“The command has conducted extensive investigations and reviews on the reported matter, and it was confirmed that forming a temporary alliance to organize a task force has yielded positive results. Furthermore, considering the high likelihood of this operation being carried out through a joint organization, the command has judged it more efficient to form teams with existing personnel rather than introducing new manpower. Therefore, it was decided that the regular soldier ‘A’ would be suitable for leading the investigation at the scene. I hereby entrust the command of this operation to you and request a report on the results of its execution… This is the command of the 6th Fleet’s 1st Ship of Spacystro. Representative…”
In front of everyone, he read out the most eye-catching items from the official document and even verified the seal at the end.
His eyes slowly turned towards the team leaders who had checked the document before him.
Frankly speaking, the current situation is quite dangerous. Even if fights are banned outside of official confrontation schedules, having members of the HunterKiller Team and Spacystro team leaders gathered in one place could lead to unpredictable outcomes.
But my mind was too preoccupied to think about such things right now.
“Did there seem to be any reason for me to be considered suitable for command?”
I have never held any position other than soldier, pilot, or engineer throughout my life. I am just a regular soldier. Being on Earth hasn’t changed anything since I came here because I am still a soldier.
It naturally made me wonder what they saw in me and how they reached their judgment.
It’s good if this report will be recognized as an achievement. But then again, is being given command a form of punishment?
“You were a team leader before.”
Hearing Sierra’s words, I realized. Although I have never been a commanding officer, I did manage a team. During our time traveling through space, when I was an engineer, I led the hangar team.
In reality, I only took responsibility for certain tasks and didn’t differ much from other engineers. However, officially, I remain recorded as the team leader of Hangar 1, and the command seems to have judged this experience as sufficient for command duties.
“But that doesn’t make sense, no matter how you look at it.”
Being a team leader is just that—a team leader. I have no combat experience in directing on the front lines, and past records of being a team leader don’t help with commanding battles.
“That’s just a formality. The command probably thinks it’s better to keep the same people doing the job.”
Esmeralda’s words likely hit the mark. She has commanded large units and has experience in leadership roles before we met, so her opinion carries weight.
However, what troubled me was that unlike explaining patiently to someone who couldn’t understand, her expression wasn’t entirely bright.
My mind, which hadn’t considered gauging the atmosphere, turned to the two groups of women sitting opposite each other.
While I focused solely on the document, the team leaders and girlfriends were also observing each other’s moods while reading the document.
I hadn’t thought about it, but the two groups had long been adversaries.
“So, do you all agree with performing the operation jointly?”
Given the circumstances, it’s impossible to refuse command. While I was told to take command, I could still raise objections and relinquish command under certain conditions.
But who could possibly lead both groups simultaneously? The command might not have considered this, but it’s inherently impossible to delegate this mission to someone else.
Most importantly, everything done until now has been aimed at uncovering information about the hyper-human. Although I think it’s unreasonable for me to take command, I must take responsibility for the mission.
“I’m in favor.”
Yubin was the first to raise her hand in agreement. Having provided the most assistance during the hacking and closely observed my investigation, she had no complaints about participating in the operation.
Yubin had a clear goal: to learn about the hyper-human. Unlike me, who started investigating due to the girlfriends’ issues, she joined my investigation to understand herself better as a hyper-human.
I believe the entire HunterKiller team shares the same sentiment.
Everyone wants to know themselves. It’s a curiosity inherent in all intelligent beings.
Even ordinary people, who haven’t undergone experiments, want to know more about themselves. So, how much more so for those who have undergone experiments and don’t even know their current physical state?
“I hope everyone can express their opinions.”
The girlfriends, led by Yubin, each expressed their opinions.
In summary, everyone agreed to perform the operation jointly. Likely, because I was appointed as the commander, the girlfriends didn’t hesitate to join in.
Should I feel fortunate or unfortunate about taking on the role of commander…
“What about you?”
After the members voiced their opinions, SuA crossed her arms and looked back and forth between the team leaders, seeking their input.
When it was mentioned that the HunterKiller team agreed to participate in the operation, none of the team leaders spoke up; they simply listened quietly.
“Indeed. I’m curious about what A thinks.”
Esmeralda’s words momentarily confused me. She seemed to be asking about my thoughts.
Was she inquiring about the current situation or future plans?
“I’d like to know how the personnel will be organized and how the operation will proceed.”
Esmeralda’s question pertained to the latter.
“The personnel will be organized based on everyone’s opinions. Personally, I think it would be best if everyone present participates.”
Although we are close and see each other daily, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the combined power here is extraordinary.
The HunterKiller Team, renowned for its combat prowess in South Korea, comprises four team leaders, each highly skilled. Excluding myself, this gathering includes some of the finest individuals I know.
“We plan to conduct the operation quietly within the team.”
