Titanfall: The losing side

by Golden Sheath

After losing Demeter and there Specter production facility the IMC is now losing the war on the Frontier, in the midst of the chaos a young pilot joins the IMC will he rise to become the hero of the IMC? and tamer of the frontier? or will he join the growing corpses of his fellow comrades falling to the Militia... (Rated M for violence, blood, swearing and maybe lemons)

24. Calm before the storm

Titanfall the losing side episode 23 Calm before the storm

I do not own Titanfall only this story so please enjoy.

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An/ Hello everyone, after months and months of work, delays, and setbacks. I've Finally done it, the next episode of Titanfall the losing side if finally out. It would've come out a lot sooner if I hadn't of been told I'll be going to a different country for a few months, but its here. Finally. This chapter (without spioling anything) was created to tie up all lose ends in readiness of the final showdown. It is most definitely the biggest chapter I've done for this story (and for any story I've done) and I hope you guys enjoy it...it bloody well took me long enough.

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Lightning was shot out of an Arc cannon that barley missed it's intended target, hitting the wall of a building. Splitter rounds where lunched at an Atlas Titan who brought up it's vortex shield to block the rounds only to get hit by a laser shot. The Atlas Titan powered up another Arc shot before releasing it at it's target. an Ion Titan.

The Ion dashed out of the way before increasing the firing rate of it's Splitter rifle by firing it up to it's secondary fire rate, in which it fires an increased amount of rounds over a wider margin at the cost of rapid power consumption. Once again the Atlas brought up it's Vortex shield to block the increased amount of rounds before dashing backwards as a laser tripwire was launched at it's location, not wanting its armoured feet to get sliced off.

Powering up another Arc shot, The Atlas this time managed to hit the Ion making it shudder with electricity. It launched weaker shots to try to press to press an advantage but the Ion decided to charge the Atlas while dodging any Arc shots and preparing it's laser. As it ran closer, the Atlas fired another Arc shot which was blocked by the Ion's vortex shield, that was all the time the Ion needed before swinging a punch at the Atlas. The Atlas managed to dodge the punch and replied with it's own, but the Ion dashed out the way and fired it's Splitter rifle in it's primary form at the Atlas's side causing it's sheilds to burst and chunks of metal to come flying off. The atlas turned round and launched another Arc shot as well as a cluster missile at the Ion, and while they both did hit the Ion causing the shields to become depleted and cause some damage, the Ion deployed another laser tripwire and when the Atlas advanced, it's giant titanium feet were almost sliced off by the titan boggy trap.

The Atlas feel to one knee as it tried to compensate for almost losing it's right foot, but the Ion again came in from the side with a punch, only as if sensing the incoming attack the Atlas shifted it's weight backward dodging the punch and while bringing it's damaged right leg forward and dropping it's Arc cannon, it grabbed Ion by it's arm and threw it over it's own damaged leg and onto the floor. As the Atlas was now raining punch after punch upon the Ion who was struggling to get up, the armour of the Ion was now denting under the assault.

The Atlas now sent another cluster missile at point blank range at the Ion, letting it's shields absorb the damage while it picked up it's Arc cannon and dashed back. The Ion while now taking heavy damage quickly got up and got away putting distance between it and the Atlas, both Titan's stared at each other at the cluster missal ran out of munitions. The Atlas had multiple hull breaches and a crippled right foot meaning it could not run, while the Ion has had it's back dented and shredded buy a combination of cluster missile and armoured fist, plus it's Splitter rifle was too damaged to use.

The Atlas charged up it's Arc cannon again but noticing this the Ion launched a laser sot at the Arc cannon itself just when it was about to fire, the result of the electrified BANG was that the Arc cannon blew up in the hands of the Atlas making it spasm greatly in Arc lightning. The Ion now once more closed the gap and prepared for the killing blow, while the Atlas still spasming tried to block the incoming punch. Which It did. The Ion then span around and elbowed the Atlas in the centre. Hard. Making the metal dent inward. As if enraged, the Atlas now blindly threw a punch as hard as it was able in front of it hoping the Ion would be their. The Ion merely ducked under the punch grabbed the Atlas's arm and while twisting it's limb and threw the Atlas to the ground, and with a show of both force and skill the Ion punched down through the wakened centre and pulled out the Pilot.

"Shit!" Travis cursed while being pulled out of his now defeated Atlas.

The Ion now stood up and it's Pilot also stood out of her cockpit. "Not bad" said Roxy "You managed to hold out for a while this time" She said. her voice being amplified by her helmet. "Your getting better".

"I was able to *hold out against you* many times Roxy, the fact you have a more advanced Titan does give you an advantage". replied Travis.

"It's not about the Titan it's about the skill of the Pilot, I've told you this Travis and I really don't need to tell you again. In the field you might come across a better Pilot in a better Titan, if you don't have backup you will have to rely on you own skill if to win if not survive."

"Yeah, I guess" Travis agreed. Travis won't admit this but Roxy was without a doubt the best Titan Pilot he had ever fought beside, she was fast, powerful, elegant and deadly. The fact she has a new Ion class Titan just makes her even better.

"Um, you mind putting me down now?" asked Travis.

"Yes, I actually do mind" replied Roxy still looking at him

"What?! why?"

"Maybe I like you dangling there like an idiot" She said smiling behind her helmet.

"Screw you and put me down" scowled Travis.

"Screw you and put me down..."

*Sigh* "Ma'am"

"Good, were done for the day."

Roxy's Ion put Travis down and ended the simulation, Travis exited the simulation pod and made his way to the Titan bay. Roxy looked at him as he left, his all round skills have improved, shooting, Titan combat and hand to hand combat have all improved in their own way but... Roxy sighed, she was not to sure weather he was ready for the battle ahead, this was Angel city...his home. She knew he didn't like or maybe even hated the IMC, he doesn't believe in the IMC's cause whatsoever but this was his home he is going to defend. Roxy couldn't help but feel sorry for the boy but at the same time she has hope for him, real hope. She and the other pilot's that had survived since Travis had joined then re-joined their unit has already noticed his change in personality, his usual profanity and recklessness had more or less remained the same but he had definitely became more stoic and even quiet (and THAT was a dead givaway). But the biggest change of him were in his eyes. Those bright brown orbs that once had juvenile cockyness and confidence, had become both cold, calculating, filled with frustration and even what could best described to be cold fury. No doubt he has gone through hell to stay alive but...

"I'm going to need to look out for him" Thought Roxy as she loaded up another combat programme for her own training.

---

Travis walked into the Titan bay and to his now ready to be deployed Atlas Titan, he was going to hop inside an check out any adjustments any gear weirdo's have done to his Atlas.

At least that's what he would've done if his Titan which was already online stepped forward and spoke...

"Greeting's Pilot Mercury, I am AT 2467. Your new Titan A.I."

Now Travis had been scared shitless before, hell many times even. Even before he was conscripted into the IMC.

There was that time where he managed to grab Buck's double barreld pump action shotgun and while messing around with it accidentally shot a customer in the shoulder, he was just 13 at the time and the blast had almost made Travis piss himself, but that was nothing compered to the legendary ass kicking he received from Buck.

Another time was mere months before fate decided to fuck his future and the IMC to come for him. Travis had gotten into trouble with one of the local gangs. What happened was Travis had...taken without knowing, a suitcase filled with money and he had spent half of it before the gang found out it was him who stole from them. The result of this was a large gang of 20+ tattooed, pissed off assholes charging into The Angels Fight Club. The good news was that the day the gang showed up, the club was having it's premiere 'fight night's' and one of the club's main rules was 'You do NOT interrupt fight night!'. The result of this was litterally the entire club rising up and taking them on...the bad news was Travis was right in the middle of the fist swinging, kick smashing, chair throwing, alcohol ridden shitshow and having 20+ dudes all come for you at once with Knuckle dusters, knives and clubs was not a very nice experience...

There was also that scandalous time where Travis was in the back streets and was messing around with what he thought was a broken smoke grenade discharger he had managed to get his hands on...though at the time he had no idea how to acutually work the damn thing so he decided to flick switches and press buttons in the hope's of doing something. Now there were two CRUCIAL thing's he had gotten wrong here. One. It wasn't broken...it was just switched off...Two...the smoke contained inside the discharger was no ordinary smoke but very advanced military grade White Phosbhorus...Travis had no idea of the sheer quantity amount of FUCK he was about to realese on himself and half the surrounding neighbourhood. Half a minute, a loud hissing noise and a large amount of cursing later Travis was giving it swastikas as he sprinted out of the back streets and onto a junction were traffic was located, with half his black jumper sizzled off and half the neighbourhood behind him covered in White Phosbhorus and on fire!. Just to add to his rotten luck however, were two police officers nearby. They looked at him, as he...Was wearing all black clothes before they were sizzeld, and he had a panicked 'oh shit' look on his face. Then they looked at the burning smoke storm behind him, they put 1 and 1 together and made 2. Travis then spend the next 2 hours running, cursing and hiding as the police hunted for him across half the city.

But this...this was something else.

Travis practically jumped out of his boots when his very own Titan approached him, (much to the amusment of a engineer team nearby) there was something almost sentient about it, the way to moved and spoke to him as if it had known him long before they ever met.

Heart beating like a jackhammer in his chest, Travis spoke.

"W-what the h-hell are you supposed to be!?"

