Here we are at Chapter 29. Nexus continues to deal damage to the world of zoid battles, but Team Lockhart hasn't given up yet. Let's see if they can find a way to stop them in this chapter. I do not own Zoids. They belong to their respectible owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 29. Enjoy.
Chapter 29: A New Plan
Team Lockhart made a call to the authorities about the destroyed village, but even after the fires went down, there were no survivors, which means no witnesses to whoever or whatever attacked the village. But, Sarah knew exactly who attacked them, and she vowed to make them pay for it. The team leave to plane out their next move, since they didn't know what to do next.
They had already informed the ZBC about the destroyed base, but weren't told on what to do next other than wait on standby.
"So, what do we do now?" Grace asks.
The team are in the Hover Cargo, sitting in the living room to discuss their plan.
"We couldn't really find out anything from the base. The only thing we succeeded in doing there was taking out some of their troops and one of their facilities, plus that one zoid with the Z-link system," Rickie says.
"Well, most zoid battles are on hold right now because of this threat with Nexus. However, they still haven't made any attempts at attacking the high-ranking teams, only those in B rank and below, along with zoid gangs and bandits, not to mention a few facilities belonging to the ZBC," Colt notes.
"How long before they up their game and start attacking the high-rankers?" Grace asks.
"Don't know. I still don't get how they could have amassed a force this large and keep it hidden for so long without the ZBC finding out," Colt replies.
"...Maybe because the ZBC was busy with another problem," Sarah suddenly says, having been thinking while the others were talking.
"What do you mean?" Rickie asks.
"The Backdraft Group," Sky answers, figuring Sarah out.
This gives the rest a look of realization, "That's right. The ZBC was focused on taking down the Backdraft Group and preventing them from taking over the zoid battles. All their resources were focused on them, and on keeping the battles going," Colt realizes.
"Which means that there was essentially no one stopping Nexus from slowly building up its forces under the radar, or from getting a spy into their ranks. To amass a force this large would take months, maybe even years, when you include the time, effort, and money to gather the necessary resources and manpower," Sarah adds.
"We figured they had been planning this a long time, but it seems we didn't realize just how long," Grace says.
"Some of their members could be former Backdraft group lackies. The ZBC took down their leadership and their judge satellites, but maybe some of the grunts got away and were picked up by Nexus, hoping for a shot at revenge," Colt says.
"Okay, but with all that said, we still don't know what our next move is," Rickie notes.
"For right now, we're on our way to Mangara Town. Our zoids could use a few repairs and resupply. After that, we'll figure out what to do next," Colt says.
The rest of the group nod, with Sarah still deep in thought over this whole conflict. She just wants to fight in zoid battles and one day battle against Bit Cloud and the Liger Zero, and yet, now she's caught in the middle of a war. How did everything end up like this?
…
The group make their way to Mangara Town, arriving there a day later. However, when they pull in to the local zoid institute there, they find someone already waiting for them. Lieutenant Roderick.
"Lt., what are you doing here?" Colt asks when the team leave the Hover Cargo.
"Orders. I've been assigned to your team as support and another connection with the ZBC. After your earlier report about the Nexus base you destroyed, the chief believes that Nexus will be even more interested in coming after you now. Also, because you failed to report about it before you went in. Your behavior had the chief concerned a bit," Roderick informs him.
Colt slouches, "Oh, great, we have a babysitter now," he groans.
"I'm just following orders, Agent Wilson. As you should be doing. Remember, your still a member of the Zoid Battle Commission," Roderick tells him.
Colt waves him off, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, no need to give me the riot act, 'sir'," Colt retorts.
"Um, if you don't mind me asking, but do you even know how to pilot a zoid?" Rickie asks.
"Of course I do. I didn't start out with the ZBC in this position. I started as a grunt, like all the rest, and through hard work and effort, I climbed my way up through the ranks to earn my current position. Honestly, kids these days," Roderick groans a bit.
"Yeah, great, whatever. Well, if you want to help, then you can keep an eye on the Hover Cargo while we get something to eat," Colt says and the group begin to leave.
"Hold on, we need to discuss our future operations against Nexus. This isn't the time for goofing off," Roderick retorts.
"In case you haven't noticed, sir, we just went through a really rough experience these past couple of days, and we need to regain our strength. But if you're so keen on working right now, then fine. I'll talk with you. Sky, can you back me up here?" Colt asks, and Sky nods. "Great, the rest of you go rest up. Just make sure you bring us back something to eat," Colt says.
With that being said, and before Roderick can stop them, Sarah, Grace, and Rickie head off into town to eat and rest up a bit. Finding a spot where zoid pilots hang out doesn't take long and the group quickly start munching on their meals.
"Great, now we got a babysitter. I get the feeling he's gonna try and make soldiers out of us," Grace laments.
"There's no use crying about it. The ZBC is just worried about us, that's all. Hopefully, he can help us out in some way or another," Sarah says.
"I don't like him," Rickie notes, chewing on a burger.
"Well, you'll have to get used to him. You'll be seeing more of these guys around as things start getting more serious," Sarah says.
