Few hours later, Sergeant Viegen's group reach Sendagaya. Many U.S.M soldiers and mercenaries are stationed there, preparing their assault against the Zikonians. The four rescued U.S.M soldiers in Sergeant Viegen's group were safely dispatched out of the battlefield. The field commander greats Sergeant Viegen by their codename "Swallow".
"Good day, Sergeant Swallow. You made it out in one peace as expected." said the field commander. Sergeant Viegen feels hurt but still maintained his composure. "It's fine Commander Hawk. My heart is still pumping heat." said Sergeant Viegen. The field commander looks at the direction where they the bombs were dropped. "Those aliens were tough as steels and won't give up." said the field commander with his arm crossed.
He looks at Sergeant Viegen and begins to brief him about the job, "As you well know, there is a group of these aliens mowing down our troops downtown. That group is using the corpse of a monster called Pit Behemoth. These demons were bred to be used as shields against mortar fire as their skin are as hard as adamantine. Because of that group, several groups were using the same tactic and begin to use the corpses as armor. They are hard but they were very big. We think that if we are able to block their paths with heavy barricades, we can force these aliens down to that wide area. That golf course over there." said the field commander pointing towards southeast.
Sergeant Viegen asks, "But Commander Hawk, shouldn't we use the rail cannon to pierce the armor of that corpse so that we can eliminate these Ziks?" The field commander shakes his head and said, "We can but it takes many energy to fire those rail cannons. And alot of the aliens are now using the corpses as portable bunkers. We need to shut down the enemy anti-air weaponry so that our armored vehicles can mobilized down here to the ground."
Gluargh overheard what the commander said. He comes over and said, "Give me locations of the anti-air artilleries. I will personally destroy them myself." The field commander seems to be offended about Gluargh not respecting him. "You better behave so we can have this operation in the bag smoothly." said the field commander. Gluargh gives him a scorn look then leaves. "Who is that big guy?" asked the field commander with a raised eyebrow. Sergeant Viegen answered, "He is a dangerous folk, commander."
"Oh boy, he is very mean." said Kaykaya with a gleeful smile. "That monstrosity is either a psychopath or a bloodlust killer." said Swei while looking at Gluargh with hostility. "Well, he isn't part of the regular army in the first place." said Hyan, trying to make his point. "It seems to be exciting. I'll go with him. See ya guys!" said Kaykaya as she sprints away following Gluargh. Swei and Hyan stays near the U.S.M soldiers for they are hired mercenaries.
M’Hundi simply shut off the local communications and began to try and connect with the center in Elseyin.
”While I would not mind agreeing to your terms, I have no power to do so. I am a lesser commander. General Akari, head of this island, doesn’t even have the authority to do as you wish. Legion Master of these lands does though. I’ll see if I can communicate with him.” M’Hundi began.
M’Hundi’s life had been threatened many times. This human was certainly speedy, and M’Hundi estimated he would only lose half of his head if he tried to dodge the initial shot. The follow up battle would be what was challenging. He’d need to regenerate to regain a full field of vision, and doing so would slow his own speed.
—————
General Akari, meanwhile, had not been idle. He’d seen that long range kinetic cannons had been set up behind the western mountain ranges, well outside the range of the current gunships. Akari was preparing to release the first wave of bombardment on the city, not caring for the deaths of any inside. After all, none of his pure bloods were sent into battle. Everyone else was expendable.
”Open fire!” He called to the battery leader, and the roar of the cannons began. What remained of Tokyo and the nearby suburbs had approximately 15 minutes before it would be flattened.
—————-
Tycho’s ship landed with a jolt as he onboarded a whole different outfit of soldiers than he dropped off. Command had given a general order to begin a tactical pull-back. There were simply too many Ziks here and enough men had died. They needed to regroup and plan.
”Come on let’s move! Let’s get back to space and get some drinks!” Tycho called to the men who stumbled, limped, and all but fell into his ship. Once it was loaded he began to take off.
When Sergeant Viegen Rodriguez, Swei Grunder, Hyan Cebellan, and the other mercenaries enters a fortified command post along with the field commander, a sudden light flashes above the sky. Before everyone reacted, the place gets bombarded with cannon fires, destroying everything in the vicinity. "Where in the god's name did those cannon shots came from?!" shouted Swei with his eyes widened. The operators tried to contact with the command base but they only get static signaled. "Damn it! The hostiles have cut our line of communication!" shouted Sergeant Viegen angrily.
