He stood there for a few seconds more, not really knowing what to do, when the five Fighter Craft entered the Hangar and landed.
He went over there as his squadron members got out of their fighters.
He gave them a wave as they moved up, the four Headhunter-Pilots passing him with some mocking comments like if he finally found the way to the Far Side or that he shouldn't jump out of his fighter again because he could hurt himself.
A tired looking Marvin was last and went over to speak with him, his gaze following the other pilots.
"Sorry, they were quite busy up here and need a break. Me too actually, we were flying since the morning. You need anything?"
"Nah, I'm good. Just moved into my room."
"Good. I heard that it's up with the Senshi, because our corridor are already full. Sorry for that but at least you have the better looking company then." He laughed. "I'm a get some chow and then head to my room. I'll send the squadron a message later regarding tomorrow's training. I need to catch up on some sleep, It got late yesterday."
"I see. No problem, I don't mind some free time too." SunTzu answered as Marvin gave him a pat on the shoulder and left the Hangar. Following his superior with his gaze SunTzu shrugged and went off to his room.
As soon as he got In his place he took off his hat, boots and uniform jacket and jumped on his bed. He took out his datapad and checked for messages. Of course none. He then contacted AICA with his chrono and asked her if she was able to connect to his phone too. After a rant, that for a high tech machine as she was one such a simple thing like hacking into a smartphone or connecting over Bluetooth was nothing. A few moments later she called his phone and let him know that she was done with it. He thanked her and told her to behave with the mechanics. She told him he worried too much and told him to enjoy his evening. They said their goodbyes and hung off.
He locked at the chrono and it was nearing 7pm Earth Time. He could go for some chow, but lying In bed he decided to relax a bit first. Dutiful he set an alarm for 7:30pm and then closed his eyes a bit.
Of course he awakened with the sound of the alarm at 7:30pm. Opening his eyes he needed a moment to remember where he actually was, too much traveling in the last few days.
He got up and walked over to one of the shelves in his room. As he thought it really was a small refrigerator and it had something to drink in it. Someone in this ship was actually thinking along more than most of the people in a whole GA Fleet. He took out a cold water and took a big sip, then he went over to the bathroom and freshed himself up. Time for dinner.
He put on his boots and jacket but decided to leave the hat off this time.
A few minutes later and mentally praising himself for not getting lost he walked into the dining hall. Although way smaller than the one in the palace it still had place to house a few dozen people eating. And it was pretty packed right now.
Luckily there was the the possibility to get food packed so he decided to do that. They also had a small convenience store there, where one could get snacks, beverages and other stuff. He got dinner, something to drink and package of cigarettes including a lighter and left again.
As he walked back to his room he stumbled into Ami, now wearing her Intelligence Service Uniform again, carrying a datapad. She came down the stairs from an upper level and smiled when she saw him.
"Dinner?" she asked and he nodded. "Want to have some company?"
"Yeah, why not?" he said.
"Follow me." she said and lead him on. Around the corner where there rooms were was a small lounge with a sofa, a Holonet Receiver and some tables with chairs.
Makoto was sitting on a table there, she was wearing combat pants and an olive colored t-shirt. In front of her lay a stripped down pistol she was cleaning.
On the Holo a News Channel was showing, reporting about the steep rise of Piracy and crime in the Galaxy.
"Hey Guys." she looked over to them and invited them to the table. Both sat down and SunTzu started to lay out his food on the table.
"No room In the dining hall?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah. Rush Hour."
"See this is the Point, when everybody always stays at their place. I'm the only one here that knows that there's a second one on the lower levels. Team 1 usually goes there. It's usually less people there because it's meant primarily for the ground forces and were far away from being at full capacity when it comes to that part. And there's also that small Officer mess near the bridge. But don't get your hopes of eating there up Lieutenant, this one is just for the ship's top brass."
SunTzu began eating while she was telling this, cleaning the barrel of her pistol.
"Talking about ground troops. I only saw like a Platoon of Guards and Team 1. What's with the rest? Is that all?" he asked.
"Right now, yes. Team 2 is on a Joint Mission with some regular Earth Forces against smugglers somewhere in Europe. Amsterdam I think. Team 3 and the regular troops are on Yinchorr for training. So it's just us and the guard. Be aware of the guardists tho. They double as MP here." She ended the sentence with a wink towards him.
"I see. Better not try to annex a planet the next few days then. Or a riot in here." He shrugged and took another spoonful of the Pasta he brought with him.
From the corridor a figure came approaching and Hotaru, Sailor Saturn, emerged. She was dressed in all black and typing on her phone with speakers in while walking. She was also chewing bubblegum. She walked past the table and the girls greeted her with warm smiles, while she waved back at the girls with a small smile.
"Hi, I'm SunTzu. I'm the new pilot around. Nice to meet you." He introduced himself with a smile.
