Episode 17 - Star-crossed

[hellbore]

Trask was watching the beams lanced between the two fleets. His radar screen was next to useless with all the Minovsky particles. He saw the Nemo team led by Emington circle the ship and disappear around behind the bridge. It had been a while since his last space battle, but he still remembered how easy it was for a single mobile suit to take out the bridge of a ship if it got close enough. He was slightly apprehensive and the predatory gleam in Loweno's eyes did little to alleviate his dread. Still he maintained a professional outward appearance, as to not agitate the younger crew on the bridge. He went back to studying the radar screen, to see if he could make anything out at all.

[Lans]

(( If I miss something, please tell me ))

- Hamburg Team -

The blasts from the Hamburg passed through them again, it's already several times. The blast bathed their panoramic screens with the pinkish color, beautiful but deadly. Seconds latter, the same color of blast passed through them, only this time it's from the other side. Their team almost covered halfway through from Hamburg to the Titans' heavy cruiser, Kirov. They haven't spotted any Titans MS in their vicinity, for them it seems that the Titans being rather slow in MS deployment.

Jeriden's unit maintained some distance from the other three as his CO ordered. From time to time the communication turning from bad to worse. At this point, Jeriden hardly hears anything at all and his info screen haven't updating at all since they took off. Even with his team's blue thruster flares clearly visible in his front screen, somehow Jeriden felt alone and isolated. He check and recheck their distance every 30 seconds or so. This is his first time in real battle, it's not as he imaged it to be. His hand became rather numb but he dared not to move his hand from the control. Cold sweat already forming in his face, his body admitted his fear. Even with Gundarium layered MS, now he didn't feel secure anymore.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Emington saw another blast of mega particle cannon. The bright lights fully enveloped his self in his seat for a full two seconds before it fades away. When it faded away, a heavy cruiser starting to form at the edge of his vision.

Good G-. We're that close to the cruiser. We could -

Randy maintained his speed and course and open the comm line to the team although Jeriden would hardly hear anything because of the interference, "Bernard, Alfred report. Seeing anything else than those Titan's vessels up ahead?" While waiting for reply his thought racing for possible raid.

'Hamburg team launched first, the Titans either late to deploy their MS or have them close to the fleet. We haven't encounter anything. Could we afford a raid? At the cost of ... the Hamburg and the whole fleet?
But the Dervish, New Yark and the whole fleet should launched MS after us - meaning they'll have defensive parameter from incoming Titans if any. We're the closest, it's our chance. Probably it's our only chance.
If we could just break this heavy cruiser.... the fleet might gain some valuable advantage.'

Without further wait he talk again to his team, Bernard in particular since he got more experience than the other two, "Men, it seems we got a chance to raid that heavy cruiser. We caught them unprepared. We'll do a quick hit and run. Hit them hard and get the hell out of there. Prepare yourself, we're going in."

'Endangering the whole team for this? Is it worth it?' Randy had an after thought, but his reasons fought back, 'We're the only one with the chance and ability to do that, it's our job.' With that Randy opening all his thrusters up, his Nemo roaring high into the Titans heavy cruiser, Kirov.

[mcred23]

-The Dervish-
-Hanger-

Eckardy's suit was largely powered up, save for one or two minor things that he didn't need to worry about, when he noticed another light pop up on his console. Wes had arrived and powered on his comm system. Eddie almost called him, but something else got his attention.

The appearance of Captain Abbey's face was oddly sobering to Eddie, not that he wasn't already. The sight of the Captain, clad in a normal suit, and word they were engaging a confirmed Titan unit prompted a frown from the Lieutenant Commander. Eckardy briefly wondered why it was that the Dervish never seemed to encounter EFSF units anymore, but shook his head to clear that thought. He had other things to do.

Elements of Teams 1 and 3 had already left the ship. Eckardy keyed Team 2's channel, prompting his helmeted head to appear in one of his teammates' comm screens. "Alright guys, once you get out there, try and stay in pairs. Cowboy, you're with me. Ian, you take Wes. You know what to do." He said, cutting his comm, barely catching a nod from Ian and a weak grin from Marvin.

