342 Night Assassins part one (1/2)
Once inside the compound, it moved cautiously, utilizing the same cover that its species would. Unlike a real rat, it understood the words being spoken and took careful notes of the guard locations.
The rat disappeared behind some crates and then stealthed. He hadn't done so before because the Nether rat possessed standard stealth that many of the guards might be able to see through. A rat in the camp would be normal, but a stealthed rat that was moving tactically would raise suspicion if spotted.
The dark-furred head pushed through the tiny cut its incisors made in the tent wall. Again it didn't enter fully, only pushing through until it could see the inside of the commander's tent.
Nix could see heavy armor that was displayed on a nearby mannequin, twin swords hung nearby in a shoulder scabbard. The rat chittered its teeth silently, melee fighter with dual-wielding capabilities; could be worse.
A few minutes later the rat retraced a similar rat to retreat from the Eastern bandit camp. Instead of heading back to Ever Flame, it started towards the Western camp.
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Alpha team had quickly taken over the Townhall and set up their Tactical Operation Center (TOC) in the council area. They huddled around the long conference table with Jun Li who was making adjustments to the hud map whenever Nix would speak.
Shae sat quietly next to the reclined guild leader. Although Nix could speak and hear inside the hall, it would quickly become confusing if he started receiving too much info from either side.
Semmi glanced back at Nix, he looked like he was taking a nap, his head resting gently against Shae's shoulder. ”Why hasn't he returned yet? He gave his last report more than half an hour ago.”
”Two roving guards using a figure-eight pattern. They stop ever five minutes to switch places with the stationary guards.” Nix's voice spoke from the cushioned couch he was sitting on.
Jun Li studied the hud map. ”Is this additional data?”
”Western camp,” Nix stated quietly.
Pon frowned at the table hud as it changed to the next camp. ”Why worry about it now? They will increase security after we take down the Eastern Camp.”
”Hitting both tonight. Prey waits.” Nix smiled but didn't open his eyes.
************
The second camp was much easier to enter, Nix perched quietly on the axel of a supply wagon that rumbled slowly toward the bandit's mess tent. From there he followed the cook into the prepping area.
”Fajii, are you close?” Nix spoke quietly from his position next to Shae.
The Aquarion looked up from the conference table at the mention of her name. ”Yes. What do you need?”
”I'm in the food prep tent, find me something that I can use to slow these guys down a bit.” The Nether rat moved closer to the cook, she was a dark woman who wore a black head wrap. ”Get Ronnie also.”
The cook left the tent a few minutes later and headed toward a round tent that was covered in furs, two guards stood in front of it.
One of the guards slapped the cook across the face when she approached the entrance, then laughed when she collapsed in a heap. She climbed to her feet a moment later and entered without further issue.
The Nether rat skirted around the back and slipped in through a loosely staked corner. The tent had a half dozen men and women inside, each of them were chained to a bunk. The cook removed her headwrap and started feeding them.
A few minutes later, Nansu and Ronnie were sitting at the conference table. They called the human alchemist because she was well versed in what humans could tolerate. She had three large bottles of clear liquid in front of her.
Nansu handed the bottles to Ronnie. ”These are lethal, but a small bit will put you out of commission for a few hours.”
Ronnie flashed her a grin. ”Got any extra? Sounds like something I should keep in stock.”
Nansu shook her head. ”It's very expensive, half a bottle would be enough for a large pot of stew.”