"Sergeant Swallow! There is an underground bunker nearby in this area! We must get there fast and take cover from there!" said the field commander. Everyone is in panic and disarray. Short while after, everyone runs to the underground bunker to hunker down away from the surface. The bombardment continues and many have died on the surface, not knowing what struck them.
The first wave of cannon fire has ended. The ones who got out of the surface have survived but some bunkers have caved in, resulting casualties for the U.S.M soldiers and mercenaries by being crushed by heavy debris. The bunker that Sergeant Viegen and his team hid in fortunately resisted the explosion. The first thing the U.S.M soldiers did is to contact the command base with all they got. "Sergeant, I am still in contact with my operator. Shall I give it to the commander to request for support?" asked Hyan to Sergeant Viegen. "What? You had a private channel with your organization?" asked Sergeant Viegen acting surprised. He later then asked the field commander and he approves so Hyan begins to contact with his operator to request for rescue.
Meanwhile outside the bunker, everything was ruined by the cannon volley. Every building has fallen and Tokyo is now destroyed. Gluargh ducked down from the initial blast, covering Kaykaya on her small stature. He took powerful beatings from the explosion forces. He endured it hopelessly until it ends. The big alien spats out blood and faints from shock. Kaykaya on the other hand, is dizzy but still conscious thanks to Gluargh covering her. "Big guy! Are you ok?!" shouted Kaykaya, worried that Gluargh got hurt.
Gluargh is steaming hot like before. The steam was very hot for Kaykaya to touch him. "Better do something or nothing." said Kaykaya in her shivering voice. She tried shouting at Gluargh's ear, but didn't work. She tries to shake him but the heat around his entire body doesn't let her touch him. The clothes are on the way so Kaykaya thought that she must remove the clothes so that the steam will cool faster. She grabs a shard and a rod and ties it together to form a spear. She begins cutting Gluargh's clothes to release the heat around his body faster.
After a while, Kaykaya gets terrified. Her hands tremble so much that she dropped the spear on the ground. "Why...?" asked Kaykaya in disbelief. Gluargh's true identity is exposed to Kaykaya. She slowly backs away from Gluargh but seeing his whole body injured in the worst way possible in the distance, Kaykaya can't leave Gluargh alone. She swallows her spit and urges herself to walk closer to Gluargh. "Whatever you are, I'll help you." said Kaykaya with a sad smile on her face. She whips out of her assault rifle and stays near Gluargh, prepared to defend him against threats such as the hostile Zikonians and the allied U.S.M soldiers.
Out in the desolate wasteland, few stragglers survived the cannon fire, mostly because they were able to find cover. Kaykaya is about to face some Zikonian grunts on her own, with few covers in the area. "You can do this, yes, you can..." Kaykaya muttered. She makes sure that her assault rifle is ready to fire. A shot is fired around northeast of her position. It fortunately missed.
Kaykaya quickly moves around and looks at the general direction of where the shot came from. Another shot is fired and Kaykaya found the flash from a gun barrel. She dashes forward and suppresses that hostile with her assault rifle. It forced to duck down to cover so Kaykaya was able to get close. A showdown between Kaykaya and a Zikonian Soldier. The first shooter to pull the trigger of their gun while accurately aimed towards their enemy will win and survive.
Kaykaya is dexterous with her hands. She is the first one to pull the trigger and controlled the recoils of her gunshots, successfully dispatching the enemy Zikonian. Kaykaya hurried back to Gluargh who is still unconscious. The heating steam is now gone and he can now be touched. Kaykaya tried to pull him but he is very heavy due to his big mass. "Wake up big guy! We're in trouble if we stay here!" shouted Kaykaya desperately.
She then noticed something is coming. Judging by the dust cloud, an unknown group is coming at their location. Kaykaya immediately looks for cover and observes the dust cloud. As expected, it is the Zikonians. But they were heavily injured and they are not going straight to where Kaykaya is at. Sigh of relief, Kaykaya goes back and tries to help Gluargh.
