The Mogadorian base erupted in a series of controlled explosions, fire and debris consuming the structure behind them. Alexander stepped out first, his expression unreadable as he adjusted his coat. Six followed, her movements precise and effortless, her gaze sweeping the surroundings for any lingering threats. Freya and Griffin emerged next, walking with the same quiet confidence, as if they had just completed a routine mission.
At a safe distance, Katrina, Dante, Maggie, and Hilde stood waiting. They hadn't moved, nor had they shown any sign of doubt. They knew this team would make it out.
As if on cue, the air shimmered, and the Milano materialized from thin air, its cloaking system disengaging. It has a sleek, aerodynamic shape, blending elements of a fighter jet with futuristic spacecraft aesthetics.
It features a blended wing-body configuration, with wide, sharp delta-shaped wings extending outward and slightly upward.The wings have multiple layers and segments, with additional stabilizers and flaps that suggest advanced maneuverability in both atmospheric and space flight. There are two rear vertical stabilizers extending upward, reinforcing a hybrid aerospace-military design.
The cockpit, an enclosed, tinted canopy, merged flawlessly into the jet's streamlined body. It gave no indication of what lay inside, reinforcing the aircraft's stealth capabilities. Only those familiar with its advanced systems knew that the pilot's interface was a holographic projection—smooth, intuitive, and completely silent.
The Milano's iconic blue and orange color scheme is present, with gold and silver accents adding a touch of elegance. The paintwork is sleek and polished, though some weathering details suggest extensive use. The ship has distinctive insignias and markings, including circular emblems on the wings and fuselage.
At the rear, the engines appear integrated into the body, reinforcing the ship's smooth design while keeping thrust distribution efficient.The ship's is capable of both atmospheric and deep-space flight, with advanced propulsion systems allowing for rapid acceleration and precision maneuvering.
The Milano body, crafted from an advanced composite-metallic alloy, reflected no unnecessary light, maintaining a smooth yet segmented texture designed for both durability and stealth. Every plate, every seam was positioned for efficiency, ensuring that the aircraft remained a ghost in the sky when needed.
The sleek aircraft hovered in place before lowering its ramp with a quiet hiss.
Without a word, they walked up the ramp in unison, moving with practiced ease. Inside, Hilde sealed the hatch, while Katrina strode to the cockpit, taking the controls without hesitation. "So off we go," she said smoothly, engaging the engines.
The Milano rose effortlessly. Dante glanced out of the window, observing the destruction. "That went as expected," he remarked, his tone neutral.
Freya smirked. "Of course it did."
Alexander leaned back in his seat, exuding quiet confidence. The mission was over.
As the Milano's cloaking system re-engaged, a shimmer rippled across its vibrant hull, and within seconds, the ship vanished from sight—like a ghost dissolving into the night sky. Only the faint hum of its systems remained, barely audible above the wind.
Beneath the cloaked veil, the rear engines pulsed softly with a blue glow, the energy surging through its thrusters like a heartbeat. The plasma exhaust trails cut faint streaks through the air, marking its silent passage as it ascended into the upper atmosphere.
Inside the cockpit, the crew was calm. Panels flickered with soft light, navigation data scrolling across translucent HUDs. Katrina sat back in the pilot's seat, one hand on the throttle, the other casually adjusting a dial.
"Course locked. Let's take her home," She muttered, the engines humming in response.
With a low burst of power, the Milano accelerated, piercing through the clouds above. In moments, the stars stretched into lines across the viewports as the ship hit high-speed sonic flight, cloaked, silent, and unseen.
Inside the Milano, the hum of the engines filled the cabin as they soared through the night sky. Alexander sat back in his seat, reaching into his coat and pulling out his custom phone—a sleek, futuristic device made of a glass plane encased in a rounded-rectangle black band. On its small screen, a single word appeared in white: "Projection."
A holographic display flickered to life, casting a soft glow in the dimly lit cabin. The video feed showed the aftermath of the Mogadorian base's destruction. FBI vehicles swarmed the smoldering ruins, agents moving swiftly across the wreckage. At the center of the chaos, a man with a ring of white hair and a crooked nose barked orders at his subordinates.
Alexander narrowed his eyes. "E.V.E, get me details on these agents."
The AI chirped in acknowledgment. "I'm on it."
The projection shifted, displaying detailed profiles of the agents on the scene. The leading agent's image sharpened as E.V.E's voice filled the cabin. "David Purdy. Accomplished FBI agent, who is the weapons specialist. He has two primary agents assisting him."
Two more holograms appeared—a tall woman with clear skin and auburn hair, and a younger man in his late twenties with olive skin and closely cropped black hair.
"Karen Walker," E.V.E continued. "A special agent working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The male is Agent Noto, a Tech specialist in the FBI. They have been assigned to assist the Mogadorians in their hunt for the Garde. The Mogs deceived them, claiming they were tracking dangerous fugitives. In return for weapons and technology, the FBI granted them access to their law enforcement network and unrestricted movement across the country."
From their seats, Six, Freya, Griffin, and Maggie silently watched the projection.
Griffin muttered, "The so-called 'great FBI'—so easily manipulated."
Alexander's expression remained impassive. "They're greedy for alien tech—advanced weapons, iridium. To them, it doesn't matter if the Loric are innocent or not. Profit outweighs morality."
Griffin scoffed. "That sounds like our government."
Dante, arms crossed, leaned forward slightly. "Don't they fear the Mogadorians will turn on them?"
Alexander exhaled, considering. "Some might suspect it, but they're likely in the minority. The rest? Blinded by greed."
Hilde, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Do you think there's a chance they'll turn against the Mogs?"
Alexander gave a slow nod. "A huge chance. But they'll need the right push."
Six smirked, leaning back. "We'll knock some sense into them."
Alexander met her gaze and smiled in agreement.
Katrina, focused as ever, asked the next question. "What's the next move?"
Alexander's eyes darkened with determination. "Henri and Number Four."
The cabin fell into silence as the Milano flew on, disappearing into the night.