There was an opening on both catapults and Eckardy moved his RMS-099S onto the starboard one, while Cowboy shifted his Rick Dias to the port side catapult. Both men locked in, doing final last second checks. Both their Rick Dias were in perfect condition, whatever issues and faults having long since been taken care of. The port side catapult was a second faster, and Marvin's voice came over the comm, "Marvin Hamilton, launching." His Rick Dias dropped into it's usual semi-crouch and was shot into space.

Eckardy got the green light and keyed his comm. "Eckardy, usual s***." He said, monotone, before the catapult tossed him into space. As soon as he was off the ship, he tapped the Rick Dias thrusters, brought his beam rifle up, and moved to join up with Marvin, partly annoyed that the teams were launching their MS in no real order and having no idea when the rest of his team would get out here in the void.

[The Loser Villain]

- Salamis Kai-class Buxoro -
- Mobile Suit Bay -

"Alright, ladies, You're free to get launch clearance once I'm out."

"Copy that Lieutenant," Aaron snapped off over the comm., "I'll be right behind you."

His Hi-Zack went up the lift as soon as Picard had launched and was moved onto the catapult.

"Ensign Aaron Faraday, launching." While a seasoned vet like Picard wouldn't notice the catapult launch him, Aaron felt every bit of it and clamped his teeth together as he was launched forward.

After clearing the deck he fell in behind Picard. In the distance he could see the battle begin.

"Sir, is there any information as to who we're up against?" Even as he asked the question he could imagine the answer he was gonna get. Probably something along the lines of 'The AEUG, who the hell do you think?' What Aaron wanted to know was, if they had gone up against this enemy fleet before he had been assigned to Echo.

[King Monkey]

Jacob was actually relieved when Abbey's face came on the screen and explained what their mission was. Team 3 was the Dervish's shield, a wall between the ship, and the fleet for that matter, and their foes. Let Team 1 and Team 2 go and take the fight to their enemies. Let them reach for the glory of killing another ship. He, and Team 3 would make sure that they had a ship to come back to. After the losses in his first battle, the young Jg only really cared about protecting the people in the fleet.

Of course, he was even more relieved when Clute showed up. It was a little nerve wracking being the only mobile suit out in the void of space around the Dervish. And it was hard not to waste propellant in dodging the incoming Mega Particle Beams. Reflex demanded that he get away from the deadly blasts and only logic reminded him that there was no way the enemy ships could even detect him, let alone bother aiming at him.

He eases his suit closer to Clute, not close enough for skin talk, but close enough that his radio will be able to punch through the gathering Minovsky.

"Any additional orders, Sir?" he asks, keeping an eye on the space between him and the enemy fleet as he watches out for any incoming suits.

[Wedge14]

-Space outside the Dervish-

After launching Pan had maneuvered his pink and yellow Rick Dias into position. Taking the last puffs of his good luck cigarette. He flicked it away in disgust. Something about this mission angered Heyden. Quick to speak his mind he punched into the Team 1 line.

"Whats this crap about running away. We're just gonna lead them straight to the Argama." He said finally shutting the visor on his helmet.

"I don't think the Argama or Axis for that matter is going to appreciate us showing up with bunch of Titans on our asses. We're not gonna win this war by running. We need to bring the fight to them"

[wonton bob]

- Hamburg Team -
- midway point -

Bernard following Lt. Emington's lead watched the barrage race passed them toward the enemy's position. Keeping a worried eye on his sensors, he noticed the level of Minovsky particles greatly increase. It seemed to play havoc on the comm systems as Lt. Emington's voiced squawk through.

"Ber.., Alfred report. See....anyth..else than... Titan's vessels up a...?"

God. Don't let this end up another Gela.

"...raid that heavy cruiser....em unprepared.... Hit them...nd get the hell out... Prepare yourself...going in."

Unaware that orders to charge the enemy were given, Bernard assumes the C.O. still has contact with the Hamburg and prepares for a run to strafe the approaching vessel. Before Bernard can link up and establish contact with Lt. Emington's Nemo, he opens his thrusters and leaves the pack.