"C'mon... You were not this weak when you were fighting with those freaks..." said Kaykaya to Gluargh. The word "Weak" that is mistranslated to "Baby" in Gluargh's native tongue made him suddenly jumps. "Graaaka Weak Kask!!!" yelled Gluargh in angry tone. His is fuming in rage that scares Kaykaya. She drops on her legs and is pointing her assault rifle to Gluargh's forehead.
Gluargh notices that his clothes were torn apart. He looks at the terrified Kaykaya and glares at her. The garnet eyes of his is full of hate that put fear to whoever stares at it. Kaykaya is shaken up because of how big and menacing Gluargh is up close. He raises his arm and Kaykaya instinctively raises up her arm to guard, only then to realize what is truly going on.
Gluargh clobbers a Zikonian who carelessly approached with their guard down. The other Zikonians are shocked. Gluargh begins mad dashing towards the Zikonians which caused confusion and panic within their group. One by one, he smashes their face with his bare hands and uses his shotgun to kill the Zikonians at the distance. Kaykaya is truly bewildered. "What... Are... You...?" Kaykaya muttered under her breath.
The Zikonians were finished and Gluargh picks up some rags to cover his entire body. He then walks closer to the terrified Asari and points his gun towards her. "Spread the word, and you shall meet your fate worse than death." said Gluargh in a threatening manner. Kaykaya sadly nods in agreement. "You want to live, follow me. We're getting out of here." said Gluargh while releasing the heat from his shotgun. The two now made a journey out of Tokyo. Their mission is over and Gluargh doesn't take the losing side. Kaykaya is forever scarred for her life.
The kinetic middles soared high into the atmosphere, dropping down on the city from above. It was only a half dozen rockets, but the weapons relied on gravity, not explosives. The gravity that hurtled the tungsten rods down at the earth sped up with every meter, and they had thousands between them and the ground.
When they hit, it created a whole new topography for Tokyo. Craters dotted the landscape, hundreds of feet deep. The city that was once known for being hilly was now closer to a canyon, with high ridges between the craters being the only remainder of normal Tokyo.
M’Hundi and the pirate were sent flying by the concussive nature of the blast. He growled in pain as he got up and came to. He noticed the pirate had been impaled on some of the metal from the communications center, and M’Hundi took a moment to bend the metal, just in case the man was still alive. He’d need to unbend it to come after him. M’Hundi opened his communications, but realized it would be pointless. He began to jog towards the last known position of his team.
————
Re’Shavir and his team were just about to overwhelm the men at he landing pad when the explosives hit. It sent them all flying, with some of them landing underneath the corpse of the pit beasts. Those men died instantly.
Once Re’Shavir and his men gathered themselves, they decided the battle was essentially well and truly over. They rushed off towards where the communications center was to reconnect with M’Hundi.
—————
Tycho stared wide mouthed at the landscape. He had just landed when he heard the noise of the impact. He watched the shockwaves spread from the points of impact and absolutely level most of the city.
”My god…” was all he could say.
”Strap in. We’re jetting back into space in 15. We need to pull our remaining troops out while we have a chance.” One of the commanders told the soldiers in the bay. Many Just sighed and headed off to a safe place.
The U.S.M soldiers lost the battle in Tokyo. They heard from Hyan's operator about what happened to the surface after they hid in the bunker. It is a desolate wasteland and few stragglers can be seen leaving the area. Casualty estimates about 500,000-800,000 soldiers along with unidentified mercenaries disappeared. Sergeant Viegen slammed his fist to a nearby wall, cursing about his weakness. The mercenaries were demoralized and sits down contemplating.
The only thing the U.S.M soldiers could do are securing and organizing themselves to defend themselves against threats from outside world. "You alright Sergeant?" asked Swei to Sergeant Viegen. The Sergeant shakes his head. Swei himself is a war veteran and he earned alot of downfalls and struggles when he lost the battles he cannot win no matter what. So he sympathizes with a soldier who experienced failure after giving their all they've got.
Hyan could only sing to ease himself from the reality of the present. He cannot believe that there is someone who died the minute they left the group for a while ago. He remembers the Asari's joyful humming. A hum that is pure and innocent in this corrupted war. "Rispi Com Re." said Hyan, honoring the fallen soldiers. He is tightly gripping his sub-machine gun and his eyes expresses sadness.
