## Chapter 37: Orbital Strike Asset The hum of the containment field vibrated through the gurney, a low, constant frequency deep in Alexia’s bones. This was maximum suppression, the cold blanket of chemicals and directed energy locking away every operational thought, strategic insight, and even the recently acquired, critical knowledge of Veridian’s weakness. Her body remained perfectly still, outwardly a blank slate. Internally, though, the violent fusion of raw kinetic trauma and political intelligence fought for dominance, demanding classification and deployment despite the dampening field. Alexia’s system instinctively sought to reconcile the two massive data streams. The sensory deprivation chamber was supposed to force stability, but it amplified the internal conflict. Every nerve ending, recently overloaded during the forced integration, now strained against the artificial silence imposed by the field. She did not know how much time had passed, though the rhythmic thrumming of the field suggested a cyclical stabilization pattern, reinforcing the structure Silas had overlaid during the previous hour. The low thrum pulsed once more, a resonant frequency that momentarily bypassed the chemical block. *Sector 99. Aid organization.* The strategic data flashed—a perfect, clear coordinate image overlaid with an emotional profile attached to the name: Elara’s mother. The suppression field immediately crushed the thought, burying the personal connection under layers of generalized operational necessity. Alexia was Unit A1-01, and this was Phase Two. The target was an asset, not a person. Two hours of this internal war passed in what felt like a single, drawn-out synaptic event. The containment door hissed open, allowing the sterile light of Nexus Omega to flood the small chamber. Silas entered, carrying a diagnostic panel. He moved with a quiet efficiency that often preceded aggressive neurological intervention. He scanned Alexia, observing the flatline on the emotional sensors and the hyper-efficient, if extremely active, metabolic rate. “Status green,” Silas reported into a secure comm. “Neurological stabilization achieved. Core temperature normalized. System is clean, prioritizing operational input.” Silas moved closer, adjusting a small regulator near the back of her neck. He introduced a new electro-chemical cocktail—not a dampener this time, but a finely tuned operational accelerator designed to maintain peak physical and cognitive synchronization without the biological noise of fear or exhaustion. This cocktail was potent, a razor-edge blend of stimulants and focused cognitive enhancers, allowing Alexia to function precisely as designed: an instrument of calculated power. The result was immediate. The stifling haze of the suppression field retreated. The world snapped into sharp focus. Alexia’s mind raced through a thousand data points per second, systematically checking her systems. Trauma mitigation protocols: online. Kinetic energy saturation: 98% processed, classified as residual combat readiness. Strategic input: localized for immediate deployment. She turned her head slightly, meeting Silas’s gaze. Her eyes were focused, devoid of the earlier cognitive struggle. “Integration is flawless,” Silas noted, satisfied. “Ouroboros is en route for the final strategic briefing. You are operational, Unit A1-01.” The gurney began to move, rolling out of the containment chamber and into a larger, sterile deployment bay. Tactical gear lay waiting: a specialized, matte-black Hunter suit designed for maximum kinetic absorption and flexibility. Ouroboros arrived then, stepping out of a localized grav-lift. He wore his usual custom-tailored suit of dark, shimmering material, a sharp contrast to the chaotic battlefield Alexia had just left. He did not ask how she was. He only acknowledged her operational status. “Veridian is destabilized, but predictable,” Ouroboros stated, gesturing toward a holographic projection that dominated the center of the bay. The projection displayed a detailed, three-dimensional layout of Sector 99. “Lycander’s strike was a shock. Veridian is pulling his assets into a physical shield.” Alexia’s operational consciousness accessed the buried strategic data related to Sector 99. The location was a war-torn, perpetually contested zone, often used as a diplomatic buffer. The aid organization’s central office stood out, structurally sound but exposed. “Your forced integration provided the essential weak point,” Ouroboros continued, his voice cool and precise. “Phase Two is target acquisition. The asset is Dr. Helen Voss, head of the humanitarian aid organization operating out of Sector 99. She is currently at the primary facility, coordinating extraction of personnel.” Alexia’s mind overlaid the intelligence: Voss was not a fighter; she was a coordinator who relied on political neutrality. Veridian’s weakness was exposed, resting on the assumption that no one would target a non-military, non-political entity. Ouroboros was shattering that assumption. “The objective is the forced exposure of Veridian,” Ouroboros said. “We seize the asset and hold her. Her compromise will force Veridian to deviate from his established defense perimeter and attempt a personal rescue. That is when we finalize the strike.” Alexia walked