I’ll be the Red Ranger
Chapter 123 – Operation Needle

- Oliver -

Alex stepped forward to the front of the room, his posture erect and his expression all business. "Let's begin the briefing," he declared.

He didn't wait for everyone to settle into their seats before launching into his explanation. "A few weeks ago, we identified a small outpost to the south," he began. "With the help of satellite reconnaissance, we've confirmed that there's no longer any Ork activity in the area—the site has been completely abandoned."

With swift motions, Alex tapped commands into his gauntlet. Holographic projections materialized above the central table, displaying a detailed region map. Oliver leaned in to examine it. The outpost was situated deep within a dense forest, the canopy so thick it appeared almost black on the display. A slender river meandered just a few kilometers away, its blue line cutting through the emerald expanse.

"The location is approximately 100 kilometers from the Half Wall," Alex continued. "This distance and the difficult location reduce the chance of any immediate support. However, given current intel, this is considered a low-risk mission. Ork movements suggest they're concentrating their efforts in the northern regions of Olympus, particularly near the Z Crystal mines."

As Alex spoke, a Ranger seated toward the end of the room raised her hand. Her armor bore the medal of a distinguished Ranger, and her eyes were sharp with suspicion.

Alex acknowledged her with a nod. "Yes?"

"Where exactly did this intelligence come from?" she asked plainly.

Alex met her gaze. "The intel came directly from higher command," he replied.

"Isn't it a bit convenient," she pressed, "that we discover an abandoned base just as the Orks focus their efforts elsewhere? Could this be a diversion—a tactic to split our resources?"

A murmur rippled through the room. Alex took a moment before responding. "Your concern is noted," he said evenly. "That's why we're deploying a minimal team. We'll be nine in total: three Red Rangers to lead the rapid advance, three Yellow Rangers for logistics and navigation—you know this terrain better than anyone—and three Blue Rangers specializing in research and analysis. Their expertise will help us determine what valuable assets we can secure from the site."

Another Ranger, a Yellow with a rugged complexion, leaned forward. "What exactly do we expect to find that justifies deploying nine Rangers with little support?" he asked.

"At this point," Alex replied, "any information that sheds light on Ork strategies is invaluable. Understanding why they're concentrating on the north or why they've abandoned positions in the south could give us a significant tactical advantage. Even seemingly minor data could influence the broader scope of the conflict."

Silence settled over the group as they absorbed his words. No one else raised a hand.

"All right," Alex continued. "This mission is designated Operation Needle. Tomorrow, we'll be transported to the headwaters of this stream near the base. We'll deploy there and proceed downstream until we reach the abandoned Ork facility."

With a few more taps on his gauntlet, the images shifted to show projections and drone-captured videos. For the first time, Oliver saw close-ups of the forest—the colossal trees intertwining above, forming a dense canopy that plunged the ground into perpetual twilight. Vast roots protruded like serpents, some snaking into the river itself. Alien fauna moved stealthily among the underbrush, shadows within shadows.

"We expect that with a three-hour march, we'll reach the abandoned base," Alex said. "We'll have two hours to locate and extract any valuable materials, then another three hours to return to the river for extraction at our rendezvous point."

"What risks are we anticipating?" Elliot asked.

"The primary concerns are creatures engineered by the Orks that might still guard the area," Alex explained. "Additionally, there could be traps left behind when they vacated the post."

"Is there any chance we'll encounter Orks?" Elliot pressed.

"Current intelligence doesn't indicate active Ork presence," Alex replied seriously. "However, it's a risk inherent to operating in their territory. We must remain vigilant."

With no further questions, each Ranger received a data packet transmitted directly to their gauntlets.

"Review the mission details thoroughly," Alex instructed. "We depart at 0400 hours tomorrow."

As Oliver rose from his chair, he overheard snippets of conversation among the others.

"Is that the newbie?" a female voice asked. One of the Yellow Rangers approached him, extending her hand. "Pleasure to meet you. Chloe Emrys."

Oliver quickly shook her hand, offering a modest smile. "Oliver. The pleasure's mine," he replied, still getting used to the attention.

Elliot and Emma stood beside him.

"Yep, this is our new Blue Ranger prodigy," Elliot chimed in with a grin.

"So young and already on a mission like this," Chloe remarked, her eyes reflecting genuine curiosity.

Oliver felt his cheeks warm at the compliment.

A Red Ranger joined them, his expression curious. "Not to be harsh, kid, but what do you bring to this mission?"

"Ah! You haven't heard?" Elliot interjected, slinging an arm around Oliver's shoulders. "We've got the first Ranger capable of understanding and speaking Orkish."

"Speaking it?" the Red Ranger raised an eyebrow. "Is that even possible? I recall reports suggesting our phonetics are vastly different from theirs."

"Orkish is indeed challenging," Oliver admitted. "We don't share their vocal structures, but it's possible to mimic their sounds—like a parrot imitating human speech. More importantly, I can understand what they're saying."

The Red Ranger nodded thoughtfully. "Comprehending the enemy's communications could be a significant advantage."