It took four hours before the evacuation of the defeated Soldiers started as ships were landing bunker by bunker to save them. All were angry and traumatized, but no matter what they think, Tokyo is now wiped off the map of Earth. Sergeant Viegen looks at the wasteland in a rather calmer mood. "I swear, I will avenge you all my fellow comrades." said Sergeant Viegen, with fire of conviction burning in his eyes, ready to fight again against the threat of the Earth.
LunaKimXo[2738137] · #47
"they just... it... the pain..." Senni held her head, waking up
"Its okay senna... we got out because of thier sacrifice" Vex replied
"thats what concerns me... we... i... who's sacrifice?" Sen asked her "Vex?"
M’Hundi and his men met up, and moved to a secure position as they watched the Earth ships leave. It seemed they had won the day. Though, given how they’d leveled the place, M’Hundi wasn’t sure how big a victory it was.
”Re’Shavir. I congratulate you for your hard work. Once the prisoners are gathered up, you may choose one for yourself, as a personal slave.” M’Hundi stated. This was a great honor, and perhaps one M’Hundi shouldn’t have given. After all, only the highest of ranks were afforded slaves. However, if anyone had a problem with that, they’d have to bring it up with M’Hundi
”Thank you, commander. I am honored. I will seek to inspire the men to follow your greatness, as I have.” Re’Shavir commented.
”Let them become great in their own way. I am certainly not the perfect specimen, despite what others might think.” M’Hundi replied. Re’Shavir didn’t respond, but bowed his head. One of the grunts from the command center approached.
”Casualty report?” M’Hundi inquired.
”Almost all the pit beasts are dead. 750,000 grunts have been killed or lost. Your own battalion of five thousand saw approximately 500 deaths, with many others recuperating. We are still counting prisoners and slaves, but it would appear we have a few thousand at least.”
”Good. Let them rebuild this place to what it once was. To show the humans how meaningless their efforts are. At least that would be my decision. Get me in contact with general Akari and Legion Master M’Sarri. I have much to report.” M’Hundi commented.
The soldiers comes back to the U.S.M base in Mars, dejected for the fact that they failed to reclaim Japan from the hands of the enemy. The mercenaries can be seen hanging around the pub, drinking alcohol in order to honor the lost souls. Swei Grunder is having a glass of water despite having enough currency to buy an expensive bottle of alcohol. He looks at the faces of the mercenaries with sympathy. "The war is the sacred trial of prosperity and innovation. There is no winner, since war is eternal." said Swei as he finishes up his glass.
A mercenary sits beside him. "You're Swei, aren't you?" said the mercenary. "It's you." said Swei. The mercenary was with him when Sergeant Viegen Rodriguez was leading them in the battlefield. "You are Markus." Swei said confirming if he is indeed Markus. "You got that right soldier." Markus replied happily.
Name: Markus Everdale
Age: 35 years old
Species: Half-Earthling Half-Bousori
Description: Markus is a human with distinctive pink colored dog tail and pink long hair. He is a cross-breed between a Earthling and a Bousori. Bousori are beastmen who lives in a planet that has hot climate due to being close to the sun. Markus only has his tail and hair as the distinction of his Bousori Blood.
Business: Freelance Mercenary of Cornell Fighters
Combat Specialties: Swordsmanship Specialty
Weapon: Albesker Plasma Sword and M8 Avenger Assault Rifle
Gears: Potherama Armored Suit, Locket containing a picture of his mother, Ring of Cornell Fighters, Biscuit snacks and Lime Juice bottle
Backstory: Markus was born in his mother's home planet and was raised by his father who is a master of sword. In his childhood days, Markus gained focus and discipline of the sword from his father who later then passed away from his illness. He used his skill as a swordman to survive the desert planet. He met with various people and learned a little bit of other experience.
He joined the Cornell Fighters when he wanted to socialize with other people. The Cornell Fighters were adventurous and free-spirited, which gives Markus alot of experience of his lifetime. His journey lead to this war where he is fighting the unknown enemies. He was great at fighting using a gun but he prefers to get closer to his enemies in order to cut them down with his plasma sword.
