A black VTOL aircraft soared across the night sky as it made its way towards the Bavarian Alps. It was reminiscent of a cargo plane, just smaller, and with rotating thrusters on the wings. Its body was completely black except for the blue lightning bolt that ran along each side. The craft was known by its team as the Nachtvogel. At the controls, sat Erika Schlödder, keeping her eyes dead ahead on the horizon whilst monitoring its many screens.

“Contact ahead, 5 kilometres.” She said into her headset.

“How close can you get us?” Andreus Schmidt, the team leader replied.

“There's a clearing 3 kilometres from the site; we'll have to go the rest on foot.” Erika said.

“A midnight walk through a Bavarian Forest. Either the recipe for a good time or trash time.” Emma Jaye said, slinging her rifle over her shoulder.

“We're not here to have a good time, Emma. We need to find what's making these pulses.” Hans Hilton said.

“Lighten up a bit Hans. It could be nice.” Dutch Tudyk said, trying to reattach his scope.

“Yes. Think about it, walking under the trees. Emma telling us nonsense stories. Maybe you could even get Erika to hold your hand Dutch.” Wess Haber, the last member of the team said. Dutch went red and Emma chuckled.

“Alright everyone, hang on, we're going in.” Erika said over the interphone as Nachtvogel entered a tight turn.

Once on the ground the team disembarked and readied their weapons and shovels. Andreus pulled out a device which measured electronic pulses and fired it up. Immediately an anomaly appeared ahead. He motioned to the team to move out, and they began the long track through the forest.

“Eyes open everyone. If we've found this thing, I'm sure Blitzkrieg knows it's here too.” Andreus said.

“Great, last thing we want is that madman crashing our party.” Emma interjected.

They continued until they were on top of the anomaly. “Contact below. Now to start digging.” Wess said.

“You ladies sit back and relax. I'm sure we can handle this.” Dutch said to Erika and Emma, causing them both to chuckle.

“How gentlemanly, what'd say, Emma? Should we sit back and let the boys do the work?” Erika smirked.

“Sounds like a good idea. How long do you think... Oh, shoot!” She swung her rifle forwards as something large and metal began moving through the trees.

“Automatons! Guns up, stay sharp, strike fast!” Andreus said, drawing his own rifle.

A blast of energy ripped through the trees and struck the ground causing an explosion. The team immediately ducked for cover as six large metal robots moved closer. “Hopefully Blitzkrieg didn't anticipate for movement in small places.” Dutch say, readying a grenade. “Fire in the hole!” He threw it, and it landed near the closest Automaton. Before it could react, the grenade went off, blowing it to pieces. The others darted from their cover and opened fire. Their ammunition struck the metal hunks, puncturing armour and snapping wires. The Automatons soon returned fire, beams of energy firing from their hands. The team dodged and ducked away from each attack before firing back. Finally, two Automatons fell to the ground.

“I count another three; Emma, do you think you can handle them?” Andreus asked.

Emma smirked. “Luckily I come ready for such an occasion.” She reached back to the quiver on her back, pulling out a rod with an explosive charge. She armed it, then threw it at the nearest Automaton. It pierced the machine's body before detonating, blowing it to pieces. “Covering fire!” Hans yelled, firing at the last two. They slowly turned his way as Emma darted out, arming two more charges. “That's one.” She stabbed one into the closest’s foot. “And two.” She stabbed the last in the second’s leg. Then she stopped and pulled out a detonator. “And boom!” She triggered it, taking both down. The first seized function, but the second still moved, though struggling. Wess stopped it with a few bullets in its CPU.

“Do you really have to say that every time?” Hans said.

“It's my trademark.” She replied.

“Good news, those things seemed to have blasted the whatever-it-is out of the ground.” Erika said. “Seems like you chaps won't be doing any digging. Sorry Emma, guess we didn't get to sit back and relax.”

Wess put a glove on before reaching for the device. It looked like a metal tablet, with strange carvings on it. On the back was a sort of connect point. Dutch came over to him with a case and opened it. Wess put it in and then locked the case.

“What is it?” Dutch asked.

“Seemed like a control panel of sorts. Let's get back to Nachtvogel before more of Blitzkrieg's abominations show up.” Wess said.

