Vandread: Army
By Norsehound
Chapter Eleven:
Raid
The stolen Nirvana crossed the space between Mejere and Tarak with ease. Soon after they left the debris-strewn upper atmosphere of Tarak they were home free.
Shin had found the navigational beacon that Hiro placed on the frigate, and it might help in trying to find the location of the city where they were being held...
Otherwise, they should hope for God or whatever force watching over them for divine intervention.
Shin reclined in his Grandmother's seat. At various stations were the Tarak operators, filling in for their counterparts as they piloted the craft.
As for the others, Bart was in the helm, Hibiki off making sure his Vanguard was intact, while Tai was with Jura in her room. Parfait and the Doctor were running checks on the pexis reactor while Paiway was lounging in the medical ward. Hiro was also on the bridge, at one of the stations tapping some of the controls.
Through the glass and past the nose, Mejere's shape started to grow. The glittering three asteroid rings around the planet were now apparent, as they were nearly a year ago when Shin first came here for battle.
They never did find the Monsoon...Their frigate on that doomed mission with the pexis cargo....
Still, that didn't matter. They were closing fast on the Mejere defense barrier- the supposed area of defense where their nuclear warheads were shot down in the days past...
And at this distance Shin could make out the large craters on the surface of the world. He could also see several bright stars on the surface, most likely cities- as they glowed in the dark night.
The Tarak didn't have much intelligence on the Mejere orbits and what lie in them, but apparently the Nirvana also read off the records and chart database from the Mejere half.
The Beacon that Hiro placed was coming from an orbital city called 'Pine'. It was in a stationary orbit from the planet in extreme altitude. This made the task all the more easier...
...But not, as Shin realized that there was probably a garrison around that base that probably equaled the size of the greeting party that came to see them when they first made it into the system.
Hiro turned to announce, "Commander, we are approaching the outer defense layer of the Mejere defense line."
"Okay." Shin nodded and activated the comm., "Attention all hands, we are approaching the Mejere outer defense line. All systems and stations are on standby alert. All available pilots please report to the Platform and power up your fighters. That is all."
As Shin clicked off the intercom a memory of watching those old earth movies of the second World war came to mind....Battle stations all...
The Nirvana's sleek curves became visible to the naked eye as it approached the first asteroid ring.
"We have now penetrated the defenses. We should be on the Mejere orbital sensor grid."
On Mejere, an old crone looked up at the luminescent hologramatic globe.
Women voices called reports as the teal 3-d wire-frame of the Nirvana appeared on the sensor net.
Random voices called out reports and tactical suggestions;
"Tarak Ichazuchi Type Two "Nirvana" Approaching outer defense layer."
"Random patterns identified. Course laid out for 'Pine."
"Closest defense patterns are active."
"Dread teams launching."
Grand-Ma dipped her head again. No, this was not the Tarak invasion...
"Sir!" Called Horse, "Four Dreads approaching!"
"Hear that?" Asked Shin to Bart.
"What do you want me to do!?" Asked Bart, "Sneeze at them?"
"Try blowing up asteroids in a show of force. Besides, don't you like explosions?"
"Well...not if I'm in one..." Muttered Bart before closing the channel.
The Nirvana's hull plates broke and swung open before glowing and releasing the curving beams of light.
The approaching Dreads and frigate scattered as asteroids around them were detonated in a tremendous explosion, showering the incoming patrol force with random rocks and debris.
"Target the Frigate next." Shin said, then looked again.
"Commander that-"
"Yes I know." Shin replied as he said, "Bart Prepare to fire."
"Commander," Tex went on, "That's the same ship..."
Reminisce...(Flashback0783)-----He turned and saw them. Four white Dreads were advancing and behind them was a light cruiser...reminiscent of the same type that had taken the Ichazuchi over forty-eight days ago...
Shin turned and announced to his troops, "Men, concentrate your fire on the cruiser. Leave the Dreads to the fleet close-defense troops."
"Sir!" Called the 58 of the 42nd special unit as their Vanguards broke formation and flew into the enemy ranks.
The Dreads scattered and twirled in space like daggers, turning and firing.
The 42nd dodged their fire and swung the forearm-mounted automatic cannon up and returned fire.
The Dreads weathered the bullets until the Fleet Vanguards were on them.
But the 42nd had already advanced on the capital ship, which was snapping off shots with the two wing-mounted blasters.
Shin rolled around a blast and pointed at the blasters, to which behind him two anti-capital rocket launchers raised their weapons and fired into the wings.
Both rockets exploded and blew away the wing sections, shaking the Mejere ship and allowing the 42nd to land and run along the hull with explosives.
More Dreads had been launched, several coming around to straife the hull the 42nd were standing on.
A trio placing a charge were wiped out instantly under a direct hit, while another one took a beam burst for Shin as he turned and raised the massive metal bar hanging on his forearm and fired.
A solid-shell blew open the cockpit of the Dread like a walnut and the fighter started to tumble.
Shin and the five around him ducked as the pilot-less Dread flew for a moment before crashing into an asteroid.
Shin looked back at the force of Frigates. Where they had eight, four remained functional.
"Place those detonators now!" He ordered.
"Trying sir-BAM!"
One of the other 42nd had been blown to smithereens.
They hadn't been counting on this...they weren't equipped for anti-Dread fighting...and it was lucky that Shin had managed to down a dread with a solid-shot round from his gun shield.
