Both Mai and Jake simply followed orders. Though both made the mistake of not saluting their new superior officiers so doing forty push-ups became their punishment. Needless to say, both knew now that the whip was cracked and they had to fall in line more than ever.

Thankfully though, Jake's "contacts" from his recon division didn't get cut off. Probably though because he was requesting information on things that weren't sensitive. Just Cruxi units and their weapons. Updates from the warfront if you would. He did promise Katya during the week before the new arrivals that he would be helping her in terms of general combat information so thankfully, that didn't change.

However, getting any info on the missing pilot Elora became a problem. It seemed THAT was too sensitive without getting demoted or worse.

"...gotta love high command and their infinite wisdom. Always have to keep their secrets", Mai had said when he decided to talk to her about it during those four days.

"Mai. Just stop with that reckless behavior. Look. I know "Seven" is MIA still but you still have to be more responsible with yourself", Jake had said.

"...Jake...it's my life...don't tell me how to live it...", Mai said slowly.

"I can because whatever the Helldiver division taught you, it wasn't cool. Your acting like a fool", Jake had rhymed.

"...maybe your right...but Caulder also did things that were correct...for one, he never "lied" about what the Cruxi are and how far they're willing to go to win...I've done some "dirty work" in that division too...and I've seen what they do to human P.O.W.'s...simply put Jake, just brace yourself when that time comes", Mai had responded before she walked away.

Needless to say, Jake was still having trouble with Mai. But she was right. It was rare but when the Cruxi do decide to capture human beings, it was for, sadly, reasons that you could just use your imagination on.

Jake also figured the rest of the squad already knew in one shape or form or another but outright saying so might get him into trouble. As Mai put it, higher ups may not like that info being spilled.

Then this day came. The mission now would be a rescue mission. Although from the sounds of it, Elora may not even be there anymore...or if she was...it might be...

Jake shook that though when the briefing ended. He needed to ask questions about this. He then pulled out what looked liked a "tablet" of sorts and began running his data program that held random information on general stuff about the war. In this case, he brought up information about the Cruxi and their "known" war units.

Mai listened intently. This wouldn't be the first time she had to hit a Cruxi controlled station. The problem was that they usually tended to hold new but experimental units. THAT was the reason why the Helldivers unit were called in.

Simply put, they had the "dirty" job of hit and run to see if they can lure out those units just to collect combat data before retreating. A sad job, yes, but that data was the reason why pilots lives were saved. It didn't always work but it was something than nothing. The seven of them at the time also came back alive.

Then there was that one time they actually won one battle where they did find POW's on a station before reinforcements showed up...needless to say, Mai saw first hand what the Cruxi were capable of...

Then that day came when they were shut down...

She then listened to Zim ask his questions first then Jake followed up.

"Ma'am. Can you give us estimates as to what kind of enemy units we could possible encounter? I have data right here that I can elaborate on to the rest of the squad so we don't get caught off guard. CWM's are nothing new to us I imagine but the automated defenses can be trouble. Plus, did the scouts spot any "unknown" units at all?", Jake then asked.