The following day, the contractors followed Amiya's instructions and underwent their medical and physical examinations. The medical tests themselves weren't too unusual—standard procedures, really—except for one notable detail. One of the medical staff, a Sarkaz vampire named Warfarin, seemed oddly fascinated by their blood samples. She repeatedly remarked on the unique composition of their blood, which was unlike anything she had encountered in Terra before. However, one of the other medical personnel, who was more familiar with Warfarin's quirks, assured the group that her obsession was more with the Doctor's blood than anyone else's. Apparently, Warfarin had once been under a restraining order for assaulting a superior officer, a fact that the staff had made sure to mention casually to keep things light.

There were no signs of oripathy in their blood, though it was decided that their samples would be stored for further study. They were assured that their blood wasn't a cause for concern—except that it had caught the attention of the team's most eccentric Sarkaz researcher.

Meanwhile, the physical training was a mix of Russian and Western styles. Instructor Dobermann had adapted the course for them, leaving out any segments requiring the use of Arts, which the contractors didn't possess. Instead, they were put through basic obstacle courses, ones that resembled a boot camp. These were challenging but not insurmountable. The contractors handled them with ease, their rigorous training and experience helping them overcome the hurdles without much issue.

The real challenge came when they hit the range. As expected, they performed exceptionally well. Their proficiency with firearms—especially those familiar to them like the AK-105 and M4—was impressive. However, things took a turn when they hit the hand-to-hand combat segment. While the contractors had plenty of experience sparring and fighting, the results of their matches were mixed.

Stinger, typically known for his strength and agility, had a tough time with his opponent—a highly skilled Ursus operator. Despite Stinger's experience, he found himself struggling, something that didn't go unnoticed by his BEAR comrades, who knew him well. They were all aware of his skill, and his difficulty in this fight raised eyebrows. It was puzzling, to say the least.

On the other hand, Sabre had a much more even match. His opponent, a Lupo operator, was skilled, but Sabre's experience and tenacity proved enough to earn him the win. The fight was hard-fought, but Sabre's tactical mindset and experience showed through as he ended the match with a solid victory.

Despite the struggles in hand-to-hand combat, the contractors completed Dobermann's rigorous training course, albeit with some bruises and fatigue. The hardest part was undoubtedly the hand-to-hand section, but they pushed through and passed the course.

Exhausted and sore, the men returned to their dorms to change and relax. But as they entered, they were met with a surprising sight: crates piled up in the middle of their rooms. The contractors exchanged confused glances before moving in to investigate.

To their delight, they quickly realized what these crates contained. For BEAR and USEC, it was a stash—their personal equipment, items they had left behind during a raid. They knew the contents of these crates well, having seen them before in their previous operations. For Cold Harbor, however, the crates were a bit of a mystery. They were mostly a fire support team, often called in to provide heavy weaponry like the M107A1 sniper rifle, MK153 SMAW, and M4 Carl Gustaf. These were the kinds of weapons they were used to working with, but seeing them here, in their dorms, was a little surprising.

Poker was the first to break the silence, staring in disbelief at the contents of one of the crates. "What the hell? Where did these come from?" He unpacked the SMAW launcher and six unused rockets, setting them aside as he looked over the gear.

"Look, our 240's here too—tripod and all," Tula chimed in, pulling out the General Purpose Machine Gun, along with several boxes of ammo and a tripod. The machine gun was fitted with a Specter ELCAN sight and a suppressor, making it ready for action.

"Shit, same here. The Gustaf's here as well," Tig added, unloading the M4 Carl Gustaf and opening three crates containing a total of eight twin tubes, each stacked with different types of warheads. HEDP, HEAT tandem, and Anti-Structure Munitions (ASMs) filled the crates—perfect for the hot, conflict-ridden terrain of Syria, where they had dealt with everything from technicals to tanks. It was a standard loadout for them, though seeing it again was a little jarring.

"Check this out," Dutch said, grinning as he unpacked four 5.56 uppers for AR15 rifles. "We've got uppers for the ARs, so we can share ammo with USEC."

Tula, his excitement growing, smiled wide. "Man, it's like Christmas morning!" He began unloading the crates of 5.56 and .300 Blackout ammunition, as well as a variety of magazines, from the standard 30-round to the 60-round quad stackers.

The team stood there for a moment, processing the unexpected windfall. For some of them, it was a reminder of what they'd left behind in their past lives—of the fights they'd faced and the weapons they knew all too well. For others, it was simply a welcome surprise: the means to defend themselves and be ready for whatever came next in this new world.

Back on USEC and BEAR's side, the contractors unpacked the weapons they had managed to recover from Tarkov. Raven was the first to check his gear, pulling out his custom M4A1 SOPMOD II, his MP5 with rails and a red dot sight, and his M32A1 grenade launcher—each piece of equipment well-worn but reliable. Neptune wasn't far behind, recovering his HK416F, MP7A1, and SCAR-H, all meticulously maintained. Sabre's stash included his MK18 Block II, G36C, and Kriss Vector in .45 ACP—perfect for close-quarter engagements. Pepper also unpacked his weapons: a trusty M4A1 Block 1, a SA58 OSW, a SOCOM M1A, and his P90, all standard issue for him, each weapon his go-to for specific scenarios.

