Chapter 750: Heading to Agria
Valerie stood to the side, observing quietly.
Her data-slate was receiving an analysis of the Swarm signals synced from the Eternal Seeker—more precise, more detailed.
The data showed that while the Swarm on Agria was indeed massive, its distribution was relatively dispersed, with the main force concentrated around several primary hive clusters.
If they employed precision strikes and rapid maneuver tactics, the evacuation efficiency could be improved.
However, she did not speak immediately. She was waiting for Raynor's decision.
"Where is Tychus?" Raynor suddenly asked.
"He's in the hangar, inspecting the Artifact fragment," Matt answered.
"Call him up here."
A few minutes later, Tychus clanked onto the bridge in his blue power armor.
With his visor up and a cigar clamped in his mouth, he looked impatient. "What now, Jimmy? I was busy."
"The Agria colony is under siege by the bugs and sent a distress signal," Raynor said concisely. "We're the closest."
Tychus's face darkened immediately.
"Wait... you aren't actually planning to get involved in this mess, are you?" He waved an arm, his tone full of opposition. "Jimmy, we just got our hands on some valuable 'goods', we can cash in right now! We should be heading to the buyer, not diving into a Swarm to play the hero!"
"We can't just leave them, Tychus," Raynor's voice was very low.
"So what?" Tychus didn't back down an inch. "We ain't no saviors. Listen, we eat based on commissions, our goals are clear: make money, stay alive. Not to play selfless saints."
He took a step forward, his power armor's visor almost touching Raynor's face.
"Think about it, Jimmy. If this deal goes through, we all make a killing. We can upgrade our gear, recruit more hands, and take on even bigger jobs. But if you run off to Agria now and butt heads with those bugs—burning our ammo, fuel, and the lives of our boys—for what? For a bunch of people we don't even know? This deal is a bad trade any way you look at it!"
Raynor looked straight into Tychus's eyes, his tone calm but firm: "Some things aren't a trade."
"Hah!" Tychus sneered, taking a step back and throwing his hands up. "Here we go again. Fine, you're the boss, you call the shots. But I'm putting it out there right now: if this trip puts us in the red, or delays the delivery, don't blame me when I have something to say about it."
He turned to Matt. "Matt, talk some sense into him. You're the captain, you know how risky this is."
Matt was silent for a moment, looking at Raynor. "Jim, what Tychus says... has a point. Our resources are limited, and this operation is highly risky. But..." He took a deep breath. "If we don't go, those people are dead. The Dominion abandoned them; there won't be any reinforcements."
His gaze turned resolute: "I support your decision, Jim. We are Raiders; we fight to protect the innocent."
Raynor patted Matt on the shoulder. "Thanks, Matt."
He turned back to Tychus: "If you don't want to go, you can stay on the ship. Guard the Artifact and wait for us to get back."
Tychus glared at Raynor. A few seconds later, he spat fiercely.
"Damn it. I'm going. I wouldn't want to miss seeing how you get yourself killed." He turned and walked out of the bridge, his power armor's footsteps heavy and full of resentment. "I'll go prep my gear. Let's hope those bugs don't chew up my new armor."
Raynor watched Tychus leave, then turned to Valerie.
"Miss Valerie, you and your people can stay on the ship. This is a Raider operation and has nothing to do with your contract. You have completed the Mar Sara assessment mission and can choose to leave, or wait until we return to discuss further cooperation."
Valerie calmly met Raynor's gaze.
"Mr. Raynor, the situation on Agria is an excellent opportunity to evaluate crisis response capabilities in the Koprulu Sector. Observing the Raiders' organizational efficiency, tactical execution, and performance in the face of a massive biological threat under extreme conditions is crucial for us to judge the reliability of a local partner."
She paused slightly, then continued: "Therefore, 'Far Star United' wishes to continue fulfilling its observer duties. My security team and I will follow your operation and conduct an on-site assessment. We can provide limited tactical support but will not interfere with your command. All combat data collected will be used strictly for internal risk assessment and will not be leaked."
Raynor scrutinized her, seemingly judging her true intentions. A few seconds later, he nodded.
"Fine. But you must follow orders and cannot act independently. In the evacuation zone, you are responsible for your own safety."
"Understood," Valerie nodded.
"Good." Raynor turned to face the entire bridge crew, raising his voice. "Attention everyone! Alter course, set a heading for the Agria system, full speed ahead!"
"Matt, notify all combat personnel to prepare for ground operations. Swann, check the status of all vehicles and equipment. Stetmann, analyze the Swarm's signal signatures and find potential weaknesses. We are going to arrive in six hours and immediately launch a rescue operation!"
"Yes, sir!" A chorus of responses echoed across the bridge.
The massive hull of the Hyperion slowly turned in the void. Its main engines spewed brilliant blue streams of light as it began to accelerate.
The six-hour voyage passed amidst tense pre-battle preparations.
In the Hyperion's hangar, the Raiders were conducting final equipment checks.
Marines calibrated the joints and weapon systems of their CMC power armor; Marauders checked their grenade launcher ammo reserves; Medics sorted their medical kits and nano-injectors.
SCV engineering mechs, under Swann's direction, loaded a batch of prefabricated bunkers and automated turrets onto the dropships.
Valerie and her five "Security Consultants" were also preparing.
Their equipment differed from the Raiders' standard issue, but was inspected just as carefully.
Valerie changed into a lightweight combat suit with basic protective functions, wearing a tactical vest bearing the "Far Star United" crest over it. She secured her data-slate to her arm to receive real-time battlefield information.
Tychus's blue CMC armor was particularly eye-catching.
He was loudly directing several Raiders to move crates of heavy weapons, still chewing on a cigar, despite smoking being strictly prohibited on the ship.
"Bring more explosives! Who knows how thick those bugs' carapaces are!"
Raynor, wearing his standard combat suit with his Punisher grenade launcher at his waist, was going over the final tactical briefing with Matt.
"According to Stetmann's analysis, the Swarm's main force is concentrated in the incubation zone in the center of the colony," Matt said, displaying a map of Agria on the holographic projection. "Dr. Hanson and the majority of the civilians are trapped in the northern residential district, about three kilometers from the starport. There are three main roads connecting them, but all have been infiltrated by the Swarm."
He marked several key points: "We need to establish a safe corridor from the residential district to the starport. The plan is: Step one, use dropships to deploy the first wave of Marines and engineering units to the starport to establish a defensive perimeter."
"Step two, push from the starport toward the residential district, clearing the Swarm along the way and establishing intermediate strongpoints. Step three, rendezvous with the civilians and escort them back to the starport along the safe corridor to be evacuated by the dropships."
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