Then somebody announced, "Sir! Maramusa signal detected!"
Shin hopped down and headed for the bottom of the ship, several Vanguards following him.
He reached the bottom hull and managed to jump onto the torpedo as it launched, taking several Vanguards with him.
Shin started climbing up the side of the Torpedo's casing, headed for the warhead. If he could somehow detonate it or shut it down this mission could stand a chance of success.
He was close enough before the thing shook and his Vanguard slammed into one of the detonator arms, then back against another one.
Given the choice between loosing Vanguard fingers or letting off, he released his grip and jetted off.
The torpedo was now spiraling off-axis but still headed for the leading ship in the formation- the Monsoon.
Shin and the other Vanguards rushed for it with all the power he could and opened fire.
This only dinged off the Maramusa torpedo and sent it into a spin as it's engine cut out.
Then the thing slammed into the Monsoon as Shin and the others closed in.
Shin's eyes were coated in the bright white flash...
*End Reminisce*
Shin returned to reality. The Frigate was the same, as the identification markings along the front part of the hull were the exact same as the ones that day.
Shin stabbed on the communications control, "For the honor of the 42nd, we shall avenge the dead."
"Who is this!?" Demanded a female voice, "Wha?"
"The survivors of so long ago, the 42nd special unit."
Vanguards had already deployed with fresh munitions.
Tesh spotted the ship and started making orders.
Like years before the Vanguards flew from their mothership and headed for the enemy capital ship.
But unlike before they weren't going to give up so easily...
The Dreads were wiped out immediately before shots were fired into the enemy ship.
This time the Anti-Capital rockets blew up the bridge, turning it into a flaming mound on the head of the craft.
More explosions rocked the vessel as the Vanguards creeped up the ship.
"Take her intact," Shin said in a cool yet cruel tone, remembering all those gone..."We have to repay the enemy for what they have done."
"Commander, we have lost contact with the Starlit."
The hologram of the cruiser changed from pink to light blue, and a yellow box appeared around a 42 as it hovered beside the Nirvana. Then both winked out of existence.
"...The forty-second Tarak Divisions....Intelligence status modified to active..."
Grand-Ma's head raised again.
Hours droned by as the damaged Mejere frigate was being set-up. Although the bridge was gone and most of the occupants were either dead or abandoned ship, the Mejere ship would be most useful.
As Jinn relayed the information downloaded from the ship it became clear. He was re-watching the battle recorder from so long ago...watching painfully as the remainder of the 42nd left behind tried to evacuate, but were cut down by the dreads and massacred.
Yes, to take the weapon of the enemy would be an insult-
-and using the same ship that damaged them to inflict harm on the enemy was even greater.
Shin turned his attention to the now-active holo-tank humming in existence before the commander's seat. It was showing Pine, and the hologramatic representations of the ships docked here.
Shin was a little surprised to find out that the Mejere had a lot more diversity to their ships than initially thought, as one of Mejere's three Dreadnoughts lie parked at this base.
However, the manifest said it was under refit- which made it a perfect target to hit.
The plan was simple- like the use of the enemy pod on the cloned Nirvana they would slam the captured Mejere ship into the Dreadnought's most vulnerable point and immediately take it out- followed by a laser barrage to damage anyone who was coming out of the area. Along the hull of the Nirvana the Vanguards had set up jack-in-the-box packages, laden with mines, missiles, and one-shot cannons. Seeing that the Nirvana's only weapon was the death laser, they couldn't risk trying to hit those ships without turning the station into swiss cheese, and obliterating their only family in the process.
Still, taking down that dreadnought and adding it to the list of kills on the 42nd's long record would be an achievement.
"Done. Heading back now." Announced Jinn as the Monster Vanguard and Deli ship undocked from the frigate and flew for the Nirvana, "Ready on guidance."
"Good." Shin responded and looked to Hiro, "Hiro, turn that thing around and warm up it's engines. Also try to find the best angle to hurt that dreadnought."
"Already done." Smirked Hiro, "Of course I'm not sure how much of a detonation that dreadnought would make."
"Why," Shin asked, "Would it hit the prison levels?"
"...no, but I want to know how many other ships we'd be destroying when that goes up." Hiro remarked calmly, "That dreadnought is parked in a shipyard. Do second-hand kills count on the list?"
Shin smiled, "For today we'll make an acceptation. Besides, I heard that the 97th assault unit on Tarak has more kills than we do."
"...But we've been fighting cubes constantly..."
"They didn't count the Harvesters." Miffed Shin, "But anyway, are we ready to kick some ass?"
"Sir!" Called all the Tarak on the bridge.
"Good." Smiled Shin, "Okay Hiro, you've got the ball..."
Hiro smiled as he started steering the guided projectile ahead of their path.
In their room, Jura and Kai were lying down side-by-side on Jura's bed and looking up at the ceiling.
Kai had his hat off, while Jura just rested there.
They had been asleep for an hour or so, but the both of them couldn't sleep with the inevitable breathing down their necks...
"Hey Jura." Kai started.
"Hmm?" Jura asked as she turned her head.
Kai also turned his head to look at her, "About that making baby thing..."
"Yes?" She asked as she sat up.
Kai also sat up and took her hand with his own, "I....I'll do it."
"You will!" She replied.
Kai smiled and squeezed her hand harder, "After all this is over...after the battle dies down and we win against the harvesters, let's do it."