On the BEAR side of things, Demon carefully checked over his ShAK-12 and PP-19 Vityaz, knowing these weapons were perfect for heavy-duty operations. Thunder, always prepared, unpacked his UMP-45, a Baikal MP-155 Ultima, and an MDR—his setup for versatility in any situation. Frost, the sharpshooter, recovered his DVL-10 M1 and M2 sniper rifles, along with modifications to improve their accuracy. He also brought out his CMMG MK47 Banshee and an AS Val—tools for quick, silent kills when needed. Finally, Stinger retrieved his RPK-16, a powerful light machine gun that was perfect for laying down suppressive fire.

Once they had all their gear set out in front of them, the contractors came to a silent agreement. They'd keep these weapons in their dorms, well hidden and only accessible to their team. It was a silent pact—something they'd learned from previous operations. Now, it was time to clean up and organize their gear.

Four days later marked the official start of their duties as operators. Their first mission with Rhodes Island was set to begin, and they had arrived on the outskirts of Lungmen, a nomadic city known for its diverse and sometimes volatile mix of inhabitants. A task force had been assembled to meet with the Lungmen Guard Department at 10:00 PM sharp. The operation would start with a short walk to the designated checkpoint.

Amiya briefed the contractors on the mission. The plan was simple: a standard combat load of 210 rounds for each contractor—nothing more, nothing less. They would bring two grenade launchers as a force multiplier, just in case things went south. As the team prepared their gear, a quiet voice interrupted the room's focused energy.

"Uhm... e-excuse me, s-sirs..." The contractors froze, and all eyes turned to the source of the voice. Standing at the door was a nervous cat-girl in headphones, a black T-shirt, shorts, a jacket, a bag, shoes, and a single knee pad worn on her right knee.

Raven, ever the kind soul, walked over to her. "What's your name, miss?"

"O-Operator Jessica, s-sir. A-Amiya said to give you these patches for identification, so others know you're with Rhodes Island," she stammered, handing over the patches.

Raven gently patted her head, hoping to calm her nerves. Jessica was startled at first but seemed to appreciate the gesture. "Thank you for bringing these, Jessica. Also, are you coming out with us on this mission?"

"Y-yes..." she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Raven smiled encouragingly. "Okay. Just be brave out there, okay? Stick close to your teammates, help them when you can, and you'll make it through. Got it?"

"I-I got it... I'll help everyone on my own," Jessica said, her confidence growing ever so slightly, though she still seemed a little unsure.

"Good," Raven nodded. He gently took the patches from her hands and distributed them to the team. Each contractor affixed the patch to their left shoulder, a symbol of their new affiliation with Rhodes Island. They also kept their old unit patches on the right shoulder, a reminder of where they'd come from. Some, like Tig, even added their national flags above their unit patches. Tig proudly wore the flag of Texas, as a nod to his home state, not the operator.

With patches in place and preparations complete, the USEC team took point as the squad, now a platoon, moved out in tactical column formation toward their checkpoint on the outskirts of Lungmen. The surrounding area was eerily quiet—too quiet. Only the sound of the wind brushing past them could be heard, adding to the tension of the moment.

"I don't like this, guys. It's too quiet," Poker muttered, his instincts telling him something wasn't right.

"Eyes open. Don't let your guard down," Sabre ordered, as the team pressed on.

Suddenly, they halted when they heard the distinct sound of something being tampered with. The path ahead was littered with personal belongings, probably left behind by refugees from Chernobog.

When they saw nothing out of the ordinary, they continued with heightened caution. Then, another noise came—a subtle sound of something being disturbed. This time, they immediately dropped to a crouch, weapons raised, ready for whatever was coming.

The silence stretched on as they waited, watching with their night vision goggles. Seconds felt like minutes as they remained in their low, defensive posture.

And then—a dog appeared from the shadows. The tension in the air lifted in an instant. Poker let out a relieved breath. "It's just a dog," he reported. "It must've knocked something over."

But just as the team began to relax, a sudden whiz filled the air, followed by a loud snap on the ground. The sound came from the left.

"Sniper! Stay low!" Sabre shouted, and everyone hit the dirt or took cover as quickly as possible.

Poker, scanning the area, spotted movement to the left. "Contact left side!" he yelled, raising his weapon.

"Contact left side, copy that!" The team reacted swiftly, returning fire and focusing on the threat in front of them.

Meanwhile, the Doctor and Amiya took defensive positions. Amiya barked orders to the rest of the Rhodes Island team to hold the line. As they did, however, some Reunion soldiers had managed to sneak up behind them.

A cry pierced the air as a Reunion soldier charged at the Doctor, swinging a sword with lethal intent. Before the Doctor could react, a shield-bearing Vouivre operator intercepted the attack, her shield crackling with Arts energy. With a bright flash, she blinded the soldier, then shoved him back and shot him twice in the chest and once in the head, ending his life before he could react.

Another Reunion soldier attempted to strike, but a Vulpo operator, quick and lethal, intervened, stabbing the man straight through the heart with a swift, fatal motion.

Then another soldier rushed toward them, but this time, a Halberd-wielding operator named Plume swung her weapon in a deadly arc, severing the man's neck in a flash. Blood sprayed as the soldier dropped to the ground, the fatal wound too much to survive.

"Clear," Plume called out, her voice steady.

"Are you okay, Doctor?" Liskarm, the shield operator, asked, looking to the Doctor for reassurance.

Dr. Rivette nodded, his heart still racing. "Yeah, thanks for having my back, Liskarm."

"Aww, Doctor, are you forgetting about me?" Franka, the Vulpo operator, teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Of course not, Franka. Especially you, Plume," Dr. Rivette replied, smiling as the tension started to ease.

