CHAPTER 10 - SHATTERED AND SPILLED OUT

West Genetics student commons area.
Public Communication Cubicle: PCC003
Two hours before launching the surprise attack.

"Hello…?" Rémi's voice sounding weak. "How's my little Pina?" The Pandora nestled close to the video screen as her father's image focused. "Lucie, get up and come talk to your daughter, it looks like she needs us both."

A solitary tear slid down Pina's cheek as she stared at her parents. Relieved, she was pleased to see that in the background of the video call, her parent's apartment was still neat and tidy. Thankful that Rémi and Lucie were taking care of things at home, Pina knew that if she didn't return from this mission, they would be able to live out the rest of their lives without too much hardship. She'd forgotten how much financial effort on her part was necessary to acquire such a lavish place for her mother and father to live.

From as early as she could remember, Pina was always self-conscious of where she grew up; learning at a young age how the slums of Paris weren't a place for a family in poverty. After becoming a Pandora, Pina used every dollar of her salary to not only purchase a home for her family, but to set up her parents with new job opportunities that were located in better parts of the city.

With all the help she had given to them, it was ironic that she was now on the receiving end - wishing for her parents to provide her with a little bit of comfort and loving support.

"Bonjour Mama…Papa"

"Pina, what's wrong? You almost never speak to us in French, let alone calling us this early in the morning. Is everything okay over there? Isn't it almost time for you to have dinner?"

"I…" She wiped away the tear. "I'm deploying for a very important mission this afternoon."

"A mission? Is it dangerous?" Lucie asked.

"Yes, and I'm…a little nervous about it."

"Bah! Why would my daughter be nervous?" Rémi boasted to his wife. "She's a Pandora."

"Papa please…" Pina whispered into the camera lens.

"Shush Rémi!" Lucie scolded, "Pina needs our help. Tell us what's troubling you."

"This mission…is nothing like we've done before. There's a good chance some of us…won't come back." The Marigolds were silent for a moment as they processed their daughter's news. After a short pause, Rémi spoke again.

"My little Pina. It's okay to be nervous and scared. So it's an important mission yes?"

"I wanted to call to let you know that I transferred my remaining savings into your personal account. I also went ahead and finalized my will with the Service Compensation Board so if anything happens to me, you'll receive the complete portion of the Military Credit stipend for my service."

"Oh sweetheart, please don't talk that way." Lucie replied. "I'm sure you are just being cautious, but you'll be fine right?"

Rémi comforted his wife as he peered into the viewing lens. "Pina, you were always kind and loving. We have benefitted from your graciousness and we appreciate everything you've done for us."

"Thank you…Papa"

"Now you listen Pina." Her father's gentle expression turning firm. "You're my pride and joy, and I love you very much. Whatever happens to you on this mission, I know in my heart that you'll endure and survive." Lucie wiped away her tears as she nodded to her husband. "The Marigold family has always been survivors, and you've inherited that strength from us."

"Please…"

"Pina, listen to me. The point I wanted to say is that we owe you our lives. We enjoy our freedom every day because of you. We love you very much and whatever happens, we'll know that our daughter did her duty… with no regrets."

"I love you both, and I won't let you down."

Lucie touched the mini camera display. "We love you too sweet, and I know that you'll be okay."

"I hope you're right Mama." The Pandora leaned away from the screen and checked her Chrono. "I should get to the staging area. Thanks again and I'm sorry to have called you so early in the morning."

"Pina, you can call us anytime."

"I will, thanks for talking with me."

"Of course." Rémi replied. "There isn't anything you can't do my little Pina, remember that above all else. Go carefully now my daughter."

"I will Papa...goodbye."

The little Pandora shuddered awake from her dream. The squeaks of the flexing aluminum panels plus the humming of the jet engines droned in her head. Sliding the shade, Pina gazed out over the crystal green Pacific Ocean. At their current altitude, the sea appeared as sheets of glass, peppered with shadows from the floating clouds beneath them. Taking a deep breath, she told herself a few more times that she'll be fine.

"Pina?" Kallie inquired from the adjacent seat. "Another nightmare?"

Pina smiled to her teammate, "No, this time it was a good dream."

"I'm glad for you. It's been quite some time since I've had a pleasant dream of any kind." Pina nodded, understanding the hardship Kallie has endured for the past several months. She knew that Kallie's father Minato, fought bravely against Nightfall which granted General Hikaro Kun and his men a chance at escaping the terrorist stronghold.

