Four POV

After I was knockout, I woke up in a freezing room. Both the wall and floor were made out of steal, there was no bed and windows, and the door had a glass that lead to the hallways. I immediately knew that I was in Fort Stone. I wonder if the rumors were real. I knew that both Three and Eight were planning to get me out of this bunker, so I just need to hold out until then. I just hope it really soon, I kind of miss the bed. Maybe I should ask the sisters where they got the bed when I get back.

Time Skip

I was just sitting by the wall just trying to keep my mind in check in this cold, dark, empty room. Guess the rumor were true, your sanity will never leave this place in one piece. However, I am the one who is going to do the impossible. Just then, the door open and I can see the leader along with her troops who attack us walk into the room.

Sinha: Let's start this again, the name is Major Sinha Rouge. State your name and rank inkling.

Four: Do you believe the rumor that ghost are still at the fort?

Sinha: Just great, guess I'll have to give up my free time. Ladies bring him in for interrogation.

They all began to march towards me. As I was about to put up a fight, I saw one of them pointing an octoshot at me. I knew I had no way around this situation, so I just accepted my fate. They tied something to my arm, it was most likely to stop me from turning into a squid. I was being led down the hallway, each room I walk by there was nobody in the room. When we reach the room at the end of a different hallway, one of the octoling open the door and there was a single chair with straps at the center of the room while many of the tools and floor have multiple color on them almost as if it have been used before. They strap me down and all but two left the room. The one with the octoshot walk behind me probably making sure that I don't try to do something while the one in front of me was holding a brush. I can tell that both of them are waiting for me to make a move. At one point the octoling kept poking the back of my head with her finger just to see how I react.

As time went by the door open again, and the leader name Sinha enter the room carrying a tool box. She scans the room while walking around. I can see that the octoling in front of me was getting nerves while the one behind me I can only imagine the same. Sinha stops in front of the door which cause the octoling to be more nerves.

Sinha: Get out, I'll take it from here.

Both the octoling who were guarding me got out of the room as fast as they could while keeping their composure. Sinha close the door and walk around me, she then turns the camera in the corner off then began asking me question.

Sinha: Flowers in the meadow garden during the summer

I was confused on what she said at first until something click in my head.

Four: There is nothing like poppies and roses in the winter

Sinha: Well, I didn't expect members of the Squid beak Splatoon to be here.

Four: So a Queen spy, yet here we are. How is your day going?

I didn't expect to meet a queen spy to be here. Unlike Octavio troops, the Queen is someone who would like to take in a more diplomatic route towards peace. I knew she could be trusted because Cap Cuttlefish actually meet the Queen and told us that her spies will even give up their life before the enemy could get anything out of them.

Sinha: Could be better infiltrating this base is easy but keeping up the act is harder than expected. Anyway, what brings you here?

Four: We got a tip that Octavio is running a base of operation here, so we decided to come over here and check to see if it's true.

Sinha: Well your intel is correct. Sadly, Octavio isn't here. I was hoping he was here as well to capture him, but he is more conscious then I thought. Anyway since you're here, let's have an mutual agree on some things. I'll tell you all I know about Octavio information and objective, and in return I need you to tell me about that thing that was on the news

Four: Sounds like someone is having a hard time collecting information.

Sinha: The Queen gave us a task to gather more information about that thing, but it has proven to be much much much more difficult to gather. I though keeping my identity is hard, but this seems almost impossible. All the cameras suddenly malfunction, and it just suddenly vanish out of thin air without a trace. I believe that you have information about it.

Four: Since the Cap trust you I guess I do too.

I told her most of the information about the human except that the thing is a human part and it spoke to us.

Sinha: The information you told me is not much, but it is clearly more then I can gather. So, it appears when your signal went off and can easily escape even if the thing is starving and tired. This could be quite a challenge to capture. This alone sounds terrifying alone if it was fully rested and nourish, then it might be dangerous and can cause serious problems. This does not add to the fact that it is tall as you said it was. I thank you for the information now to keep my end of the deal. DJ Octavio set up this base here as recon. He is also looking for that creature. I do not know why, however, it seems that this creature is more then meets the eye. As for his whereabouts, he visited here a handful of times, since it was just to collect information, he does not stay here longer then one hour. His current location is still unknown, but I do have a theory. I suspected his current base is located in ancients ruins of the race before us. Sadly, given the situation, I can't find a way to give you the coronets

Four: Just give it to Cuttlefish I'm pretty sure you know where it is.