Swei and Markus are having a conversation about what their next moves will be. "The Earth is a beautiful planet. I can't let those bastards destroy the planet as they please." said Swei angrily. Markus chuckles then said, "For me, I will confront the Zikonians in order to further enhance my swordsmanship." The two both cheered each other with their drinks. Swei Grunder with his glass of water and Markus with his glass of Lime Juice.
"I wonder what happened to that big guy and that Asari one." said Markus worriedly. Swei looks at the water in his glass. The reflection shows his face with certainty. "When it comes to it, the big alien is alive because of his tenacity." said Swei, believing in Gluargh. Markus is surprised, then said, "Yeah, I doubt that he died that easily. He faced those Zikonians head on with courage." said Markus. Swei is thinking of the opposite of what Markus commented.
Few weeks later, two lone wanderers are wandering around Japan, these two are often seen in pair attacking the Zikonians with such ease. Sergeant Viegen looks at the video feed about the sightings of these two unidentified shooters. They were wearing multiple layers of clothes, so it wasn't easy identifying them, except for two particular points. One of the wanderers have big physique, the same size as the Zikonians, was fighting using a familiar shotgun and technique. "So you survived Gluargh..." said Sergeant Viegen. As much as he want to save these two wanderers, he cannot go there without authorization from the higher ups. He is wondering who the second wanderer is.
Somewhere in the former street of Narita-Kaido, the wanderers are hiding inside the ruins of a former adult day care center. These two avoided being spotted by Zikonian swarms, as well as reducing their numbers while they were at it. "No matter how many times you do it, I still cannot believe you're eating that without feeling disgusted." said Kaykaya as she nibbles on seasoned uncooked noodles like a snack. "This is for Wahaar." said Gluargh. Wahaar is translated for "Survival" in Gluargh's native tongue. He is feasting on the meat of his slain hostiles.
The two are viewing the outside under the rubbles of the ruin. Lots of Zikonian ships were passing by, as well as large beasts were herded in the open plains of Chiba. "Humans have it rough, don't they?" said Kaykaya as she gazes the battlefield. Gluargh doesn't respond. He keeps feasting. After a long rest, the two stands up and prep their arsenals. "I'm ready to fight Gluargh." said Kaykaya willingly. Gluargh nods and pushes the rubbles away from their path.
Gluargh and Kaykaya marches to Hokuso Railway Sofuke SubStation as their next destination. The residential homes that they visit were rebuilt not by human hands but by Zikonians. Walking down further will lead them to their nesting grounds. As usual, Gluargh uses his Guerilla skills to eliminate the hostiles without being seen despite his huge stature.
Kaykaya happens to find some humans who were fighting the Zikonians from the shadows. She is collecting intel on her own from these humans, and pass it to Gluargh since he is the type who don't speak to anyone beneath him. Kaykaya was once a happy going gal who explores to satisfy her curiosity. Now she uses that same curiosity to aid Gluargh to his vendetta against the Zikonians. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend as they say." said Kaykaya as she hurdles over an obstacle.
Meanwhile, Swei Grunder, a mercenary who was hired by the U.S.M, has given a mission to scout the Busan from South Korea. The satellites detected a strange Zikonian activity that appears to be a convoy carrying loads of crates. He is grouped with Markus Everdale, Hyan Cebellann, and three other mercenaries that aren't affiliated to each other. They have to determine what the Zikonians were doing and what the crates contain.
The ship carrying the group lands on a secluded area where no souls can be found. The Zikonians have not spotted their landing. Swei is the one leading this scouting group. "Our mission has started. Don't leave the pack or trouble will come." said Swei in a commanding tone. They begin trekking in South Korea with guns ready for action.
(Ok but let's think about this. From a losses standpoint? The humans absolutely slaughtered the ziks. As far as I can tell, the human forces were less than a million, yet managed to kill over 750 thousand ziks? Those are big numbers.)
LunaKimXo[2738137] · #54 · edited
{well there was also a hit on washington which was successful so think about that ps. kira is still tokyo with the mysterious soldier but everyone has gone i think. so those two in. well yeah. enemy territory. right?}
M’Hundi and his men had returned to their quarters in Elseyin, in modern day Eastern China. His men hadn’t been congratulated for their work, but that was the Zikonian way. They were simply told they had done well defending the city and wiping out the humans. Throughout the network, it was said humans had also attacked what they called DC, a city in one of the most powerful of countries. It was more successful than the human attack on Tokyo.
