Chapter Four:
Axe Handle
Disclaimer: Everything outside the 42nd doesn't belong to me. Gonzo has claimed most of the work done in Vandread, With Pioneer publishing and Media Factory helping in there somewhere.
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As the Nirvana fled back into the safety of the Pulsar's masking field, things weren't looking too good.
Though the Vanguards only got away with damage to their Vanguards and minor injuries, Vandread Jura was out of commission and it's pilot was in the medical ward.
"What do you mean Fatal?!" Asked one of the pilots, "Isn't there anything you can do for her!?"
"I'm sorry, but my knowledge on female anatomy isn't up to standards." Said Dureo, "I've done all I can for her. At this rate-"
"Like hell you've done everything!" Continued Tesh, one of the other two pilots in the room, "If you did everything then why isn't she still walking!?"
"...Forgive me..." Said Dureo, "But I truthfully do not have the knowledge to repair some of her injuries."
The first pilot looked at Jura and sobbed, "She...She came up to me just before the battle and...and wanted me...to do a favor for her..."
"Kai..." Said Tesh, "Come on man, at least she's still alive..."
The well-built boy with the faded brown hair and green eyes closed his eyes, "I know...but she...she was one of the nicest women... At least you tried doctor."
Kai left the room with the other pilot who offered to get him a drink. Tesh looked at the woman on the examination table and then up at the doctor.
"Fascinating." The Doctor said as he rubbed his chin, "But apparently the men have grown attached to the women..."
"Doctor," Said Tesh, "That's nice and all but how does it help Jura?"
Dureo looked at Tesh, "Nothing...but it might be incentive for some future event..."
Tesh sighed in anger and turned his blue-capped head and wide eyes to look at Jura, and then at the ground, "Wait...maybe..."
"What?"
"I've got an idea Doc..." he said and asked, "You know how these harvesters know how to harvest organs right?"
"...Yes..." Answered the Doctor.
Tesh added, "Can you interpret the data from their ships?"
Dureo blinked and said, "You're suggesting we try to interpret the Harvesters' methods of removing bodily organs?"
"Yeah! And if they can they know how to repair them and keep 'em preserved or whatever, so if we can find out how they do it, do you think you can do the same?"
Dureo hummed, "I wonder why I didn't think of that before....I'll start talking with Parfait about it."
"Yes!" Cheered Tesh and came to Jura's side, "Hey Jura, don't worry we'll have you fixed up in no time!"
Jura's eyes peeked open, "You...think so?"
"I'm certain!" Cheered Tesh, "We're all for you Jura, including Kai!"
"Kai....yes, tell him...ohhh." She sighed and lapsed into unconsciousness.
Tesh was about to say something but closed his mouth and squeezed her hand before running out the door.
Dureo watched him go and Paiway asked, "Do you really think you can do it?"
"I'm doubtful..." Said Dureo, "But once upon a time I didn't think I would have a good grasp on the female anatomy. I wish my knowledge was complete however..." Said Dureo as he looked at Jura.
There was some yelling in the Rege central office as Shin walked in.
"And because of you we couldn't knock out that thing! What were you thinking!?" Asked Barnette.
Hibiki was there too, and both of them were glaring at Gasconge.
Jinn was in the background and noticed the commander come in and nodded to him.
Shin walked around the argument and came to his supply warden, "Yes?"
"Sir," Sighed Jinn and looked at Gasconge and then at Shin, "With your permission sir I would like to....er...sir, may I use the additional unit?"
"What for?"
"I went over the data again about the enemy flagship and...and it seems that we may not have enough firepower to take it down. We were lucky that we could get through it's shields before they were fully developed and did as much damage as we did...I don't think we'll be lucky next time around."
Shin nodded and then asked, "But did you work out the bugs yet? You didn't get it to work last time..."
"I think so." Said Jinn, "Most of the problems were worked out when I put a Pexis crystal fragment into the reactor as a power source..."
Harsh voices behind them made them both look up at the argument going on.
"Sir..." Resumed Jinn in his whisper, "Can you talk sense into them? Gasconge...well sir...she's bothered by something..."
"I'll try, but I'm no councilor. I make great speeches...but I can't..." Shin trailed off as he turned around and approached the conversation.
"What's going on here?" He asked.
Barnette and Hibiki looked up at him and Barnette called, "Because of her we lost! We could have pulled something off at least and she just told us to pull back for no reason whatsoever!"
"I think there's a reason." Said Shin, "For one thing Hibiki and Jura were reckless. They'd be in bigger trouble if we weren't there."
"Maybe if you guys didn't hitch a ride we could have positioned ourselves better!" Called Hibiki, his arm still in a cast.
"Bull." Said Shin, "My men are some of the best Tarak has to offer. If anything we cleaned a first wave off your shoes. As for Gasconge's order to pull back I think it was agreeable. We don't have unlimited munitions after all..."
"Yeah but what does the think she's doing? Ordering us to go back, all she does is know how to load equipment!"
"Yeah, she's never been in battle!" Added Hibiki.
Gasconge sighed and headed for the door to Redge's main room where Jinn was standing.
"Gas-" he started, but her arm pulled on his and the two disappeared into Rege central.
