Return

01st January 3032

16:22

Runway-07, New Eden

Sohel, Naomi, and Jacob get out of the C-02 jet and see Mitali and Ann waiting for them. As the three of them get closer Ann and Mitali greet them.

Sohel asks, "Where's the old man?"

Mitali replies, "Uncle Rahat was here until he got a call and left. He asked us to tell you to meet him in his office at around 2030 tonight."

"OK. I'll do so."

Ann askes, "So, Sohel. How's the arm?"

"It's perfect. I don't feel a change other than charging it every few days. Thanks, Ann."

Ann smiles at the praise. Just at that moment, a big VTOl starts landing on a runway close to them. All five of them turn that way. The VTOL landed and five people came out. All of them were in their late 20s. They were talking among themselves when they noticed the Bravo Squad and started coming towards them. After they got close the man in the middle started talking, "Well, well. Looks like we finally meet." Seeing their exclaimed eyes, he adds, "We're the Delta Squad. I'm lt. Alejandro Martinez. Callsign: Maverick." He looks behind and says, "Everyone, you should introduce yourselves too." They introduce themselves one by one.

"2nd Lt. Amir Hossaini, callsign: Maddog."

"Sgt. Ivan Petrov. Callsign: Eagle."

"Sgt. James Smith. Callsign: Reaper."

"2nd Lt. Yekaterina Ivanova. Callsign: Fixer(Armed engineer)"

The Bravo squad too introduces themselves. After the introduction, Lt. Martinez says, "A captain huh? Looks like you are good. But please stop making mistakes like the ones you made in Op. Rooppur. We've been chasing after that lost uranium for the past nine months."

Sohel apologizes. Sgt. Ivan interrupts him and says, "Don't. It was a heavy one for your 1st mission. You did your best. And Rooppur wasn't the only place from where they stole uranium."

Lt. Hossaini says, "Finally we've got a solid location of their base. All of the uranium ended up somewhere in France. We're heading there after restocking the Wyvern. So be at ease. All of the uranium should be back at their rightful owners by the end of the week."

The Delta squad then takes their leave. The Bravo Squad too, gets out of the airfield in their car and starts going towards their squad house.

18:41

Bravo Squad House, New Eden

They enter the house and Mitali goes straight for the kitchen. Ann goes to the living room and starts cleaning the table. The other three go to their rooms. As they freshen up and come down, they see the table in the living room filled with snacks and drinks. Ann yells, "Come down, fast."

They gather in the living room and sit down. They gossip for a little bit about their reunion. Ann then says, "And for the 2nd surprise of the day, ARIA?"

ARIA speaks up, "Welcome back, Captain. I look forward to assisting you in future ops."

Sohel, Naomi, and Jacob get shocked, "By the fluent voice of ARIA."

Jacob says, "So the invisible woman can talk fluently now?"

ARIA replies, "Please, Sgt. I have a name. You are free to use it."

Jacob sways back, "She….she has her own mind now?"

Ann laughs, "Not totally, no. She can't do anything big without our commands but she can speak like a human and make some minor decisions on her own. You can call her a semi-sentient being."

Sohel smiles, "So, That's why you took my glasses when we left."

"I wanted to surprise you. How is it?"

"Nice. I guess it will help us in the future. Welcome to the team, ARIA."

"Thanks, Captain. I will do my best."

Ann looks at Mitali with a smug look on her face and says, "See? I knew Sohel wouldn't dislike it."

Mitali complains, "Sohel, You're really approving a creepy update like that. An invisible voice suddenly speaks up around you. It's straight-up nightmare fuel."

Naomi says, "Come on. Sohel has his reasons to agree. I too think it was a good upgrade."

Naomi looks at Sohel. Sohel notices it and gives an approving smile. Mitali frowns. Sohel then asks Ann, "Ann, is the VTOL ready?"

"It is. I've made some really heavy upgrades on it. Now you just have to approve the changes and name the aircraft."

Jacob says, "If I remember correctly the name of the Delta squad's VTOL was Wyvern. Boss, please give ours a cool name too."

Sohel gets up, "Well, I'm off to the old man's office. You guys continue."

Naomi says, "I'm sure he has another mission for us. He's a pure slave driver."

Sohel chuckles as he leaves.