Base

GP-1151; Military Command Barracks.

In the transit area, Captain Brad stood alongside Jason and Lieutenant Ray on the open tarmac, bathed in the harsh glare of floodlights that cut through the darkness.

"So, how long before the pickup arrives?" Captain Brad asked, his eyes scanning the distant horizon beyond the fortified walls.

"Relax, Captain. It'll be here soon," Jason replied, unfazed. He watched as troops bearing the I-CA logo moved in organized lines, transporting supplies. Nearby, transport aircraft took off one by one, laden with cargo.

"The situation at the frontlines seems pretty dire, doesn't it?" he mumbled.

The term 'frontline' was a standard designation used by the I-CA to describe the battlefronts at the edges of human civilization's current territory.

"Due to the construction of the I-CA Central Command in the northern hemisphere, the majority of the survivors were relocated near the site," Captain Brad explained. "The Military Command had to re-establish their base of operations at the Central Command, creating a defensive perimeter with the Command at its center, bordering the current human domain."

"Hmm, that shouldn't be a problem, right?" Jason asked.

"There it is!" Captain Brad exclaimed, spotting a vessel approaching through the air.

As it neared, its shadow loomed over the barracks. After hovering briefly, its engines roared as it moved beyond the walls.

"Where is it going?" Lieutenant Ray shouted over the din.

"The space here isn't suitable for it to land. It's heading outside the walls," Captain Brad replied, his voice barely audible over the roar of the four state-of-the-art propulsion engines mounted on the ship.

"Let's go!" Jason shouted, gesturing for them to enter the GMV-N. The vehicle roared to life and moved swiftly towards the ship's new landing site.

As the GMV-N screeched its wheels towards the exit, a different world opened up. The sky above was studded with glittering stars, their light guiding the way through a landscape littered with the skeletons of colossal creatures, rusted refugee vehicles, and wild, overgrown vegetation. 

The transport navigated in a zigzag manner, avoiding the obstacles that peppered the path. Despite the impediments, no one in the vehicle uttered a word; the strange structures provided a vital defense for the guard post.

"Sometimes when people from the higher zones visit the guard posts, they often frown at the defense line's arrangement—skeletal remains and rusted vehicles. They find it disgusting," Lieutenant Ray said, gazing into the distance. "Their attitude makes my blood boil. But I don't sense any such disdain from you, Vice-Captain."

Jason smirked. "Heh. People today are fortunate to be under the I-CA's protection. Back in our time, things were far more dangerous. You were considered blessed by the gods if you could even breathe without fear." 

Lieutenant Ray nodded thoughtfully, taking in Jason's words as the GMV-N continued its careful journey through the eerie landscape. The silence of understanding settled between them, underscoring the shared history and unspoken respect for the harsh realities of their past.

Just then, the transport hit its brakes and came to a halt.

Ahead lay the landing site for the transport aircraft. The vessel, a modified version of the pre-world V-22 Osprey, was a marvel of semi-stellar engineering. It boasted prototype C-Drive propulsion engines and the latest defense and communication systems. This type of transport was rare even within the I-CA, as its limited cargo capacity often rendered it more of a burden than a benefit.

Jason and Captain Brad boarded the aircraft through the cargo doors.

[Welcome aboard, Vice-Captain.]

The voice, a blend of male and female tones, greeted them.

"Good to hear your voice, Aria," Jason replied, recognizing the voice as that of the entity named Aria.

[Ready to depart.]

The two massive prototype propulsion engines, powered by a unique fuel, roared to life, lifting a cloud of dust. Jason took a seat by the open side doors as the transport launched into the air with a thunderous boom, rocketing towards its destination.

Lieutenant Ray, who had been turning to leave, winced and covered his ears at the sonic boom that shattered the air, his gaze drawn to the lingering trail of purple streaking through the sky.

Jason swung his legs idly, humming a tune while relishing the rush of wind and the breathtaking view below. Captain Brad, however, remained firmly seated, gripping the handle tightly as the transport hurtled forward at blistering speed. Despite his experience with faster velocities aboard I-CA Naval Command vessels in outer space—where darkness prevailed—this terrestrial speed unsettled him.

