Flying the Coop (Sess)

GEAR

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#1
Bing bong bing-bing.
Attention passengers, we are now arriving at
LX-03 Sable Colony.
Thank you for flying with Artemis Space Travel.

The trip from the Lunar surface to the Lunar Colonies would have been one of relative ease and comfort for James - were it not for the anxiety gnawing away at his insides, of course. It was a short jaunt - only a couple of hours from the lunar surface to the Colonies above, with flights running all throughout the day. Knights on patrol or being dispatched on missions in foreign lands were no stranger to such accommodations, though the Orgone Extractors on the more advanced Knight machines allowed them to make the trip almost instantaneously - not only deadly and practical, but a status symbol as well for those that could afford them.

Gerart had accompanied him on previous trips, always making sure to snore as loudly as he possibly could, and of course - pilfer as many free packets of pretzels and snack mix as he could get away with. For all his much-vaunted greatness, it was the small oddities that had ensured Sir Enfield would never quite fit in among the Lunar aristocracy - and that, it seemed, had suited him just fine.

Who knew where the disgraced Knight of Knights was now?

Regardless, as the vessel pulled into port, James would have found himself as-of-yet unassailed - though for how much longer it was uncertain. His luck had gotten him this far - Now, how much further?
 

Hitura Rael

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#2
James could not manage to keep his leg still as the shuttle drew nearer the colony. His leg bounced, the ball of his foot not leaving the floor as he worked the anxiety out with the constant motion, despite the constant glares that Merida gave him from the seat beside him. He pretended not to see those by pretending to be reading the Genion's manual. He had been on the same page for a good ten minutes now.

He risked a glance over to her, watching her scrolling through the flight schedules. He frowned at the cancelled departing flights from the lunar port they had come from. He chewed on his bottom lip, favoring less lift of his heel in order to bounce his leg faster. He yelped, the sound covered by the announcement of the shuttles arrival. He glared at Merida, rubbing the back of his head. Neither need say anything, he already knew the outcome of that conversation.

With a sigh he stilled his leg, favoring chewing on his lower lip. People trickled out of the shuttle, one by one. Merida stood up, completely engrossed in her scrolling. He blew out a breath and grabbed both of their bags, following her out into the bright terminal. He stopped briefly to marvel at the open space, the steely decor, the distant stars that looked familiar, yet different from this perspective. The sterile surface as familiar too, not much different from the one back home, but it was a different place. He hadn't been on the colonies before. Not that he could remember at least.

He jumped, almost dropping the bags as a hand closed around the front of his shirt and began to yank at him. James stumbled along, staring wide eyed at his room mate as she led him along. "Do you have to give me a heart attack?" He hissed under his breath.

"Not my fault you're jumpier than a stag in an open field."

He stared at her blankly, attempting to puzzle that out. What the hell was a stag? She hummed as she pulled him along, glancing up from her map occasionally to look at gate numbers. "Uh... where are we going?"

"Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to."
 

GEAR

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#3

As James and Merida exited the shuttle, no-one emerged to accost them. Indeed, it seemed that fortune were favoring them for the moment - or perhaps, that Selene had stayed her hand just a little too long.

As they exited, there was the usual crowd of both anxious family members waiting to meet loved ones from the surface - some held handmade signs, others hovering holo-screens, and still further automatons of various shape and size, preparing to receive the offboarders. The two thronged their way past the flotsam and jetsam of the port, making their way towards their destination, the mercantile docks.

The trek at first seemed uneventful - those around them busied themselves hauling goods, and the only indication of any kind of security was the occasional overhead sweep of a security drone, the whine of its servo-motors filling the air as it swung by. However, upon reaching the main entryway for the port-

A small cluster of onlookers had gathered, a line forming and the grumbling of others. Overhead, a holographic display had switched to a deep yellow, displaying a message:

Enhanced Security Screening In Effect Until Further Notice.
We Apologize For The Inconvenience.


"Single file, please."