"Don't worry Kallie, we're going to rescue your father and destroy those terrorist bastards."

"Agreed. Once my retrieval operation is complete, I'm going to destroy everyone responsible."

Ecuador, South America

Gavril Magda wished to be back on his super yacht in the beautiful port city of Manta instead of dealing with the winding two lane highway of the E491. The hours dwindled as they chased the fleeting daylight down the country road; finally taking into view the majestic white capped mountain at sunset.

The Sprinter van negotiated around another sweeping turn which brought a more magnificent view of the SSTO launch base designed along the southern face of Mount Chimborazo; the notorious stratovolcano considered to be the highest point from the center of the Earth. Embracing the clouds, the colossal peak stood like a massive wedge against the countryside. The brilliant lights of Chimborazo Spaceport illuminated the darkening sky as the double-red warning beacons of the Magnetic Levitation catapult flickered up the façade of the summit.

"Stay focused gentlemen!" Gavril ordered as some of his men gaped at the towering pinnacle. "On my mark, Green Team deploy!" Passing a plain white box-truck parked on the shoulder of the road, Gavril gave the code signal to his men, who jumped from the rear of the stationary vehicle and tossed four Scan Eagle Type IV drones into the air. From the side-view mirror, Gavril smiled as Stage One of his plan initiated – the jamming of all communications within the perimeter of the space facility.

Over the next rise was a parked double long semi-tractor trailer. As Gavril's unmarked van passed, he initiated the next phase of his raid; "Red Team, deploy!" In an instant, the rectangular shape of the trailers folded outward, revealing a pair of mini X57A un-manned combat air vehicles mounted to extendable catapulting air frames. A small conical blue-white flame poured from the tapered exhaust port as the oversized pneumatic arm launchers aimed the aircrafts upward. In the next moment, the slingshots flung the two attack drones into the night sky. Inside the van, Gavril reassured his personal fire team that Stage Two had started - providing Nightfall complete air dominance over the Allied Nation's base.

"Black Teams One and Two, commence your attack!" Gavril still seemed calm and calculating as he instructed his ground forces to breech the north and west gates of the security checkpoints. Anticipating a strong A.N. force converging on his advancing ground troops, Gavril was expecting the base itself to be poorly guarded against his roving aircraft and surprise assault from the southwest.

"Shadows, initiate your infiltration," Gavril instructed to his two former Basics School cadets. Receiving word, Ellie Baker and Phoebe Kelly led their team of soldiers up the steep southern slope and through the chain-link fence toward the closest watchtower, overwhelming the defensive personnel with lethal precision.

"Master, the UAV controllers are reporting air superiority over the area." Gavril clasped his hands as the driver of the van steered the vehicle toward the western gate of the orbiter substation. "Sledge, accompany Marta to the barracks and seize the orbiter's pilots. She'll reactivate their code-key clearance which will allow us access to the shuttle." Clicking off his headset, Gavril braced himself for the impending collision. Propelling forward at break-neck speed, the Sprinter crashed through the roadblock and skidded to a stop; the occupants readying their weapons while they rushed from the vehicle.

The elite fire team formed up along the side of the vehicle and opened fire on the puny military force defending the gated outpost. As the last one to leave the van, Gavril Magda slung his plasma rifle over his shoulder and sauntered through the remnants of the bloody carnage. Amazed, the leader of Nightfall gazed at the tremendous mountain towering above the complex. Turning his attention toward the suspended guide-way, Gavril signaled his men to quickly collect their equipment and rush for the far end of the magnetic catapult, where the illuminated shuttle was stationed for launch.

Circling high above the northern Andes mountain range, the twin X57A combat drones flawlessly followed their pre-programmed flight path. The jet wash shrouded from the exhaust ducts made it difficult for the defending ground troops to pinpoint their exact locations. As tracer rounds coiled upward into the blackening night, the two birds of prey dove on their targets.

Within seconds of release, the aircraft's complete payload struck their targets with destructive accuracy - parked fighter planes, anti-aircraft batteries, key spaceport installations and parts of the runway; all erupting into orange and red flame.

Pausing his ascent on the scaffold of the maglev launcher, Gavril watched his intricate plan unfold with vengeful intention. Proving difficult to mask his playful demeanor, Nightfall's leader watched the SSTO base founder into smoldering ash. "It's beautiful!" He shouted as he felt the heat of multiple explosive shockwaves on his face.

