The simulated dawn light filtered through the Outpost's reinforced windows, casting a warm glow over the communications center. Arthur Cousland stretched, his goddesium prosthetic legs humming faintly as he rose from his desk. The previous night's events with Diesel lingered in his mind—the cathartic memorial visit, the unexpected kisses that had sealed a new bond. But duty called; a summons from Deputy Chief Andersen had arrived via encrypted channel, pulling him back to the Ark.
Arthur hoped this was the green light for the joint mission with Absolute Squad about a recent skirmish involving Absolute and Matis squads against a Heretic. Investigating that battlefield could yield clues about Vapaus's potential, or even about Heretics.
He boarded the AZX train at the Outpost station, the sleek cars humming along the underground rails toward the Ark. The compartment was sparsely populated, a few commuters lost in their datapads. Arthur settled into a seat, his mind racing through strategies, when the doors slid open at the next stop. Diesel stepped in, her dark hair flowing freely behind her, rail uniform crisp but her eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
"Commander! Fancy meeting you here," she said with a playful wink, sliding into the seat beside him. Her cheerful demeanor masked the remnants of yesterday's emotional release, but Arthur could see the newfound ease in her posture.
"Diesel. Heading to the terminal?" He smiled, his slicked-back brown hair catching the overhead lights, his short beard framing a face that blended handsome ruggedness with calculated poise.
"Shift starts soon, but I could spare a few minutes." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "After last night... I didn't get enough of you."
Before he could respond, she closed the gap, her full lips pressing against his in a heated kiss. Arthur's surprise quickly gave way to reciprocation, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. The train's gentle sway added to the intimacy, her body pressing against his as their tongues danced. Diesel's hands roamed, tracing the lines of his prosthetic arms, feeling the advanced mechanisms beneath. She broke the kiss briefly, breathing heavily. "You make me forget all the bad stuff, Arthur. Just like that."
He chuckled softly, his hands sliding under her uniform jacket, fingers exploring the curve of her back. "Good. You deserve that." Their lips met again, more urgently this time, the compartment's privacy allowing the moment to escalate. Diesel ground against him, a soft moan escaping as his touch grew bolder, cupping her breast through the fabric. The heat built, her hips moving in rhythm with the train's motion, until the announcement of the Ark station pulled them apart, flushed and breathless.
"To be continued," she murmured, straightening her clothes with a grin. "Don't be a stranger, little bro—er, Commander."
Arthur watched her exit, his pulse still racing, before composing himself for the meeting.
Andersen's office in the Central Government tower was a stark contrast to the Outpost's utilitarian setup—polished surfaces, holographic displays flickering with strategic data. The Deputy Chief greeted Arthur with a firm handshake.
"Cousland. Good to see you. Sit."
Arthur took the offered chair, his mind on the mission. "Sir, about the Heretic battlefield investigation—has it been approved? Absolute Squad's involvement could—"
Andersen held up a hand, his expression unreadable. "That's not why I called you here. We'll get to that. First, something else. Your Monarks squad has been exemplary—unconventional, but effective. Ten Nikkes, split into Alpha and Bravo for rotations. Impressive management."
Arthur nodded cautiously. "It's working, but we're at capacity. Adding more could strain resources."
"Perhaps. But I've got a candidate who could fit. She's... unique. And she specifically requested assignment under you." Andersen tapped a console, and the door opened.
In walked a woman with porcelain-smooth skin, her blond hair woven into a long braid that swayed with her steps. She wore cargo pants that hugged her athletic frame and a cropped sleeveless shirt revealing toned midriff. Full, red lips curved into a tentative smile, and occasionally, a subtle red glow pulsed from her chest, like a heartbeat of contained energy. Arthur's eyes narrowed in recognition—those lips. The last time he'd seen them, they were the only visible feature through an armored bodysuit's visor, during the rescue mission with Extrinsic Squad. Rabbit—no, Voltia now, after her stabilization.