“Agreed, let's move out.” Andreus called.

The journey back seemed much quicker, though this time everyone was on high alert. Soon they broke into the clearing, the Nachtvogel just across it. However, opposite the craft was a helicopter. The team didn't notice it at first until they were well into the clearing.

“Going somewhere?” a woman said, stepping off. The team turned to see her pointing an unknown type of weapon at them with a smirk on her face. Wess blinked then rubbed his eyes upon seeing her.

“Mercy?!” he exclaimed, a bit confused. Mercy Braun just chuckled. “I'm just as surprised to see you Wess.” Mercy turned a dial on her weapon, a Concussion Blaster, and it hummed to life. “Look at you. Are these your new friends?” She remarked.

“What are you doing here?” Wess said, very confused.

“Wait, you two know each other? What is she? Girlfriend, hateful ex?” Emma asked.

“Read the room Emma, now is not the time.” Hans said.

“Look, this doesn't have to be messy. Just hand it over peacefully and let me go. No-one has to get hurt.” Mercy said, lowering the Concussion Blaster slightly.

“Listen here. You don't know what this is, neither do we. It needs to be safely locked away.” Andreus said.

“I know what it is. A means of salvation to this planet. You have five seconds to drop your weapons. Four. Three. Two. One!” She raised the Concussion and it charged with energy. The team scattered as she pulled the trigger. A blast like a sound wave rippled through the area, kicking up dirt as it did. With a smirk, Mercy stepped forwards. Dutch, Erika and Andreus broke cover and fired at her, but missed. She fired back, the blasts ripping the trees from the ground, but the three got away. Hans ran at her from her left flank. She turned, hitting him with the Blaster. He stumbled, then punched her straight in the face. The force knocked her back, and she dropped the Blaster. She looked him dead in the eye and charged. She struck him in the gut then the face. He staggered back.

“Not so tough are you; Soldier Boy?” she said, thrust kicking him over.

“Drop it, Mercy!” Wess yelled aiming his gun at her.

She smiled. “I know you Wess, you won't pull the trigger on a former friend.” With that she grabbed the Concussion Blaster and fired at him. The blast hit him, knocking him off his feet and into the dirt. But it left no damage at all. She then turned to Dutch, who was making a run to the Nachtvogel. Behind him was Erika. Mercy took aim and fired on them. The blast hit Erika first, knocking her into Dutch and they both hit the ground.

Mercy dropped the Concussion Blaster, pulled out a side arm and ran towards them. Andreus fired at her, but she fired back, causing him to duck behind cover.

“Hey crazy!” Emma yelled from behind. Mercy turned only to be met by Emma's first. Mercy stumbled and smiled.

“You saw me beat up your friend there, don't think I'll go easy on you because you're a girl.” she said.

“I wouldn't expect anything else; I like a challenge.” Emma said before charging forwards. She swung at Mercy's face again, but this time Mercy dodged. Mercy grabbed her by the shoulders before thrusting her knee into Emma's stomach. Behind her, Andreus came running in. Mercy, still holding Emma, spun around and pushed her back, sending her stumbling into the oncoming Andreus; who didn't have time to stop before colliding with her.

Mercy simply wiped her hands before heading over to Dutch and Erika. They had just gotten to their feet and raised their hands to fight. Mercy stopped and gestured for them to come at her. They did. Erika swung a wide hook. But at the last moment Mercy ducked, causing her to punch Dutch in the face. He fell backwards and Mercy kicked Erika back. Then she pointed her side arm at Dutch, stepped on his arm and pried the case with the alien tech from his hands.

“Thanks Blitz. And here I thought I'd have to get my hands dirty.” she said.

She ran for her helicopter, grabbing the Concussion Blaster on the way.

“Mercy stop!” Wess yelled, lunging in from the side and tackling her down. She landed on her back and he pinned her down. “Mercy, I know you and this isn't you.” he said.

“Wrong Wess. You thought you knew me.” With that, she kicked him in the stomach, forcing him off her. Then got to her feet, gathered the case and weapon before boarding the helicopter. “So long Blitz! You don't yet realise it, but this is for the greater good! Until we meet again!” she called as the helicopter took off and vanished.