Sinha: Very well. This pains me, but I need to inflict pain to you to keep my identity a secret.

Four: Yea I understand

Sinha: I hope this does not affect the relationship we build with the Squid beak Splatoon.

Four: Na you're good, just not the face.

Sinha: I wish I could, but I need to make it realistic. However, I will not use the tools on the table or in the box.

I look at the tools at the table and again there was multiple colors on them and notice that some of them were rusted and blunt.

Four: Alright only your hands.

Sinha: I am so sorry.

Third POV

In the hallway where the torcher room is connected, we can see the same two octoling who was watching Agent Four on standby by the door. Soon after, there was sounds of screams and agony behind them. The same phrase could be heard from Sinha "This could stop if you just tell us already." Soon after, Agent Four respond "I don't know." This went on for an untold amount of time, but with each sound echo the room both the octoling made a pray motion and cover their ears while trying to keep their composure. At one point, one of the octoling attempted to open the door only to meet with sounds of something thrown on the floor. She immediately went back to her position and shake her head to her companion.

Soon after the door open which made both the octoling fix their poster. Then walk out a bloody Sinha.

Sinha: You two take the inkling back to the cell I need a break. Get the doctor to tend his wounds.

With that, she left the room. When the two octoling took a glance in the room, they found that inkling was beaten with an inch of his life. One left the room to grab a medical personal while the other inkling is in shock and could not move. Soon after, a medical personal enters the room and was looking at the horrors that Sinha made. The medical personal muster up his courage and began treating Agent Four with a small though that he might be dead.

Another Time skips

Four POV

Man, my head why does everyone hit my head? I look at my arms and notice that I was wrap in bandages. After when Sinha and I exchange our conversation, she kept punching me and keep tilling me to scream in pain to make it believable. I look around and I was still in the same room as when I first woke up from. I don't know how long I was knockout or even when I enter this fort. What makes it worse is that I keep feeling that someone or something is watching me in my blindside. At first, I thought it was just my head playing tricks on me, but I feel like more and more eyes are on me. It starting to become uncomfortable and I really hope I still have my sanity in check. It all started when that...human...showed...up.

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Nova POV

Hmm Interesting. The one name Four and another name Sinha appears to be cooperating with each other. Luckily my drones did not get spotted or else I would have to wait until Max built me a new one. As I continue to look at the screen on my data pad, the inkling began to walk in circle. He looks out the window on the door then began to sit down away from the window view. I assume he was readjusting itself until he started to talk.

Four: Hello? I know you can see me, but I don't know if you can hear me. I don't even know if you're the same human who raided the city or meet in the forest. You know...I got time to talk...so...umm hi...or something.

I can see he is looking straight forward as if I was right in front of him. My instance are telling me to ignore him, but I knew we would have to interact with them in the near future. I have my finger hover above the voice transmitter, however, my mind is telling me no.

Four: Hello...umm if you're...the human I attack...I'm sorry.

He just kept rambling on and on. Against all odds that my instance are telling me, I turn on my translator and push the drone speaker.

Four: My name is Four and I really enjoy playing Turf War and...

Nova: Hello Four

Just then the inkling got up from the floor and began walking around the room almost as if looking for something.

Nova: Did I scare you?

Four: A little bit, hey where are you?

Nova: Take a seat and I will tell you.

Four began to sit down away from the window and began to look around the room.

Four: Where are you? I don't see you?

I deactivated the cloaking device on the drone in front of the inkling. This has clearly had startle him but manage to regain his composure.

Nova: Don't not fear I won't hurt you. You did want to talk so, what did you want to talk about?