Reaching the top of the railway platform, Gavril and his men entered the structure through the maintenance entrance. Moving through the corridor, eliminating facility personnel along the way, the group ended up through another access hatch under the belly of the single stage orbiter. Rushing along the track of the mass driver's catapult system, the troops surrounded the shuttle.

Amelia slumped in her chair as the emergency broadcast repeated itself. She knew their arrival was critical, but she never fully anticipated Gavril advancing his time-table up seven hours. The incomplete report stated that the enemy already had possession of the shuttle and at first light, would launch the orbiter into space with the intention of docking at the Anti-NOVA weapon. Muting the audio, the Communications officer turned to Sister Amelia. "We have to respond Headmistress. Genetics America and their military are mobilizing and they are demanding a sit-rep."

Defeated, Amelia stared out the side window, gazing at the blue, red and purple horizon. Her puny force wasn't enough to accomplish every task at the Chimborazo Spaceport, and she knew it. Her personal feelings toward Gavril Magda had clouded her judgment and in her haste to deploy, put all of her Pandora in harms way. The pilot and crew in the cockpit turned toward the Headmistress still expecting an answer. As loud as a whisper, Amelia asked a question.

"What's the earliest Genetics America can join the fight?"

The Comm officer went to work speaking through his headset. After a minute, he received the answer. "They're thirteen hours out ma'am, which puts them eight hours behind our arrival."

"Eight hours…" Amelia exhaled.

"Headmistress Ellsworth, at this point we may need to rethink our strategy."

Amelia rubbed her forehead. The burden of telling her Pandora the futility of the mission was beginning to take its toll. She couldn't help but cry, not for the dire situation unfolding in Ecuador, but for herself. In a flood of emotion, she had lost herself – forgetting who she was and why she insisted on subjecting her Pandora to this seemingly hopeless fight.

Somewhere she heard a voice, subtle and obscure; probing her thoughts and tempting her anxiety. At first Amelia didn't understand, but before she could hear anything further, the Headmistress suddenly realized the Communications officer was insistently calling her name.

"Ma'am can you hear me? Sister, do you hear my voice? Headmistress Ellsworth?"

Blinking, Amelia faced the man at the computer console. "What…what is it?"

"We just received an urgent message from a civilian aircraft overtaking us on a parallel heading! We need your instructions immediately."

Amelia confirmed the scopes and read the telemetry – one lone aircraft closing in from behind. Amelia studied the image for a minute before asking an odd request, "Ask them…to provide a Pandora identification number."

The man sent the message. Creasing his forehead, he was more confused at the incoming answer than the question posed over the broadcast. Reading the information out loud, Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "They responded with GM00ED00, what does that mean Headmistress?"

Summer sensed something was off when Amelia rushed passed on the way to the rear of the cargo plane. Rising from her seat, Summer motioned to Adriana. "I've got a bad feeling that something's wrong, let's go." Hesitant, Adriana left her seat and trailed the Sovereign until the two Pandora reached the aft compartment.

Standing by the side cargo door was Sister Amelia, talking fiercely with one of the Allied Nation commanders. Listening in on their heated discussion, Summer learned that they were arguing about the possible protocol of receiving a passenger from an adjacent aircraft in mid-flight.

"With respect ma'am, it's insane! It's too dangerous to pull off a risky stunt like that! Who the hell is that important that you would risk everyone on board?"

Amelia shrugged off the man as she exercised her authority. "Commander, I want the cable tie-downs in place and ready to receive the asset!" She ordered, "This is going to be low-speed, medium altitude personnel transfer."

The man yielded, obeying her wishes. Both Adriana and Summer looked at each other as Amelia assisted some of the men with the rigging of several thick wires and cable lines to the anchor points in the metal floor. Stepping aside, the two friends allowed Amelia through as she made her way back to the cockpit.

"Hey…" Adriana called to one of the soldiers, "Would you mind telling us what's going on?" The man paused, but got a nod from his superior to inform the women of the surprising change in plans.

"Captain Lohman, the Headmistress informed us of an…asset on route and needs an immediate transfer to this airplane."

"An asset?" Summer pressed, "Who?"

"Performing a HAT in mid-flight?" Adriana added, "That's ridiculous!"

"I don't know anything else Captain and I wasn't told the identity of the VIP."