Damn! just cause we don't see any suits....could be 30 of em close to that Alexandria-class and sensors would only pick up the vessel.

Imaging the AA fire on that heavy cruiser that would eventually greet him, Bernard takes a deep breath before advising his younger comrades.

"I'm set. Engaging. Al, Jeriden spread out and approach in a zig-zag manner. If it gets too hot pull away."


With all thrusters on full Bernard's Nemo follows Lt. Emington's heading and slightly veers right.

[Xvlai]

- Alexandria Class-Kirov -
- Mobile Suit Bay -

"Now Sven, can you tell me whats the most important thing in the world?"

A young boy, who could be no more than five sits on a bench, in a sprawling courtyard. Servants move around the edges but do not come close. An old man in his mid 50's stands in front of the boy with his back to him. The young boy who had been looking as his feet, turns his head up to look at the back of the mans head at his question.

"Yes, sir. The most important thing in the world is family, and the duty it brings."

The elder man, hearing the answer begins to walk out of the courtyard only pausing at the door to give his reply.

"Hmm, there may be hope for you yet."

-

Blinking, Sven is rocketed to the present. A present dominated by his now ready Marasai. A feeling swirls about in his stomache, rage, rage at the man who would threaten, the family. As he moves his Marasai onto the catapult, it is all he thinks about, rage. The interruption from the dispatcher giving him permission to launch does nothing to quench it.

What does dull it is the gut wrenching increase in G's as he is rocketed out into space. Quickly kicking his thrusters he boosts up and takes position over the Kirov, making sure to watch the enemy ship fire.

Well I guess I am the first one out, I will wait for Wolf, and this enigma of a wing.

The rage completely banished by this time, but the memory remains, of the pilot named Nick who crossed the line, one to many times.

[EZero8]

--Dervish--
-Hangar-

Wes nodded to the orders. Once Eddie and Marvin launched off, it came his and Ian's turn to be flung out into the dark void of space. He took the portside catapult, stepping onto the sliders. The greenlight came on--

"Curren, taking off..." he says just as the Dias accelerated out of the ship. He wasn't sure if Ian was ahead or behind him, but he did manage to locate the other two.

[mcred23]

-The Dervish-
-Hanger-

Things worked in Team 2's favor. Soon after Eckardy and Hamilton were sent off, the rest of the team was given their own launch clearance. Ian took up position on the starboard catapult and locked in. "Ian Greydon, ready," he said as the green light came on and rocketed him away from the ship.

He was instantly on guard, particularly after Team 2's ill-fated sortie the last time they'd gone into a combat zone. He scanned around and quickly picked up the rest of Team 2, moving away, and Wes, who had gotten off about a milisecond before he had. A few quick taps of his thrusters put him ahead and a safe distance to the side of Wes, hopefully getting the message across that he knew where they were going and that he had launched fine. The factors of his fairly high speed from the launch, and Eddie and Marvin's slow crusing speed, more of a drift, ment Ian joined his teammates fairly quickly.

Eckardy had spotted them fairly easy. They'd already been passed by the pink and yellow oddity that belonged to Team 1, and had seen an MS belonging to someone from Team 3 move off around the same time. They'd also seen Nemos moving from the squadron's Salamis Kai cruisers, but Eckardy didn't know off-hand which was which, only that they were friendly and that was enough for him. As Ian and Wes got closer, he made a quick transmition. "Team 1's forming over there." He said, his Rick Dias pointing with it's beam rifle at the trio of flares that were Team 1's members who had already launched, "We'll form up behind 'em." He finished his message before tapping his thrusters to move him to a spot a few hundred meters behind Team 1's drifting formation. Marvin was behind him, close enough that any transmition would, should, have cut through the thickening Minovsky Particles, but far enough apart that they weren't bunched up. Ian was further back, also keeping his distance as they moved to backstop Team 1.

[Psyden]

--Anti-Earth Union Group 4th Attack Squadron--
--Near Side 2 “Hatte” Shoal Zone--
-- Sickbay aboard the Flagship Dervish--

Celeste is sitting up in her bed when Celeine comes around and only mutters her name.