The cerulean shining, armored forms of several Knight Police were visible just over the heads of the traders and passengers, visors scanning the crowd for any familiar face as they stood shoulder to shoulder before the main entrance, keeping watch. A set of drones hovered nearby, the cluster of cameras that formed their "faces" above drooping wires giving the occasional twitch as they received new instructions from one of the Knights, his fingers working away at a small keyboard inset into his forearm armor.
 

Hitura Rael

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#4
"Fuck." Merida hissed under her breath spotting the line and the yellow sign. She pulled James to a stop and back a few feet to sit down. James smartly kept his head down, doing his best to look like an exhausted traveler. He did not need to act much for that. He watched the throng of feet passing by with unfocused eyes. Perhaps he should just turn himself in, he was causing so much inconvnenience for so many people. And what would Selene do to Merida if they did get caught? Knowing Selene... She'd be lucky to be alive in a hole somewhere.

He flinched when her hand slipped from his. It hadn't even registered that she was still holding on to him. He wiped the sweat on his pant leg and continued to stare at the floor. He could do it right now... turn himself in and leave her behind. She could get away safely and - He winced as something struck the side of his head. He glanced up and glared at Merida, standing on one foot. She waved him over frantically to a door labeled 'Staff Only'.

He stared at her with mouth agape for a moment before grabbing the shoe and hurrying over to her. She took the shoe from him and slipped in through the door. He glanced both ways and slipped in behind her when the coast was... as clear as it could be in a busy port. The din of the crowds significantly muffled as the door shut behind Merida. She used James to steady herself as she pulled her shoe back on. She smiled up at him and put her finger to her lips. He nodded and shifted the bags on his back.

She led him down the dull corridors slowly, stopping to listen every few minutes or check their place on a map that hung on the wall. When staff approached, she led him back to hide in side halls or rooms. It was a massive inconvenience, but they were slowly making their way to the dock.
 

GEAR

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#5
The two worked their way down through the musty service corridors - biting cold nipped at their heels, and what technicians they saw along the way were bedecked in insulating suits that seemed to keep them from the cold. Still - there were no more sign of the Knight Police, at least for the time being. Perhaps tracking the two was more difficult in these tunnels?

Following Merida's map however, young Steelheart would eventually reach an obstacle.

Cutting through the gloom like a sword, the two's light fell upon a dull crimson plate. The most direct route ahead it seemed, had been blocked off - the path forward branched out on either side, each leading to sub-hangars that the two would have to make their way through. Just below the two as well was the gleam of a maintenance hatch, and within it, if they cared to inspect it - a pair of space-suits, and an airlock.
 

Hitura Rael

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#6
Merida's pace slowed as they walked through the tunnels. She had not anticipated the cold, judging by the way she pressed herself against James. He sighed and put his arm around her to keep her close and warm. It had the added benefit of keeping him a little warmer as well. It didn't bother him as much as her, it was a nice distraction from the violently fluttering butterflies in his stomach; something else to focus on besides the situation he had found himself in.

The sudden stop of the tiny woman in front of him was unexpected. He bumped into her, yelping an apology mid bump. She staggered forward and glared back at him. He hissed at her, "Warn me before you stop."

She growled back at him under her breath, "Don't walk so damn close to me then."

He stared at her with a blank expression. Now was not the time to poke the tiny badger. Especially since she might throw him out the airlock. He glanced down the two tunnels, quickly changing the subject. "Which way?"

Merida huddled up against him again, teeth chattering as she looked over the map. "That one is under maintenance," She pointed down one tunnel, then the other, "That one's supposed to be empty..."

James nodded. "Well... Let's go with that one." He guided her along down the tunnel toward the 'empty' hangar, shifting the bags in a way he could drop them and defend them if need be.
 

GEAR

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#7
James and Merida's trek would take them through the narrowing corridors to the hangar under maintenance, the steel grate shifting aside under their combined effort. The air within was cold and stale, causing their breath to puff out in front of them in short, white clouds that were carried into the metallic ceiling. Below, there was the sound of mechanical work filtering up, of sparking and whining, as if mechanical tools were being run.

However, what might have caught James' eye was the structure that was immediately opposite them.

