The sight of descending through the planet's atmosphere was quite the sight, the appearance of burning hot flames licking the sides of the vessel as he penetrated the atmosphere. This didn't last long as the planet's surface quickly came into view. The sight was breathtaking, a stark contrast to my own barren world destroyed by nuclear fire. The planet was covered in dense jungles, the majority of the continents were bare without a patch of green. Below us was the main continent our target, sitting right beside a vast ocean to the east with several other smaller continents in the far-off distance. The main continent is located to the southwest of us, to the east are two small islands apparently populated by an obscure Garudan tribe that navigates the seas. North of the main continent is a thin land bridge across the vast ocean connecting the land to the other continents each closely connected by similar land bridges.

I pull my mind out of my musings and awe-struck sight as I turn to glance at those around me. The differences in expression were very wide and spacious. The Wokan's were utterly indifferent as if such a sight was nothing new, whilst the Garudan's had their helmets tucked between their arms and smiling widely at the homeland's appearance. I turn back to gaze at the incoming Garudan land, witnessing the ship descend slowly and land gracefully. Immediately and without hesitation I glance back to my two squads who respond by placing their helmets on and following behind me to the off-ramp.

Making our way through the ship's corridors we arrive at the birthing bay; I turn to the side and press the mechanism to open the off-ramp. The ramp slowly descends revealing the bright and crisp air of a new world I have yet to explore. I tap my wrist pad opening a broadcast channel to both squads. "Squad Liberty, Squad Honour activate camouflage and fall out, we make for the forest ahead." Without hesitation, both squads under the direction of their squad leaders fall out of the ship and make for the wilderness. Before I leave, I turn around to say goodbye to Gem with a slight nod to which he replies. Placing my helmet firmly on my head I file out of the ship with the rest of them.

A few Minor Cycles Later, Garuda Main Continent, Northern Forest Region.

Our little group had trekked through the dense greenery of the strange alien forest for some time now. We managed to reach a clearing still surrounded by fauna. Pok had been leading the entire way explaining various things about the forest, he seems quite knowledgeable. This makes sense since he lived on this planet his entire life, naturally, the Garudan's navigated the forest with ease, yet the Wokan squad had some trouble. One of his squad members was complaining in old Wokan about wanting to burn the forest to ash instead of drudging through. Zatrophos managed to calm down his men and we pressed on; he had explained that Wokan's preferred more arid worlds since their home planet were the same. Tropical planets were not high on the list of compatible environments for the Wokan people, apparently, the Wokan Hierarchy rarely placed many of their kind of tropical plants. Those planets tended to be populated with the several slave races they had conquered during their short conquest of the stars.

In front of us was Pok leading us to the edge of the clearing, beside me is Zatrophos commanding his squad to follow. Once Pok ceased his advance we stopped for camp, according to the orbital map and Pok's directions, the compound is not too far away. I commanded the squads to stop and rest while I moved over to inspect a tree, with the soldiers behind me I gazed at the unfamiliar configuration. The tree was completely different from the fauna records of Korvan, the entire trunk was completely dark blue and there was no bark. The trunk was soft to touch almost the consistency of hair or fur, the branches were similar yet the entire tree was draped in thick green foliage. Caressing the tree with my new glove free right hand I could feel the texture and I will admit the sensation was pleasant.

Still stuck in my musings I didn't notice Pok moving behind me until he spoke. "Puno balah." The voice of Pok spoke softly behind me, prompting me to turn back noticing his visage. The words he spoke were unfamiliar yet they sounded similar to the Garudan language, perhaps another dialect. I turn to him with a confused expression he is able to see since I removed my helmet. He responds with a small smile and makes a comment. "Puno balah is our word for tree fur, the old ways believed the trees were once great beasts that roamed the lands, when they died their bodies became the trees." Honestly the more I learn about this species the more fascinating they become; I continue to listen as he explains further. "Many tribes harvested the puno balah as they believed by sowing them into armour, we could harness the beast's strength in battle." Pok finishes his sentence by raising his armoured arms into a strange pose, his arms stretched out in a semi-circle with his fists locked together.

I'm not sure what he is trying to convey, but I remain quiet as it's interesting regardless. He keeps that pose for some time before returning his hands to his sides. Suddenly the sound of Zatrophos's voice is heard from the side, his indignant tone obvious to us. "Bunch of nonsense, savages love to create silly notions to grant themselves false power." We turn to spy his visage, Zatrophos was leaning against one of the trees only a short distance away, his REP Rifle grasped in his upper right hand leaned against his shoulder in a relaxed posture.

Pok reveals an annoyed expression, he steps forward digs his heels into the dirt ground and barks his response. "Do you have a problem with our ways?" The indignant tone traded between them was palpable and quite obvious, causing the various Garudan and Wokan to cast their gazes. I knew Zatrophos's temper, even his penchant for destruction, but the one thing I know about him is that desire is somewhat controlled when the task at hand was of interest.