"Voltia," he said, standing. "It's been a while. You look... different. Better."
She nodded, her voice steady but laced with gratitude. "Commander Cousland. Thanks to you, I'm still here. That cyber-psychosis... you and your team pulled me back from the edge. I owe you."
Andersen observed the exchange. "Voltia's Rapture core implant gives her enhanced speed and lightning generation. A powerhouse, if integrated properly. But she's probationary—your call."
Arthur hesitated. Eleven Nikkes? The logistics were daunting, but her abilities could be invaluable. "Alright. Probationary period. No team assignment yet—Alpha and Bravo are set. We'll see how you mesh first. Welcome aboard, Voltia."
She saluted crisply, the red glow in her chest flickering briefly. "I won't let you down."
As they left the office and boarded the AZX back to the Outpost, Arthur struck up a conversation to gauge her. The train's hum provided a backdrop as they sat side by side.
"So, what made you request Monarks?" he asked, his brown eyes studying her.
Voltia stared out the window at the passing tunnels. "After what happened—being forced to house this core, going feral... you didn't treat me like a monster. You saved me, gave me a chance. I want to repay that. And honestly, the Outpost sounds like a place where someone like me can belong. Not just a weapon."
He nodded, empathetic. "That's what we're building. People, not tools. The core—does it hurt? The glow?"
"Sometimes. But it amps my speed. The faster I go, the more lightning I channel. Like a storm in my veins." She flexed her fingers, a faint spark dancing between them. "I'm ready to prove it."
Their chat continued, building rapport. By the time they reached the Outpost, Arthur felt a spark of optimism. Voltia could be a key asset, her debt-fueled loyalty a foundation for deeper bonds.
Meanwhile, in the shadowed corridors of a surface access tunnel, Neon led the way with determined strides. The petite Elysion Nikke, her white hair framing red-rimmed glasses over sharp green eyes, clutched her shotgun tightly. Behind her, Delta and Signal— the scout duo—followed, their recon gear blending with the dim environment.
"This Lost Sector I stumbled on—it's untouched," Neon explained, her voice echoing. "Pre-war tech, maybe even a Harmony Cube. But we have to be careful; Raptures might be inside, dormant."
Delta, with her practical attire and composed expression, exchanged a glance with Signal. As Arthur's lover, she saw an opportunity. Neon had proven reliable, and keeping this find from Elysion would benefit the Outpost.
A low rumble interrupted their advance—Ant-type Raptures, their insectoid forms scuttling from hidden crevices, mandibles clicking hungrily. The ambush was swift, energy blasts lighting the tunnel.
"Incoming!" Signal shouted, drawing her weapon.
Neon reacted instantly, her shotgun booming as she blasted the nearest Ant, its carapace shattering. She dodged a pincer strike with agile grace, her small frame belying ferocious power. "Take this!" Another shot felled two more, buckshot ripping through their ranks.
Delta fired precise bursts, covering Signal as she flanked. But it was Neon's prowess that turned the tide— she charged forward, shotgun pumping relentlessly, green eyes fierce behind her glasses. An Ant lunged; she sidestepped, unloading a point-blank blast that disintegrated its head.
As the last Rapture fell, Delta wiped sweat from her brow. "Impressive, Neon. You're a natural. Ever thought about switching squads? Commander Cousland—Arthur— he's building something special at the Outpost. With skills like yours, you'd fit right in." And... it might keep this sector off Elysion's radar. Arthur could secure the spoils.
Neon adjusted her glasses, catching her breath. "Cousland? The one with the rep for treating Nikkes like people? I've heard stories, but we've never met. Tempting... but I'd need to think about it. Loyalty's a big deal."
Signal nodded. "Just consider it. The Monarks are game-changers."
The trio pressed on, the Lost Sector's entrance looming ahead, secrets waiting to be claimed. Delta's mind whirred—recruiting Neon could be a coup.