From a distance, Alex observed the exchange but kept his distance, his expression unreadable.

"Good luck out there," another Ranger said as he passed, giving Oliver a pat on the shoulder. "Losing someone on their first mission would be a shame."

A slight chill ran down Oliver's spine. Despite the close-to-death scenarios he'd navigated in recent months, this was his first time heading into the heart of enemy territory, and with only a few weeks of formal Ranger training under his belt.

One by one, the Rangers exited the briefing room. Oliver gathered his notes and was about to follow the other Blue Rangers when a voice halted him mid-step.

"Rookie, hold on a moment," Alex called out.

Oliver turned to face the Red Ranger. Alex stood with his arms crossed, his expression stern but not unkind. "Your file mentions that your primary weapon is an Energy Pistol," he said. "Head over to the armory and select a different weapon. You'll need something that doesn't rely on consuming your Energy."

Surprised but understanding the rationale, Oliver nodded. "Yes, sir," he replied.

As he approached the door, Elliot and Emma caught up with him. "Go ahead and grab a weapon," Elliot said, giving Oliver an encouraging smile. "We're heading to the Rangers' quarters."

"We'll catch up with you there," Emma added. "Don't take too long."

"Got it," Oliver said. "See you soon."

They parted ways, and Oliver navigated the maze of corridors within the Half Wall. The fortress was a marvel of engineering—a massive structure bristling with defenses, housing thousands of personnel, and serving as the frontline barrier between humanity and the savage Orks. Signs directed him toward the armory, and after a few minutes, he arrived at a set of reinforced doors.

The armory doors slid open, revealing an expansive chamber lined with weapon racks and equipment lockers. A quartermaster stood behind a counter, inspecting a diagnostic readout on a hologram. He looked up as Oliver approached.

"Can I assist you?" the quartermaster asked, his eyes briefly scanning the Ranger Insignia on Oliver's uniform.

"Yes," Oliver replied. "I was advised to select a new weapon for tomorrow's mission—something that doesn't consume Energy."

The quartermaster nodded thoughtfully while reading Oliver’s assignment. "Given your operation, I'd recommend a kinetic weapon. Reliable, and doesn't draw on your Energy reserves." He gestured for Oliver to follow. "This way."

They walked past rows of Energy-based armaments to a section featuring traditional ballistic and melee weapons. The quartermaster grabbed one of the rifles. "These rifles are kinetic; they're not enough to hurt an Ork, but you'll be able to take down any other monster you encounter on Olympus."

Oliver followed the Quartermaster to one of the firing ranges—the metallic scent of gun oil and the distant echoes of weapons discharging filled the air. Rows of stalls lined the range, each equipped with holographic targets that flickered and shifted unpredictably, simulating real combat scenarios.

"Let's see how you handle it," the Quartermaster said, handing over the newly issued kinetic rifle. Its weight was familiar yet different from that of his usual Energy Pistol. The rifle's matte black surface absorbed the ambient light, and a sleek scope was mounted atop the barrel.

Oliver nodded, stepping into one of the stalls. He took a moment to adjust his grip, feeling the weapon's balance. The Quartermaster watched intently as Oliver began firing, first standing, then transitioning smoothly into a crouch. Each shot was deliberate, the recoil minimal but perceptible. He tracked moving targets through the scope, squeezing the trigger with measured breaths.

The weapon lacked the seamless ease of his Energy Pistol, but after a few magazines, Oliver found a rhythm. The kinetic rifle demanded a different kind of precision, one grounded in the tangible physics of projectile weaponry rather than the fluidity of Energy manipulation.

"Not bad," the Quartermaster remarked, a hint of approval in his voice. "You've got a steady hand."

"Thanks," Oliver replied, ejecting the spent magazine and activating the safety.

They spent the next few hours refining his technique. The Quartermaster offered pointers on optimizing his stance and adjusting for environmental variables. By the end of the session, a small pile of casings lay at his feet, and Oliver felt a growing confidence in his new armament.

"That should do it," the Quartermaster said, handing him a pack of ammunition and a specially prepared backpack containing essential gear for the mission. "Make sure you check your equipment before heading out."

"I will," Oliver assured him. "Thank you for your help."

The Quartermaster gave a curt nod. "Good luck out there."

Leaving the firing range, Oliver ventured back into the labyrinthine corridors of the Half Wall. The fortress was a maze of nearly identical passages. After several wrong turns and requesting directions from passing soldiers and officers, he finally located the section where the Blue Rangers' quarters were housed, high up within the towering structure.

Oliver slowed his pace as he approached the door to their shared quarters. Voices drifted through the partially closed doorway—familiar ones belonging to Elliot and Emma. He hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but their conversation caught his attention.

"I promise, this is our last mission," Elliot said, his tone earnest. "I swear we'll plan the wedding after this."

There was a brief pause before Emma responded softly, "I'll hold you to that promise."

Oliver felt a slight flush of embarrassment at overhearing such a personal exchange. He hadn't realized how close the two were.

‘Better give them some privacy,’ Oliver thought, stepping back quietly.