Meanwhile, the BEAR team found themselves facing an unexpected challenge: heavy shield-bearers clad in EOD-type suits, seemingly invulnerable to small arms fire. The Russians, ever resourceful, quickly tested their weapons' effectiveness against the armored figures, only to find that their bullets had little to no effect. Despite the fact that, under normal circumstances, a few rounds from a 9mm should be enough to disable an operator inside the suit, these suits were built for extreme durability, making them nearly impervious in this world.

"Heads up," Demon warned, his voice sharp. "We've got juggernaut-type hostiles closing in on our position. Weapons are ineffective against their armor. Recommend targeting headshots if possible."

He was right. The suits were heavy, but their weak point was still the helmet. Frost, with his DVL sniper rifle, quickly took aim and downed a few of the shield-bearers with precision shots to their heads. His marksman skills were on full display, and the rest of the PMC teams followed suit, focusing on the helmeted heads of these heavily armored enemies.

Despite the relentless fire from the PMC teams, Reunion soldiers continued to close the gap. The battle was fierce, but it didn't take long for Rhodes Island's reinforcements to arrive. The operators moved swiftly and efficiently, intercepting the remaining threats and neutralizing the enemy forces that had managed to break through. Their arrival shifted the tide of the battle.

The intense firefight finally subsided, the last of the Reunion forces retreating under the pressure. The battle had been costly for both sides, but the BEAR team, along with Rhodes Island, had emerged victorious.

Once the fighting had ceased, Rhodes Island initiated a quick status check. To their surprise, none of the operators who had participated in the operation were injured, a small miracle given the intensity of the firefight. Despite the close calls, they had all come out unscathed.

The team resumed their march toward the checkpoint, which was now only a short distance away. Although they had been delayed by the heavy skirmish, they were only 14 minutes behind schedule. It was a testament to the skill and resilience of the contractors and Rhodes Island alike—both in terms of combat effectiveness and their ability to recover quickly from the chaos.

--------------------------------------------------

Time: 10:14PM

Weather: Clear

Visibility: 19 km

"Madam, they've arrived," an LGD officer reported as he and his superior watched the Rhodes Island team push through the long line of refugees gathered at the checkpoint.

"Attention, please," a public service announcement echoed over the checkpoint loudspeakers. "Due to interference from the Catastrophe, all air traffic in Lungmen has been halted. All entrances to District 5 will be closed for two hours. We thank you for your cooperation during the Oripathy inspections. If you discover any unregistered infected individuals, please report them to a nearby peace officer. The LGD will detain them in accordance with the 'Emergency Handling Act.' Attention, please..." The announcement repeated once more, the message growing monotonous.

"It's just like the rumors said..." Amiya murmured as she looked around. "Let's go, Doctor."

The Doctor glanced over the sea of refugees waiting in line. "Oh, this is fun..." he said dryly, his eyes scanning the crowds.

"We're here," Amiya said, leading the Doctor toward a woman standing at the front. She looked stern, a palpable air of dissatisfaction surrounding her.

"Rhodes Island was scheduled to meet with the LGD at 10:00. It's 10:14 now," the woman said sharply. "You're 14 minutes late. You've wasted 14 minutes of my time."

Amiya straightened slightly, not intimidated but acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. "I apologize, Madam Ch'en. We encountered a Reunion threat on the way here."

"It's fine, I already know. But that's not the issue right now." Madam Ch'en's gaze shifted to the man standing next to Amiya, her eyes narrowing. "And who might this be?"

"Dr. Rivette is Rhodes Island's consultant," Amiya explained. "Dr. Kal'tsit should have informed you of his arrival."

Ch'en gave a short nod. "Hmm... well, now that everyone's here, follow me." Before they could move, an LGD officer hurried toward Ch'en with urgent news.

"Madam Ch'en! It's an emergency! The Infected... they're not..."

Ch'en snapped into action. "Don't panic! First squad, standby! Snipers, get into position!" Her orders were sharp and decisive, and her men immediately began executing them.

Civilians nearby were left in confusion, unaware of the growing situation. The tension escalated when an Infected individual was forcibly detained by LGD officers.

"Let me go! Why are you arresting me?" the man struggled as he was overpowered by the officers.

"We didn't do anything wrong!" his companion shouted in defiance.

"Do not resist. Stay quiet while we process you," one officer instructed, his tone unwavering.

"Keep your heads on a swivel, guys. Watch their every move," Tig called out, his voice low and alert as he monitored the crowd.

Madam Ch'en's sharp gaze never left the scene as she received another report. "Some Infected are refusing to comply. We—"

"I can see that," she cut the officer off, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Forget it. Detain them all. Disperse the crowd immediately. Open the gates in 30 minutes after the review process is complete. Push the quarantine inspection line forward by 40 meters."

The officer nodded and quickly set the orders in motion.

Turning her attention back to Amiya and the Doctor, Madam Ch'en spoke again. "Other than you and Dr. Rivette, the rest of Rhodes Island will remain here and assist with border security. You two, come with me. If your group can't handle such a trivial task, I will reconsider assigning you further missions."

"Understood, Madam," Amiya replied without hesitation. She turned to the others. "PC94172, arrange work for the rest of the team. No more trouble tonight."

"Understood!" the officer called out, issuing commands to the rest of the Rhodes Island operators and LGD officers.

The Doctor, feeling a little uneasy with just Amiya for protection, turned to Tig. "Hey, Tig, can you join us? I don't feel safe with only Amiya as my bodyguard."

Tig let out a sigh, rolling his eyes. "What?" he grumbled, then grabbed his radio. "Raven, I'm giving you temporary command. The Doctor assigned me as his bodyguard."