"Sarah? Is that you?" they hear and look to see Leon Toros and Naomi Fluegel approaching them. "Fancy seeing you guys here. It's been a while," Leon says.
"Leon, Naomi, good to see you guys," Sarah replies.
"No way. Leon Toros and Naomi Fluegel. You guys are legends!" Rickie cheers, almost like a fan boy.
"Who's this?" Naomi asks.
"This is Rickie. He and his older brother, Sky, are members of our team," Grace answers.
"Was he the one piloting that Pteramander?" Leon asks.
"Yeah, they joined our team not too long ago after their old team went belly-up," Grace says.
"Well, he can at least handle himself in combat. That's for sure," Leon notes.
"So, what are you guys doing here?" Naomi asks.
"Well, we're trying to figure out what to do next basically," Sarah replies.
The team scoot over so their friends can sit down with them.
"I saw your last battle. Your Geno Storm-Blade is powerful. I never imagined it would become so much stronger than the Geno Ritter. Where'd you find the parts for something like that?" Leon asks.
"We had some help. Though, we won't be participating in any zoid battles right now, with things as they are," Sarah notes.
"I can't blame ya. These attacks by this Nexus group or whatever have people on edge. And because of all the recent casualties, most zoid battles are suspended until further notice. They've hit the lower ranks pretty hard, and now most are too afraid to go out and risk getting ambushed," Naomi says.
"Well, at least they haven't attacked you guys yet, it seems. I was kind of worried since you're still in class B," Leon says. The members of Team Lockhart look between each other with worry, which Leon and Naomi notice. "What is it?" Leon asks.
"Well, the thing is..." Rickie begins.
…
"So, that wasn't their main base then. It would've been nice if we could've ended things now, but it seems like this is going to be a long battle," Roderick notes as he speaks with Colt and Sky.
"They're continuing their experiments with the Z-link system, but so far the only one that is compatible with it on their side is the Geno Scissors pilot. The one we fought with at the base only lasted a few minutes before he went into a frenzy. But, that's not necessarily a good thing," Colt explains.
"I'm inclined to agree with you. If a zoid with the Z-link system were to go crazy near or in a populated area, the casualties would be extensive. We haven't had any reports of such occurrences yet, so they may still be unable to use it in greater numbers right now. That gives us a window at least to prepare a counteroffensive, but I don't know how long it will last," Roderick notes.
"Well, we can't just sit on our butts and do nothing. In case you didn't notice, lives are at stake here," Colt says.
"Of course, I noticed. But, we need to play this tactfully. If we show our hand too soon, we risk losing the whole game. Nexus has only played a few cards, but not their trump card. Once we figure out what that is, then we can strike. So, the next time you guys go on one of your little escapades, be sure to include me and the ZBC in on it, you understand?" Roderick asks.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, understood, 'Sir'," Colt replies with mock salute before walking off with Sky. Roderick just groans before going his own way back to the institute. "You could've jumped in any time, Sky," Colt says.
"Why bother," Sky replies. Colt sighs. "The Spy?" he asks.
"Wondering why I didn't mention it? Or why I didn't say anything about Hunter Krato?" Colt asks, and Sky nods. "We still have no idea who the spy in the ZBC is. The only people I know for sure aren't the spy are our team and the Chief himself. And as much as I hate to admit it, the former Backdraft Group guys are clear, too. But what about the rest of the organization? Until we know who, we keep all this between us. Besides... I never liked the guy. Never knew how to cut loose and just enjoy life for once," Colt explains.
"I can see that," Sky replies.
Colt sighs again and rests his hands behind his head, "You know, Sky, we've really got to work on your lack of speech problem. It wouldn't kill you to say more than syllables," Colt notes, but Sky pretty much ignores him.
…
"You're saying that you been going after Nexus, and that you're working for the ZBC?" Naomi asks.
Sarah and her friends decided to tell Leon and Naomi about what they've really been up to lately. The way things are looking right now, they aren't going to solve it by themselves, and they need all the help they can get.
"Yeah. The reason why I wasn't in that one battle a while back was because they attack us and destroyed Geno. But we had help from the ZBC and were able to download his memories into a new body, and then upgraded it into the Geno Storm-Blade. They come after us on more than one occasion, and we've fought against them several times now. We also know why there doing all of this," Sarah explains.
"Why?" Naomi asks.
"They want to start a war. Their leader, Kaiser, wants to bring the wars from long ago back to the present, where zoids were used as weapons of war, and not in the zoid battles that we know and love today. He believes that we've lost our way, and that he's going to fix it. He'll use anyone, and kill anyone, to achieve his goals. Even his own people are seen as nothing but pawns to be taken off the board when they were no longer useful to him. He's even destroyed an entire village, with all of the innocent people inside it, just to make a statement to us because we were interfering with his plans. We're not supposed to be telling any of this to you guys, but we can't fight this battle on our own. And I wanted you to at least be aware of the situation. They haven't gone after the high-ranking teams yet, but that may not be the case tomorrow or in the near future. We're running out of time, and out of options," Sarah explains.
Naomi and Leon remain silent for a few moments.