The Atlas went down on one knee, "I shall repeat myself, I am your new Titan A.D. 2467, and you are my Pilot, Travis Mercury". Travis noted how his new Tian still had the same 'Jeeves' voice synthesizer.

"The others failed to tell me about this"

"Your superiors thought it best for me to introduce myself first, I am an upgraded and superior version of the regular Titan A.I. I can provide better assistance in the thertre of operations, advise more tactical options, warm you of potential dangers much sooner and over time our link can provide us both with better experiance and prowess for future operations."

"Ok...since when did this upgrade happen?"

"Specifically three months, twenty eight days, seven hours and twenty four minutes ago. During your time in Militia captivity."

Travis's eyes narrowed "Just how much did they programme you about me robot!?"

"Everything Travis Mercury. I know everything about you."

"..."

"My sincere apologies Pilot, I did not mean to disturb you"

"Riiiight. What if you get destroyed..."

AD's cockpit opened, showing a somewhat improved version of the Pilot seat inside...it was made of leather. "Your helmet has a memory chip implanted on the inside, when we link it will automatically start processing the progress we make as Pilot and Titan and as our bond grows stronger, it was be able to process this collected memory to different Titan chassis as well."

Perhapes this wasn't as bad as Travis had officially thought, being linked to a highly intelligent, next generation A.I. was one thing. But linking with it in the armoured dreadnought of a Titan known as the Ogre or another one of those Ion Titan's, hell maybe even that Ronin Titan with the sword was something else. While still feeling a bit cautious, Travis climbed up into the seat and A.T. stood up at full height and closed it's cockpit.

"Tell me A.T. what are your main protocols?"

"Protocol 1, link to Pilot. Protocol 2, uphold the mission. Protocol 3, protect the Pilot."

Travis couldnt help but smirk slightly as he thought "Screw it, let's just see what happens" and climbed into his new Titan's chassie and prepared to make the link. "Right then, let's take you for a spin."

---

The meeting room was filled with IMC pilots, grunts and officers. Awaiting the planning session for the next upcoming engagement with the Militia to begin, a lot of the big wigs of the IMC on this side of the Frontier were present as well, everything from generals to heads of co-operations loyal to the IMC to even banksters as well.

Travis's teammates were in different parts of the room talking with different people. Roxy had been taking to a few business men, Travis didn't know what they were talking about but he could definitely see the looks of desire in the buissness men's eyes, Kax was talking to a general, Harris was with Kax, Nigel was on the far end of the room talking to Alex (This was the first time he had even seen Nigel speak, he still hasn't heard his voice) and his (so called) C.O. Mason Steveons was busy speaking with both IMC officers and the heads of co-operations. Travis However was standing in the middle of the room with a look of barely tolerable indifference on his face. He had been in the room for just over ten minutes and he had overheard businessmen talking about money, resources, money AND resources and the amount of Human life that will be an 'acceptable loss' for profits to continue. He also heard a bankster talk on how he was going to cut pay either by half or completely to a percentage of his clients or 'plebbs' as he calls them just so can maintain his luxury holiday home in the Eden system.

The urge to walk up to these greedy, backstabbing cowards and kick their balls right up inbetween their ears was starting to grow heavy on him. These were one of the few times were he genuinely felt sympathy towards the Militia.

"There you are" said a female voice. Travis turned around to see Candice walking up to him. The redhead was smiling as usual, her hazel eyes bright with colour. "What are you doing standing here by yourself?"

"Oh, just overhearing what our employers think of regular people" Travis replied with a raised voice.

Candice immediately caught the gist of what he was trying to do. Cause a scene.

"Travis, don't cause a problem. This is literally the worst time and place with so many important people that have come here"

"I don't give a damn, I want to let these fucking scumbages know exactly what I think about them" Travis replied with an ever louder voice making some of the arrivals turn around and look at him.

Candice put her arm around Travis's shoulders to try and calm him down, while leading him over the far right side of the room. "Listen I know exactly how your feeling. Sometimes even I can barely cope with these people, but ever since Demeter was destroyed the people in this room are the IMC's primary income for money, materials and manpower. Without them the Militia will easily overrun us."

"They have been doing that for months now."

Candice then turned Travis towards her "Being a pessimist isn't like you, at Angle city. Your home. We will hold them and then break them. From that victory we will drive them back."

"Have you even seen how much men and materials the Militia have now Candice? When you le.." Travis had to stop himself talking, he knew Candice wasn't responsible for the utter fuck up that was Nexus. "When I failed to reach the evac point and got captured at Nexus, I saw first hand the masses of support the Militia have. They will soon have more Titan's than we will have men, better Pilots are joining them everyday, Their spies and recruiters are infiltrating all over the Frontier and they are creating new ways to hack and control our Specters.

"And despite that. They. Will. Break." Candice's Hazel eyes shone with honest determination, very different from the usual flirtatious cheek they were filled with. "We are the IMC, we are the only force that stands for peace and order in this wild hell hole of a Frontier, we have the best technology and trained Pilots that the Militia simply cannot compare with. We are making better Titan's everyday and when we destroy the Militia once and for all, we will pave the way for Humanity to take it's rightful place in the stars. Don't follow these people Travis, banksters and businessmen will never know what true destiny means, but we do Travis. Follow us, follow me, but most of all. Follow him."

Travis looked at what the person Candice was pointing at. Its was Stevens, his C.O. and at that moment Travis could see an aura of a man who has gone through thick and thin who was noble and determined as well as cold and calculating, he had fought in the first Titan war and not only survived but thrived, climbing quickly up the ranks to be the go too man when Graves defected to the Militia's cause. Travis had fought alongside with him before at Nexus, and despite everything going to hell in a handbasket he was as cool as an ice cube.

The last of the visitors had arrived and everyone was either taking their seats or standing. Of course he and his squad had to be standing as the asshole buissness men got to sit, and while Travis would be grumbling to himself about that, his focus was on something else entirely.

Mainly the IMC black Ops squad that has entered the room. Travis guessed everything he read on that library terminal regarding the Black ops was true, there were six of them. All dressed in all black armor, literally almost EVERTHING was black from their front chest armour to their leg pads, to their webbing packs, hell even their very own helmet visors were black. The only parts that weren't black was the silver coloured Co-orperate writing some parts of their dark armour. The Black ops team had their helmets off just like everyone else and their were a few noticeable faces.

For example there was one man who looked to be in his mid twenties, he had white hair...literally snow white hair with bangs that nearly covered his Green eyes. He had very smooth and noble facial features that most women would find very handsome and he held himself with such rigidity which made Travis raise an eyebrow. That was until Travis recognized him, he had seen him before on that terminal. This man was Jacob Roberts one of the IMC's most stalwart and noble Pilots and one of the very few that had survived Demeter. Which also made his squad, the 1st Black Ops squad.

Their were other faces as well. An older and much more experienced looking woman with red hair and had bright Amber eyes, who also had the rank of Colonel on her shoulder, an African American man who's eyes were darker and colder than the void of space, a cute looking blonde with bright blue eyes and looked to have an aura of controlled excitement, A man with shaved brown hair and blue eyes with his exception being having a calm and easy going look about him and finally some Ozzy Osbourne looking Mother Fucker, seriously that dude had long dark hair that stretched down his back and was wearing some shade sunglasses.

"Isn't that against regulation?" Thought Travis. He usually wouldn't care how people would look, or even regulation for that matter, but hair that long was even in his eyes a little ridiculous. Maybe in the Black ops they are much more lenient.

"Ladies and Gentlemen" a voice came from the stage. Travis, his squad and everyone else looked up to see Steven's standing on the centre of the stage with a remote controlled devise in one hand that controlled a projector on the other side of the room.

"We are all gathered here today to discuss the defence of Angle city, it had been confirmed that the Militia are on their way to attack it, and it is crucial that it stayes in IMC controlled hands." Steven's said as he looked at everyone in the room. Seriousness shone in his eyes "Should the city fall, we would lose total control of the sector and put the Quintos, Galatan, and Hephaestus systems at serious risk as well. Not only that but IMC industries and businesses may also take a big hit as well".

There was mermers of concern in the crowd of seated burocrats. Travis rolled his eyes.

"In order to stop this from happening the IMC has brought all of it's best army units, Spector leigons and Titan squads who are not in combat in this moment of time for Angel city's defence. Spyglass, what will be ours and the Militia's total strength in the battle to come?" Stevens asked as he pressed a button on the remote he was holding and a hologram materialized in thin air. In that holograme were symbols and banners of IMC army and Titan units including his own.

The familiar sounds of wirary legs was heard and Travis could only inwardly groan, Spyglass came into view, that creepy, cranking, monotone voiced A.I. Travis had always not trusted it, ever since he first saw it when he came to his Pilot unit, it had always rubbed him the wrong way...though that may also be because of the multiple times Travis had watched that old 21st century movie series that involved robots rising up and waging an apocalyptic war against Humanity, who only had a chance at winning by going back in time and changing the past...Terminator If he remembered correctly.

Though the thought of that happening in real life was...terrifying to say the least. It was the primary reason Travis had been wary of Spyglass to begin with.

"Greetings councillors and businesses men, it is fortiunate enough for me to report to you that Defending Angel city will consist the combined army forces of the 44th, 47th and 59th Army Cores, the 5th and 12th Marine squadrons the 19th and 22nd Armoured Infantry and the 3rd Auxiliary brigade." Those are our infantry forces which number a total of 5150 soldiers.