Jura wanted to protest, wanting to do it sooner, but after living with Kai for a month she knew and nodded, "Okay."
Kai pulled her hand up as he stood, "Let's get a snack before we head out again..."
"I'd like that." Jura responded as she took a hold of Kai's arm.
"I never knew Mejere was so beautiful..." Said the male voice in the garden overlook.
Beside the source, Ezra looked up with him with Kahlua in her grasp.
Tag lowered his hand as he looked on at Mejere, "A shame for the craters though...but at least it's not as dry and arid as Tarak...."
"Yes," Ezra replied as Tag sat back down next to her, "It's a nice place...but a lot of it's abandoned now because of the power requirements."
"I see." Tag agreed as the two of them looked at the distant cities.
Ahead of them was the Mejere frigate, ready to serve as a guided bomb.
"Are you sure we have to do this?" Ezra asked, "Maybe we can find another way..."
"Ezra, I doubt outside the crew of the Nirvana any of the women would consider negotiating." Tag said and sighed, "At least, that's what I've been told...."
"This is command," Chimed Shin's voice, "Would all pilots please prepare for combat."
Tag stood and looked down at Ezra, "I have to go..."
Ezra looked back up at him before he went on, "Ezra....please, would you marry me after this is over? I don't want to loose you...to anyone..."
Ezra started to blush, "I don't know Tag...I....I'm so..."
Tag leaned forward and kissed her on the top of the head before leaving for the hangers.
Kahlua started to giggle and Ezra hugged her close.
The damaged Mejere frigate approached the docks.
"This is dockmaster to Frigate, do you require assistance? Your entrance angle is a bit off....respond Frigate-"
The Frigate's engines went to their max and literally exploded.
The Frigate flew at incredible speed as it arrowed through space. Defense guns on the station turned to fire on it but the frigate was too fast as it Kamikazied into the side of the dreadnought and tore away armor and other components.
Coming into clear visible range was the Nirvana, and two Vanguards aimed the large Army support cannons at the gaping hole and fired.
These guns, designed for ground artillery support in the atmosphere, proved effective as their 43in shells left their muzzles at near light speeds and flew for the damaged and blackened part of the ship.
The first shell blew away the excess armor before the second shot hit home.
The Dreadnought's reactor and internals glowed red before the reactor overheated. A sphere of solid yellow fire expanded from the cavity where the engine was, blowing up that area of the Dreadnought before it burst like a balloon.
Secondary explosions blew up in the forward part and wings, blowing away a large portion of the docking rings at the forward part of the ship. More debris spilled out and impacted on other areas of the dock, blasting away scaffolds and harming other ships in the area. Three frigates exploded in a chain reaction as a large portion of the wing slammed into them.
Another fragment slammed into the control tower and annihilated it in one blow, turning a promenade into fire as it bounced off the hull.
"Wow...." Tesh gasped from his Vanguard.
The Nirvana glided in to approach the prison levels on the opposite side of the navy yard, where even more explosions rocked that end of the orbital city. Dread platforms incinerated, then fuel sources went off and areas of the hull blistered and popped.
Another fireball blew out from the burning core of the dreadnought as it expanded into space and hit a satellite. The Satellite station had been moving in to help contain the damage but it became a guided fireball as it was lit ablaze.
Then the dreadnought core snapped in half, the after section breaking away into space and tumbling while the forward half continued to burn.
"My God, what did they have in there anyway?" Tex asked as he continued to watch the devastation.
"Commander," Informed Horse, "Dreads approaching. I'm getting calls from other vessels in the area to marshal at this location. This doesn't look good..."
The Nirvana approached the docking station. Vanguards now ready broke out from the Platform with the Deli ship undocking as well.
Dreads started arriving and came in at the Nirvana from the side facing away from the station.
Hiro hit some buttons and set off the prize boxes. Missiles blew out of the boxes and spiraled at their targets, catching dreads by surprise left and right as they were caught in the Maelstrom of enemy fire.
Next mines spindled out of their sockets and slammed into enemy formations, knocking out pure white Dreads everywhere.
Meanwhile Gasconge had landed the supply pod on the side of the prison levels and cut her way inside.
Mejere troops in environmental suits arrived at the large hole being formed in the hull and aimed their weapons at it.
The hole then collapsed down and fog played into the corridor.
The guards stood ever vigilant, even as only one man stepped forward-
-With Barnette's borrowed machine gun.
Jinn opened fire into the formation, cutting down guards left and right before signaling an all clear.
Several technicians of both Parfait and Jinn's department rushed in with arms and equipment.
Jinn's team started causing mayhem as they separated and started finding interesting systems to rip apart. Jinn and those seriously taking their assignment to guard the technicians ran after their leaders until they came to the Cell block control center.
"Here." Said Jinn as he pointed, "Operations corridor C-A-3."
"Right!" Nodded one of the technicians as she lead the other groups away.
Jinn turned to Taru and May to ask, "So what do you think we should do with this?"
"Er...destroy it?" Asked Taru.
"Great idea." Jinn smiled as he took a Mejere wrench and tossed it into the handy computer maintenance corridor.
There was a short before screens started to explode.
In their prison cells the crew of the Nirvana had all stood and pondering what was going on...
...Until Jinn ran into the room and declared, "We're here!"
"What took you!?" Magano responded.