Shin turned back from where they disappeared into and looked at them, "From what I heard from my quartermaster Gasconge's a vault of knowledge. Of course she knows how to load supplies, but she has at least what, thirty years of information locked in her head. She's one of the wisest people on this ship, and you guys doubt her judgement?"
Meia entered then and saw the trio, "What's going on here?"
"Argument." Said Shin, "Namely from these two protesting the order to withdraw."
"They're still hung up about it?" Meia asked as she stood on Shin's side of the room, "You're all fools."
"What?" Barnette and Hibiki called.
Meia blinked, "Do you know why Gasconge's so up tight about having a calm attitude? Obviously she never told you. Because of her hot-headedness her older sister perished in an accident. She's never been able to forgive herself because of it and the mistake she made with a high temper."
The two looked at each other and got sheepish expressions on their faces.
"Yes, I'd be the same way too if I were you." Said Meia as she turned, "Now if I were you I'd go think about it for a while before coming back here."
Hibiki humphed and walked out the door, but hesitated before fully leaving. Barnette looked up at Shin, "I'm sorry..."
"Just learn from your mistakes. That's what my unit tries to at least...if we were as stubborn as our leaders, then there wouldn't have been anyone for you to find in that asteroid field."
Barnette nodded and left the room also.
Shin sighed and shook his head, "We had some hotheads like that too....we still do, but at least they have the reserve to use it during battle instead of flaunting it around."
Meia agreed in silence as she looked over the manifest, "Yes..."
Shin looked at her and asked, "Was my pilot helpful?"
"....Very." Meia responded, "Hiro was his name wasn't it?"
"Yes. He's expressed his desire to partner up with you in combat...I think he has some idea of teaming up Dread and Vanguard pilots...sort of like horses and riders in a way. He wanted to know if he could ride your dread in combat."
Meia turned around and faced him, "I work alone. Tell your pilot that I refuse, but I will allow him as my wingman- as long as he doesn't screw up."
"Don't worry about that-" Said Shin as he started out of the room, and before he left he said, "Hiro has never messed up in combat. Jinn or any of the others can testify to this."
In other parts of the ship, some of the men had been walking about the vessel.
Tag opened the door to Ezra's room and looked in.
She looked up and spoke, "Oh, it's you."
"Yeah..." Tag replied as he walked in, blushing, "Er...I was wondering if you needed any help..."
"With what?" Asked Ezra.
"Er...well...with the child and all..." Replied Tag and straightened, "Er...back on Tarak children need special attention. I was wondering if perhaps your child needs...em..."
Ezra smiled, "Is there something that I can do for you?"
"Well..." Said Tag, "May I sit down?"
She allowed him room to sit on her bed, with the baby in her arms.
Tag sat down next to her and turned his thin face and blue eyes to look down at the baby. "...Does she have a name?"
Ezra smirked as she looked at her child, "Mm...her name's Kahlua."
"An interesting name..." Replied Tag as he extended his index finger to the baby.
Kahlua grasped the finger and giggled.
"She likes you." Observed Ezra.
"I guess." Replied Tag as he extracted his finger before Kahlua jammed it in her mouth, "You're very fortunate to be able to have your babies with you. On Tarak they're raised by overseers into their duties and tasks."
"Oh?" Ezra replied.
"yeah. I have a friend who works there." Tag went on, "Another second-class citizen. I guess I was fortunate enough to become a Vanguard pilot and get accepted by the academy as a third-rate pilot."
"Oh." Responded Ezra and looked back down at her baby, "What do you know...she's already asleep."
"Yeah..." Sighed Tag and then remembered why he came, "Er...Ezra..."
"yes?"
"I was wondering...er....about the video that Dureo showed us."
"Yes?"
"Can we...er...I don't know, start a family?"
Ezra cocked her head, "What do you mean?"
"I mean..." He said and looked in the distance to find his words, "I mean, can...I be in a relationship with you? You're one of the nicest people I have ever met and...and frankly I think your baby is adorable...I would like to take on the responsibility of protecting both of you. As...as what they used to call a...a husband would."
"Oh my," Ezra replied and smiled, "What's that?"
"It's what Dureo called the man in that relationship..." Said Tag and blushed more, "Ezra...will you accept me as your husband?"
Ezra was a little lost about this, "Oh dear...um...You see...back on Mejere we have the Oma and she well...she did those kind of things...I'm sorry."
Tag blinked with his heart racing, "What does this mean?"
"I...I just don't know that's all..." Said Ezra and looked at him, "I hope you can understand...you're a sweet man Tag, but I just don't know..."
Tag didn't know weather to be pleased, or devastated. "I...I'm not good with this kind of stuff..."
"Neither am I." Sighed Ezra.
Then Kahlua started whining and reached out for Tag's finger again.
He gently slid it back and she grasped it and started laughing again.
"Well...it's safe to say that Kahlua's fine with it." Ezra sighed pleasantly and looked at Tag, "Why don't you stay for a while. I could use the company, and you're not needed immediately are you?"
"No. I can stay." Said Tag with a smile on his face.
Elsewhere Hibiki sighed to himself in the pretty much empty Galley.
