Inside the spacecraft, tension swirled silently like the void outside. Noir's voice broke the silence. "So, did you think of any plan?"
Powell stepped forward with a composed face. "Yes. We know the enemy is an Alcrian who can manipulate flames. Anticipating this, we brought flame-resistant defensive war suits for both our teams."
The rest of the team leaned in.
"We don't know how many Alcrians might be accompanying him," Powell continued. "So our first objective is to remain hidden and observe. We will pass over Deimos to make them think we're just a passing vessel. While we do, we'll scan the surface. Once we've confirmed their location, we'll land on the opposite side. Then, we'll deploy our rovers to monitor their movements and plan a coordinated strike."
Powell's eyes shifted to Clady. "And for the Alcrian ability user, we'll deploy Judas and Clady to handle it."
Clady scoffed and stomped forward, facing Powell with arrogance radiating from every word. "What do you mean by pairing me with that low-class scum? Are you a fool or just pretending to be smart?"
Powell stared at him unbothered. But before he could respond, I stepped in. "Powell, let him fight alone."
Clady laughed, his smug face pulling tighter. "Ha! So you do understand your worth."
Just then, a woman with snake-like eyes slithered her way toward Isabella.
"Hey, are you Isabella?" she asked with a mocking tone.
"Yes. I am," Isabella answered softly.
"Is it true even a servant can beat you?" she said, laughing cruelly.
Isabella looked down. She couldn't deny it.
The woman continued, her grin sharp as a blade. "Can't believe you're from the same family as Mr. Clady."
Claire stepped up, her eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"Nessy. What's it to you?"
"I want you to apologize to our captain."
"Fine," Nessy sneered. "Sorry for bringing up how weak you are, Mrs. Isabella Williams."
She laughed again and walked away. Isabella's eyes welled up.
"Don't cry," said Sai, stepping in. "If you cry now, you're only proving her right."
Isabella blinked hard. And she didn't cry.
One day and twenty hours later, Austin turned to the crew. "We're about to reach Deimos."
"Okay," Powell said. "Pull the lever and cross Deimos at full speed. I'll scan the surface during the pass."
Austin maneuvered the spacecraft swiftly over the small moon. Powell's fingers danced over the scanner.
"Here," Powell pointed. "That's where the Alcrians are hiding. We'll land on the opposite side."
Austin activated the stealth mode and gently brought the spacecraft down.
They landed safely.
Everyone stepped out, except for Austin who remained at the controls.
"Wow... it's like there's no gravity at all," Noir said, stunned.
"Yes. Deimos' escape velocity is just six meters per second," Powell warned. "Even a jump can launch you into space. If your suit's repulsors get damaged, you'll drift forever unless we recover you. So be careful."
Suddenly, Nessy hurled a massive flash grenade into the air.
BOOM!
A searing light spread across the sky. The Alcrians noticed immediately and began approaching.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Noir shouted at Nessy.
"What's there to worry about?" Clady smirked. "I can take them all. You know that, right?"
Clady stepped forward, raising his arm. "Witness my fireball!"
But the flames sputtered the moment they left his palms. Snuffed out by the vacuum.
"W-what? What's happening!?" Clady shouted, shaken.
Powell deadpanned. "Isn't it obvious? We're in space. How did you think you could produce fire in a vacuum?"
"But... but the sun burns in space!" Clady argued, his voice desperate.
I couldn't help it. I laughed. "So this is the knowledge of a noble's son."
Nessy screamed in panic. "Aaaah! Clady can't use his power! I provoked them thinking he could handle it! We're going to die!"
She was on the verge of tears.
Then, Isabella stepped forward. Her voice, calm and commanding.
"No need to worry. We can handle it."
Her eyes locked onto all of us.
"Elite Six of Batch 16! I, your captain, command you! Complete the mission! No one is allowed to die. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, Captain!" we shouted in unison.
As I looked at her, something stirred in me. She had changed. She was braver. Stronger. And that made it my duty to carry her courage.
"Come forth, you Alcrians," I muttered, stepping forward, tightening my grip on my blade. "I am waiting."
A horde of Alcrians surged forward.
The battle on Deimos had begun.