"...I never thought it was this bad. I thought they were just some supped of bandits going around, causing chaos. This is even worse than the Backdraft Group," Naomi says.
"Nexus has even kidnapped people as well. There's this one pilot, we believe his name is Hunter Krato, who's family was attacked, his parents killed, and him taken and forced to fight for them. During one battle against them, he sent us a coded message saying who he was, that he was forced to fight, and that there's a spy in the ranks of the ZBC," Grace adds.
"They even kidnapped people. This is turning into the chaotic century all over again," Leon mutters with worry.
"We're trying to find Hunter Krato and free him from their grasp, and also trying to figure out who the spy is, but so far we haven't had any luck in either field. We've kept a few things from the ZBC so the spy doesn't learn about it, but we're telling you guys this because one, you're not ZBC, and two, we trust you. We need help. We can go around, taking down the grunts and the foot soldiers all week long, but that won't stop whatever their endgame is. That one base we took down, well Kaiser didn't really care about it. He said that it was 'losing its value' so to speak. They been planning this for years, using the conflict between the ZBC and the Backdraft Group to give them the time they need to build up their forces, while the rest of us exhaust ourselves. We can't keep doing this forever," Rickie says.
"They're escalating. Before, they were just attacking zoid teams, but now they're killing them and innocent civilians that can't even defend themselves. Soon enough, they're gonna get bold enough to attack ZBC HQ an the high-ranking zoid teams, and then it'll be an all-out war, which is exactly what they want. Please, we won't force you into this, but we're asking: will you help us?" Sarah asks.
Leon and Naomi stare at each other for a few moments, a silent conversation between the two teammates, and then they look back to Sarah's group.
"What do you need us to do?" Leon asks.
"Wait, you mean you'll help us?" Rickie asks, a little surprised.
"We can't just sit back and do nothing while all this madness continues to spread. We may not be soldiers, but people like us are the only ones that can stop this chaos. Besides, we consider you guys our friends, and anyone that messes with our friends has to deal with us. We'll help you?" Leon says.
The three youngsters smile at that, "Thanks you guys. We really appreciate it," Sarah replies.
"Okay, with that out of the way, what's the plan?" Naomi asks.
"We need information. That base we hit ended up being a dead-end besides taking down some more of their forces. Another issue is that they've come after Sarah and Geno in the past, so there's a chance they'll try again. They have their own Whale Kings and some kind of stealth tech that prevents the ZBC from tracking them, similar to the former Backdraft Group. Most of the time, they've come at us, not the other way around. The ZBC has tried capturing their soldiers, but every time they do, the soldiers kill themselves so they won't talk. I don't know if it's out of loyalty, fear, or both," Grace notes.
"If we could just figure out where they're coming from, or where they're getting all this firepower, then we could strike them at one of their weak points, make it easier to take them down," Rickie adds.
"We also need to find Hunter Krato. If we could get him away from Nexus, then maybe we could convince him to help us out and tell us where their real hideout is," Sarah notes.
"You said this guy was kidnapped by Nexus and is being forced to fight for them. Is there a chance that there are other people that have been kidnapped like him?" Naomi asks.
"There's a chance that's the case, but it's hard to think about that sort of thing when your life is on the line. However, when they kidnap people, I think they look for specific individuals. For the Z-Link system," Grace says.
"The Z-Link system?" Naomi asks.
"It's a special system that connects the pilot's mind with the zoid's, increasing the performance of the zoid immensely. However, it can only work with people who are compatible to the system, though we don't know what exactly makes someone compatible. Geno has that same system. It took a little work, but I was able to be compatible with it, and it made us stronger in battle. However, we only use it as a last resort. Hunter Krato piloted a custom zoid known as a Geno Scissors that also possessed this system. We believe that Nexus created this system to improve their forces, and searched for people that could use the system. If you're deemed incompatible, it will make you go crazy or kill you. So far, Hunter and I are the only people that are compatible," Sarah explains.
"That's basically all we know right now. We're out of leads at the moment, and if we don't get a plan together soon, more people are gonna die," Grace says.
"Okay, so again, what do you want us to do?" Leon asks.
"I know it isn't right for me to ask this, but we need you to be bait. Eventually, they'll come after the teams in class A. If possible, we need you to see if you can get any information out of them before they try something. Also, warn any of the other class A teams that you're friends with about them. At least, they'll have a better chance of surviving if they know what's coming. The more we know, the more allies on our side, the better. The ZBC has been trying to keep this under wraps, but that's not going to work anymore," Sarah explains.
"Okay, we'll see what we can do. And we know a few people that may be able to help, too. Thanks for giving us the heads up, and for trusting us with all of this," Leon says.
With that, Leon and Naomi take their leave, leaving Sarah and her friends asking the same question they've been asking all day: what do we do now?
And that's the chapter. Sarah tells Leon and Naomi the truth about Nexus, gaining new allies in their fight. Meanwhile, Roderick joins the team, much to their annoyance. Whether or not their allies will be able to help remains to be seen. Will Sarah and her friends figure out a way to stop Nexus? Until then, please Read and Review.