Stars were whipping past the window as the ship continued on it's course around the Pulsar. It was in constant view to the left side of the ship, as they were swinging around it and hopefully coming up with a plan on the way back.
"What do I do now?" Asked Hibiki as he sighed to himself.
Then the door opened and in came Tesh, Kai, and Hiro.
"Hey, don't sweat it man, she'll be all right." Smirked Tesh as the trio walked to the conveyor belt and Tesh called over, "Hey girls! Is there some scotch back there?"
"Scotch? What's that?"
"Er..." Tesh said and went on, "Can you just get us something to drink?"
As there was some bustling in the back Tesh turned to Kai, "She'll be fine man, once we get the data from those harvesters the Doc will do the best he can to fix her up. She'll be as good as new, okay?"
"...Okay..." Sighed Kai as he took off his cap and ran his hand through his tattered blond/brown hair, "It's just...I thought I'd be able to talk to her again that's all."
"here you go!' Chimed one of the cooks and handed the three some apple juice.
"Thanks." Thanked Tesh with a smile and the group took seats in the darkened room.
Then Tesh noticed Hibiki, "Hey Bro! Come over here."
"Huh? Me?" Asked Hibiki.
"Yeah you." Said Tesh and smiled, "What's your problem?"
"Nothing." Hibiki said from his table and looked away, "Nothing at all."
"Hey, blaming yourself for playing hero is something that we all did once upon a time..." Tesh said before recovering, "Anyways, what's bothering you."
"None of your business!" Shouted Hibiki, "I'll do this on my own!"
"Ah fight with the Quartermaster eh?"
"H-How did you know?!"
Tesh and Kai grinned, "We have our ways. Anyway, be a good Samaritan and apologize, kay? It's good for your soul."
"Humph. Men don't apologize." Hibiki muttered.
"Oh, clinging to the society thing again." Muttered Tesh as he slapped his forehead.
Kai went on, "Hibiki, when we were lost in the asteroid field we learned that healing wounds before it's too late is usually a good thing...before you regret it later."
Hiro went on, "One thing about Tarak kind is that we pride ourselves that we can survive anything. Look around, not many of us survived being cut-off and alone. Do yourself a favor before it's too late."
"Well," Hibiki frowned, "It's not like she's gonna walk off and die anytime soon, right?"
The three bowed their heads.
While Tesh sipped his apple juice Kai remarked, "I had a group of conrads I didn't sit well with when we left. Two of the five were the only survivors of getting moved out here. I thought about repairing our conraderay until the Harvesters came. One was killed instantly, the other was harvested when the breaching pod entered our Frigate. So, I'll never get to apologize to them again."
Hibiki blinked.
"And you never know." Hiro remarked, "One surprise attack and it's over. Go apologize, before it's too late."
Hibiki looked at the ground.
"It's what Grandpa would have said."
"Wha? How did-" Hibiki started, but saw that Kai had said this and was now looking away.
"Yeah....okay." Hibiki said as he turned and started walking for the door.
From her hiding place in a niche, Barnette sighed and also decided to go appologize.
Shin had been walking across the ship to the command room when the ship shuddered.
He hit the corridor wall and frowned, "There here."
Alarms and sirens sounded as crews rushed to their stations and prepared to get ready.
Hibiki and Barnette had no time to apologize, as they had to get ready for battle.
As the Vanguards launched Beldevere informed, "The enemy has caught up with us from behind! Time to intercept, six minutes!"
The group landed on the back of the platform with weapons ready.
The Dreads were flying in formation, while the Vanguards had parked themselves on the back bumper of the Nirvana and had their weapons pointed aft and ready to fire.
Shin hoped Jinn got the bugs worked out of their surprise, and hopefully Hibiki was smarter now then their previous battle.
Meia signaled, "All units form up. We're going to slow down an engage the enemy at safe speeds."
The Nirvana slowed and the Dreads came about and the Vanguards leapt off the surface of the Nirvana.
The enemy pods closed with cubes, and the new Nirvana had improved itself- with more spines and additions on the armor than before.
It was still chilling, but this didn't phase the fighters.
"All Vanguards, go for the weak points on the Nirvana clone." Informed Shin, "Leave the cubes to the Dreads."
The Dreads and Vanguards parted, Vanguards headed for the Nirvana while the Dreads focused on the fighters-
-Until the Vanguards hit the contact shield.
"Great! All units, evade!"
The Vanguards evaded the fire and headed for their leader as they attacked a pod.
"Save this one," Said Shin as he landed on it, "Okay, Tesh, it's your show."
"Roger!" Called Tesh as his vanguard approached and sliced into the cube.
He, Tag and Kai entered the ship and started looking around.
Shin took the others and blasted off into the fray.
"Ugh!" Called a Pilot as she took a direct hit from the Nirvana clone.
It was showing it's full potential as it turned it's weapons and opened fire on the Vanguards.
Left and right Dreads were hit, but the too-nimble and unpredictable Vanguards were as evasive as ever.
"Heh, they're trained for Dreads." Laughed Shin, "Okay, now the taste of TARAK!!"
The Tarak Vanguards dove in and fired into the Nirvana clone, before all ducking as a death ray seared space above them.
