"Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty and the graves of our fathers."
- Tecumseh

Chapter III: Special Taskforce Aegis

It was a rather strange setting to say the least. And definitely not something he would have expected to find himself in, though he had taken a rather severe blow just earlier. A part of him wondered if that blow had been hard enough to kill, but he didn't think so; as much as he would have liked to believe it, he knew, almost instinctively, he wasn't in Hell. On the other hand, his present surroundings didn't seem much like Heaven either.

Whatever it was, Raven could tell that he wasn't on Mars anymore, or anywhere else in the known universe. A vast realm, it took form as a great field of violet; from the strange, swirling clouded "sky" above to the great transparent "terrain" he was now standing upon, everything fell in line to that particular color, appearing in various shades of it. While the "sky" was self-explanatory, the "ground" under his feet was not like any kind of terra firma he had stood on before, neither feeling solid, liquidic nor vaporous under his boot; the best way he could describe it was like an energy field, one that flashed and illuminated with each step and movement he took. There appeared to be no settlements, much less any form of outside human presence, nearby. There were, however, multiple crystalline outgrowths surrounding him, raw in shape and holding diamond-like quality. Some of them were as large as mountains from his perspective.

Yet none of these details were what caught his eye the most. Rather, it was something far simpler in nature, yet far more indicative; multiple lines of energy, in both the sky and the ground, transiting in various angles to various vectors, from one part of the field to the other. Lines of energy that pulsated like a heartbeat, rhythmically moving across the field in apparent sequence. Line of energy that he had seen before, and in one very familiar source.

Metatron? he thought, glancing toward the "ground" under his feet, where several of the lines flowed within. Yes, now that he considered it, the whole field could have been Metatronic, just in different physical – if the term could be applied – shapes and forms. Even the crystal growths, which also pulsated with energy lines, could have been Metatron in raw, solid form.

Even so, that realization did nothing to indicate to Raven where he was exactly. Or much more, how he had gotten there. Especially when he had been in an all too standard interrogation room not too long ago…

"Quite the view, isn't it?" a peculiar sounding voice spoke up from nearby, causing Raven to reactively turn. A Cheshire cat-like smile greeted him as he found the source. "I can't imagine you've seen anything like it before now. Not even in your dreams."

Raven arched an questioning eyebrow, eliciting a responding chuckle. "Alright," the opposite presence admitted. "That last part was admittedly cliché, but obviously you understand."

Then came the broad sweep of a glove hand, indicating the entire field. "There is nothing in your experience that can compare to this," the voice stated. "This most holy ground."

Resisting the urge to fold his arms, Raven stared hard upon the speaker, who was sitting all too casually upon one of the outcroppings. Covered over by a black military style greatcoat, the opposite man certainly retained an aura of mysteriousness, possibly more so than the "holy ground" he described. Further emphasizing that aura were the angular shaded glasses he wore, which completely shrouded his eyes from outward sight; even amidst the surrounding illumination, Raven couldn't see through the lenses. Beyond those, the man's only other noteworthy physical features was his long blonde hair – which went just past his shoulders – the aforementioned grin and a curious accent to his voice.

The latter sounded Terran based to Raven, but he was unable to pinpoint it exactly. British? he wondered as he continued looking upon the stranger.

That grin only emboldened as the man rose from his seat. "I must say, you aren't what I've been expecting, Raven Nicholaiovich Vostrikov," the man recited his name as he came forward, standing just in front of Raven, smile remaining. "But that is far from a bad thing."

"Who are you?" Raven finally asked the obvious question.

Another grin, this one more ominous. "Who indeed," the man again repeated, considering. "I'm afraid I'm not completely certain myself."

He then followed with. "For the sake of convenience however, you may refer to me as Eli."

Raven mused over that for a moment. "Eli…" he spoke the name out loud. It was obviously not the opposite man's real name, but it would suffice for the time being. He had more pressing questions than his host's true identity. "What is this place? And why am I here?"

Eli nodded, as if he had hoped Raven would ask such questions. "As I said, this is holy ground," he replied, glancing around their surroundings. "An interstice, generated and maintained by a superior power and will," he grinned again. "Well beyond the bounds of your so-called reality."

He then looked back at Raven. "And for the second question, you are here because I wished to meet you," he explained. "And this is the only space through which we may perceive and communicate."

Raven folded his arms on that one. "Alright, consider myself a captive audience," he exclaimed dryly. Though it hadn't been said, he had a feeling Eli – whoever or whatever he truly was – had gone to a lot of trouble to bring him here. Just as he had a feeling that he would send him back once their business was concluded. "What do you want to 'communicate' about?"

Eli chuckled a little at that display of dry wit. "All in due time, I assure you," he replied. "For the moment however, I wish to simply observe."

Before Raven could inquire about that as well, Eli began to pace around him, slowly and deliberately. Obviously Raven was being sized up, though for what purpose he failed to understand.

"You really are the ultimate rebel, aren't you?" Eli posited, after circling Raven twice over. "A being that does not belong to any particular place or creed. You prefer to go your own way than to follow others, or to lead others."

He then tilted his head in consideration. "On the other hand, you do retain some measure of faith," he seemingly observed. "And you are not entirely adverse to comradeship."

"Is this going anywhere?" Raven questioned, only to be ignored.

"You are also a highly skilled warrior," Eli continued. "A born survivor, one who has dealt with enemies upon infinite fields of battle, both conventional and non. Always triumphing in some way, always living onto the next battle."

He seemed to approve of this. "A being well suited to the life of a mercenary…"

"That's contractor," Raven sharply corrected. Again he was ignored.

"Yet at the same time, you find such a life shallow and insufficient to your desires," Eli went on further. "You yearn for something beyond that. Something that you can truly be part of. Something you can utilize your skill and power toward."

He grinned once more as he came back around, facing Raven again. "Something beyond typical human convention."

This time Raven said nothing, only gazing harshly in return. Eli was not put off by that in the least. "Yes, for all your rebelliousness and disdain for others, you do not wish to truly be alone," he commented more. "Nor do you wish to believe in nothing. You merely have yet to find something worth your belief."

The phantom tilted his head again. "Though you did have something not too long ago…" he stated. "Huckebein…"

At that, Raven crossed the distance and grasped the opposite man by his coat, glaring menacingly now. "Say another word…!" he growled, just barely resisting the urge toward actual violence.

Even so, Eli remained unperturbed, grin ever present. "You also seem to enjoy games, both video and virtual," he added on quite simply. "Snake Eater, was it?"

Though it came very much out of nowhere, it was still enough for the desired effect. "Yes," Raven muttered, somewhat calmer now. He let go of Eli's collar, allowing the man to step back a little.

Casually straightening out his greatcoat, Eli smiled approvingly toward Raven. "Indeed, not at all what I had expected," he exclaimed. "I believe we will get along quite nicely."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Raven demanded, patience finally run out. "Who are you, really!?"

Eli shrugged. "Once more, I'm not entirely sure," he answered. "I can however, tell you that this will not be our only encounter," he grinned. "Yes, we will be meeting like this quite frequently in the future."

He then brought up his left arm and rolled back the sleeve, producing a chronometer. "But for now, I'm afraid you must return," he said, just as their surroundings began grow more illuminate. "It would do neither of us well if you overstayed your welcome."

He then waved his ward off, just as everything turned white. "Until next time, dear Raven…"

Abruptly Raven woke, automatically rising up and blinking the haze from his eyes. He could already feel the vestiges of a headache coming on – whether from the earlier interrogation session or from the apparent dream he had just had – but otherwise he didn't feel any other form of pain. Rather strange, he reflected, considering the "workout" he had taken before. Either way, he made a mental note to make Esteraund pay when he got the chance.

