Ask Here We Arda Again

[Ryan Stellos]

Arda System - Arda I - 1224 hours

Not so long ago, Arda had still been under Imperial control. Back then, a group of Sith had dealt with the remaining rebels that had occupied an important base on the planet before they had broadcasted a transmission to Arda II and III. Without bloodshed, the other planets had joined the Sith Empire - a lot had changed since then though...

In present times, Arda was still a planet bordering Imperial Space, but it was fairly independent. It had many strategically beneficial bases and a pair of ISB agents had been sent to infiltrate the biggest one on Arda I to sneakily sabotage whatever the rebels, who had re-claimed the premises, were building up. The plan had seemed to be working well until the agents suddenly broke contact and the ISB was left with many questions.

A certain "Overseer Delevigne" was the one overseeing the operation and the woman had sent for a platoon for military support. Ryan, as the platoon's leader, had received information on how his job was supposed to be military escort, but after he had seen the bases outlines and spoken with the superiors, plans had changed a little. He was still mainly sent to keep the Overseer safe and assist her if possible, but while he was supposed to make sure she could gather the intel she needed, his soldiers were supposed to prepare an offensive against the base.

Lieutenant Stellos was thus waiting on the bridge of his transport right at said rendezvous spot as the Overseer was supposed to join their transport in space. He held himself with the dignified poise of a soldier, yet forced his facial features to be more relaxed than normal. After all, he wanted to leave a good impression on the high ranking ISB agent and knew this was no regular field mission.

It had been a while since he had been sent on a mission that required some more finesse, but he was more than eager to take on the challenge and find the evidence they needed after the agents' disappearance before they'd move into the second phase of their mission. For now though, he waited for the Overseer adorned in a fresh uniform with his men still waiting in the barracks. They still had a bit to discuss before they'd start their descent onto the planet's dry surface.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

A small, unremarkable shuttle hurtled its way through space en route to link up with 'help' that had been assigned her. Stealth operations were just that, and regardless of the previous mission blowing up in their faces, Guin was far from convinced that the solution was to throw a brick of muscle at the problem. Unfortunately, in this case, the Overseer was overruled.

Guinevere slung a medium bag across her shoulder and down upon her hip. Even with her new-found rank and responsibilities, she had always thought it prudent to come over prepared and thus various gadgets were crammed into the bag, pockets and her boot. The trusty firearm under her coat was a last ditch defence, in any case her protection was assured by the IAF, should the platoon find itself up to the task.

Gliding in with a smooth landing, the sounds of exhausts flushing into the air blossomed. In the first mission since her promotion, Guin sought to make a good impression with her superiors and show their trust in her was warranted. To that end, she knew, they could not fail.

The crisp white uniform stood out almost anywhere, her practised stride was unmistakable of an Imperial officer as she arrived down the ramp. Each step meticulous and purposeful, stopping before the assembled with a neutral expression. "Lieutenant Stellos?" She finally broke the silence. "Tell me what I need to know about your plan, and I'll tell you what you need to know about mine."

Compartmentalisation was an Imperial ethos, but there had to be some interconnection between the branches, else the entire tree would rot. Sometimes, there were those who preferred that.

 

[Ryan Stellos]

The Lieutenant didn't have to wait long until a shuttle approached their troop transport. While he opened a holomap of the base and already zoomed in on where he had thought entering would be best, his adjutant guided her towards him and just a few moments later he turned as he perceived the light steps on the metal floor.

He forced himself to a soft, polite smile as he respectfully inclined his head. "Overseer Delevigne. Welcome". And like a ship jumping into hyperspace, the blonde woman didn't waste any seconds before urging him to share whatever was on his mind. It caught him a little by surprise, simply because he didn't usually work with the ISB and he hadn't expect her to be so straightforward like a soldier on the field, but he appreciated that she seemed interested in getting this over with as quickly as possible, too.

"Right here", he reached forward to point towards an underground entrance that was supposedly an old trash disposal shaft, "We've found a blindspot. No patrols, no surveillance. It would allow us to enter their base and remain undiscovered". He zoome out a little further, so that she'd be able to make out the positions of the installed cameras they had already been able to make out.

