Tykal kept herself preoccupied by inspecting the guns they had brought back from their raid. They were the standard Sybaris rifles that all militaries now used. This particular brand of Sybaris rifles were breechloaders, and took, in the hands of a trained soldier, between three to four seconds to reload. The more advanced versions were all bolt action, and had only recently been in development for two years.

“Well I guess it was too much to hope that they’d have better guns. I guess these will do, however…” Tykal said as she looked at how the animalists mishandled the guns. “With these guys we’ll get slaughtered.”

Tykal grabbed one of the bullets and loaded the rifle. She aimed it at the animalists, she steadied her breathing, she gently put her finger on the trigger, she focused on her target…

The legionnaires all prepped their crossbows as they stacked by the door to the house. Tykal was the third in formation as the first legionnaire was set to breach the door. He carried a small and portable battering ram, and waited until he was given the order to break down the door.

“Remember people no survivors, and for fuck’s sake check your corners. I don’t wanna deal with the paperwork if any of you die.”

“He’s all love ain’t he Ty?” Said Neyo.

“Yeah.”

“Flash bombs as soon as the door’s down.”

With one loud bang the door was breached, and flash bombs lit the inside of the house. The legionnaires breached the inside to find the house’s living room empty.

“If they didn’t know we were here… They do now. Check the upstairs, and the basement. These Kaulkan bastards are in here somewhere.”

Tykal brought up her crossbow as she was the first one to go up the stairs. She made sure to check the railing on the second floor for hostiles that might take potshots at anyone coming up the stairs. The hallways leading to the stairs were clear now all that was left was to check the rooms. Tykal and Neyo took the first room located at the front of the house. Both of took opposite sides of the door. Neyo slowly turned the knob to ensure that the door was open.

“Pull out a flash bomb. As soon as I open the door toss it in.” Said Neyo as Tykal pulled out the flash bomb and lit it.

In an instant Tykal threw the flash bomb in as Neyo opened the door, and immediately closed it. When they saw the light emanate from the bottom of the door they stormed inside with their crossbows drawn. Much to their dismay there was nobody present. They checked under the bed, the closet, but there was no one. Tykal walked towards the window that overlooked the street. She saw shadows moving about.

“Their stealth’s for shit.” Said Tykal as she opened the window, and aimed her crossbow at one of the shadows. “Tell the others we’ve got company.”

Tykal then fired a bolt at the first shadow. The man cried in pain as the others opened fire with pistols, rifles, and crossbows. The legionnaires looked for a window to return fire.

“How many of them?” Asked Neyo.

“Less than a dozen maybe. Poor odds for them though. They should’ve brought a battalion.” Said Tykal as she lined up her second kill.

“Must’ve been told by one of the neighbors that we were here.”

“We weren’t exactly quiet.”

“Stealth is for weaklings anyways.” Said Neyo as he pulled out a shrapnel bomb. “Besides it’s all about sending a message.”

“That being?” Asked Tykal.

Neyo threw the bomb outside. The explosion sent shrapnel everywhere, and caught several Kaulkan rebels by surprise. A few of them were injured, and at least one of them died.

“Don’t fuck with the Krypteia legionnaires.”

“It’s a nice message. Too bad they won’t get it.” Said Tykal as she peeked outside. “I think a few of them are still up.”

“I always liked up close and personal. It’s just more intimate you know?”

The duo made their way down the stairs as the rest made their way outside the house to secure the perimeter. The rebels that still had use of their legs ran away leaving their comrades behind. Tykal watched as the wounded were rounded up.

“Where did the others run off to?”

“Fuck you! Death to the empire!” Spat one of the rebels.

“I wonder… None of these people out here warned us of the impending attack, right?”

“That’s right sir.” Answered Neyo.

“What the fuck are you on about?”

“Krypteia! I’m allowing for a thorough sweep of the neighborhood. Remember if they resist they’re rebels if they cooperate they’re well trained rebels.”

“And the children sir?” Asked Tykal.

“Protocol is clear private. In any other circumstance we’d take them in. Not this time though. Now commence the sweep.”

The legionnaires smashed through the doors and windows. Some of them threw firebombs inside the houses, others made their way inside. Tykal and Neyo made their way inside one of the houses when they witnessed a child coming down the stairs. The child was followed by their parents who were just about to make their way down the stairs.

“Remember Tykal… No orphans.” Said Neyo as he brought up his crossbow and fired at the child.

“NO!” The mother hollered as the child fell dead.

Tykal fired at the mother but the father stepped in front of the arrows to shield her. He fell down the stairs as the mother fled to one of the rooms to lock herself in.

“Got a firebomb?” Asked Neyo.

“Yep.”

“Alright then let’s hurry up, and set the bitch on fire.”

Tykal lit the firebomb as Neyo kicked the door in. The woman had taken cover in the closet. Tykal threw the firebomb at the closet, and suddenly the fires spread. The woman screamed as she opened the doors Tykal and Neyo fired at her with their crossbows.

“Guess she preferred getting shot to being burned to death. Should’ve let us in if she felt that way. Now let’s go.” Said Neyo as the pair let the house burn.

Back in the street they were met with the sight of several children lined up against the wall while their presumed parents watched. Legionnaires had restrained the parents whilst another group aimed their crossbows at the children.

“Neyo, Tykal take up positions and prepare to fire on my command.”

“Sir.”

“Now then I’ll ask you once more. Where are you hiding?”

“Just fucking tell him!” Yelled one of the civilians as the rebel was on his knees.

“…” The rebel did not answer.

“I always preferred the hard way. Fire.”

Tykal fired at the rifle in the hands of the animalist. The entire group came out of their stupor as the saw the legionnaire with her rifle aimed at them, and the smoke still poured out of the muzzle of her rifle.

“What’s the big idea?” Asked one of the animalists.

“Leave the guns back where you found them. Otherwise the next one is going right between the eyes.” Said Tykal as she pulled out her pistol.

The animalist transformed as he was about to attack her.

“Enough!” Yelled Dawon. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“I could ask your people the same thing. They’re not ready. They couldn’t even handle their guns the right way.”

Dawon smiled. “Then train them. Your commander’s not here to protect you so now you belong to me. Step out of line again, and it’ll be the last thing you do.”

“Tch.” Tykal walked away.

Dawon

“So then what crawled up your ass and died?” Asked Tigris as she placed her hand on Dawon’s shoulder with a smile.

“Don’t fucking touch me. You’re no better than her.”

“If you were a beautiful woman with massive tits… That might’ve hurt.”

“That’s about the only thing you’re good for anyways. Is fucking your only job?”

“Man I fucking wish… Well…. Maybe not. Do I get to pick my clients?” Sneered Tigris.

“I suggest you find a way to make yourself useful otherwise I’ll have you bred like a broodmare.”

“You mean like Red? I can’t help but notice that she’s single. By my accounts she should already be married, and with six kids… At least. What’s the story there? Can’t get it up?”

“If you truly want to know then you should ask her. Although I’d doubt you’d get very far. Besides I have to deal with the Quorum soon. It’s almost that time, and thankfully we’ll be the ones to host it here. This time we’ll send a message to the Zulamarian Kingdom to remind them why we were feared in Gaia’s time.”

“Well… Shit.” Said Tigris.