In the meantime, Raven looked over his present setting, and upon doing so suddenly became confused. Rather than a stockade or prison cell as he would have expected, he seemed to be in quarters of some kind; quarters that were easily military standard, yet akin to a hotel suite compared to what he was used to. There was obviously the bed he was laying in – which was actually comfortable for once – followed by carpeted flooring, a set of cabinets, a desk with computer terminal and a door off to the side that undoubtedly led to a private washroom. All within a well-lit, fair spaced room that was neither too big nor too small for Raven's standards.

Needless to say, Raven was a far cry away from the rusted bunk he had been given at Zulu Operational Enforcement. But at the same time, he could tell that he wasn't a typical housing – military or otherwise – which left very few clues as to whose care he had been taken into. One thing was obvious however; whoever had brought him in wanted him comfortable, his earlier beating notwithstanding. Which usually meant they needed something from him, and that there would be some kind of offering later. Obviously that suited Raven just fine; like any good contractor, he never passed up a good business arrangement. Assuming it was indeed worthwhile of course.

That all said, Raven did find something rather curious about his surroundings. Specifically the metal composition; clearly it wasn't a conventional alloy, but at the same time it felt rather familiar to him. This was easily verified when Raven placed his hand against the cool surface, causing a flicker of energy from the contact.

"Metatron?" he let out – for the second time seemingly – ever more curious. Not only did his host want him comfortable, but he or she apparently had much in the way of resources. As well as a clear defiance against the UN and their beloved Anti-Metatron Body Act, he realized. Again not many clues for him to go on over that.

So deep in thought over his predicament that he barely noticed the sound of the door chime. "Enter," he answered reflexively, before realizing what was about to happen. The door shifted open regardless, and another familiar form came in. A familiar form dressed in all too indicative clothing.

"Good to see you're finally awake," Sonia greeted warmly, ignoring the highly dubious glance from her "fellow" contractor. "I was beginning to think Mr. Legato worked you over a little too well."

Raven didn't answer up front, as he was still taking in Sonia's present attire. Rather than the Zulu fatigues she had worn before, she now wore far different uniform; the uniform of the United Nations Space Force, ever comparable in design – at least in Raven's opinion – to the military wear of the old Soviet Union. From the jackboots to the shoulder board rank insignia, the uniform was as stylish as it was fearful to behold, specifically designed to invoke the power and military might of the United Nations. All Sonia was missing was a commissar cap and greatcoat to go with it all, though Raven had a feeling she had access to those too.

On the other hand, Raven also saw that the uniform wasn't standard Space Force. For one thing, instead of the familiar blue tint, the uniform was instead colored in black and red. Alongside, while the right shoulder sleeve possessed the Space Force crest, the left held an emblem he had never seen before: a crimson and gold lined shield with an inverted winged sword in its center. Clearly Special Forces indicative, but again Raven failed to recognize the exact unit. Beyond those, Raven also noted shoulder boards; they held the markings of a Captain.

"You don't look too surprised," Sonia observed from Raven's expression.

Blinking at the observation, Raven shrugged. "I figured you for a Peacekeeper," he confessed.

That earned him the warm, cheery laugh he had always appreciated. "I should feel insulted," Sonia retorted with mock bitterness. "To associate me with those thugs."

"Well, what was I supposed to think?" Raven inquired. "I mean, you were obviously planted to observe me."

"Touché," Sonia acknowledged. In truth, she had long suspected Raven had been onto her, but as he never did anything to obstruct her mission – or their relationship, whatever that amounted to – she took it in stride. It wasn't like he could do really do anything about it anyway. "Well, you weren't too far off the mark. I do indeed work for Earth."

"So I see," Raven again observed her uniform. It was then he noticed she didn't possess a sidearm, though he couldn't tell if that was due to trust or assurance. "Any particular group I should know about?"

Needless to say, Sonia was all too eager to answer. "Special Taskforce Aegis," she replied rather proudly. "The elite counter-insurgency unit of the United Nations Space Force."

Raven nodded as he mentally recorded the name. "Aegis…" he repeated. Though he had never heard anything exact, there had been rumors going around of an autonomous unit of the Space Force; one that was tasked with hunting down and eliminating all enemies of the UN that were in possession of Metatron. A unit that, through their mission profile, was immune to the AMBA and possessed Orbital Frames themselves.

"On that note, you're aboard the battlecruiser Argo," Sonia explained. "Our mobile headquarters."

"Fascinating," Raven answered as he looked back toward the sidewall, again tapping it and causing another flicker. "She's another BAHRAM leftover?"

"Yes," Sonia confirmed. "She was meant to be their flagship; the first capital ship to be made completely out of Metatron," she continued. "Aumaan obviously put a stop to that, so we stepped in afterward and took her for ourselves."

She then flashed a smirk. "Among other things Metatronic, as you can imagine."

"Sure," Raven answered, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. He then stood up, uncaring that he was only dressed in a pair of black boxers. "Well, as much as I appreciate you being here Sonia," he stated, moving over to one of the nearby cabinets for some clothes. "I don't think you came here just to chat."

Sonia nodded. "You're right of course," she answered. "Someone wants to talk to you, so they sent me to fetch you."

She then looked Raven dead on. "And considering who that someone is, I recommend you be on your best behavior for once."

Another day, another form of Tchaikovsky. And as was always the case, Swan Lake remained as beautiful as it was majestic. Perhaps not wholly appropriate considering what was about to take place, but nonetheless still his preference. Besides, he needed something pleasant at this point, as he knew the next few minutes would be anything but. In spite of the fact he had hoped such a day would eventually come.

Present choice of music notwithstanding, things had actually settled down from the day before. Despite the earlier unsettlement of the miscreants back in Geneva – all of whom, he suspected, had simultaneously soiled themselves over the event – the fact remained that the public was blissfully unaware of Anubis' reemergence, much less the identity of its runner. As a result, there was no panicked outbreak amongst the public, no fevered cries of Armageddon from the press – should they had been permitted to report on the story – and no accompanying brutal crackdowns from the Peacekeepers. As a result, the day was just like any other day for those outside the loop, with the unrest the day before all but forgotten.

Granted there were still several people who were very much discomforted over Anubis' presence, and even more that it was his taskforce that retained it. Fortunately he could ignore the majority of them – as they were simply military and government officials that only thought they mattered – but he still had to answer to one in particular. That one had yet to speak to him, but he knew it was only a matter of time before he did. And much more, he knew he couldn't evade it.

Until then however, the General knew he had his work cut out for him. And in some ways, he looked forward to it even less than he did the President's inevitable summons. Alas however, he knew it had to, and would, be done.

Sure enough, the door chime rang. Inwardly sighing, the General disengaged Swan Lake and looked toward the door, his single eye focusing with laser precision. "Enter."

Upon the door shifting open, Sonia entered first with Raven following. At first, Raven's eyes picked up on his newfound surroundings; a rather large office with a carpeted floor and a slightly raised ceiling, while what appeared to be a large windows was placed along the back, displaying the vibrant red of Mars in its full glory. Upon closer inspection however, Raven realized that the "window" was actually a large monitor, while Aegis' insignia was embroidered into the carpet for all to see. On the latter, Raven noted the addition of golden banners, with the first – above the shield – reading "SPECIAL TASKFORCE AEGIS", while the second – under the shield – read "DUM SPIRAMUS TUEBIMUR". While We Breath, We Shall Defend.