Seeing the pain in the other woman’s eyes, Celeste smiles at her reassuringly, but before she can speak Clute comes in and delivers her pilot suit. With a quick pull of the privacy curtain, she strips out of her hospital gown and into her pilot suit, which, thankfully, had been washed in the last 6 weeks. Nothing worse than being trapped in a sealed suit with month and a half funk.

“Don’t worry, Clute, medical leave doesn’t suit me anyway.”

Celeste says nothing of the dizziness she feels. She knows that it will pass once she is back in 0g.

Even out of the gravity block where sickbay is located, Celeste is still unsteady. With a mental cringe she realizes why. She is lacking her normally fluid grace and her hand-eye coordination seems a bit off. The same thing happened when she woke up on Konpeitoh, after the One Year War. The doctors said that was because she hadn’t used her limbs in so long, that the muscle became to deteriorate. They also assured her that, with time and physical therapy, she would grain it all back, and she had. But that took time, and time is not something that she has the luxury of wasting at this moment. She might not be at her peak, but she should still have enough skill to be of use.

Clipping her helmet to her back, she sets off down the hallway, towards the hanger. Celeste opts to use a gripper, for perhaps the first time since being assigned to the battleship, as a concession to her current weakened state.

======

--Titans Antonymous Task Force Echo--
--Near Side 2 “Hatte” Shoal Zone--
--Hanger of the Flashship Kirov--

Grace Kelborn finally makes it onto the launching catapult. The system error was a simple enough fix, once it was found, but the delay is already done. Thankfully, it hasn’t set her back more than a minute from the rest of her team, but it is still an ominous start for the battle.

“Grace Kelborn, Launching!”

The red mobile suit is flung into space and Grace looks for, finds, and follows the other two suits in Alpha Team.

[Ascension]

-Caroline

Caroline couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Jonas's Nemo turn and start heading back towards the Chuikov.

"We're just giving up on him, sir?" she asked incredulously over the comm, sounding as if she was on the edge of tears, "Just like that?"

-Jim

"I don't think the Argama or Axis for that matter is going to appreciate us showing up with bunch of Titans on our asses. We're not gonna win this war by running. We need to bring the fight to them"

"Now that's a rather pessimistic way of looking at things. They might be glad to see our blue-and-black brethren! It'd be a palpable demonstration of the presence of a common enemy. Axis, the Argama, and us, we could all just kill some Titans together, have a grand ol' time, and cement the newly forged alliance with the blood of some Earther pigs! Peace through violence, my friend, peace through violence. Negotiation's best handled with a gun."

[Montague]

- Salamis Kai-class Buxoro -
- Mobile Suit Bay -

The Lieutenant was still murmuring in a disgruntled manner as the rail system took him to the Buxoro's hangar. Elijah had just replaced his pilot suit's undergarments, the last exercise leaving them cold and damp and hypothermia isn't what one would wish for out in the endless ocean. It was then that the signal sounded for pilots to mobilize. The seasoned combatant had hoped to get an espresso but it was too late as he entered the Salamis's hangar, holding four Hizack mobile suits.

At least was holding four as M-Hover had already launched the squad leader unit and the Ensign was just taking leave as his own left a momentary glowing trail. Only his own and the second Ensign's, whom Elijah worried would not show once more, Hizacks remained. The mechanic tending his mobile suit gave the nod of approval indicating he had completed the necessary procedures. The Lieutenant gave a nod of his helmet as he rose toward the suit's cockpit.

The hatch closed behind leaving Elijah in that moment of complete darkness before he ignited his suit, the welcoming glow of the monitors coming to life as a view of the hangar spread about him in every way possible. Guiding the mobile suit toward the launch pads he turned on the main communications system preparing to announce his departure. "Lieutenant Elijah Robin, commencing operation."