Suspended in the hangar, as though it had been recently disassembled, were a series of mechanical parts - a Mobile Weapon, albeit in pieces. The nearest of which was covered in security tape, obscuring the details from it, yet... the form, the darkened silhouette against the overhead lights, was distinctly familiar somehow, as if he had seen it before.

Regardless, the two found themselves on a series of catwalks overlooking a variety of machinery below, with the occasional space-suited individual making their way about the hangar. According to Merida's readouts, they weren't far from their destination - it would be on the other side of the room, if they were to follow the exterior of its rectangular shape.
 

Hitura Rael

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#8
"Almost there," Merida murmured, "Just past this hangar."

James nodded, clenching his jaw tight to keep his teeth from chattering. Maybe swiping the space suits would have been the smarter idea... Going back and getting them at this point was just a waste of time though. Lessons learned, he supposed.

The pair stopped up short, huddled close to the wall of the hallway to look in. "Odd... They wouldn't need to obscure repair on a mobile weapon, would they?" James furrowed his brow, staring at the parts.

Merida shrugged and slipped out of his arms to start walking, "Come on, coast is clear."

James took several steps after her, keeping his eyes on where they were walking, but his attention continued to drift over to the parts. They were... unsettling to say the least. Recognizible to him at a glance. His stomach dropped to the floor, the cold around him nothing compared to the pit of ice frozen in his chest as he stopped to stare with a dark glower.

It wasn't her at least. He'd probably do something really stupid if it was. Still, he was not happy to see the Genion being duplicated like this. Was she not good enough for them? Was she locked to other pilots so they need to make a new one? Was Selene replacing them?

"James, come on, what are you doing?" Merida hissed. He heard it, but the words didn't register, like a distant hum lost on the wind. He set their bags down and glanced down below the catwalk. He couldn't just pass this by. He had to know... Why? Where was this mockery going? Did Selene really... No, She wouldn't right? It had to be illegal, selling the technology off. That's why it was being handled here not a secure facility...

Once the coast was clear, he grabbed on to the railing of the catwalk and hoisted himself over the edge, pushing off to propel himself toward the ground. Zero gravity was super useful sometimes... And this was not like the time that his father- Sir Steelheart- left him floating and flailing like a fish without fins. Once he made it to the ground, he ducked behind the nearest container or part to survey the area and keep an eye out for interlopers. He was going to find that shipping manifesto and whatever else he could to get some answers.

Above him Merida swore silently under her breath as she made her way back to where James had gone over the side. Seething, she grabbed up the bags and made her way back to the other hall, huddling down in a corner to watch for the stupid brat.
 

Admin

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#9
As James dropped down, snatches of conversation could be heard filtering out to him from his hiding spot. Were he to peer outward, from his position it appeared there were at least five individuals in the same area, all of whom visited themselves with the duplicate Genion.

“...trusted?”
“There’s some kind of crackdown in effect, meaning we need to get this out of here now.”
“But... We still haven’t made the final adjustments for the new Sphere-“
“It’s not our decision to make. We’ll finish assembling it on the way to Jeddah.”
“With all due respect, it’s a delicate process-“

Nearby, a pair of space-suit wearing technicians were poring over a set of holographic schematics together, presumably the same ones speaking. As James observed, one of them jabbed his finger overhead emphatically-

Sure enough, the chest of the Genion-like was laid bare... but it’s interior seemed different from what he was used to. Rods of crystalline DEC had been carefully inserted at intervals in the reactor, a sharp contrast to his own’s smooth, almost pearly interior in which the Artificial Sphere was suspended.

Meanwhile, as Merida moved back towards where the two had entered, she would have been immediately surprised as a space suited figure emerged, pushing themselves from the space as they moved hurriedly below. They reached out and put a hand on the closest worker, almost directly below her on the catwalk, allowing her to just barely make out her words:

“We have a situation.”
 

Hitura Rael

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#10
Well that certainly wasn't good. Either Selene was giving away government secrets now or they were doing this behind her back. True, it could have been part of whatever deal went into making his Genion... but either way that thing was not leaving this colony in tact. But still... he took his terminal out and snapped a picture of the half constructed mech. He sent it to Selene. It would give him away, but he had to risk it. They couldn't risk someone else being able to use the lost sphere if Enfield somehow failed to hold it, and he did not relish his name or his partner's being tarnished by this mockery of her.