However, those details, and the smaller additions to the office that Raven noted but didn't really concentrated on – namely the pulsating Metatron lines along the walls – were nothing compared to what laid in its center. There, a single wooden desk had been placed, occupied with various objects, while a single man sat behind that desk. A man that Raven not only identified, but never thought for the life of him he would ever see again.

Noticing but ignoring Raven's astonishment, Sonia looked toward the man behind the desk. "Raven Vostrikov, as requested sir," she stated.

The General nodded. "Thank you Captain Silverburgh," he acknowledged. "I'll take it from here."

"Sir," Sonia saluted, and then turned to walk out.

Raven registered her leaving, but did not turn away from the General. All the while a dangerous mixture of anger and hatred began to settle upon him.

For his part, the man offered a flat smile, having long anticipated that reaction. "It's been a long time," he began. "Hasn't it Raven?"

The voice – that deep, Russian accented voice – all but finalized the identity of that man to Raven. Though much about him had changed over the years – his aged, combat hardened face, the thick mustache that accompanied his black, grey streaked hair, the eyepatch over his left eye – it was still the same man he remembered all too well. "A long time indeed," Raven answered, his own voice completely devoid of warmth. "Father."

Despite the harshness of the reply, General Nicholai Alexeievich Vostrikov nodded his acceptance. At the very least his son had acknowledged him. "I imagine you are wondering," Nicholai offered. "Why I have gone to all this trouble to bring you here."

"You could say that," Raven coldly replied, keeping his ire carefully in check. As much as he wanted to, he knew he would never get away with closing the distance and throttling his long lost parent with over two decades worth of anguish. Even if he did deserve all of it. "And don't tell me it's because of Anubis."

Again Nicholai nodded, seeing no point in saying otherwise. "Obviously it isn't," he said. "We were evaluating you long before that, though I admit your being Anubis' runner is a worthwhile development."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" he nearly demanded, already not liking where this is going.

At that, Nicholai rose from his desk. "You are here, Raven," he finally came down to it. "Because I want you in Aegis."

Incredulousness immediately dawned over Raven's face. "You've got to be kidding…"

"I assure you it's the exact opposite," Nicholai staunchly answered. "Regardless of our past history, you are still a capable soldier, pilot and, dare I say, runner. Not something that should be wasted in the private sector."

At that, Raven's ire finally snapped. "What 'past history'!?" he demanded. "I haven't seen you in over twenty years! Not since you dumped my mother and I on Antilia with only Esteraund as protection!" his glower deepened further. "And you certainly didn't come for me afterward."

Nicholai's expression remained neutral. "I had my reasons," he said simply. "And rest assured it was all in your best interest."

"Right," Raven shot back, returning expression speaking volumes of belief. "As if I've never heard…"

"Once more regardless," Nicholai interrupted, keeping to business at hand. "You are a professional; a resource that Aegis can very much utilize," he stated knowingly. "Especially in the cockpit of an Orbital Frame."

Exhaling, Raven could only close his eyes in resignation, considering in brief silence. "I take it I don't have a choice in this," he let out, again forcing back his anger. He already knew the answer to that, but he wanted to hear it anyway.

"I'm afraid you don't," Nicholai answered with a shake of his head. "Any refusal means you will be prosecutable for violating the AMBA, attacking and murdering soldiers of the UNSF and harboring anti-UN sentiments," he spoke in warning. "You will be considered a terrorist, and treated accordingly."

Even so, Raven remained defiant. If only to the last. "As opposed to one of Earth's tin soldiers?"

"No," Nicholai corrected, single eye gazing directly into Raven's pair. "One of my tin soldiers."

That caused Raven's glare to deepen, as well as his lips to curl back into a vicious sneer. Nicholai, however, gave off an uncaring expression at this; they would hash it out, in one way or another, later on. In the meantime, there remained much ahead of them, and so Nicholai tapped a panel on his desk.

A moment later, Sonia reentered the room and came beside Raven, awaiting orders.

"Get Captain Vostrikov into uniform," Nicholai ordered, still ignoring his son's glare. "And then escort him to the hangar deck. I believe Sergeant Taper is in need of his services."

"Sir," Sonia saluted, before turning to Raven. "Let's go Captain," she stated with a grin, deliberately emphasizing Raven's new rank.

Flashing one final glare of disdain, Raven at last turned away from his bastard father and followed Sonia out.

Swan Lake started up again not long after.

Raven said nothing as he followed Sonia through the Metatron lined decks, and Sonia herself did not see any point in changing that condition. Undoubtedly like General Vostrikov himself, she knew Raven would not take kindly to seeing his father again – much less in a UNSF uniform – not after so many years of being on his own. No normal child would, she admitted, and if it had been her in Raven's place, she imagined she would have been just as angry. Not that she had ever known her own biological parents, and therefore had anyone to feel that way toward, of course.

Regardless though, she knew Raven was professional enough not to act out over it – something she had repeatedly emphasized in her clandestine reports to the General – and honestly, she was happy to see him in Aegis at long last. She always thought the younger Vostrikov would make an excellent addition to the taskforce – personality flaws notwithstanding – and that his working for a bottom of the barrel PMC was, if nothing else, a waste of talent. Besides, it also meant they could maintain their friendship, which, for whatever Raven thought of it, Sonia actually considered meaningful.

But then, as they rounded another corner, the sound of a singing voice indicated she was not the only one there Raven knew. Nor was the elder Vostrikov the only one he had a grudge against.

"'Well my daddy left home when I was three, and he didn't leave much to Ma and me, just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze,'" Esteraund's music player recited as the former leaned back against the pulsing sidewall, observing Raven and Sonia's approach with interest. "'Now, I don't blame him 'cause he run and hid, but the meanest thing that he ever did, was before he left, he went and named me 'Sue'.'"

Needless to say, Raven glared in response, only causing Esteraund to gleam that much more. "'Well, he must o' thought that is quite a joke, and it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folk, it seems I had to fight my whole life through,'" the player went further with the song. "'Some gal would giggle and I'd get red, and some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head, I tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named 'Sue'.'"

"Is there a point you're trying to make Mr. Legato?" Sonia asked smoothly, albeit with warning underneath her tone.

Deactivating the player, Esteraund shrugged in response. "Just passing the time Captain Silverburgh. Just passing the time," he stated, before looking back at Raven. "How does it feel to be on the home team for once, Raven?"

Raven sneered at the opposite man. "About as well as you can expect, Esteraund," he shot back, before looking at the mercenary's black suit. "I see you're still a ringer."

"Indeed I am," Esteraund replied, getting up from the wall and running a finger over his suit. "No way in hell I'm trading this for one of those bellhop outfits, even if they do come in black and red."

He then looked toward Sonia's uniform. "Though by and large it looks very good on you, Sonia," he stated rather proudly. "Almost as good as your runner suit even."

"Always eager to please," Sonia answered dryly. "Is there anything else you want to add before we go on our way? Or is this the point where I charge you with sexual harassment?"

"Actually," Esteraund confirmed the first. "Outside you and the General, I wanted to be the first to welcome Mr. Writing Desk here into the fold."

He then reached out his gloved hand to Raven. "Welcome to Aegis, Little Raven," he spoke in a surprisingly earnest tone, but both Raven and Sonia could tell there was something else to it. "I, at least, look forward to working with you."

At first, Raven wanted to grab that hand and throw its owner against the wall – he still owed him for the earlier questionnaire after all – but his more rational side prevailed. Esteraund was undoubtedly expecting that from him, and as he had so kindly demonstrated back at Zulu, Raven was no match for him yet. Not that he wouldn't try again at some point.

As such, it was Raven could do to grasp the hand. "Glad to be here," Raven stated somewhat blandly. "But don't think for a moment it's over between us."

