I know its been a long time since I last updated anything! But heress the next chapter anyway!~
March 30th
Egypt
Suez Base, Personnel Division: Commodore Ridley Oventure's office.
"Commodore," an Earth Alliance non-com walked into the office of Commodore Ridley Oventure.
"What is it?" asked the Commodore as he looked up from his desk, a pair of semi-circular glasses slipping down his nose.
"The 2 Test pilots are here" the NC replied with a salute.
"Very good, send them in" he ordered. Two young men entered the office.
"Ensign Alexis O Neil reporting."
"Ensign Lars Carter reporting." the two boys were both very tall for their age, 20 or near abouts. Carlos had thick black hair, some were in dreadlocks, the rest either shaved short or braided. Lars had thick curly blonde hair that hugged his head.
"At ease gentlemen." Oventure stood up, the Commodore was obviously way past the manditory retirement age of 60, bit the desperate times called for radical exceptions. "I take it you both read your assignment information packets?" Oventure walked around the side of his desk to the front so he could shake the fellow officer s hands, to him these were gentlemen and not soldiers.
"sir" the young men nodded.
"Carter, O Neil, when i say 'at ease' i mean at ease" Oventure returned to his seat. "please sit" the two officers sat in the pleather seats and waited for their orders.
"As you're aware from you briefing packet, MIRANDA has developed two prototype Mobile Suits to bid for the Defence Contract. The Aesir and the Apostle. We're assigning the two of you as test pilots and dispatching you to the Dominion and the Pavel bases respectively" explained Oventure.
"Sir" the two nodded again.
April 1st
Russia
20Km outside of Port Pavel
Lars' snapped out of his dream like state as his Spengler class carrier was rocked by an ice cold wave. Lars s unit was en route from the compromised Miranda base, he would pick it up in Pavel in about 2 days. The Apostle type Dagger was the refit version of the Blu Duel and Duel dagger, the extra weapons systems were built into its frame instead of being mounted after the fact. The apostle was armed with the beam pistols from the Blu Duel, but these were now hip mounted, its wrists being equipped with 4 kunai lance darts, the duel dagger's shoulder cannon was now mounted more like Launcher strikes gatling. Lars breathed out as his ship slowly pulled into port.
The port floor was bustling, from the dry dock the Whales was birthed in. Lars could see a myriad of ships under construction; none of them were standard sea ships, but multi role vessels.
"That s the new Tasman Class" smiled a tall blonde with ice cold blue eyes. The blonde was dressed in one of the thickest coats Lars had ever seen.
"Tasman Class?" asked Lars.
"An alternate Archangel class fit for mass production"
"I see" replied Lars, wondering under his collected exterior who the hell this guy was.
"Lt Commander Alexander Lasrudrace, assigned to the OLC Pompey." Alex extended his hand to Lars.
"Lars Carter, recently assigned to the Pavel Defence Forces" Lars shook the young man's hand.
"The Apostle pilot correct?" asked Alex with an icy assurance.
"Yeah, the Apostle Type J. How'd ya know?" asked Lars, suddenly becoming aware of the cold wind when Alex adjusted his large jacket.
"Your unit will be here soon, it was transferred to the Archangel. Now if you don t mind, I was sent to get you and bring you to the Command Centre" replied Alex as he pointed over at a tall building with a radar dome on top and a 360degree window.
"Ah I see. Isn't that Yeoman work?" the two boys set off, Lars carrying his briefcase and duffle bag.
"I'm on attachment to Commodore Scott."
The base's speaker system suddenly blurted out an alert. "Attention all personnel this installation is now at Level 1 Battle Stations. Archangel inbound with hostile units trailing. Mobile Suit combat teams Alpha through Gamma report to hanger bays 4-7. Lt. Lasrudrace and Ensign Carter report to hanger 2." the two officers were caught by surprise.
"Ensign, this way" Alex quickly darted off to his left, Lars followed him. As the two ran the speaker system continued to give updates saying the bases defences were being activated and for all personnel to report to stations.
"Damn it!" Seiei fired a series of shots with her Gamzatov cannons from her position on the Archangel's rear deck. Danel mounted a defence below the Archangel's bridge, La Flaga took the battle to the enemy whilst Li and Dante covered the Archangel from the catapults. The Archangel was under attack from an Orb carrier and 3 supporting Aegis Cruisers.
"This close to Pavel..." Dante grinded his teeth while using his beam pistol to try and hit the agile Astray Kai units attacking from the front to no avail.
"Captain, message from Pavel Control... Monitoring your situation and dispatching Jet Dagger teams. Package team on standby to pick up Package." read the communications officer.