Once the image went through he called Selene. Once she answered he whispered, "Don't ask questions and don't say anything unless you're answering me regarding the situation, did you authorize this?" his voice was cold, harsh, and strained with the burning fire of rage underneath the control. He hit the speaker setting after she answered him. Regardless of the response, he placed the terminal back in his pocket.

As James snapped pictures and began his preparations, Merida paused to listen to the rushing woman.

"We have a situation."

Merida flinched and lowered herself to the floor. Keep calm, it could be unrelated to them. Best to listen and stay low for now...

He rummaged a good sized metal rod from the crate nearby; not long enough to be used like a staff, but decent to use for a club. He stepped out from his hiding place, pipe ready. "All of you, line up and don't think about running off or I'll call the Genion and crush all of you before i toss that copy out into space and blow it to bits." His voice and the fire in his eyes said he was deadly serious.

Goddamnit James. Well, no helping it now... Merida grit her teeth, set the bags down, and climbed over the railing. She held on as she positioned herself over the nearest person and planted her feet, then pushed off with all her might to launch at the unfortunate person, aiming to collide with them at chest level in an awkward space tackle.
 
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GEAR

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#11
As James sent his snapshot, and his furious words... there was no response. Only cold silence on the other end of the line. Had it really gone through?



Meanwhile, Spaceport Checkpoint

Waving through yet another pair of complaining stragglers, the lead Knight Police raised a hand to his helmet briefly, as data was transmitted from the highest of echelons. He reached out, tapping a hand on his companion's armored shoulder.

"We've got him."

He moved the receiver to a more broad sequence, transmitting to every unit in the Colony as the rest of the unit began to move, a distant BAM filling the air as two officers vanished down the door to the maintenance shaft.

"All units, move out! Secure the terrorist by any means necessary!"

Outside the Colony, distant, emerald gleams began to materialize as Lunarian Lympees began to approach, their curved forms and tan coloring a stark contrast to the silvery metal exterior of the structure. Civilians watched them fly past from viewpoints, and the wiser among them began withdrawing, already suspecting the worst.




Well, it was too late to worry about it now.

As James emerged from his hiding place, the two closest scientists halted their conversation, whirling to balk at his presence.

"Who the Hell-" Started one of them, reaching behind him- Yet the second scientist, his features obscured by his spacesuit, halted him, holding up a hand.

"Wait, I know him." He said, hurriedly; "Genion's test pilot, yes?"

There was a short pause before he continued, voice full of concern:

"Did the Queen send you?"

As for Merida, her surprise attack worked about as well as she could expect. Her body collided with one of the suited engineers, causing him to tumble backward with a cry - as his companion yelled in alarm, floating back as he pushed away, trying to make his way down below as he called out to the others:

"Intruder! We have an intruder!"
 

Hitura Rael

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#12
"Wait..." Merida twisted around, her weight planted on the man under her tiny frame, "You weren't talking about us when you said you had a problem?" She narrowed her eyes and growled, casting a glance over her shoulder. "Hold on a minute. We'll talk all this out, let me just go calm down the dumbass before he hurts someone." She hopped up and bolted across the hangar, shouting back, "If you follow give us a few minutes!"

James narrowed his eyes at the scientist, "Yeah, I'm the pilot." He wasn't about to say test pilot. Genion was his partner after all, no matter what Selene or anyone else said. He shifted his stance slightly, ready to withdraw his hand from the metal shaft in his hands, until they asked if the queen sent him. His grip tightened on it. Damnit, she knew about it and - He clenched his jaw, shifting a foot ever so slightly.

And then something tiny hit him from behind. He stumbled forward several steps, then yelped in pain as something seized his ear and dragged him down, bringing him face level with Merida. "JAMES ALEXANDER STEELHEART I AM GOING TO PUNCH YOU IN THE DICK IF YOU DO NOT SETTLE THE FUCK DOWN RIGHT NOW!"

He swallowed hard, knowing FULL damn well she would. It wouldn't be the first time she followed through with that threat either. He dropped the metal shaft and leaned into the tugging.