"Copy that. I'll handle things here. Keep your head down, out," Raven's voice crackled back.

With a shrug, Tig fell in step behind Amiya, the Doctor, and Madam Ch'en, ready for whatever the night would bring.

[Madam Ch'en is really tough... she's stricter than I imagined...] Amiya whispered to the Doctor which he totally agrees with her.

"You two..." Madam Ch'en paused, noticing Tig trailing behind the group. She let out a small sigh, a flicker of frustration, before continuing. "...three. Follow me." She led them to a van for the short ride into Lungmen, about 20 minutes away. As the van moved through the streets, Tig couldn't help but feel like he'd just stepped into the heart of a bustling city. The towering high-rises, the vibrant neon lights—Lungmen's streets reminded him of the energy and chaos of Hong Kong. It felt like a miniature version of Times Square, but with a more local, gritty edge.

"Wh-what a tall building!" Amiya exclaimed, pointing out at one of the skyscrapers with wide eyes, clearly awed by the sight. Her enthusiasm caught the attention of Ch'en, who shot her a glance.

Amiya's ears flopped down as her cheeks flushed a soft red. "Ugh... S-sorry," she mumbled, embarrassed by her own outburst.

"...Rhodes Island is undoubtedly capable," Ch'en commented, her tone flat, though it was hard to tell if she was being sincere or sarcastic. Given her usual demeanor, it was likely the former, but Amiya's ears drooped slightly at the ambiguity.

"Th-thank you for the praise, Madam," Amiya stammered, unsure how to respond.

Tig could sense the "However..." hanging in the air, and it didn't take long for Ch'en to continue.

"However... After the Chernobog incident, there's been a massive influx of refugees into Lungmen. The infected should already know the consequences of entering the city," she reminded them, her tone unwavering.

As the van neared their destination, they saw the building where they were scheduled to meet with Lungmen's officials. The doors to the meeting room were closed, but muffled voices reached their ears.

"I'll remind you once more. Lungmen is the next Chernobog," a woman's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. Amiya immediately recognized the voice.

"Dr. Kal'tsit...!" she gasped, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension.

"Rhodes Island's representative has already met with Chief Wei," Ch'en said, stepping forward with the same controlled professionalism. "Please wait here. I'll notify you shortly."

As Ch'en disappeared inside the room, the trio was left standing outside. Amiya exhaled slowly, a sigh of relief slipping past her lips. "Phew... She's really hard to talk to," she muttered under her breath.

"Dr. Rivette, from here on, Dr. Kal'tsit will handle the negotiations. Please have confidence in her," she added, giving the Doctor a reassuring smile.

"No kidding. Haven't seen a boss like that since my days in the Army," Tig chimed in, agreeing with Amiya but without much enthusiasm.

"Mr. Tig, please mind your language," Amiya quickly reprimanded him, though it wasn't in a harsh tone.

"Apologies, ma'am." Tig gave a half-smile, though his attention wandered to the situation unfolding elsewhere. "I wonder how the guys are holding up."

Meanwhile, back at the checkpoint, the situation had only intensified.

"Second wave of hostiles closing in on our position! Protect the civilians, do not let them get close!" Raven barked, eyes scanning the area for any threats.

"They just keep coming," an LGD officer muttered under his breath. "What do we do now?"

Raven's voice was steady. "You know the drill—let your snipers take out priority targets, then let the grunts mop up the rest."

The officer nodded, his face grim. "Yeah, yeah, I know. This shit's crazy."

"Keep calm, stay sharp," Raven ordered, moving low towards Jessica, who was visibly shaken by the chaos around her. He immediately noticed the tension in her stance—her hands trembled slightly as she aimed her rifle.

"Yo—" Raven started to say, but before he could finish, Jessica flinched and jerked her weapon toward him, her finger instinctively tightening on the trigger.

"Kyaah!" she cried, her eyes wide with panic as her gun almost pointed directly at Raven's face. Raven was quick enough to intercept the pistol, grabbing the barrel just in time.

"H-huh? Mr. Raven? I-I'm so, so sorry, I almost shot you!" Jessica stammered, her face paling in horror.

Raven let out a breath, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay, I'm not mad. Just... a little concerned. Listen, forget about that, alright? What I want you to do is focus. Aim at the target, hold your breath, then exhale slowly before pulling the trigger. Basic stuff. I'm sure you'll be fine. Here," he motioned beside her, "I'll sit right next to you and help guide you if you need it. You good with that?"

Jessica nodded nervously, her body still tense but visibly more at ease. She shifted her gaze back to the battlefield, her focus now sharper as she took in her surroundings. With Raven beside her, she knew she wasn't alone—this time, she could keep her head together.

Back....

"I'm sure they're fine," Dr. Rivette said, though his voice lacked the conviction to fully reassure anyone. Before the conversation could go much further, the doors to the room opened, and Madam Ch'en emerged, briefly peeking out before giving a sharp nod for them to enter.

"...Dr. Kal'tsit!" Amiya greeted, her voice tinged with both respect and familiarity.

The feline scientist, sharp-eyed as ever, glanced at the group. "Amiya... Dr. Rivette. So you've arrived," she said, her tone a bit cooler than Amiya might have expected.

For a few moments, the room was silent. The air seemed thick with anticipation, and Dr. Rivette noted that even the ever-professional Ch'en didn't break the quiet. It lingered, awkwardly, until Ch'en cleared her throat, her cough breaking the tension.

"Chief Wei, the other two representatives of Rhodes Island have arrived," she announced.

