Chapter 596 A Battle Of Deception (2)
The Ghosts, their loyal allies and comrades stood together in the hangar bay of their spaceship, preparing for their departure to the Tower. Kass was going through the final checks while the rest of the team gathered around Reaper and Bella.
The atmosphere was tinged with anticipation and sadness as they bid each other farewell for a month.
Leon approached Reaper and Bella, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, Reaper, Bella, it's time for us to head out. The Tower won't wait, you know. Also, who knows how much chaos the trainees have caused in our absence."
Ashton nodded, his eyes meeting Leon's. "I know, Leon. You all have important work to do. We'll hold down the fort here and continue our mission within the Orion Empire."
Anna added, her voice tinged with mischief, "While we do our thing, don't forget to send updates regarding what we discussed with lord Mazton."
"Don't worry, I got it." Laihud softly replied.
Vimur clapped on Ashton's back, only to be tossed into the ground. Even then, he didn't stutter or forget about what he wanted to say.
"Don't worry, you guys. We'll keep things running smoothly while you and Bella handle business here."
"Otiga, do me a favour and keep him out of the room while you make important decisions." Ashton clapped back with a smile on his face.
"That goes without saying," Otige replied, returning Ashton's smile.
"Now, before you go, there's something I'd like to say to you," Ashton glanced at his teammates, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, all of you. We couldn't have come this far without your unwavering support."
"Don't get all emotional on us now," Otiga stepped forward, her gaze turning serious. "Reaper, Bella, remember to stay cautious. The cult is dangerous, and we've seen what they're capable of.
Trust your instincts and watch each other's backs, even if it means taking decisions you usually won't."
"Don't worry, we got this," Ashton nodded. "We won't let our guard down. We know the risks and won't rest until we're done doing what we set out to do."
As the conversation ended, the Ghosts exchanged heartfelt farewells, their camaraderie evident in their actions. They clasped hands, shared encouraging words, and gave each other reassuring nods. It was a testament to their bond forged through countless missions and battles.
Finally, it was time for the Ghosts to board their spaceship. Kass, the last to join them, called out, "All aboard, folks! Time to head to the Tower."
The Ghosts turned, their eyes lingering on Ashton and Anna for a moment longer. They knew the weight of the mission that lay ahead for their friends.
Ashton and Anna had chosen to stay within the Orion Empire to delve into the shadows and expose the hidden cult members, risking their own safety in the process. But they also knew they were doing what needed to be done.
As the spaceship's engines roared to life, the Ghosts saluted their friends, a mix of admiration and concern etched on their faces. Reaper and Bella stood tall, their resolve unwavering.
"Take care, Reaper. Bella," Otiga called out, his voice carrying through the hangar. "We'll be back in a month. Keep yourselves safe."
Reaper nodded, a half-smile on his face. "You too, Otiga. Safe travels to the Tower, everyone."
With that, the spaceship slowly lifted off the ground, soaring towards the starry expanse beyond. The Ghosts were on their way to continue their operations, leaving Ashton and Anna to face the challenges that awaited them within the Orion Empire.
As the ship disappeared from view, Ashton and Anna turned their attention back to their surroundings. The hangar was now quiet and empty... eerily so. The bustling activity that had filled the space minutes ago had vanished, leaving an unsettling stillness in its wake.
Ashton's instincts kicked in, and he felt a tinge of unease prickling at the back of his neck. Anna, too, sensed the sudden shift in the atmosphere and tightened her grip on her weapon, ready for any potential threat.
Just then, the heavy doors of the hangar swung open, and Minister Theron strode in, flanked by his entourage of guards. Ashton's tension eased slightly at the sight of the Minister's familiar face, but he couldn't shake off a sense of apprehension.
Something told him that Theron's presence in the hangar held more significance than a mere chance encounter.
"Minister Theron," Ashton greeted, swiftly saluting the man before continuing. "You should have just called us to meet you. Is there something you need?"
Theron waved off Ashton's formalities with a disarming smile. "No need for such pleasantries, Reaper. We have a more pressing matter to address, and I believe it is best discussed in person."
Ashton exchanged a brief glance with Anna, their unspoken understanding clear. They both knew that this encounter with Theron carried serious implications, potentially leading them deeper into the labyrinthine plots of the Orion Empire.
"What is it, Minister?" Ashton asked, his voice steady, betraying none of the underlying anticipation coursing through his veins.
Theron's expression grew sombre as he motioned for the guards to keep a vigilant watch.
Ashton's brows furrowed, a sense of foreboding creeping into his thoughts. "What is it, Minister? Is there something we need to know?"
Theron's expression turned grave as he nodded. "There are certain factions within the Empire who are opposed to your close association with the Emperor. They see you and Bella as a threat and won't hesitate to eliminate you."
"So they are the ones who attacked us?" Anna quizzed the Minister. "But even then, shouldn't the assailant we captured be enough to-"
"That should have been the case..." Theron's face fell slightly, his voice filled with regret. "Unfortunately, the prisoner died in custody under mysterious circumstances. We were left clueless as to who could be behind these attacks."
Ashton sighed when he heard about the prisoner's death, but he had expected it would happen. After all, it was the cult they were up against. Pulling off shit like that was their forte.
"No worries, sir," Ashton replied. "Feel free to use us as bait to catch them, or better yet, let me set a trap for them as a gift for their generosity."
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