Noticing Captain Brad's discomfort, Jason addressed Aria.

"Sheesh, Aria, ease up on the throttle. Captain Brad's not used to this."

[Acknowledged.]

The transport adjusted, stabilizing its speed to a more manageable pace as it continued its course through the skies.

Captain Brad relaxed visibly, joining Jason by the open doors to appreciate the vista unfolding beneath them.

"Hmm, is that what I think it is?" he murmured to himself, peering into the distance.

Jason followed his gaze, confirming with a nod.

"Yes, that's what remains of a city from before the Reboot—or whatever's left of it now."

Before them spread a lush forest teeming with verdant vegetation, punctuated by towering structures that resembled ancient skyscrapers clustered together like mountains.

"How magnificent those cities must have been, with their towering skyscrapers and bustling populations," Captain Brad reflected aloud, his voice tinged with melancholy. "And now, they're reduced to relics, swallowed by dust and reclaiming vegetation."

The landscape below continued to unfurl beneath them as the transport pressed on towards its destination, carrying them through a world where the remnants of past glory merged with the resilient pulse of a future yet unwritten.

The semi-stellar transport glided over the remnants of the city and into the vast expanse of the ocean, where water covered ninety percent of the planet's surface. Even in the era before the Reboot, when humanity reigned supreme, the oceans were treacherous—a fact amplified in this post-Reboot world where humanity struggled to survive on land.

"It's been ages since I felt the sea breeze," Brad reminisced, his voice tinged with nostalgia for a time when such simple pleasures were more commonplace.

The azure sky mirrored in the ocean's surface, coupled with a gentle breeze and the rhythmic waves, offered a serene luxury rare in their troubled times. Jason and Brad closed their eyes briefly, allowing themselves to savor the tranquility.

The transport continued on its course at a steady pace when suddenly—

—ROAR

A thunderous roar pierced the calm surroundings, prompting Jason and Brad to snap their eyes open, their expressions now etched with concern.

"Aria, report," Jason commanded.

[Detected Class-5 anomaly. Approximately five kilometers north of our current position. The anomaly appears to be approaching our location.]

"What! Could that roar really travel such a distance?" Brad exclaimed, visibly alarmed.

Jason swiftly inquired, "Threat level?"

[Threat Level assessed as zero. The anomaly is identified as an aquatic creature, categorized as non-aggressive.]

"Thank goodness," Jason exhaled, visibly relieved by the assessment.

Brad, however, remained apprehensive. "Easy for you to say. There's a reason we avoid venturing into the oceanic regions, despite our technological prowess," he muttered with a tremor in his voice.

-ROARRR-

This time, the roar reverberated closer, echoing ominously as if the creature were nearby.

"Look!" Jason exclaimed, pointing eagerly towards the distant horizon.

Captain Brad followed Jason's gesture, squinting to catch sight of what lay ahead.

"Where?" he asked, scanning the vast expanse before them.

"Look down," Jason replied calmly.

And there it was—a colossal shadow swiftly gliding beneath the ocean's surface. Its immense size dwarfed any human, rendering them insignificant in comparison. Despite its depth, the creature's silhouette was discernible from their vantage point in the sky.

--ROOOOAAARR--

The creature's roar resonated powerfully, causing Jason and Captain Brad to instinctively cover their ears. Even the sturdy semi-stellar transport trembled as if caught in a turbulence zone, buffeted by the force of the sound waves.

As quickly as it had appeared, the creature vanished into the depths. Its departure wasn't due to speed but rather the enormity of its size, which made its movements seem swift and decisive, much like a human's actions might appear to an ant.

The sight left an indelible impression on Captain Brad, a moment he knew he would remember for the rest of his life. For Jason, it was a familiar encounter, another reminder of the unpredictable wonders and dangers lurking in their world.

"I think we've had enough excitement for one day. Let's get to the base before we encounter anything more dangerous," Jason suggested, turning to Captain Brad, who nodded vigorously while securing himself tightly in his seat.