When the proper clearance was given vernier thrusters on the Hizack's backpack came to life with a brilliant roar as the pad propelled the mono-eyed suit out toward space, the force comfortably pressing the Lieutenant into his seat. With a slight twist of the controls and pedals he maneuvered the Hizack so that it stood alongside his fellow squad mates as they gazed upon what could only be described as front row seats to the opening of a battle, protective filters diminishing the brighter flashes in the 'sky'. And it wasn't long before they would be entering the fray.

[ScornMandark]

Rem finished adjusting his helmet and closed the visor. "Shall we then?" With that, he floated off towards the hangar, holding his toolbox and feeling the shudder as each mobile suit rocketed off the deck.

He had been around launching suits before, and was used to the feel. What he wasn't used to was the ordered chaos of a hot mission deck, with suits launching as fast as the catapault could pull back to home. Standing on the catwalk, he watched as the Rick Dias suits streaked towards open space.

He caught the eye of Chief Sagar and waved briefly, mostly to let him know they were there. It looked like everything on the deck was ready to go, so for now he waited, his datalogger on and his laptop open, ready for whatever information he could glean from the fighting.

[Cardi Doorl]

- Near Alexandria-class Kirov -

Harrington, Ipswich Team's leader, signalled for his men to hang back as Nick effectively called the renegade Nemo that now appeared to be alone in its attack on Echo's ships. Harrington had heard vaguely about how the Kirov's pilots were a batch of psychopaths, with two being especially crazy: one who sported a hammer-and-sickle emblem on his suit's shoulder, and another that painted his entire machine like a red-striped black tiger. The one that claimed the lone Nemo happened to be the latter.

Harrington figured he'd let the asshole do whatever and let his own team stay ready to handle something more pressing.

-

Ryu let out a squawk as a Marasai in a bizarre color scheme came at him aggressively and fired its beam rifle. In a wild twist, Ryu spun his Nemo away from the shot. The maneuver wasn't completely effective, as the beam smacked into his shield head on and tore through to lop off the mobile suit's left hand and leave a molten-rimmed hole in the shield.

Desperately backing away, Ryu squeezed his own beam rifle's trigger two, three, four, five times, then pulled himself up to get back to the Kirov's dorsal side. He had no idea as to what he was doing, with no coherent thoughts in his head. The idea of getting away from the Titan forces in general and regrouping with his team never occurred to him.

- Near Salamis Kai-class Chuikov -

"You think I like it any more than you do!?" snapped Jonas. He then clenched his eyes shut and took a deep breath before continuing, more evenly, "Ensign, listen. It was either him or I put us all at risk. Now keep a defensive position around the Chuikov until and unless we receive orders otherwise, understood?"

[Cardi Doorl]

- Alexandria-class Kirov
- Mobile Suit Bay -

Wolf closed the hatch to his personalized Marasai as he pushed Nick away from his thoughts. Gamma Team's leader had no idea as to the true nature of the future. A mere snake who fooled himself into believing he was a tiger could never have the strength to even conceptualize the depth of destiny.

After confirming that both Svena and Ryo were in their respective Marasais, Wolf lumbered his own machine onto the Beta Team launch catapult.

"Sven, Ryo! Stay on me; we'll be taking the offensive. We're not going to waste time forming up once we launch, not with the fight already in swing. So let's move!"

Wolf was launched out into the gradually escalating fight. With Sven next to launch, Ryo waited.

- Combat Bridge -

Trent, now in a normal suit, was fully situated with his full bridge crew in the combat bridge. Well, almost his full bridge crew; the helmsman hadn't transferred yet, so at the helm then was backup helmsman Petty Officer 1st Class Javier Zamoza.

Since transfer, sensors had picked up not only the Salamis from earlier, but at least two other vessels, most likely of the Salamis type as well, and a larger signal of an unknown type. It was likely an Irish-class, but Trent made sure to suppress any rumors that Echo might've run into the infamous Argama.

The battle hadn't fully closed, with both sides still getting their bearings after effectively blundering into one another. Trent knew that, with the right moves, Echo could put itself on the offensive and thus set the pace of the fight. Echo's commander fully intended to turn this into absolute victory.

"Beta and Delta teams on the offensive, now! Buxoro, Herakles, and Ipswich teams, back them up! I want a concentrated assault on that lead Salamis! Tie them up there!