"I am going to tear you a new fucking asshole when we get out of here I swear to every fucking god in history!" Merida tugged him down until he was doubled over and on level with her chest, then glanced to the other scientists. "Forgive him, he's stressed and jumpy and doing VERY STUPID SHIT," she gave another good yank for good measure, then waved the other two over. "Now, we're almost all adults. Let's talk this over somewhere less chances for this dumbass to get in more trouble, shall we? You wanna move that thing right? Stupid here can protect your transport. I can fix shit. I've seen the schematics. I'm a mechanic by trade. And I'm small enough to fit in tight spaces a lot of people can't. We can help."
 

GEAR

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#13
"I see."

The second scientist held up his hand, his fellows now assembling around the two intruders as they bickered back and forth. It was almost as if they didn't know quite what to make of the display, but eventually the man from before spoke, evidently the leader among them.

"Yes, it would make sense if you were upset..." He said, thoughtfully. "Considering that machine's purpose."

How strange it was, he thought, to finally see that young man in the flesh. The other one, the Knight of Knights - his condition had deteriorated to the extent that he was no longer an acceptable candidate, a consequence of their earlier experimentation. Sir Steelheart, supposedly, would serve as an ample replacement... Yet it seemed it was more than mere nepotism that guided the monarch's hand.

"We're not with the royals." He explained, "We're Terrans - I'm Chief Graham, of DEI. Our Institute was involved in the construction of the Genion, but the Queen reneged on our agreement."

He turned slightly, gesturing at the machine above them with an open hand.

"What you see here is a modified prototype we smuggled out, constructed mostly of spare parts." He said, giving a smile beneath his visor.

"The final form will be different, at least externally, but we've decided on a codename, at least... Panikos."

One of the men suddenly spoke up, looking away from a tablet he carried, speaking urgently.

"Sir, the Knight Police are surrounding the colony."

"There's not much time. Get the parts loaded, and hurry."

The rest disbanded hurriedly, leaving the two with Graham. Obviously they had a lot more on their mind than a bickering couple, now that Luna's finest were breathing down their neck.

"Listen, Sir Steelheart." He said carefully; "The Genion is extremely important to Luna's survival, and so long as you possess it, Queen Selene will never let give you a moments' rest. You, yourself... are replaceable.

If you can get us out of this mess alive, I'll tell you everything I know, and we can get you as far as Lagrange two. How's that sound for a deal?"
 

Hitura Rael

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#14
James sulked in his place on the floor, ear still firmly in hand to the tiny witch above him. He had regretted involving her before, but now... Now he regretted her being here keeping him 'in line'.

"He's sleep deprived from all the DAMON incursions and the recent events with ZONE. Still hasn't caught up... I don't think it's good to prod his temper right now." She warned. There was only so much she could do after all. He was taller than her and much stronger. The only thing keeping him in line was that his temper hadn't reached it's height quite yet, though it was getting dangerously close.

Merida eased her grip on his ear, but did not urge him to get back up just yet. They were still in the boiling pot. "Modified eh? I'd like to see those schematics. Genion is far from perfect and I can only imagine improvements being made." She glanced at the prototype curiously. "Panikos, weird name. What's it mean?"

Of course interruptions had to happen. It was a trope for a damn reason. "Any reason they'd be after you guys and definitely not us?" Merida asked hopefully. If they were after James instead... then perhaps they could lure them away and give the scientists a chance to escape and rendevous up later. Merida finally let go of James ear.

He flashed a glare at the short woman and rubbed his ear. She was tiny and not very strong, but she knew where to make someone bend knee and inflict pain. She had to, being a young woman. His glare drifted from his room mate to the scientist. His patience was wearing thin. Being called replaceable did not help the scientist at all. A flash of rage crossed his face, quickly quelled by the reminder of the situation.

Should he help them? He promised to tell him everything at the cost of treason... Information he would definitely need if he were to navigate these tumultuous waters. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a short breath before going to his terminal and shutting it off completely. "How do I know you're not lying and will hold up your end of the bargain?"
 

GEAR

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#15
"You dont."

