Chapter 54 Operation Last Light

Aria leaned against the Combelt IV, her fingers tracing the edges of its armor.

 “Yeah, I feel good,” she said to Jacob.

 “Combelt IV felt amazing. Like it’s part of me. But…” She hesitated, her voice growing quieter.

 “Killing mutants, I thought it would help. I thought it would make me feel better. But it didn’t. It didn’t make the hate go away, or the pain of losing everyone.”

Jacob looked at her, unsure of what to say, when Dyar’s voice broke the moment.

 “Great job, everyone!” he called, striding toward the group.

 “The mission was a success. HQ’s higher-ups are thrilled. And those new scanners? They’re working beautifully. The data we’re getting is invaluable.”

Dyar’s expression shifted slightly, a shadow passing over his face. 

“That said, some of the data is… concerning. But we’ll get into that later. For now, you’re all dismissed. Get some rest.”

 Over the next month, she immersed herself in her missions. Back at the academy, she helped her classmates prepare for their final tests. But no amount of work could drown the ache within her or quell the nightmares that plagued her sleep.

One afternoon, a notification blinked on her wrist display as she reviewed mission reports. It was from Dyar.

 “Come to my office immediately.”

 When she arrived, Dyar didn’t waste time on pleasantries.

“Aria, things are bad. Really bad.”

He gestured to a series of holographic maps and charts glowing on his desk.

 “We’ve finished examining the scanner data. We triple-checked it and ran it through every analysis tool we have, and the results haven’t changed. We’ve detected a mutant nest forming close by.”

 “Where?” she asked, though she already had a sinking feeling she knew the answer.

“The city ruins where you lost your squad.”

Aria’s fists clenched as he continued.

 “It wasn’t a coincidence that Raptor 01 was there that day. He wasn’t just hunting or wandering. He was scouting. Preparing. We now know he was laying the groundwork to form a nest. And he succeeded.”

He pointed to the maps.

 “They’ve been tunneling underground, building a massive network right beneath the city ruins. If not for the new scanners, we wouldn’t have known until it was far too late.”

 “How bad is it?” she asked.

“Bad. The nest is growing rapidly. Mutant activity is spiking. If we don’t act now, it will soon reach critical mass. Once that happens, it’s over. The nest will overrun us. Beehive won’t stand a chance.”

“What’s HQ’s response?”

“They’re panicking,” Dyar admitted. 

“Scrambling to come up with a plan, but the truth is, there isn’t one yet. The higher-ups are terrified of what an assault on the nest might cost. And frankly…” He hesitated, then sighed.

 “Frankly, I’m concerned too. This is serious, Aria. Maybe the most serious threat since our Beehive became the battlefront.”

“So, what are we going to do about it?”

“HQ hasn’t authorized anything yet, but if we wait for them, it might be too late. I’m putting together a proposal for an all-out strike. And I need you, Aria. Combelt IV is the only thing that gives us a fighting chance. This will be an all-out war.”

“All-out attack won’t work, Dyar. We’re short on resources, and if this is a fully developed nest, there’ll be too many mutants to deal with. Rushing them will just get us overwhelmed and wiped out.”

She paused, “We need to hit them hard, but smart. What if we push into the nest? Not to fight every mutant, but to deliver a high-explosive package directly into the heart of their tunnels? We blow the nest from the inside.”

“I can cut a path through with a few other pilots to escort the payload. We get it where it needs to go, set the charges, and then bail. If we time it right, we can take out the nest and as many mutants as possible without engaging the entire swarm.”

 “It’s risky, but it’s better than throwing lives away in a frontal assault. With Combelt IV, I can handle the worst of it. All I need is a small team willing to follow me. One squad. Doesn't even need to be veteran pilots, anyone would do. The rest of your forces would focus on the surface to keep mutants at bay so we would not get attacked from behind.” 

“It’s bold, Aria. And it might just work. But it’s not without complications. How do you plan to ensure the explosives are delivered and detonated properly while keeping your team alive?”

“That’s my job. Let me handle the details. Just make sure I have the gear, and I’ll get it done. Even if I have to blow it up manually myself.”

Dyar leaned back against his desk.

 “I’ll present a few plans to HQ and see what we can come up with. I’ll notify you as soon as we’ve finalized the best approach. Until then, rest, prepare, and stay ready. We’re going to need you on this one, Aria.”

The next day, a message from Dyar summoned Aria to his office. Dyar wasted no time cutting to the chase.

“We’ve got a plan in place. HQ decided to run with your idea - of course they did. Those vultures were practically ecstatic when they heard you volunteered to spearhead the operation into the nest. Do you know what else they suggested? They suggested we pull pilots from the academy for your strike team. Their reasoning? ‘Better to lose nobodies from the academy than seasoned field pilots,’ they said. They don’t even care if these kids survive. In their minds, the moment you set foot in that nest, the operation is a calculated over - a convenient way to get rid of a growing mutant threat and their problem pilot.”

 “Typical. HQ’s never cared about us on the front lines. We’re just pawns to them. So, what’s the plan, sir?”

 “The plan itself? Solid. We’ll launch a full-scale assault on the mutant nest. It’s a diversion -every gun we’ve got will keep those creatures occupied on the surface. While the mutants are busy, you and your strike team will cut through and make your way into the tunnels.”

He tapped a map on his desk, gesturing to key points marked in red.

 “We’ve mapped the nest extensively, thanks to the new scanners. The routes are pre-programmed into your tank mechs. Better news - HQ finally pulled their heads out of their butts long enough to approve the deployment of four Combelt IV units. You’ll have an elite strike team of four, including yourself, in the IV models. Supporting you will be an additional four Combelt III units to handle the payload delivery.”

“Four IV units? Didn’t think HQ would part with their precious resources.”

 “Don’t mistake it for generosity. They know this mission is do-or-die, and they’d rather risk their resources in one big gamble than let the nest grow unchecked. Your job will be straightforward in theory - take out any mutants in your way, reach the designated location deep within the tunnels, and arm the charge. Once it’s set, you haul out of there as fast as possible. But guess what? HQ wanted remote detonation rights.”

 “Let me guess. They were planning to blow the charge the moment we stepped inside.”

Dyar nodded grimly. 

“Exactly. But I stepped in. I will hold the detonator. No one else. You have my word, Aria, I won’t let them sacrifice you or your team just to get a cleaner shot at the mutants. I’ll be waiting for you to make it back, safe and sound.”

“Good. We’ll get it done, Dyar, we’re coming back in one piece... or not at all.”

“I know, Aria. That’s why I trust you with this mission. Now, your team is ready. You should get moving.”