"From what I've been told, I'm supposed to help you get inside first to gather what you need before we strike, is that correct? My men are yours to command, for now they'll stick to basic protocol". In order to conquer the base, they had to strike at some point, but chances were pretty high that the ISB that were possible being held hostage inside wouldn't survive the attack, he presumed. She was in full command of this mission, so he curiously waited for her insights and judgement on this. His number one goal was to keep her safe, so it was up to her though whether she'd already have a plan of her own or was trusting his prediscussed plan.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The stern looking Overseer quickly glimpsed at the holomap, following his direction with attentive interest. "I see." Her voice neither excited nor otherwise expressing emotion. Guinevere was a meticulous planner when it came to her job, and she would expect those who worked with her to meet these same standards. Her mind committed the map to memory and if that failed, a data pad as back up.

Dealing with a rebellious cell on its own was troublesome enough, like a virus it would spread. Simply crushing it with brute force was not enough, one had to bring any would be rebels to the same conclusion - losing hope. But such a poison was long in the making and, to start their campaign, required an iron fist.

Her eyes shifted from across the table, to his for a moment before returning to the map. "Prepare your men to assault the base and destroy it. Myself and a handful of others will infiltrate the base first to allow me to complete my task." The question mark over the previous ISB agents still lingered in the air, without any clear way to get answers until they breached the walls personally.

"I have been told you will provide volunteers." she quietly added, with a tinge of annoyance drifting in from a prior conversation.

Guinevere turned to face the lieutenant, approaching him slowly, just stopping before the man while looking him up and down to purposefully add tension. "You're welcome to come....If you can keep up."

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

Ryan was slowly gaining the impression that the Overseer was just as direct as him and he was rather pleased with the development. However, there was suddenly something he picked up from what she said and even the way moved. Was she annoyed? Had he said anything to piss her off already? Or was that just the regular pre-mission tension flaring up?

She seemed focused at least, and so he patiently waited for her judgement as she considered the plan carefully. He was normally a straightforward solider, so if he had a plan, he was usually following it, but she had much more than a soldier's brain so he trusted her in this. As she did finally speak up again, he quickly weighted her words before he nodded.

"Affirmative. I'll instruct my soldier's before we leave", he confirmed as he pulled out his data pad, marking some positions for his man already. He looked back up when she mentioned the volunteers before he slid the datapad back into his pocket. Damn she was annoyed, but why?

The blonde suddenly stepped closer, suddenly and almost critically looking him up and down while his light brown eyes met her gaze. Was that...one successful display of the infamous ISB mind games Ben always loved to mention? Keeping his composure, he didn't flinch, but he couldn't deny tension was suddenly rising and that his mouth felt a little dry.

"Well, I guess I'm your volunteer. I've learned that if you want to be fast and sneaky, a small group is better anyway". Well, that was mission. Providing protection for her. So the volunteers she was taking about was actually him. His men weren't proficient stealth agents, so perhaps it was the best call. "Keep up...I'll try my best, Overseer". Ryan was per se quite a confident man, but he chose to play it cool for now. A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he tried to lighten the mood a little, before he added, "are you ready to depart? I'll initiate the landing sequence then".

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

Racing into a hostile area with someone whom you didn't know or yet trust was a dangerous endeavour on its own. There were calculations, of course, and mitigated risks, but even the best planners couldn't account for everything and for this she would reluctantly rely upon the lieutenant's more combat oriented training.

The immense pressure of success bore harshly on the Overseers mind, both in finding out what happened to their agents and more pressingly the securing of the base and planet. It only really took one failure for one's career to be tainted, and the free-fall into obscurity would take care of the rest. But a new part of leadership, that Guin had discovered, was the shielding of one's underlings from this pressure.

To take this on your own shoulders and only provide the necessary growth and framework for them to become the next generation of leaders within the empire was perhaps the greatest achievement one could muster.

"I accept your offer, Lieutenant. Yes, but perhaps land once we've finished." Guin's ironclad face briefly let slip a small smile before devolving back into a serious look. Once he had completed sending commands to the men, she motioned for him to join her at the map once more.

"We'll take the path you've found to this room." The room she pointed to appeared small and insignificant, but that was part of its charm. "A storage closet that isn't likely to be monitored, right below their communications room." If this Stellos was a smart cookie, he'd pick up on its implications immediately. "Get me there in one piece, and I'll show you why the ISB takes security matters so severely. Any questions before we start?"

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

And oops. Just like that he'd been a little too eager and the attentive Overseer immediately noticed. "Of course", he corrected himself, the slightest hint of a sheepish grin tugging at his lips - the effects of the wave of embarrassment that suddenly washed over him.