"...We had some trouble checking in at the gate." Jinn answered as he nodded to a technician working on the bars.
The energy bars collapsed and the crew started to leave their cells.
"Now let's GO!" Jinn ordered as he lead the precession of almost a hundred women through the prison levels to the Deli ship's sealed passenger levels.
Outside while the Deli ship was getting loaded the Nirvana had it's hands full.
Not only had a Mejere cruiser showed up but so did more Dreads, forcing the Nirvana to change orientation to launch more prize boxes.
Shin shook under a hit and asked, "Gasconge! You done yet!?"
"It's not easy getting nearly a hundred people in here! I need to take some trips..."
Hiro hit a button as the Deli ship left it's seal behind and a docking clamp locked onto the hole.
"Satisfied?" Hiro asked.
"Much." Responded Shin and looked up, "This isn't going to end well, Bart, can you use your guns?"
"Not without toasting the station!" Replied Bart, "But I'm all set!"
"Commander, all the crew are aboard." Informed Tex, "The Deli pod is docking and Jinn announced he's the last man in."
"Good. Retract docking clamp and move us away from the station once the Deli ship is docked."
"Move where?" Bart replied, "We're boxed in!"
Even as the Nirvana turned Frigates were closing around to box the ship in.
The shields started to go one by one as the Nirvana weathered the blasts.
"Bart! N-"
One of the frigates exploded.
"Huh?"
Multi-color Dreads came from nowhere and started attacking the frigates and guard Dreads.
The Mejere military turned to retaliate but these unidentified Dreads were way ahead of the game as red markers flew out into Mejere formations- followed by energy missiles and explosions.
"Hey guys, need a hand?" Asked A Mejere voice.
"What the...what's going on!?" Tex demanded.
Thor answered, "Don't just sit there! Get to work!"
Shin blinked but commanded, "Bart! Damnit move us!"
The Nirvana's engines hummed to life and the bright ship moved away from the exploding city and enemy forces.
The Dreads also started to withdraw with them, falling into formation as the Nirvana with it's complete crew.
Once safely away, Shin sighed in his seat, "Well...we made it. Did we loose anybody?"
"No." Answered Hiro as he turned to face his commander then looked away.
Shin stood and followed Hiro's gaze to the door, where some of the Bridge crew were entering.
"Grandma!" He called with delight as several women entered the bridge.
Magano hobbled up to the command bridge saying, "Well young man it seems you have a fondness for explosions and mayhem whenever you pull something off."
"...It works," Shrugged Shin.
Magano laughed, "And good for that! Now, may I take my seat?"
"By all means..." Shin responded hastily as he climbed out and allowed Magano to sit back down.
The Operators tapped their partners on the shoulders and re-took their positions. Meia, who had also entered the bridge, walked to Hiro and started to talk.
Barnette was also there...
Shin saw her at the door and started to smile, "Barnette...I was worried..."
"So was I..." Replied Barnette and looked up at him, "What are we going to do now?"
"Well it seems we owe our escape to these dreads flying around us." Shin said and tilted his head as he faced Magano, "Any idea who they are?"
"Yes." Magano answered, "They're ours."
"Wha?"
"We left a number of our fellows behind when we went to Tarak. It seems they found out about our arrest...but you had already made arrangements to see us out."
"...With much greater flash." Laughed Shin, "We blew up a dreadnought."
"I heard." Mumbled Magano.
"Oh...and BC...."
Magano closed her eyes, "We never saw her again after the first day. I think she was executed."
"So much the better." Scoffed Shin, "A spy...and what's worse is that it was a crossdresser. Bleh...."
"Well, there's no pleasing everyone." Magano muttered, "Ah, there's our base."
Ahead of them and growing was a large asteroid. In it's side a large blue entrance had been carved. Too small for the Nirvana, but perfect for the Dreads and their previous frigate.
"...It's small."
"Well, size matters not." Mumbled Magano and hit the communications button, "Nirvana to base, anyone home?"
The head of a green-haired fair-faced young woman appeared. She blinked in amazement, "Magano?"
"Yes it's me Rebecca." Replied the old woman, "How has the fort been holding up?"
"Fine...Fine..." Rebecca answered, "I...I can't believe..." Then she noticed Shin, "Who's this?"
"My Grandson Shin Matsenuga." Responded Magano.
"Oh you're the Tarak who gave that speech....very nice."
"The Tarak don't think so." Replied Shin and leaned on another leg, "Especially after I stole their flagship and pretty much laughed in their faces."
"Ehe...yeah..." Rebecca said and asked, "Magano, are you sure about him?"
"Yes." Magano replied and said, "We'll be coming aboard. I hope you're ready for guests."
"Anytime..." Rebecca said as she closed the communication.
As Magano stood she grabbed a hold of Shin's shoulder fabric, "Come with me."
"Wha?"
Shin walked after her and she started, "That was Rebecca...Ezra's Ohma."
"Oh dandy..." Shin groaned.
"Yes. And if I were you I would keep a close eye on him." Magano said as they continued walking, "If you know what's good for him."
"I know what's good for him, but what's good for your band Grandma? How can they stomach the others- especially Jura and Kai, or Meia and Hiro."
"...I'm trying to think of that myself." Magano responded.
--------
Heh. I haven't ever seen a Mejere dreadnought, but I wouldn't mind sitting down to watch the pyrotechnics it took to wipe that one out.