M’Hundi was in his private residence, as afforded by his station above the halfbreeds and as the child of M’Sarri. That evening he was to have dinner with his father. M’Hundi felt conflicted, knowing his dad didn’t see him as a true child, yet saw his practical worth.
”Be sure to clean the scales around my neck.” M’Hundi demanded of his thrall, a human female. He had a few around his abode, who cooked, cleaned, and provided all he needed.
After washing up, M’Hundi looked over the barracks of his men. They were on a tiered outcropping farthest from the ocean. But the sun still hit it late in the day, and many of his men were soaking in the warmth now before the cool breeze made things colder.
His men were currently celebrating in their fashion, showing wounds, trophies, and telling stories. A detachment of slaves were providing his men food. Unlike the Zikonians, who had hyper sensitive tastes, his men shared the taste buds of their human DNA. Thus, the cultured food of their conquered enemies made for wonderful feasting.
”Sir. Your dinner with M’Sarri will begin shortly.” One of his thralls monotoned.
M’Hundi merely walked off towards the higher levels and the home of the Zikonian Elite.
———-
M’Sarri looked over the most recent report from M’Hundi and General Akari. It appeared that, upon final accounting, there were about 800,000 casualties. Some of these would be fit for battle soon enough, but around 750,000 were dead. In addition, it was estimated a few hundred humans, minimum, were engaging in Guerilla warfare now that they were stranded. General Akari had only sent in grunts as of yet, but was requesting better units.
M’Sarri took relief in the quick breeding cycle of Zikonians and their pit monsters. The pit monsters took only a few months to grow to fighting size, and thousands could be bred in a small space. Zikonian grunts took only half a year to grow to fight to be size and, likewise, the breed mothers birthed egg batches of hundreds each. This is what had allowed the Zikonains to dominate multiple worlds. Their numbers and speed often outpaced the longevity and slow life of humans and their peers.
M’Sarri walked into the dining hall, deep in thought, to find M’Hundi already there.
“Ah, officer M’Hundi. I am glad to see you and your men return to us. Let us eat, and while we dine, let me know of the enemies you faced, their strengths, and how their strengths might become ours.”
Busan in South Korea has changed alot since the Zikonians conquered it. It's infrastructures are large tower buildings that houses the population of the Zikonians. Entering the city without engaging to a battle is very difficult. Swei and his team checks their equipment if there is anything present. "Anyone prepared?" asked Swei to his team. Everyone gives thumbs up. Swei nods and begins to take lead.
They don't know anything about the new Busan. It's streets and alleys are different from the former. Fortunately, Swei's team have support from above by a U.S.M operator. She can give them information about the Zikonian activity through the camera feed caught by the satellite. Doing this enables Swei to lead the team to maneuver past the Zikonian patrols in order to reach their target destination. "Rita, found a suspicious activity in front of our position." said Swei as he adjust the camera strapped on his shoulder.
Zikonians accompany what it looks like a truck that is floating on the air. They were stocking some crates inside the truck before it leaves to who knows where. "Swei Grunder, we need you to find out what those crates contain and where they were coming from." said Rita. "Understood, over." replied Swei. The team is about to move when Swei halts them. "Do not make any movements." said Swei as he points out something from a building. A Zikonian Sentry. Though they were just like other Zikonians, the Zikonian Sentry must not be taken out, otherwise they will alarm other Zikonians.
Only way they can get past those watchful eyes is to go through ventilation spots from a building or the underground network where the pipelines are. "Markus, watch our backs. Everyone, let's go through the underground network." said Swei for he thinks it is better to move there instead of the ventilation spots for its narrow path.
Dark, damp, steamy... That are what describe the underground network. Swei Grunder inspects the pipelines by touching it. Hyan Cebellann looks around and spots pathways below their position. "Leader, there is something over there." said Hyan as he points out something. Though it is hard to spot what Hyan is pointing at, with the help of a thermal equipment, the team are able to see what's up ahead.
There is a figure hiding in the shadows, though they aren't Zikonians. But they can see that the figure is looking at them with their gun ready for action. Only one figure can be seen. "If we shoot, we will attract attention. Keep your eyes on him Hyan." said Swei then calls over Markus who was covering the whole team's backs on the surface. "Let's move." ordered Swei as they move on while keeping watchful eye to the stranger.