His men he could already inform though, and so he quickly did, before all of his attention was back on her. She pointed at a room that the holomap showed and he nodded agreeingly. "Affirmative. We'll take the tunnels then. No further questions". Giving that the room and tunnels they were aiming for were low and narrow, he decided leaving Alpha Squad with the main force was a better call, so that only the two of them would go.

He wasn't expecting combat, but was prepared for it regardless, however for now he gave the orders to bring their ship down. They were approaching from the less frequented side of the bases complex and as there was no incoming fire, for now he hoped they hadn't noticed them yet. He gathered the rest of his gear, but instead of going for his full body armor, he switched into a tactical body suit.

They had to move quickly, though he couldn't afford loud, heavy armor and the black fabric that smoothly clung to his defined body was far less striking than his regular armor. Once they were finally on the ground, he met with the Overseer again. "The sun is about to set in half an hour. I'd suggest we start walking now as the darkness will provide enough cover once we reach the base". They had a few clicks to cover before they'd reach it, but it was safer than risking to be spotted in a vehicle.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

Guin certainly wasn't yet used to the startling effect her rank had on other people. In some parts it was a useful asset, after all the ISB had spent credits, lives and dignity building its reputation into one of the most feared and effective organisations in the galaxy. But that also sometimes came with consequences, depending on whom one spoke with. It could sow fear, dissent and other unpleasantries that could sour relationships before they even had an opportunity to blossom.

In the in between time, Guin likewise ditched the bleached white uniform that would give her away in an instant. Instead, the Overseer wore a set of dark clothes encased in a worn black coat to conceal the gadgets that she'd bring along. Letting her hair down from its tied state allowed her to breathe alone in the bathroom for a moment. Going on missions was always both an exciting and terrifying endeavour for a myriad of reasons, but today she knew that she had to remain brave and calm.

With a nod to herself in the mirror, the transformation was complete just in time for their landing. Disembarking went smoothly and Guin watched as the rest of the platoon marched off towards their assigned position. That much of the plan was easy and most likely to succeed. The next part for the pair, however, was still in question. If the intel was good, it should be a piece of cake to enter. But once inside? That was an enigma entirely as to how it could play out.

Spotting Stellos in his new fit, Guin suppressed a chuckle, but was seemingly unable to also secure the smile that accompanied it. "That works for me, Lieutenant, after you." Waving her hand forward just slightly, she would take up position to his right as they began the short journey. This far from the base was relatively dead and devoid of activity beyond the gentle rustling their steps made in the terrain. For her part, Guin was fine with a silent stroll normally. But since taking more of a leadership role, it had been strongly encouraged that she make an effort to, well, lead, when an opportunity presented itself.

Keeping a watchful eye for any suspicious activity, she occasionally glanced towards her companion for the evening, weighing her words carefully but layering the question from genuine curiosity rather than an interrogation. "What made you join the IAF, Lieutenant Stellos?" Well, small talk wasn't exactly her thing, but she had to start somewhere.

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

The Overseer was ready and changed - her outfit matched his and they were both clad for disappearing into the fading light if the setting sun. He was hoping they'd make it in without any issues as the more precarious part of their mission would happen inside the base for sure anyway.

They could depart timely though and while the ship kept them updated via the comms, for now they just had to approach the base that laid nestled in the canyon ahead. For a moment they walked in silence while he mentally envisioned the map again - the room should be accessible via the tunnels and if the intel was correct, it was unguarded. They hadn't spotted any activities there, but he was also sure those so called 'rebels' wouldn't leave such blindspots fully unguarded.

Then she broke the silence as his eyes went to meet hers. She was ISB, so there was no doubt for him she was just making casual smalltalk while she already had all the information about him there was. The realization didn't feel great, but he didn't let him seem uncomfortable.

"It might sound cheesy, but I felt a calling...I've always wanted to be part of the Empire, to help it grow", he admitted openly, mustering a quick but somewhat trained smile. It was the honest answer, but he wondered whether she had expected more.

He was just a regular soldiers, so he didn't feel in the position to ask her the same question, but somehow, it did came out:"what about yourself, if I may ask?". Despite the polite tone, he internally cursed himself. ISB wasn't too keen on sharing information, so why even try? Perhaps small talk was good though, so a few exchange, even if not very honest words could be good. Meanwhile the temperatures were dropping a little, just as the sun approached the line of the horizon to their left, stretching their shadows across the ground.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The not so subtle chitchat before a mission to break the tension and create a base level of empathy between mission participants started out well enough. Guinevere listened quietly, still mindful and wary of being ambushed, but nevertheless paying close attention to what Stellos was saying when he asked her a question of his own.