By Norsehound
Chapter Eleven:
Raid
The stolen Nirvana crossed the space between Mejere and Tarak with ease. Soon after they left the debris-strewn upper atmosphere of Tarak they were home free.
Shin had found the navigational beacon that Hiro placed on the frigate, and it might help in trying to find the location of the city where they were being held...
Otherwise, they should hope for God or whatever force watching over them for divine intervention.
Shin reclined in his Grandmother's seat. At various stations were the Tarak operators, filling in for their counterparts as they piloted the craft.
As for the others, Bart was in the helm, Hibiki off making sure his Vanguard was intact, while Tai was with Jura in her room. Parfait and the Doctor were running checks on the pexis reactor while Paiway was lounging in the medical ward. Hiro was also on the bridge, at one of the stations tapping some of the controls.
Through the glass and past the nose, Mejere's shape started to grow. The glittering three asteroid rings around the planet were now apparent, as they were nearly a year ago when Shin first came here for battle.
They never did find the Monsoon...Their frigate on that doomed mission with the pexis cargo....
Still, that didn't matter. They were closing fast on the Mejere defense barrier- the supposed area of defense where their nuclear warheads were shot down in the days past...
And at this distance Shin could make out the large craters on the surface of the world. He could also see several bright stars on the surface, most likely cities- as they glowed in the dark night.
The Tarak didn't have much intelligence on the Mejere orbits and what lie in them, but apparently the Nirvana also read off the records and chart database from the Mejere half.
The Beacon that Hiro placed was coming from an orbital city called 'Pine'. It was in a stationary orbit from the planet in extreme altitude. This made the task all the more easier...
...But not, as Shin realized that there was probably a garrison around that base that probably equaled the size of the greeting party that came to see them when they first made it into the system.
Hiro turned to announce, "Commander, we are approaching the outer defense layer of the Mejere defense line."
"Okay." Shin nodded and activated the comm., "Attention all hands, we are approaching the Mejere outer defense line. All systems and stations are on standby alert. All available pilots please report to the Platform and power up your fighters. That is all."
As Shin clicked off the intercom a memory of watching those old earth movies of the second World war came to mind....Battle stations all...
The Nirvana's sleek curves became visible to the naked eye as it approached the first asteroid ring.
"We have now penetrated the defenses. We should be on the Mejere orbital sensor grid."
On Mejere, an old crone looked up at the luminescent hologramatic globe.
Women voices called reports as the teal 3-d wire-frame of the Nirvana appeared on the sensor net.
Random voices called out reports and tactical suggestions;
"Tarak Ichazuchi Type Two "Nirvana" Approaching outer defense layer."
"Random patterns identified. Course laid out for 'Pine."
"Closest defense patterns are active."
"Dread teams launching."
Grand-Ma dipped her head again. No, this was not the Tarak invasion...
"Sir!" Called Horse, "Four Dreads approaching!"
"Hear that?" Asked Shin to Bart.
"What do you want me to do!?" Asked Bart, "Sneeze at them?"
"Try blowing up asteroids in a show of force. Besides, don't you like explosions?"
"Well...not if I'm in one..." Muttered Bart before closing the channel.
The Nirvana's hull plates broke and swung open before glowing and releasing the curving beams of light.
The approaching Dreads and frigate scattered as asteroids around them were detonated in a tremendous explosion, showering the incoming patrol force with random rocks and debris.
"Target the Frigate next." Shin said, then looked again.
"Commander that-"
"Yes I know." Shin replied as he said, "Bart Prepare to fire."
"Commander," Tex went on, "That's the same ship..."
Reminisce...(Flashback0783)-----He turned and saw them. Four white Dreads were advancing and behind them was a light cruiser...reminiscent of the same type that had taken the Ichazuchi over forty-eight days ago...
Shin turned and announced to his troops, "Men, concentrate your fire on the cruiser. Leave the Dreads to the fleet close-defense troops."
"Sir!" Called the 58 of the 42nd special unit as their Vanguards broke formation and flew into the enemy ranks.
The Dreads scattered and twirled in space like daggers, turning and firing.
The 42nd dodged their fire and swung the forearm-mounted automatic cannon up and returned fire.
The Dreads weathered the bullets until the Fleet Vanguards were on them.
But the 42nd had already advanced on the capital ship, which was snapping off shots with the two wing-mounted blasters.
Shin rolled around a blast and pointed at the blasters, to which behind him two anti-capital rocket launchers raised their weapons and fired into the wings.
Both rockets exploded and blew away the wing sections, shaking the Mejere ship and allowing the 42nd to land and run along the hull with explosives.
More Dreads had been launched, several coming around to straife the hull the 42nd were standing on.
A trio placing a charge were wiped out instantly under a direct hit, while another one took a beam burst for Shin as he turned and raised the massive metal bar hanging on his forearm and fired.
A solid-shell blew open the cockpit of the Dread like a walnut and the fighter started to tumble.
Shin and the five around him ducked as the pilot-less Dread flew for a moment before crashing into an asteroid.
Shin looked back at the force of Frigates. Where they had eight, four remained functional.
"Place those detonators now!" He ordered.
"Trying sir-BAM!"
One of the other 42nd had been blown to smithereens.
They hadn't been counting on this...they weren't equipped for anti-Dread fighting...and it was lucky that Shin had managed to down a dread with a solid-shot round from his gun shield.
