"Back to business. Given the circumstances, this is now an A-rank mission and will require a full assault on the Fortress," Magnus announced, his tone grave.
"Uh-oh… here comes the speech," Axel muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Fuck love. Fuck humanity. Finish the mission no matter what..."
Magnus's posture straightened, the intensity in his voice rising with every word.
"These three Fs are what Squad Bastards has lived by for years. They're not just rules—they're mandates. If you're here and can't follow them, you might as well be dead! Our mission is to infiltrate the Fortress and eliminate Tony Sparrow's wife and grandson. No remorse. Confirm the kill through the earpiece, then extract. Echelon Four and Norway's military be damned!" he roared.
Oooo he's so hot when he talks like that… Roxie thought, blushing as her eyes lingered on Magnus.
Meanwhile, Leon stood drenched in sweat, face pale as he looked around at his comrades in disbelief.
Do any of them hear this man? He just said we're worthless if we don't die for the mission! What the fuck is wrong with these people?!
Magnus turned back to the group. "Now Squad Bastards—here's the plan."
***
Two days later. Deep in Hedmark, Norway, nestled between rugged hills and dense forests, stood the Fortress.
A heavily guarded military compound made up of four evenly spaced four-story buildings. Soldiers patrolled every corner, but in the middle of the base, a special group of individuals stood out.
"We haven't seen anything for five days now," said Genji the Serpent, leader of Echelon Four, letting out a long yawn.
To his right stood a 5'6" light-skinned man in a camo coat and pants, black boots planted firmly on the ground. A massive riot shield rested on his back, matching his bold, silky blond mohawk and sharp fade.
"You really think the people who killed Ligard will show up here? This Fortress is like my shield—unbreakable," the man commented.
"I'm sure of it. And I think you know what usually happens when I'm sure of something… right, Talon?" Genji asked, his hand drifting to his katana.
Talon reached back, hand gripping his riot shield.
"I know exactly what happens. That's why I'm asking. If someone skilled enough to kill Ligard is on their way here, we need to iron out our defenses fast," he replied.
"You two worry too much," a woman chimed in, stepping forward.
She was average height, pale-skinned with long blue hair that matched her skintight blue jumpsuit. Flower tattoos wrapped around her arms, and yellow yoyos dangled from her hips. Her eyes shimmered light blue, boots rising to her knees.
"Oh, if it isn't Isabella with her bad takes," Genji remarked.
"What are you talking about, Genji? I don't see anything wrong with what she said. Ligard was crazy strong—there had to be some kind of stipulation to beat him," Talon replied, confused.
"Well, thank you. Someone finally showing me respect," Isabella snarked.
"Uhh... you two weren't there when I found Ligard's body."
Genji paused, remembering the moment five days ago when he stumbled upon the corpse, long after Roxie and Leon had vanished.
"I checked his body thoroughly. Each cut was clean, consistent, almost surgical—except for the deep slash across his throat. That was the killing blow. Cuts like those? Not possible with a group. That was one person. One very skilled person. And Ligard wasn't caught off guard—he had his claws out, cloak off. He fought back. So imagine if that same person tracked the people we're guarding… and brought more just like them."
Nothing but silence came from Talon and Isabella.
"…Yeah, I think I see your point now. Is that why you told me to bring this guy all the way from Paris?" Isabella asked, turning around.
Everyone looked.
Behind her stood a short, obese man with chalky white skin, greasy black hair, beady black eyes, and round glasses. His tight sweatpants clung to his legs, his too-small white T-shirt revealing a full lower stomach.
"Hahhh… hhhhhnn… is it hot out here? God damn," the man wheezed, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"It's literally cold," Talon muttered.
"Don't entertain that shit, Talon. You're better than that," Genji sighed. "You're Doji, right? Heard you're one of the best hackers in the world."
"Huhhuh… yeah. I hack into banks almost every day to steal money. Gotta make sure the OnlyFans models eat off my support… huhhh, can't breathe. I wish Rubi Rose would just step on me," Doji moaned, clutching his chest.
"…I respect your leadership, Genji," Isabella said, disgusted, "but this guy looks like he's one breath away from the afterlife. You sure we can trust him?"
"Well, Doji. Here's the deal. When intruders hit the Tallahassee base, they fought, snuck around, and extracted info without being detected once. Could be skill… or a master hacker. So we need you to jam their tech. One to two hours. Can you handle that?"
"Huuuhh… as long as I get money for my queen Shopie Rain and the rest of my bop house girls, I can out-hack anyone," Doji replied, drool leaking from the corner of his mouth.
"…Okay, weirdo. We've got a small, boxed-in computer room. It should be—"
"INTRUDERS AT THE GATE!" a soldier shouted, sprinting toward them.
Genji's expression didn't change.
"Well, damn. You were right on the money, Genji," Talon said calmly.
"The entrance, huh? That's where I'll go," Isabella added.
"No. This could be misdirection. I'll handle the gate myself. Isabella—take our sweaty hacker to his station, then sweep the base. Talon—start your sweep now."
"Right!"
"Talon! Isabella!"
The two looked back as Genji called out again.
"Remember—we're Echelon Four. If we fall during guard duty, our titles mean nothing. Stay sharp."
"Nothing's breaking my shield!" Talon yelled.
"You just stay locked in, yourself," Isabella shot back.
***
Outside the Fortress, near the main entrance, Magnus now wore a black tee, storming forward with Roxie at his back. He reached into his pocket, pulled out an earpiece, and slipped it into his left ear.
"Squad Bastards—invade the Fortress now!"