• At the top of the White Spire, a lone middle-aged man gazed out over the magnificent city. This man was Nikolai Egetes, the founder of Telios. His word was law within the city, and he ensured his civilians that chaos would never be allowed in his city. At least, that's what he told them. A single Talon soldier rode up the elevator and entered his chambers.
    "I hope you have a good reason for bothering me during my meditation.", Nikolai said.
    "Um, the report from Grand Square and Suburbia is in sir... about the defect.", the soldier explained, his voice trembling.
    "Ah yes, our little friends.", Nikolai said, turning to face the soldier. "Go on."
    "Right, well, Squad 237 chased the defect and the target to a small house in Suburbia, where they were met with resistance. However...", the soldier reported, his voice trailing off.
    "However...?", Nikolai wondered, annoyance in his voice.
    The soldier averted his gaze from Nikolai's icy stare. "However,", the soldier continued, "after they cornered fugitives in Sector 5 of Suburbia, we lost all radio contact with Squad 237. We... we think it was the Rebels, sir."
    Nikolai sighed, supressing his rage. "Of course it was. And the fugitives?"
    "Squad 237 seems to have failed to execute either of them. We think the Rebels have them now, sir.", the soldier answered.
    Nikolai was silent for a long time. "You are dismissed. Send Jesse up to see me.", Nikolai commanded.
    "Right away, sir.", the soldier said, leaving via the same elevator he left in.

    About five minutes later, someone else arrived on the elevator. A man wearing an iron mask over the top half of his face entered. The mask permitted the use of only a single golden eye. "You called for me, Father?", the man asked.
    "Indeed I did, my son.", Nikolai answered. "You must know of what happened to Squad 237, correct?"
    "Yes, Father. They failed in their mission. Had you sent me, our problems would be gone by now.", Jesse commented.
    "I realize that. But I can't be playing my best hand at the beginning of the game, now can I?", Nikolai remarked. "Now, son, I want you to go to Suburbia, but do not allow yourself to be seen by anyone. I want you to follow the defect and observe him until further orders are given. Is that clear?", Nikolai asked.
    "Yes, Father.", Jesse replied, before speaking up again. "Father, if I might ask, why does the defect, Se-", Jesse began to ask before being cut off by his Father.
    "I know what you are going to ask, son.", Nikolai said. "Don't worry about it for now, I will explain everything in due time. Now go, begin your mission."
    "Right away, Father.", Jesse responded, turning around and leaving on the elevator.
    Nikolai returned to looking over the city. While he stood there, a single thought crossed his mind. "You've been escaping me for 19 years, boy. How much longer can you keep it up?"