Four: I honestly didn't expect to actually get a response. So umm...hi, my name is Fo-

Nova: I know your callsign Agent Four of the Squid beak Splatoon I have been keeping a careful eye on you and your team members for some time.

Four: You have, when?

Nova: Since the first encounter.

Four: First encounter? Does that mean that...where you the one in the forest?

Nova: To ease your mind, no this is my first encounter. The person who you first encounter is one of my companion. When you attack my associate, I began to track your group to learn more about the world and your kind sort of say.

Four: ...I am sorry for attacking your friend. We believe that it was one of Octavio creations so we were worry that it will cause harm.

Nova: Do not worry, all is forgiven. My friend does not hold grudges for long.

Four: That's nice. Wait... you said you been keeping track of us, right? By any chance tha-

Nova: Your female companions are fine, they are back at your base. I assume they are gather reinforcement. Would you like to see them?

I can see the inkling is confuse on what I said but have given up the reality of common sense.

Four: If it possible, ...sure?

I manage to video stream the drone that was watching the other group and manage to project them in the room where the inkling was. Again, the inkling was taken back for a moment then attempted to touch the hologram. The was taken back when the environment became scatter around the area he touches then reconstruct itself again.

Nova: This is a live video you cannot change the environment their on.

Four: Can they hear me?

Nova: No.

Four: I see...can you tell them something for me?

Nova: Again no. Just talking to you puts me at risk. Also, I do not trust them in no offence Four.

Four: *sigh* It's alright I understand.

Then two inkling enter the hologram frame which cause Four to be invested to watch the event.

Four: What are they doing?

Nova: they are planning to break you out of this fort.

Four: WHAT?!?! NOOO!!!

Nova: I suggest keeping your voice down or you might have problems.

Four: Can you tell them to stop?

Nova: I am sorry, but I refuse. If I tell them that, then things might get more complicated.

The inkling began to walk around the room while talking to himself. I can tell he care about his friends.

Nova: I cannot tell them anything, but I will try to keep them out of harms way if it will ease your worries.

Four: I guess... Sooo...how's your day going?

Nova: Could be better, but mostly well.

Both the inkling and I began to have a conversation. He tried to tell me many things that I already know such as "Turf War" and common everyday things. I knew that he was trying to converse with me so that he doesn't have to be reminded where he was. Sadly, when the drones manage to catch a few guards in the hallway I told him about it and reactivate the drone cloaking device. The guards took a quick glance of the room and notice Agent Four was on the ground they assume that he was still out. I wanted to end it on a high note, so I went to the fridge in the back of the room and grab a few remaining drinks called Sea Splash and walk towards the teleporter room in Max workshop. When I enter the room, I see Max is reading a book and what I presume to be the prototype of the Oxygen purifier on the table. I walk to the teleporter, set down the can, and type the cords of where the inkling was. When I hit send, I saw Max looking at me with a confuse face then continue reading the book. I check the drone cameras and saw that the inkling holding the drink. I walk back to my office and continue having the available drones continue scouting the area.

Mia: Someone got a boyfriend <3

Nova: Mia how long have you been there, and you are misunderstanding things?

Mia: I really don't care. I trust ya and you know better then I do. Just don't give him too much food, we don't have enough for ourselves.

Nova: To build a trust, one mu-

Mia: Whatever, Its nap time.

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Time Skip

Max POV

After when I finish wiring the prototype, I gave it power to activate it. At first it shows signs of working properly, however, about thirty second into activating it suddenly combust into flames. I quickly grab the fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

Mia: Test Seven failed. Result exploded into flames

Max: Not explode Mia, just set on fire.

Mia: It has been three days Maximax, its been three days. Nova told you that if it fai-

Max: I KNOW what Nova said, I'm not ready to give up on the base that my father help built.

Mia: *Sigh* There are somethings that are impossible and right now this is one of them. Now get up... we got things to pack.

Max: Just one more try, I'm sooo close, I can feel it.

Mia: Then talk to her I'm only here to kill time.

