(Year 4083)
The sky groaned with the weight of fire and ash.
A colossal futuristic airship floated through thick, black smoke. It was built from a dark, shiny metal that glowed faintly with blue lines running along its surface. The ship made a deep humming sound as it moved, staying steady above the burning city below. Large engines on each side helped it hover in place, while smaller thrusters kept it balanced. Its shape was sleek, like a flying blade, with a wide back ramp that opened for drops.
Inside the airship, cold blue lights lit up the cabin. The walls were covered in screens showing city maps, Hemengo activity, and red dots moving fast...targets. The air was filled with the soft sound of machines beeping and the quiet hum of the ship.
Four people sat near the back of the ship, strapped into metal seats, waiting.
Astria sat closest to the door. She wore a white bodysuit that hugged her frame, with metallic Armor pieces over her chest, arms, and legs. The Armor was light but strong, made to protect without slowing her down. On her back were three small futuristic pistols. Her left wrist held a glowing green device that could scan injuries. Her eyes flickered slightly as they connected to her Hemengo detector, showing heat signatures and danger zones across the city.
"All systems working," Astria said softly, mostly to herself.
Next to her was Rowan, a strong man in his 30s. His black eyes stared at a screen in front of him. He had the same Armor and gear as Astria, but with a sword symbol on his shoulder, marking him as a close-combat expert. His brown hair was cut short, and his muscles stretched his suit tight. He said nothing but gave a small nod when Astria looked his way.
Across from them sat Chrom Lio, the largest member of the team. He was massive...over seven feet tall, with heavy Armor covering most of his body. Instead of pistols, he had a rocket launcher mounted on his back. His face was hidden behind black visor glasses, and his skin was tan. He looked calm, unmoving, like a machine built for war.
The fourth, Zeronn, leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His blue hair waved slightly in the ship's cold air. A sword rested on his back, and two pistols were strapped to his legs. His eyes were narrow and serious.
"This city's been burning for hours," Zeronn muttered. "We should've dropped sooner."
Rowan replied, his voice deep. "Orders come from the top. We follow them, not question them."
"Still," Astria added, "the longer we wait, the more people die." Chrom Lio grunted in agreement. Above them, a speaker crackled to life. A deep, commanding voice filled the room.
"We are now flying over A-Zoju. The city is under siege by Mindless and Drake-class Hemengos. Team Zero, prepare for drop."
The four operatives stood at once. They raised their left arms, holding their weapons straight up, and placed their right hands behind their backs.
"Yes, Sir!" they shouted together.
This was the salute of the Hemengo Neutralization Organization...the HNO.
The ship's back ramp opened with a loud hiss. Wind rushed in, and smoke from the city below clouded the view. Then, as the air cleared, they saw it, A-Zoju City.
Once a peaceful and bright place, it was now a war zone. Flames rose from buildings, streets cracked open, and creatures roamed freely, hunting.
Astria looked over her shoulder. "Stay sharp. Land hard, move fast." Rowan gripped the handle of his blade. "Sector 9 has the most activity. I'll go first."
Chrom Lio nodded silently. His rocket launcher clicked as it powered up. Zeronn glanced down. "Let's end this."
They all looked at one another, sharing a moment of silent respect. Then they jumped. From the sky, they fell like soldiers of judgment.