It was 08:40 GST (Galactic Standard Time) in Gresta, the planet in which the Fyrefly Squad-VI, squad-VII and VIII were designated to, 113/10/1394 - Four days before the Ascension festival. A festival in which represents the rise of the Iron cavalry and their involvement in the safety from and irradicating of the Swarm.
Welkin Commander: "Fyrefly Squad-VI, prepare for deployment in 12 hours. A Swarm colony has been identified on the surface of the planet XVI-01 in the Izuma system, near to Kaliman, a major threat lurks within XVI-01 and you all have been tasked with eradication of the Swarm present in this planet. The infestation is spreading fast. Stay in formation, keep your comms open, and do not engage recklessly. AR-214, that means you. AR-2101, I need your precision on overwatch. AR-26710, keep your team's flank secure. AR-53935, ensure that the hive burns to ash. You are the Iron Cavalry, forged for war and bound by duty. To burn is the greatest honor of the Iron Cavalry. You all move out at 03:30. Get your rest and get your heads together. Dismissed."
AR-214 sighed from frustration as the commander left due to the timing that they had to leave the base but had to deal with it. During the time between 15:30 to 03:30, AR-2101 remained in his dorm, staring at the ceiling as he lied down on his bed, incapable of sleeping, zoning out as he looked above, he decided to go down to the hangar recalibrate his SAM armor. AR-26710 in the next room, her room – busy staring outside the balcony of the dorm and wondered how long until she would pass away from the entropy syndrome whilst also considering the risk of her own death in this mission. AR-53935 was in the Reciprocation centre, sipping on tea. AR-214 was sitting beside him, also sipping on coffee, him and her were conversing, her about the festival – him about the mission at hand.
***
A few hours later. The members of the team got into their SAM armor and travelled to the planet through the vacuum of space, flying down towards XVI-01, this was their last mission before the beginning of the festival, and if they were to complete it successfully whilst coming back alive – they'd be given a six day leave due to the festival's four day duration, just like last year, but two extra days for relaxation purposes, a very rare case amongst the empire.
AR-214: "Alright then, one last mission before we get out well deserved vacation. Hopefully none of you die. Unlike those three squads in Kaliman."
She spoke into comms as they flew into the planet, nonchalantly. Very excited for the holidays rather than the mission.
AR-53935: "We wont, either way – it'd just be you roaming around the city and going to cafes and bombard the barista with all sorts of coffee... If we do go out that is."
He replied into comms, mocking how AR-214 spoke yesterday about going out during the festival.
AR-214: "Right, right. Anyways, what's your plan for the festival 26710?"
She questioned, her attention switching to AR-26710. Curious.
AR-26710: "..My plan? I don't really have any.."
She replied, turning her head to AR-214 from acknowledgement.
The squad landed. Flames engulfing a massive patch of grass and rock as they hit the ground. 500 meters outside of the mission area. 900 meters away from the objective.
AR-2101: "...Objective.. 900 meters due.. w-west of our position—.."
He muttered into comms. Luckily his team heard it and acknowledged.