I moved towards the two who were sizing each other up, like two beasts trying to cause the other to flinch in fear. Naturally, neither stood down, expressing themselves as the predator. Not wanting this to continue I decided to intervene. "Zatrophos, Pok do not lose sight of the mission." Indeed, my words had some effect as they both turned to me, still with aggressive expressions, luckily not for me. "Zatrophos... keep your opinions to yourself, unless they pertain to the task I have assigned, are we clear?" I tried to retain my commanding presence, I had to establish dominance to ensure the chain of command remained firm.

Zatrophos snorts slightly, glares at me, his expression was not as aggressive as he previously was. He suddenly descends his weapon into a cradling position between his arms, lowers his head and speaks. "As you wish, Commander Navarkos." He spoke with a tone laced with one part respect another part suppressed defiance, loyalty from him would not become easy.

Of course, Pok smiled jovially as if some sort of victory had been won. This would be a cause of celebration if I had any intention to be biased. "Pok, I would very much like to hear more about your people's culture but there is a time and a place for it, we must stay true to the mission." I added a certain firmness to my voice, I needed to get them inline, I had some level of control over them and the common enemy the greatest uniting tether... for now.

Both squad leaders nodded in response, yielding to my authority, they then proceeded to put back their helmets on. We stayed there for a short time before trekking further towards the objective. Not too long we arrived at a dense tree line, kneeling down with both squads behind us. The three of us looked across the tree line whilst I accessed the scope feature of my helmet. In front of my eye's the appearance of the far-off compound became closer.

The compound was large, rectangular in structure similar to the military bunkers on Korvan, these Wokan had a similar simplistic aesthetic. The structure is situated in a massive clearing, surrounded by foliage, with what looks to be many cleared out trees to expand the site. The building was surrounded by many pylons with a thick and visible energy field between each, this energy field surround the entire compound. The front entrance is a massive gate leading through the energy field, the gate was manned by four Wokan guards, all outfitted in altered Demthesian combat armour. Each of them is brandishing laser rifles, the defences are not bad, but the main issue is to infiltrate undetected.

Coming up with several strategies for infiltrating the compound, suddenly an idea appears right before me. The sound of rumbling is heard, the three of us turn our gazes collectively to the left. Some distance away from the gate was an artificially paved dirt pathway. Running along quite loudly is a massive vehicle, the large vehicle has a small driver's cabin pulling a long metal container, the vehicle seems to be running on-chain tracks. The vehicle looks to be hauling some large cargo, I can't get a precise look at what is contained there but the idea is far more important. I had initially intended to scout the compound yet the situation has offered such an opening.

Remembering something I turn to Zatrophos and call him over to me, whispering a few words he hands over a small device, I place the device in my suit's receptacle. This action prompts Zatrophos to speak up, commenting on the exchange. "If you don't mind me asking commander, but why in the name of the war god do you need that?" It was an expected question, the device was something I was pondering on, its use and whether or not I would need it.

I raise my head after stowing the device, glance back at him replying to his query with a short response, "It's for if things don't go as planned, if that happens you know the sign and the plan." Nodding my head slightly I glare directly at Zatrophos's face trying to examine every facet, he naturally smiles in response and nods before placing his helmet back on.

I linked my suit's communication channels to Pok and Zatrophos broadcasting my orders directly to their senses. "Squad leader Pok and Zatrophos hold here and observe the compound, on my order distracting the guards with some laser fire and then retreat into the forest for cover and wait for further orders." Immediately after conveying my orders, they both nod and affirm their agreements with an agreeing call sign. With their agreements in hand, I make my way through the forest towards the cargo vehicle's pathway.

After a short amount of time, I dive forward, activating the suit's colour shifting feature to blend into the foliage which is a slightly darker hue. Watching carefully, I spot the vehicle approaching, there is still some distance from the compound and the vehicle is travelling quite slowly, likely the large haul has diminished its top speed. Turning my gaze to the right, the compound Is some distance, yet still, if I made an appearance to close, I will be seen. The most optimal strategy would be to act now, with these facets of the plan taking form, I grip my hands engaging the suit's exoskeletal structure enhancing my grip strength. Taking in a deep breath I watch the hauling vehicle slowly pass by, with my chance within reach, I burst out of the foliage and make a break for the rear of the vehicle.

My movement is swift, aided by the lightweight scout armour, with silent efficiency honed after many simulations I reach the rear. Before the vehicle can escape me, I dive under and grab the nearest piece of metal I can find, latching on with an enhanced grip. Now underneath the vehicle, I lodge my feet into a gap near the underside of the vehicle. Holding on I am freely carried along by the haulier towards the compound. In preparation I access the communications link to Pok and Zatrophos, keeping a channel open in preparation.

The sound of the haulier is loud, grinding the dirt pathway under its thick chain tracks, I can barely hear anything beyond the noise. So, I lean back and gaze at the upside-down compound watching it get closer and closer. Eventually, the time comes the haulier reaches the gate, the sound of Wokan's barking orders in Shahnese can be heard from the left and right. Feeling pressured I quickly eradicate this feeling and call to my allies. "Open fire." I say quietly through the suit's communication channel, immediately the sound of laser fire resounds causing the gate guards to take cover to fire back. One of them yells to the driver to get behind the gate, these words are followed by the gate's energy field dissipating with a soft hum. Prompted by the situation the driver accelerates through the now open gate towards the inner compound. Passing the gate, I whisper to my comrades to cease fire and retreat. Like clockwork, the laser fire dies down causing the gate guards to raise the defences once more and remain on alert.