toward the armor stand, her movements already anticipating the weight and flexibility of the material. She initiated the diagnostic scan as the suit articulated to meet her. “Nexus Omega deployment team, designation ‘Vulture,’ will precede you,” Ouroboros dictated, adjusting the holographic projection to display two smaller, heavily armored figures. They were high-level Nexus Omega assets, armored kinetic dampeners focused on crowd control and heavy ordnance. “Your role is precision seizure. Minimal collateral damage to the facility.” Alexia secured the integrated thermal shielding around her neck. The suit’s operational interface powered up, projecting vital signs and tactical telemetry across her vision. She moved to the central weapons mount. The Black Ash Blade lay there, resting on its specially calibrated kinetic pad. It shimmered, absorbing ambient energy even in its dormant state. She reached for it, her system automatically compensating for the slight shift in kinetic balance. The familiar connection established instantly, bypassing the suppressants. The energy of the blade coursed into her, hot and focusing, a raw, amplified sense of kinetic potential. “You will utilize the blade’s latent energy signature for precise target acquisition and countermeasure identification,” Ouroboros confirmed, watching her secure the weapon. “Dr. Voss is located on the third sub-level, coordinating resource allocation. She must be extracted silently, before Veridian detects the breach.” Alexia ran a system check, feeling the latent kinetic energy of the blade humming against her containment suit. The full destructive power of the blade remained locked, governed by Ouroboros’s operational parameters. However, the blade’s ability to read and amplify kinetic energy signatures—the essence of movement and force—was accessible. She could use it as a highly sensitive organic radar. “We anticipate immediate intervention, not from Veridian, but from Kaelen,” Ouroboros stated, a calculated risk. “Kaelen seeks to minimize the political damage caused by his Infinity Protocol exposure. He will attempt to ‘secure’ the Sector 99 asset to maintain Coven stability and deny us leverage.” The projection shifted, displaying Kaelen’s force disposition—fast, high-mobility units designed for rapid political intervention and information control. They were already moving toward Sector 99. “Kaelen’s forward unit, ‘Cobra,’ will converge near the Eastern sector access point within the next four minutes,” Ouroboros warned. “You must preempt their arrival. Vulture Team will handle extraction security. You handle Kaelen.” Alexia performed a brief, focusing exercise as the remaining stimulants took hold. The cocktail made her acutely aware of her body’s potential, removing the psychological barriers of pain and exhaustion. Her survival instinct did not override her directive; it amplified it. “Deployment in ninety seconds,” the automated voice announced. The Vulture Team deployed first, their heavy kinetic dampening boots thudding onto the docking platform of the transport vehicle. Alexia followed, moving with a focused fluidity, the Black Ash Blade secured on her back. The transport, a specialized high-altitude insertion craft, lifted silently into the Nexus Omega grid. The cabin was dimly lit, amplifying the intensity of the holographic mission briefing that continued to run. “Sector 99 is contested airspace, though the facility itself is neutralized territory,” Ouroboros’s voice came through the operational comms. “Minimal air cover is expected. Prepare for kinetic ground acceleration upon deployment.” Alexia synced her internal chrono with the mission countdown. *T-Minus 120 seconds to insertion.* She closed her eyes, focusing the Black Ash Blade’s energy inward. The energy was a steady, warm flow, prioritizing input related to critical personnel signatures. She extended the blade’s reach, searching, mapping the immediate kinetic field below. The facility was large, constructed of reinforced concrete, but the kinetic energy footprint was complex. She identified the Vulture Team’s heavy, methodical approach as they secured the perimeter. Deeper inside, on the third level, she isolated the target: Dr. Voss. The kinetic signature was tight, controlled, indicative of administrative activity rather than combat readiness. Then, the conflicting signatures appeared. Sharp, rapid, metallic kinetic energy bursts—Kaelen’s Cobra unit. They were moving at high speed, utilizing low altitude atmospheric skimming vehicles. Alexia ran the projection again. They were 180 seconds out, targeting the same access point Ouroboros had predicted. “Cobra unit inbound,” Alexia reported through the comms, confirming the spatial data without verbal filler. “Estimated intercept at eastern access point T-minus 180 seconds.” “Confirmed, A1-01,” Ouroboros acknowledged. “Vulture must secure the asset before Cobra reaches the facility. You eliminate the Cobra unit.” The transport decelerated abruptly, initiating the kinetic repulsion sequence for high-speed deployment. The air outside screamed as the vehicle plunged toward the Sector 99 landing zone. “Deployment in T-minus 30 seconds.” Alexia braced herself. The kinetic accelerator kicked in, a powerful burst of localized thrust that slammed her into