Theo said he would verify the details when the document was released, but unfortunately, this document is classified. Only the ten present and the command personnel who issued it are aware of it.
“We plan to unify the attire of the operation personnel to prevent information leaks.”
Security is paramount in this operation. While securing data is important, if we launch a surprise attack on the transmission base, the Earth Defense Union will undoubtedly suspect Spacystro.
And most importantly, the HunterKiller Team’s involvement in this operation must remain confidential. We can consider the perception of hyper-humans to have slightly improved, though not significantly.
The recent embezzlement scandal revealed that many hyper-humans under the Seoul branch haven’t received proper wages. This issue has persisted for years, generating sympathy for hyper-humans among the public.
If the HunterKiller Team launches a surprise attack on the Earth Defense Union’s facility and this becomes known, people might speculate that hyper-humans are responsible due to unpaid wages. But the world rarely operates as expected.
Criticism will likely outweigh support. While receiving attention, we cannot afford to damage the current favorable public perception.
“We plan to use normal suits for everyone.”
If all general soldiers from Spacystro wear the same suit, it will be difficult to identify them.
“If all personnel express their willingness to participate, we aim to proceed as soon as possible. Fortunately, it seems the other side hasn’t noticed our movements, but we can’t afford to wait indefinitely.”
Recalling countless operations from the past, I quickly devised a simple strategy in my mind.
“The location has been confirmed, but reconnaissance beforehand is impossible. Based on the external appearance seen in the phase image, there appears to be no special entrance, suggesting an internal entrance to the transmission base. Despite this, I expect strict security measures.”
It’s unlikely they would leave the transmission base unguarded, even with complex codes. Simply patrolling the surroundings could expose us.
“Therefore, we plan to execute the operation at dawn. Our target is the main computer inside the transmission base. There should be an administration room managing the entire facility, where data is likely stored on computers.”
Suddenly, I felt uneasy. Apart from the base’s location, no information is confirmed.
The problem is that even the base’s location is uncertain.
What if the location we find at dawn isn’t related to the transmission base? If nearby bases notice our actions and erase all data, we’d have no way to proceed.
Even if we successfully enter, most data is likely stored on internal computers. While network archives exist, documents storing various scenarios are also kept.
But this is uncertain. If the data storage method differs from the norm, causing issues, or if stringent security prevents us from executing the operation, what then?
As someone without prior command experience, I lacked confidence in the plan I proposed. The uncertainty brought overwhelming unease.
“A.”
Unable to lift my gaze, I wondered if this was acceptable. When Sierra gently called me, I hesitated.
“Do as usual.”
Doing as usual. I hadn’t often considered the consequences after handling numerous tasks. While always feeling anxious, I maintained confidence in my abilities.
Was it due to the gravity of this task, or because everyone involved is precious to me? I couldn’t think about it as easily as before.
“We’ve already discussed this.”
Listening to Sierra, I glanced at the team leaders. After discussing the task force, they claimed to have reached a consensus.
“We talked about whether it’s okay to work with the HunterKiller Team. Although we don’t know how the operation will proceed, we agreed to go along with whatever happens.”
Before suggesting meeting at SuA’s house, the team leaders had already decided to participate in the operation. They had continuously discussed the task force, submitted reports, and awaited the official document.
“Are you all okay with this?”
When I asked the team leaders, they all nodded. It wasn’t simultaneous, as they were constantly checking the HunterKiller Team’s reactions. Each nodded at slightly different times, but it was clear that everyone was ready to proceed with the operation.
“Then…”
I quickly processed the situation.
How to proceed with the operation, how to organize the personnel.
But I didn’t need to think about all of this alone.
“Help me.”
There’s no reason to bear the burden alone. I’ve received help before and can continue to do so.
Everyone here is more capable than I am.
More experienced, physically stronger, smarter.
“Let’s share our capabilities. How we fight, how we move.”
Sharing capabilities is crucial in forming a team. However, sharing strengths with enemies is akin to revealing one’s abilities.
“I’m counting on you.”
To the two opposing forces, who still maintain their guard, I added one more statement.
Surely, they would feel burdened and resistant about exposing their capabilities. The HunterKiller Team and Team Leader Luche, who have been in conflict for years, would feel even more so.
But since we have expressed our willingness to carry out the operation together, it’s best to clearly state our own strengths.
“Let’s discuss the schedule. I think it will be sometime after this week’s match. Please proceed as usual during the matches in between.”
Gradually, we collected opinions and discussed the operation.
For days, some teams competed, others canceled matches.
Matches continued to take place outside of Seoul, in the mountains. After the matches ended and the sun set, we gathered at SuA’s house to discuss the operation.
Thus, several days later.
Saturday, 4:00 AM. In the middle of nowhere in Namyangju, ten people in black suits stood in the forest, looking at a darkened large warehouse.
“Then, let’s begin.”
