"So basically all of The Shade in Feracon Junction are taken out after that big attack we did a few days ago." Nova said. "This is our ONLY chance to get out of the city and start an alliance!" Nova exclaimed. "But problem is, we have a giant energy shield our weapons can't get through. Anyone have ANY ideas?" She asked, facing her team.

Talon tried to think, scratching his chin as he narrowed his eyes at the map. "Well, the only thing I can think of that has enough firepower to break the energy shield would be a Shade Battleship. Problem is, they're most definitely at that Conversion Camp, which I have a feeling my kind are using as a temporary base since there's no citizens TO convert."

"Maybe we could go underground and reach the evacuation station like we did with those prisoners." Macy said.

"Bad idea. They didn't leave the city, they just were put in a station The Shade couldn't find them, with plenty of food and water." Nova said. "We'd be abandoning the city and the rest of the world if we did."

"Dammit, you're right." Macy said before scratching her head. "Well...we could always try and sneak in and get a ship."

"I doubt it's that easy. Ever since my...my..." Talon shook his head, snapping out of it. "Point is, they most definitely improved security. And if Commander Shard spots us, he'll most likely kill us."

"And it's definite we're going to run into him at SOME point." Macy said before facing Talon. "What kind of battle class is he? He has bladed weapons like you, and is as big and bulky as a Smasher, but isn't that or a Shooter."

"He's upgraded. Slashers evolve into Stingers, big and bulky Shades with armor that not even the strongest metal can pierce without all your might. Their main source of weapons are their Stingers, flying blades that they can control at will." Talon then hugged himself. "They hurt like hell. I should know."

"Any way to dodge these things or somehow knock them out of the air?" Nova asked.

"The only real way I can think of is if you damage the Stinger, Shard in this case, enough to where he can't focus on controlling the stingers. The connection between him and his weapons is mental, and if we somehow break that, we can take him down a little easier." Talon said. "Problem is, Shard knows how to get into your head. He studies his enemies and uses their greatest flaws and hatred of one's flaws to make them go crazy...he did so with me. I lost my cool and then attacked him, completely ignoring the plan and just letting his words dig into my brain."

"We better learn how to get great at ignoring people then." Macy said. "But still, just to be safe, we're going to need a great plan in order to steal a ship and take down that energy field."

Meanwhile, Commander Shard himself walked through the hallway before reaching a communications center, where Kreji was waiting for him. Kreji saluted. "Sir. The High Council has received your request of the plan you requested. They're ready to talk."

"Excellent. Kreji, you are now promoted to my personal second in command." Shard said. "I've seen how ruthless and cunning you can be, and killing one of the traitors? That takes loyalty."

Kreji smiled wide, but it was clearly an evil smile and he bowed before Shard. "I am honored, Commander Shard. I wasn't even aware that commanders could even have second in commands."

"They can't. After this? I won't be a commander for long." Shard said before pressing a button, showing five holograms in front of him as Kreji left the room. Shard bowed. "High Council, I am truly delighted you have taken time out of your days to speak to me."

The Stinger of the Council crossed her arms. "You have pleased us and the army to an extent where we have considered getting a sixth member of The High Council. You have impressed us."

"And murdering FORMER Commander Blade and most definitely traumatizing Talon, one of our traitors." The first Crusher said with a grin.

Shard smirked, standing. "Thank you, High Council."

"But...your plans for these experiments worry us." The second Crusher said. "You have tried this before, yes?"

"Manipulating all battle classes into regular Shades. Yes. But only with one. It was a success." Shard said. "I plan to eliminate all will and only keep their loyalty."

"While that is a plan we can respect, it seems too risky for our army currently. It could create more traitors than destroy them, and 4 Traitors were already a handful for us." The first Shocker said.

"Imagine the chaos multiple traitors could create." The second Shocker said.

Shard's eyes narrowed. "My Council, I don't think you understand-"

"We understand plenty." The Stinger growled. "Your plan could destroy our empire slowly. We are rejecting your request to upgrade these Shades."

"WHAT?!?" Shard screamed.

"WE HAVE SPOKEN!" The Stinger exclaimed before all five holograms disappeared, ending the call.

Shard panted, clearly furious before he took a deep breath and put his hands behind his back. "Kreji!"

Kreji rushed in and bowed. "Yes, my master?"

"It's time The High Council meets their makers. Grab a group of random Shades from all over the globe and request their presence here. I'm going to do what I should've done long ago."