Chapter 18 : Past

Five launchpads stood in a neat row, nestled behind a towering sand dune. Across the dune, at a distance of 10 kilometers, lay the enemy-held territory of Quebec. Each launchpad was equipped with a wide yet short conveyor belt, ready to transport human-sized capsules into the heart of the launchpad. From there, these capsules would then be launched into the sky.

The primary purpose of the capsule is to facilitate a secure ascent into the sky, utilizing camouflaged armor akin to the vehicles and tents for added protection. Once airborne, it undergoes an astonishing transformation, converting into motorized gliders that not only enhance mobility but also provide crucial armor for the pilot. Although the pilot may be exposed to the enemy during this stage, they are now equipped and prepared to face any challenges that come their way. This innovative design ensures a seamless transition from safe ascent to combat readiness.

Lincoln, having already received training with conventional motorized gliders as part of his military training, is well-versed in airborne assault tactics, including parachuting from planes. The launchpads serve as an alternative method to deploy him into the air, offering an additional means of achieving aerial mobility.

"We'll be sending only huma and droids. If there are synthetics amongst the selected please make your way to the ground team." Damian instructed as individuals began lining up behind each launchpad. Lincoln turned to Destry, who shrugged in response before breaking away from them and moving to the other group. "I'll be counting on you then!" Destry declared.

With deliberate precision, Lincoln gently placed his suitcase on the sand, its surface smooth and unassuming. He pressed his thumb against a concealed sensor embedded in the handle, initiating a biometric scan. As his fingerprint was authenticated, the handle came out of the suitcase, revealing it's actual form. A circular device that seamlessly detached from the case. Lincoln carefully slid it onto his wrist, witnessing its adaptive mechanism as it adjusted to fit perfectly.

The suitcase's lid swung open, revealing its full capacity. One by one, the items contained within started to levitate, their individual components merging together in a mesmerizing display of advanced technology. Within moments, Lincoln's equipment had undergone a complete transformation, each weapon now optimized.

Lincoln secured the second wrist guard in place, feeling the weight of his purpose settle upon him. With practiced efficiency, he fastened his sword to his back, ensuring easy access when needed. The belt, containing an array of essential tools and consumables, found its rightful place around his waist.

"He's a synthetic?" a man standing next to Lincoln, as he got up, inquired, catching him off guard. Lincoln nodded in confirmation, his gaze meeting Destry's. "It really is hard to tell them apart isn't it?" the man remarked, following Lincoln's line of sight. A somber tone laced his words as he continued, "It must be hard for them. Facing death and then being reborn into a new body, it's like facing death twice. I guess that's why we ensure their safety more." The man's whispered words carried the weight of understanding and empathy. "After all, there's no second chance..."

Suddenly, a deafening explosion shattered the air, jolting Lincoln from his state of readiness. He swiftly turned, his gaze fixated on the dune where the launchpads had been stationed. "It has begun..." the man beside him exclaimed, sprinting towards the line behind one of the launchpads. Lincoln wasted no time, following suit and joining the queue of individuals rushing towards their designated capsules.

With a sense of urgency, people swiftly entered their capsules, finding their positions as the conveyer belt sprang to life. Lincoln quickly climbed into his capsule and it sealed shut around him. He could feel the capsule gliding along the conveyer belt, smoothly transitioning towards the main launcher. The seconds ticked by, heightening the anticipation within the confined space.

A three-second countdown blared, amplifying the adrenaline coursing through Lincoln's veins. With each passing moment, the tension built, until finally, the capsule locked firmly into place within the launcher. And then, in an exhilarating rush, he was propelled skyward at incredible speeds, leaving the ground behind and ascending into the vast expanse above.

The wind howled around him as he hurtled through the atmosphere, the world below shrinking. Lincoln embraced the mixture of excitement and determination coursing through him, knowing that his mission had truly begun.