"Acknowledge them and tell them to approach via the main hanger doors." ordered Murrue as she was rocked around by a Kai unit s missile impact. "Mr. Chandra, have our Igellstellungs move to random targeting mode!"
"Sir, the Archangel will be within Pavel's Defensive Fire Zone in 17 minutes..." one of the Orb officers alerted his superior to the situation.
"Hmm, Captain Black, you're up!" barked the Commanding officer.
"Roger that. Cruz, Seifer. We're heading out" Klaus closed his visor and readied to launch.
"Excellent" Seifer looked up and pressed two keys on the top of his cock pit.
"About time!" Cruz smiled ear to ear, finally he could test his power against worthy metal.
"Let s go!" Klaus ordered. Cruz's Scarlet Unit was the first to move to launch. As it locked into the catapult the Captain of the carrier opened a transmission to the pilots.
"Listen here pilots, Pavel has launched Jet Daggers to intercept our forces. We have also picked up a series of messages relating to a team which is en route to receive a package from the Archangel... Your orders are to destroy that team and the package"
"Understood" it was now Klaus' turn to sortie. Cerulean took off in its fighter mode, Viridian standing atop.
Sure enough the package team was well en route by the time Klaus' team launched. 3 squadrons of 5 Jet Dagger L units headed towards the Archangel, in the rear of the 3 squadrons were Alex's HiG Strike and Lars' Jet Grasper. Lars let out a large gulp as he detected the almost 40 suits waiting for them around the Archangel.
"Keep clam Lars. If you get emotional you'll get distracted" Alex spoke out in calm voice.
"Right" Lars nodded as his hands tightened on the controls. The Sky Grasper's HUD lit up as the 3 Orb units approached. "Alex, they're here!"
"I know," Alex opened a squad wide intercom. "Blue Team, Yellow team you're with me. Red team stay back and guard that Grasper!" ordered Alex as he flew off.
Murrue saw the Orb units dash past the Archangel. "Damn they're after the package team! Seiei, Danel, intercept!" ordered Murrue.
"Roger, Danel lets move!" the two Gundams jumped onto the water and skimmed towards the package team.
"Can we provide them with some cover fire?" asked Dalida.
"Impossible at this range with Wombats or Igellstellungs. CiC, aim Gottfrieds 5degrees off package team course and fire" ordered Murrue while the Archangel rocked as a Ballistic shell hit the rear deck. Another shell hit one of the main engines.
"Captain at this rate they'll take out our engines before we reach the defence line!" yelled Nueman over the sound of exploding metal.
"We need to make a direct hit." one of the CiC officers mumbles "if our engines go we won t be able to aim"
"DAMNIT!" Murrue hit her chair's side arm rest. "We can't run away from it anymore. Once the Package team is aboard take us up Mr. Nueman, circle around port 150. CiC stand by on Gottfrieds and Valiants, prepare to target Aegis Class Cruiser 2." as Murrue finished Lars' grasper touched down in the hanger bay.
The Archangel began to turn as Lars disembarked from his Sky Grasper. The blonde couldn't help but almost fall over due to the sudden change in momentum.
Murdock jogged over Lars. "Hey kid, you're unit is right over here" Murdock patted Lars on the back and walked him over to the Apostle's carry frame. "Is it operational?" asked Lars as he opened his visor to look at the machine.
"The booster output in the legs will allow it to be used on water" explained Murdock as he waited for the small lift to descend on the side of Apostle's frame. "Good luck" he patted the boy on the shoulder. As Apostle moved to the Catapult, the Archangel finished its turning arc.
"Are you sure?" asked the CIC officer soberly.
"I am. Take aim and fire" Murrue swallowed the biggest lump in throat she'd ever had. The brown haired captain looked out the front of the Bridge window as the Gottfrieds locked onto their target. Twin particle beams fired out from the port Gottfried... And penetrated an Aegis class' hull, tearing a huge hole in its side. Water gushed into the hole as smoke began to rise up "They fired a direct hit..." Lars looked at his incoming combat data.
"Murrue..." Mwu had a sad expression on his face as he disarmed an Astray that had attacked him.
Meanwhile on the Ikari the bridge crew were in a frenzy.
"Kasuragi has been hit. Flooding in sections P5 P16-9 and P23."
"The Ayanami and the Akagi are moving to assist."
"Mobile Suit Teams are requesting orders sir" Soga quickly absorbed the information and took command one again. "Have the Inoue and the Kondo continue relief efforts on the Kasuragi. Bring the Suzuhara and the Ibuki in close to the Ikari, we'll deploy our antibeam depth charges in close quarters" ordered Soga as the Ikari rocked from a near miss from the Archangel's Gottfried.