The team got up, battered and bruised. Dutch's noses was bleeding from when Erika accidentally punched him.

“Who in the world was that Wess?” Andreus asked.

“Mercy Braun. She was in the MAD when I was a cadet in the army. We were friends; she taught me a lot.” Wess replied.

“Where'd she learn to fight like that? We all just got our butts handed to us on a silver platter.” Dutch said, wiping his bleeding nose.

“She's done a lot of fighting styles, even mastered some. She's also skilled with computers, weapons, planning, almost everything.”

“Sounds like a real character this girlfriend of yours.” Emma said.

“Let's get this straight, Mercy is not my girlfriend, never was, never will be.” Wess said.

“Sure, sure.” Emma replied, not convinced.

“We need to get back to base and let Richter know things went sideways.” Andreus said as the group began boarding the Nachtvogel.

Kilometres away, the helicopter came towards a facility hidden in the mountains. Mercy pulled out a flip-phone and pressed dial. “Yes Agent Braun?” a voice said on the other side.

“For the last time don't call me that. And you'll be glad to know that I have the device.” she replied.

“Excellent. Soon we'll be ready to launch my new weapon then first Germany, then Europe and the world will bow to Doctor Blitzkrieg.” the voice replied.

Blitz Militärbasis B

On the surface the base looked like any other military base coupled with an airfield. Hangers for aircraft, motor pools for artillery and vehicles, barracks and offices for personnel, but it was all for show. It was below ground where the true military operations were taking place, hidden from anyone outside of Blitz. As Nachtvogel approached, one of the hanger’s roofs opened and the VTOL carefully lowered into it. Erika shut off the engines and the floor began to lower into the main hanger below. Once it settled, the beaten and bruised team got out.

“I have to report this to Richter. You all rest up, but be ready. We don’t know when we will have to mobilise again.” Andreus said, exiting the hanger. He began through the base towards an office. He knew Richter would not be there, but he was bound to go back there soon. As Andreus reached the door, Franz Richter, the current leader of Blitz, came walking down the hallway. Andreus stood at attention and saluted.

“I am not in my office yet Andreus, no need for such formalities.” Richter said, saluting back. They both entered the office. “I got the signal that the mission was a failure. How bad was it?” Richter asked, standing behind his desk.

“We encountered a rogue agent. She bested us all and made off with whatever it was we were after. We do not know if she is solo, working for Blitzkrieg or another faction.” Andreus said.

“Hmmm. I see why this is concerning. I will alert Steinmeier to this and as a precaution plant some of our agents at the Bundespräsidialamt just in case. Keep your channel open and have your team ready in case I have to contact you.”

“Consider it done, Sir.” Andreus said.

Location: Unknown

The device hummed as it was placed into a slot on the machine. Once connecting, it lit up, sending a pulse through the device. It looked like a sort of satellite.

“Perfect, soon my Satellite of Doom will be completed, and we'll take over not just Europe but the entire world.” Doctor Blitzkrieg said, stepping away from the mechanical claw he had been using to assemble the satellite with.

“How do you know this device will even work Doctor?” Mercy asked, stepping up to it.

“Blitz had me work on some of their captured tech back in the day. I understand it and I can control it.” he snarled, turning to face her.

“And let me guess, you experimented with it which led to you having to get that robotic arm and your disfigured face?” Mercy said dryly.

“You dare disrespect me! Nothing is stopping me from cutting our deal.” he snarled, his mechanical eye flashing. The right side of his face looked burnt, and his right arm had been replaced by a mechanical one.

“Alright relax. When will it be done?” Mercy said.

“In a mater of minutes, all I just need to set up the practise target. By the end of tomorrow, I will be in control; one way or another.” Doctor Blitzkrieg said.

Blitz Militärbasis B

The team all sat in the loading bay. Erika was fixing something on Nachtvogel, Emma and Hans were sparring, Andreus was cleaning his rifle and Wess and Dutch were supposed to be checking the scanners but were actually playing a game of Snake Eyes.

“What doesn't make sense to me is why Mercy would want that tech? She claimed to understand it, but nobody understands it, right?” Wess said, rolling the dice.