Then somebody announced, "Sir! Maramusa signal detected!"
Shin hopped down and headed for the bottom of the ship, several Vanguards following him.
He reached the bottom hull and managed to jump onto the torpedo as it launched, taking several Vanguards with him.
Shin started climbing up the side of the Torpedo's casing, headed for the warhead. If he could somehow detonate it or shut it down this mission could stand a chance of success.
He was close enough before the thing shook and his Vanguard slammed into one of the detonator arms, then back against another one.
Given the choice between loosing Vanguard fingers or letting off, he released his grip and jetted off.
The torpedo was now spiraling off-axis but still headed for the leading ship in the formation- the Monsoon.
Shin and the other Vanguards rushed for it with all the power he could and opened fire.
This only dinged off the Maramusa torpedo and sent it into a spin as it's engine cut out.
Then the thing slammed into the Monsoon as Shin and the others closed in.
Shin's eyes were coated in the bright white flash...
*End Reminisce*
Shin returned to reality. The Frigate was the same, as the identification markings along the front part of the hull were the exact same as the ones that day.
Shin stabbed on the communications control, "For the honor of the 42nd, we shall avenge the dead."
"Who is this!?" Demanded a female voice, "Wha?"
"The survivors of so long ago, the 42nd special unit."
Vanguards had already deployed with fresh munitions.
Tesh spotted the ship and started making orders.
Like years before the Vanguards flew from their mothership and headed for the enemy capital ship.
But unlike before they weren't going to give up so easily...
The Dreads were wiped out immediately before shots were fired into the enemy ship.
This time the Anti-Capital rockets blew up the bridge, turning it into a flaming mound on the head of the craft.
More explosions rocked the vessel as the Vanguards creeped up the ship.
"Take her intact," Shin said in a cool yet cruel tone, remembering all those gone..."We have to repay the enemy for what they have done."
"Commander, we have lost contact with the Starlit."
The hologram of the cruiser changed from pink to light blue, and a yellow box appeared around a 42 as it hovered beside the Nirvana. Then both winked out of existence.
"...The forty-second Tarak Divisions....Intelligence status modified to active..."
Grand-Ma's head raised again.
Hours droned by as the damaged Mejere frigate was being set-up. Although the bridge was gone and most of the occupants were either dead or abandoned ship, the Mejere ship would be most useful.
As Jinn relayed the information downloaded from the ship it became clear. He was re-watching the battle recorder from so long ago...watching painfully as the remainder of the 42nd left behind tried to evacuate, but were cut down by the dreads and massacred.
Yes, to take the weapon of the enemy would be an insult-
-and using the same ship that damaged them to inflict harm on the enemy was even greater.
Shin turned his attention to the now-active holo-tank humming in existence before the commander's seat. It was showing Pine, and the hologramatic representations of the ships docked here.
Shin was a little surprised to find out that the Mejere had a lot more diversity to their ships than initially thought, as one of Mejere's three Dreadnoughts lie parked at this base.
However, the manifest said it was under refit- which made it a perfect target to hit.
The plan was simple- like the use of the enemy pod on the cloned Nirvana they would slam the captured Mejere ship into the Dreadnought's most vulnerable point and immediately take it out- followed by a laser barrage to damage anyone who was coming out of the area. Along the hull of the Nirvana the Vanguards had set up jack-in-the-box packages, laden with mines, missiles, and one-shot cannons. Seeing that the Nirvana's only weapon was the death laser, they couldn't risk trying to hit those ships without turning the station into swiss cheese, and obliterating their only family in the process.
Still, taking down that dreadnought and adding it to the list of kills on the 42nd's long record would be an achievement.
"Done. Heading back now." Announced Jinn as the Monster Vanguard and Deli ship undocked from the frigate and flew for the Nirvana, "Ready on guidance."
"Good." Shin responded and looked to Hiro, "Hiro, turn that thing around and warm up it's engines. Also try to find the best angle to hurt that dreadnought."
"Already done." Smirked Hiro, "Of course I'm not sure how much of a detonation that dreadnought would make."
"Why," Shin asked, "Would it hit the prison levels?"
"...no, but I want to know how many other ships we'd be destroying when that goes up." Hiro remarked calmly, "That dreadnought is parked in a shipyard. Do second-hand kills count on the list?"
Shin smiled, "For today we'll make an acceptation. Besides, I heard that the 97th assault unit on Tarak has more kills than we do."
"...But we've been fighting cubes constantly..."
"They didn't count the Harvesters." Miffed Shin, "But anyway, are we ready to kick some ass?"
"Sir!" Called all the Tarak on the bridge.
"Good." Smiled Shin, "Okay Hiro, you've got the ball..."
Hiro smiled as he started steering the guided projectile ahead of their path.
In their room, Jura and Kai were lying down side-by-side on Jura's bed and looking up at the ceiling.
Kai had his hat off, while Jura just rested there.
They had been asleep for an hour or so, but the both of them couldn't sleep with the inevitable breathing down their necks...
"Hey Jura." Kai started.
"Hmm?" Jura asked as she turned her head.
Kai also turned his head to look at her, "About that making baby thing..."
"Yes?" She asked as she sat up.
Kai also sat up and took her hand with his own, "I....I'll do it."
"You will!" She replied.
Kai smiled and squeezed her hand harder, "After all this is over...after the battle dies down and we win against the harvesters, let's do it."
