PROTOGEN ( NEW CIVILIZATION)

Part 9---ENEMY AT THE GATES---

Location: Enemy Airfield Codenamed — BLACK DRAGON
Time: 12:00 PM

The hum of powerful engines filled the air as a large space warship descended onto the airfield. Its sleek, dark hull shimmered under the harsh light of midday. Dust swirled in small clouds as the ship touched down, its massive weight causing the ground to tremble slightly. A tense silence followed as the ship's engines powered down, and moments later, the large doors at the side of the vessel hissed open.

Out stepped ARZINA, daughter of the notorious NORDAN, her figure silhouetted against the light spilling from the ship. She paused for a moment at the top of the ramp, scanning the airfield with cold, calculating eyes. Her long, black combat cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, and her silver armor gleamed with each step as she descended.

As she approached the base, three figures moved toward her—two soldiers clad in dark armor and a man in a sharp, black uniform. His rank was evident by the insignia on his chest: Deputy General ELLIOT. The soldiers stepped aside, allowing him to greet her.

Elliot (smirking): "Well, well, look who it is. Daddy's little princess gracing us with her presence."

Arzina (coldly): "Good afternoon, Deputy Elliot."

Her tone was sharp, showing no patience for his mockery.

Elliot (raising an eyebrow): "How was the journey? I hope it wasn't too taxing."

Arzina: "I've had worse, but it's been long. Let's just get to business. My father sent me for a reason."

Elliot (nodding): "Of course. The Major General instructed me to bring you directly to him."

Arzina (impatiently): "Then let's not waste time."

Elliot signaled for a nearby car, and the group moved swiftly toward it. The two soldiers flanked her, always alert. The airfield was massive, sprawling out into the horizon with rows of smaller ships, fighter jets, and barracks. Military personnel moved around busily, but as Arzina passed, many paused, their eyes tracking her every move. Everyone knew who she was. Not just Nordan's daughter, but a formidable figure in her own right.

Inside the car, the ride to the headquarters was brief but tense. Elliot occasionally glanced at her, curious, but Arzina's cold demeanor discouraged conversation. She was entirely focused on the mission ahead. The base was alive with the hum of activity, but all of it seemed distant to her.

Finally, they arrived at the command center, a towering structure bristling with antennas and surveillance equipment. Elliot opened the door for her.

Elliot (smiling faintly): "I've got duties to attend to, but good luck with the General. I'm sure you'll be... well-received."

Arzina (without looking at him): "We'll see about that."

She walked confidently through the doors and into the building, her boots clicking sharply on the polished floor. After a short walk, she arrived at the General's office. She paused, took a deep breath, and knocked.

Voice from inside: "Who is it?"

Arzina: "It's Arzina, daughter of Nordan."

Voice: "Enter."

The doors slid open, revealing General DEVIN sitting behind his desk, poring over several documents. He looked up as she entered, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Devin: "Ah, Arzina. Welcome to Black Dragon."

Arzina: "Thank you, General."

Devin stood, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Devin: "Your father speaks highly of you. He's told me all about the mission."

Arzina sat down, crossing one leg over the other, her sharp gaze never leaving Devin.

Arzina: "I'm more than ready. What's the latest intelligence?"

Devin handed her a folder. Devin: "Our spies have confirmed the location of your target. All the details are inside."

She opened the folder and scanned the documents. Her eyes narrowed slightly when she saw the target's name.

Arzina (softly): "Amar... Code name, Thunder. I've never heard of him before."

Devin: "That's because he's kept well off the radar until now. But make no mistake, he's important. He has something we need—something your father needs."

Arzina (coldly): "And I will retrieve it. Tonight."

Devin raised an eyebrow.

Devin: "Tonight? You haven't even rested from your journey."

Arzina (brusquely): "I don't need rest. Time is of the essence, General. The longer we wait, the greater the risk of failure."

Devin held up his hands in mock surrender. Devin: "Fair enough. No argument here. You know your mission better than anyone."

Arzina leaned forward slightly, her voice low and determined. Arzina: "This mission will be a success. Amar will be in our custody before dawn."

Her voice dropped to a near whisper, almost as if she was speaking more to herself than to Devin. Arzina (quietly): "He doesn't know it yet, but his time is up."

Devin shifted slightly in his chair, watching her intently. Devin: "How many troops do you need?"

Arzina: "Not many. I'm planning a swift, precise strike. I'll need two snipers, five assault operatives, two medics, and one extraction specialist."

Devin (raising an eyebrow): "That's all? You sure that'll be enough?"

Arzina (nodding): "It's more than enough. I don't expect resistance to last long, and if it does, we'll deal with it quickly. I don't want a lot of noise. This has to be clean."

Devin seemed impressed, though he didn't say so. Devin: "Alright, I'll have the team prepped and ready. What time are you heading out?"

Arzina: "We leave at six. We'll deploy and get into position. By nine-thirty, the mission begins. By ten, it'll be over."

Devin stood, walking over to his desk and activating the communication system. Devin: "Understood. I'll inform the team. Be ready by six sharp."

Arzina stood, adjusting her cloak. Arzina: "Don't worry. I'll bring him back, General."

As she turned to leave, her thoughts raced ahead. Arzina (to herself): "You can't run forever, Amar. I'm coming for you."

The tension built with Arzina's determination, while Devin's uncertainty added depth to the situation. This extended version provides more context and showcases Arzina's strong personality and confidence in her mission.