Three ships began slowing to a near stop. They maneuvered beautifully into the tight station of the Tower hanger. Blake, Dakota, and Kourtney hopped out of their ships and gathered their gear.
"Welcome back, Guardians," Amanda Holiday said as she typed commands on her holotablet. Soon, the three ships decended into the dark pit of the Tower.
"It's good to be back," Blake replied.
The Wolf Pack walked over to the Hall of Guardians. As they walked down the stairs, Dakota could see several Guardians around the Vanguard table, all talking with Commander Zavala.
"Riot wards are permitted. Whatever is necessary, [b]but[/b], do not harm any civilians!" Commander Zavala said.
"Yes, Sir!" Said the titaness that was leading the City Guard. She led the Guardians out of the Vanguard hall, leaving Wolf Pack with the leaders.
"What seems to be the problem, Commander?" Dakota asked.
"There's a rogue Guardian, in the City, covered in SIVA. The bas**** already killed a man!" Zavala said as he gritted his teeth and clenched his fist.
Dakota and Blake looked to each other. "The Technomancer..." They both said simultaneously.
"Who?" Zavala asked.
"That's why we're here: In the Plaguelands, we encountered a warlock that called herself the Technomancer. She's building an army of SIVA by converting Guardians into mindless drones," Dakota replied.
"Techno-zombies," Kourtney added.
"This is a warlock?" Zavala asked, trying to dig for details.
"The warlock seems to be the leader. We've also fought two titans, and a hunter," Blake said.
"So, there is a hunter?" Zavala asked.
"Yes. Is that what this rogue is? A hunter?" Dakota asked in return. Zavala simply nodded. "We'll join the City Guard's hunt and find him. These guys are dangerous, Commander. They plan to destroy the City, and won't let anything stop them..."
"I have permitted any means necessary for suppressing this Guardian, and bringing him in. I would like to see what he knows..." Zavala replied.
"Yes, Sir," Dakota started to walk away, but stopped and turned. "Taking him alive may not be the wisest decision, Sir... If any SIVA gets loose in the Tower, the Technomancer could use it to convert more Guardians,"
"We'll keep that in mind. But, you three need your rest. You all have been out in the field for some time now," Zavala said like an order.
Dakota shifted his jaw around. "Yes, Sir," he finally said before leaving.
Kourtney sat on her bed in her apartment. She undid her bootstraps and set them to the side. All of her weapons were also propped against her bedside table. Kourtney shoved her hands into her face, then let gravity lay her down.
"Are you okay, dear?" Monica asked as she floated over to the huntress.
"Do you [i]think[/i] I'm 'okay'? Alan's missing, I'm a Lady of Iron, and SIVA people are attacking the City... It's too much, too fast!" Kourtney exclaimed. "I just wish I could know that Alan's safe..."
Parts of Monica's shell frowned. "I miss them too, Kourtney. But Alan's a capable hunter, and he has Col-- Alan is a very capable hunter. I'm sure he's still safe..."
As the hours of night passed, Kourtney laid in bed, twirling a knife between her fingers. Not once could she even think to go to sleep. Now, more than ever, she was thinking about everything. The Technomancer planned to attack soon... and Wolf Pack was ordered to get some rest.
Monica flew to a window and stared at the stars outside. "Oh, Colt... Wherever you are, please be careful..." she said to herself. The ghost sat on the windowsill and watched the night sky.
-
And now we play the waiting game.