I anticipated this abrupt attack would cause a slight gap in their defences and I was right. Now behind enemy lines, I decided to wait until the haulier stop's moving. Some time goes by and the haulier finally ceases its journey through the large docking complex, peeking left and right I can see various other chain tracks likely, other hauliers. With an abrupt stop, the haulier parks in between two of its kind, eventually the sound of someone opening the vehicle's escape hatch resounds with a slight hiss. Then a loud thud from the driver as he lands on the cold metallic ground. Peeking slightly, I listen in to his mutterings. "Ah for the love of the war god, another raid, I knew it would come back to bite us, the moment the savages got their hands on our weapons." His anger is understandable and intriguing, seems some of the planet-side Garudan's obtained weapons, I wonder which tribe accomplished that. I muse to myself, drawing about the memories of every tribe Itoa and Hera mentioned. Strangely during my thoughts, I hear an odd noise coming from the driver.

With the sound of compressed air and then loud sniffing coming from the Wokan driver, I peek to look at him and notice a tube in his right hand and a datapad in his left. The tube is filled with a red liquid with some sort of pronged mechanism on top, he is now placing the prongs into his nose and inhaling deeply. Is it some sort of medicine, I'm not sure of its function, but he quickly manoeuvres the tube behind his back as another Wokan arrives. "I need you to sign this haul into the system." The other Wokan has a monotonous voice as if he had stated those very words many times before. The driver sniffs loudly before pressing his datapad to the visitors, a faint beep resounds satisfying the visitor who leaves without a word.

The driver then snorts angrily before turning to the tube in his hand and inhaling a few more times. He lets out a satisfied groan before moving away around the front of the adjacent haulier. Realising his absence, I quietly leave the underside of the haulier, creep towards the adjacent vehicle and peek around the corner. On the other side, I witness the driver looking around frantically before ducking behind some storage containers not too far away. I follow slowly behind, eventually reaching the containers I listen carefully, the sound of the driver inhaling excessively before a faint thud can be heard. Confused I wait for a short time before peeking over only to discover the fainted Wokan sprawled out on the floor.

His face has a satisfied grin plastered while his eyelids have retracted, in his right upper hand is the empty tube and in his left is his still active datapad. Though I am unfamiliar with this kind of situation I can see the inefficiency and likely insubordinate behaviour of the Wokan. I would never allow such actions to occur under my command, I will have to ensure they do not affect the Wokan that have pledged to me. Yet I must thank this Wokan driver as the unlocked data pad to his left shall be a huge aid to my plans.

I move to step over the unconscious Wokan and quickly take the datapad, conveniently the device is unlocked with all its features available. Normally I would see this as an advantage and I would be correct if it was not for the current tab open, the appearance of a completely nude female Wokan was not something I anticipated. I immediately closed the irrelevant tab, quickly focusing my attention on the other features of the datapad. As I'm about to open the compound schematics, I hear several voices heading towards me, I quickly lower my posture and watch for movement. Hiding behind the containers I watch without making a sound. Surprisingly the two figures walking past are not Wokan but Garudan's clothed in combat armour, their faces are painted blue in the form of a claw grasping the left side of their faces. Both Garudan's carry laser rifles strapped to their backs, they are also speaking in Garudan with a few Shahnese words here and there.

I wait for a short time and the Garudan guards pass by without noticing me, this new piece of information was not too unexpected yet still rather jarring to witness. Perhaps Randax may be a reasonable faction to deal with, maybe not, regardless I must verify the location of Vixorm. With my objective secure in my mind, I move around the container, looking left and right noticing the lack of enemies. Turning to the right I move quickly down the hallway towards the doorway according to the data pad's compound schematics.

Nearing the door, I notice the giant metal sliding door is closed and locked, to the left is a small wall panel. The panel is glowing softly, with several words written across the panel's screen, the words are somewhat familiar possible Shahnese or Wokan. An idea suddenly comes to me, I move the datapad near the panel and my idea is validated with the sound of a faint beep. The door slides to the side revealing a lit corridor on the other side, luckily there is no one yet I still moved to the side to hide. Realising the empty corridor, I enter and begin to make my way down, suddenly halfway down the corridor, I hear several voices approaching, jolted I turn to the left, open the side door and enter. Closing the door behind me I turn around to judge the room and luckily it seems to be an empty storage closet.

Now away from prying eyes I moved to the left side of the door and lean against the wall. Enough time should have passed by I should check on chief Gem. Accessing the communication channel of the two scout suits worn by the two security officers, a panel appears on the interface. The two suits are labelled as CSS-005 and CSS-009, I select CSS-009 and open her suits video feed to monitor events transpiring.