"Alright, Aria, let's move," Jason said with a chuckle.

[Affirmative. Increasing velocity.]

-BOOM-

With a resounding boom, the semi-stellar transport surged forward, accelerating at an incredible speed across the ocean's surface.

After what felt like an eternity of high-speed travel for Captain Brad, who clung tightly to his seat as if melded into it, the semi-stellar transport finally decelerated. Ahead, a silhouette of an island emerged on the horizon.

"There it is," Jason remarked with satisfaction.

As the transport slowed to a halt, Captain Brad unstrapped himself and eagerly peered out at the famed team's base.

Perched on a rocky plateau along the island's coast, the base sprawled in hues of white and gray, evoking an ancient aura. Dominating its center was a stadium-like structure crowned with a spherical dome, surrounded by various auxiliary buildings. To the right stood a sizable docking station where two sleek spacecraft, resembling scaled-down versions of I-CA battleships, were moored. On the left, another station catered to conventional transport aircraft used by the I-CA Military Command. Strategically positioned railguns adorned certain points, poised to defend against any potential threats. Toward the southern edge, two colossal transceivers loomed, capable of interfacing with every I-CA frequency and more. A bridge extended northward, linking the base to the main island, hinting that what lay before them was merely the outpost of a larger complex hidden on the island's interior.

The semi-stellar transport touched down gracefully on the designated landing pad to the left of the base. Jason and Captain Brad disembarked, taking in the familiar surroundings.

For Jason, the sight stirred memories of the base's construction phase, when bustling team members had animated these very structures.

"I must admit, it's no wonder the I-CA treads carefully around your team. Each railgun here could vaporize an I-CA battleship without breaking a sweat, let alone the hidden defenses," Captain Brad remarked, his eyes scanning the base's formidable defenses, trying to discern their true capabilities.

"The I-CA underestimates our strength. If not for their arrogance, they could have been a force to reckon with. But let's proceed. The Captain awaits us in the central hub," Jason replied matter-of-factly, as if stating an obvious truth.

Captain Brad nodded silently, following Jason's lead.

They soon boarded a sleek transport pod that whisked them through the heart of the base, heading towards a stadium-like structure.

Stepping out onto what appeared to be a training ground, Captain Brad noted the walls reinforced with kinetic impact absorbers—technology akin to what the I-CA Navy used for their warships. In the center stood three figures, observing their arrival.

On the left stood a slender, middle-aged man with shoulder-length black hair and glasses, exuding an aura of superiority that was hard to miss. To the right, a burly figure with silver hair and a thick beard, dressed in a butler's uniform that barely concealed his powerful physique. Despite his attire, there was an unmistakable air of patience and pride about him. And in the center stood a middle-aged man with a pallid complexion, his eyes tinged with a faint red hue that hinted at hidden violence and an unsettling bloodlust. This man was none other than the Captain of the legendary team of seven that had secured a future for humanity during the Reboot era.

Jason's lips curled into a confident smile as he approached. The Captain mirrored his determination, closing the distance between them at a sprint.

Their approach crackled with kinetic energy, the very air seeming to hum with anticipation. Just before impact, everything fell silent. The crackling atmosphere, once charged like an approaching storm, quieted, lending an eerie solemnity to the moment.

In the heart of the disturbance, amidst the lingering silence that followed their collision, Jason and the Captain stood with clenched fists interlocked.

Then, it happened—

-BOOM-

Like the detonation of a ballistic missile, an explosive shockwave emanated outward from their epicenter.

Reacting swiftly, Captain Brad moved toward the other two figures to shield himself from the aftermath.

"Are they still playing children's games?" the man with glasses remarked, adjusting them on his nose while his long jacket fluttered gracefully in the intense air currents, unaffected by their force.

"Hahaha! That's our Vice-Captain and Captain for you," chuckled the silver-haired man, his laughter blending with the wind that whipped around him, yet leaving him undisturbed.

"Monsters, the lot of them," Captain Brad thought, eyeing the two with a mix of admiration and trepidation.