In the preparation hanger the Deli ship was preparing to lift off.
Inside was Gasconge, who was finishing loading the explosives.
"At this rate they don't stand a chance." Gasconge started, "I guess this is the last thing a Stage hand can do."
The Deli ship broke from the rest of the ship and turned.
A large machine had clamped onto the pod and tossed Gasconge around in the cockpit.
She sat up and rubbed her head, "What?"
"Do you really think throwing your life away recklessly solves anything?" Asked Jinn.
The large Vanguard monster had latched onto the pod with it's forward two arms.
"What? I thought you Tarak were so high up on self-sacrifice."
"There's a difference between self sacrifice for the whole and then there's wasting your life. What you are doing is throwing your life away."
"It's the only option." Gasconge spoke.
"No." Said the Vanguard as the other four arms raised, "There's another plan in motion. Just stick tight and watch."
The Vanguards were still dodging fire and shooting into the energy shield when Shin asked, "Tesh, you done yet?"
"Almost.... Where's Jinn?"
"Here."
The larger Vanguard Monster hit the top of the Harvester Pod that held the three Vanguards and opened it's fists to expel several Mejere Technicians.
The Supply pod was closing in and latched onto the pod and started tugging it out of the battle.
"Got it." Smirked Gasconge.
"Okay," Jinn smirked in the cockpit with the two other pilots, one Tarak and the other a Mejere, "Just don't die on me okay? I need to have somebody to play against."
"You're on." Replied Gasconge.
Jinn hopped the monster Vanguard off the Pod and thrusted closer to the Nirvana clone. This one was a monster mashing of several Vanguards, with a Tsukumo-version head and three sets of arms. The torso was a spare from the Hasiba type, and the legs were also borrowed and modified spare parts of Shin's machine.
The last two arms had huge question-mark shaped blades, while the middle ones had two larger blades- leaving the forward most ones free.
The Super Vanguard used it's first hands to position two heavy rockets and set them off.
The vanguard-sized rockets flew through space and hit the side of the Shield, taking down all three barriers.
Then the Vanguards swarmed in and landed on the Nirvana copy, running along the surface and opening fire.
Cubes rushed in to oppose the Monster Vanguard, but the Mejere pilot spun the Question mark blades and eliminated six Cubes that came to play.
The bridge blew apart again as a direct hit blew up that section of the clone.
Distracted by the fact that their nearly invincible flagship was doomed, they turned and focused their fire on the Vanguard force plaguing the surface of the ship.
Several knelt and fired off shots, while three others climbed onto the body of the Monster Vanguard and hid under the shield of blades as it hiked down the surface of the hull and closer to where the red Pexis was humming.
Upon reaching the spot the Monster Vanguard placed several charges and Jinn called, "Move!"
The Vanguards all left simultaneously as the charge blew and ripped a good-sized hole in the side of the mothership.
"Package all set!" Called Tesh as he and his forces departed the Pod.
Rigged, the Pod turned and rotated as it spiraled into the hole.
The Pexis shattered, and the following detonation spread all over the clone Nirvana.
Pilots and Vanguards cheered as the detonation removed the Nirvana, blowing and cracking major parts of the hull in half.
The remaining pods, confused at what to do, turned tail and ran with Cubes following.
As things settled on the Nirvana, there was still some emergencies.
First of all, Tesh and Kai abandoned their Vanguards and ran all the way to the medical ward.
"Doc!" Cried Tesh as he and Kai came in with several others, "Here!"
"What's this?" asked Dureo as he accepted the data-card.
"It's the harvester database on the human body," Huffed Tesh, "We did it!"
Dureo smiled as the enthusiasm of the pilots sunk into the room.
"I'll do the best I can. Thank you."
"Yes!" Cheered Tesh and Kai, who hurried to Jura's side to tell her the news.
Elsewhere in Redge central, Gasconge and Jinn were alone in the office.
"I would have died if you didn't stop me." Gasconge spoke as she turned, "So what was the motive? I thought you Tarak stuck for yourselves."
Jinn shrugged, "Lately it appears that many of us had a change of heart. I didn't want to loose you."
"Oh?" Gasconge replied and shifted weight as she leaned against the wall, "Really."
"Really." He replied, "I just...couldn't bear the fact that you would kill yourself. After I booted up the Monster and saw that you had loaded explosives, I couldn't allow myself to let you go out there and destroy yourself...even if it was for a sacrifice."
"So rather than taking the easy route, you took the damage to save everyone." Gasconge smirked.
Jinn smiled and scratched his head, "To tell the truth I consider all options before becoming a sacrifice. As I said, there is a clear line between sacrifice- and throwing your life away. When I knew that we could have pulled this off, I didn't want you to waste your life when we could have solved the problem."
"I see." Smirked Gasconge and then added, "Well, with that all said and done, do you want to try some more of that soda-pop?"
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Meh. Only nine pages.
Ah well, next chapter I'm gonna set up a stage for the 'downing the flagship' scene. And yes, I didn't kill Gasconge, because frankly she and Jinn are attached by the hip, and seeing that I want some more card play...
And besides, how many Gasconge couplings are out there anyway?
