The sound of a solid piece of metal clunked onto the paved road, which filled the morning silence in the 7th district of Zign. The plant Zign hadn’t been the most promising planet the government had set into terraforming. There were several issues with the flora development which resulted into criminals with enough chemistry knowledge to take advantage of the illegal plants growing there. You’d think such practises would be located long before there would’ve been any drug on the market, but sadly the information only arrived within headquarters a few weeks ago. The result: a heavily armed and organised group of outlaws had set up camp within a few clicks of the greenhouses and had a fully operational production of this highly addictive drug. Naturally, somebody had to shut them down and Adaline Ellis seemed just about ready for a real mission. 

Adaline's mind had been set on field work ever since she had joined the army. Years of training later, she finally had been assigned on what seemed like an easy starter (disassemble and report) but ended up being a real pain in the ass. The amount of security and weapons were badly calculated and surely extra ammunition, gear and aid were needed. Although the severity of the mission, Adaline finally reported clearance and requested a transfer back to HQ. An approved message came back with an unusual extra note: a man named Kyle Vance, usually in charge of the trainees, had set up a meeting after she would arrive at the Agency. 

She assumed it would involve another mission and hadn't given it a second thought. 

Heavy soldier boots soiled the entrance panel that had opened up in the back of a HUB shuttle. Small LED-lights dimmed as the panel slowly was set into motion again to shut with a sizzling sound. A few clicking sounds confirmed that the shuttle was firmly locked. With a deep sigh Adaline dropped a black bag packed with necessities, patched poorly together with grey stitching, on the ground in the loading area. Housework had never been her strongest skill and would probably never will, given her choice of employment. A broad metal panel slid up as she moved towards the control room of the shuttle. With a moan, she started peeling off her thick combat suit which stuck to her athletic body. A thin knife had clearly punctured through the abdominal area. When finally freed of the tight jacket, slightly dried up blood oozed through her white tanktop just above her right hip. After closer investigation, the wound was only a cut and had not damaged any organs. It would leave a nasty scar though. Adaline opened up a cabinet next to the smallest kitchenette that they could fit in a shuttle this size and started collecting all the ointments and bandages she had memorised from her training. Applying them without a few squeaks and curse words were not so easy. “No more solo work, that’s for sure..” she mumbled in between her teeth whilst cleaning up the remnants and heading towards the shower.

The Agency, a glorious building making every creature in this vast universe jealous. At least, if extravagant was your preferred style. A rather tight, dark blue suit squeezed Adaline in all the right places as she walked inside. Her long, blonde hair tied together in a ponytail swept from side to side as she headed towards the assigned room. A light knock reverberated though the empty hall in which she stood. Only now she began to feel her heart beat against her chest, a very unwelcome anxious reaction. What if her review was so bad, she would be taken OFF the field?

“Ah, there she is. Kichirou, may I introduce Adaline Ellis.” 

The natural light in the room illuminated Adaline’s bright blue eyes. The small cuts and bruises on her cheek and nose did not seem to cover the few freckles she had gained during the many hours in the bright sun of Zign. Her expression remained calm as she laid her eyes onto Vance in front of her. With her arms straight next to her body, she slightly nodded towards the duo. 

“Sir." Her eyes slowly slid towards the soldier in front of him. 
"Nice to meet you.”