“Clearance code secured. Welcome.”

The metallic doors of a cramped room opened. The room only had a table and two chairs, somewhat seeming like a poorly maintained interrogation room. At one end, a young girl in her late teens sat shivering. The mist ejected from the doors opening faded as a young man walked in with a warm towel wrapped on his hands. He gently nodded to the computer greeting his entry.

“I brought this hoping it might enlighten your mood. No need to be afraid.” He slowly placed down the coat on the table. The girl looked through her hair that fell over her face as she hesitantly took it. The man then took a seat as he rested his back onto the backrest. He hoped that she would feel less intimidated.

“I understand that you might not trust us. It’s fair. If you’re not scared, then you’re not sentient.” He eased into a conversation. However, it continued to be one-sided for the moment.

“This collective, as you might have heard of, fights for the security and peace for the unfortunate.” She remained as she was, not bothered by what he said. Many attempted to talk to her but to no avail. “It's a load of bullshit.” He continued. Instantly, her eyes jolted up in confusion to his comment about his organisation’s own moral mission. 

“It's a second chance…For everyone.” As he rested his palm onto the table, his fist would glow in a white aura. The girl looked in shock.

He’s like me?

“People will look at your abilities and think it's a gift…but it is not. It’s a responsibility. People once chased after me for…this.” He waved his aura engulfed hand around as he spoke. “They even killed my parents for it. But I found someone who guided me to fight back. To be better.” The glow slowly faded away. “The people who abused you are already on their way to eternal damnation in the afterlife. No one will hurt you again. We will ensure that you will be protected. Or…I can help you overcome this phase in your life.”

The girl looked up to him now, her face mostly seen at this moment of the conversation.

“This…abilities…can you help me to overcome it?” She softly asked. Her voice seemed pure and innocent.

“I can teach you to accept it. It makes you whole.”

She brushed her hair back as her face was finally revealed. “I want to be stronger.”

“Then allow me to guide you.” He slowly stood up.

As he made his way out of the room, she called to him.

“Athena. Athena Shou.” She introduced herself to him, at last. “I saw that footage of you stopping that terrorist with your sword.” She continued.

“Then you know who I am.”

Her eyes opened. The bright rays of the sun shone through the cockpit as it landed exactly at her eyelids. Athena zoned out for a moment and dreamt back to when she first joined The New Allegiance. Much time has passed since she first joined the cause. She was once a learner, now she prepares herself to put the things she learned to the ultimate test. For the first time since her first ever mission, she felt fear. The reason remains a mystery as the ship slowly landed on an intergalactic fuel depot that hovers around the amber star. The ramp lowered as the leadership of the New Allegiance walked down. Ryan Lou, Ava Pentercost, Ajay Shrader and his android Cee-G, Kal Rexington and Destoria Roxx. Athena followed behind as they formed a circle.

“Our contacts are pirates that used to work for the Supreme Leader who are willing to sell us information about the supply routes that the GLF uses, codenamed Stinger Crew.” Ryan then takes out a holographic puck showing the identities of the crew. “This area exists outside the GLF’s jurisdiction. We have no reason to expect them here. All we have to do is collect the information, secure payment and get back here. Shouldn't take long.” Ava continued. 

“I’m confused. If it was a simple transaction, why have us all here?” Kal asked.

“Due to our history, the captain of the crew thinks that the Allegiance is divided. I mean, Ava was part of the Vigilante Corps before she rejoined, I went solo, Destoria was missing and Ajay’s company had a deal with the GLF. He said that we have to prove that we are all fighting for The Allegiance before he provides such information. As surprising as it is, he once supported the cause before we lost Earth.” Ryan replied.

“So you’re saying that the only person able to cover us during the transaction is Athena?” Destoria asked curiously.

“Yes, but nothing she can’t handle alone. Not like we’re battling Tariol Operators.” Ava replied.

“Shall we?” Ryan asked. The Head Operators walked into the depot, walking through the small town that was there. Athena on the other hand, parted ways and went to cover them from above.

“The streets are…oddly empty.” Destoria commented as they continued their walk.

“Athena, anything?” Ava asked through comms. “Nothing from visual or scanners. I'm only picking up signals from the meeting point.” Athena added.

“It’s a depot in the far end of the sector. I suppose the eerie silence makes sense.” Ryan replied. “Okay, we’re coming up on the signal. Maintain composure…” He dragged his last words as they met an unexpected foe.

As they pivoted towards the meeting point, puddles of blood covered the tiles on the floor. The building walls were full of battle marks. The fountain in the middle, however, remained untouched though no water filled its rim. Before they could even birth their next thought, the sounds of footsteps could be heard. Metallic boots clicked off the ground and into the puddles of blood. The man revealed himself.

“The arrogance of chiselers will expect situations to be their way, and not expect their plans to change.” 

A purple visor glowed.