"Would that be even worth it?, if you compare those numbers to the masses the savage Militia can bring onto a battlefield" A voice of a buissness man said from the sat down crowd.

"I would like to remind all of you that a single IMC soldier is worth an average of 3 Militia Maruders, the IMC always perfers quality over quantity when it comes to it's soldiers, Titan's and Pilot's" replied Steven's. The crowd murmured in agreement. "Spyglass, Please continue"

"Very well Colonel, Specter forces will be making up the bulk of the IMC's forces in Angle city. The 2nd, 4th, 7th and 11th Specter Leigons will be accounted for, all of the said Leigons will be armed with the best upgrades, weaponry and anti hacking software. Overall the Specter legions will make up an overall 60% of IMC forces in Angel city.

"What the fuck!? You can't be serious!?" thought Travis as his mind processed what Spyglass said. He knew the IMC always had a hardon with there robotic play toys, but this was the first time he was going to be in combat against the Militia while the Specters he will be fighting alongside will outnumber the IMC soldiers. Has Demeter and the other defeats the IMC have suffered put THAT much of a dent in the IMC's manpower that Specters and other robotics were the only way to recuperate from those losses?. 60%!? that's two 30's you son of a bitch!.

There were only mermers of approval in reply from the seated audience below, obviously proud of their profits investments.

"Finally the Titan forces, we have brought as many Titan pilot's and there respective battlegroups into Angle city's defence in the amount of time that has been given to us. The current groups are as follows. The 10th Special Operations Battalion, the 8th Assault Devision, the 30th and 32nd Shock Cores the 15th Urban battlegroup and lastly, the 1st Black Ops squadron. Who's leader would like to come on stage to speak with all of you."

Everyone in the room turned to look as the redheaded woman Travis looked at earlier made her way to the stage. She had a professional and elegant aura about her which Travis immediately picked up. He stared at her intently as she made her way up the stairs and stood in the centre of the stage, she was definitely an older looking woman but the curves she had where still very noticeable.

"Gentlemen" She said, her voice mature and calm. "My name is Colonel Samantha Winters, I have fought for the IMC in the first Titan wars and I have come out of retirement help the IMC defend Angel city, It will be deploying with my Black ops squad to assist other IMC forces in reppeling the Militia attack. I am proud to be fighting in the colours I wear for the IMC' own interests and for peace on the Frontier. I would like to thank all of you in attendance for staying loyal in the current trying times we find ourselves in."

Travis scoffed.

"I can reaveal to all of you now that the defences in Angel city are nigh impregnable, we had installed the very latest versions of Auto Turret technology across the walls of the city and have tripled the gaurd. We are currently evacuating the civilian population and have set up roadblocks and checkpoints all across the city. Some of our forces will be placed at the most critical parts of Angel city including the Power station, the Govermental Districs and the Ports, while the others will be placed in and around the city as a rapid reaction force."

Samantha paused. "But who I am and where our forces will be deployed are not the reasons I am up on this stage, talking to you." She looked around the room, her eyes meeting everyone's. Including Travis's, he could feel her cool and professional amber orbs meet his brown for a second before doing the exact same to Candice and Kax who was next to him.

"I am here today to announce a breakthrough in Hammond Robotics, Artificial intelligence creation. We have managed to create an A.I. who is both fully aware of itself and others around it, but can also learn at a unheard of rate as well as take orders with a rigid obedience"

Mermers of approval once again sounded throughout the crowd, while the soldiers and Pilot's standing in the back looked at one another in both curiosity and confusion.

"What is she talking about?" asked Candice to Kax who shrugged in reply.

"I thought we already had this level of advanced technology in our Specters and Titan OS A.I." said Travis

"Well yes, but our Specters are not true A.I., they lack sentience and sometimes need to be guided by an outside force, Our Titan A.I. even with the newer versions, are still primarily designed for support and guidance options. If what Colonel Winters just said is true, then all of what I've just said is about to become obsolete." Replied Kax as he stared ahead at the Colonel who was patiently waiting for all the talking to clam down.

As soon as there was silence Winters continued "This brand new A.I. will be having its test run here in the upcoming battle for this city". She paused again, letting her words sink into everyone.

"How?" Asked a bureaucrat from the seated crowd

"We have given him a body"

"Him!?" Said a Pilot from the other side of the room.

"Yes. HIM...Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce a machine that is the first of it's kind, the most advanced Artificial intelligence the IMC has ever produced and represents the future for all types of combat machines to come. May I introduce...LOKI."

The main doors of the audiance room swung open, startling few of the Pilots and a couple of high ranking Grunts, everyone turned their head to see what had caused the noise. Some gasped in surprise and shock, others mouths just hung agape and more just stared in both confusion and awe. What stood at the doors was large, metallic and bulky, but not so much as to be crude. It looked like a Specter accept bigger and more advanced, it had two robotic arms and legs, an armored torso and a triangular looking head with a long, slim, red, downward visor for its face. It's colors were black and red which were cast efficiently on it's body.

The robot made it's way through the audiance chamber, both Pilots and civilians closest to it backing up almost instinctively and stood next to Colonel Winters, it mostly dwarfed her standing at a near 7 foot tall while Winters only stood at 5ft4. It spoke with a deep, synthetic and calm voice while bowing it's head in a polite gesture.

"Greetings and salutations sirs and mam's, Pilots and Colonels. I am LOKI. The fist ever fully sentient, self learning, combat artificial intelligence. From the looks on your Human faces and the increased speed of your circulatory systems, you are unnerved to see me. Allow me to fully explain myself. I was created by Hammond Robotics 1 month, 2 days, 23 hours and 47 seconds ago on the site known as Zone 18, in the Dakota system. I was created for sole purpose of wageing war against the IMC's foes no matter who or what they are. In the short time I have been alive I have been constantly learning known IMC and Militia Tactics and have made multiple theoreticals to counter and dominate each strategy."

As the A.I. spoke there were many people in the audience that quietly whispered to each other some out of surprise, others out of weariness and some with a growing sense of interest and approval as they listened to what LOKI was saying.

"Well this is intresting" said Kax "Give it some time and this LOKI robot could be a real boon in understanding and gaining the advantage over the Militia".

"If this is just the learning capability of one of 'him' I wonder what 10 , 20 or 100 would be capable of" replied Candice".

"Maybe they will be able to Pilot Titans" said Harris who had finally spoken in.

"This is Skynet all over again..." mumbled Travis.

"What did you say?" Asked Kax.

"Nothing" said Travis

"Now in regards of my form, this metallic shell my consciousness currently resides in is the perfected prototype of a new weapon that will shortly be added to the IMC's ranks."

The A.I. motioned it's hand to the hologram were it immediately changed from IMC troop figures to an information layout with a picture in the centre. The picture was that of the same robot that LOKI was, but with holographic information at certian and critical parts of its metallic body.

Colonel Winters stepped forward "This, is the Stalker. The next step and the future of A.I. technology, they will fill both an assault and specialist role."

"Ma'am. Before you say anything else, I would just like to say this" said a Pilot from the crowd. A Captin judging from his rank. "No matter what type of automata we send onto the field, the Militia have always found a way to hack and control them, either temporarily or permanently. Whatever this new robot is, how do you know that within mear weeks after it's release, we will not be shooting and getting shot by it as the Militia adds it into their ranks as well. Along with everything else the Militia has stolen."

Winters was just about to reply when...

"Ma,am please allow me to answer." said LOKI.

The robot looked at the Pilot. "Captin, I completely understand what you are talking about, this subject is one of the main obstacles which has stopped the IMC from winning this war on the Frontier. Had the Militia not stolen the Titan schematics before the start of the first Titan war, there would've been peace on the Frontier decades ago. That is why when this new 'automota' as you so eligantly proposed... (Most people in the room could almost see the sarcasm dripping from the robots red visor face) is realesed into the field a new protocol will be installed into its system. It is called the Infernis Protocol . If any hacking attempts are detected either from a distance or from a data knife and the Stalkers internal anti-hacking countermeasures fail to repel the intrusion, the Stalker will selfdistruct to stop it from turning on friendly forces."

There was a pause before..."All you fleshy meatbags have to do, is make sure your not in the blast radius."

There was a longer pause before..."That was a joke."

"Oh it can tell jokes now!?" Said a man from the crowd. Travis never thought we would ever agree with a businessman.

LOKI bowed it's head again "My apologies, Human humor is still a bit of an...anathema to me, maybe it's best if I tell some more jo.."

"That will do LOKI" said Winters. LOKI bowed its head one more time and left the room.

"As I said earlier, Stalkers will mainly be used for assault and specialist roles but when they get into CQB, that's when their efficiency most shows. A single Stalker is the same size as LOKI, with three times the strength and endurance of a Specter. Yes the Specter will still be faster and more agile, the Stalker will be much more intelligent and will be able to problem solve much faster than the most advanced of our Specters. It will be armed with a variety of SMG's, Shotguns and LMG's to suit it's needs. Does anyone have any questions?."

A aging woman from the crowded raised her hand "What does CQB stand for?"

"Close quarter combat" replied Winters

Travis inwardly groaned hard at that, he was risking his hide AGAIN for these dumb fucks!?

---

The meeting was over. The burocrats and buissnessmen were filing out of the room, all at ease with the IMC's battle plan and being assured that their finances will be intact. Travis, his squad and many other squads were still in the room talking amongst themselves. Travis had zoned out of a conversation Kax and Harris were having, he lost interest when Kax brought up 'Future Technologys' and had merely grunted when he thought he heard his name .