A distant explosion rattled the room, sending sprays of dust into the surroundings, causing the suited men to hurriedly wipe at their visors. The lead man listened to Merida's questions - they were good ones, albeit, ones he didn't have the time to answer at that exact moment. They needed James to survive, for better or worse - and he needed their information. To give it all away too soon would be highest folly.

"Much as I'd love to offer you some kind of assurance," He added quickly, "This is hardly the time."

The leader kicked off from the ground, floating back to his companions as they began to make final preparations. No matter what, they had to make sure they got the prototype back to the Institute - they could explain the circumstances to Bertram later.

"It's do or die. Make your decision."




Emerald lights flickered across the hangar as the Lympees began to land, stopping at each civilian vessel in twos and threes. A bright red light emitted from the eyes of each unit as it swept each vessel in turn, the squat, smoothly-armored forms of the Knight-machines moving slowly as the throngs below parted.

"Ascalon Team, number three clear. Continuing search."

"Number four, also clear."

"Number si-"

A deafening explosion roared through the hangar, the lead Lympee unit suddenly rolling back as smoke and flame burst from its upper chassis, one arm clattering to the ground.

"Asalon II-!"

The remaining machines ducked low as a missile whistled overhead, pulverizing a part of the wall behind them. Weapons were drawn, Orgone Guns glowing as power flowed through their barrels, scanning the remaining vessels for heat signaturres.

"...There!"

From the depths of the ship being inspected, a smoking barrel emerged, followed by the distinct form of a jet-black Gespenst Mk-II, its shoulders clearly demarcated with the faded insignia of Terra Sentinel. Three other machines of the same make began to emerge, each brandishing its own weapon, sizing up the Lunarian enforcers.

"Cover compromised." Noted the lead unit as it racked the weapon; eye glowing threateningly.

"Inform Hyperion. Leave no survivors."
 

Hitura Rael

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#16
Time was up... James glanced to Merida standing rooted and... terrified. He had dragged her here, He put her in this danger. And if he sided with the Lunarians right now... He'd resign her to a jail cell or death for his decisions. He drew in a deep breath and grabbed her by the shoulder, pulling her close to shield her. Up until now, he had been confident in the woman, believed what she had said about the Genion... but now, with it on the wire, it seemed... out of reach.

The explosion filled the room with smoke and debris. She whimpered and buried her face to his chest, clinging tightly. "This better fucking work, Genion." If it didn't, they were good as dead in this fire fight. James snapped his fingers...

A circle of dark energy spread around him, radiating in the shape of an arcane circle. The silhouette of the mech rose from the black energy, hues of violet rippling away from the Genion. James got over the shock rather quickly, holding on to the machine as the tiny woman clung on to him like a baby monkey to it's parent. Safely inside, she still refused to let go, trembling in terror. It took prying her hands off and dumping her unceremoniously at his feet to get her to finally let go and collect herself.

"A good way to keep them busy is to get them to chase you out into space instead of fighting inside the damn colony." James broadcast to the others in the room, not specifically stating who's side he had chosen to take. With luck... both would think he was on their side and actually take his advice... which would give him precious seconds to situate himself.
 

GEAR

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"Thank you. We're counting on you, Sir Steelheart."

Scarcely a minute ticked by before the hangar doors ground open with inexorable slowness. Abandoned papers, parts, and all manner of refuse rattled across the floor of the hangar before vanishing into space, until only a sea of stars greeted the Genion's pointed, azure features. Behind him, the Panikos was being dutifully wheeled along a ceiling pully into an adjoining room, where the test-flares of a spaceship's verniers could be seen faintly firing.

The moment of calm and tranquility before the storm.

In the distance there were already tiny sunbursts, silent explosions as the civilian populace of the Colonies and the armed Terra Sentinel insurgents locked swords with their oppressors. The angular form of a Cosmolion streaked by, thrusters at full burn as someone peeled away from the colony, evidently in quite a hurry to escape the rapidly escalating conflict.

"That's it! That's the Genion!"