"Never crossed my mind," Esteraund sweetly replied, again with a dark undertone. "Believe me, I'm ready whenever you are hatchling."

Allowing a moment for that to sink in, Esteraund then nodded in satisfaction. "Now, with that taken care of, I do believe it's five o'clock somewhere on Mars," he said before walking off. "Don't wait up for me, kids."

Watching him disappear down the corridor, Sonia could only return to business. "As he said," she stated, gesturing Raven to go forward.

Shaking his own head, Raven proceeded down the corridor himself with Sonia alongside.

Nicholai had just managed to relax again when, even through the music, he heard the door to his office open and close to admit a newcomer. Naturally he frowned at this; despite the fact he had known this would take place, he had at least hoped it would be after Swan Lake's completion. He didn't even turn around to face the intruder – much less open his eyes – as he addressed him. "I trust you are unsatisfied with my latest arrangement, Colonel?"

"As will be all of Earth when the news gets out," the Lieutenant Colonel glowered with evident displeasure. "You are playing with fire General."

With a sigh of resignation, Nicholai could only pause his music once more and turn toward Lieutenant Colonel Gunther Bremen, his so-called "tactical advisor". Like the rest of Aegis, Nicholai wasn't fooled by Bremen's true role: to monitor him and the rest of Aegis on behalf of the UNSF High Command, ensuring that he and his autonomous taskforce remain properly loyal and allegiant to Earth proper. A modern day political commissar – or "zampolit" as the soldiers of his homeland had once called them – in other words. The difference was Bremen's job was only to spy rather than indoctrinate, which Nicholai and those under him were very much thankful for. And he certainly didn't have the authority to execute "cowards" and "traitors" as Stalin's minions had during the Great Patriotic War.

As for the Lieutenant Colonel himself, Bremen very much lived up to his post, both in appearance and personality. A tall, slender man, Bremen was somewhat dwarfed by Nicholai's equally tall, yet muscular frame, but that didn't make the Colonel any less vicious or intimidating in the least. Through some means, his narrowed eyes were colored in cold silver, each possessing a clear disdain and intolerance for all around him, while his jet black hair was receded into a widow's peak, further emphasizing his viciousness. All of it harkening to his ever volatile personality, which made no secret of his view of Aegis and its personnel – including Nicholai himself – and their allegiance to Earth. A "supposed" allegiance that Bremen always saw fit to question.

Even so, the fact remained that the chain of command was both intact and recognized from on high. As a result, Bremen had to answer and submit to Nicholai, as well as his executive, when it came down to it; a fact that undoubtedly made Bremen that much more volatile, but he remained professional enough to adhere. Not that it stopped him from barging into Nicholai's office whenever he had an issue to take up, of course.

"Do you even realize what you are doing!?" Bremen continued to ramble to the general, who remained bland faced. "Bringing your son into Aegis is already bad enough, but not to dismantle that monstrosity here and now…"

"I believe I've already made my position clear on both matters," Nicholai stated pointedly. "That regardless of any protest or stated opinion, it is still my decision to make."

He then eyed the Colonel dangerously. "Personal relations aside, Raven Vostrikov is one of the best operators on this planet, both in and out of a cockpit. Far too valuable for a minor entity like Zulu Operation Enforcement," he exclaimed. "And as for Anubis, I may not know how or why it has returned, but I do know this much."

The General's smile could only be described as 'conspiring'. "The power it represents is not something that should be wasted," he said. "Not when it can be utilized for humanity's greater good."

This did not convince Bremen in the least. "I'm sure Nohman thought he was utilizing it for that exact purpose," he retorted bitterly. "That Aumaan was for our 'greater good.'"

"Perhaps," Nicholai answered nonchalantly. "In any case, it, like Raven, is here now. And I can assure you, Colonel, that neither frame nor runner will be leaving us any time soon."

Bremen's glare intensified on that. "You're making a grave error, General," he warned in a vicious tone; one that any other would never have used on a flag officer. "The power you intend to utilize nearly wiped out the whole of existence, and you somehow think it best not to 'waste' it?"

"I am well aware of the events of the Crisis, Colonel," Nicholai responded in underlying warning. "Perhaps you have forgotten?"

Bremen cleared his throat on that. "I have not, General," he spoke more calmly. "Your participation in those events is well recorded."

The Colonel then readopted his earlier intensity. "In fact, I am even further dismayed because of it," he said, once more in a tone that one of his rank should never have used on a superior. "You, of all people, witnessed Anubis' power firsthand. And yet you insist on preserving it."

"For the benefit of Mother Earth, yes," Nicholai confirmed.

"Regardless," Bremen admonished, but still keeping his words measured. "The AMBA was put in place for precisely this reason. To ensure that the events of '74 are never repeated."

The Colonel eyed his superior carefully. "As long as that frame exists, so does the possibility of a renewed Aumaan," he stated. "Surely you have realized that as well, sir."

Nicholai sniffed in derision. "Of course I have realized it, Colonel," he responded. "In fact, I have my own suspicions toward that subject."

Bremen opened his mouth to speak again, but Nicholai spoke first. "In spite of that however, the fact remains that our enemies are still out there, and they remain in possession of Orbital Frames, regardless of the AMBA," he stated knowingly. "Aegis was put in place for precisely that reason."

The general narrowed his singular gaze into Bremen's eyes. "For this factor, and several others, both Anubis and its runner will be retained," he declared with finality. "And any further outbursts will be met with charges of insubordination. Is that clear?"

Gritting his teeth in ire, it was all Bremen could to nod. "Yes sir," he growled, knowing better than to challenge further. He was already on thin ice already, and General Vostrikov held much higher ground.

Nodding back, Nicholai then said. "Dismissed."

Bremen also knew better than to challenge that one. Thus, while doing his best to keep the sneer off his face, he straightened out and saluted, then turned around toward the door. Departing without further ceremony.

In spite of his command, Nicholai knew he would hear more on it later. Once more, Bremen was placed in Aegis specifically to monitor the taskforce, and that meant he reported to others on the outside. They would obviously take issue with Anubis and Raven, and they would ensure that others within the government would take issue as well.

Even so, Nicholai was hardly dissuaded. He would deal with it all in time, as he always had. Thus he pushed the matter out of his mind and returned to Tchaikovsky.

"I must say," Sonia observed with no small hint of approval. "You look really good."

For all of his reservation, Raven couldn't disagree with that. Now dressed in the black and red uniform, complete with shoulder boards that indicated him a Captain, he looked as though he had just come out of the Space Force Academy. Obviously it was still foreign to him, especially compared to the far more mundane garb he had worn in Zulu, but nothing he couldn't get used to.

"It beats the hell out of standard Space Force blue, I grant you that," Raven exclaimed as he looked over himself in the mirror. Again, the uniform reminded him all too much of old Soviet military attire; an irony that Raven didn't miss, given his heritage. One wondered if telnyashkas were standard issue in the Space Force. "Am I drawing pay?"

"You should be," Sonia answered helpfully. "Alongside every other benefit of your rank and station."

Raven nodded in acknowledgment. If he was going to be fighting directly for Earth, then it made sense that he enjoy all the perks and privileges of it. It also helped that he was in a Special Forces unit, its commander notwithstanding.

"Well, I certainly have no complaints," he exclaimed, turning back to face his apparent comrade. "Outside the obvious."

Sonia shrugged on that. "You should be grateful," she stated plainly. "Insubordination record and mixed heritage aside, there were more than a few interested parties wanting to take you away from Zulu. Up to and including the regular forces."

Raven gazed back challengingly. "How is this any different?"

"Simple," Sonia responded with equal challenge, as well as an accompanying grin. "Here, you get to run something much better than a LEV."