Choosing to opt out completely, Travis left the conversation as walked over to were Colonel Steven's was standing and talking to Colonel Winters, a leftenante and a beurocrat who hadn't left yet.

Both Colonel's turned to face him, Winters with mild interest and Steven's with a stoic patience.

"Something I can help you with Mercury?" He asked

"Yes sir, can it be in private?"

Steven's raised an eyebrow "Of coarse"

Both men walked to an area behind the stage where there was no people.

"What's the issue?"

Travis paused before talking "When I escaped from the Militia at Nexus and stayed at Smugglers Cove with leftenante Young. There was something I did not mention, don't worry it's nothing important but it concerns leftenante Blake."

Steven's smiled slightly "Nigel?"

"Yes, there was this terminal, it had the names of all of the IMC Pilot's and personnel the Militia wanted captured. Shit man I was on there, why would they want me? Anyway that's besides the point. What I'm trying to say is that Ni.."

"Nigel is on there and he is an ex Shadow Runner, as well as he killed a Militia General." Interupted Steven's

*Sigh* "Of course you already know" mutterd Travis

Stevens's smile grew "That is my job Mercury, I plan and I know things."

"Ok then sir, please humor me. How did you know?"

"Because I was his contact, he saw the Militia for what they truly were and 'saw the light' as they say. I planned for his escape from the Militia and when the time came he assassinated a Colonel named Anderson who was in charge of both the Militis's primary fleet and Titan forces. Thus the IMC welcomed him with open arms."

"He's a deserter, just like so many IMC Pilot's who have defected to the Militia. He has just done the opposite." Thought Travis

"Have you ever heard him talk?" asked Stevens

"Um, no. Never"

"Thought so, he only ever speaks to me and Roxy and rearly to Candice."

"Ok...why?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you for Nigel's own personal reasons. Don't worry it's not because he doesn't like you, when he is ready he will talk to you. Just be ready for when he does...his voice is quite unexpected." Said Steven's tapping Travis on the shoulder in a supporting gesture, and made his way back to the groups of people who will still talking or leaving. Travis left soon afterwards.

---

"What the hell do you mean your not leaving the city?" said Travis.

A call to evacuate the city was ordered and the IMC had grunts and armored transports to assist the people leaving there homes. They were going to a planet called Nyrexis in the nearby Gallatan system. The Militia fleet will soon be in system within a week so haste was in order.

Or coarse this evacuation lead to protests, riots, looting to even one case of a near full blown uprising. People were obviously very jumpy, and things were only going go get worse. The good news was Pilots who had freinds and family in Angle City were given a couple days leave to help their loved ones out. However when Travis came home to the fight club, he found out that Buck, a man who had found him crying and broken while his family was slaughterd and his house burnt down, thanks to Milita pirates and decided to take the boy in as his own, a man who Travis genuinely thought of as a father...was not leaving.

"You know exactly what I'm meaning Travis." replied Buck as he continued to clean the bar "I'm not leaving Angel City."

"But why?! There is a Militia invasion coming. Literally thousands upon thousands of the fuckers coming here! and you want to stay!?

"Aye yes I do, and for two reasons. One. I have never ran away from anything my entire life and I've taught you the same thing since I brought you here from your burned down colony.."

"No, no, no I cannot accept that Buck, you are a father to me and I will not risk losing you to the Militia. Help me clear the fight club up and move to evacuate with the other civilians to Nyrexis, I'll stay with you for a while when I get there myself."

"Just like how you 'stayed' when the IMC found out you were here!? No lad they'll just take you away to fight on some hellole of a world, in order to protect their profit. Just like they've done time and time again, and besides the Militia won't find me I'll board up the entire club to make sure."

Travis deadpanned "Buck. One thing I know about the Militia is that they always know how to find more people, weather it be soldiers or meatsheilds to fight in there war against us. At the battle of Nexus they literally threw civilian soldiers at us. They WILL find you and they WILL force you to fight for them. It's better to go with the IMC and when this battle is done and the Militia have been cleared out, you can return to Angel city and rebuild the fight club."

Buck shook his head growing serious "No Travis, that's the second and main reason I'm staying. If I leave and the fight club gets destroyed, the IMC will lay claim to the building just like it lays claim to everything else. I need to be here so I can KEEP this place my own and YOU will have a home to come back too, no matter what state it's in. I've seen it before lad, people who have evacuated their homes have it taken away from them when they come back because of the greed of the IMC. That will not happen here."

Travis put a hand through his hair getting frustrated. "Buck...I cannot risk losing you, I've lost close freinds to the Militia, I cannot lose the only family I have as well. Go and evacuate with the rest of the city."

Buck put a glass forcefully down on the bar looking at Travis in the eyes, he spoke in a low tone which indicated he would not be argued with. "Listen to me lad, if I leave and this place gets damaged we will lose our only home. I have to stay otherwise we will both lose everything."

Travis was about to retort when Buck cut him off "That's the end of it Travis."

"Oh like fuck it is!" Travis said raising his voice "Stop being a stubborn old fool and get your ass to Nyrexis! I don't want you to die!"

"Have you even listened to a single fucking thing I just told you!?" Shouted Buck as he raised a finger to point at Travis "I. NEED. TO. STAY! You fucking idiot! otherwise we will have nothing left to return to!.

"And what if the Militia find you!"

"They won't! Again I will board the place up!"

"Oh that gives me me SSSOOOOOO much fucking confidence!..."

"Fucking grow up! Boy!

"Then start seeing sense! Old man!"

"This coming from the stupid Prick that's telling me to abandon our home!"

"Oh I honestly can't fucking believe this!" said Travis as he picked up a glass and threw it against a wall. The glass shattered into pieces. "I'm going to lose you because your too Retarded to know the obvious!"

Buck smashed his fist on the bar, his face red with anger. "Well maybe I should of left you on that burning colony to starve! Instead of taking you in and listening to your bullshit 'concerns'!."

The two continued to argue for the next 30 minutes. It only ended with Travis storming out of the bar in a fit of rage, with Buck coming out behind him yelling curses at his back.

Two days have past since then. Travis had just finished practicing with his CAR SMG on one of the practise ranges, there were multiple ranges to test your aim all devided up into lanes. He took his SMG apart, cleaned it and put it back together, he had not been alone, several IMC grunts were with him up till recently. He understood what Buck meant, he really did. He was right, if he left Angel city the IMC would lay claim to there home when they returned and they would've been helpless to do anything about it. Travis had loved Buck, he really did, he was a father to him the person he had truly come to care about before he joined the IMC .

"Travis"

"I need to talk to him again. As well as apologise" Travis thought as he performed a weapons safety test on his CAR SMG. All the parts and gadgets of his main weapon cocked and locked into place perfectly, the actions like second nature to him. He put his CAR back on the weapon rack and looked at the other firearms their. R101's, G2A4's, R-97's, Spitfire LMG's and CAR's all stared back at him.

"Travis"

If Travis needed to choose a secondary weapon, he would go with the R101-c Carbine it was a perfect mixture of accuracy and stopping power but he would modify and enlarge the magazine for longer bursts of fire.

"Travis!"

But if not the R101 he would instead choose the GA24 rifle, it was superior to his CAR SMG in terms of accuracy and range. But it didn't hold up very well in CQB so he would give it a match trigger attachment for and increased rate of fire...speaking of rate of fire, maybe he should swap his Hammond P2011 for one of the new Mozambique sidearm, and then...

"TRAVIS!"

Travis was snapped out of his thoughts by a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Huh? What?" he mumbled turning around. Standing in front of him was Roxy and Candice both women were staring at him with a mixture of concern and bewilderment.

"What's wrong with you? Roxy asked.

"Yeah you seem, very off" Candice agreed.

"Oh. Yeah I'm just in my thoughts right now" said Travis in a monotone voice.

"I can tell" replied Candice putting a hand on Travis's shoulder "Anything you need to talk about?"

Travis thought before answering "it's personal, regarding family"

Both women looked at him for what he thought was for hours before they both nodded.

"I see" said Candice smiling solemnly and Travis's shoulder a squeeze "I won't press"

"But if you do need to talk, both of us are here" said Roxy giving Travis's other shoulder a playful punch.

"Appreciate it" said Travis looking up "So, am I needed for anything?"

"Nope!" Churped Candice, here flirtatious smirk coming back again "There is going to be a party tonight in the bar, everyone that's looking for a good time regardless of rank or job. Your coming with us" she smiled.

Travis looked of Roxy, she smiled and nodded back.

"I've never seen you drink before Roxy" said Travis

"I've never seen you drink either" she replied before turning and walking away.

Candice put her arm around Travis's as they walked together behind Roxy. "I want to see you get absolutely MingMonged tonight."

"I bet, no I know I can drink better than you can Candice. I was raised at a bar and a fightclub you know." Said Travis smiling despite his mind still thinking about his falling out with Buck. "I think your a lightweight."

"He isn't wrong" chimed Roxy

Candice raised an eyebrow "I handle myself better than you girl, we both know that, unless you want me to both remind you and tell Travis about the stripping in the middle of the dance floor."

Travis chuckeld, as Roxy gave Candice the death glare. The idea of Roxy stripping anywhere especially if it's in front of him...

"I knew you'll be a great stripper Roxy, I did mention it you know"

"Yeah right before I kicked your ass" Roxy scowled cutley.