Axe Handle
Disclaimer: Everything outside the 42nd doesn't belong to me. Gonzo has claimed most of the work done in Vandread, With Pioneer publishing and Media Factory helping in there somewhere.
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As the Nirvana fled back into the safety of the Pulsar's masking field, things weren't looking too good.
Though the Vanguards only got away with damage to their Vanguards and minor injuries, Vandread Jura was out of commission and it's pilot was in the medical ward.
"What do you mean Fatal?!" Asked one of the pilots, "Isn't there anything you can do for her!?"
"I'm sorry, but my knowledge on female anatomy isn't up to standards." Said Dureo, "I've done all I can for her. At this rate-"
"Like hell you've done everything!" Continued Tesh, one of the other two pilots in the room, "If you did everything then why isn't she still walking!?"
"...Forgive me..." Said Dureo, "But I truthfully do not have the knowledge to repair some of her injuries."
The first pilot looked at Jura and sobbed, "She...She came up to me just before the battle and...and wanted me...to do a favor for her..."
"Kai..." Said Tesh, "Come on man, at least she's still alive..."
The well-built boy with the faded brown hair and green eyes closed his eyes, "I know...but she...she was one of the nicest women... At least you tried doctor."
Kai left the room with the other pilot who offered to get him a drink. Tesh looked at the woman on the examination table and then up at the doctor.
"Fascinating." The Doctor said as he rubbed his chin, "But apparently the men have grown attached to the women..."
"Doctor," Said Tesh, "That's nice and all but how does it help Jura?"
Dureo looked at Tesh, "Nothing...but it might be incentive for some future event..."
Tesh sighed in anger and turned his blue-capped head and wide eyes to look at Jura, and then at the ground, "Wait...maybe..."
"What?"
"I've got an idea Doc..." he said and asked, "You know how these harvesters know how to harvest organs right?"
"...Yes..." Answered the Doctor.
Tesh added, "Can you interpret the data from their ships?"
Dureo blinked and said, "You're suggesting we try to interpret the Harvesters' methods of removing bodily organs?"
"Yeah! And if they can they know how to repair them and keep 'em preserved or whatever, so if we can find out how they do it, do you think you can do the same?"
Dureo hummed, "I wonder why I didn't think of that before....I'll start talking with Parfait about it."
"Yes!" Cheered Tesh and came to Jura's side, "Hey Jura, don't worry we'll have you fixed up in no time!"
Jura's eyes peeked open, "You...think so?"
"I'm certain!" Cheered Tesh, "We're all for you Jura, including Kai!"
"Kai....yes, tell him...ohhh." She sighed and lapsed into unconsciousness.
Tesh was about to say something but closed his mouth and squeezed her hand before running out the door.
Dureo watched him go and Paiway asked, "Do you really think you can do it?"
"I'm doubtful..." Said Dureo, "But once upon a time I didn't think I would have a good grasp on the female anatomy. I wish my knowledge was complete however..." Said Dureo as he looked at Jura.
There was some yelling in the Rege central office as Shin walked in.
"And because of you we couldn't knock out that thing! What were you thinking!?" Asked Barnette.
Hibiki was there too, and both of them were glaring at Gasconge.
Jinn was in the background and noticed the commander come in and nodded to him.
Shin walked around the argument and came to his supply warden, "Yes?"
"Sir," Sighed Jinn and looked at Gasconge and then at Shin, "With your permission sir I would like to....er...sir, may I use the additional unit?"
"What for?"
"I went over the data again about the enemy flagship and...and it seems that we may not have enough firepower to take it down. We were lucky that we could get through it's shields before they were fully developed and did as much damage as we did...I don't think we'll be lucky next time around."
Shin nodded and then asked, "But did you work out the bugs yet? You didn't get it to work last time..."
"I think so." Said Jinn, "Most of the problems were worked out when I put a Pexis crystal fragment into the reactor as a power source..."
Harsh voices behind them made them both look up at the argument going on.
"Sir..." Resumed Jinn in his whisper, "Can you talk sense into them? Gasconge...well sir...she's bothered by something..."
"I'll try, but I'm no councilor. I make great speeches...but I can't..." Shin trailed off as he turned around and approached the conversation.
"What's going on here?" He asked.
Barnette and Hibiki looked up at him and Barnette called, "Because of her we lost! We could have pulled something off at least and she just told us to pull back for no reason whatsoever!"
"I think there's a reason." Said Shin, "For one thing Hibiki and Jura were reckless. They'd be in bigger trouble if we weren't there."
"Maybe if you guys didn't hitch a ride we could have positioned ourselves better!" Called Hibiki, his arm still in a cast.
"Bull." Said Shin, "My men are some of the best Tarak has to offer. If anything we cleaned a first wave off your shoes. As for Gasconge's order to pull back I think it was agreeable. We don't have unlimited munitions after all..."
"Yeah but what does the think she's doing? Ordering us to go back, all she does is know how to load equipment!"
"Yeah, she's never been in battle!" Added Hibiki.
Gasconge sighed and headed for the door to Redge's main room where Jinn was standing.
"Gas-" he started, but her arm pulled on his and the two disappeared into Rege central.