Pondering the query for but a moment, "to protect my family," came her calm reply. Guin was no force sensitive, nor did she really consider herself brave and capable in combat matters as her best friend might, but if her family was in danger there was no stone or mountain that would be left unturned in search of their rescue. Such was her ironclad conviction, yet untested.

Looking back over toward her companion as they pressed on, she broke a softer smile. "Yes, that is cheesy." It was almost hard to not remember this look about him as they began conversing, but even the mildly inexperienced Guin knew better. The empire was so vast and populous that even meeting the same person twice in a row could be difficult, to expand beyond simple pleasantries with someone whose day to day job was running into gunfire seemed....unwise.

For now, she left it there as they began their approach towards the target. Spotting the building they were supposed to be entering, Guin signalled him to check for any hidden heat signatures before they'd advance together and potentially slip in. If there was any rudimentary locking device on the door, one of them had the tool to deal with it.

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

Despite doubting the ISB Overseer would offer genuine insights in such intimate thoughts, she did give a reply that seemed more than genuine. It wasn't just a valid reason, but - given that she was being honest - a heartwarming one even. Not that it couldn't be sheer tactics of the woman to establish a base level of empathy, but it seemed real enough for him.

"Oh and I'm cheesy?", he sarcastically asked, the cheeky joke just slipping out. Again, he bit his tongue, wondering whether she'd tolerate it, but for now (even if there was something subtle intimidating about her), she really seemed alright. His smirk still ceased as they were finally closing in and thus he had to start checking for heat signatures and movement ahead.

Ryan attentively scanned their surroundings before he gestured for her to follow him. He broke into a medium jog, however keeping his head down. The set sun offered enough cover for them not to be spotted with the bare eye and it seemed like they had been right about the old tunnels not being frequented anymore.

"All clear. We can enter. I'm afraid we'll have to squeeze through some narrow space for a while, but it should be fine", he adressed her with his lowered voice, moving up towards the covered entrance and removing the unfastened grid. He went in first, crawling on hands and knees and waited for her to keep up before they'd try to move as quietly as possible.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

After the all clear was given, the Overseer double timed to catch up and join file. The prospect of crawling on ones hands and knees through goodness knows what seemed rather unpleasant, but that was the price they would have to pay in order to sneak in unseen.

"Don't get stuck." she responded with a hint of amusement in her voice. It wasn't exactly likely that would happen, given he wasn't excessively bulky, but Guin certainly didn't want to have to abort a mission halfway through because of it. Let alone attempting to navigate her way backwards out to the outside, alone.

Watching as he entered and seemed to be passing along fine, Guin popped down in tow to follow. They didn't have the longest journey ahead of them and everything going well, they'd soon be able to get into a room itself instead of the damp narrow pipe.

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

Ryan had the holomap outlined in his mind and followed the twists of the shafts accordingly. They moved at good speed, however he was still pressed on not making excessive sounds, so he did pay attention to where he stepped or rather placed his hands and knees while crawling.

A few minutes later, the air was definitely getting thicker and hotter, but they were closing in on their target room so Ryan slowed down again to check on the Overseer by glancing over his shoulder. She was close enough, so he approached the vent, secured by a grid that would let them in.

Here, a simple tool he kept stored in one of his pockets came in handy, because after having loosened two screws, the bars just came off and they were ready to drop out. He waited for a moment, holding his breath and listened, but as they heard nothing, he gave Guin a reassuring nod before he carefully led himself down.

She had been right about the room not being very spacious, but what mattered was that they were in. The room additionally appeared to be a changing area that would perhaps even allow them to steal fitting attire for the facilities they were about to enter, yet for now Ryan couldn't tell what exactly was hidden behind the locker doors and whether it would aid them.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

So far so good, Guin thought to herself. Their little entrance continued to prove evasive and thus far had not attracted any unwanted attention. The narrow passageway wasn't particularly difficult for Guin's slender frame, considering Ryan himself was passing through okay. But she did almost break a sigh of relief as they finally made their exit back into the facility, even the small room was much more spacious and far less claustrophobic than where they had come from.