Adriana mulled over the challenging aerial procedure. "High Altitude Transfer?" Summer's mind was also working as Adriana paced the compartment. "Who the hell would risk all our lives trying an acrobatic feat of traveling by guide-wires from one aircraft to another? The individual has to be a Pandora, there's no way a normal civilian could survive the temperature and wind velocities at this altitude." Summer shook her head at her friend's statement; Adriana was sharp enough to know that it had to be someone with implanted Stigmata, but who would risk such an unprecedented deviation from the mission.

The large aircraft slowed and descended to a lower altitude while the smaller airplane flew a parallel course. "Everyone!" Amelia shouted, "I need you all to return to your seats as we depressurize the cargo compartment!" In organized fashion, the soldiers and Pandora moved for their places as they put on their oxygen masks.

Summer and Adriana had just strapped themselves in when Sister Amelia emerged from the cockpit doorway donning a grim expression on her face. "Open the side cargo door!" The Headmistress commanded as she placed a breathing mask on her face.

The giant cargo plane grew in the front windows as Jimmy struggled to keep the Learjet in line. Eva removed her earpiece and microphone as she spun out of the co-pilot's chair. "I suppose I owe you both, James and Willa, but unfortunately I don't think I'll be walking away from this mission to Ecuador."

"What makes you say that?" Jimmy asked over his shoulder. Eva just exhaled condescendingly; believing these civilians truly couldn't understand the depth of her motives. Gavril and Nightfall held her hostage for years - the mind-altering device inhibiting the powerful Pandora. Her mindless actions turning the once proud woman into a cowardly assassin. "I'm all-in on this mission kid. I expect to die taking as much of Nightfall with me as I can."

Willa followed Eva to the side exit door while Jimmy turned his head back to flying. "Willa, I'm sorry again I couldn't save your husband. My position was compromised and Gavril discovered everything." The ex-Pandora caught herself against the side of the cabin as a pocket of turbulence rocked the small aircraft. "It was safer for Minato if I stayed away anyways." Willa understood, but remained silent as the raven-haired woman prepared her harness and drop-belt. "They'll have your husband with the main ground force. I'll coordinate with the Pandora team responsible for his recovery."

"Thank you Eva." Willa managed before she placed an oxygen mask over her face. Gesturing a brief military salute, Eva placed a hand on the woman's shoulder.

"You don't have to thank me," She said with a sly smile, "I told you before that I owe you. Let's hope my stupid stunt doesn't send all of us to the bottom of the Pacific…" Nervous, Willa stepped back and braced herself as the former Wraith activated her Pandora Mode.

She wasn't ready when the rush of turbulent air affected her body; the extreme vortex pulling Willa off her feet in one tremendous action. If it wasn't for the quick reflexes of the armored Pandora, Willa would have been blown clear of the aircraft; plunging to an unpleasant death far below.

The massive plane managed to slow its speed further as the Learjet lined up in formation. From the open cargo door, Amelia could clearly see the private airplane's feeble attempt at keeping itself righted and straight; jerking behind the swirling wake like a kite in a wind storm.

With the orders given, the A.N. soldiers hastily placed the recovering line, weighted chute-sail and sky hook outside the door. Tethered to the anchor winch, the men released the slack so that the recovery wires fluttered aft toward the Learjet.

Jimmy grunted a few curse words as he fought the small airplane's tendency to over-correct. Looking out his window, he saw the skyhook and sail. Nudging his craft over with careful inputs from the rudder, Jimmy attempted to converge on the deployed mini chute and hook dongle.

Fearful, Willa watched the amethyst clad woman stretch outside the doorway, trying to grab onto the safety hook. Eva almost had the flapping harness in her gauntlet before suddenly the small plane jolted from another wind shear. Starting to fall outside the hatch, Eva caught herself on the inner ledge and hauled herself back inside. Visibly angry, Eva slammed her foot down to prop herself as she went to reach for the hook again.

Successfully getting a grip on the cable, she clicked the secondary latch to her harness and the primary clip to an interior hard point. Easing in more throttle, the Learjet pulled ahead of the cargo plane, tightening the slack on the transfer line. Gesturing a final goodbye, Eva let herself get violently pulled outside.