Shin turned back from where they disappeared into and looked at them, "From what I heard from my quartermaster Gasconge's a vault of knowledge. Of course she knows how to load supplies, but she has at least what, thirty years of information locked in her head. She's one of the wisest people on this ship, and you guys doubt her judgement?"
Meia entered then and saw the trio, "What's going on here?"
"Argument." Said Shin, "Namely from these two protesting the order to withdraw."
"They're still hung up about it?" Meia asked as she stood on Shin's side of the room, "You're all fools."
"What?" Barnette and Hibiki called.
Meia blinked, "Do you know why Gasconge's so up tight about having a calm attitude? Obviously she never told you. Because of her hot-headedness her older sister perished in an accident. She's never been able to forgive herself because of it and the mistake she made with a high temper."
The two looked at each other and got sheepish expressions on their faces.
"Yes, I'd be the same way too if I were you." Said Meia as she turned, "Now if I were you I'd go think about it for a while before coming back here."
Hibiki humphed and walked out the door, but hesitated before fully leaving. Barnette looked up at Shin, "I'm sorry..."
"Just learn from your mistakes. That's what my unit tries to at least...if we were as stubborn as our leaders, then there wouldn't have been anyone for you to find in that asteroid field."
Barnette nodded and left the room also.
Shin sighed and shook his head, "We had some hotheads like that too....we still do, but at least they have the reserve to use it during battle instead of flaunting it around."
Meia agreed in silence as she looked over the manifest, "Yes..."
Shin looked at her and asked, "Was my pilot helpful?"
"....Very." Meia responded, "Hiro was his name wasn't it?"
"Yes. He's expressed his desire to partner up with you in combat...I think he has some idea of teaming up Dread and Vanguard pilots...sort of like horses and riders in a way. He wanted to know if he could ride your dread in combat."
Meia turned around and faced him, "I work alone. Tell your pilot that I refuse, but I will allow him as my wingman- as long as he doesn't screw up."
"Don't worry about that-" Said Shin as he started out of the room, and before he left he said, "Hiro has never messed up in combat. Jinn or any of the others can testify to this."
In other parts of the ship, some of the men had been walking about the vessel.
Tag opened the door to Ezra's room and looked in.
She looked up and spoke, "Oh, it's you."
"Yeah..." Tag replied as he walked in, blushing, "Er...I was wondering if you needed any help..."
"With what?" Asked Ezra.
"Er...well...with the child and all..." Replied Tag and straightened, "Er...back on Tarak children need special attention. I was wondering if perhaps your child needs...em..."
Ezra smiled, "Is there something that I can do for you?"
"Well..." Said Tag, "May I sit down?"
She allowed him room to sit on her bed, with the baby in her arms.
Tag sat down next to her and turned his thin face and blue eyes to look down at the baby. "...Does she have a name?"
Ezra smirked as she looked at her child, "Mm...her name's Kahlua."
"An interesting name..." Replied Tag as he extended his index finger to the baby.
Kahlua grasped the finger and giggled.
"She likes you." Observed Ezra.
"I guess." Replied Tag as he extracted his finger before Kahlua jammed it in her mouth, "You're very fortunate to be able to have your babies with you. On Tarak they're raised by overseers into their duties and tasks."
"Oh?" Ezra replied.
"yeah. I have a friend who works there." Tag went on, "Another second-class citizen. I guess I was fortunate enough to become a Vanguard pilot and get accepted by the academy as a third-rate pilot."
"Oh." Responded Ezra and looked back down at her baby, "What do you know...she's already asleep."
"Yeah..." Sighed Tag and then remembered why he came, "Er...Ezra..."
"yes?"
"I was wondering...er....about the video that Dureo showed us."
"Yes?"
"Can we...er...I don't know, start a family?"
Ezra cocked her head, "What do you mean?"
"I mean..." He said and looked in the distance to find his words, "I mean, can...I be in a relationship with you? You're one of the nicest people I have ever met and...and frankly I think your baby is adorable...I would like to take on the responsibility of protecting both of you. As...as what they used to call a...a husband would."
"Oh my," Ezra replied and smiled, "What's that?"
"It's what Dureo called the man in that relationship..." Said Tag and blushed more, "Ezra...will you accept me as your husband?"
Ezra was a little lost about this, "Oh dear...um...You see...back on Mejere we have the Oma and she well...she did those kind of things...I'm sorry."
Tag blinked with his heart racing, "What does this mean?"
"I...I just don't know that's all..." Said Ezra and looked at him, "I hope you can understand...you're a sweet man Tag, but I just don't know..."
Tag didn't know weather to be pleased, or devastated. "I...I'm not good with this kind of stuff..."
"Neither am I." Sighed Ezra.
Then Kahlua started whining and reached out for Tag's finger again.
He gently slid it back and she grasped it and started laughing again.
"Well...it's safe to say that Kahlua's fine with it." Ezra sighed pleasantly and looked at Tag, "Why don't you stay for a while. I could use the company, and you're not needed immediately are you?"
"No. I can stay." Said Tag with a smile on his face.
Elsewhere Hibiki sighed to himself in the pretty much empty Galley.
