The Stain of Atmos (Storm Hawks AU)

Chapter Five - New Target And Information

After resting, Stain and Dove begin making their plans on their war against the Cyclonians. As Dove practice her sword fighting techniques on a training dummy, Stain approaches her. 

Dove: Stain. 

Stain: We have a new target.

Dove: Who needs to die.

Stain: A coward by the name of Carver. He was once the leader of a Sky Knight Squadron known as the Red Eagles. But he betrayed his own squadron in favor of the Cyclonians! 

Dove soon felt a great rage build up in her. The thought of a Sky Knight betraying his own squadron to the Cyclonians greatly angered her. Stain could feel the anger seeping out of her. 

Dove: When do we kill him?

Stain: This mission is yours and yours alone.

Dove was taken aback by Stain's words. She didn't expect her master to leave an important mission like that to her.

Dove: W....what?

Stain: Up until now, all your missions have been under my watch. But now is the time to show me your willingness to fight our crusade. How you handle situations without my watch or protection. I have given you the tools needed to fight our crusade. Now it's time you show me how you apply those tools. 

Dove felt the weight of this mission falling on her shoulders. Despite this, she was more than ready to prove herself to Stain.

Dove: I won't fail you!

Stain looked at his protegee with pride. He had no doubt that Dove would prove herself worthy. The Cyclonian Killer led Dove to the war room and began giving her the details of the mission to her.

Stain: Carver was last seen escaping his prison on Terra Atmosia. No one has seen him since. But there's one man on Atmos who might know where he is.

Dove: Who would that be?

Stain then pulls up an image of a four legged spider like creature. 

Stain: The Colonel. He has information on both Sky Knights and Cyclonians alike. He runs a criminal enterprise that specializes in intimidation, extortion and even murder. We'll go to his compound and find out Carver's location. Once we do, you will hunt him down. 

After that, Stain and Dove got on their skimmers and left Terra Neverlandis for the Colonel's Compound. After a long trip, they make their way to the Colonel's Compound. When they rwach the gate, the two guards immediately open the gate.

Guard: The Colonel will be seeing you now.

Stain and Dove begin making their way through the compound as a guide leads them to the Colonel's office. As they walk, Dove can't help but feel disgusted by the debauchery she's witnessing. Eventually, the guide leads them to the office of the Colonel, who is eating a exotic feast.

Colonel: Ah Stain! I've been expecting the famous Cyclonian Killer! What can I do for you?

Stain: I'm looking for information. About a gutless coward by the name of Carver.

Colonel: The former Sky Knight eh? It seems everyone wants Carver these days! The Cyclonians, the Sky Knights and now the big, bad Cyclonian Killer. Interesting to say the least!

As the Colonel said that, he turned his attention to Dove. Seeing his eyes locked onto her made her skin crawl. 

Colonel: My my! What a lovely young lady! 

Hearing that disgusted Dove. Stain tried to divert the Colonel's attention back to the matter of Carver.

Stain: We did not come here to entertain your.....vices Colonel. We've come here for information.

As Stain locked eyes on the Colonel, his bodyguards begin moving around the Cyclonian Killers. On instinct, they reached for their weapons. Before a fight could happen, the Colonel gestures his bodyguards to back off and they comply.

Colonel: Apologies Stain. I always forget that you are here strictly for business. What would you like to know?

Stain: Carver. Now.

The Colonel lets out a menacing laugh.

Colonel: I found it very beneficial to keep track on individuals like Carver should the need arrive. You never know who's going to come here asking for information. I'm willing to share that information.....for a price.

Without hesitation, Stain reaches for his belt and tosses a pouch full of gold coins. The guard inspects it and nods approvingly to the Colonel and hands him the pouch.

Colonel: Carver is hiding out in Terra Gale by the windmill. Can't miss it.

As the name of her former home was mentioned, memories flowed through Dove's mind. Memories of her grandfather's death at the hands of the Dark Ace. Her eyes became focused with rage. Stain noticed this.

Stain: Thank you for the information Colonel.

Colonel: If you want Carver, I suggest you hurry. It'll be a matter of time someone else gets to him. You're not the first ones to get this information.

Dove: Who?

Colonel: The Storm Hawks.

Hearing that name tensed the Cyclonian Killers, especially Dove.

Stain: Then we don't have much time. Dove, go to Terra Gale and kill Carver. Do whatever needs to be done. Kill whoever gets in your way. I'll be waiting at the hideout. 

Dove: It will be done. 

Colonel: A pleasure doing business with you, Cyclonian Killer!

Stain and Dove simply turned around and left the Colonel's Compound. They boarded their skimmers and went separate destinations. While Stain returned to Terra Neverlandis, Dove began travelling to her former home of Terra Gale to find and kill Carver. She hoped she would be able to avoid the Storm Hawks, but she prepared herself for a fight with them and if necessary, kill them.