Moments later, a tall, dragon-like man emerged, smoke curling from a pipe in his hand, his face etched with the weight of many years and many decisions.

"Ah, excellent. Please, take a seat," Chief Wei said with a nod, inviting them in. "Miss Kal'tsit is currently explaining the situation to me."

"Allow me to continue then," Kal'tsit said, seamlessly picking up where she left off. "Mister Wei, I trust you have a good grasp of the situation. Currently, Lungmen's information network captures a lot of details about the Reunion movement, but that alone is not enough. Lungmen still lacks key intelligence."

Ch'en shot a pointed look at the feline. Kal'tsit continued unflinching, not acknowledging the subtle exchange.

"I believe the LGD is well aware that this simple quarantine is not enough to hold back Reunion," Kal'tsit stated calmly. "Reunion will not go through inspections willingly, nor will they wait for authorities to act. Without Rhodes Island's assistance, Lungmen will suffer heavy losses should you persist in following the same strategies against the Infected."

There was a slight pause before Wei raised an eyebrow. "Pardon the interruption, but the LGD understands Lungmen's defenses better than Rhodes Island does," he said with a dismissive puff of his pipe. "We've made preparations to handle possible infiltrations from Reunion. However, we are not obliged to share our strategies with you."

Wei understood the implications of what Kal'tsit was suggesting, but he was content to let her continue speaking.

"While it's true that Lungmen has been able to manage unarmed Infected so far, you have never dealt with an organized riot of this scale before. Should you pursue your current strategy, it will only lead to unnecessary losses," Kal'tsit continued, her voice unwavering. "From our experience, only the Infected can truly counter the Infected."

Wei's eyes sharpened as he leaned forward. "To my understanding, Rhodes Island has some unique expertise in countering Reunion?"

"We have experience, but I wouldn't call it expertise," Kal'tsit responded, her tone neutral.

Wei raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "I've been told Rhodes Island was involved in the Chernobog incident and gathered valuable intel on Reunion."

Kal'tsit's gaze hardened. "No matter where you heard that, Mister Wei, that information is no longer up for discussion. It is part of our qualifications, what allows us to speak to you in the first place."

Wei didn't flinch. "It's Lungmen that will decide if we will exchange such information," he said, his voice steady. "If Rhodes Island cannot provide more substantial details... well, then we may have no reason to trust your capabilities."

Kal'tsit held his gaze. "Mister Wei, I must emphasize: the only reason Rhodes Island has this information is because we were strong enough to obtain it."

Wei leaned back, puffing thoughtfully on his pipe. "Lungmen cannot simply trust another group of Infected."

Ch'en, her arms folded, stepped forward sharply. "Miss Ch'en, if you think punishing the Infected is more important than Lungmen's security... then I will surrender myself in accordance with your local laws. And I'll watch as Reunion burns down your city. This time, Lungmen doesn't have a choice."

Ch'en stiffened at the words, though she didn't respond immediately. Wei seemed to take some pleasure in the back-and-forth.

"I understand your point, but Lungmen is not a charity for lobbyists," Ch'en remarked, her voice low but steady.

"Madam Ch'en," Wei said, his tone no less calm.

"Chief Wei," Kal'tsit interrupted, her eyes narrowing slightly, "It is inappropriate for these outsiders to meddle in Lungmen's confidential matters."

"Calm down, Madam Ch'en," Wei said with a slight wave of his hand, his voice softer. "They are still our guests... My guests."

"...Very well. Unless they violate our laws, I will tolerate them," Ch'en replied coolly.

As the conversation shifted, Wei let out a contemplative sigh and puffed on his pipe. "Excuse me, I just remembered something." He stared off for a moment, clearly mulling over something important. "There is one thing that matters: your ability. To my understanding, Rhodes Island is also assisting with suppressing nearby Infected. Madam Ch'en, based on your assessment, how would you evaluate Rhodes Island's combat capabilities?"

Ch'en stood tall, unphased by the question. "Allow me to describe what I've witnessed in Rhodes Island's operations. Here are the details..."

Meanwhile, at the border...

The checkpoint was opened to allow refugees through, but security remained tight. PMCs, Rhodes Island operators, and the LGD were all working together to maintain perimeter security.

Raven, positioned on overwatch with his rifle, checked in with his team. "All units, check in."

"This is Dutch, nothing to report so far."

"This is Demon, same here. No sign of Reunion yet."

"Liskarm here, all clear for now."

"This is PC23476, clear for now."

"Copy that," Raven acknowledged, his eyes scanning the horizon.

Neptune, equipped with an SR25 and a Trijicon thermal scope, gave an alert. "This is Neptune. I tally 12 to 15 armed military-aged males approaching the checkpoint. ETA: right about now."

"Affirmative," Raven replied, relaying the information to the other units and prepping for the worst.

The defensive lines were set. The LGD formed the front while Rhodes Island and the PMCs took secondary positions for support.

"What took them so long?" Sabre asked, frustration edging his voice.

"I don't know, Sabre, but looks like we got another fight on our hands," Pepper responded.

Raven turned to the LGD officer nearby. "You know what to do, right?"

"Yeah, yeah," the officer grumbled, clearly no stranger to this routine. "Snipers take out priority targets, the grunts mop up the rest."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Raven muttered.

As Reunion troops surged forward, they launched their dogs and slugs as the vanguard. The LGD took the brunt of the assault, while Rhodes Island engaged with a stronger but more focused force.

Tula, the Russian-American machine gunner, quickly shifted his aim at a group of Reunion soldiers behind a car. "Tula, shift right, hit those assholes by that car."