The blonde took a look around a small selection of uniforms before pulling one up that was her size. Fortunately, the room was rather functional, having come equipped with mini privacy rooms where staff could change in private without flashing the whole crew each shift. A quick change of clothes later, Guin rejoined Ryan near the door with a couple of things in hand.

"As a soldier you might be used to people recognising your rank, but dressed as a maintenance worker? Nobody sees you." Handing him a large clipboard to hold, he could probably wander the entire facility unchecked if he didn't run into the wrong person. Next, Guin slipped the door open briefly to hang a small *cleaning in progress* sign from the handle before closing it again to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed.

"I'm going to need to get on your shoulders for this next part." She said confidently, pointing to the ceiling. The plan was for her to take a small vibroknife to the roof and literally slice into a coms line. Once hooked in, they could then leave the room to complete the next stage of the mission. "Is your team in position?" She inquired, considering the danger they were in.

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

Ryan looked for uniform his size before they both quickly changed. The clothes were loosely fitting and felt weird, but they'd be perfect for not raising any unwanted attention. As for their own clothes, he motioned for an empty trash bin that would be perfect as a little storage unit as it would probably stay unchecked until they'd depart again.

"We've been lucky indeed. I'm pretty sure they don't keep track of all their employers", he confirmed, giving her a little smirk as a hint of mischief glistened in his eyes. Lucky for them, a little broom cabinet even offered a wrench that came in just as handy, so he stored it in one of the seemingly endless pockets of the practical suit.

As he returned, he met her gaze again as she asked him for his shoulders, the idea slightly amusing him. There was no ladder around, so they wouldn't get curious glances at least. Before he went down on one knee to allow her to climb up, he checked his datapad, double checking with Alpha's squads leader before he nodded.

"They're ready, waiting for a signal. Let's just hope we find the agents quickly so we can take them out". He then said to her, now offering the lift she needed. As she climbed up, she realized what a lightweight she truly was as he could effortlessly move into the area she had been pointing at.

"Now I'm curious. What kind of fancy equipment have you brought?", he glanced up with a little smirk, being certain she didn't have a pair of scissors but rather a fusion cutter or whatever.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

The smart little cookie would have won his house some points for his astute reckoning skills. Guin being the veteran at B&E by now, plucked a handheld fusion cutter out of her pocket and began lining it up against the line along the roof. "Steady now, you don't want me dropping this." She spoke amusingly as she clung to him. "Oh, the equipment I have is highly classified."

The first order of business was to etch out a small box to give the Overseer some working room before actually digging into the material slowly, attempting to minimise any sound it produced. A short while later, she held the small section of roof in her hand, glancing down to Ryan before releasing it for him to take. "Catch." She giggled for a moment before catching herself and looking back to the ceiling.

"Okay, now for the fun part." Guin put away the plasma cutter and began searching through an assortment of wires before finding the one that she wanted. With a small snip and bend, she pulled a stray wire and plugged into the rebels base through this hot wiring.

Installing a small programme to seize administrator control and lock out the others at the press of a button, her traps were becoming better each time. While that was going on, she continued to search through data looking for everything they needed, copying files as required. It didn't escape her that she was still awkwardly attached to Ryan through all this, but thus far he'd been a good sport, but the realisation of what she was doing caught her off guard.

Unplugging the data pad, Guin looked down with a funny look. "Uh, you can put me down now, I guess." She offered with less confidence than before and a little flustered. "The cells are at the end of the hall on the right. One prisoner."

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

"I'd absolutely appreciate if you didn't...", he replied, a nervous laughter following. He wasn't actually nervous, but couldn't help but giving her the playful reply of she started teasing like this. "Highly classified? Looks like...a regular fusion cutter", he couldn't help but notice, being curious about what it really was.

She was a little caught off guard as she dropped the ceiling, but he caught it nonetheless. He did glance up and watch her impressing handiwork every now and then, wondering whether he'd actually learn something from it, but without actual explanations, it just looked like he cut off wires here, reconnected them there and messed with other cables.

She did something with her datapad, too, and he raised a brow up at her. As she was done, he didn't just have a clue about what she had done exactly, but she trusted her, so he slowly got down on one knee and let her slip down. He noticed a shift in his tone and he couldn't help but to smirk. "Okay wow. That's great intel. One prisoner...so could be an actual trace".