"All other teams, you know what to do! Put up a defensive screen and keep their suits the hell away from our ships."

Stukov wouldn't like being stuck on defense, but Trent figured that was too bad for him. Wolf's machine was simply too well-geared for offense, and Stukov simply didn't work well with Wolf. Of course, whereas Wolf and Stukov merely didn't mix well, Wolf and Nick... That left Delta Team as the obvious pairing for Beta, since Wolf and Gilliarme seemed more or less neutral to each other.

"All ships, pinpoint their larger capital ship and concentrate fire on it. Let's get that thing quiet ASAP."

[wonton bob]

-Gamma Team-
-Port-side, Alexandria-class Kirov-

Still eying the sensors, Jason could only detect the lone mobile suit that charged and was now being chased by the C.O.

seems pretty stupid of--

Jason's comments of the attacker were ceased when his sensors detected and alerted him of the Nemo's change of direction.

"He's coming up. Top side! Miller move up!" Jason's Marasai boosts in an arc to meet the suicidal pilot before he can do any damage to the Kirov.

[Cybaster]

Chuikov Proximity

Julian was about to respond to Caroline's teary-eyed tirade with his usual, sardonic quip when a particular piece of chatter from one of the Dervish's teams caught his ears.

"Now that's a rather pessimistic way of looking at things. They might be glad to see our blue-and-black brethren! It'd be a palpable demonstration of the presence of a common enemy. Axis, the Argama, and us, we could all just kill some Titans together, have a grand ol' time, and cement the newly forged alliance with the blood of some Earther pigs! Peace through violence, my friend, peace through violence. Negotiation's best handled with a gun."

At that, his eyes widened in surprise --- wasn't that James MacAlpin's voice? Julian had heard all sorts of negative things about MacAlpin from the rumor mill around him, and enough that Julian became curious about what kind of person MacAlpin was --- Especially with what he seemed to be notorious for. Hearing that, Julian smiled to himself and nodded; that did sound like the MacAlpin he heard about, alright, and exactly as the AEUG around him hated about.

But hearing that, Julian felt a little elated inwardly, so much that he completely missed his chance to make Caroline's stupidity pay one more time; It was about time he found a person in this whole faction that agreed with Julian's own views on Axis. He just didn't expect it would be MacAlpin. And as that realization sank in, Julian realized that everything made sense, why the rumor mill would try to slander him, and why the former Federal Forces pilots that made up the majority of the AEUG would say these things.

Most importantly, however...maybe Julian can use him.

Hearing Jonas reply to Caroline, Julian snapped to attention and nodded again, feigning attentiveness. He didn't exactly care if Ryu died if he was stupid enough to try a Takeda Cavalry Charge in the middle of what was very well "modern Nagashino", but the less psychotics around him, the better. "Understood, sir. I'll remain here on defensive perimeter until given further orders."

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Kirov Proximity

Gilliarme bit his lip as he received Trent's order to advance and commence his attack, and took a very quick look around him to appraise the situation. His Barzam was now moving to the Kirov's right flank in defensive wait; While Gamma had already mobilized and were attacking the lone berserker Nemo, Alpha and Beta were still gathering...and his wingmen in Delta Team were still nowhere in sight. Were they alright? Was something holding them in the ship? Gilliarme had his orders and knew that Trent was looking for this critical moment to gain initiative (and that the other Salamis teams couldn't be counted on to be able to fight through the Rick Diases without leading fire from a Barzam), but advancing without Sam and Shin was a risk.

But Gilliarme believed that they would not be far behind, and that soon they would be there. He had to believe in that. In Delta Team, and in Samantha and Shin. "Delta Leader, acknowledged. Sam, Shin, follow my lead as soon as you're ready."

Then, his Barzam rocketed forward, towards the enemy formation and the designated AEUG Salamis, as the other Salamis offensive teams were likewise moving towards it. Raising his Beam Rifle, Gilliarme took careful aim and stock of the various AEUG bogeys that would surely intercept him; He was, after all, the forerunner and distraction, and the other Salamis teams could deal the finishing blows. It was only a matter of time now, waiting and moving rapidly to close the range and keep the AEUG's attention away from the Salamis teams.