“Heinz Krieger is probably the only one who does. He’s the only one who worked with M.U.L.F-1 and everything else Blitz has in the Vault. Took a bunch of it with him after his accident. That's when he started this whole 'Doctor Blitzkrieg' nonsense.” Andreus said.

“You think Wess's girlfriend is working with him?” Emma said, blocking one of Hans punches before leg sweeping him. He grabbed her arms as he fell, pulling her down as well.

“For the tenth time today, Mercy is not my girlfriend.” Wess added.

“Sure, keep telling yourself that. I remember that time I saw you two together back when you joined the army.” Erika added, not looking away from her work.

“Erika, that was one time.” Wess said, rolling for the third time.

“Snake Eyes!” Dutch said, watching the dice land on a double one. He looked up at the monitor, just as something flashed on it. “Guys and girls, we just got something.” Dutch said.

All but Hans and Emma, who had now broken into an intense grappling match, gathered around the scanner but the blip was gone.

“Maybe it was just an error?” Wess said.

“Our scanners are kept in top shape; it had to be something. Rest time is over; I want everybody on standby in five minutes.” Andreus said. “That includes you two love birds.” Andreus said looking towards Hans and Emma.

“Excuse me? Love birds!” They said at the same time, releasing each other and getting to their feet.

Minutes earlier…

Doctor Blitzkrieg activated a giant laser cannon and began adjusting the settings.

“Cameratron, get over here!” He called. A human sized Automaton with a broadcast camera as a head approached. Immediately it turned towards the wall on the opposite side of the room where a model replica of both the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben stood. The light on Cameratron’s head switched on as it began recording. Doctor Blitzkrieg went over to a separate machine and began pressing buttons before pulling down a switch, just as Mercy entered behind him. Energy fuelled through the laser to one of the dishes, then a pulse of energy blasted towards the models. It struck them. There was a burst of light, then an explosion that shook the entire building. Doctor Blitzkrieg laughed as the smoke cleared, revealing the disintegrated remains of the models and damaged wall.

“You absolute bum; testing that inside! You could have killed us both!” Mercy yelled.

“Silence! Don't you see what this means. It was on its lowest power setting and look at the damage it did, imagine at full strength.” Doctor Blitzkrieg laughed.

“You did not think to, I do not know, test it outside just in case.” Mercy said.

“Cameratron, get my stage ready. Let's send a message to the whole of Germany.” Doctor Blitzkrieg said, completely ignoring her.

The Bundespräsidialamt

Richter entered Frank-Walter Steinmeier's office. “Herr President, you called?” he said.

Steinmeier stood up, and looked at him. “Bad news Franz, we just received a message from Doctor Blitzkrieg. Take a look.” Franz went over to the computer and Steinmeier played the video.

“Citizens of Germany; I am Doctor Blitzkrieg. You and your government are to surrender to me by tomorrow morning or face the wrath of my Satellite of Doom. Observe.” The footage cut to Doctor Blitzkrieg's test. “And that was only a fraction of its power. I believe you're watching this, President. If you refuse to surrender to me, I'll start with you and your office. Blitzkrieg out!” The video cut.

“He's gone off his rocker.” Richter said.

“Can Blitz do anything about this?” Steinmeier asked.

“Don't worry Sir, they'll be on it and have our probably solved in no time. You can count on us.”

Nachtvogel Hanger

“I've got an incoming transmission from Richter. Gather round!” Andreus called. The team huddled around him, and he answered the call. Richter appeared on the screen. “Erste Gruppe Blitz come in. Doctor Blitzkrieg has created some sort of Satellite of Doom and he's already threatening the President with it.” The video Doctor Blitzkrieg broadcasted played. “You are the best we have got. I need you to stop Blitzkrieg at once. Reinforcements will join you shortly. Richter out.”

“So that's what they were up too.” Wess said.

“Alright team, get ready on the double. Let's take out that satellite before he gets it in the air.” Andreus said. They dispersed and within a few minutes were boarding the Nachtvogel.

“Wait, how will we know where Blitzkrieg is?” Dutch asked.

“Remember the blip on the scanner earlier? Nachtvogel's scanner can triangulate it and lead us right to them.” Erika said, starting the engines.

“Are you sure?” Wess asked.

“Does Rudolf Schenker play the best guitar solos? I've already got a pinpoint location.”