Pandora Mode is essentially an exo-skeleton suit that manifests itself around the user's body. Once in Pandora Mode, the individual's abilities are augmented and multiplied. Typical Pandora soldiers could see a 75-120% boost in endurance, strength and agility. Some women even experience stronger Volt Weapons when using this technique. In addition to protecting the user with a hardened shell, a breathing apparatus within the suit allows the individual to survive environments that lack sustainable temperature or oxygen levels that would be fatal to unprotected traditional soldiers. In the case with Eva Dalca, the former Wraith of the East could safely be in Pandora Mode for just under nine minutes before her body corrodes into NOVA Form.

Amelia pushed two soldiers out of the way as she peered through the tiny circular window. "Was it possible? Is that really Eva out there?" She could see the dark purple form struggling on the cable as the wind buffeted her body - the violent swaying of the cable forcing the individual to stop several times along the way to endure the severe thrashing from the tremendous velocity between the barreling airplanes.

Hand over hand, she fought against the torrid wind gusts; inside the mask, Eva snarled at her labored progress. "Just a little more…" She thought, intrepidly moving closer to her goal.

Within the final meters of the giant plane, Eva started experiencing the excessive strain of sustaining her Pandora Mode. For most average girls, they can maintain their Pandora Modes for periods around five minutes – Eva, was two minutes passed that mark.

Eva's eyes blurred as the armored form crashed into the fuselage of the plane; the sound of the collision earning concerned expressions from the weary passengers inside.

"What the hell was that?" Adriana demanded as she and Summer left the safety of their seats and rushed to stand next to Amelia. "Who the hell is crazy enough to do this?" Amelia just smiled, marveling to herself as she kept the answer private.

Reaching with a shaky hand, Eva propped herself up against the open cargo bay door as several soldiers wearing their own oxygen supplies hoisted her into the hold. Waving off the smaller plane, one of the soldiers released the anchor cable and proceeded to slam the door closed. With the hatch shut, the air pressure stabilized inside the cavernous aircraft. All eyes were on the orchid exoskeleton, lying flat and lifeless on the metal floor.

Amelia made her way through the gathering crowd of Pandora and traditional soldiers. She knew that her former friend was careless and impulsive, but this high-flying stunt put her in on a whole new level of insanity. "Give her some room." Amelia ordered, "She's been in Pandora Mode for longer than the recommend time."

A muffled giggle disturbed the group of spectators looking down at their newest guest. For a moment, no one in attendance could have imagined the strange laughing coming from the odd individual lying on the floor. Releasing her concentration, Eva's dark-violet armor de-materialized, revealing under the mask a person who's been wanted by the governments of the Allied Nations for a long time. Leaving gasps and whispers from the groups of witnesses, the stranger spoke clear and loud. "Hello everyone…I definitely don't want to do something like that again."

"You…it's the traitor!" Larisa Tamm called from behind sophomores Bella and Tamsin, "Nightfall's best assassin is here?"

"Wait just a minute!" Amelia shouted raising her hands, "Give me a minute to explain…" She wouldn't get to finish her sentence as each A.N. soldier hastily loaded their weapons and painted multiple red laser dots across Eva's forehead. "Everyone, please keep calm. Eva Dalca is not here to fight us."

Smirking from the floor, the tired ex-Pandora gazed up into the curious and flustered faces of her enemy. "I'm sure Headmistress," Larisa mused, "That your goal to include this traitor in our mission was already planned from the very start?" She slid Tamsin aside, "Still…to allow a known terrorist and enemy of Genetics onboard this plane, jeopardizes everything we have worked hard to accomplish."

Amelia had to act quickly before her remaining credibility fell to pieces. "As you were soldiers! Enough!"

"Me being here…is enough for them to never trust you again." Eva said slyly, "If I were them, I wouldn't trust you or anything around here again."

"Be quiet!" Said Sister Amelia as she shot the woman a burning glare. The truth - it was reckless to bring Eva onboard; a serious gamble to the success and integrity of the mission. Unfortunately, Amelia was going to have to prove to the people standing before her that Eva Dalca's intentions were sincere, even if the Headmistress herself had doubts.

"I strongly encourage all of you to back away from that former Pandora." Nobody expected to hear from Summer El Bridget-Aoi, who was leaning against an aluminum bulkhead frame. This entire time, Adriana and her stood on the side, watching and waiting. For years the two roommates knew and experienced first-hand the devious exploits of the Headmistress; Summer manipulated and lied to as a freshman, stripped of rank and placed in an Allied Nation approved stasis chamber as a sophomore and now assigned under the command of Pina Marigold as a Ready Reservist.