She went even further. "That and you'll feel a lot more at home," she said. "When it comes to background and ethnicity, Aegis is far less discriminating than most Space Force units."

Raven arched an eyebrow. "Martians?" he inquired.

Sonia nodded. "As well as Venusians, Jovians, Saturnians and others," she said. "Here, it doesn't matter where you came from as much as what you can do."

Raven mirrored that nod, looking away in thought. It would be nice not to be labeled a half-breed for once. Despite himself, he was starting to like his father's littlest taskforce.

"Anyway, we've got a lot to do today Captain," Sonia said, returning to business at hand. "So if you will please accompany me to the hangar deck…"

The hangar was more or less what Raven had expected. Outside of Orbital Frames instead of LEVs, as well as the semi-organic textures of Metatron, it was little different from what he had seen at Zulu. That and the surrounding technicians actually working on the mecha, rather than lying about in alcoholic stupor, playing cards or otherwise wasting time. More and more, he was beginning to real difference between actual military versus the half-assed band of rent-a-soldiers he was so used to. "You really don't waste any time here."

"No we don't," Sonia answered as she led him down the middle of the hangar, between the various black frames. "Most of Earth's opposition tends to be light in arms, as well as brains, but every now and then some jerk with an orbital frame or two will come out and stir up trouble. So we always have to be ready for the occasion."

"I see," Raven acknowledged, looking up toward one of the frames they passed. The same model he had fought in Noctis. "And this is your main force?"

"The Erinyes," Sonia confirmed. "They're basic Type Cs, modeled from leftover Idolo data as you can tell, but far above anything BAHRAM fielded in the day," she explained all too happily. "They make Raptors look like construction LEVs."

Raven didn't doubt that. After all, he had already faced four of them, and despite being in Anubis, they really gave him a hard time. Especially that light blue unit, which he soon found alongside the rest, techs operating on it as well. Glancing toward its impassive face while walking by, he wondered what ace ran that particular frame.

He thought about asking Sonia more, but before he could, the other officer nodded back to him. "Here we have the specialty models," she said, gesturing toward another section of the hangar, which contained Anubis and three other frames that Raven failed to recognize. "The real powers behind Aegis."

Raven nodded, looking around. Outside Anubis, the three others were clearly Type Bs and all highly individualized. He could almost feel the sheer power that they emitted. "Which one's yours?"

Again Sonia nodded in confirmation. "This one," she pointed to one in particular. "Orbital Frame Bastet."

Looking up at the designated unit, Raven felt he should have guessed. Beside the fact it was very feminized in structure – holding standard organic texturing, yet being slimmer in build – the frame in question also held a distinct crimson tone. Valkyrie styled armor covered the entire frame, while a pair of large wing binders was mounted on the back. Its head, meanwhile, was triangular in shape, with two fin-like antennae extending upward from either side of the faceplate, two more extending out from the back of the head and four more underneath, along the "cheeks". A pair of dimmed eyes stared back from said faceplate.

"She's also an old BAHRAM design. Leftover from the Wars and refurbished for our use," Sonia spoke with great pride. "We've been inseparable ever since."

Raven could see that. "She definitely fits you better than a Phantoma," he commented, momentarily imagining how Bastet performed with Sonia as its runner. Or, as he more discreetly thought, how Sonia appeared in one of those skintight runner suits…

"So you're Anubis' new runner," a new voice called out as its owner came upon the pair. Upon hearing it, Raven turned and saw a large built man stand before him. One with his two beady blue eyes – set behind square rimmed glasses – pale blonde hair and a rather flat nose. A very goofy appearance admittedly, but considering he was wearing the same black overalls as the surrounding technical staff – with shoulder boards that indicated him a Sergeant Major – Raven suspected there was more to this man than his ungainly appearance denoted. "Hopefully you're far less psychopathic than the last one."

Sonia was quick to introduce. "This is Sergeant Major Jason Taper. Our chief technician," she explained. "Don't let the sasquatch look fool you. When it comes to keeping our frames in operating condition, he's our unquestioned genius."

"Heh, 'unquestioned'," Taper repeated with irony. He then looked back to Raven. "Anyway, glad to have you with us, Captain Vostrikov," he reached his hand out, which Raven took. "Your little performance in Noctis has been the talk of the town, as you can imagine."

"Yes," Raven replied, suddenly remembering that he killed two of Aegis' own before. A tinge of guilt came upon him over that. "Just in the wrong place at the wrong time Sergeant."

Taper smiled back knowingly. "Happens to be the best of us Captain," he replied, certain memories from nine years ago playing out. "Believe me."

He then gestured Raven toward the cockpit. "Anyway, we've been going over 'nub here as you can obviously see," Taper explained. "Between what we've analyzed ourselves and gained from DELPHI, we have quite a lot of data on him and his capabilities."

"But…" Raven could already see where this was going.

"But," Taper repeated. "There's only so much we can access," he nodded to Raven. "Without the runner's input at least."

Raven nodded back, approaching the cockpit. As soon as the canopy digitally retracted, Raven took his seat. "You awake DELPHI?"

"I am," DELPHI confirmed from the control panel.

Raven smiled toward the AI, finding her presence strangely reassuring. "And have you been a good girl?" he asked, already knowing the answer he would get.

"An inapplicable frame of reference," DELPHI replied as was expected. "In order to be a 'good girl', I would need to possess actual female biology, as well as…"

"Forget it," Raven stated, before glancing back at Sonia and Taper. "What do you need?"

"Well," Taper rubbed his chin in thought. "There are a couple of systems that can't be accessed without your direct input," he explained. "But what I really need is some live performance data."

Again Raven could see where this was going. "VR?"

"Passable," Taper considered none-too-hintingly. "But I would prefer something more…authentic."

Raven smirked conspiringly in turn. "Well, that is what I'm apparently here for," he said, before turning back to the AI display. "How about it DELPHI? Feel like taking a stroll around the planet?"

"Once more, an inapplicable frame of reference," the AI answered back. "In order for me to 'stroll'…"

"Alright, alright," Raven stopped her again, then turning back to Sonia. Once more he held challenge in his expression. "You do realize I could take this opportunity to desert."

Sonia nodded. "You could, yes," she confirmed, holding equal challenge.

"Yet you don't seem perturbed," Raven observed.

Sonia took on another smirk at that. "I know you," she explained. "You don't run away, no matter the circumstances."

Her smirk deepened. "Besides, on the off chance you are, in fact, tempted," she said. "I'll be out there too."

Raven couldn't help but smile at that as well. He could only imagine that kind of fight, especially when Sonia had much more experience running an OF than he. And if not her, they could always send those other two Type Bs, as well as that turquoise Erinys, after him.

"Alright then," he said, climbing back out of the cockpit. "I could use the fresh Martian air anyway."

"Well, this is an interesting development," Esteraund exclaimed as he stood beside Nadia, watching over the hangar from the nearby observation deck. By now Raven and Sonia had both changed into their runner suits – Raven naturally in standard black while Sonia was in her custom red – and were now moving toward their respective frames. Several of the technicians had momentarily paused in the labor to watch the two runners enter their machines. "I thought it would take a little longer for him to accept his predicament."

Nadia observed as well, relaxing toward the notion. She had also expected more problems – as well as more attempts at resistance – from the younger Vostrikov before he finally settled in. "Perhaps he's not as belligerent as his reputation claims," she said. "But then we did offer him much more than he had in Zulu."

"That you did," Esteraund concurred. "And if there's any rule all good mercenaries follow, it's never waste a good opportunity," he gleamed suggestively. "At least until a better opportunity comes along."