Tula complied, taking down three soldiers and pinning the remaining two behind cover.

Demon, from his elevated position, ordered Frost to take out a heavy trooper with a well-placed shot through the face.

"Liskarm, give me a SITREP, over," Raven requested, always alert.

"This is Liskarm," came the report, "Contact with multiple Reunion hostiles. No fatalities yet, but a few minor injuries."

Just as she was finishing the report, a crossbow bolt struck a Rhodes Island operator in the shoulder. The operator winced, clutching at the wound.

"Ansel, over here!" Melantha called out, directing a fellow medic to assist.

"I'm on it!" Ansel, the Cautus medic, responded, quickly tending to the wounded.

"We've got another wounded, but we'll hold as best we can," Liskarm confirmed, her voice steady despite the chaos.

"Understood. Keep fighting hard, Liskarm. Raven, out," Raven responded, his focus shifting back to the battlefield. The fight was far from over, but they would hold the line.

POV: Rhodes Island

"Understood. Keep fighting hard, Liskarm. Raven, out," Raven's voice crackled over the comms.

With a nod, Liskarm snapped back into focus, her gaze sharp as the battle raged around her. Three Reunion soldiers charged at her, their movements frantic and uncoordinated. Fortunately, Liskarm's Arts were fully charged, and she wasted no time in activating her shield. A blinding light erupted from her, stunning the incoming soldiers. They froze in place for a split second, long enough for Liskarm to strike swiftly. Her shield became a brutal weapon, and she dispatched all three enemies in quick succession, her strikes clinical and deadly.

She quickly scanned the battlefield, her eyes darting between friendly and enemy positions. Franka was engaged in her own fight, moving with deadly precision. Jessica and Kroos were firing relentlessly at Reunion soldiers, keeping them suppressed. To her left, she noticed two molotov cocktail throwers trying to get into position. The PMCs were quicker, gunning one of them down before the bottle hit the ground. It shattered and ignited, sending flames licking across the area. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the two throwers, and several nearby Reunion soldiers were caught in the inferno. Their screams were swallowed by the chaos, but Liskarm had no time to feel sympathy. She had her own enemies to deal with.

A blur of movement to her right caught her attention. It was Shirayuki, a fellow operator, tossing her weapon through the air. The weapon sliced through the torsos of several Reunion soldiers before returning to Shirayuki's hand, as if on cue. It was an elegant display of efficiency that sent a shiver down Liskarm's spine.

Further down the line, a Supporter operator and a Caster operator had teamed up to bring down a heavily armored Reunion soldier with a shield. The two worked in perfect unison, the Supporter keeping the shielded enemy distracted while the Caster fired a barrage of Arts attacks, piercing through the heavy armor and taking the soldier down.

Despite the violence unfolding around them, the civilians in the area did their best to stay calm. Fear was written on their faces, but they trusted the LGD and Rhodes Island to protect them. The defensive lines held strong, providing a semblance of security.

The LGD was holding their ground well. They had sustained a few minor injuries, but their resolve was firm. The battle had only just begun, and they knew they couldn't afford to let up.

"Heavy Reunion soldiers incoming! Snipers, take them out!" barked an LGD field officer, and his men responded immediately, their rifles taking down priority targets to slow the enemy's advance.

Then came a shout that sent a ripple of panic through the line: "Incoming!" A molotov cocktail flew through the air and exploded in a fiery arc. The flames instantly consumed several LGD officers, who screamed in agony as they tried to extinguish the fire. Their comrades rushed to their aid, but the damage was already done.

The field officer quickly assessed the situation and saw a gaping hole in their defensive line. Reunion soldiers, sensing weakness, were charging directly at the vulnerable spot, ready to exploit the chaos.

"Get them out of there! I need more men to plug this hole!" the field officer ordered, his voice tight with urgency. The medics and surviving officers scrambled to retrieve the casualties, their hands shaking but focused. Within moments, a fresh batch of officers was thrown into the fray to reinforce the weakened section of the line.

They were lucky. As soon as the new troops were in position, they immediately clashed with the Reunion soldiers. The sound of gunfire and clashing steel filled the air as the LGD and Reunion forces fought tooth and nail, neither side willing to back down. Liskarm didn't have the luxury of looking away. The fight was far from over, and she had a job to do. The line had to hold.

POV: PMCs

Things were progressing, but not without their challenges. The frontlines were struggling with Reunion snipers positioned at key points, making it difficult for the LGD and Rhodes Island forces to move freely. The PMCs took it upon themselves to counter the snipers, working in tandem to eliminate the threat. Each shot was calculated and precise, the PMCs picking off Reunion targets one by one. The snipers, though skilled, were now fewer in number, their positions being systematically dismantled. However, as effective as the counter-sniping was, it didn't stop Reunion from relocating, making themselves harder to target. If the PMCs couldn't eliminate the threat, then they'd have to deal with the combined force of the LGD and Rhodes Island defenses, which were more than capable of holding the line.

"Some of the officers got wounded," Pepper reported, his voice tense.

"These guys don't quit," Stinger added, sounding frustrated but determined.

Raven removed his NVGs and surveyed the battlefield. The desert was a sea of shadows, only faintly illuminated by distant lights. He needed more clarity to understand what was happening, so he requested an LGD officer to switch on the spotlights. To his surprise, the officer complied, and as the powerful beam sliced through the darkness, Raven's eyes widened as he saw a fresh wave of Reunion rioters gathering in the distance.

