Niko wanted to switch out Shepard with another AEP unit in Clan Re:birth. They had been given the male cold X-frame. Niko's was female. They could pump out AEP units one at a time. I looked at him and said "No. This is a new XX-frame. I am financing everything with the coalition blueprints. If not Shepard, anyone in my clan would be used instead. Will you let our son go, or not? He wants to contribute to the coalition." Niko crossed his arms and said "Fine. He can go." Shepard was very happy. The blueprints were really good. Neither Niko nor Shepard had to know that 02 was a deviant from Volition Clan. It might sink their excursion before it even began. Like was promised, 02 swallowed his pride enough to go in a cab with Shepard. They would need a month to get everything done and bring their XX-frame back. I was not the only one who was trying to get another XX-frame up in space. Volition Clan's launch was later that day. They would be the first XX-frame of their Void confederacy. I saw that they had heeded my words of warning. Wind Clan also had a confederacy going on too.
In the coalition, both Sonic and Water clans were on the move. As the leader of the coalition, Sonic Clan wanted one all for themselves. Water Clan had a massive water park. There was enough capital in there to finance one too. It was pretty cool that we would be having 6 XX-frames by the end of this. A week later, I was visited by the leader of Wind Clan and 2 AEP units. I was also visited by the general and a squad of 6 very strong looking commandos. This could not be a coincidence. I let them all in the clan building. Wind Clan wanted money to put their XX-frame into space. Obviously, the general did not want that to happen. "I really have no clue why any of you are here. Our liege is Cold Clan. I don't think any of you have gone through them first for this conversation." I told them. The leader of Wind Clan scoffed out loud. "There are only 2 Conqueror transmission hubs left. We talk and share information. You gave those hybrids in Volition Clan the money to make their XX-frame." he said. I rolled my eyes. "You all must be mistaken." I said firmly. "I sure hope so Brianne!" the general said.
The leader of the Wind Clan rolled his eyes. "We want money too. Give it to us." he said. I blinked. "You are not part of the coalition. In fact, you are one of the only rivals to the coalition left. We agreed to a non-aggression pact of sorts. We have not come after you because you stayed out of our way. We have 3 XX-frames up in space. It shows how ahead we are. Void has one up there. You have none. You can't demand shit from anyone." He just smirked and said "You'll give us the money. Unless you want your half breeds killed." I looked at him. "My kids could kill you without blinking. What the fuck are you talking about?" I snapped. He slid a tablet my way. I looked at the general and he shrugged. I sighed before turning it on. 02 and Shepard were both gagged and restrained on the ground in what looked to be a warehouse. There was a long, thick wire coming out of 02's chest. I glared at members of Wind Clan in front of me. It seemed that they were kidnapped on their way to the Foundry. "How the hell did you find them? The Foundry has to be somewhere in the desert." I said in shock.