He was definitely feeling optimistic, hoping it was one of the agents, so now they just had to get going and remain undetected. "I'd say we head out right away, try to get to the cells and check. My soldiers are ready to create a huge distraction if we need it though", he suggested, however obviously leaving her to call the shots. He'd protect her regardless of what she suggested.

@Xorism

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

They'd have to hurry if they would hope to remain undetected, every minute within the facility increased their chances of being caught, and thus the mission failing. So far, Ryan's contribution had been his wit and toned calves, but perhaps that was for the best. Had they needed his marksmanship, the mission might be heading in a particularly dangerous direction.

"Agreed." She nodded in agreement. "Hopefully we can complete our part of the mission before they're needed." Her hopeful statement was only partially on faith. While she had full faith in their ability, actual field work often proved that not even the best planner could fully account for the unexpected. At this point, the blonde pulled up her data pad to show Ryan the route they would be taking and to where.

Slipping a pistol just inside a small maintenance bag now slung over her shoulder, Guin began to make for the door and start their trek down the hall toward where she believed the prisoner to be located. As they continued, they would pass and take several other doors and a handful of corridors leading into their own sections before finally arriving at one old looking door with several covered windows along the wall.

Ryan would hear a slightly frustrated groan as the Overseer fidgeted with the bag to no avail. Under her breath and without turning around, she whispered. "The door isn't electric, I can't open it. Any ideas?" Through the solid wooden door was another hallway where a handful of cells were located. It would be risky busting the door down in case others heard it, they didn't even know if there was a guard on the other side, but the clock was running.

@LadyRen

 

[Ryan Stellos]

The duo carried on, carefully making their way through the hallways with Ryan constantly scanning for surveillance cameras. So far, they neither walked into someone, nor did they encounter any other unpleasant occurring, yet the deeper got, in the worse it felt.

He relied on her map and kept in the leading position, knowing she was the tech smart sneaky agent and he was literally here to take bullets for her before he'd shoot back with whatever he had left - what a dark thought. He caught himself and quickly discarded the thought, focusing on the actual confidence he had in this mission.

His blaster was still readied and they quickly approached the cell blocks, before Guin suddenly groaned. Raising a brow, he checked the door, realizing that it was wooden. Why...was it wooden? He had no time to remain perplex, so he decided to get it on instead. If it was such a primal mechanic, it most certainly had hinged, and so he took hold of it.

He knew kicking it open would be loud, so what he attempted was to heave it out, and despite having to grit his teeth, it worked. He set the heavy, solid door down, thus clearing them the path without any major sounds. "Better?", he couldn't help but to asked, a little proud of himself, he couldn't fully hide it.

He glanced around and finally slipped through, finally having reached the cell blocks. He already spotted one single rebel guard in the distance, and with a quick flick of his finger, he swapped his blaster to stun and took the bastard out rather quietly. "Go check the cells, I'll cover you".

@Xorism

Spoiler

roll =18

 

[Guinevere Delevigne]

Guin had often thought herself well-equipped to handle many situations, and even in times when she wasn't she could come up with a solution that might have been missed by others. But right there and then, Ryan completed the task suddenly and proudly before the Overseer could even contemplate their options.

An incredulous look crossed her face in the moment, turning into a surprised but proud smile as she nodded. "Better." Entering just after the Lt, Guin watched as he took out the sole guard before he'd even have an opportunity to respond. This made the mission significantly safer, given they'd be able to operate relatively by themselves.

Checking her chrono as she quickly trotted along the corridor to first pluck the key card from the downed guard, then peeking into each cell until the Overseer reached the sole occupied one. "She's alive." Guin spoke softly, just loud enough for Ryan to hear. Clicking into the cell, she practically jumped at the downed agent to check both her condition and for any injuries.

It took a long, gruelling twenty seconds, before the incapacitated agent returned to conciousness. Once Guin had given her a short briefing, they attempted to stand together, struggling but managing it. Soon, they turned the corner to where Ryan would get his first look at the injured brunette, who had clearly been tortured for information.

Questions would of course come later, but for now the priority was getting the agent to safety. Guin nodded Ryan toward the door, subtly asking him to escort them back. "Once we're back to the original room, are you coming back with us to the ship, or will you assist your men in neutralising the rebels?" She whispered.

Her computer work earlier would also be complete by now, having seized an electronic copy of their database. And without civilians around, the platoon would make short work of it all. Unless something happened between now and then, it seemed to be that they were on the home stretch.

@LadyRen