"Holy shit," Dutch muttered as he took charge, pulling out his MK13 grenade launcher. He quickly aimed and fired a 40mm HEDP grenade at a tightly packed group of soldiers. The explosion ripped through the enemy, sending bodies flying and eliminating a significant portion of their force.

"Nice shot, Dutch. Keep it up," Raven praised, a rare hint of approval in his voice.

"Roger that," Dutch replied, his voice calm but focused as he reloaded.

"Tula, relocate to the left side and support the BEARs, andele!" Raven ordered.

"I'm on it, relocating," Tula responded immediately, packing up his gear and repositioning to support the BEAR team with suppressive fire.

Raven wasn't about to let his team do all the work. He flipped up the magnifier on his scope, aimed down his sights, and sent a round downrange, hitting a rioter square in the chest.

Neptune, ever the sharpshooter, adjusted his aim and fired, his shot hitting a Reunion soldier's molotov cocktail and setting the man on fire. The flames quickly consumed him, turning him into a fiery beacon in the chaos.

As the battle unfolded, Raven's sharp eyes spotted five tightly grouped Reunion soldiers advancing on Rhodes Island's position. This was a perfect opportunity. He spoke into his radio: "Yo, Dutch, I see five guys bearing 052 advancing to Rhodes Island's position. You copy?"

Dutch acknowledged and locked onto the group. "Roger, I copy. Sending a 40 Mike-Mike. Stand by."

Dutch fired, and the grenade landed squarely in the middle of the group, taking out all five soldiers in a single, devastating explosion.

"Good shot, good shot," Raven said, his voice smooth and approving.

Meanwhile, Frost, who had been observing from a distance, carefully targeted a shielded Reunion soldier. With a sharp breath, he lined up his shot and squeezed the trigger. The bullet found its mark, the soldier collapsing with a fatal wound. Frost shifted his aim, this time targeting a female caster. He recognized her build but pushed the thought aside—enemies were enemies. He controlled his breathing, held his aim, and fired, delivering a precise headshot at 359 meters. His DVL-10 M1, chambered in .40 Lobaev Whisper, hummed with deadly precision. Even at such a distance, the rifle remained as effective as ever.

"The Reunion... they're retreating!" an LGD officer reported, his voice filled with relief.

"Don't celebrate too early," Raven cautioned. "We don't know if they're pulling back to regroup or if they're planning another attack. For now, list down your wounded, hydrate, and harden your defenses. That's the best advice I can give you."

"Understood," the officer responded, his tone a mix of gratitude and nervousness. "Hey, I noticed you seem to know a lot about how Reunion operates. You a combat veteran?"

Raven didn't respond immediately, his gaze locked on the vast, empty desert. His past was a story he preferred to keep buried, and he had no intention of sharing it. He simply wasn't the type to open up.

"Alright," Raven said finally, his voice curt and firm. "Keep this place secured, and watch out for another wave of attacks. Over and out."

His orders were met with acknowledgment from his team, but Raven couldn't shake the feeling that this battle was far from over. In the desert's stillness, something told him that Reunion wasn't done yet. But for now, they had held the line.

Back to Chief Wei's office....

"...And that concludes my report on Rhodes Island's combat operations," Kal'tsit stated calmly, her gaze steady as she addressed the room.

"And your assessment?" Chief Wei inquired, his tone sharp but inquisitive.

Kal'tsit paused before responding, her voice measured. "There is little reason to doubt their strength."

Tig, sitting off to the side, raised an eyebrow at the simplicity of her conclusion. Wait, that's it? After all that arguing, one short report is enough to change their minds? Unbelievable, incredible... He thought to himself, his mind laced with sarcasm.

"However," Ch'en continued, drawing attention back to the conversation, "given their identities and from a strategic standpoint..."

Tch, stupid me, Tig thought, as he turned his attention back to the conversation.

"...the LGD is more than capable of handling the job," Ch'en concluded, her tone firm but not without some reservation.

The Chief nodded thoughtfully. "When it comes to fighting crime and preventing infiltration, the LGD is more than sufficient. Rhodes Island may bring additional capabilities to the table, but... there's one 'item' we are unwilling to exchange based on what has been offered."

"The temporary defense cooperation you're proposing is far from equal value," Chief Wei said, his voice stern. "As it stands, your 'asking price' is simply too high. Miss Kal'tsit, Miss Amiya, I hope you both understand."

Kal'tsit, ever composed, countered, "Mister Wei, a temporary defense will not be enough. There are aspects of Reunion that you will not be aware of. Based on the data we've gathered from our engagements, if no proactive measures are taken, Reunion will seize control of Lungmen within two weeks."

Ch'en immediately objected, her tone sharp. "Nonsense. There's no evidence to support that claim."

Dr. Kal'tsit raised an eyebrow. "Would you like to know the real reason Chernobog fell within a single night, Madam Ch'en?" she asked, her gaze locking onto the LGD superintendent.

"Please elaborate," Chief Wei urged, his curiosity piqued.

Amiya spoke up, "Rhodes Island wasn't just involved in the Chernobog incident—we were trapped within the Catastrophe itself and survived."

The Chief's eyes widened in admiration. "Impressive, impressive," he murmured. "It's not every day I meet someone crazy enough to survive a Catastrophe. Miss Amiya, please continue, I'm listening."

"We fought against Reunion's leader," Amiya said, her voice steady despite the weight of her words.

Ch'en's expression shifted slightly at the mention of Reunion's leader. "Hmm? What's her name again? I don't recall clearly..."

"Talulah," Dr. Rivette answered, his tone serious.

