Chapter 2 (Lock)

Lock is not really the type to talk, but the entire trip to find where their base is located was a pain in his memory. Throughout the entire search, this Semifer wouldn't shut his mouth.

"And that is how I took out that mob boss on my own! Oh, there was also this time-"

"Can you shut up?"

The Semifer looks at him with a surprised look that changes to a slightly confused expression.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, can you just shut up? You have been nonstop talking for the past 10 minutes,"

Lock glares at Rynoske as the man shrugs it off like it is nothing.

"Anyways, it looks like we are here!"

Seeing the man look forward and grinning like an idiot, Lock also turns his head forward.

In front of them stood a massive cliffside. A double sliding door with multiple crates and boxes laid nearby in multiple messy heaps is embedded into it. The sight itself...well, Lock honestly seems messier, but this looks like a construction site rather than an operational facility. In truth, the place is pretty much what one would expect from a resistance organization finally getting onto its feet.

"This place... seems nice."

Then there is Mr. Optimistic. At that moment, a piece of metal that looked like it wasn't bolted on securely fell to the ground, sending dust flying into the air.

" Totally, this is very...' nice'..." Lock says this sarcastically as he adjusts the goggles over his eyes.

Just then, the door to this 'base' opens up, revealing a young woman on the other side. Looking at her, the two notice how she seems slightly out of place. Remove her equipment from her attire; the two would've thought she was some university-dressed student. A combat jacket over what looks to be a tan blouse, a ribbon is tied under the collar. Given his nature to thoroughly analyze, his eyes slowly descend downward. The female has leggings to cover her lower skin, followed by combat boots. Looking up to her face, he sees that her hair, while braided and tied into a short ponytail, there is still a bit where it covers one of her eyes for some reason. Looking at her sky-blue eye that is showing, he is slightly taken aback when it recalibrates similarly to his.

"You two took your sweet time," her voice, contrary to her figure, sounds like a mature and calm female as she gives them a gentle smile.

"W-well, I mean, if I-we, if we had known such a lovely lady was waiting for us, we may have hustled a bit faster,"

"We?" Lock glares at Rynoske, who he can tell is trying to play it off.

The woman giggles as one of her hands covers her mouth slightly in a fist. Looking back at them, she gestures to them to follow her.

" The name's Hyme. Everyone else is waiting for you two to show up. There is also a mission we were assigned not too long ago,"

"Already? What about getting to know the crew?" Rynoske asked as the two of them linked up with her before she led them through the door she walked out from.

"We'll do a brief introductory moment, though I recommend that you understand those you'll be fighting alongside with rather than just getting to know them with small talk,"

" Ah yeah, that's true, wouldn't want to get in a fight and rely on luck and friendship~."

Lock could only mentally sigh with frustration. He saw many mercenaries in his line of work, but this guy couldn't keep his pants zipped up to a female. However, Hyme isn't giving him the satisfaction either as they walk through the dimly lit lobby. There are boxes and furniture lying on the ground, and a few sparks from unfinished electrical work can be seen as they walk over to an open doorway.

Walking into the new room, the two are met with a large circular table embedded in the center of the room. It is also the only thing that actually has power flowing steadily to it, as holographic images float within its interior. It is also where eyes fall upon the two, as both guys are faced with the eyes dawning on them. Eight other individuals stood by in the barely illuminated room as the holographic table is the only thing giving light. Most of them are humanoids, but one of them stuck out from the rest as their eyes seemingly reflects the light that the projection provides.

"Welcome to Team Ecto-mist, or Task Force 1772 if you don't like the name,' Hyme walks to the other side of the table as its projection illuminates her welcoming face. A complete contrast from the others whose faces are hidden under the shadows of the room or their helmets, 'This is your new family from here on out, operators, so be sure to look out for each other, alright?"