“Great, let's go. Guns up, stay sharp...” Andreus began.

“And strike fast!” They all said as Nachtvogel took off.

Doctor Blitzkrieg's Headquarters

“Well, that's just grate. I wonder why you never thought of it overheating. I mean it is alien tech.” Mercy said.

“Will you shut it! You are not very co-operative for a partner you know.” Doctor Blitzkrieg snapped back.

“That's because I'm not your partner. You're paying me to help you; remember.” Mercy said.

“And maybe you should remember that before bad mouthing me. And there's no worry, once it's in working order we'll launch it into space. Then not even Blitz will stop us! Now if you are not going to be helpful, find something else to do apart from bothering me.” Doctor Blitzkrieg said.

“With please.” Mercy said, leaving the room.

She began pacing along the corridors, grumbling to herself. “Doesn't he see the potential this thing holds. And he wants to use it to rule. I could use it for so much more. I could...” She was interrupted by an alarm and quickly ran to the control room. One of the monitors flashed on and there in the centre of the screen was the Nachtvogel approaching.

“What is going on?” Doctor Blitzkrieg said, entering the room.

“We've got trouble. Blitz is about to arrive.” Mercy answered

“Can you get rid of them?” Doctor Blitzkrieg asked.

“Of course. You just focus on getting that weapon into the atmosphere.” She pressed a few buttons on the control panel. “Deploying Strika units!”

Aircraft-like drones took off from the hanger and flew into the sky towards Nachtvogel.

“Strika's incoming. Hold on everyone.” Erika said, activating Nachtvogel's weapon systems. Two rockets rose from the back whilst two more opened on the wings. They fired, taking down many drones. They fired back at Nachtvogel.

“I can drop you all in then take care of these drones, get ready.” Erika said, swooping down towards the launch platform. The rear door opened and Andreus led the way. Dutch hesitated at the door and turned back. “Um, Erika, I um... Be careful.” he stammered. Erika smiled slightly. “Thanks Dutch.”

“Come on lover boy.” Emma said, nudging him closer to the door. They jumped the short distance with the others onto the platform. Then Nachtvogel took off and engaged the Strika's. Mercy spotted the team through one of the cameras.

“Deploying Enforcers.” she said, activating another lever. Then she turned and grabbed the Concussion Blaster. “It’s about time I joined the fight.”

“Incoming!” Hans called as an army of smaller Automatons, resembling Terminators, marched forwards. They opened fire and the team took cover.

“Dutch, Emma, clear a path!” Andreus called.

“Copy that.” They replied. Dutch threw two grenades whilst Emma threw one of her charges. All three went off, taking out a large group of Enforcers.

“Move out!” Andreus called. They all broke cover and opened fire, their ammunition denting and tearing into the machines. Just then, Dutch was blasted backwards and crashed into Hans, knocking them both over.

“Welcome Blitz. I'd advise vacating the premises before things get ugly.” Mercy said, charging up the weapon.

“Not this time!” Emma yelled, throwing a charge. It exploded midair in front of Mercy, knocking her back and causing her to drop the weapon. She caught her footing, only to be tackled by Wess.

“Go on! I've got her!” he called, before receiving a strong punch to the face.

The others finished off the Enforcers and charge forth. Up ahead, two large Automatons were wheeling the Satellite of Doom out. With them was Doctor Blitzkrieg, who spotted the approaching team.

“Stop them!” he yelled, and the two Automatons turned towards the team. The team dodged as two beams of energy struck down near them. They opened fire and began cutting down the one Automaton. Blitzkrieg got out of the firing zone and hurried to a control panel. He initiated the launch countdown.

Mercy struck Wess again but this time he swung back. She blocked him, only to be kneed in the stomach. She stumbled before kicking him in the chest. The blow knocked him back, but that didn't stop him. The two ran at each other, getting into a lock.

“Give it up Mercy, it's over.” he growled.

“Don't you realise what's happening. Whoever left this stuff here will come back for it. I'm going to make sure they don't!” She hit him in the stomach, then face before pushing him back. “Now if you'll excuse me.” she said, turning to leave.

“Not so fast!” he threw his gun at her, knocking her over. Then he jumped onto her, driving his elbow into her back like a wrestler. “And stay down.” he said.