"I agree with you Travis. Hell I'd give her a ten credit tip " said Candice as she now had to dodge a slap coming for her face

Travis laughed. Genuinely laughed at the female Pilot's banter as they made their way towards the bar. A part if his mind still thought of Buck, but he pushed that thought completely out as the three of them made their was towards the bar, with Roxy and Candice tearing into one another with banter. The bar they came too was already filled with both Pilots and Grunts, all were talking, joking and laughing as there enjoyed the start of what promised to be a fun night. The bar itself was nothing special, four doors two for entering, two for leaving. Inside consisted of the bar itself multiple tables and chairs that were set up, the walls were painted a rich red and had paintings and pictures of battles and important people that hung up on hammerd in nails and a dancefloor. The ceiling was the only thing fancy about the bar as it had silver chandeliers hanging from it. The three entered the bar and Candice pointed "There's our table".

Kax, Harris, Nigel, and Alex where sat there talking and drinking and as the the group came together and ordered more drinks Travis thought "Let's see where this night goes" as he grasped hands with Kax.

---

Travis was bent over with his hands over his knees, breathing heavily and pissed out of his head. Trying to process the events of the past few hours. For the first time in his life Travis was completely and utterly horrified with what he had seen and was forced to do. It all started well, everyone was talking, laughing and drinking. Having a pleasant time. But then music came on and Travis was forced up onto his feet to the dancefloor, which he didn't mind as he struck his moves and impressed a lot of people both Pilot's and Grunts alike with his style.

That started a dancing competition where bets were made and contestants selected. Travis finished third out of the ten that were selected, second place went to a female Pilot. But what was most surprising was that it was a Grunt which won the danceing competition, which prompted Travis and the eight others to grab the unsuspecting Grunt and throw him onto the air a few times in a victory cheer. The look on the poor Grunts face went from triumph to terror as he was chucked a good ten feet into the air, prompting more cheerful laughter.

After that, Travis could remember dancing again but this time having Candice in his arms as he did so. Both of them moving and synchronising the bodies together in time with the music. Travis decided to be brave and when Candice turned he put his hands on her hips and press himself into her, she pressed back pushing her back against his chest and her rear aginst his groin. Deciding to push his luck further and started kissing her neck, earning a giggle from her while she continued to grind herself against his crotch. This continued for a while before a hand was placed on Travis's shoulder.

Travis turned to see Kax looking at him with a sly smile on his face. "Not in the middle of the dance floor Travis, ja?" He said "You'll cause a scene."

"Come on man, don't ruin this for me" Travis pleaded as he continued to hold Candice's fine and feminine form, but then she smoothly and elegantly twisted her way out of his embrace.

"Kax is right Travis" she said as she leaned forward and kissed him. Her lips tasted of cherry, it was a taste Travis could get lost in. Such as he almost whined in protest when she broke the kiss and whispered into his ear.

"We'll continue this later tonight." She then kissed him on the cheek and walked off the dance floor.

Travis looked like a child whose favourite toy had just been stolen, as Kax put an arm around him.

"Don't worry about that kid, I've got a game I know you'll be interested in" he said as he guided Travis to a table where Harris and a number of other Pilots were sitting and drinking, Travis could smell the alcohol from Kax's breath, it was obvious that he's had more than a few drinks.

Travis was sat down on a chair in front of a table and had a pint of beer pressed into his hands.

It was from here that things started going wrong...

Travis, Kax, Harris and the other Pilots started playing drinking games, the first was called 'Never have I ever' where a player should say something he/she had never done before, and those that had done it would drink. Travis enjoyed that game as he told story's about what he did in his civilian life as well as getting more and more drunk as time went by, he had shocked everyone when he mentioned that white Phosbhorus incident, as he was himself suprised then laughed as a Pilot told a story about him using a Mervin drone as a battering ram to get into the backdoor of the quatermasters contraband storage. Travis downed half a pint before taking a moment to steady himself.

The next drinking game was something that Travis would NOT liked to have joined if he'd knew about it sooner. Truth or dare. Travis still had the common sense left to say truth whenever he was selected, least he was dared to do something stupid like some of the over Pilots who selected dare where forced to do much to his increasingly drunk amusment. That was until a female Pilot next to him said...

"Hey you haven't been dared yet!" She had to raise her voice over the loud music.

"And I don't plan too!" Travis replied

"Oh that's not right!" Said a Male Pilot "We all have to be dared at least once, otherwise there is no point!"

"I don't give a damn, I ain't doing it!"

"Come on Sweetie" said Harris as he finished his beer "Grow a pair and go for a dare"

"Why!? I'll get told to do something stupid!"

"Again, that's the point you tit! Said the Male pilot

"Shut up!"

"Could it be that your a pussy?" Said a second Male Pilot

"No! I'm just no.."

"Murcury the pussy...has a nice ring to it" said the female Pilot

"Can I just.."

"This will stick to you for a long time if you don't do this Travis!" Said Kax as he sat down with a fresh pint.

"I'd listen to the veteran if I were you Murcury" said the second Male Pilot

"Uuuurgh! Fine! What do you assholes want me to do!? Shouted Travis as he gave in, already dreading what kind of messed up bullshit they would dare him to do.

It was the female Pilot that spoke first "I dare you Murcury to...kiss Harris!"

"WHAT!" Travis shouted as he stood up in outrage "You people are messed up!"

"Aye! I second that!" Said the first Male Pilot. He was also backed up by the others.

"No! I'm not doing it!."

"That's the dare!" Said the female Pilot "You gotta do it!"

Travis looked over a Harris, he was beaming. His green eyes lit up with excitement as he stood up and walked towards him. Travis did an instinctive step back.

"I'm not kissing you!"

"Yes you are sweetie, I'm waiting!" replied Harris as he tapped his lips with his fingers

"The only thing you'll get from me is my foot shoved so far down your throat, that you'll start shitting toes!"

"Now that would be intimidating...if you yourself were actually intimidating!" Harris smiled as he waited patiently.

"I don't care, I'm just not kissing you!"

"Fine, then I'll kiss you!" said Harris walking up to him

Travis took a few more steps backwards as he prepared to speak some more very choice retorts, but Harris was suddenly in front of him in a blur of motion. His hands gripping Travis's face.

"Please... " Travis whimpered "Not the lips..."

Harris nodded before putting a wet, sloppy kiss on Travis's cheek. Travis let out a loud groan of pure anguish and despair, while the others just clapped, cheered and laughed. Even Kax was chuckeling and clapping at the site.

"GET OFF ME YOU DESGUSTING QUEER!" Travis shouted as he pushed Harris away from him, rubbing away the wetness on his cheek.

"Was it nice for you as it was for me?" Harris smiled sweetly.

"YOU COME NEAR ME AGAIN, AND I'LL OPEN SEVERAL METRIC TONS OF FUCK YOU WITH MY FISTS!" Travis continued to shout as he marched away, still rubbing at his cheek.

Back in the present Travis was still recovering from what he had last seen. What had made him run out of the bar in pure horror, it had started as he made his way towards Candice and a few other female Pilots who where gathering in a huddle. He was curious to see what was happening so he came closer, by this time everyone was drunk as hell and it showed. People were walking around funny, slurring their speech and a few were already passed out.

Now. Travis was still only 19, despite the war, fighting and the genuinely horrible shit he had been through people would still say he was young and relatively innocent. So when he saw a figure sitting on a chair in the middle of the group of female Pilots, it only added to his curiosity so he came closer and closer until...

Travis shook his head, trying his best not to think back to...that. He took several deep breaths of air and forced himself to calm down. He was outside of the bar, a few people were standing around, talking and smoking as the main activities were still happening inside.

And...well...let's just say he will never look at a poor bound and gagged Grunt, sugar, an umbrella, stripping, whipped cream and a packet of sherbet lemons the same way EVER AGAIN.

"Ahh, there you are" a man with a thick German accent said as he approached him.

Travis looked to see Kax walking towards him "We've been looking for you" said Kax. Travis noted that the alcohol made his German accent stand out more.

"Urrrgh" Travis groaned in reply. "How come your not as drunk as I am!? You've had just as much as I had".

Kax tilted his neck "With age comes experience" Harris appeared at his side.

Travis took a few steps back "Oh fuck! Go away! Leave me alone!"

Harris smiled and raised his hands in a placating manner "Relax sweetie, as much as I enjoyed our little 'dare' I won't push it"

Travis looked at him "Harris..I've got to ask...are you gay?"

"Yes" he replied

"Oh..."

"Is that a problem? Asked Kax

"No, it's just...it certainly makes sense all of a sudden" said Travis " The way you act around people...and especially me..."

"Intrested?" Asked Harris

"No...sorry, I'm not gay"

"It's cool, as long as you accept me for who I am then I'll watch your back the next time we are in the field."

"Yeah no worries Harris, just...while I'm just still a little sober, I would ask that you don't try to kiss me again. Please."

"Ok" replied Harris.

Kax put a muscular arm around Travis's shoulder "It's good to see you and my good friend Harris here do not have issues. But Travis my freind, the night is still young, were are heading back in" he said as he directed Travis back into the bar.

"But what Candice and those others were doing...that poor.."

"Don't worry, uncle Kax will protect you" said Kax as he walked Travis into the bar.

This was going to be a very long night...

