FFXV: After the Fall

Chapter 20

   "Okay, now that we're all here," Noctis said, "let's go over these maps and see if we can't find some golden keys."
They wandered around the tables, each with a strong drink in hand as they looked at three large sheets of paper that contained detailed information of the layout of the Norduscen Border.
   "Don't forget that we've also got quite a few people roamin' around in there." Nyx said. "Probly at least thirty guards, anythin' between two and six APVs...and one big-ass Mech."
   "How big is big?" Prompto asked. "Like, the size of a cow big, or the size of a fuckin' house big?"
Noctis looked at him. "Remember when we took it to that first one there last year? Little bit smaller than that."
   "...yeah, that's big."
   "We had Roc with us at the time." Ignis added. "So that might alter this one into roughly the same challenge."
   "Don't forget you've got us." Nyx grinned. "If stuff on our end goes to plan, we can soon help with your oversized playmate."
   "I rather hope that's the case. Until then, it may be wise to adopt a more delaying action."
Gladiolus had been studying the large shed-like structure that housed the APVs, and he then pointed at it. "Once we figure out how many cans are in there, we could use some of those on it."
   "You think so?" Noctis asked him.
He nodded. "Yeah. If there's like three in there, we'd only really need two of them to create a distraction at the front. They're pretty big. That would then leave us one to take over the other side. Drive around, try not to get shot too fast, then stick it to one of his legs once the Ninjas hook back up with us."
   "Those spindles are one of their weak points." Nyx agreed. "They can't shoot what they can't see, and they can't see what their dopey-lookin' legs can't turn 'em round to. If we can knock those out, it's in the bag."
Prompto stared at him. "You wanna bomb that bastard's legs with an APV? That's some crazy shit."
   "And some Lightning, too. Should be quite a show."
   "We've got two," Noctis said, "but we'll need to find some nodes to get a couple more, I think. Just in case."
   "I can also help with that." Helena said then.
   "You'll need to keep your distance if you're gonna throw bolts at it. Those weapons have a nasty range."
   "It's quite a big area, I'm sure I'll manage. Robots aren't alive so I can target those all day long."
He grinned at her. "Nice. Can't wait to see it."
   "As far as Ninja shit goes," Nyx then said, "I reckon we need the Comms area, any main offices, stuff like that. They're usually towards the rear of a place like this. Sometimes underground, too. Might take a while to search out, so we need to keep it quiet and not get into any fights for as long as we can. Or, we put 'em down and hide 'em out of the way. I'd normally recommend splitting up but in this case, I think we should stick together. Wanna keep my eye on you both."
   "I'd be okay." Noctis insisted.
Nyx shook his head. "I'm sworn to protect the King, pal. That still holds true, and I also wanna stay close to Helena cos' she'll be at a disadvantage for a lot of this. Nobody goes down on my watch."
He smiled at the both of them in turn, then his eyes went back to the maps. "Can't see anythin' else on here that'd give us a headache...the number of free guards might, depends on how many there are out there. We're not regular Joe's, though, so I'm rather likin' these odds. Specially with these."
He then pulled out a bag from under the table, and drew out some small objects. "Wireless comms." He explained. "I just... happened to come across a few while wanderin' around in the barracks here."
Gladiolus grinned. "Really? Fancy that, huh?"
Nyx chuckled. "I've set these to the same frequency, so we're all able to keep each other advised on shit that comes up. You just keep one in your ear like this..." He then put one on himself to demonstrate. "...and when you got somethin' to say, give it a tap. That turns it back off, too. Easy. Just be careful when any Niffs are nearby, don't want 'em to hear you discussin' the weather."
He took his off and threw it to Helena, then picked up the others and started handing those out too.
   "We also need better clothes. It'll be dark before long, so we need stuff that's black. Like, proper black, not denim shit. Does anyone need anythin'?"
They actually all did, specially as denim wasn't good enough.
Nyx nodded. "Okay then...follow me."