Catapult locked into position Readying Catapult for launch Murdock ran through the sortie programs for Apostle, one by one the check boxes lit up. Marauder had returned in to be recharged, leaving the left catapult free to use. APU Online Final system check locked in. Apostle is ready for launch Murdock gave Lars the thumbs up and nodded.
Roger that, Apostle Type J, Lars Carter heading out! Apostle screamed down the catapult at speeds that forced Lars back into his seat.
"Are they backing off?" asked Murrue as Lars took off.
"Negative... They are re-forming the battle line" Chandra responded.
"Damn..." Murrue slammed her hand down on the side of her chair.
Lars noticed the missile tubes opening on the Ikari... Instinctively Lars raised his units wrists up and fired one salvo of his micro lance darts, the small darts flew across the sky and penetrated the missile tubes causing an explosion on the deck of the Ikari that shook the ship violently. Apostle touched down on the ship s deck moments later.
"What the hell was that!"Soga stumbled back into his command chair.
"Antibeam launchers destroyed... Unknown enemy mobile suit is on the deck!" barked one of the officers.
"Get Seifer up there now!" yelled Soga.
Lars marched about on the deck destroying the Anti Air turrets, none of the Orb ships risked firing on him for fear of hitting the Ikari. Lars was about to destroy another turret when Seifer's large bastard sword swung out of nowhere and forced Lars onto the defensive. The sword bounced off Lars' compact arm shield, Lars still tumbled back, almost losing his balance. The blond quickly stored his beam pistols and drew out his Beam Sabre. Seifer flew at Lars again, he slashed down. Lars had no choice but to evade, he counteracted with a volley of Vulcan fire from his head mounted turrets, the shells bounced off Seifer's phase shift armour.
"Damn!" Lars checked his Lance Dart ammo, he had only 1 salvo left, that was for 4 darts. Lars looked up again and saw Seifer closing in with his sword up high. Lars quickly blocked the strike with his Beam Sabre, parrying it off into the deck.
Seifer tried to swing his sword back around but realised his sword had melted the deck plating and become stuck. "What?" Seifer tried to pull his sword out and failed.
"Hura!" Lars fired a spree of rail gun shells into Seifer, most bounced off his Phase Shift Armour but some hit unguarded joints and caused serious damage, Virdian's left arm and left eye were both damaged, as was the cooling vent on the right of its chest.
"Not yet!" yelled Seifer in defiance. There was a large click and Seifer pulled the handle of his bastard sword out, it extended into a heavy Beam Sabre. "Ha!" Seifer lunged at Lars.
Another sword blocked the strike meant for Lars.
"En guarde!" Marauder jump kicked Viridian in the side of its head; the Green suit stumbled into the command tower.
Soga and the other Bridge Crew were thrown to the floor. "This is ridiculous! Order a general retreat. Launch Fragmentation Shells to cover our forces!" barked Soga as he returned to his chair. Loud screeching noises could be heard as Seifer stood Viridian up; parts of the suit had dented the command tower's armour rather badly.
Dante noticed the signal flare launchers fire up between himself and Seifer, a blinding light... Over his shoulder Lars fired his last salvo of darts from his right wrist. The two small projectiles were destroyed by Viridian's sabre, Dante took advantage of the confusion and lunged at Seifer, his Anti Ship Beam Sword readied. The two swords clashed sending sparks everywhere.
"Hmm?" Klaus saw the signal flares in the distance and sighed. "A retreat?" Cerulean was attacked by Alex again. "Heh!" Cerulean transformed back into fighter mode and flew off.
Not one to overstay his welcome, Dante moved off the deck, signalling for his comrade to follow. Lars quickly jumped overboard and skimmed towards the Archangel, while the ship covered his retreat. "All because of a chicken wuss commander." sighed Seifer as Viridian marched back to the service elevator. Soga ruffled his hat in frustration, how would he explain not just the failure to secure the Archangel, but the damage to the Ikari and Kasuragi to the representative.
Meanwhile the Archangel crew was celebrating their good luck. Seiei, Danel and Dante landed a few minutes after Li and Mwu had successfully returned.
The two early pilots were waiting for the three; Li held her helmet in her arms, inside were 3 water bottles. The three Vindicators walked over to Li once they had disembarked.
"You guys were great" she handed each pilot a drink and smiled.
"Definitly one for the combat logs right Li?" asked Mwu jokingly as he patted Li and the small of her back, the Chinese girl squeaked in protest.
"Who were those two other pilots?" asked Seiei as she poured some water into her hand and began rubbing her neck.
