The Art of Magic

It's not! It's a Tactical Masterpiece! (I)

On a small alleyway in Ganymede, a Figure was running from something or perhaps someone. No one in this prison colony is sane enough to care. Be it the shitty streets or the runny alleyways filled with God knows what.

Breathing heavily the man backed up into a wall, he stared at the Blade's luster that was highlighted by the red light district behind them. Going down on his knees He begged his assailant, "Please! Whatever you want I'll give it to you! Just let me live!" He pleaded at the hooded assailant in front of him.

"When the War of the Beasts bring about the world's end." The figure said softly, however the man was unable to determine what the figure was whether it's male or female because of the voice modulator. Puzzled by it's cryptic words he started searching his body for something.

The figure traced their blade and continued, "Does God weep as it scrambles to save its children?" It said as it raised it's blade up high.

"Wa-wait!! I can give you my research! isn't that why you're here? I'll give you anything just leave me alone!" The man continued to plead. However it fell to deaf ears.

"Or will they be met with callous indifference?" the figure brought down it's blade. Before the man could even comprehend what the figure just said he was already dead.

"Its anger, cruel and destructive. Its love, unseen and forgotten." It said as it lit up the corpse burning it to cinders along with the man's research.

"Dregs of Ragnarok should stay dead."

The figure quickly vanished leaving no trace of it's presence.

This however was unbeknownst to Nex and her company as they were inching closer to Ganymede they were discussing their plans.

"Okay what's the plan?" Nick asked as his deadpan expression stared at Nex, for she hasn't answered why they were going to Ganymede and not straight to Earth. He slowly gave up, and eventually just asked leading questions.

"First We go to Ganymede." She said seriously, then after a long bout of silence Nick spoke, "That's it? That's not a fucking plan that's a destination!" Nex coughed, "That's a great idea he said with glittering eyes as he stared at her captain with great reverence." Nex replied with a high pitched voice.

Nick was flabbergasted at Nex's Devil may care attitude. "Oh my God... We're going to die. Also Let me make it clear... You're not the captain."

"Nope. I am the captain! We had a vote." She said as she crossed her arms. Nick was slack jawed, "You voted when I was asleep! That's not how voting works!"

He sighed and stood up from the lounge picking up his empty plate he stored it on the Dishwasher and asked Nex gently, "Fine... So where in Ganymede are we going?"

"Dome 7, Pad-Hi's bar." She said as she finished her food. Nick went back to his room screaming, "Alright since we are going to die anyways I might as well call my estranged relatives and write my goddamn will!"

Nex chuckled but before she could get some catch eye she found Blair staring at her intently. "What's up?" She asked. The Android tilted her head and said, "I have a query. I don't understand why you are going to Dome 7 I believe that the best way to lure the enemy bounty hunters out is at a dense forest preferably one on Earth. Why would you go on that place where A dense population of criminals are prevalent?" She said monotonously.

"It's a strategically placed skirmish that takes advantage of the terrain in a controlled environment." She said trying to act sage like.

Nex immediately followed up with a question, "Are they still tailing us?" Blair nodded her head, "Rather obviously at that. They immediately showed their intentions when we stepped in the warp gate."

Nex showed a knowing smile, "Then everything's gonna be fine."

Blair was even more confused as she stared at  Nex. "I cannot compute. Perhaps if you demonstrate it, I may gain new insights." Nex nodded approvingly, "Atta girl!" She patted her in the back and went back inside her room. Blair on the other hand kept staring at the vast beyond awaiting their arrival towards their destination.

After a few hours they have finally arrived, Blair safely landed on the drydock and a few moments after they left the ship it slowly went invisible as it cloaked itself. "We can go now, if it is detected we could always rely on the ships automated targeting system, it's better at making Swiss cheese more than anything." Nex said as they tried to walk amongst Ganymede's inhabitants.

It's in an even worst state than Scylla 8-b for the unmaintained streets and alleyways combined with the unfiltered airflow from derelict vents. It's a hell hole filled with crime and despair.

"Hey handsome! looking to have some fun?" The Cyber-Geishas on the roadside tried to tempt the people walking by. Nex nudged Blair on her side, "Hey she's talking to you." Blair tilted her head perplexed by Nex's statement, but continued walking to their destination.

"Huh, I honestly thought this place would be in a worse state." Nick said as he stared at the simulated sky on the dome's roof. Nex shrugged her shoulders, "This is one of the three domes unaffected by the explosion three years ago. You should see Dome 5. Now that's where the primo asshats gather."

After a few minutes of idle talk they soon arrived at their destination. In front of them was a Medium sized bar with two Bulky Augmented Taurians staring at the people lined at the door with menacing glares. Nex however was unfazed as she bypassed the line and winked at the two guards. The two grunted and opened the door. If you look closely enough you can see the two slightly shivering. But they still upheld the rules of no guns inside. Nex put her two hand cannons in the palms of the guard, He was sweating beneath his fur as he rubbed his horn. "Should I put it at your personal locker?"

"Thanks Nazir." She said as she pulled her stunned teammates inside.