The last Automaton fell as the Satellite's thrusters started. Doctor Blitzkrieg smiled before running into the facility. He'd won, but only if he could get away. The Satellite began lifting off.

“Emma, take it down!” Andreus yelled. She threw a charge, but it went under the satellite as it ascended. “No!” she yelled.

“Hold your pants boys and girl. Remember I'm still here.” Erika said over the radio as Nachtvogel swooped towards the satellite. Two rockets fired off and hit the Satellite of Doom, blowing it to pieces. The team cheered as it burst into flames. Doctor Blitzkrieg had quite the opposite reaction as he hurried into one of the Strika's. He switched on manual override and took off, fleeing the site.

Shortly after Blitzkrieg fled, more VTOL's and Panavia Tornado fighter jets arrived, one with Richter aboard. Richter’s jet landed on the platform.

“Reinforcements are a bit late, Sir.” Andreus joked.

“I knew you all could do it without us, but we came in any case.” Richter replied.

Wess forced Mercy to her feet. “Alright, now you've lost.” he said.

“Don't you remember anything about me. I don't give up.” She headbutted him before kicking him back. Then she turned and ran for a drop off the side of the base. “Until we meet again Wess, it was great catching up!” She jumped over the side as a Strika deployed and caught her. Then she too flew off.

“No!” Wess yelled, watching her go. “I had her… how?”

“Relax Wess. Blitzkrieg and Mercy may have gotten away, but we stopped the Satellite. We have to take the wins as we get them, besides. There's always next time.” Andreus said.

“I guess you're right.” Wess said. But something didn't sit right with him. What Mercy said during their fight. What if she was right.

The helicopter roared over the Alps as Mercy Braun scanned the early morning land below. Just a few hours ago, Doctor Blitzkrieg's scanners picked up something large enter the atmosphere and crash down in the mountains. Mercy decided to investigate. She scanned the snowy slopes until she spotted a crater ahead.

“Put me down here.” Mercy said to the pilot. The helicopter descended and Mercy climbed out and began the walk. After a few minutes of trudging through the snow she saw it, a massive crater with what looked like a smouldering meteorite inside it. She stepped closer, but suddenly something didn't feel right. She turned; nothing. Then she thought she heard a whisper, but by the time she looked in that direction, nothing was there. Her instincts screamed at her to leave as she walked closer. Then she stopped. Something was creeping up behind her; she could feel it. She spun around and punched at it. She hit a face, a soft wet face with six red eyes and a maw full of teeth. The creature it belonged to reeled back on its twisted legs, then raised its clawed hands. It hissed as Mercy raised her gun. Suddenly two more lunged from behind. She ducked and rolled causing them to collide with each other.

“What are you?” she yelled, getting up.

“Minorides-s-s-s” the lead one hissed, raising its claws. “S-s-such a fine s-s-specimen this-s-s one.” another hissed.

“Sorry, but I'm not on the menu. Or available for any experimentation.” She snapped back.

Suddenly a sharp pain tore through the right side of her face as another Minoride lunged from her flank and struck her. She hit the snow and rolled down a bank, holding her gun tight. The creatures gave chase. She hit a tree and immediately opened fire, paying no attention to the warmth running down her face. One of the creatures shrieked as a shot hit it. They began retreating. Fighting the pain, she pointed her gun towards them but then stopped when she saw one of them changing into a copy of her.

“Not bad.” it said in her voice.

Mercy couldn’t believe her eyes as she fired at them. She missed and hit a snow cliff which broke, sending a turret of snow towards them all. The Minorides quickly retreated and Mercy ran for cover. Luckily the minor avalanche stopped before reaching her. Shaken, she breathed a sigh of relief and then touched her face. Pain shot through it and she quickly moved her now blood covered hand. The cut on her cheek was deep, but she'd survive. She stood and heard a helicopter fly overhead. She looked up to see it leaving; the very one she had landed in.

“Great! Just great!” she yelled.

5 hours later

“I don't get it. Extraterrestrial objects hit the Earth all the time. Why investigate now?” Wess Haber said as Nachtvogel swooped over the Alps.

