Chapter 27 : Missing Aliens

"Good day, Cadet! I'm sure you already got my memo. But I'll inform you again," said Admiral Maskmana. "Today, I'll be giving you a new mission."

"Finally!" Rum exclaimed.

The holographic screen show's list of reports and pictures.

"The intergalactic police have shared this case report into many station's databases. Including ours," said Admiral Maskmana. "It is suspected that they might be victims of alien trafficking. If a mafia like Zaroro is involved in this case, then we need to plan things thoroughly."

"Speaking of Zaroro, did he get caught?" Ramenman asked.

"Yes. TAPOPS station has captured him for misusing power sphere," Admiral Maskmana replied. "But that doesn't mean your mission will be easier. There are many other criminals who are much stronger and smarter than Zaroro. And It's possible that you might find them on your mission this time."

The Admiral looked at them sharply. "Which is why you are not allowed to engage in battle unless it's necessary. Your only objective is to investigate. Find where those victims are being held and find out the mastermind behind this incident," Admiral Maskmana explained.

"So it's not a raid mission then?" Kaizo asked.

"Not until we're sure about the victim's safety. Don't try to face the enemies on your own. Once you give us enough evidence, we'll decide whether or not we're raiding them," said the Admiral firmly. "This might be a long and tiring mission. Keep in contact with the station at all times."

"Where do we start?" Rum asked.

Admiral Maskmana showed a picture of the Planet circus.

"Oohh! Planet Circus! I heard there's so many cool things there," said Rum with excitement.

"Excitement, and illegal employment," said Admiral Maskmana. "Some of us believed that these kidnapped aliens might be forced to work there. Along with some endangered animals being illegally sold."

The air turns ominous.

"Endangered animals being sold... Then... those missing aliens..." Rum reluctantly speaks.

"Yes," said Admiral Maskmana. "You might... no. You probably would see a lot of unpleasant things during your mission."

"Those missing aliens might be forced to do something more than work, isn't it?" said Ramenman grim.

Admiral Maskmana nodded. "If it's too much for you, we can dismiss this mission."

"No sir. We can handle this," said Kaizo with confidence.

Ramenman glanced at Kaizo. He turns to Admiral Maskmana. "We'll take this mission. If we get hold up in the middle, we'll report to you."

"I understand. I've sent the details of your mission on your tablet computer. You will enter Planet circus as part of a circus band. We've prepared a fake identity for all of you. Someone that Axion knows in planet Circus will help you adjust your position," Admiral Maskmana explained. He turns to Axion. "That being said, you will lead the investigation."

"I'll pass. Leading people is not my expertise," said Axion. She peeked at Kaizo.

"You just want to avoid making reports, don't you?" said Ramenman.

Axion chuckled.

Admiral Maskmana turns to Kaizo. "Kaizo, you'll lead the investigation."

"Yes sir!" said Kaizo as he gave a salute.

"You're not coming with us?" Rum asked.

"No. I won't be going along on this mission to keep the secrecy of your investigation. Besides, it's about time you do missions on your own. After All, this team members got the highest rank on last semester's cadet ranking," said Admiral Maskmana.

"Well we do have "the highest three on the cadet ranking" in our team," said Rum as she glances at Kaizo, Axion and Ramenman.

"You have 5 days to prepare yourself. Considering the difficulty of this mission, you can ask to prolong your preparation time with a good reason," said Admiral Maskmana. "That's all for today. Be careful who you talk with. I'm hoping for good results from you. Dismiss."

"Yes, Admiral!" the team replied with a salute.

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"Axion!" Ramenman called before Axion walked far. He runs towards Axion. "It's about those rumors. You know don't you?"

Axion looked at Ramenman. She smiled. "I do," she said.

"You know who starts the rumor about you and why it started," said Ramenman.

"Isn't it obvious. The girls must've hated the idea that I'm close to Kaizo." said Axion. She chuckled. "It's not easy being close with a popular guy."

"For some petty jealousy, isn't this too much? Also, what happened between you and Kaizo?"

"Huh?" Axion looked at Ramenman with a confused look.

"I have known Kaizo for a long time. He might act cold but he actually has feelings," said Ramenman. He leaned on the wall. "He always wanted to be the strongest. Most cadets can't compare to him. Many people couldn't keep up with him. He's just…." Ramenman stopped. Not knowing the right word to describe Kaizo.

"Too perfect," said Axion, finishing Ramenman's sentences. She leaned beside Ramenman. "He's too perfect for people to follow or get close to."

"Yeah. You got him. I know he's somewhat happy to have you. You're the only one who can keep up with his skills. That's why he never declined dueling with you," said Ramenman. "Having you beat him must've upset him. But he's not someone who would simply ignore you once he's defeated."

Ramenman looked at her. "There's something more, isn't it?"

Axion sighed. "It was just a misunderstanding. I'll explain it to you next time," said Axion nervously. She smiled before she walked away.

Behind a corner, Kaizo watched them. Wondering about their conversation. He walks back to his dorm as he is lost in his thoughts.