Both Mia and I exit the work station and headed over to Nova lab. Right now, I can tell that it was getting a bit harder to breath and the entire room feels like it is getting hotter. Nova told us that this is normal but since I am working on the prototype, I feel like I am being set on fire. When we enter the lab, I can see Nova is starting to pack up her equipment.

Nova: let me guess, prototype did not work.

Max: I was so close I can feel it. Just let me have another shot at it.

Nova: I'm sorry Max, I know this is hard, but we have to move on.

Max: Look we have less then twenty-four hours left on this ship, just gi-

Nova: I said no...it pains me, it really does but we need to move on.

Max: I just need the core to work properly and it will be perfect.

Nova: We both know that it is impossible, finding a core for that take even more time and we do even know if there is one left on this planet.

Max: I'm telling you it's not impos-

Just then, her data pad got an incoming call. We all just stood there dumfound for many reasons. We all look at each other then Nova began answering the call.

???: Hello? Can anyone hear me.

We were all surprise on who called us it was another human. The man before us had a heavy Russian accent, pale skin, have no hair or facial feature. He looks like he was in his thirties and he is drinking a clear liquid.

Sergy: Aww hello friends. It is so good to finally greet you...sort of. OH, where are my manors, my name is Sergy.

Nova: Hello, my name is Nova.

Max: I'm Max

Mia: HI SERGY

Sergy: Hello little one. It is so nice to finally talk to somebody. You know that you are the first human I talk to in a while.

Nova: I know, humans went extinct. To be frank, this is also new to us.

I can tell that Sergy had a hidden smile on his face, he then moves his eyes to the box that Nova pack up.

Sergy: Are you going somewhere?

Sergy is starting to get worried. I don't blame him, first time meeting another human then they might be gone the next day.

Nova: Yes, we are preparing to leave to another location.

I can see sergy becoming more confuse.

Sergy: Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you guys in space? I though it was safe.

Nova: Currently yes, but we are in the progress of relocating.

Sergy: Why?

I can tell nova is thinking on what to say, but just gave up and told him the truth.

Nova: The purifier malfunction, we have attempted to repair or rebuild it. Since it has proven futile, we are left with no choice but to abandon The Unity Dawn.

Sergy began to place his hand on his chin then lean back on his chair. What he said next left us shock.

Sergy: Do you have a pen and paper?

Both Nova and I became confuse while I saw Mia resting on one of the beds. Nova franticly grab apiece of paper on the counter and a black pen from her lab coat pocket. I let those two talks to themselves while I went to check on Mia. As I got close, she turns here head towards me then began to continue to look at the ceiling. When I got back to nova and Sergy having a conversation, Sergy said goodbye then hang up the call. Nova use her data pad and have her drones going to a bunch of cornets where sergy told her. The paper has a bunch of number on it, but I knew it was longitude and latitude cornets.

It only took about five minutes, but she manages to locate something.

Nova: Max come here I think you might have another chance.

I took a look at her data pad and I couldn't believe my eyes. A real oxygen purifier is there on top of the crates in what appears to be the storage room.

Nova: Do you think this will wo-

Max: YES, it will work. Where is it at?

Nova: You wont like the answer. It located at a place called Fort Stone. Also, negotiation is not possible because the organization are classified as terrorist.

Mia: So why don't we get force our way into getting it.

Nova: I dis-

Mia: You said they are terrorist and they have what we need. Nova we are on a time limit, this might be our only chance. I don't care what you think, but I know we must do this not only for ourselves, but for the people as well.

Nova: Alright Alright I understand Mia. You want to help this world because you don't want to let it happen again. Well honestly, the ink they produce is completely harmless to us and I do not see anything that can be dangerous to us.

I can see Nova walking around her lab and collecting few scrapes of paper.

Nova: Water is hazardous to both inkling and octoling, so we could weaponize it.

Max: We got a few mechs and combat outfits that I could repair quickly. Mia could wear the military combat armor.

Mia: No need we don't have time to fix it. Get the mech working, Ill check the armory and the storage room.

Max: Someone is determined for once.

Mia: Its daja vu all over again.

Max: I see... I get working on one of the mechs.

Nova: Fifteen hours is all we have left. Do not waste this chance.