One thing that eclipsed all of Amelia's transgressions was the decision to strike back against Nightfall. The initiative to attack the terrorist organization surprised everyone. Since the beginning, Gavril Magda's endgame was to reach, capture and control the Anti-NOVA weapon orbiting the planet. Putting everything else aside, Summer finally understood that they were all doing something right for the good of humanity.

"Stand up…" Summer commanded to the former assassin.

Chuckling again, the fiendish woman stood, stretching herself to her full height. As she rubbed her sore and tired muscles, she acknowledged the young woman. "So…the Sovereign of the West wishes to command me?"

"Headmistress, assist me in escorting this individual to the forward cargo area." Summer gestured with her hand, making eye contact with both Eva and Sister Amelia. Lowering her head, Eva walked toward the front of the plane, followed by Summer and Amelia. "Hold on a second!" Adriana shouted, "So is that it? We just forgive the assassin and trust that her intentions are sincere?" A few soldiers tracked their weapons as the Wraith took a few more steps.

"For now…" Summer replied. "There's less than four hours before arriving at the drop zone, so until then Captain Lohman, why not consider your newest duties and facilitate these Pandora?" Adriana froze with contempt for the Ready Reservist. Was it really that simple to forgive that woman for her crimes against the people of the world? The usually spunky brunette turned toward her Pandora school mates. "Um…you heard it soldiers, form up! Get back to your seats! It looks like Nightfall's former assassin is here to stay so cut the shit!"

Grudgingly accepting the order from the Captain, the group dispersed, allowing the A.N. troopers to return to their temporary field barracks near the rear of the plane while the teams of Pandora traveled back to their temporary seating assignments in the middle and forward portions of the plane.

Listening to the mumbles and small-talk toward the Headmistress, it was quite apparent to Adriana who toured the rows of upperclassmen, that their spirits were greatly diminished. Looking at her fellow classmates, she began to understand why accepting this role as Platoon Captain was something only she could accomplish – Adriana Lohman was a people person, and all these girls needed some serious encouragement.

Smoothing things over the best she could, the brunette mingled with her classmates and reassured them that Summer and Amelia were doing the right thing and being a Pandora means more than just obeying the expectations of the superior officer.

"We don't have time for this." Amelia growled. "Just tell me already, what else is going on?" The dark assassin smiled as she inspected her restraints.

Prior to Amelia's interrogation, a soldier acting under the A.N. commander's request, brought a pair of binders that were quickly clasped to the seated assassin's wrists.

Pulling her arms apart, Eva teased the strength and rigidity of the handcuffs. "Do you really think these puny bracelets are going to hold me?"

Amelia frowned. "No, but it makes the men in this aircraft feel a little bit safer."

"How thoughtful of you…" Said the former Pandora as she leaned back, clanging the metal bindings against the steel wall. "Fine, what else do you want to know?"

Summer stood alongside the Headmistress as Amelia continued her questioning from the privacy of one of the empty cargo containers. The three spent twenty minutes going over Gavril's plan for the shuttle takeover and how the terrorists were going to force the pilots into flying the vehicle up into space. What made Amelia shudder more than anything was the fact that Gavril's plan didn't include the mastermind himself taking part in the seizure of the space station.

"You're telling me the truth that your Master isn't personally flying up into the space station?"

"Affirmative…Amy Leah." The Headmistress paused, trying not to let the dark assassin needle her about her birth name.

"You know I don't go by that name. It's Amelia."

"Then don't refer to that piece of shit as my Master."

Summer placed a hand on Amelia's arm as she moved around to face the dark woman. "Why are you doing this?"

"What?"

"Why are you helping us?" Summer repeated.

"It's the…right thing to do." Eva affirmed, admitting to herself that her motives were nothing genuine. In her blackened heart, the only thing that was righteous was the immediate death of Gavril Magda by her own hand. "I…owe Amelia one last debt."

"Huh? For what?" Amelia hissed, "Don't think for one second that because of everything that I've done…"

"Oh shut up will you?" Eva shot forward, "Listen to yourself, all high and mighty! You're lying to yourself if that bullshit drivel spewing from your mouth is anything close to the truth! It wants control of the Perses Titan doesn't it?" Summer turned and looked at the frustrated face of the Headmistress. She could sense anger and embarrassment building up inside as Sister Amelia readied a closed fist. "What are you going to do hit me? I'm sure you've been wanting to for a long time! Are you going to keep Summer from knowing everything? Know what you truly are?" Eva gestured to Summer. "Ask her Sovereign! Demand to know Amelia's true motives!"