Jura wanted to protest, wanting to do it sooner, but after living with Kai for a month she knew and nodded, "Okay."
Kai pulled her hand up as he stood, "Let's get a snack before we head out again..."
"I'd like that." Jura responded as she took a hold of Kai's arm.
"I never knew Mejere was so beautiful..." Said the male voice in the garden overlook.
Beside the source, Ezra looked up with him with Kahlua in her grasp.
Tag lowered his hand as he looked on at Mejere, "A shame for the craters though...but at least it's not as dry and arid as Tarak...."
"Yes," Ezra replied as Tag sat back down next to her, "It's a nice place...but a lot of it's abandoned now because of the power requirements."
"I see." Tag agreed as the two of them looked at the distant cities.
Ahead of them was the Mejere frigate, ready to serve as a guided bomb.
"Are you sure we have to do this?" Ezra asked, "Maybe we can find another way..."
"Ezra, I doubt outside the crew of the Nirvana any of the women would consider negotiating." Tag said and sighed, "At least, that's what I've been told...."
"This is command," Chimed Shin's voice, "Would all pilots please prepare for combat."
Tag stood and looked down at Ezra, "I have to go..."
Ezra looked back up at him before he went on, "Ezra....please, would you marry me after this is over? I don't want to loose you...to anyone..."
Ezra started to blush, "I don't know Tag...I....I'm so..."
Tag leaned forward and kissed her on the top of the head before leaving for the hangers.
Kahlua started to giggle and Ezra hugged her close.
The damaged Mejere frigate approached the docks.
"This is dockmaster to Frigate, do you require assistance? Your entrance angle is a bit off....respond Frigate-"
The Frigate's engines went to their max and literally exploded.
The Frigate flew at incredible speed as it arrowed through space. Defense guns on the station turned to fire on it but the frigate was too fast as it Kamikazied into the side of the dreadnought and tore away armor and other components.
Coming into clear visible range was the Nirvana, and two Vanguards aimed the large Army support cannons at the gaping hole and fired.
These guns, designed for ground artillery support in the atmosphere, proved effective as their 43in shells left their muzzles at near light speeds and flew for the damaged and blackened part of the ship.
The first shell blew away the excess armor before the second shot hit home.
The Dreadnought's reactor and internals glowed red before the reactor overheated. A sphere of solid yellow fire expanded from the cavity where the engine was, blowing up that area of the Dreadnought before it burst like a balloon.
Secondary explosions blew up in the forward part and wings, blowing away a large portion of the docking rings at the forward part of the ship. More debris spilled out and impacted on other areas of the dock, blasting away scaffolds and harming other ships in the area. Three frigates exploded in a chain reaction as a large portion of the wing slammed into them.
Another fragment slammed into the control tower and annihilated it in one blow, turning a promenade into fire as it bounced off the hull.
"Wow...." Tesh gasped from his Vanguard.
The Nirvana glided in to approach the prison levels on the opposite side of the navy yard, where even more explosions rocked that end of the orbital city. Dread platforms incinerated, then fuel sources went off and areas of the hull blistered and popped.
Another fireball blew out from the burning core of the dreadnought as it expanded into space and hit a satellite. The Satellite station had been moving in to help contain the damage but it became a guided fireball as it was lit ablaze.
Then the dreadnought core snapped in half, the after section breaking away into space and tumbling while the forward half continued to burn.
"My God, what did they have in there anyway?" Tex asked as he continued to watch the devastation.
"Commander," Informed Horse, "Dreads approaching. I'm getting calls from other vessels in the area to marshal at this location. This doesn't look good..."
The Nirvana approached the docking station. Vanguards now ready broke out from the Platform with the Deli ship undocking as well.
Dreads started arriving and came in at the Nirvana from the side facing away from the station.
Hiro hit some buttons and set off the prize boxes. Missiles blew out of the boxes and spiraled at their targets, catching dreads by surprise left and right as they were caught in the Maelstrom of enemy fire.
Next mines spindled out of their sockets and slammed into enemy formations, knocking out pure white Dreads everywhere.
Meanwhile Gasconge had landed the supply pod on the side of the prison levels and cut her way inside.
Mejere troops in environmental suits arrived at the large hole being formed in the hull and aimed their weapons at it.
The hole then collapsed down and fog played into the corridor.
The guards stood ever vigilant, even as only one man stepped forward-
-With Barnette's borrowed machine gun.
Jinn opened fire into the formation, cutting down guards left and right before signaling an all clear.
Several technicians of both Parfait and Jinn's department rushed in with arms and equipment.
Jinn's team started causing mayhem as they separated and started finding interesting systems to rip apart. Jinn and those seriously taking their assignment to guard the technicians ran after their leaders until they came to the Cell block control center.
"Here." Said Jinn as he pointed, "Operations corridor C-A-3."
"Right!" Nodded one of the technicians as she lead the other groups away.
Jinn turned to Taru and May to ask, "So what do you think we should do with this?"
"Er...destroy it?" Asked Taru.
"Great idea." Jinn smiled as he took a Mejere wrench and tossed it into the handy computer maintenance corridor.
There was a short before screens started to explode.
In their prison cells the crew of the Nirvana had all stood and pondering what was going on...
...Until Jinn ran into the room and declared, "We're here!"
"What took you!?" Magano responded.