The capsule stopped its ascent, hovering approximately 50 feet above the ground, initiating a transformative process. In a seamless motion, the capsule's sides extended outwards, morphing into sleek gliders. At the same time, the front and back sections of the capsule affixed themselves onto his body and then interlocked to form a protective suit of armor.

With a fluid extension, the armor covered Lincoln's entire physique, encasing him in titanium. In a mesmerizing display, a diverse array of weaponry emerged from various compartments integrated into the armor. Machine guns, rocket launchers, and an assortment of other formidable firearms materialized, poised for action.

The head section of the capsule transformed into a helmet, seamlessly fitting over Lincoln's face. Within the helmet, advanced smart goggles were embedded, equipped with cutting-edge technology to analyze the terrain below. These intelligent goggles swiftly scanned the field, identifying targets and providing vital information in real-time, enhancing Lincoln's situational awareness an[d combat effectiveness.

As a shower of bullets rained down towards him, Lincoln swiftly evaded their path, skillfully maneuvering through the chaotic onslaught. Some of the projectiles managed to strike his energy shield, but it held firm, undeterred by the assault. However, Lincoln knew that he couldn't rely on the shield indefinitely. He was well aware that the enemy possessed electromagnetic disruptors capable of neutralizing his defenses. If such a disruptor were deployed, it would jeopardize his ability to remain in the sky.

Fortunately, his gliders were not solely reliant on motors; their design would enable them to sustain his airborne position even in the face of electromagnetic disruption. The gliders would keep him aloft until the effects of the disruptors faded. However, this also meant that he became vulnerable to missile attacks as it would disable his energy shields. Lincoln would have to deftly dodge any incoming missiles, relying on his own agility and reflexes to evade destruction.

The inherent risk of this mission was palpable.

He deftly maneuvered through the barrage of enemy fire, his gliders effortlessly gliding and banking through the airspace. Bullets and energy blasts whizzed past him, narrowly missing their mark, as Lincoln executed precise evasive maneuvers with calculated precision.

As he soared through the sky, Lincoln remained vigilant, his keen senses attuned to every threat. Enemy aircraft and drones swarmed around him, their missile payloads locked and loaded, ready to unleash destruction. With split-second timing, Lincoln weaved and dodged, relying on his reflexes and intuition to evade the incoming projectiles.

Engaging his adversaries head-on, Lincoln unleashed a relentless barrage of counterattacks. Utilizing the array of weaponry embedded within his armor, he unleashed salvos of rockets and gunfire, expertly targeting and neutralizing enemy aircraft. His aim was true, his actions swift, as he systematically dismantled the opposition, creating a path through the aerial chaos.

In the midst of the intense aerial battle, Lincoln remained focused on the front, unaware of the approaching drone from behind which was hidden among the chaos. It seemed destined for a collision with Lincoln's gliders, a potentially catastrophic turn of events.

However, just as the collision seemed imminent, Lincoln felt a powerful shove from the side. He turned his head, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Dexter pushing him out of harm's way. Time seemed to slow as Dexter propelled him clear of the drone's path, sacrificing his own safety in the process. With lightning reflexes, Dexter then intercepted the threat. Drawing on his own skills and weaponry, he sliced the drone in half with his sword.

As the adrenaline began to subside, Lincoln turned to Dexter, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect. "Thanks a lot man," he said through the coms, his voice laced with genuine appreciation. "Could've died back there"

Dexter flashed a modest smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and camaraderie. "No need to thank me, Lin," he replied, his tone humble yet steadfast. He turned his back to Lincoln and started firing once again. "We're a team, and looking out for each other is what we do. We're in this together."

Lincoln nodded, a sense of deep camaraderie settling between them as he shot down another drone with a rocket. "Well, I'm glad you have my back. With your quick thinking we are unstopable," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Dexter's eyes sparkled with a sense of shared purpose. "And you, Lin, are an incredible pilot. Your skills in the sky are amazing. We really make a great team huh?" Dexter said as he dove down to destroy an enemy aircraft. Lincoln smiled as he blocked a barrage of bullets coming at him. "We always were."