---

Travis stirred awake in a bed, the bed he was in smelled musky and felt quite damp with human sweat. He sighed in satisfaction before getting a bit dizzy with butterflies in his eyes, he was still drunk from last night. He looked around at the clock on a small wooden stand at the side of the bed. 06:00am it showed for the time, he sighed again.

"Someone's awake" said a familiar voice.

Travis looked up and saw the woman he had spent a night of pleasure and passion with with. Candice stood with her back to him her round and bouncy ass stared back at him as she was typing on a handheld tablet device. Her long red hair flowing to her mid back, her skin was flawless and smooth yet showed evenly toned muscle from her training and fighting on the field.

"GOOood morning" Travis smirked at the beautiful sight in front of him.

"You like what you see?" Asked Candice not turning to look at him yet.

"What kind of man wouldn't?" He replied

"Good point" she said giving her ass a jiggle. He could tell she was smiling.

True to her word she and Travis did carry on from where they last left off on the dance floor, it was much later on in the night and Travis had spotted her dancing again. Sommoning up his courage Travis danced up to her and put his hands over her eyes, when she removed them and turned around they both smiled sensually. Both of them were very drunk at his point and both had the same thing on thier minds. They started dancing together again, along with the other Pilots and Grunts who were still in the bar. Their bodies perfectly entwined with the music, Travis brought his head forward to kiss the side of Candice's neck and she replied by bringing her arm up and stroking Travis's hair. From there it went from dancing to making out near then on a table, then the next thing Travis knew he was inside Candice's bedroom passionately making out while taking off their clothes.

From their what followed was a night of love, lust, pleasure, and energy.

Travis pushed himself up on the bed "I'm going to have a nasty hangover when I get sober."

"Your young, you can deal with it better with your age. Besides I've got some hangover pills in my closet in case you need any." Said Candice

"Your the best" replied Travis.

"I know I am, your were saying that last night when I was riding you into the bed" she said, he could still hear the smile in her voice.

"Well what can I say, I like to enjoy myself. I still remember the faces you make when i was plowing you" Travis said

Candice laughed "Ok fine I'll admit, you were pretty good...for a virgin"

Travis's smirk turned into a frown "I was making you scream"

Candice finished off typing onto her device she was holding, put it down and turned around. Her body was toned yet feminine with nice curvy hips and a flat, soft yet musceld stomach, she had long smooth legs with a pair of round, firm yet slightly perky set of breasts. It was the body that Travis claimed last night, just as Candice claimed his.

Her hazel eyes looked at the alarm clock before grabbing the blanket on throwing it off the bed, leaving Travis's naked body completely bare for her eyes.

"We've still got an hour" she said, as she started to crawl on all four towards Travis her eyes becoming bright and predatory, her voice becoming husky and alluring "Now I'm going to make you scream..."

---

Militia Capital ship Redeye Omeaga system.

Rosemary Jones walked along the metal halls of the Redeye, the primary ship of the Militia first fleet. Her Blonde hair was tried up in a single bun and her bright blue eyes looked over everything with a soldiers calculation. Around her the crew of the Redeye were about doing there duties. Some were crewmen overseeing and performing maintenance of the Redeye's many systems and weapons, Soldiers and freedom fighters took apart and reassembled their weapons, performed target practice on the many weapon ranges on board and trained for the next up coming battle with the IMC. The Pilots meanwhile tended to their Titans, making sure there were armed and equipped with the latest and best weapons and armor the Militia could produce, if not then they would be inside the simulation pods, testing their skills against IMC grunts , Pilots and Titans in simulated battles.

The Redeye itself was a very big ship, a hybridised mix between a crusier and a battleship. Not only did soldiers live there but their family's too, family's that decided to come with them after losing everything they had ever known to the careless greed of the IMC. The ship was surrounded by its brother and sister ships, ships of all types from the friget's and raiders of Pirates and Mercenary's to crusiers and barges that held the Militia's main forces to even the large behemoth battleships and destroyers as well as even a few dreadnought's that the Militia had maneged to steal and userp right from under the IMC's nose.

The Militia first fleet had doubled then tripled in the past year thanks to the great victory at Demeter, they were winning battle after battle and more and more people across the Frontier were starting to see that victory for the Militia over the IMC and a FREE Frontier was not a doomed dream...it was inevitable. Skirmish by skirmish, battle by battle, fleet by fleet and planet by planet, they were taking back control of their freedom and their homeworlds from IMC tryranny. They were winning...and everyone knew it.

Rosemary made her way towards the Bridge of the Redeye, she already knew where the fleet was going and who they will be fighting, hell everyone knew.

"Rosemary" said a Male voice from behind her.

She turned around and saw her freind Ryan Simmons running up to her. Ryan had been fighting with her since the prisoner escape at Nexus and all the way through victory after victory up to now. A well built man, Ryan had dark brown hair with blue eyes, he was in his late twentys but his eyes held a near childlike amusment to then, it had annoyed Rosemany more than once. His face was grown up with a strong jaw, many women would've found him handsome.

"I'll follow you to the bridge. Have you seen the number of pilots we have now?"

"Yes" Rosemany replied, her voice both soft but athoritive at the same time. "We have more Pilots than we have Titans..."

"True story but hey" said Ryan as he raised his hands up "they would be able to beat IMC infantry easy enough"

Rosemary sighed "They are practically just beta-Pilots" Both Militia Pilots continued to walk past the hallways and through the corridors of the Redeye towards the bridge.

By order of James MacAllen, the Militia have sped up the process on the training of Titan Pilots. This was done for two reasons. Reason one, to produce much better and versitile infantry that can better adapt to the challenges on the battlefield. Reason two, to make better use of the mass numbers of new recruits flooding into the Militia.

The result was met with mixed success.

While these 'beta-Pilots' as Rosemary called them out performed regular Militia soldiers when dealing with IMC ground forces. An IMC Pilot on the other hand, would be able to take down dozens of these beta-Pilots without breaking much stride.

"Heheh they still get results though am I right?" Chuckeld Ryan

Rosemary didn't reply, so Ryan reached out with a hand and patted her on her blonde head.

Rosemary instantly slapped the hand away and glared up at Ryan.

"Will you just freaking stop that!?"

"Hey, I told you. You ignore me, you get a pat" he smiled back

Rosemary's glare changed into a small smile as she shook her head. "One of these days Ryan..."

"You know you love it" he replied

"To answer your question...no, I personally don't see much point in mass produced Pilots. Either train them completely and properly or not at all."

"Most Militia Pilots would disagree with you on that. We need every advantage we can get if we are going to beat the IMC completely" said Ryan.

The two entered the bridge of the Redeye, it was filled with people from the bridge crew with maneged and navigated the ships instruments, to the many grunts, Pilots and officers that spoke to one another, among them were two of the top Militia commanders. Sarah and Bish. Sarah was wearing her usual attire which consisted of leather clothing with body armor on her chest, shoulders and stomach. She also wore her iconic bandana on her forehead to cover up part of her hair. Her hair itself was dark brown and she had hard grey eyes. Bish meanwhile, was mainly wearing civilian clothes of brown and grey, he had a mic over his left ear and had black hair as well as deep dark brown eyes.

Both Sarah and Bish had looked like that had considerably aged in the past year, the constant work they had been doing to not only command the Militias forces in war but to also supply and organize the near overwhelming support and fresh manpower they had been getting due to constant success against the IMC.

"They've done such great work" Rosemary thought to herself. Both commanders were chatting to a few other Pilots. She then continued to look around until she saw a fimilar face which made her show that small smile.

Barker.

Barker was drinking.

Again.

"On the moonshine again Barker?" Smirked Ryan as they both approached the ex-IMC Pilot. Barker was wearing Green and black coveralls and was sitting down on one of their in front of the meeting hololith, he seemed to look in somewhat decent shape dispite his near constant drinking, his well stylised greying hair and eyes as green as his coveralls seen to prove that.

"Aaayyy kiddos" said Barker laughably "How's life been treating you?"

"Were both doing great old timer, you?" Replied Ryan.

Barker winked at him and raised his tikanter in the air "I'm in my happy place right now"

"Your a raging alcoholic Barker, but I'm sure you already new that" said Rosemary still smiling.

Barker shrugged " We all have our hobbies...or at least ways to cope with the past.

"Well we all know the saying 'People come to the Frontier to chase the future or run from the past' I'm that's relevant to some people here" said a new voice.

Rosemary's small smile completely vanished and was replaced with a cold stare as the voices owner walked up beside her.

Alfred Vallern. The mercanary turned officer, and probably the most ruthless, sadistic basterd she had ever met. They both had first met on Nexus just like Ryan, but Alfred didn't sit well with Rosemay from the start. He was once owned and paid by the IMC and had created quite the reputation for himself, brutally chasing down his enemies and crushing them with sadistic fury. But he was still a mercanary and when the Frontier Militia contacted him and offered him a better deal, he accepted almost immediately. Turning on his IMC allies and joining their side, also bringing the location of several IMC factory's which had earned him a 'temporary pay rise'.

Alfred had well trimmed and parted black hair, also with black eyes he was dressed up well in his officer atire making it look like he fitted perfectly with the job. Which he was, without a doubt. He could lead almost as well as he could crush. Which was very efficiently. He smiled at all three of them but his smile never reached his eyes, Rosemary could see a sadism in those dark orbs that sent a shiver right down even her spine. She had once went straight to MacAllen asking him to get rid of Alfred, this was after mutiple incidences where he would be responsible for some utterly abhorrent actions against IMC forces, even by Militia standards. However it was after she had seen him in his Ogre Titan slaughter nearly an entire battalion of IMC grunts, even those who had surrendered was the final straw.