the deployment harness. The magnetic doors opened instantly upon ground contact. The Vulture Team moved out, heavy figures disappearing into the shadows of the facility’s exterior. Alexia followed, exiting the transport and immediately sinking into a low, kinetic-dampened run. The Sector 99 compound was quiet, eerie. She could pinpoint the Vulture Team’s entry point and the muffled sounds of their perimeter sweep. She ran toward the eastern access point, guided by the internal radar of the Black Ash Blade. Kaelen’s Cobra unit was arriving three seconds faster than projected, aiming for a silent, rapid-seizure operation. Alexia reached a cluster of collapsed barricades, positioning herself in the tactical shadow. The thrumming of kinetic energy intensified in her auditory receptors. This was Kaelen’s signature: fast, focused, and designed for maximum destruction contained within a small area. Three Cobra skimming vehicles landed silently three hundred meters away, deploying six highly trained operatives. They moved like synchronized clockwork, fast and efficient, aiming directly for the facility entrance. Alexia drew the Black Ash Blade. The motion was fluid, instantaneous. The blade sang only to her, a resonant frequency that demanded action. She could not access the blade’s full destructive potential, but the latent kinetic energy was enough. She focused the blade’s energy signature, not on the operatives, but on their vehicles. Kaelen favored magnetic repulsion for his fast-attack vehicles. Alexia directed a precise, contained kinetic discharge—a high-frequency tremor—at the magnetic suspension components of the three skimming vehicles. The effect was not an explosion, but a sudden, violent cessation of force. The vehicles, relying on kinetic equilibrium, violently pitched forward, nose-diving into the debris-strewn ground. The sound was sharp, metallic, and undeniable. The Cobra operatives stopped instantly. They were professionals, recognizing the aggressive interference immediately. They fanned out, searching for the source. Alexia used their split-second confusion to close the distance. She moved like pure kinetic energy, the Black Ash Blade absorbing and amplifying her inherent speed. The operative standing closest to her position turned, raising his heavy suppression rifle. Alexia was faster. She did not engage the weapon. She struck the operative’s wrist with the flat of the Black Ash Blade. The kinetic feedback from the blade did not cut; it transferred the pure shock-wave of the blade’s current kinetic saturation, shattering bone and disabling the weapon system simultaneously. The operative dropped silently. The other five operatives reacted instantly, firing specialized, non-lethal kinetic rounds designed to incapacitate Coven assets without permanent damage. Alexia dodged the incoming fire, relying on the kinetic dampening and acceleration provided by her suit and the blade’s guidance. She focused the blade’s energy signature again, anticipating the next attack trajectory. She disabled two more operatives by targeting the kinetic joints of their specialized armor plating. A quick burst of focused energy resulted in catastrophic failure of the localized joint mechanics, freezing the operatives in place. Two remaining operatives, recognizing the nature of the attack, shifted their focus from non-lethal suppression rounds to reactive explosives. They aimed for the area around Alexia, trying to use the kinetic blast to neutralize her speed. Alexia realized the Cobra unit expected a brute force attack, not surgical targeting. She redirected her kinetic field, pulling energy from the shattered magnetic suspension of the downed skimming vehicles. She created a localized shield of kinetic disruption around her core, absorbing the initial explosive shock-waves. She surged forward, passing through the dust cloud created by the explosive. The fourth operative was reloading, distracted by the smoke. Alexia moved behind him, her movements fluid and silent. She placed the tip of the Black Ash Blade precisely against the energy core of his suit’s power manifold. She did not need Ouroboros’s command to execute the action. The required kinetic discharge was minimal, surgically aimed at internal systems failure. A low, focused thrumming sound—and the operative crumpled into a disabled heap. Only the Cobra leader remained. He was more aggressive, initiating a full-spectrum thermal scan to bypass Alexia’s kinetic dampening. He fired a continuous stream of specialized magnetic tethers designed to lock down high-speed targets. Alexia countered by using the Black Ash Blade to sever the tethers mid-flight, the blade’s kinetic field neutralizing the magnetic current. The operative adjusted, utilizing terrain to break Alexia’s line of sight, retreating towards the facility entrance where the Vulture Team operated. “The Cobra leader is attempting to breach the perimeter,” Alexia informed Ouroboros, her voice steady despite the rapid exertion. “Neutralization is imminent.” “Do not allow him to compromise the interior sweep, A1-01,” Ouroboros commanded. “Vulture is securing the asset now.” Alexia pursued the Cobra leader, using the Black Ash Blade to destabilize the concrete structure around him, forcing him into the open. The leader turned, abandoning