Both Mia and I left Nova lab and went our separate ways. I headed to the armory to see which mech suit has the least amount of damage. Luckily for me, the combat support suit is still standing strong. I heard that some of the guards call these models "Cyclops". Now looking at it, I can see it now. A giant 14'10" Steel giant with a giant hole that resemble an eye. This was supposed to be an area denial mech that restrict and supports another mech. The one thing its good at is causing damage and repairing another machine. Most of the components are intact, but I need to fix the wiring of the arm and add a water hose on the side of the flamethrower. I should be done fixing the minimal amount of damage in five hours. Then after that I think it should be ready to go.

Timeslip

After when I finish rewiring the expose wires, both nova and Mia were in the armory waiting for me to help with another task.

Nova: Is it working?

Max: When I turn it on it should. It does quiet use a bit of power, but I know it will work.

Nova: I will take your word for it. We need water to connect to the mech, luckily for us, Mia found Four water tank that you can attach to the mech that won't leak.

Max: Four is not a lot but I guess it will do.

Nova: Come now, I found a perfect location to gather water. The ocean near were we send Mia the first time around, just closer.

Max: Ill be right behind you.

I got on the Mech and went inside, I can hear the startup noise. I knew at that moment, I felt like I done many impossible tasks that people could never accomplish. I can see both Nova and Mia moving their head up to look at me while I just wave at them. I walk over to the empty tank and grab all four of them two under each arm. The door that's connect to my workstation and the armory open a bit then suddenly stops. I had to set the tanks down and pry open the doors. As was prying open door open, Mia jump on my back. It didn't lose my balance or anything, but it was sort of unexpecting. When I enter the teleporter pad, I set the tanks down and waited for Nova instructions.

Nova: I will teleport you by the ocean, just head south for about ten minutes.

Max: Great, what then?

Nova: When you get the tanks fill with water, I will bring you back here and we will do one last minute preparation.

Mia: C'mon let's go I'm bored.

Nova just shock her head and proceeded to teleport Mia and I to the location. Deep down, I knew she wants to send Mia to an active volcano or somewhere extremely cold, but I knew she will survive it.

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Agent 3 POV

Its been two days and they are still not lowering their guard. Ever since they capture Four, they been even more alert. I ask Callie and Marie to see if they can back Eight and I to free Four. So far, Callie is complaining that it taking too long while Eight and Marie are thinking on how to break in. When I was deep in thought, I can hear both Pearl and Marina yelling in the radio.

Pearl: Guys, guess what? The signal came back.

Marina: The human finally showed up, but it's not closes you guys. It is showing where you first meet it near the ocean.

Marie: Why does it appear near the ocean let alone the same spot where we first encounter it.

Eight: Maybe their preparing for something.

Three: Whatever they are doing, Four comes before it.

Pearl: Get this, there is two signals

Three, Eight, Callie, Marie: ..................

Marina: She is telling the truth.

Eight: Two showed up together...What are they doing.

After a little short talk, Marina told us that the signal disappears. They were not near or as important as rescuing Four. After finishing the scouting rotation, I check my watch and it was 10:24am. I walk back to the group and relay any information on what I gather. This rotation cycle did not show any weakness to exploit so we had no choice and wait for another cycle. Eight and I went to scout to see if anything was new we can use. I was starting to believe the rumors that there is no escape form the fort, despite all that, I still have hope Four is alive. Soon after, I can hear both Pearl and Marina yelling at us through the radio.

Pearl: YYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Marina: EVERYONE BECARFUL, THE SIGNAL SHOWED UP NEAR YOUR LOCATION

Both Eight and I were looking around the Fort while Callie and Marie were looking around the surrounding area around us. I couldn't see anything for a while until I saw trees were moving and strange sounds from the forest in front of the fort. Then we saw it, the thing emerges from the forest. The four of us just look at each other as if we were all looking at the same thing. What was before us was something we never seen before. I could tell from many years being an agent is that what was before us arrived with vicious intent. As Marie, Callie, and Eight were admiring the metal before us, I knew it was our only chance to save Four.