"...We had some trouble checking in at the gate." Jinn answered as he nodded to a technician working on the bars.
The energy bars collapsed and the crew started to leave their cells.
"Now let's GO!" Jinn ordered as he lead the precession of almost a hundred women through the prison levels to the Deli ship's sealed passenger levels.
Outside while the Deli ship was getting loaded the Nirvana had it's hands full.
Not only had a Mejere cruiser showed up but so did more Dreads, forcing the Nirvana to change orientation to launch more prize boxes.
Shin shook under a hit and asked, "Gasconge! You done yet!?"
"It's not easy getting nearly a hundred people in here! I need to take some trips..."
Hiro hit a button as the Deli ship left it's seal behind and a docking clamp locked onto the hole.
"Satisfied?" Hiro asked.
"Much." Responded Shin and looked up, "This isn't going to end well, Bart, can you use your guns?"
"Not without toasting the station!" Replied Bart, "But I'm all set!"
"Commander, all the crew are aboard." Informed Tex, "The Deli pod is docking and Jinn announced he's the last man in."
"Good. Retract docking clamp and move us away from the station once the Deli ship is docked."
"Move where?" Bart replied, "We're boxed in!"
Even as the Nirvana turned Frigates were closing around to box the ship in.
The shields started to go one by one as the Nirvana weathered the blasts.
"Bart! N-"
One of the frigates exploded.
"Huh?"
Multi-color Dreads came from nowhere and started attacking the frigates and guard Dreads.
The Mejere military turned to retaliate but these unidentified Dreads were way ahead of the game as red markers flew out into Mejere formations- followed by energy missiles and explosions.
"Hey guys, need a hand?" Asked A Mejere voice.
"What the...what's going on!?" Tex demanded.
Thor answered, "Don't just sit there! Get to work!"
Shin blinked but commanded, "Bart! Damnit move us!"
The Nirvana's engines hummed to life and the bright ship moved away from the exploding city and enemy forces.
The Dreads also started to withdraw with them, falling into formation as the Nirvana with it's complete crew.
Once safely away, Shin sighed in his seat, "Well...we made it. Did we loose anybody?"
"No." Answered Hiro as he turned to face his commander then looked away.
Shin stood and followed Hiro's gaze to the door, where some of the Bridge crew were entering.
"Grandma!" He called with delight as several women entered the bridge.
Magano hobbled up to the command bridge saying, "Well young man it seems you have a fondness for explosions and mayhem whenever you pull something off."
"...It works," Shrugged Shin.
Magano laughed, "And good for that! Now, may I take my seat?"
"By all means..." Shin responded hastily as he climbed out and allowed Magano to sit back down.
The Operators tapped their partners on the shoulders and re-took their positions. Meia, who had also entered the bridge, walked to Hiro and started to talk.
Barnette was also there...
Shin saw her at the door and started to smile, "Barnette...I was worried..."
"So was I..." Replied Barnette and looked up at him, "What are we going to do now?"
"Well it seems we owe our escape to these dreads flying around us." Shin said and tilted his head as he faced Magano, "Any idea who they are?"
"Yes." Magano answered, "They're ours."
"Wha?"
"We left a number of our fellows behind when we went to Tarak. It seems they found out about our arrest...but you had already made arrangements to see us out."
"...With much greater flash." Laughed Shin, "We blew up a dreadnought."
"I heard." Mumbled Magano.
"Oh...and BC...."
Magano closed her eyes, "We never saw her again after the first day. I think she was executed."
"So much the better." Scoffed Shin, "A spy...and what's worse is that it was a crossdresser. Bleh...."
"Well, there's no pleasing everyone." Magano muttered, "Ah, there's our base."
Ahead of them and growing was a large asteroid. In it's side a large blue entrance had been carved. Too small for the Nirvana, but perfect for the Dreads and their previous frigate.
"...It's small."
"Well, size matters not." Mumbled Magano and hit the communications button, "Nirvana to base, anyone home?"
The head of a green-haired fair-faced young woman appeared. She blinked in amazement, "Magano?"
"Yes it's me Rebecca." Replied the old woman, "How has the fort been holding up?"
"Fine...Fine..." Rebecca answered, "I...I can't believe..." Then she noticed Shin, "Who's this?"
"My Grandson Shin Matsenuga." Responded Magano.
"Oh you're the Tarak who gave that speech....very nice."
"The Tarak don't think so." Replied Shin and leaned on another leg, "Especially after I stole their flagship and pretty much laughed in their faces."
"Ehe...yeah..." Rebecca said and asked, "Magano, are you sure about him?"
"Yes." Magano replied and said, "We'll be coming aboard. I hope you're ready for guests."
"Anytime..." Rebecca said as she closed the communication.
As Magano stood she grabbed a hold of Shin's shoulder fabric, "Come with me."
"Wha?"
Shin walked after her and she started, "That was Rebecca...Ezra's Ohma."
"Oh dandy..." Shin groaned.
"Yes. And if I were you I would keep a close eye on him." Magano said as they continued walking, "If you know what's good for him."
"I know what's good for him, but what's good for your band Grandma? How can they stomach the others- especially Jura and Kai, or Meia and Hiro."
"...I'm trying to think of that myself." Magano responded.
--------
Heh. I haven't ever seen a Mejere dreadnought, but I wouldn't mind sitting down to watch the pyrotechnics it took to wipe that one out.