Unseen Enemies

Planet: Xeros-9

The cold wind whipped through the dense trees, carrying the faintest sounds of distant patrols. Major Nathan Vale led the team through the thick, rugged landscape of Xeros-9, a planet once known for its natural beauty, now under the grip of a rebel faction. The rebel group had turned this colony into a fortress, strategically using the planet's terrain to their advantage. Each step was calculated, each breath careful. The mission was straightforward — get in, retrieve intel, and get out. But the silence around them was deafening, and the tension in the air was almost palpable.

"Zane, you're sure this is the right path?" Vale asked, his voice low and steady as he checked the coordinates on his wrist display. His eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any signs of movement.

"Yes, Major," Zane replied, adjusting the strap of his Drone Deployment Unit. His hands were still as quick as ever, his fingers tapping against his console. "Route is clear so far, no thermal signatures. Just a few scattered patrols to avoid."

Kiera glanced over her shoulder, her gaze sharp as she kept watch behind them. "I've got a bad feeling about this. We're too exposed."

"Stay focused," Vale responded. "We're almost there. Zero, you're on point. Kiera, move to the flank. Zane, stay in the middle. Doc, you've got our rear."

"Understood," Zero's gravelly voice came through the comms. "Let's make this quick."

The team adjusted their positions, forming a protective formation as they pushed deeper into New Valhalla's overgrown forests. The path ahead was narrow, and the sound of their boots on the planet's hard, rocky surface mixed with the occasional chirp of distant wildlife. They were almost at the edge of the enemy's territory, a rebel fortified compound looming ahead, just beyond the treeline.

"Aegis, show us the route through the compound," Vale muttered, keeping his eyes forward as they moved.

Aegis's voice was calm, cold, and precise. "The primary entry point is on the south side. There are multiple security measures in place, including automated turrets and motion sensors. Secondary entry points have been marked. However, I suggest avoiding direct confrontation. Infiltration is the priority."

"Roger that," Vale responded, glancing at his team. "We're not here to make a mess. Stick to the plan."

The team approached the ridge, where a high-tech watchtower stood like a silent sentinel in the night. Through their infrared scopes, they could see the outline of guards patrolling the perimeter. The shadows of trees swayed in the distance, and the wind carried the faintest sounds of electronic hums from hidden drones.

"Two guards on the tower," Kiera's voice came through, low and steady. "One's distracted, but the other's pacing back and forth. We can take them down silently."

Zero adjusted his sniper rifle, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto the first guard. "I've got the first one. Kiera, you're on the second."

"Got it," Kiera whispered, her voice as cold as the night.

There was no hesitation. Zero's rifle shot rang out, silent but deadly. The first guard dropped without a sound, his body crumpling to the ground. Kiera, already in position, took out the second guard with surgical precision. The bodies hit the ground without a single rustle in the snow.

"Two down, clear," Kiera confirmed. "We've got ten minutes before the next patrol comes through. Let's move."

Vale motioned for them to proceed, the team flowing like shadows through the trees. Their pace quickened as they approached the edge of the compound, the faintest flicker of motion sensors barely visible under the glow of their night vision.

Zane's voice came through the comms. "I'm seeing drones overhead. They're in a patrol pattern. If we're not careful, we'll get caught in their sensors."

"We'll need to move fast," Vale said. "Zane, guide us through. We don't want to trip any alarms."

Zane didn't need to be told twice. His fingers were already moving over the drone controller, his eyes scanning the feeds. "I've hacked into their system. Drones should be blind to us for the next two minutes. Stay close."

As the team moved forward, the shadows seemed to stretch longer, the sound of their movements mixing with the faint rustling of the wind. They reached the outer walls of the compound, a fortress of steel and concrete that loomed before them like a mechanical beast.

"Zane, disable the perimeter sensors," Vale ordered, his voice calm but edged with urgency.

"On it," Zane responded. His fingers danced over the Drone Deployment Unit, and within seconds, the sensors on the walls blinked out of existence. "Perimeter is clear for now. You've got two minutes to get through before they reset."

"Let's go," Vale commanded.

The team sprinted forward, each member moving with precision. Zero and Kiera led the charge, slipping through the shadows while Vale, Doc, and Zane followed. They reached the wall, and without missing a beat, Vale threw up a grappling hook, securing it to the top of the compound's outer wall.

"Zero, Kiera, you're up first," Vale ordered.

Zero grabbed the rope and scaled the wall quickly, his movements fluid and silent. Kiera was right behind him, her agility making her blend into the shadows.

"Top's clear," Zero's voice crackled in the comms. "Bring up the rest."

Vale motioned for the others to follow. One by one, they scaled the wall with practiced ease, landing silently on the compound's rooftop. The lights of the facility flickered in the distance, but the team was out of sight, concealed by the darkness.

Zane quickly accessed a nearby terminal, his eyes flicking between the screen and the feeds from his drones. "I've got the access point. It's inside a secured room. We'll need to move quickly once we're in."

"Let's make it count," Vale muttered. "Zero, Kiera, you're on point. We'll cover."

Without another word, Zero and Kiera led the team into the shadows, approaching the entry point. As they reached the door, a faint hum of movement echoed through the compound. A single guard walked into view, oblivious to the Blacklight team's presence.

Vale didn't hesitate. He raised his weapon, aiming for the guard's head.

"Take the shot," Zero's voice was like a whisper in his ear.

Vale squeezed the trigger. The guard dropped like a stone, his body lifeless before it hit the ground.

"Clean," Kiera muttered. "Let's move."

They breached the door and entered the secured room. Inside, the computer terminals flickered in the dim light. Zane was already at one of the terminals, his fingers moving quickly over the keys.

"I've got the intel," Zane said, his voice calm despite the situation. "Copying now."

A sudden sound echoed through the comms. "I've got company," Kiera said, her voice tense. "Multiple hostiles incoming. We're not alone anymore."

Vale looked up at the others. "We fight our way out. Zane, how much longer?"

"Two minutes," Zane replied, his voice steady.

"Then we hold this position," Vale said firmly. "Zero, Kiera — get ready."

The door to the room slammed open, and armed guards flooded in. Without missing a beat, Zero and Kiera opened fire, their weapons delivering a deadly barrage of rounds. The guards fell one by one as the team moved into position, taking them down with ruthless precision.

"Clear!" Zero shouted. "Let's go!"

Zane finally yanked the data drives free from the terminal. "I've got it. Let's move!"

"Fall back to the roof," Vale ordered. "Now!"

The team quickly moved through the compound, fighting off any remaining resistance. Their movements were swift and deliberate, each member knowing their role in the chaos.

As they reached the wall and began scaling back to the rooftop, Vale glanced over at Zane. "Got the intel?"

"All secure," Zane said, giving a small smile despite the chaos around them. "We're good to go."

The team descended from the rooftop, making their way back to the rendezvous point. They'd come for one thing: the intel. But the mission wasn't over yet. As they disappeared back into the wilderness, Vale knew that things were about to get even more complicated.