Stars were whipping past the window as the ship continued on it's course around the Pulsar. It was in constant view to the left side of the ship, as they were swinging around it and hopefully coming up with a plan on the way back.
"What do I do now?" Asked Hibiki as he sighed to himself.
Then the door opened and in came Tesh, Kai, and Hiro.
"Hey, don't sweat it man, she'll be all right." Smirked Tesh as the trio walked to the conveyor belt and Tesh called over, "Hey girls! Is there some scotch back there?"
"Scotch? What's that?"
"Er..." Tesh said and went on, "Can you just get us something to drink?"
As there was some bustling in the back Tesh turned to Kai, "She'll be fine man, once we get the data from those harvesters the Doc will do the best he can to fix her up. She'll be as good as new, okay?"
"...Okay..." Sighed Kai as he took off his cap and ran his hand through his tattered blond/brown hair, "It's just...I thought I'd be able to talk to her again that's all."
"here you go!' Chimed one of the cooks and handed the three some apple juice.
"Thanks." Thanked Tesh with a smile and the group took seats in the darkened room.
Then Tesh noticed Hibiki, "Hey Bro! Come over here."
"Huh? Me?" Asked Hibiki.
"Yeah you." Said Tesh and smiled, "What's your problem?"
"Nothing." Hibiki said from his table and looked away, "Nothing at all."
"Hey, blaming yourself for playing hero is something that we all did once upon a time..." Tesh said before recovering, "Anyways, what's bothering you."
"None of your business!" Shouted Hibiki, "I'll do this on my own!"
"Ah fight with the Quartermaster eh?"
"H-How did you know?!"
Tesh and Kai grinned, "We have our ways. Anyway, be a good Samaritan and apologize, kay? It's good for your soul."
"Humph. Men don't apologize." Hibiki muttered.
"Oh, clinging to the society thing again." Muttered Tesh as he slapped his forehead.
Kai went on, "Hibiki, when we were lost in the asteroid field we learned that healing wounds before it's too late is usually a good thing...before you regret it later."
Hiro went on, "One thing about Tarak kind is that we pride ourselves that we can survive anything. Look around, not many of us survived being cut-off and alone. Do yourself a favor before it's too late."
"Well," Hibiki frowned, "It's not like she's gonna walk off and die anytime soon, right?"
The three bowed their heads.
While Tesh sipped his apple juice Kai remarked, "I had a group of conrads I didn't sit well with when we left. Two of the five were the only survivors of getting moved out here. I thought about repairing our conraderay until the Harvesters came. One was killed instantly, the other was harvested when the breaching pod entered our Frigate. So, I'll never get to apologize to them again."
Hibiki blinked.
"And you never know." Hiro remarked, "One surprise attack and it's over. Go apologize, before it's too late."
Hibiki looked at the ground.
"It's what Grandpa would have said."
"Wha? How did-" Hibiki started, but saw that Kai had said this and was now looking away.
"Yeah....okay." Hibiki said as he turned and started walking for the door.
From her hiding place in a niche, Barnette sighed and also decided to go appologize.
Shin had been walking across the ship to the command room when the ship shuddered.
He hit the corridor wall and frowned, "There here."
Alarms and sirens sounded as crews rushed to their stations and prepared to get ready.
Hibiki and Barnette had no time to apologize, as they had to get ready for battle.
As the Vanguards launched Beldevere informed, "The enemy has caught up with us from behind! Time to intercept, six minutes!"
The group landed on the back of the platform with weapons ready.
The Dreads were flying in formation, while the Vanguards had parked themselves on the back bumper of the Nirvana and had their weapons pointed aft and ready to fire.
Shin hoped Jinn got the bugs worked out of their surprise, and hopefully Hibiki was smarter now then their previous battle.
Meia signaled, "All units form up. We're going to slow down an engage the enemy at safe speeds."
The Nirvana slowed and the Dreads came about and the Vanguards leapt off the surface of the Nirvana.
The enemy pods closed with cubes, and the new Nirvana had improved itself- with more spines and additions on the armor than before.
It was still chilling, but this didn't phase the fighters.
"All Vanguards, go for the weak points on the Nirvana clone." Informed Shin, "Leave the cubes to the Dreads."
The Dreads and Vanguards parted, Vanguards headed for the Nirvana while the Dreads focused on the fighters-
-Until the Vanguards hit the contact shield.
"Great! All units, evade!"
The Vanguards evaded the fire and headed for their leader as they attacked a pod.
"Save this one," Said Shin as he landed on it, "Okay, Tesh, it's your show."
"Roger!" Called Tesh as his vanguard approached and sliced into the cube.
He, Tag and Kai entered the ship and started looking around.
Shin took the others and blasted off into the fray.
"Ugh!" Called a Pilot as she took a direct hit from the Nirvana clone.
It was showing it's full potential as it turned it's weapons and opened fire on the Vanguards.
Left and right Dreads were hit, but the too-nimble and unpredictable Vanguards were as evasive as ever.
"Heh, they're trained for Dreads." Laughed Shin, "Okay, now the taste of TARAK!!"
The Tarak Vanguards dove in and fired into the Nirvana clone, before all ducking as a death ray seared space above them.