Nadia ignored the hint. She already had enough uncertainty toward the new Captain and their taking him in. Still, it had been under General Vostrikov's directive, so it wasn't like she could do anything else but follow along. Besides, it made for a nice sticking point with Bremen, and anything that particular snitch on edge was good in Nadia's book. She only wished she had been present when the "tactical advisor" had a new one ripped into him by the General.

"Anyway," Esteraund exclaimed as he stretched his arms out and cracked his thick neck. "I'm going to take a piss."

He waved the Colonel off as she rolled her eyes. "Do tell me if anything interesting happens," he said as he disappeared through the doorway.

Shaking her head, and wondering yet again why General Vostrikov put up with such a man – regardless of his services to Earth – Nadia ultimately decided to depart as well. She would have a better view of the two orbital frames from the bridge.

Settling into the cockpit of her faithful steed, Sonia felt the comfortable familiarity of being in an Orbital Frame again. There really was nothing like being inside an OF, even if its cockpit placement led a lot to be desired. One could literally feel the great power behind the machine, even before its energy lines began to pulsate, while the semi-organic texture was much more comfortable than a LEV's pilot seat. Plus, there was just something invigorating about controlling a giant mecha through thought and sensation alone, at least whatever was transmitted through the control orbs on either side.

It's good to be home. she thought as she ran her hands down the contours of Bastet's cockpit. Though her hands were covered by her runner suit, she could still feel the Metatron and its silk-like smoothness. Once more entirely different from rough and rigid confines of a Phantoma, which now felt abhorrent to her memory. Why the regular forces insisted on keeping those relics as their mainline weapon – to the point of even cancelling the far better Vic Viper's production – she would never know. "You ready Alpha Four?"

"As much as I'll ever be," Raven replied from the holographic screen, looking distinctly uncomfortable in his new attire. Sonia couldn't blame him for that. Runner suits were always difficult to adjust to on the first flight, but eventually one got used to it. "Why do we have to wear these superhero tights again?"

Sonia smiled, finding a strange amusement in his discomfort. "They aid in the interface," she answered simply. "And they may also increase your life expectancy."

Raven replied with a bland expression. "I'll take your word for it," he answered, before reaching his hands to his sides and grasping the control orbs. A moment later, Anubis' eyes flared active, red energy lines pulsating around its body.

Sonia grasped her own control orbs, causing Bastet's own eyes to light as well, golden lines to flowing around her. Her HUD lit up simultaneously, showing that Bastet was in peak operational condition. She smiled at this, knowing that she hadn't exaggerated when she called Taper a genius. "We are presently over the Acidalium Sea, just north of Aeria," she explained. "So we'll make our run there."

"Aeria's fairly populated," Raven said, remembering the county layout. "You sure you want civilians to see Anubis?"

"Obviously we will be avoiding the spheres and outer establishments," Sonia explained further. "And if we're spotted anyway, well…"

She shrugged. "You know how Minitru…er, I mean the UN media apparatus operates," she exclaimed, earning another conspiring grin from her charge. Sonia could already tell they were going to work well together. Not that they hadn't before of course.

Engaging her thrusters, Sonia brought Bastet out of its rack, gently touching off the hangar floor. Anubis soon followed, its wing binders spreading out as the jackal headed frame lifted off the floor, its crimson eyes gazing toward the other frame in a reflection of its runner's interest. From there, both OFs proceeded toward the launch bay.

Settling in his bridge command chair, Nicholai watched as the two Orbital Frames launched from the ship, propelled down the linear track into the open air. Nadia stood by to his right, holding a similar expression to her superior. Neither officer dared speak at that point, and as such only light chatter from the other bridge personnel could be heard.

Though Nicholai had authorized the run – Sergeant Taper had consulted him just before his reunion with Raven – a part of him wondered if he had indeed made a mistake. As much as he wanted to trust his son, who by all accounts was a professional through and through, he knew was making a real gamble by allowing him off the ship so soon, let alone in Anubis. Even with Sonia beside him in Bastet, he was far from assured that his son wouldn't attempt desertion. And with Anubis retaining its Zero Shift capability, he could certainly make a run for it if he so felt.

In spite of that however, the general knew he would have to send Raven out eventually, and Taper really did need live performance data from Anubis. Nicholai was also sure their host from Nereidum would appreciate said data; perhaps even be able to divulge further analysis from it. Thus, he had no choice but to take the chance, here and now. While they could still reign both runner and frame back in if so necessary.

In the midst of his thoughts, Nicholai's ears picked up the sound of turbolift doors opening. He smirked, already knowing who was entering the bridge. "Come to watch the show, Major? Captain?"

Flushing red at being "discovered" so quickly, Rebecca immediately spoke up for herself and Axel. "With your permission sir…"

Nicholai waved them over, not bothering with a verbal response. Of everyone on the ship, the Hunters had long earned the privilege.

As such, Rebecca and Axel moved just behind his chair, their own eyes gazing out toward the main monitor. Where their shared nightmare from a decade prior continued on, descending toward the seascape below…

"Alright, this will be a simple run," Sonia broadcasted over the comlink as Bastet and Anubis approached the shores of Aeria. Raven did well to listen, even as he maneuvered his frame along. "A quick dash around Aeria, just long enough for Taper to get his data, and then back to the Argo in time for brunch. Sound good Alpha Four?"

Raven felt his stomach groan at the mention of 'brunch'. It was then he realized he hadn't eaten since the mission to Noctis, which could easily have been two days ago. Even so, he was far from fatigued, and outside the desire for tasty food, he wasn't very hungry either. The younger Vostrikov suspected that he had been given nutrient shots – alongside obvious medical treatment following his session with Esteraund – during his "rest."

"Sounds good Alpha Three," he replied regardless, ignoring his stomach's mild discomfort. He could, and would, eat as soon as they returned. For the time being, he'd rather be out testing his new machine. "Any particular flight path to follow?"

Sonia brought up another holoscreen. "I think I have one in mind," she said as she looked over the screen, which showed a tactical outline of the county. Upon mapping the path out, and transmitting it over to Anubis, she grasped the control orbs that much more. "Follow my lead."

With that, Bastet ignited its thrusters and sped toward landfall, with Anubis trailing after. They made landfall soon enough, flying over the Aerian coastline and deeper into the county, while doing well to avoid the shore settlements along the way. As the county lay around Arabia Terra, the local terrain was heavily cratered and erratic in form, appearing even more desolate than what Raven had usually come to expect. He couldn't help but feel how different it was from high up in the atmosphere; how distant it all seemed.

They remained in the open air for several more minutes, with Sonia throwing in an elaborate maneuver or two every now and then, indirectly challenging her wingmate to mirror. Naturally Raven followed without falling behind, though he admitted he wasn't as graceful in execution as Sonia. That would change in time, of course, when he got a better handle on his new frame.

At the very least it isn't difficult. Raven thought as he completed a barrel roll, which Sonia had seemingly thrown in at the last minute. It wasn't the first time he had flown, but he was far more used to the ground hugging Phantoma than the counter-gravity power of an OF. Of course, he was also far more used to a manual control system as opposed to having his thoughts and intentions directly transferred into the frame itself. It all should have been unnerving, but for some reason it actually felt natural to Raven. As though he had been running Anubis from the beginning.

Then, almost abruptly, Bastet moved into a steep dive, which Raven automatically followed. Before he could inquire further, both frames fell into a canyon below, where Sonia kicked her thrusters up a notch, speeding into the ravine. Raven did the same with Anubis, dashing forward while maneuvering along the canyon walls. It was tricky to say the least, especially with his aforementioned unfamiliarities, but he managed to keep up with Bastet as both frames winded through the canyon. At one point, the red OF even descended to ground level, its pointed feet touching onto the Martian terrain momentarily as it dashed along, only to ascend once more at a specific point. Anubis did this as well, though Raven was forced to touch off earlier in order to evade a sudden rockslide.