A voice crackled over the public communications link, as the smooth, armored forms of four Lunarian Lympees came into view. The lead machine's beige-hued head turned, green eyes fixed on the emerging blue machine. Drawing to a slow halt, its arm swung up, bringing its Orgon Rifle to bear on the entryway, the knight within barking out an immediate, insistent command:

"In the name of Queen Selene, surrender at once!"
 

Hitura Rael

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#18
"Step outside so you don't hurt the citizenry." James repeated to the quartet in a cold commanding tone. The Genion kicked off of the Hangar floor, gently floating back into the newly opened space behind it. James' eyes flickered across the four forms, taking note of the riffles aimed at the Genion. "Did Selene send you for the Genion or for me? It looks like you have bigger problems on your hands in either case." The genion pointed to the chaos around them.

"Isn't quelling THAT a bit more important than stopping me from hunting the Geminia down?" He hoped that was enough to deter them. He hadn't felt this panicked queasy feeling in his stomach since his first outting in the Genion. He didn't want to fight his own soldiers, and he sure as hell didn't want to be dragged back to his sister. Once again, his life was on the line and he was making stupid decisions. Distantly, it felt as if he had no decisions left to make, swimming against a current that would eventually drown him. And now this raging torrent of events put him in the same shoes as his mentor... One thing was for certain, the only decision he had the freedom to make still: He would NOT be a pawn!
 
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#19

The first sniff of unease had been enough to get her guard up, a hint of warning that something was about to go wrong. Normally it was a prank or complication - but this time it had turned out to be a full on battle. A battle she had no real reason to intervene in. Neither the Lunarians or Terra Sentinel had directly noticed her yet, and she had no stake in their victory. The only thing missing was some popcorn.

But then things got interesting. Some sort of prototype? Neither side seemed to particularly appreciate it, and what the pilot had said struck a chord with Liana. It was time to take a page out of her partner's book, and follow some oft-unwated advice:

Because a little bit more chaos wouldn't hurt.

Light shone from one of the Asteroids orbiting the colony, the closest thing to a warning before Liana fired upon the Lunarian Lyunpees. It was obliterated when the beam fired, but by that point it was too late to react.

Buster mode online. Firing in three... two... overridden.

Her beam of destruction was angled to avoid ripping a hole into the hangar, but as a consequence was only angled to strike through about half of their formation. It was hopefully enough to disrupt them, but just in case she sent out an open transmission as well as her machine returned to its normal form. James would recognise the voice, but it might be difficult for him to put a precise finger on why.

"Following his advice might boost your life expectancy. But only if you run."
 

GEAR

Administrator
Staff member
Jun 15, 2018
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#20
"The Genion is our priority. No mention was made of your survival, traitor."

The assembled group trained its weapons on the Genion. The smugness and contempt in the lead machine's owner's voice seeped into every word. Did he think they cared about a Colony of people who willingly mixed blood with the Terrans? Any of their kind who sought succor with outsiders was a traitor, not only in allegiance, but in blood. There existed no greater crime, in deed or in word, among their kind.

"Neither you, nor the other betrayer will leave this Colony ali-"

"M-Marshal-Commander-!"

He didn't even get to finish, as the beam from Liana's surprise attack enveloped the Lypee formation. A cascade of surprised cries went out very briefly across James' audio channels - before the light faded, a score of the Lunarian knights having been vaporized instantly. Those that remained scattered - a scant two, immediately rounded upon her, rifles flaring as they began peppering the Asteroid with fire, the Genion temporarily forgotten.

That was not to say, however, that James was left entirely to his own devices. A sudden proximity alarm would have whined to his right-

"Split Missiles, away."

A pair of small, box-like shapes were accelerating rapidly towards him - only for them to split apart, the MIRVs releasing a hail of smaller rockets that smashed into his position, pulverizing apart the hangar in a burst of flames.

A trio of dark forms was rapidly approaching from the surface of the Colony, ones any Mobile Weapon pilot would know of. Their pointed helms and red visors were dead giveaways of the venerable, yet no less deadly symbolic machine of the Terrans. Thrusters flaring, the three Mass-Production Type Gespenst Mk-IIs accelerated towards the Genion, rapidly closing the gap, their intentions clear.

"Vendetta Six, engaging."