Weeks have passed since Starling assumed the mantle of the Bat. Word quickly spread of a bat like creature roaming the skies of Atmos, punishing those who would do harm on the innocents. Starling used this story to her advantage, striking fear into the hearts of Cyclonians, Raptors and all those who would prey on the innocent. But as she continued operating as the Bat, she never forgot her original promise to avenge the Interceptors. And to that end, she dedicated herself to hunting Repton and the Raptors responsible for the massacre of the Interceptors. Meanwhile in Terra Bogaton, the Dark Ace arrived with a small squadron of Cyclonian Talons. As they were led to the throne room, Repton greeted Dark Ace.

Repton: Dark Ace.

Dark Ace: King Repton. A pleasure as always.

Repton: Have you heard tales of the Bat?

Dark Ace: You speak of the Sky Knight that's been attacking our forces, then yes.

Repton: The Bat is more more Sky Knight, Dark Ace. No. In Raptor Culture, the Sky Hunter has many spirit companions in his never ending hunt. Among the most powerful was a Bat. On every hunt, the Bat struck terror in the heart of all prey. All who feel fear burn at the Bat's gaze.

As Repton was saying this, it was clear to the Cyclonian enforcer that Repton believed in the legends surrounding the Bat.

Dark Ace: I do not believe in superstition.

Repton: To ensure that the Sky Hunter's chosen people remain worthy of his favor, the Sky Hunter will give a physical form to one of his companions and send them to Atmos to hunt and test the Raptors. As for you, the Sky Hunter may be testing you and your people because of our alliance. To see if our alliance is worthy in his eyes.

Dark Ace: The Cyclonian Empire does not need the approval of your God.

Repton: Do not take the Sky Hunter lightly, Dark Ace. As I said before, the Bat was one of the Sky Hunter's most powerful and most faithful companions. Your Talons and my warriors have fallen to the Bat. Tell me, what do your Talons say of the Bat?

Dark Ace: They say the Bat moved with blinding speed. That it took them down one by one. The Bat seemed to be immune to blaster fire. It soared the skies and some have even said that it can't be killed. But I believe that this is merely some Sky Knight with a sense of theatrics.

Repton took note of Dark Ace's response. It was clear that Dark Ace didn't believe the legends surrounding the Bat.

Repton: You would be wise to heed the warnings of your men. I have known many hunters and warriors to believe themselves invincible, immune to fate. And all have fallen for their hubris. For your sake and the sake of your masters, I'd heed the warnings of your fallen.

Dark Ace: Regardless of this...Bat, the Cyclonian Empire have need of your assistance.

Repton: Speak.

Dark Ace: There is a chemical plant in Terra Mesa. The Sky Council has sent a large fleet around Terra Mesa to ensure that the Terra's protection. We will engage the fleet while you send a group of Raptors to the chemical plant. It is vital that the chemical plant is taken out of commission.

Repton: Very well. I will assemble a squad to undertake this task.

With that, Repton begrudgingly accepted Dark Ace's request. After Dark Ace and his Talons left Terra Bogaton, Repton began selecting the Raptors he felt were up to the task. One of those Raptors was a Raptor.

Repton: I have a mission for you.

Raptor: I'm all ears, boss.

Repton: The Cyclonians are set to attack Terra Mesa. The Dark Ace wants us to slip into Terra Mesa and sabotage it's chemical plant.

Raptor: That all? It's been too long since I've had a real challenge. Ever since we killed the Interceptors, things have gotten....boring.

Repton: Your eagerness for battle is commendable, but you must remain focused. The Dark Ace is expecting us to succeed.

Raptor: Oh that won't be a problem boss. With all this....Bat talk, I'm kinda hoping the Bat drops by. It'll certainly liven things up a bit.

The Raptor chuckled at the prospect of meeting the Bat face to face. Repton was concerned with The Raptor taking the Bat lightly.

Repton: Do not underestimate the Bat. The Bat is easily the most formidable creature in the entire Atmos. You are a skilled hunter and a fine warrior, but do not let your past victories blind you.

As Repton warned the Raptor to be cautious, the Raptor warrior simply chuckled and offered a smile.

Raptor: It'll be taken care of, boss.

Repton: Good. I have assembled a squadron of our finest warriors. I will join the Dark Ace in battle to ensure that the deception succeeds.

Raptor: And it will. You can count on that. When me and my boys are done, there won't be anything left of that chemical plant to salvage.

With that, Repton and Raptor began the task of assembling a squadron of the finest Raptors of Terra Bogaton. Once they did so, they waited until Dark Ace called upon them. But the mission to sabotage the chemical plant on Terra Mesa would not go unnoticed. But what no one realized was that this fateful mission would have long lasting consequences that would be felt across all of Atmos.