“While you are correct, nothing this size has hit in a very long time. For safety reasons, we are to intercept.” Erika Schlödder said. Nachtvogel settled down in the snow and Wess, Erika and Emma Jaye climbed out.

“I can see why no-one else wanted to join.” Emma said, zipping her jacket all the way up. The group began walking, but soon something shifted in the air; like they were being watched.

“Something doesn't feel right.” Erika said.

“I feel it too. Like something is being an absolute creep and watching us.” Emma added.

“Keep sharp. We don't quite know...” before Wess could finish, a Minoride lunged out at him and tackled him. Erika and Emma each raised their weapons but were tackled from either side.

“These things are ugly!” Emma yelled kicking the one on her away.

“You could say that again.” Erika said, punching the other. Both women got up and readied their guns. The Minorides lunged and Emma and Erika opened fire, to little effect. Seeing this, they quickly moved out of the way.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Erika said.

“I read you.” Emma replied, reaching for two charges from her quiver. “That's one!” She threw the first charge, and it struck the first Minoride, blowing it to pieces. “And two!” She threw the second but the Minoride caught it, then snarled. “And... Boom!” Emma detonated the charge, blowing the second one to pieces.

“Great. Now where's Wess?” Erika said.

Wess and the Minoride tumbled down a slope. It snapped and clawed at him, and he punched back. Finally, they rammed into a tree.

“You're a fine fighter, another great s-s-specimen.” It hissed.

“Thanks for the compliment, now get lost.” He punched it as hard as he could, yet it shrugged it off. It slashed at him, ripping his jacket. Wess pushed it back then dodged another strike. However, as he did, he stepped on a weak point in the snow, causing it to start sliding. He fell onto the now moving snow and was dragged with it into a deep ditch.

“How unfortunate.” The Minoride said, its body copying his. It looked over the edge but couldn't see him. Wess was just out of sight, but he could see it; and he couldn't believe his eyes. Finally, it turned and headed up the slope. As it reached the top, Erika and Emma arrived. “There you are. We took care of the other two, we need to report this to headquarters.” Erika said.

“Alright. Let's not waste any time.” the imposter said perfectly in Wess's voice.

As the real Wess climbed out of the ditch he heard Nachtvogel take off. He looked up and saw it rise above the trees before flying off. “No, oh great! This is bad.” he uttered. He began up the slope and then tried to find his way back. He walked for what felt like hours and soon a minor snowstorm rolled in. It wasn't long after that that he spotted something in the snow. As he got closer, he could make it out, a person. He rushed over to them, a woman, partly shivering, lying face down. He knelt beside her and spotted blood on the side of her face. The blood surrounded an awfully deep cut. He rolled her over and was taken aback when he saw her face.

“Mercy?”

An Hour Later

Mercy awoke, her body still cold from being out in the storm. She was in a cave and not far from her was a small fire that was slowly dying. She couldn't remember how she had gotten there or who had made the fire. She felt her face, it still hurt, but something covered the cut now; a bandage of sorts. Just then, someone approached the cave. Mercy stood up and grabbed a nearby rock.

“Hold it right there!” she yelled as Wess entered, carrying more firewood. He froze for a moment.

“Mercy, you're awake. That's...”

“Shut it! Give me a reason not to finish you off!” she snarled.

“Mercy, it's me Wess. The real Wess. I'm not going to hurt you.” he said, slowly placing the firewood down.

“Prove it! Prove that you're not one of them!” She snarled.

“Remember when you taught me how to pick a lock back in the army days, or that time you accidentally broke my hand in that sparring match. How about...”

“Alright, alright. Don't get carried away.” she said setting the rock down. “Why are you here?”

Wess put more wood on the fire and sat down.

“We were ambushed by strange creatures. They looked like aliens. One of them took my place. Blitz is surely compromised by now. I'm guessing from that wound you came off second best with one as well.”

“They call themselves Minorides. The one that got me was lucky to get away, but it took my place as well. Did you do this?” She asked, gently touching her face.

“I wasn't going to leave an open cut on your face, well open. It's pretty deep but it will eventually heal. It will leave an epic scar though.” he said.

“Like the one you got in that bicycle accident?”

“Mine's barely visible. Unfortunately, yours will be very visible.”

“That's no problem. We need to stop this, and fast.”

