The sharp hiss of the Vanguard transport's engines filled the cabin as the ship began its descent. Zero leaned back against the cold metal wall, arms crossed, eyes scanning the room. His team was quietly checking their gear, but Zero was already in his head, focusing on the mission. He wasn't here for camaraderie or praise; he was here to get the job done. The mission was simple enough: target neutralization deep in enemy-controlled territory.
"Thirty seconds to drop zone," the pilot's voice echoed over the intercom.
Zero didn't respond, his focus locked onto his sniper rifle, the barrel resting beside him. The rifle wasn't just a tool; it was an extension of himself. His fingers danced along the stock as he ensured the weapon was in perfect working condition. Every mission, every shot, was a reminder of his skills—skills honed in years of silence, of working alone.
Eclipse, status check. Zero's voice was low, the words meant for one listener only.
The AI's voice resonated clearly in his mind, bypassing the need for external speakers. "All systems functioning within parameters. Target location has been verified. Weapons are calibrated."
Zero's gaze tightened, his thoughts aligning with the AI's data streams. Eclipse was embedded directly into his brain—his tactical companion, ever-present, analyzing, processing, and enhancing every step. The neural interface allowed Zero to tap into streams of information in real-time, guiding his decisions before he even had to think about them. Eclipse didn't just assist him; it was an extension of his own mind, a silent partner that made Zero sharper, faster, more precise.
Zero wasn't the leader of this unit. That role belonged to Vera, a tough and sharp officer. But Zero didn't mind. Leadership wasn't his thing. He was the marksman, the silent hand that struck from a distance. His job was simple: take the shot, make it clean, and stay out of the way.
"Thirty seconds to drop zone," the pilot repeated, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Zero didn't acknowledge the warning, his focus already on the incoming objective. The moment they touched down, the mission would begin. He didn't need anyone else. He had Eclipse.
The Landing Zone:
The transport touched down with a dull thud, and Zero was on his feet before the ramp fully opened. He didn't hesitate. He didn't wait. Zero moved like a ghost, slipping out of the ship and into the dense forest surrounding the compound. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and fresh rain, but he hardly noticed.
His team moved around him, their movements swift but coordinated. Zero preferred to keep to himself, operating in the periphery. The rest of the team followed Vera's orders. His only job was to provide support.
"Stay low. Stay fast," Vera's voice cut through the still night air. "Zero, you're on overwatch. Don't engage unless I give the signal."
Zero didn't respond, his eyes already scanning the trees ahead. His fingers wrapped around the rifle sling, slinging it over his shoulder as they moved toward the compound.
Infiltration:
The compound came into view as they approached the target location. It was heavily fortified, guards stationed at every point, motion sensors scattered throughout. Zero didn't care. He had the high ground. He had the distance. His spotter was with him, but his job was simple: stay out of sight and keep the shots clean.
They reached the ridge overlooking the compound, and Zero took a knee. He unfolded his bipod, positioning the sniper rifle carefully on the rocks. His eyes narrowed as he adjusted the scope, the reticle locking onto the guard at the eastern entrance.
"Targets in sight," Zero murmured, his voice quiet as he spoke to no one in particular.
Eclipse's voice filled his mind, its tone calm and analytical: "Guard's heartbeat is normal. No sign of immediate suspicion. Engaging target will not compromise the mission."
Zero's fingers gripped the rifle's trigger. The calm voice of Eclipse grounded him, providing real-time analysis without distraction.
Vera's voice crackled over the comms: "Zero, you're clear to engage."
The familiar calm washed over him as he exhaled, the world narrowing down to a pinpoint. The guard by the door didn't even notice him until it was too late. Zero squeezed the trigger, the shot rang out, and the guard dropped without a sound. Zero moved to the next target.
His hands worked with practiced precision, guiding the rifle through its cycle. One shot. One kill. A clean takedown.
Engagement:
The plan was to eliminate the high-value target and clear the area. But as Zero's team moved deeper into the compound, he noticed something wasn't quite right. The guards were responding too quickly, too efficiently. This wasn't a typical enemy force.
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught his eye.
Another guard, this one with a heavier weapon, appeared on the far side of the compound. Without thinking, Zero adjusted his aim, tracking the moving target. The shot rang out before the man even reached cover. A single shot to the chest, and the guard crumpled to the ground.
But something in the back of his mind nagged at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that there was more at play here than a simple elimination.
"Zero, report," Vera's voice came through the comms, her tone sharp, commanding.
"Multiple guards. Something's off." His voice was low, focused. "Stay sharp."
Breach and Clear:
The team breached the interior of the compound, with Vera leading the way. Zero kept his position, maintaining overwatch from a high point, his rifle a silent sentinel. He kept an eye on the exits, waiting for any sign of movement.
Below, Vera's team moved into the main building. Dax and Elias provided close support while Vera took point. As Zero watched from his perch, he saw a flash of movement through a window—two guards, advancing on Vera's position. Zero didn't wait for orders. He fired twice, hitting both men before they could even react.
"Clear," he muttered, his voice a ghost against the comms. The rest of the team moved forward, but Zero didn't follow. His job wasn't to get involved in the close-quarters fighting. His job was to keep the enemy at bay.
Extraction:
With the objective neutralized, the team began to make their way back to the extraction point. Zero had already picked his route. The other members of the team moved in a tighter formation, but Zero moved alone, a ghost slipping through the shadows.
They had made their way about halfway back when the quiet was shattered by the sound of rapid gunfire. A small group of mercenaries had caught wind of their location and launched a surprise ambush.
Zero's instincts kicked in, and he immediately dropped to a prone position, his rifle already aimed at the source of the fire. He didn't wait for a command. He never did. With a controlled exhale, he squeezed the trigger, his first shot taking out one of the mercenaries hiding behind cover.
The enemy responded with a burst of fire, but Zero was already shifting, moving from one point to another. He wasn't there to play games. He wasn't there to show off. His shots were clean and efficient, each one aimed for the kill.
One by one, he picked them off, keeping the team covered as they retreated toward the extraction point.
The Final Shot:
By the time the last of the mercenaries was neutralized, the team was already pulling back toward the rendezvous. Zero stayed behind, covering their retreat.
A figure emerged from behind cover, and Zero didn't hesitate. His finger tightened on the trigger, the shot clean, the figure dropping with a quiet thud.
The tension in his shoulders eased. The mission was almost over.
As the dropship approached, Zero moved toward the pickup zone, his rifle still slung across his chest. The team was already on board, waiting for him. But he didn't hurry.
He never did.
Zero boarded the dropship without a word. The others were talking, discussing the mission, but Zero didn't care. He was already focused on the next job. He didn't need their approval, their camaraderie, or their conversation.
He was the marksman, the silent protector. He didn't need anything else. Not anymore.
The transport took off, its engines rumbling as it ascended into the sky, leaving the enemy compound behind. Zero didn't look back.
For him, the fight was always the same. A new life, same fight.