Gw2 Sci-fi Fanfic?

ONE

"Wolf Leader, we're descending to target altitude. Approaching designated landing zone coordinates, ETA five minutes."

"Roger that. Prep to launch."

All heads in the passenger hold snapped to their leader with undivided attention.

"You heard that, soldiers. Five minutes to launch at 0230 hours. We're right on schedule. Gear up boys and girls. You know the drill. No room for errors. Get in and get out, quick and slick, and a shower and fat stack of gold will be waiting for us. The Vanguard is here because we bring in the results. Make us proud."

Meaningless words that must be said. In response, there was the simultaneous salutes of seven other heavy combat suits, proud mustard yellow and ebony, uniform in color and design save for the varying heights. For a split moment, their faces could be made out from the shadows of the bay. Their stalwart battle hardened faces of both the younger and the older, including the distinct features of two other women in their ranks, lit only by the under glow of pale orange floor markings.

But their faces became the one and the same as they hefted helmets over their heads and stern polarized crystal visors turned opaque. The same angled cold, alien, unforgiving visors that would make any race or creature squirm in its path. But, a chance for such an encounter would most likely mean death.

For the EVO Unit was a new breed of soldiers that had no equal in the PACT or the Tyrian Anti-Draconic Confederation forces. And they mustered troops from all corners of Tyria from all backgrounds and species, skills and experience. No doubt there were already many capable bodies.

Though the squad preferred a low profile, word quickly spread through the lands of Tyria, and rumors that their human proportions could trump a norn or a warband of Charr in a contest of superhuman strength or outrun wargs and centaurs became myths and legends shrouded in much mystery. Prideful Norn and Charr alike would scoff at the stories told deeming it physically impossible and nothing but bluffs while magic users would brush them off as weak and petty against the might of arcane energies. Or so they all thought.

Not that it mattered, as the unit would rarely come in contact with other troops, always seeking to work independently and deployed in the most dangerous and treacherous scenarios where no other mercenary, Vigil, Whispers or Priory member would dare set foot. But they were a rare commodity, existing only high up on the classified lists that the Marshall or Commander of the PACT would personally contact. They would only be called on in times of necessity.

This time was another one of the necessities, which were becoming more often in the past four months. Their mission was in the dead of the night and they expect to be finished before dawn. The nocturne was quiet, a perfect cover for their infiltration and unexpected assault. Not because the enemy was asleep, for corrupted dragon minions were in no hurry for rest, but because they would never see or hear them coming. In particular, they had a new toy, courtesy of their beloved Priory engineer.

"Three minutes to deployment." The crackle of sound through the comm came from the cockpit of the dropship, echoing through the passenger bay, over the gentle hum of the arcanic engines and the rhythm of the rotors.

No one else said anything. Their movements were silent and quick, and unbuckled safety harnesses that fastened them to seats. Each straightened to their full heights curtly and made their replies with weapons instead as rounds were racked into their chambers and blades were sheathed and clipped onto utility belts. With weapons in place, and their chute pack securely fastened, all was satisfactory, at precisely the right time.

Then slowly and well-practiced. one after another formed a single line facing the launch door, knees slightly bent in anticipation. All was so calm and habitual, as if they've completed the routine thousands of times.

"Wolf Squad standing by."

"Wolf HQ to Wolf Squad," An older man's voice came through their earpieces. "Landing zone appears clear from the surveillance drone as of the moment, remain alert and secure landing perimeter as per protocol. Once again, do not open communication channels upon landing until my given word."

"Yes, sir."

"Good luck, soldiers."

There was silence again.
Just the muted sounds of the airship remained.

One minute remaining.

"Doors opening in three."

Now it was the voice from the cockpit.

The Lieutenant motioned for a final gear check.

"Two."

Each gave her a thumbs up.
Perhaps, they would be wearing a final grim smile under their helms.

"One."

On cue, there was a loud clank that shook the floor beneath their feet before a wild howl tore violently through the chamber; the gush of cold air sent loose harness belts behind them on the seats flickering like ghosts and rippling like flags. The squad steeled their stances against the wind and the shaking floor with bent knees and helmets with their glazed visors hunched down, ready for the jump.

Beyond the doors, now slid fully open, was a sea of darkness, nearly pitch black, occasionally pierced by the drumbeat flash of light from the doorframe and the weak hazy glow of the moonlight unseen above them. No doubt, the deep of the night at such high altitudes was below freezing point, but luckily, their armored suits and helmets were completely impenetrable by the wintry air.

"Wolf Squad, you are cleared for launch."

"Thirty seconds to jump." Came the Lieutenant's voice.

"Copy."

She made her way carefully to the edge of the launch bay. Her booted toes were almost hanging off, walking on the night sky. She let out a quiet inaudible breath, forcing out all thoughts and emotions and the rhythm of her pounding heart. No matter how many times they had done this, the exhilaration of the dive and the combat up ahead never failed to send blood and adrenaline pulsing through her body.

She fidgeted with her gear one last time.

The seconds were ticking down.

In the darkness, a nod towards her teammates.

Then, she jumped.

"Commencing Operation Stygian Echo."