Sonia opened her mouth to chide him on that, but ultimately decided not to. He was doing very well; far better than she thought he would. She wondered, albeit only for a brief moment, if there was actually more to that than "beginner's luck."

They reached the end of the canyon soon enough, forcing both OFs to take to the open air again. Even so, Sonia threw one last maneuver, going into full burn toward the canyon wall, as though she were intending to crash into it, only executing a climb at the very last second. Not at all backing away from that, Raven did the same, launching Anubis at the edge before throwing in his own twist. At the last possible second, he zero shifted, sending his frame upward in an instant, just as Bastet reached the right height. It had been close, but he managed to pull it off at the right moment, and with considerable timing.

At that, both frames were at higher altitude again. "Not bad," Sonia complimented as she looked over to Anubis. "A little rough around the edges, but not bad at all."

"Thanks," Raven exclaimed in return. "Is there anything else, or do you think Taper got the data he needed?"

"Oh there's plenty else," a new, yet quite familiar, voice cut in, causing both Raven and Sonia to look up. Just as both their sensors beeped in warning.

"Incoming fire from above," DELPHI announced, just neon green energy shots began to rain. Reversing Anubis and throwing up it shield, Raven was just able to deflect the shots as the newcomer descended from above. He then attempted to drop the shield and respond with his own fire, but was forced to retain it as the opposing frame maintained its attack. All culminating in the adversary actually slamming into Anubis' shield, then jetting upward before Raven could respond.

"Nice machine," the opposing runner chimed as he twisted his OF around to face the pair, who by now had armed their weapons. "Shame about the runner though."

Raven glowered as he took in the sight of the newcomer, recognizing it as one of the other Type Bs from the Argo's hangar. A medium sized machine with elaborate cobalt blue armor, a head with two green eyes and two horn-like fins stretching out from either side, as well as two large wing binders coming off the back, the opposing OF looked intimidating enough. The razor shaped blades on its arms and legs only added to that image.

Even so, it wasn't the machine that mattered to Raven. Not as much as the runner. "You…" he growled.

"Yes, me," Esteraund brightly replied as he looked over Anubis from his cockpit monitor, green energy lines flowing around him. He could almost feel his opponent's fury against his skin, or at least his own custom blue runner suit. "Didn't see this one coming, did you Little Raven?"

Rather than receive a verbal reply, the mercenary watched as Anubis materialized its spear and assumed a combat stance. Crimson eyes flaring with its runner's vehement. "I was hoping for some payback for earlier," Raven spoke over the comlink, his voice hardened with bloodlust. "You're really going to get it now Esteraund."

A light chuckle exited Esteraund's lips on that. "I'm sure I am," he dryly answered as his own frame assumed a responding stance. "I just hope you make it interesting along the way!"

With that, Esteraund threw his machine into a charge, one that Raven immediately mirrored with Anubis. Respective blades clashing mere moments later.

Aegis battlecruiser Argo
Acidalium Mare, Mars

Bastard… Nadia sneered as she watched both frames begin their fight. She had actually wondered if Esteraund had other intentions for his "piss break", but not to this extent.

"It's for the better Colonel," Nicholai said, as though he could read her thoughts alongside her irritation. "We will gain much more data this way, and get to see how Anubis and its runner fair against an expert."

Nadia straightened up at the sound of her superior's voice. "I understand sir," she replied simply.

Nodding at her acceptance, Nicholai returned his full attention to the main monitor. "Besides, it's quite the match up if you think about it."

He leaned forward, resting his chin against his knuckles. "Who shall triumph?" he posited with clear intrigue. "Egypt's God of Death or Sumer's King of Heroes?"

"Have at you, punk!" Esteraund shouted as he charged at Anubis again, smashing both of his arm blades against his opponent's spear. Snarling in response, Raven threw him off and counterattacked with energy shots, but the mercenary easily dodged these – even swatting one out of the air with a well-placed bladed kick – before firing off a spread of homing shots. To that, Raven dashed away, maneuvering around the swarming lasers as best as he could, while using his staff to deflect those he couldn't dodge. By that point Esteraund was on him again, coming at his left with his blades bared. Raven fired additional shots at him, but these were dodged as well, allowing the blue frame to smash its right arm blade against Anubis' hastily thrown shield.

Raven glowered into the adversary frame's green eyes. "How the hell did you get an Orbital Frame!?" he shouted as forced his opponent off, then brought his spear back around to thrust. The blue machine dodged that, then the follow up, and then parried the third. Raven responded by slash at his opponent's waist, but Esteraund was faster, dashing back and circling around again. The mercenary then launched another bladed kick at Anubis' head, but Raven managed to deflect that attack with his spear pole. Esteraund then spun around to slash with his right arm blade, but this too was blocked. "Don't tell me they gave it to you!"

"Hardly," Esteraund replied as he jetted back again, Anubis following after him as expected. More red shots launched after, but again they were all too easy to dodge, from which Esteraund twisted around and counterfired in turn. To that, Raven zero shifted again, reappearing at the blue frame's right with spear set to strike. Unfortunately, Esteraund had anticipated that attack as well, and so intercepted the attack with his right arm blade.

"First I had to kill the original owner," the mercenary explained, before charging and executing a burst slash, one that threw Anubis back several meters. He then dashed forward, moving to slash with his arm blades yet again, only for the black frame to zero shift away as he struck. Reappearing to his upper left, Raven unleashed a burst attack of his own, firing a large crimson orb after his opponent. Only a narrow dodge on Esteraund's part kept the attack from connecting. "A tough son of a bitch named Warren Lumenlux. Now that bastard could fight!"

Anubis zero shifted once more, now appearing behind Esteraund, charging in. Another arm bladed deflection followed, only for Esteraund to execute a follow up spin with his opposite blade. Raven reacted just as quickly, dashing back, but not before the blue frame cut a nice sized notch into Anubis' right cheek. Smirking at his handiwork – the first mark of the fight – Esteraund fired even more energy shots, forcing Raven back behind his shield.

"And then I had to pay good money to get this thing rebuilt," he announced as he fired another swarm of homing shots, to which Anubis zero shifted away from. It reappeared to his right, to which Esteraund dashed away as it moved to impale. "Oh sure, I could've had Aegis do that for me, but then they would have easily taken it for themselves."

Gritting his teeth, Raven redeployed his shield as additional shots were launched. This allowed Esteraund to dash and circle around Anubis again, coming at his opponent from its left. Raven responded by dropping the shield and intercepting the attack with the pole of his spear, then spinning the polearm around to knock the opposing orbital frame away. However, Esteraund recovered quickly and responded with another homing shot swarm, causing Anubis to zero shift away again. This time, Raven brought Anubis directly in front of his enemy, then moved to strike downward. To that, Esteraund crossed both his arm blades together to deflect.

"It was all worth it however," the mercenary continued on, before uncrossing his arms and then kick-slashing Anubis at the waist. Flying back from the force, Raven had no choice but zero shift again, this time to gain distance. It hardly mattered though, as Esteraund rushed to meet him as soon as he reappeared. "For in the end, Gilgamesh is mine and mine alone!"

Letting out a battle cry, Raven dashed away and fired a swarm of homing lasers of his own. To that, Esteraund shifted to his right, rolling away from the zig-zagging beams, while counterfiring alongside. This was met with Anubis reengaging its shield, then dropping it and firing back in swift motion. It then reengaged its spear and charged after the waiting Gilgamesh.