"Enough! The both of you need to…"

"Negative! You should be asking your Headmistress what's going on!" Amelia took a step back and braced herself against the metal wall, stealing a glance at the teams of Pandora conversing with Adriana. Oddly, the Headmistress started to scratch at her body as if multiple creatures were crawling out of her skin.

"I sense a disturbance within the Headmistress…" Summer flinched, hearing Kazuha's words ring through her mind. For a brief moment, the dimensional contact felt weak and distant. "Do you understand my niece? Can you tell the two planes of her existence?"

"Explain to me what Eva is talking about!" Summer demanded, "What does it mean?" Perspiration began beading from Amelia's forehead as she desperately looked left then right. Ripping at her skin, Amelia fought for the very fabric of her humanity as the alien inside emerged.

Eva kept her deadly eyes trained on the crazed woman as she spoke calmly to the young Pandora. "Summer, if it's true what I've heard about your abilities, you're the only person here that's going to save this airplane from going down in a torrid of flames."

Suddenly, Summer's world got small. Looking across at the Headmistress, it was visible that the woman was struggling to breathe. Pulling against her robes, Amelia tore the hat from her head and ripped at her hair. Grunts and howls came from her twisted lips as she slowly changed forms.

Turning her head to the opening of the container, Summer was relieved to learn that none of the other Pandora could see what was happening. Turning back to face what was once Sister Amelia, Eva was already standing, her shackles twisted and broken on the floor. "Summer, can you create a Freezing around Amelia? That may neutralize the NOVA form!"

"What's going on?" Summer demanded as the Headmistress's body thrashed about, glowing eerily at the back of the storage container.

"Just do it now!"

Summer obeyed raising her right arm; bracing her elbow with her left hand and unleashing her full power.

"Feel my flowing energy escape with yours…" Summer smiled through Kazuha's encouragement. As she poured more effort into the Freezing, Summer could almost feel the foreign energy permeating from Amelia's convulsing body. Utilizing more of Kazuha's essence, Summer's Freezing changed, pressing a different type of energy against the remnant of the NOVA that occupied Amelia.

The warm energy rippled from Summer's palm as space and time distorted. In a brilliant flash, the alien presence was returned to its plane of existence. Finally, the deformed features of the Headmistress dissipated, returning the woman to normal. "Yes!" Eva smiled, "You really are truly incredible."

It was over. Amelia sunk to the ground; any residual energy wicking from her constricted body and disappearing into thin air. Summer's legs felt weak as Eva steadied the young Pandora. "Whoa, let's take it easy Miss El Bridget-Aoi, you did good." Eva sat the girl down before she went over to Amelia. "I knew she wasn't rid of that NOVA fully."

"…What…?" Summer strained to ask.

"The NOVA that was invading her body? She's bound to it. It will never fully sever its connection."

"…How…did you…know…?"

Eva curled her lip into a sarcastic smirk. "I'm a master of infiltration, intelligence gathering and other questionable talents. Your Headmistress was using a chemical-balancing drug to manipulate her Stigmata function to nullify the NOVA's effect - it didn't work."

"There's…still more to this story isn't there?"

"Yep." Eva replied, "Summer, you honestly don't know a thing about me and Amelia."

Amelia took a deep breath, taking in the swirling colors of blue and green. The peculiar environment teased her senses as she searched the dense fog for a familiar landmark or something grounded to let the woman know that this wasn't a dream.

The further she explored, the more lost she became in the vast nothingness of the foreign dreamscape. Discovering the faint sounds of familiar voices, Amelia felt compelled to investigate. Cautiously moving through the mist, Amelia came upon a scene from her memory.

"Mom?"

Allison Ellsworth sat at the table, across from a younger Amelia; the two individuals enjoying light conversations over sandwiches and juice.

"You'll get the Headmistress job, I'm sure of it. I had a dream about it actually."

"Wait. You had a dream about me again?"

"Oh yes…it was through divine intervention that you got the job."

"Mother? What do you mean by…divine intervention?"

"Mom I'm so sorry! Mom!"

The scene faded, replaced by a heavy blanket of fog. For the next few moments, Amelia searched through the clouds, reaching for a way back to that precious memory. Whatever manifestation it was, it was gone now.

"YOU HUMANS ARE SO FRAGILE."