In the preparation hanger the Deli ship was preparing to lift off.
Inside was Gasconge, who was finishing loading the explosives.
"At this rate they don't stand a chance." Gasconge started, "I guess this is the last thing a Stage hand can do."
The Deli ship broke from the rest of the ship and turned.
A large machine had clamped onto the pod and tossed Gasconge around in the cockpit.
She sat up and rubbed her head, "What?"
"Do you really think throwing your life away recklessly solves anything?" Asked Jinn.
The large Vanguard monster had latched onto the pod with it's forward two arms.
"What? I thought you Tarak were so high up on self-sacrifice."
"There's a difference between self sacrifice for the whole and then there's wasting your life. What you are doing is throwing your life away."
"It's the only option." Gasconge spoke.
"No." Said the Vanguard as the other four arms raised, "There's another plan in motion. Just stick tight and watch."
The Vanguards were still dodging fire and shooting into the energy shield when Shin asked, "Tesh, you done yet?"
"Almost.... Where's Jinn?"
"Here."
The larger Vanguard Monster hit the top of the Harvester Pod that held the three Vanguards and opened it's fists to expel several Mejere Technicians.
The Supply pod was closing in and latched onto the pod and started tugging it out of the battle.
"Got it." Smirked Gasconge.
"Okay," Jinn smirked in the cockpit with the two other pilots, one Tarak and the other a Mejere, "Just don't die on me okay? I need to have somebody to play against."
"You're on." Replied Gasconge.
Jinn hopped the monster Vanguard off the Pod and thrusted closer to the Nirvana clone. This one was a monster mashing of several Vanguards, with a Tsukumo-version head and three sets of arms. The torso was a spare from the Hasiba type, and the legs were also borrowed and modified spare parts of Shin's machine.
The last two arms had huge question-mark shaped blades, while the middle ones had two larger blades- leaving the forward most ones free.
The Super Vanguard used it's first hands to position two heavy rockets and set them off.
The vanguard-sized rockets flew through space and hit the side of the Shield, taking down all three barriers.
Then the Vanguards swarmed in and landed on the Nirvana copy, running along the surface and opening fire.
Cubes rushed in to oppose the Monster Vanguard, but the Mejere pilot spun the Question mark blades and eliminated six Cubes that came to play.
The bridge blew apart again as a direct hit blew up that section of the clone.
Distracted by the fact that their nearly invincible flagship was doomed, they turned and focused their fire on the Vanguard force plaguing the surface of the ship.
Several knelt and fired off shots, while three others climbed onto the body of the Monster Vanguard and hid under the shield of blades as it hiked down the surface of the hull and closer to where the red Pexis was humming.
Upon reaching the spot the Monster Vanguard placed several charges and Jinn called, "Move!"
The Vanguards all left simultaneously as the charge blew and ripped a good-sized hole in the side of the mothership.
"Package all set!" Called Tesh as he and his forces departed the Pod.
Rigged, the Pod turned and rotated as it spiraled into the hole.
The Pexis shattered, and the following detonation spread all over the clone Nirvana.
Pilots and Vanguards cheered as the detonation removed the Nirvana, blowing and cracking major parts of the hull in half.
The remaining pods, confused at what to do, turned tail and ran with Cubes following.
As things settled on the Nirvana, there was still some emergencies.
First of all, Tesh and Kai abandoned their Vanguards and ran all the way to the medical ward.
"Doc!" Cried Tesh as he and Kai came in with several others, "Here!"
"What's this?" asked Dureo as he accepted the data-card.
"It's the harvester database on the human body," Huffed Tesh, "We did it!"
Dureo smiled as the enthusiasm of the pilots sunk into the room.
"I'll do the best I can. Thank you."
"Yes!" Cheered Tesh and Kai, who hurried to Jura's side to tell her the news.
Elsewhere in Redge central, Gasconge and Jinn were alone in the office.
"I would have died if you didn't stop me." Gasconge spoke as she turned, "So what was the motive? I thought you Tarak stuck for yourselves."
Jinn shrugged, "Lately it appears that many of us had a change of heart. I didn't want to loose you."
"Oh?" Gasconge replied and shifted weight as she leaned against the wall, "Really."
"Really." He replied, "I just...couldn't bear the fact that you would kill yourself. After I booted up the Monster and saw that you had loaded explosives, I couldn't allow myself to let you go out there and destroy yourself...even if it was for a sacrifice."
"So rather than taking the easy route, you took the damage to save everyone." Gasconge smirked.
Jinn smiled and scratched his head, "To tell the truth I consider all options before becoming a sacrifice. As I said, there is a clear line between sacrifice- and throwing your life away. When I knew that we could have pulled this off, I didn't want you to waste your life when we could have solved the problem."
"I see." Smirked Gasconge and then added, "Well, with that all said and done, do you want to try some more of that soda-pop?"
-----------------
Meh. Only nine pages.
Ah well, next chapter I'm gonna set up a stage for the 'downing the flagship' scene. And yes, I didn't kill Gasconge, because frankly she and Jinn are attached by the hip, and seeing that I want some more card play...
And besides, how many Gasconge couplings are out there anyway?