The stranger is following them in a safe distance, assuming they haven't seen him. "Why is there someone following us? It is getting on my nerves." whispered one mercenary. "Don't you think that stranger looks human, merc?" said Swei. The silhouette is indeed in the shape of a human but it isn't accurate because they only see his body temperature through the thermal camera.
They walk further until they come across a ladder leading to the surface. "I'll go first. Everyone keep watch and come up here one by one." ordered Swei. He slings his rifle over his shoulder and begins to climb up the ladder. Hyan is observing the mysterious stranger. That stranger isn't moving from their position. Markus is curious of what Hyan is looking at. "What are you looking at Hyan?" asked Markus.
"Hush. Keep quiet." whispered Hyan as he hands out the thermal camera to Markus. Markus uses it and gets surprised to see what he is looking at. "You mean he is following us this whole time?" asked Markus in disbelief. "Yes, and apparently, our leader said to ignore that figure." said Hyan worriedly. "All clear." said Swei through the radio comms. Everyone leaves the pipelines and sees they are in a alleyway.
They can see few Zikonian patrols out here. But the thermal camera didn't agree since it captures multiple heat signatures inside the buildings. "Rita, where are we now?" asked Swei to the U.S.M operator. "A moment, Swei Grunder, over." said Rita as she begins to scan the area. Swei Grunder looks for vantage spots from above so that he can see the Zikonian activity with his own eyes. There he spotted a pipe leading to the balcony of a building. But his body is not suited for climbing pipes. "Markus, you're up." said Swei as he points upward. Markus looks up and nods. He jumps and climbs the pipe to reach the balcony.
The vampire's eyes flew open, a blazing red. With one arm he snapped the rebar in two and hoisted himself off of what M'hundi would come to wish had been his grave, and drained a corpse to heal the wound. For days he stalked the ruins, until he was able to stow away on a Zik builder transport. Once he arrived in Elseyin, one would think he would be captured almost instantly- but he knew the shadows well. For over fifteen hundred years he had hidden in plain sight amongst humans, these beasts were no different. He watched, waited, slowly gathering information on the fool that had left him alive. Eventually, several weeks later, he tracked the halfling to a mess hall, dining with another one of his kind, one named M'Sarri. Once again he called upon the ability that had seen him through his centuries of life- an illusory sort of shape shifting. Like a solid hologram of sorts, he appeared as a Zik in look and feel, though with none of their physical ability- though he hardly needed it. This allowed him to lurk on the mess hall's edge, and eavesdrop, without attracting suspicion. Unless, of course, you checked his eyes, which the shift failed to hide.
"You are somewhere in a street where the former Busan Cinema Center. You strayed too far from your objective Swei Grunder." said Rita with a concerned tone. "My bad, we'll head there soon enough, over." said Swei. He gathers all his team members and shares the information that he got from the U.S.M operator. "Makes sense since we don't know anything about the underground pipeline system." said Hyan while nodding his head.
"Target is last seen northeast of our current position. Expect hostile patrols as we move." said Swei. The other mercenaries are getting anxious because of Swei's leadership. They have no choice but to follow him so that they can complete their task safely. "Markus, did you see something while you were up there?" asked Swei to Markus. "Just that there were Zikonian Sentries everywhere. It is hard for me to peek out because of my pink hair." said Markus as he pats his head. Swei nods then starts to move.
They move through alleyways and balconies to avoid Zikonian patrols. As they move on, the difficulty gets harder and harder. A few Zikonian have caught glance at them but Markus will quickly neutralize them with a swift thump with his sword handle. It didn't take long until the Zikonians find something suspicious is going on. When Swei and his group finally reached their destination, a harbor with large warehouses, the Zikonians are already alerted with their presence.
"Patrols." said Hyan. The Zikonian patrols are strengthened and keeps a great overwatch around the area. "The Silos up ahead, do you think those are where the hostiles are storing and delivering their supplies?" Swei whispered among the group. "I think it is unlikely because from out here, I can see that those Silos are some sort of barracks for these aliens." whispered Markus. His eyesight is the best among the group, thanks to his mother's bloodline. Swei begins to file a report to the U.S.M operator and waits for a new order.