Blitz Militärbasis B

Dutch Tudyk walked into the hanger to see Erika fiddling with something on Nachtvogel, grumbling to herself.

“Hey, um Erika. Is everything fine?” he stammered. She turned to look at him. “Sure, just ensuring nothing, umm, damaged.” she said, looking him up and down.

“Good because I thought... Well maybe, you know. If you wanted to do something not quite training but also not quite dinner but still eating later; I mean if you're free?” he stammered. Erika just looked at him as if not sure what he just said.

“I guess I'll see.” She finally replied.

“Great. Maybe let me know later?” he said before walking off feeling a bit embarrassed. Emma was standing near the hanger and saw the whole thing. She spotted Hans Hilton approaching.

“Hans, does something feel off to you?” she asked. He stopped and looked at her.

“No. Why?” he asked.

“Wess seemed off on the way back, as if he was not himself. Dutch also just asked Erika something and I could barely understand him, which is normal. But she didn't try to joke with him or even smile.”

Hans shrugged. “I don't know. Maybe keep your voice down.” Hans said.

“Hans, you know me, I do not get weirded out easily, but this is weirding me out.” Emma said. Hans placed his hand on her back.

“Just try to relax, alright.” He said before walking off. Emma sighed and left, not noticing that Erika was looking directly at her.

Blitz briefing room

“Wess, you're not making sense.” Andreus Schmidt said, sitting opposite to the Wess imposter. “You're saying whatever was there was so important that you need to see the President about it. But you won't even tell me what it was.” Andreus said. The fake Wess sat forwards.

“I can't risk the details getting lost up the chain of command.” Wess said.

“I understand your concern, but we cannot just bypass the rules like that. Just tell me what's going on, we'll take it straight to Richter and then to the President, alright.” Andreus said.

The fake smiled slightly. “Yes, I like the sound of that.” It thought for a moment. “There was a sort of craft that landed. The three of us were attacked but managed to fight the creatures off. They were berserk, hostile at first sight. If they found their way into a populated area... It will be devastating.” It said. Andreus was taken aback by all this. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but this wasn't it.

“I'll get Richter in immediately.” Andreus said, leaving the room.

“Yes-s-s. Pleas-s-se do.” It whispered.

Alpine Cave

Mercy was fiddling with her gun when Wess re-entered the cave. It had been damaged by the snow, and she was trying to get it working. “Mercy, I'm sure you should be resting, I mean, you did almost freeze to death.” Wess said.

“Resting? Resting at a time like this! The one thing I feared would happen has just happened, I'm not going to rest until it's finished!” she half growled.

“Alright, ease up. I'm just worried about you.” Wess said.

“Well do less of it, we need a plan.” She said, scratching at the bandage on her face.

“I've got one. Once the storm clears, we'll head to Blitz Militärbasis B. I know they've been compromised, but we can get weapons there and hopefully people we can still trust. Next, we find everyone they've replaced and hope they're alive, with a bigger force we can take them out.” Wess explained.

“Alright, and if they're not alive, then what?” Mercy said.

“We'll cross that bridge when we get there.”

“Still doing most of your planning on the fly I see. Just one probable, we can't just walk into Blitz. Even if not everyone is compromised they've probably seen fake you already. When they see you, they'll think you're the fake, and they won't take kindly to seeing me either.” Mercy said.

“What are you proposing?” Wess asked.

“We sneak in. And before you object, it is the only way safely in and I just so happen to be someone great at infiltration.”

The Bundespräsidialamt

Franz Richter burst into Frank-Walter Steinmeier's office. He almost looked out of breath.

“Franz, you said it was urgent. What is the matter?” Steinmeier asked.

“I don't know how to explain it Sir, but you must see this, follow me, quick.” Richter said. Something didn't feel right, but Steinmeier followed him out of the office and into the hallway. He stopped dead in his tracks upon seeing what stood before him. Richter subtly blocked the doorway back into the office. In the hallway stood Protothulos, a Minoride whose head almost touched the ceiling. He had 6 eyes instead of 4 and much sharper teeth and claws. Behind him stood the fakes of Wess and Mercy.

“Greetings-s-s Mis-s-ster Pres-s-sident.” Protothulos hissed.