I should have brought a magazine or something, Sonia thought as she stifled a yawn. She really hadn't expected a fight in all this, at least not one between two Aegis units. In hindsight however, she should have guessed Esteraund would have taken a chance to test Raven out, and Raven was obviously still smarting from his interrogation and prior abandonment issues. Put them both in orbital frames, and bam, you had a fight that was literally years in the making. Their earlier encounter at Zulu notwithstanding of course.

The worst part was she couldn't join in the fun. Oh sure, she had not actually been ordered to standby, but it was clear that this bout was strictly between those two; additional applicants were not welcome. Which was a little sad, since she wouldn't have minded trying Bastet out against Anubis. And she definitely would have loved to wipe that irritating grin off Esteraund's face. But alas, it just wasn't meant to be.

Thus she remained stationary, watching as the two titans clashed. She remained tempted, but she did her best to ignore said temptation. At the very least she would be able to fight against either of them later on, though it would likely be in VR. That would take a large amount of fun out of it, but sacrifices would have to be made she supposed. Unless of course she could successfully petition Colonel Candido, who would likely wish to take Anubis on herself with Minerva.

Either way, Sonia was so focused on the fight that she failed to notice a certain ripple in the fair distance. Specifically, that of a reconnaissance drone, operating under stealth…

"Damage level exceeding seventy-five percent," DELPHI reported as Anubis was knocked back again, Raven biting back his shock and a few choice curses. Raven was unable to respond to that, as Gilgamesh made another dash at him, arm blades raised to strike. Again Raven brought his spear about, deflecting the initial attack before countering, slashing back at the cobalt blue machine, which responded by jetting away again. He pursued, again thrusting his spear forward to strike at Esteraund's torso, but the mercenary reacted faster, banking to the left and evading. He then launched to slash at Anubis' head again, only for Raven to dodge as well. Anubis fired additional shots as it did, but Gilgamesh raised its shield and easily deflected.

This is unreal. Raven was just able to think as Gilgamesh launched after him again, slashing with both arm blades and then its leg blades, forcing Anubis to remain on the evasive. Of all the people in the universe, he never dreamed Esteraund would gain possession of an OF. And much more, be as skilled with it as he was outside the cockpit. Even with Anubis, Raven knew he was barely keeping up with him, while the damage mounted steadily as DELPHI indicated. How the hell was he going to win this one?

He zero shifted away once more, gaining some distance, from which he charged and executed another burst attack. Again Gilgamesh banked away as the crimson orb launched, almost immediately closing the gap between it and Anubis. Spear reemerging, Raven parried the blue frame's strike yet again, before spinning his polearm to force it away. He then fired additional beam shots, to which Gilgamesh zigzagged around.

"Not bad," Esteraund complimented as he dashed back and gained some distance, Gilgamesh's eyes never straying away from Anubis'. "Not bad at all Raven."

He then brought both arm blades up, assuming a new combat pose. "Rough around the edges like Sonia said," he continued over the comlink. "But nothing that can't be polished, I assure you."

"I'm glad you approve," Raven answered dryly, elaborately spinning Anubis' spear before resuming his own pose. "Don't think it's going to save you though."

"Heh," Esteraund laughed in turn, already seeing where this was going to go. "You sure you want to go this way, boy?" he asked. "To the death, as it were?"

"You better believe it," Raven answered, his hands tightening around the control orbs. "There's still a lot between us, Esteraund."

The mercenary nodded at this. "So there is," he answered, own hands gripping that much more. "Little Raven…"

"That's enough," Sonia suddenly spoke up, maneuvering Bastet between the two frames. "Argo reports they got enough for today. We're to RTS immediately."

"Hmph," Esteraund let out, sounding disappointed. "And what if we refuse?" he inquired. "What if the fun was just beginning…"

Eyes flaring at the mercenary's challenge, Bastet twisted around to face Gilgamesh. A set of claws then extended from its forearms. "You heard what I said," Sonia repeated threateningly. "And you know what I'll do…"

"Alright, alright," Esteraund answered, waving his hands calmingly. "I just wanted to see how you would react is all," he stated. "I certainly don't want jeopardize my income."

Sniffing in response, Sonia retracted her claws. "Right," she said, then looking between the two OFs. "Let's go," she commanded, before jetting back to the Argo.

"Heh," Esteraund let out as he turned Gilgamesh around. "Guess there's always next time, Little Raven," he sounded off, then speeding away himself.

Seeing Gilgamesh's back, Raven was half-tempted to zero shift and plunge his spear right into it. However, he held the impulse back. Like it or not, he was a soldier now, not a contractor; there were a different set of rules to follow. Besides, anything more would undoubtedly cause Sonia to turn on him, and he'd rather not have that.

Thus, he relented and had Anubis fly back as well.

Aegis battlecruiser Argo
Acidalium Mare, Mars

"All frames on return approach," one of the operators reported, not bothering to hide her relief.

Nicholai exhaled as well. "Very well," he replied, glad that the worst outcome had been averted. There was still much to be done, especially with Raven, but at least the fight had been very much worthwhile. Indeed, he could see his son shaping up into an great asset.

He then rose up from his chair, suddenly feeling tired. "Helmsman, set course for Margaritifer," he commanded. "I'm sure you can guess which part."

"Yes General," the helmsman answered dutifully. He, like the rest of the bridge crew, had an inclination as to why they were heading to that particular county, but very much kept it to himself. Among other things, it was well above his paygrade.

Nodding in response, Nicholai looked over to Nadia. "Inform me if anything more happens," he said, before heading toward the turbolift.

Location Unknown

"I must admit this is something of a shock," the woman spoke to the man on the opposite side of the comlink. "I never thought you of all people would call us for a favor."

"Not really a favor," the man replied knowingly. "Since this is as much a benefit for you as it is my organization."

"So it seems," the woman answered back, a smile touching her lips. "May I inquire as to why you need anything from the BLF at all?" she asked. "Surely your 'organization' is more than capable…"

"We're not yet in a position to engage the UNSF openly," he explained. "So I have no choice but to hire out, as it were. And the BLF is one of the better anti-Earth groups out there."

"You're too kind," she exclaimed, though she doubted he was being complimentary. "Though are you sure about that assessment?" she shot back. "I mean, we have our fair share of Orbital Frames, but hardly anything out of the ordinary."

He smiled at this. "I would hardly call the Hadad 'ordinary.'"

That caught her off guard, such that she barely managed to keep it off of her face. At first she opened her mouth to question how he even knew about that particular frame, but then remembered his background. As such, she simply shrugged and answered. "We've renamed it Sojat," she said. "For obvious reasons."

"Of course," he answered sagely.

"And even then, it's still incomplete," she stated, already figuring that he knew that part. "Don't get me wrong, progress continues, but it will still be some time before…"

"That's perfectly fine," he replied, stopping her. "Your conventional forces will suffice for the time being."

He then flashed a vindictive smile. "Just long enough for 'Sojat's' completion at least."

"Heh," she beamed at that. "Well, whatever it is you're really intending," she stated with an underlying tone. "I promise we will not disappoint you."

She smiled with the same vindictiveness. "We've waited a long time ourselves after all."

"Yes," he answered, knowing exactly how she felt. "Which is another reason why I chose your BLF."

His cool green eyes narrowed into her brown. "In that regard, I look forward to your success," he smiled again. "Freedom to Mars."

She smiled as well. "Freedom to Mars," she repeated the now seemingly ancient BAHRAM rallying cry. A cry that would be called out once more as she, with the Barsoom Liberation Front around her, took to the fight.