Into the Heart of Darkness

Planet Name: Xeros-9

The transport craft hummed softly as it descended through the thick clouds, breaking into the dimly lit sky above Xeros-9. The temperature outside was freezing, and the cold seeped through the thin walls of the dropship, making even the battle-hardened crew shiver despite their combat gear. Major Nathan Vale stood at the front, his eyes focused on the small, glowing map on his wrist display. He didn't flinch as the dropship rocked in turbulence.

"How long until we hit the landing zone?" Vale asked, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the mission.

Zane, his eyes glued to his drone controller, didn't look up. "About ten minutes, Major. Weather's a bit rough, but we'll make it."

"Perfect." Vale's gaze flicked to Kiera, who was scanning the surroundings through the viewport. "Kiera, status on enemy activity?"

Kiera didn't immediately respond. She was known for her sharp attention to detail, and it was clear she was deep in thought. She finally looked up, her voice quiet but firm. "Nothing significant yet. But I'm getting a few spikes of activity near the extraction point. Looks like patrols are increasing. They're definitely expecting us."

"Nothing we can't handle," Zero said from the back, adjusting his sniper rifle. His voice was low and laced with confidence. "I'll keep an eye on those patrols. One shot, one kill."

"I'll give you a clean shot, Zero," Kiera added with a sly smile. "Just don't miss."

Zero didn't respond, but his expression softened just enough to show a hint of approval.

Vale nodded at both of them. "Good. We don't want any surprises. Doc, how's your gear looking?"

Doc, busy checking his medkits and ensuring everything was in place, looked up and gave a thumbs-up. "All set, Major. Got enough supplies to patch up a small army. But I'm hoping we won't need it."

"You never know," Vale muttered. "Stay sharp."

He turned his attention to Zane, who was still working on his drones. "How's the tech holding up?"

Zane glanced up briefly, his fingers never stopping. "Everything's green. I've got a swarm of recon drones ready to deploy. They'll keep us in the loop once we land. If anyone sneezes, we'll know."

Vale smirked, knowing that Zane was one of the best when it came to tech. "Good. Get those drones in the air as soon as we land."

Aegis' voice echoed through the team's comms. "The landing zone is approaching. I've mapped the nearest secure route. You will encounter resistance once inside the perimeter. I suggest a quick, decisive strike."

Vale's eyes narrowed. "What kind of resistance?"

"Multiple patrols," Aegis responded. "Armed with high-tech weapons and advanced drones. The compound is more fortified than originally anticipated. Expect heavy resistance."

"We'll deal with it," Vale said, more to reassure himself than anything else. "Aegis, deploy the route once we hit the ground. Zane, keep those drones in play. Kiera, Zero — be ready for anything."

The dropship jolted again as it neared the ground, shaking the team from their conversations. Outside, the night sky was eerily quiet, illuminated only by the faint glow of the landing lights on the craft.

Zane's voice cut through the tension. "Landing in five… four… three…"

The craft's engines roared as the landing gear slammed into the icy ground, sending a brief cloud of snow and dust into the air. The team sprang into action without hesitation.

"Let's move, people!" Vale barked. "Kiera, take the high ground. Zero, you're with me. Zane, Doc — follow our six."

Kiera was the first to move, slipping out of the dropship with the grace of a shadow. Zero followed immediately, his long strides eating up the distance. Zane and Doc brought up the rear, each of them making their way toward the designated infiltration point.

As the team moved quickly, but cautiously, through the snow-covered terrain, the oppressive silence weighed heavily on them. It felt like the calm before the storm. The only sound was the crunch of boots on snow and the faint hum of Zane's drones, buzzing quietly in the distance.

"Aegis, show us the route," Vale ordered.

Aegis's voice responded instantly. "Route confirmed. You will pass through a small ridge and then descend into a valley. The main compound is just beyond. Be advised, I'm detecting several heat signatures near the ridge. They may be setting up an ambush."

Vale's instincts kicked in. "Zero, take point. Kiera, move to higher ground. Zane, give us eyes in the sky."

Zero raised an eyebrow at the command. "Understood, Major. Stay low, stay quiet."

Vale gave a sharp nod as the team split up, taking their positions. The tension was palpable as they neared the ridge. The cold wind howled around them, but it only sharpened their focus.

After a few moments, Kiera's voice came through the comms, low and urgent. "We've got company — two soldiers near the ridge. Looks like they're on watch."

Vale's jaw tightened. "Take them out, silently."

"On it," Zero replied, his voice calm and deadly.

The sound of Zero's suppressed sniper rifle was barely noticeable as he took out the first guard with a clean headshot. The second guard barely had time to react before Kiera's silenced rifle followed suit, dropping him in a fluid motion.

"Two down," Kiera said, her voice colder than the air around them. "We're clear for now."

"Good work," Vale muttered as he moved forward. "Let's keep this quiet."

The team continued moving, heading deeper into enemy territory, closer to the compound. The sense of impending danger grew with every step, but Vale knew they had the skills and the resolve to pull this off. As they approached the final stretch before the compound, Zane's voice crackled through the comms.

"Got eyes on the compound's perimeter," Zane said. "Multiple sentries, drones — this is going to get tricky."

Vale exhaled slowly, mentally preparing for the chaos ahead. "No turning back now. We move fast, we hit hard. Stick to the plan."

The team moved forward, adrenaline pumping through their veins as they prepared for the battle ahead. Every step, every breath, could be their last. But they were Blacklight. And they would not fail.