Valerie stood to the side, quietly observing. Her data pad was already receiving a synchronized analysis of the Zerg signals from the Eternal Seeker—far more precise and detailed than the ship's readings.
The data indicated that while the Swarm's numbers on Agria were indeed massive, they were relatively spread out, with the main forces concentrated around a few primary hive clusters. If they utilized precise strikes and rapid movement tactics, the evacuation efficiency could be drastically improved.
However, she did not speak up immediately. She was waiting for Raynor's decision.
"Where's Tychus?" Raynor suddenly asked.
"He's in the hangar, inspecting the relic fragment," Matt replied.
"Get him up here."
A few minutes later, Tychus's blue power armor clanked loudly onto the bridge. With his visor flipped open and a cigar clamped in his mouth, he looked thoroughly annoyed. "What is it now, Jimmy? I'm busy."
"The Agria Colony is being swarmed by bugs. They sent out a distress signal," Raynor said flatly. "We're the closest ship."
Tychus's face darkened instantly. "Hold on... you aren't seriously thinking about sticking your nose into this, are you?" He waved an arm, his tone thick with disapproval. "Jimmy, we just got our hands on a priceless piece of cargo that we can flip for cash right now! We should be looking for our buyer, not diving headfirst into a swarm of bugs to play the damn hero!"
"We can't just leave them to die, Tychus," Raynor said, his voice dropping low.
"So what?" Tychus didn't back down an inch. "We aren't the saviors of the galaxy. Listen to me, we live off the credits we make, and our goals are simple: get paid and stay alive. We aren't here to be selfless saints."
He took a step forward, his power armor visor almost pressing right into Raynor's face.
"Think about it, Jimmy. If this deal goes through, we all make it big. We can buy better gear, recruit more men, and pull off bigger scores. But if you run off to Agria right now and go toe-to-toe with those bugs—wasting our ammunition, our fuel, and the lives of our boys—for what? A bunch of strangers? Any way you look at it, the math doesn't add up!"
Raynor looked directly into Tychus's eyes, his tone calm but unwavering: "Some things aren't a business deal."
"Ha!" Tychus sneered, stepping back and throwing his hands up. "There you go again. Fine, you're the boss, you call the shots. But let me make one thing clear: if we lose money on this run or mess up the delivery, don't expect me to keep quiet about it later."
He turned to Matt: "Matt, talk some sense into him. You're the captain, you know how reckless this is."
Matt remained silent for a moment, then looked at Raynor. "Jim, Tychus makes a fair point. Our resources are tight, and this operation carries a massive risk. But—" he took a deep breath, "if we don't go, those people are dead. The Dominion abandoned them; there won't be any reinforcements coming."
His gaze turned resolute: "I stand by your decision, Jim. We are the Raiders, and we fight to protect the innocent."
Raynor patted Matt on the shoulder. "Thanks, Matt."
He turned back to Tychus: "If you don't want to go, you can stay on the ship. Guard the artifact until we get back."
Tychus glared at Raynor for a few seconds, then spat violently on the deck. "Damn it. I'm in. I'm not missing the chance to watch you get yourself killed." He turned and stomped off the bridge, the heavy footsteps of his armor echoing with frustration. "I'll go prep my gear. Those bugs better not scratch my new armor."
Raynor watched Tychus leave, then turned his attention to Valerie. "Miss Valerie, you and your people can stay aboard. This is a Raider operation and has nothing to do with your contract. You've completed your assessment of Mar Sara, so you can choose to leave or wait for us to return to discuss our future partnership."
Valerie met Raynor's gaze calmly. "Mr. Raynor, the situation on Agria is the perfect opportunity to evaluate how local forces handle a crisis in this sector. Observing the Raiders' organizational efficiency, tactical capabilities, and performance against a massive biological threat in an extreme environment is vital for us to determine the reliability of a potential partner."
She paused slightly before continuing, "Therefore, Telesto United wishes to continue its observer role. My security detail and I will accompany you to perform a field evaluation. We can provide limited tactical support, but we will not interfere with your command. All combat data collected will be used strictly for internal risk assessment and will not be shared externally."
Raynor studied her, trying to read her true intentions. After a few seconds, he nodded. "Fine. But you follow my orders and don't go rogue. Once we hit the drop zone, you're responsible for your own safety."
"Understood," Valerie nodded.
"Good." Raynor turned back to the bridge crew, raising his voice. "Listen up, everyone! Change course for the Agria system, full speed ahead! Matt, notify all combat personnel to prep for ground operations. Swann, check the status of all vehicles and gear. Stetmann, analyze the Zerg signals and find any weaknesses you can. We need to arrive within six hours and start the rescue immediately!"
"Sir!" a chorus of responses echoed across the bridge.
The massive hull of the Hyperion swung slowly through the void, its main engines flaring with a brilliant blue light as it began to accelerate.
The six-hour transit passed in a blur of tense pre-combat preparations. Within the hangar of the Hyperion, the Raiders were performing their final gear checks. Marines calibrated the joints and weapon systems of their CMC power armor, Marauders checked their grenade launcher ammunition reserves, and Medics organized their trauma kits and nano-injectors. Under Swann's direction, SCV crews loaded pre-fabricated bunker components and automated turrets onto the dropships.
Valerie and her five "Security Advisors" were also preparing. Their weapons differed from the Raiders' standard issue, but everything was meticulously inspected. Valerie changed into a lightweight tactical suit that offered basic protection, layering it beneath a vest bearing the Telesto United insignia. She secured her data pad to her forearm to track the battlefield telemetry in real time.
Tychus's blue CMC armor was exceptionally conspicuous. He was loudly directing a few Raiders to haul heavy weapon crates, a cigar still clamped in his teeth despite the ship's strict no-smoking policy. "Pack more explosives! Who knows how thick the shells on these bugs are!"
Raynor, dressed in his standard combat gear with his 'Punisher' mag-rifle slung over his shoulder, was going over the final tactical briefing with Matt.
"According to Stetmann's analysis, the main body of the Swarm is concentrated around the hive structures in the center of the colony," Matt showed a map of Agria on the holographic projector. "Dr. Hanson and most of the civilians are trapped in the northern residential sector, about three kilometers from the starport. There are three main roads connecting them, but all have been breached by the Zerg."
He marked several key areas: "We need to secure a path from the residential sector back to the starport. The plan is simple: Step one, use the dropships to deploy the first wave of Marines and engineering units to the starport to establish a defensive perimeter.
Step one, push out from the starport toward the civilians, clearing out the Zerg along the way to set up intermediate outposts. Step three, rendezvous with the civilians and escort them along the safe corridor back to the starport for evacuation."