"Purity, you're behind this aren't you?" Amelia searched the area as the NOVA mocked and threatened her. Clawing at the fog, she couldn't find any source of the creature's taunting.

"YOUR PITIFUL LIVES ARE AT THEIR END…"

"No! You won't win! We'll continue to adapt and resist!" Raising her hand, she activated Silverstarr. Gripping the weapon in an offensive stance, she circled the thick cloud, hunting for a way to get at her prey.

"IT IS FUTILE TO DENY OUR WILL. YOUR KIND WILL FALL…JUST LIKE THE OTHERS…"

"Never! We'll fight you until the end!"

"YOUR RESISTANCE IS HOLLOW AND YOUR DEFIANCE USELESS! ALL WILL OBEY US."

"Not this time you bastard! We will drive you from this dimension one day. I swear it!"

Crackles of energy licked up from the ground as the creature summoned its power. Thunderous sounds resonated within the void as the monster took on its true shape. Amelia quickly backed away, taking in the size of the NOVA Prime. It was larger than she remembered; almost three meters tall with limbs lean with hardened muscle. The ovoid shaped head was still featureless, except for a thin line around it's maw that revealed rows of tiny sharp teeth. As the towering alien closed in, Amelia valiantly raised her weapon.

Flashes of energy emanated from each blow as Amelia executed multiple high-end combination attacks. The explosions of light were painful; blinding the valiant warrior as she drove the monster back towards where it came. Snarling and growling, the alien failed to reach out and swipe at the women's face as it swung its massive three-clawed hand.

Ducking, the powerful Pandora rolled and lurched upwards, piercing her long-sword through the neck and head. Landing hard, Amelia spun and sliced another gaping wound through the creature's mid-section. Screaming in anger, Amelia disregarded her Volt Weapon and tore into the monster with her bare hands.

Summer and Eva stood over the fatigued woman as she opened her eyes. Within seconds of staring at the concerned women, the Headmistress blurted out a weakened laugh.

"What the hell is so funny?" Eva demanded.

"For a moment, I thought the two of you were part of my dream."

"Dumbass…"

"Are you all right Headmistress?"

Sister Amelia got to her feet and smoothed the wrinkles from her robe. Being under the influence of the NOVA drained all but a few ounces of Amelia's remaining energy. Recounting the strange dream she experienced while under Summer's modified Freezing, Sister Amelia reflected on what her mother had said years ago.

Divine intervention. From a certain point of view, her mother Allison was correct. It was intervention, but not the spiritual kind that religious disciples describe in their ancient texts. For weeks, the NOVA Prime had been invading the minds of each Headmistress candidate; probing the pool of potential Pandora and systematically eliminating each one when they failed to measure up to its level of neural compatibility.

From the start, Amelia failed to impress the cabinet at her formal evaluation, which prompted her to learn that she was not a viable consideration for Headmistress. Oddly, after the unfortunate and mysterious deaths of the other candidates, Amelia was summoned back to Genetics for a second conference, which lead to the woman receiving the position.

Testing the newly appointed Headmistress of West Genetics, the NOVA found a suitable subject that could handle the temporal transference. Successfully melding with Amelia, Purity was provided with exclusive intelligence and personnel rosters of Pandora attending Genetics academies from across the world.

Making an already troublesome problem worse, Sister Amelia knew of her manipulation and for a while allowed the alien to control her thoughts and actions.

"I'm…alive. Thanks to you Summer."

Carefully, the Headmistress held Summer's hand before turning her attention to the dark assassin.

"Don't expect any sappy hugs from me." Said Eva sarcastically. "I'm just glad that you're free of the NOVA."

Amelia's face burned, "Once again, I'm alive because of your help."

"It was nothing Amelia…"

"In a twisted sort of way, I wanted to…show my appreciation to you for coming back to help us defeat Nightfall." Eva almost smiled as she accepted Amelia's statement. In her heart, she knew that she could never come back to Genetics; to return and fight for the good side.

"I'm happy to know that." Eva lied, "You and I made an incredible team long ago didn't we?" Eva kept her true feelings closed and buried.

Amelia may have felt some solace for her sins, but Eva was beyond any hope for retribution. As far as the dark assassin was concerned, her most precious desire in all the world was to end the life of Gavril Magda; and God help any poor soul who gets in her way.

Thanks for taking the time to read this chapter! Your opinion matters to me, so it would be greatly appreciated if you would take a moment and leave a review.