However MacAllen had refused "I completely understand what your saying and I'm sorry to say this but I can't get rid of him, he brings results, and creates progress towards our objectives. Maybe later on in this war when we have achieved a more dominant position I will get rid of him, but for now we need him." Those were MacAllens words and dispite her feelings she would obey them.

"Oh, hello Alf" said Barker "Didn't know you were here"

"And good morning to you too Barker" Alfred replied "Drinking already I see"

Dispite them being on a space ship in space they still had clocks that would tell the time in continental standards. It was currently 07:00 in the morning.

"There a reason why your here Alfred? Other to question me?

"No not at all Barker my freind, only to hear the next plans to save and free the Frontier from the evil IMC" replied Alfred with a touch of amusment in his voice.

"You don't care about the Frontier and it's people, you only care for money and killing" Thought Rosemary

"Well everyone's going to be gathered here within a few minites" said Ryan

"Correct Mr Simmons, This will be the largest meeting of Militia leaders ever recorded, quite the momentous occasion" Alfred said, his smile never leaving his smooth face.

Ryan raised an eyebrow "I have a name Vallern, use it or lose it"

A small chuckle escaped Alfred's throat. "Of course, my apologies" he then looked over to her "Nothing to say Rosemary?"

"I have nothing to say to you" she replied cold and evenly.

"Just as I suspected, you and I don't talk as much as we used too" Alfred spoke in a calm and professional manner, but Rosemary could see the dark amusment in his black eyes.

"And I plan to keep it that way" she said now walking away.

"Suit yourself!" Alfred called from behind her.

"Once your gone, the Militia will be well rid of you" she thought.

She continued to walk until she spotted someone she didn't expect to be here. As Rosemary walked towards her she spotted another woman with her. The first woman looked to be in her early thirties she had reddish brown hair which flowed freely dispite it's medium length, with blue eyes which held both fortitude and compassion, as well as her face was stern yet attractive. The body armor she wore was slightly different in color showing bits of white and bluish grey compared to the usual brown, orange and green most other Militis Pilot wore. What markerd her out most was the symbol on her shoulder coloured with black, white, green and orange was a stylised 6-4 emblem.

It was Gates, commander of the 6-4 mercanary force.

The younger woman next to her was Asian, she had a slightly darker skin tone to her and Gates with long black hair that was tied up in a traditional style Rosemary have never seen before, and had auburn coloured eyes. Her face was youthful but had a mature aspect to it, if anyone looked at her they would guess she was older than she really was. She was wearning the Miltia Sniper get up.

Her name was Yin Zang Lang. She was another freind of Rosemary, they had both first met the Militia held world of Harmony and then on the battlefields of the world of Tribute, where they took the world from the IMC and had liberated the grateful population, which in their gratitude devoted themselves fully to the Militia's cause. Both female Pilot's became freinds and since then would prove to be a deadly team together and thus, would be sent in on recon missions or as part of the first wave attack, their Stryders working together in a way that no foe to great would be able to hold out for long.

Gates noticed Rosemary and walked forward to embrace her. The two women hugged, both smiling, both gratefull to be in eachothers arms.

"Rosemary my girl, It's lovely to see you again" said Gates. She had a strong British accent, which in Rosemary's opinion added to her charisma.

Gates kissed her in the side of the head before letting her go.

"It's great to see you as well commander" replied Rosemary

"How many times do I have to say you can call me Gates?"

"At least once more Commander...as always" said Rosemary a of look mischief in her eyes as she smiled.

"Oh you, have you taken my offer into consideration? Gates smiled back in response. "Yin here has accepted"

Rosemary looked at Yin, who nodded back in reply "Your joining the 6-4?"

"Yes" said Yin "After we have taken Angel City, I'm going with Gates back to Harmony, you should join me Rose" she spoke with an Asian accent of the Chinese veriant.

Yin Zang Lang was the only person to have ever called her 'Rose' (And the only person she allowed to).

"I need some more time to think about it" said Rosemary "As much as I want too, I still think I can do more good for the Militia and the Frontier here, alongside MacAllen"

"He's a good man" said Yin "I don't think anyone could do better work than him"

"Damn right Yin, if he hadn't of shown up when he did we would've all been done by now" said Gates honestly.

"That and he maneged to bring Graves on board our side was nothing but miraculous" said Rosemary.

Gates shifted her eyes to were Graves was standing. Marcus Graves former IMC commander was standing completely still, focusing on the hololith in the centre of the room. Even to Gates's mind she could only guess what type of tactics was going through his head as he read from the data info presented to him. Marcus was wearing mostly grey clothes with a jacket over the top, and had dark skin, hair and eyes, he had looked like he had aged near a decade judging from his greying hair and increasingly wrinkled skin. However, His strategic genius had sent the Militia on a steamroll of victorys, starting from the destruction of the co-orparate Specter production facility to many others, including areas where the IMC had no strength at all and thus taken completely off gaurd.

"All work and no play" commented Yin as she looked at Graves.

"If their is one good thing I can say about the IMC, it is that they know how train their people to work hard." Replied Graves "I'm sure you know a thing or two about that eh Rosemary?" she asked.

"Yeah, the training they put me through was without doubt the best training you could get" Rosemary replied before adding in a quieter voice "it is true what they say, 1 IMC Pilot is worth about 3 to 4 Militia Pilots" she admitted.

"That won't be for long, not when I'm done training the newest members of the family" said Gates. It was common for 6-4 Pilots to refer to themselves as a family, hell it was in their motto.

'The 6-4's a family and will kick your ass!'

"A family that I hope you would be joining me in Rose" said Yin who smiled.

"And you would be welcomed in with open arms" smirked Gates.

Rosemary giggled (A rare thing indeed) and replied "Give me a few more days to make my mind up". She looked at Gates and Yin as they both were a mother and a sister. THESE were the people that made up the core of the Frontier Militia, THESE were the people that were going to free the Frontier and deliver it back into the hands of the people where it belonged in the first place...She was half tempted to accept right there and then but...

"Ladies and Gents! Gather around!" Shouted a Militia ship officer.

Grunts and Pilots, mercanarys and freedom fighters, officers and commanders gathered around the holo table in the centre of the room.

"Attention!" Came a loud voice from the back.

Everyone stood at attention as a legend enterd the room, he was the man who brought the Militia back from the brink, the man you cut off the IMC from their core systems, the man who inspires hundreds of thousends of people to join the Militia's cause, the man who brought pirates, bandits, mercenaries and desperate freedom fighters together and forged them into a solid fighting force, the man who can turn the most rigid Pilots and generals of the IMC into devoted warriors of the Militia's cause with mere words.

James MacAllen enters the room. Everyone including Rosemary herself stood at rigid attention as the man who was practically a father to her. He knew her real father when they had rebelled on the IMS Odyessy all those years ago before she was born, she had taken the news of her Colony's pacification with cold stoicism devoting even more of herself to her training. She would make the IMC pay dearly in time.

Oh...how badly they had payed...

"At ease" said MacAllen and everyone relaxed. MacAllen was wearing mainly black and white combat fatigues with ammo pouches around his legs, he was also wearing a black overcoat which seemed to bolster his presence to everyone around him. His had a five o'clock shadow on his face with dark down hair and blue eyes that were filled with both patience and determination. He had an aura about him as well. You KNEW who he was and what he's about.

"I'll cut to the chase, we know why we are all here" said MacAllen as the holo table changed to a picture of a city "Angle city, the next step in freeing the Frontier once and for all, this is the largest gathering of our forces to attack one single location since Hammond's Gate back in the first war".

There were a few mumbles of agreement from some of the older members present. No doubt veterans of the last war.

"From what our sources inside the city tell us, the IMC has amassed a lot of men, steel and Titans for us when we get their, despite this, we have already located weak points in their defence here, here and here." Said MacAllen indicting several points across the city. He looked up, Sarah, Bish, Gates, Graves, Barker and everyone else was staring at him waiting for his next words.

"A full fledge attack will only lead to high amounts of unnecessary casualties" he said as he looked at Graves.

"That's correct, I would recommend a limited orbital bombardment of those areas as well as the walls" said Graves as he took control of the holo table and directed to the walls that devided the city.

"These walls are used by the IMC to devide the city and make it easier to control, if we take them down then we will be able to move more freely throughout the city when our main force lands."

"That still leaves the question of the IMC's AA and turret defence" said Sarah as she leaned in and pointed at one of the AA guns on the top of a wall "Those are Whirlwind Flak guns, they would be able to tear straight through our Goblins and landing pods before reaching ground level."

"I'll see if I can hack into them before or during the first wave" replied Bish

"Are you sure Bish? They have ODEN levels of security" said Gates

"Oden? I've heard their security is unbreakable, That's good I was looking for something to do after lunch" Bish shrugged

"So once Bish has taken down and hacked the IMC's turret capacity, that's when we go in and take the city?" asked a Militia officer

"No, next we deal a blow the IMC will not recover from" replied MacAllen as he pressed a few buttons on the hololith and a picture of an IMC ship. A crusier.

"Our forces at Lagoon base were unexpectedly visited by a Landing IMC ship six months ago, and were able to capture it before the IMC could scuttle it. The 5th Militia fleet have delivered it to us and I plan to fill it with as much explosives and munitions as possible before plunging it into the city right here." He pointed to a massive building in the middle of the city. The Govermental enforcer building.