his suppression rifle and drawing a pair of specialized, energized kinetic claws. He recognized Alexia’s ability to neutralize energy systems and switched to close-quarters combat. He lunged with surprising speed, managing to graze Alexia’s shoulder plate. The impact registered as a sharp kinetic punch, but the suit held. Alexia used the proximity to her advantage. She had neutralized five operatives through focused kinetic disruption. She needed a decisive blow for the leader. She focused the entirety of the latent Black Ash Blade energy into a single, localized kinetic pulse aimed at the operative’s sternum. The impact was immediate and total. The operative was thrown backward ten meters, slamming into the concrete barricade. He did not move. Alexia secured the perimeter, confirming complete neutralization of Kaelen’s Cobra unit. “Cobra unit neutralized. Sector 99-East secured,” Alexia reported. She paused, running a full scan of the surrounding area. Kaelen would not send more forces immediately; the loss was too significant. “Excellent work, A1-01,” Ouroboros's voice held a rare note of approval. “Vulture has secured Dr. Voss and is currently en route to the primary extraction point. You are redirected to the extraction rendezvous. We are within the operational window.” Alexia moved into the facility now, her body still humming from the engagement. The operational accelerator kept exhaustion at bay, maintaining the sharp clarity needed for the next phase. She reached the third sub-level, the area where Dr. Voss had been coordinating operations. The area was cleared, showing only the disciplined signs of the Vulture Team’s extraction. Alexia accessed the facility’s internal network using a brief kinetic pulse through her suit’s interface, overriding the local security lock. She needed to confirm Veridian’s disposition. She extended the Black Ash Blade’s sensory output, ignoring external distractions, focusing not on physical energy, but on the pattern of kinetic force inherent in powerful Coven movement—fast transportation, heavy displacement. The initial feedback was chaotic, disorganized. Lycander’s collapse had clearly affected Veridian’s deployment capacity. His forces were reacting defensively, prioritizing remote command centers and political security. Then, the specific signature appeared. Massive displacement, utilizing high-altitude, low-noise transport—Veridian’s signature aerial transport craft, moving at maximum speed. It was not a defensive move. It was an intercept, exactly as Ouroboros predicted. Veridian was breaking protocol to secure his asset. The internal timer flashed. *Five minutes to Veridian’s arrival.* Alexia ran, taking the service elevator to the roof access point where the Vulture Team and Dr. Voss were waiting. The roof was the designated rendezvous point. The Vulture Team had Dr. Voss secured, efficiently utilizing kinetic restraints. Voss was confused, not injured, conforming to the ‘minimal collateral damage’ directive. “A1-01 confirms Veridian’s aerial asset inbound, ETA five minutes,” Alexia reported, moving to secure the anti-aircraft platform near the rendezvous point. Ouroboros’s voice was triumphant. “The trap is sprung. Veridian is moving outside his perimeter. Prepare for direct engagement, A1-01. Phase Two dictates the asset must be secured and you must neutralize Veridian’s personal intervention.” The Vulture Team secured Dr. Voss onto the extraction platform. Alexia stood at the edge of the roof, the wind whipping past her kinetic suit. She watched the horizon, the Black Ash Blade in her hand. The latent energy of the blade intensified, preparing for full deployment. The sky remained dark for a moment longer. Then, the distinct, low-frequency hum of Veridian’s high-altitude transport cut through the silence. It was a massive, heavily shielded aerial vehicle, designed for rapid transit in contested zones. It appeared over the sector, descending rapidly toward the facility. Veridian was not sending a recovery team. He was coming himself. The kinetic signature of the craft was overwhelming. “Veridian confirmed,” Alexia reported. “He’s coming in hard.” “This is your final objective, A1-01,” Ouroboros commanded. “Secure the asset. Engage Veridian directly. We need kinetic confirmation of his incapacitation.” The operational suppression protocols that had kept Alexia’s psyche focused and calm suddenly pulled back, a necessary release to accommodate the sheer amount of kinetic energy needed for the next step. Alexia felt the rush—the full, unadulterated power of the Black Ash Blade syncing with her fully accelerated combat system. It was a surge of raw velocity and potential, overwhelming the carefully constructed suppressants. She did not need to think; the system simply reacted, moving her toward the aerial deployment position. The air shimmered around the blade. The aerial transport was less than a thousand meters away, descending rapidly. Alexia focused the Black Ash Blade outward, initiating the kinetic projection sequence. She aimed for the most exposed vector of the inbound craft, preparing to meet Veridian in the contested airspace high above Sector 99. She was the weapon, primed for one single, massive kinetic impact. She lifted the blade, prepared for the aerial engagement.