends," Richard explains.
"What makes you sure of that, old man?" Dakrin asks once more.
"This is a perfect time to show the citizens why joining forces with the Zlocu is still the best idea known to Humanity. In four hours, you will have to go to the Presidential building so we can devise a plan to retake it all. So that no one else has to suffer from the mistakes of a few men filled with weakness and pride."
"It means we can bring the military and security chiefs for the briefing as well," Raven adds.
"Certainly so, Mister Raven. It is through their precious minds that we can find ourselves safe and secure over how to fix these strings of misfortunes piled upon us. But the rest can be said once you head to the meeting, is that fine for you?"
"Yes, it certainly will be, Mister Richard. And also the preparation for Project Type Newblood is underway from the latest Zlocan scientists."
"Ah yes, a new way to help the youth as well. Oh, I may have to go for another call, but remember this, Mister Raven. The path for reclamation is inevitable, and nothing, not even the strongest of the celestial Gods can stop as much as they desire." With that, the transmission ends, leaving Raven on his own with the rest of the Inquisitors as well.
Each side takes its own time to prepare itself for every big battle that happens every now and then, and while it can require break time, it also requires the element of surprise to make or break the battle.
No matter the cost.