[Kylern]

The orders came down it seemed as the Herakles team was given the order to sortie. The information ran through his communication radio as the team leader relaxed slightly. They had slight downtime after their last recon and he had ordered them all to stay close to their machines when they got intel stating that the fleet had actually found an AEUG fleet. What luck he was right about their being someone out there which gave him a sense of smug satisfaction after fighting with Pendragon earlier. Now they had to fight and it was his first combat mission with this team. After flipping some switches he got ahold of everyone and the fun began.

"Alright ladies and gentleman we have just been given the order to support the Kirov team as they spear point the assault on the enemies lead Salamis. I have gone through the data and our job out there will be support fire only. Avoid separating from the group and concentrate your fire on the same targets to ensure destruction. If anyone separates in order to score some sort of heroism I'll make sure your doing labor on this ship afterwords. We can't afford to lose anyone out there, stay in diamond formation with the new girl in the back. I'll take lead and the rest of you take center. If we engage enemy MS then attack them as a unit and try not to get out of direct eyesight. Now lets go and show them just what sort of team we really are."

With all that said and done his Hizack powered up and grabbed its shield and beam rifle from the walls. Then it made its way to the launch catapult and shot into space. He was the lead and he took it instantly and waited on guard for the rest of his unit to arrive.

[Lans]

- Hamburg Team -

Two and a half miles before the targeted Alexandria. Emington slightly relaxed by the appearance of his team.

A good display of courage and discipline, hope you all survive.

They were advancing at top speed in a tight formation. By fate or cover of Minovsky Particles they are closing in unnoticed. Randy took the last scan reading and gave his order, "We got several suits reading on that Alexandria. We'll limit our attack to one flight. After that, fall back and regroup at point Bravo. It's halfway home to Hamburg. Transferring Bravo coordinate now... done. Ensign Korbel take Ensign Kai and Izuruha with you. You will approach from the right, her port side. The Alexandria engine is our priority."

Randy saw the range already at 2 miles and he suddenly grinned. A childish grin and said, "Don't worry too much, I'll play the decoy. A lousy straight pattern and a barrage of beams should attract them to me for a few moments. Try to utilize that in your approach and gentlemen try to get at least 800 meters before you open fire or else it would only dent the vessel. See you all in Bravo, Good Lu-". Suddenly he remembered about Bernard and continued, "Oh yeah, I almost forget. By seniority factor, Ensign Korbel would be my 2nd in command. So you two will heed his order. That is all, good luck."

When the distance reaching 1,5 miles Randy began his move. He veered his Nemo to the left taking some distance from the rest of his team and approaching the Alexandria from her starboard. At maximum range, he fired several shoots aimed at her hull trying to score some damage and attention. Not waiting for his shoots to land, Randy already charging ahead only to be greeted by anti MS fire. The Alexandria class, Kirov fought back bitterly. A few near miss at first but become more and more concentrated. At this range Randy was pushing all his skills and experience into play, steadily changing his pace and direction only to save his own neck.

---------------------------------------------------
Two minutes after the initial engagement.

Randy's screens and console already flashing and sounding warning and threat caution constantly. At almost every corner of his screen there are incoming fire directed to him, he dodged most of them and so far only damaging a part of his shield and bruised a part of his torso. Suddenly his left hand slipped from the control although his right hand compensate the loss of control, but it's too late and the fire from the Alexandria found her target. His Nemo left hand, from elbow to hand skewered completely along with the bruised shield. The blow heavily bruised the Nemo's torso section and shattered his left side panoramic screen. He realized that it's his limit.

He floored the foot pedal and opening up all his thrusters, instantly his Nemo accelerate at neck breaking speed. No malfunction on his thrusters or other vital system. Using only the middle portion of the screen he navigate himself toward point Bravo. He was zigzagging all the way using all his skills in his disposal to escape from any incoming fire. He also shared his attention to the rearward scan for incoming friend or foe.