"Allow me to introduce ourselves. I'm Lucifer, and this robust fellow is James. We crossed paths during the days of the Commercial League, back when it still held the name of the League of Traders," James introduced himself and Lucifer with a genial smile.

"Ah, yes, greetings. I'm Captain Brad, commanding the first fleet of the I-CA Naval Command," Captain Brad replied, offering a salute in the customary Naval Command manner.

***

Inside the meeting room of the towering structure, Percy, the esteemed Captain of the legendary team, sat at the central position. Around him were Jason, Lucifer, James, and Captain Brad, gathered in earnest discussion.

"So, Diane and Sophie both took Oracle to explore this location?" Percy queried calmly, his gaze fixed on the map displayed before them.

"Yes, according to the latest intelligence, that seems to be the case. Admiral Diane insisted on leading the recon mission herself, despite recommendations to send a squad first," Captain Brad replied, his tone tinged with apology.

"What are your thoughts on this, Jason?" Percy turned to his Vice-Captain for insight.

"Knowing Diane, she wouldn't act recklessly. Taking Oracle despite the risks suggests a deliberate motive. There's likely more to her actions than meets the eye," Jason explained, his demeanor thoughtful and analytical.

"Have you been able to establish any contact with her since she entered the zone?" Lucifer, previously silent, inquired.

"Communication was lost the moment she crossed into the area. It appears the region has become a communication blackout zone," Captain Brad stated firmly, highlighting the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by the I-CA.

"Given the I-CA's current communication tech, establishing a real-time link with Oracle seems improbable," Lucifer remarked sarcastically, doubting their capabilities.

"Lucifer, can you attempt to open a direct communication line with Oracle using the quantum communication prototype?" Percy directed his question to the knowledgeable man.

"It's worth a try. The Oracle is equipped with experimental quantum communication gear. If operational, I can potentially establish a stable channel via the EDS as a relay point. However, given its prototype nature, I can't guarantee its reliability," Lucifer explained the technicalities involved.

"Then proceed with that immediately. Aria, prepare the Interstellar transport," Percy commanded decisively.

[Acknowledged.]

"Captain Brad, you will remain here as the liaison to the I-CA. I don't want any external interference. Is that clear?" Percy's voice brooked no argument, commanding respect and obedience.

"Understood, Captain Percy," Captain Brad responded crisply, saluting in acknowledgment.

"James, please ensure Captain Brad is well accommodated. Jason, come with me. There's a matter we need to discuss," Percy directed as he rose from his seat, gesturing for Jason to follow him and Lucifer.

Captain Brad observed silently as the trio departed from the room, leaving behind an air of purpose and urgency.

"Captain Brad, this way please. Allow me to escort you to your quarters," James offered courteously, breaking the momentary silence.

Meanwhile, outside the imposing structure, Percy and Jason stood beneath the azure sky, their thoughts consumed by the gravity of the situation. Lucifer boarded a transport pod bound for the command center, immersing himself in the task ahead.

"How is he?" Jason's voice betrayed the sorrow he felt.

"Still unchanged. It seems his condition isn't worsening. Once we eliminate the foreign source, his recovery will accelerate. But he's still with his family. Those old fossils refuse to transfer him to us," Percy explained with a neutral tone, the frustration evident.

"Diane didn't need to take such a risk herself. She should have reached out to us for assistance," Jason shifted the conversation away from painful memories.

"It's not her fault. She still blames herself for that incident. There's a chance we might find something to help him recover," Percy's tone carried a glimmer of hope, his eyes reflecting that hope.

"Yes, there's a chance to save him. We can't afford to miss it. Given the current state of the I-CA, those in the Senate might attempt something foolish. What stance should we take?" Jason's voice tinged with anger.

"This time, there will be no room for compromise. Anyone obstructing humanity's path to dominance will be dealt with," Percy's tone turned grave, the neutrality carrying a chilling weight. It was clear that the destruction they discussed could engulf entire factions within the I-CA, potentially costing thousands, if not more, lives.