"And we lost a lot of good people just fighting her alone," Tig added somberly, her voice carrying the weight of the memory.

"Ah, right, Talulah," the Chief murmured, his expression thoughtful. "Madam Ch'en, what do you think?" The room turned to Ch'en, who seemed lost in thought.

"...I know," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret.

"This is what happened to Rhodes Island at Chernobog," Dr. Kal'tsit continued. "Though Reunion managed to wrest control of Chernobog from Ursus, in order to expand, they'll need to address their resource shortages. Lungmen will be their next stepping stone. Even though you may be able to fend them off for a time, their attacks will not cease unless this situation is handled proactively. Furthermore... there's another unknown factor—we still don't know how Ursus will respond after losing Chernobog."

Tig added, "Additionally, we've encountered two other ringleaders within Reunion's ranks, each possessing unique tactical skills that could pose a serious risk to the LGD should they try to handle this alone."

The Chief chuckled, clearly impressed. "Well spoken, young lady, and gentleman," he said with a hearty laugh. "Given the seriousness of this threat and the LGD's limited manpower, I'm not opposed to considering this temporary agreement, based on the terms discussed earlier. But what I said before still stands..."

Kal'tsit narrowed her eyes, realizing what was coming next. "Rhodes Island's asking price is still too high?"

"Correct," Chief Wei confirmed. "In order to ensure Lungmen is properly compensated, I have two simple conditions. First, Rhodes Island will help the LGD suppress the Reunion threat. This includes identifying threats within Lungmen and assessing the fallout from Chernobog. I also expect you to help us evaluate the extent of the infected infiltration within Lungmen. I trust you will share any relevant information with us."

Tig frowned. Wasn't that the point of full cooperation? he thought, but kept his thoughts to himself.

"And the second condition?" Kal'tsit asked, her tone unwavering.

Chief Wei took a deep drag from his pipe before replying, "I'll tell you about the second condition once you've satisfied the first. Naturally, I won't ask for anything outside of Rhodes Island's area of expertise."

Amiya, looking confused, asked, "I'm not sure I understand. Could you elaborate, Mister Wei?"

He exhaled a plume of smoke and looked at her directly. "How should I put this... If Reunion causes damage that exceeds Rhodes Island's estimates, I'll expect Rhodes Island to help the LGD manage the situation, which may include post-disaster recovery. Of course, nothing beyond your capabilities. That's the gist of it."

Kal'tsit stayed silent for a moment, considering the proposal.

The Chief paused, his gaze shifting as he added, "I cannot say much more at this point. But don't forget, Rhodes Island has no choice. If you cannot accept our terms, then all the conditions we discussed, as well as your requests, will be nullified." He let the weight of his words sink in, taking another puff from his pipe.

Kal'tsit turned to Amiya, seeking her thoughts. "Amiya?"

Amiya, ever the optimist, spoke up. "Mister Wei, I'd like to add one more clause to the agreement... 'Any interpretation of the clauses must be agreed upon by both parties.' Is this acceptable?"

Chief Wei chuckled. "Of course. I can see your respect for Lungmen, Miss Amiya. Madam Ch'en, do you have any objections?"

"...I accept this operation," Ch'en said with a resigned sigh.

"Hah, seems Madam Ch'en has her own agenda now," the Chief joked, but his expression was one of approval.

"In any case, congratulations. You've earned Lungmen's trust. Madam Ch'en will be responsible for your arrangements," Chief Wei concluded. "However, be aware that the infected are not allowed to freely move around within the city, as it could cause panic. I expect you to defer to the LGD's orders while carrying out your duties—especially Madam Ch'en's orders. Lungmen will remain open to Rhodes Island, as long as your actions align with our protocols."

Later, as the group of four exited Lungmen and returned to the checkpoint, Amiya let out a relieved sigh. "Phew... Ugh... That man was so difficult... He was so methodical when he spoke, it felt like nothing could sway him."

Amiya, always striving to stay positive, responded with a smile. "I think we did well, though. Thank you, everyone."

Kal'tsit, ever the enigma, offered a rare compliment. "Amiya, you'll eventually learn how to handle people like that. But in the end, you did a great job."

Amiya beamed at the praise, giggling softly, feeling enlightened by Kal'tsit's words.

Kal'tsit then turned to Dr. Rivette, her gaze cold. "By the way..." she said, her voice low.

Dr. Rivette, nervous, fumbled for the right words. "...Hello, Dr. Kal'tsit."

Kal'tsit's silence and sharp glare sent a chill down his spine.

"Dr. Kal'tsit, please don't give Dr. Rivette a hard time," Amiya said.

Amiya, sensing the tension, shot a concerned look between Kal'tsit and Rivette.

Kal'tsit finally sighed, her voice softening, though still laden with her usual gravity. "I hope our sacrifices weren't in vain. Hello, Dr. Rivette. Welcome back." The words were far from warm, but it was a start.

Rivette, now even more nervous, mumbled, "Thank you, Dr. Kal'tsit."

Raven, having observed the exchange, raised an eyebrow. "Hey, what happened?"

Tig sighed in response. "Negotiating was a lot harder than we're used to, but at least the city officials agreed to cooperate with Rhodes Island. What's going on here?"

"Schwacked four waves of Reunion assaults, nothing new for now," Raven said nonchalantly.

"Alright, gather everyone up. We're going back to base," Tig ordered.

"Understood," Raven replied.

The team regrouped and, after a long day, made their way back to Rhodes Island, the weight of their decision still looming over them.

To be continued....

(A/N: No notes, please standby for the next part.)