The Militia had grown enough in size that there were now three Militia fleets operating throughout the Frontier, each operating under their own objectives but are still able to assist each other if needed. The 1st, 5th and 14th Militia fleets respectively, with a forth fleet the 21st close to being fully assembled.

MacAllen continued "We strike there and were cripping IMC formations, communications and logistics throughout the entire city"

"But what about if there are civilians still in that area of the city?" Questioned Sarah.

"I've been talking with the infiltrating forces within the city itself, they said that all civilians have either been evicted or evacuated. If there are any civilians left within Angel city then they will only be on the outskirts. I made them triple check their reports to be extra sure. Replied MacAllen.

"It might be a good idea to send extra units in with the first wave, so the IMC will be preoccupied long enough so they don't catch onto our plans" said Gates

"Good idea Gates, I trust your 6-4 will deply with the first wave?"

Gates looked at Yin, who nodded in reply "You betcha, we'll keep the IMC on the ropes long enough for the plan to come through."

"So, plan from the top then, we will deploy an limited orbital bombardment at a few week points in the IMC's defence and at the walls which split the city apart then we deploy an enlarged first wave of attack consisting of Militia soldiers, several battalions of Pilots deployed in their Titans and with units of 6-4 to back them up. We will keep the IMC occupied until we have the stolen IMC carrier in position, when time is right we will launch the crusier at the Govermental enforcer building and deal a massive blow to the IMC, though on a side note everyone will need to keep their heads down as we will not know the size of the explosion when that ship hits. Once the IMC has been crippled, we deply the rest of our forces consisting of the main force of our soldiers, the MCOR and various other mercenary groups we have with us and then, mop the floor" confirmed Graves "But that does leave one question, who will be in charge of the main force planet side?"

"I will" said a rough accented voice, coming closer to the centre of the room.

Everyone turned and parted at this newcomer when MacAllen looked at him, he saw a beast of a man standing a head if not head and shoulders over most of the others gatherd in the bridge, he was built like a brick house and was dressed in red padded armor that dispite its size did not look to cumber the man in any way, if anything it looked with it enhanced him, he had an emblem of a burning skull in a background of an explosion of fire and blood. The man had dark but greying hair that was medium length across his head with brown skin of a hispanic ethnicity, he had brown eyes and had a scar with ran from the top of his left temple down to underneath his left eye, a second scar which started from the centre if his right cheek and down to the top of his chin and a third scar which stared at his chin and ran down his neck. He also had a large burn mark on the right hand side of his neck, he looked like one BAD man, some of the people inside the bridge couldn't hold thier eyes to his face and looked down or away.

He was Carlos Steelstone, leader of the Bruning Skulls mercanary group.

"Apologies, for keeping you all waiting" Said Carlos bowing slightly but the tone in his rough voice indicated otherwise.

"Steelstone" said MacAllen "You want to lead the main assault..."

"Yes. I do. I will crush the IMC under my metal boot." Replied Carlos slightly tense in his posture. He held MacAllen with a state that any other man or woman would of almost instantly backed down from but MacAllen held his gaze with an evan, unblinking stare of his own.

"I don't think you should Carlos, not after what happened at Phoenix falls..."

"Bah, don't give me that MacAllen" Carlos scoffed "I was the one who.."

"I WILL give you that Steelstone, and you will take that if you want to have anything to do with the upcoming campaign at Angel city." Siad MacAllen.

Tension started to fill the bridge as Carlos glared daggers at MacAllen who in turn just kept staring at Carlos with unyielding stoicism.

"You owe me a favor" said Carlos in a low growl "and I want that favor now...let me and my Skulls...prove their worth to the Militia's cause" he said. He was visually keeping his anger in check trying to be civil.

"I will think about it" replied Macallen "I said I will about it!" He said again in a raised voice to cut Carlos off from a retort. "I will contact you in 48 hours if I decide to put you in charge of the maIn attack".

Carlos continued to glare until he relented "Fine". The gradual tension growing in the bridge ceased at that point.

"This plan has one of two outcomes" siad Graves "Either the IMC are defeated utterly buy our strike and are swept away, or they will maneged to hold on and at that point the battle of Angel city becomes a seige."

"That does not matter" said Carlos interrupting MacAllen "Battle or siege, we shall crush the IMC skulls like roaches under our boots"

MacAllen waited a few seconds until Carlos was done talking until he responded "If this battle does draw out, like Carlos said it doesn't matter we have both the manpower and resources we need to take down the IMC street by street, building by building, soldier by soldier."

MacAllen took at the crowd of Militia "Is their anything else I need to know or any objections to the plan?"

After the scilence he nodded "Right people, let's go liberate Angel city",

---

Rosemary walked up to Macallen after the meeting was over. Most Militia personnel had left the bridge of the Redeye, only the bridge crew and a few chosen personnel were left.

"James" said Rosemary getting his attention.

"Hey" he said giving Rosemary a fatherly hug.

Once they broke up from the hug Rosemary said "Gates wants me to join the 6-4 with Yin"

MacAllen smiled "that's a very noble cause Rosemary, you could learn a lot with them. Do some real good."

"I know, part of me wants to join them but I think I can do more good here. With you"

"Really? That's entirely down to you my girl, your not a child anymore and what ever you decide I will always support you" said MacAllen who put a hand on her shoulder.

Rosemary genuinely smiled. "I might just do it then, after Angel city I'll go with Yin and Gates. I'll make you proud."

"I'm already proud of you girl, never forget that." Replied MacAllen.

Rosemary's smile fell "Are you really going to let Steelstone command the main force?"

MacAllen sighed "I just might have to, their are few Pilots we have that are experienced, efficient and brutal as Carlos. I need brutal, I need the IMC to be crushed completely to send a message to the rest of the Frontier. That the IMC's time has come to end end and the Frontier shall be free."

"But why didn't you take personal control like you always do?" Rosemay asked.

"I have a grudge to settle. Kuban Blisk is on the ground of Angel city, I'm going to hunt him down and avenge our fallen brothers and sisters who fell at Demeter. Evan if that means handing over command to men like Carlos Steelston."

"It looks to me like you can barely control him. And I can speak for a few others too" said Rosemary.

Macallen looked out into space, starring at the cold, dark void where the shine of distant stars stare back "Your right, I sometimes think they are using the Frontier Militia as an excuse to get away with near atrocities being done by them. This is a dirty war. Back in the first war we had soldiers and Pilots who were disciplined and determined to not only overthrow the IMC but turn the Frontier into a more fair and prosperous place for all peoples. Now I have to deal with nearly half of my armies being full of cut-throats, pirates, mercanary's and the scum of the Frontier in general...damn...damn it, where did it all go wrong?" He said looking down.

"It didn't. Your still with us and as long as your with us, their is still hope. Hope for the future of the Frontier and for freedom and prosperity for all, you are that hope James and once we have defeated the IMC we can deal with men like Carlos and Alfred. Start moving forward and turn the Frontier into a paradise we all deserve" replied Rosemary.

There was a conviction in her eyes that made MacAllen proud. It reminded him of her real father, of Alexander. Alexander Jones.

He embraced Rosemary again and whispered "Here's hoping"

"No need to hope, I'm hugging proof...I love you, dad."

"And I love you too...daughter"

Two two stayed embraced for a few minutes while the rest of the bridge crew got on with their duty's. As they split apart, Rosemary was about to leave when MacAllen stopped her.

"Wait" he said.

Rosemary turned around to look at him again.

"I've just remembered a report from a squad of Shadow Runners. The old unit your were a part of while your where in the IMC is located in Angel city, along with that boy who escaped from Nexus during that breakout. Travis Murcury."

"He's in Angel city...I thought so, that is his home after all" Rosemary said her eyes growing distant.

"It was wrong for him to have stayed at Nexus for as long as he did, even when I ordered for a dropship to pick him up and take him to a POW camp it never arrived. I take personal responsibility for that" MacAllen said.

Poor Travis having Alfred brake him and leaving him to slowly starve and rot in a cell, with other IMC prisoners.

"I must find him" replied Rosemary.

MacAllen raised an eyebrow "Rosemary...do you have feelings for this kid?"

This time it was Rosemary's turn to look out into space. "I think I did...once, during training almost everyone could see the talent he had, the skill and the will to succeed. I knew that Pilots like him were going to be the key to winning this war once and for all."

MacAllen allowed a small smirk "So that's a definite yes then"

"Yeah...I think I did" replied Rosemary more to herself than to Macallen "But he refused to join us back then and I'm certian he would definitely refuse to join us now."

"So what are you going to do when you find him?"

"I'm going to give him one last chance to join the right side...if not...if he refuses" Rosemary paused mentally preparing herself for the words she will say

"...I will kill him myself."

---

An/ Whelp it's done. Over 16,700 words, God that took me so long to complete. Well you've seen it now, funny shenanigans, Travis's family crises, lots of new characters being introduced, the first ever fully sentient A.I. and a long awaited look on the Militia's side of things. I would like to say thank from the bottom of my heart for everyone's patience and support for me and this story.

We are going to the endgame now, the reckoning. Characters shall die and hero's shall rise, on both sides. Hopefully the next chapter won't take nearly as long to type up or wait for.

Please review, I said wasn't abandoning this story. And I ment it.