"Ok...if this is a trap, it's a convincing one...those Cruxi look as if they really ARE surprised to see us in here", Jake said as their infiltration mission continued.

As they continued, Jake had launched his three remaining recon drones to help keep an eye on things in the general area around his squad inside the station. As he said before, he had left the other two outside to help the attack squad with information gathering. One thing he noted was the two new units that were out there. The two stubby Cruxi and the crystal like one.

"Base. It's Jake. Our mission is going smoothly so far. I saw some data on the two drones outside the station that I left in your control though. About those "mist grade parts" metioned in the meeting several days ago...that crystal unit looks like it went towards that thing. Not sure where the "tube" part is though. Needless to say, don't get too close to it. I also saw that annoying "regeneration" trick through the video feed...those two stubby units with the glowing spider-like legs might be the culprits. My advice: prioritze those two units first for a butt-whooping."

Then, that's when Jake and Mai saw the tubes...filled with human beings...

"...ugh...no...", was all Jake could say as he saw the sight.

"...it's...just like the first time I saw these", Mai slowly said.

"...and high command wanted you to keep it quiet?", Jake asked.

"...something like this...would decrease morale...or anger...an...g..."

"...Mai? You ok?", Jake then asked.

"...This is Seven. Requesting order to proceed on foot."

"Wha-you kidding?! Those Cruxi-"

"Jake. I no not who but someone left me an assault rifle. If Elora or others are out-of-reach of frameworks, one has to proceed on foot for a rescue attempt", "Seven" said, cutting him off.

"...Katya. It's Jake. As you heard, Mai lied about not doing anything stupid."