"The one Dante saved was Lars Carter, the White Devil,... And the other was Alexander Lasrudrace, the Dragon of Glasgow." explained Li, almost in one breath.
"Alex... Alex" Seiei pondered to herself, the name seemed familiar like she should know it...
Li sighed and shook her head. "From the Glasgow escort fleet..." Seiei was Li's best friend but sometimes she felt like the red haired coordinator was far too dense to be a coordinator.
Seiei was about to defend her ignorance when Murdock's voice sounded out through the hanger. "Hey! Everyone clear hanger floor, we got that kids Mobile Suit coming in."
"Kira?" Mwu looked up towards a speaker.
Li almost dropped her helmet in surprise "Ensign Yamato?"
"No No the new Kid" Murdock barked again as the main hanger doors opened and the crane arms extended out. The four Vindicators ran to the edge of the main doors and watched in awe as the Apostle Dagger was lifted out of the water. Careful not to be crushed or doused by the Dagger the 5 pilots gave it a wide berth as it was moved inside the safety or the hanger bay. The hanger doors shut with a loud Clunk behind it. Apostle was quickly placed in a cattie frame.
A pilot emerged from the cockpit in an extended style flight suit, custom coloured all white with blue red and yellow stripes on its forearms. The pilot removed his helmet as he walked along the walkway towards the assembled pilots. He wasted no time introducing himself to Mwu, the commanding officer on the deck. "Ensign Lars Carter reporting aboard. Thank you for the assistance." the boy saluted firmly.
"No problem kid, in fact we should be saying the same to you," Mwu extended his hand rather than saluting. The two shook hands. "These are the resident pilots of the Archangel, Ensigns; Scout Pilot Danel Winder, Marauder Pilot Dante Gaius and Titan Pilot Li Quan" the three pilots saluted. "And Lieutenant Seiei Kofun, squadron commander and Defender Pilot." Seiei saluted.
"It s an honour to meet the Dragon of Glasgow" Seiei smiled and saluted. The other pilots of the Archangel sighed and either shook their heads or face palmed.
The Archangel was able dock at Pavel with no further complications. The command crew was invited to see the Commodore in his office. Mwu stayed behind to oversee the Archangels shore leave roster.
The metal doors opened into a large wooden office that Seiei thought looked more like a ski lodge than a Military Office. Scott was sitting behind his desk with Alex to his right and Lars to his left.
"Welcome," Scott stood up and beckoned Seiei and Murrue into the office. "Where is Commander La Flaga?" asked Scott. Seiei could hear Murrue swallow before she answered "He remained on the Archangel to over sea the shore leave and supply offload." explained Murrue.
"What a shame, I always wanted to meet the Hawke of Endymion" Scott sighed. "Extend tonight s formal dinner invitation to him on my behalf" requested Scott with a smile.
"Sir." Murrue nodded with a small bow.
"Now I have a few matters to discuss with you." Seiei nodded, but noticed Murrue getting awkward.
"Sir..." Murrue replied compliantly.
"Don't worry Murrue-San," smiled Scott "I read all about the JOSH-A travesty trial, this isn't a formal inquiry. I just want to bring you up to speed on the war and get to know you after all you're legends." Scott reassured her.
"Sir" Murrue nodded.
"Crewman Kofun, you're the leader for one of the Archangel's Mobile Suit squadrons yes?"
"Yes Sir," nodded Seiei. "And I think there s been a mistake... I'm a lieutenant." Seiei interjected. There was a tense moment in the room "...Sir" she added.
"She was promoted for exceptional service during the botched trial for the new 3G units." Murrue explained the full situation to Commodore Scott, during primary trials for GAT X11 Eradicate, a squadron of raiders ambushed the trial party and Seiei was forced to fight them off alone with half of Defender's systems offline, rechristening the X111, Defender.
"Ah I see, with Orb's assaults, the communication network hasn t been working the best" explained Scott. The Commodore flipped some other pages and skimmed down the last. Hmm either way, Lt. Kofun you may return to the Archangel Seiei stood up, saluted and turned for the door, Oh, before you go, I expect your squad mates to be at the Reception tonight as well smiled Scott. Seiei turned to Murrue with a sad look that read please, please, please get me out of that. However Murrue just sat still, looking at Commodore Scott. Seiei sighed and left the room. She walked out of the command centre into the cold snow of Pavel, wrapping a scarf around her neck she set out for the base s hotel where she and her squadron had been given quarters while the Archangel was refitted. How was she going to break the news to her squad? A formal reception ugh. Seiei kicked a lump of snow and kept walking.
I hope that was well worth the wait everyone.
PROMISE to update more often.
Thanks.