The teenage girl just stood there and stared at him for a moment, turning her head slightly. Then she nodded one time and walked away.
That was strange SunTzu thought.
„Teenagers." Ami said with a apologizing smile.
While he was finishing his dinner, Makoto and Ami told him some other information about the ship.
He then cleaned up and said goodbye for the night to the girls. It was a long day and he needed some time to calm down. It started to catch up to him, that he was constantly on the move.
When he got back to his room he undressed from his uniform and got ready for bed. He literally dived into the bed. Something in the back of his mind told him to gain rest now. He didn't know why but he knew the force enough now that one should listen to his guts. Seconds later he was sleeping.
He woke up by the sound of banging on his door. He jumped out of bed, struggled into pants on the way to the door and finally, more out of luck than out of skill, arrived to open the door.
It was Haruka, she was in her Pilot Suit and had a serious look on her face.
"Get into your flight suit ASAP, we'll meet up in the Briefing Room, it's up on the way to the bridge." she said and stormed away.
SunTzu turned around and got out his flight suit from the wardrobe and put it on, also he put his holster with the gun on his belt. He left his room and went on to the next flight of stairs up. On the way Rudy catched up with and he fell in line behind the Team 1's Teamleader after asking him if he knew where the Briefing Room was.
Soon they arrived in the circle shaped room with a big holo map table in the center and different other holo and regular screens around the table.
The room was bristling with activity. Naval and Intelligence Officers were busy doing planing on the maps and screens and doublechecking data, with some guardists around.
The Senshi and Marvin were already there too, sitting on some small tribune. The Royal Couple and Artemis where at the table in the middle, looking at a map, with serious faces. Ami was talking over a Headset she took from a working station a young ensign was operating.
Marvin waved SunTzu over and he sat down next to his superior. Rudy joined Makoto on the row before them. SunTzu wondered what was going on.
„What's going on?" he leaned over to Marvin and asked.
„Don't know either, I was just contacted to get the Squadron ready and head up here on the double. The others are already boarding their Headhunters."
Neo-Queen Serenity turned around and made a gesture with her hand to quiet everyone down, then adressed the situation.
„I'm sorry everyone for the late disturbance but 20 Minutes ago a group of three Freighters entering Realspace around at a CTE Nav Beacon a few lightyears ago reported unknown ships closing in. Some minutes later they send out an SOS because they were under a attack from a Group of Pirates." The room was quiet and everyone was looking at her.
„Currently we are the only Units of the Galactic Alliance Forces available fast enough to intervene. The freighters reported Starfighters and at least two corvettes. Artemis assured me that we are ready to intervene. Is everyone of the same opinion? I don't want to start a fight, that we cannot win or risk lives in that matter." She seriously asked the people on the tribunes.
Minako and Rudy looked at each other and Rudy nodded. „Team 1 is good to go."
Marvin put his hand on SunTzu's Shoulder and stood up.
„Terra Squadron is ready your majesty. The Headhunters are already being manned." The Queen nodded approvingly.
„When did we ever let you down?" Venus chimed in and the other Senshi told their approvals.
She then looked at SunTzu and their eyes met. He could see a certain pain and uncertainty in her eyes as she waited for his answer. He nodded. She took a moment, looked at her husband and both nodded to each other.
„Alright. Captain, take direction and jump to hyperspeed! We're responding the SOS Call." She gave Order to Artemis who turned around to one of his adjutants.
„May the Light of the Moon protect all of you. Dismissed!"
People stormed out of the Room, Communicators we're drawn and orders were giving. Next to SunTzu, Marvin used a communicator to inform to the other pilots to get the fighters ready for combat. Haruka and Michiru along with Rudy and Minako were already out of the door. He nodded to Marvin while his Squadron Leader was still on the Communicator and left too.
An Alarms sounded off with red lights flashing. Artemis's Voice was booming through the ship over speakers
„All Hands to Battle Stations! This is not a Drill"
SunTzu called AICA in.
„Get ready, we're going to combat."
„I know. I was scanning the Ships frequencies. I heard the SOS coming in. Karlena and the crew are arming me and the other ships up right now. I'm starting Pre-flight-checks right now!"
„Copy, I'll be there in a minute." SunTzu answered. After this, should there be an afterwards, he need to have a serious talk with AICA about her curiosity. God, he was nervous. Real Combat. He was not ready for this. Of course accidents could always happen in training too. But he never been flying against someone who actually really tried to kill him. He passed the corridor where their rooms were and had to do a quick pitstop in his bathroom. Nervous bladder. And he also wasn't sure if he didn't need to throw up right now.
The Hangar exploded with activity. Fighters were refueled and ammo distributed. An armored Squad of the Guard took station. The Pilots and Gunners of the LAAT/is manned their ships, the four Headhunter Pilots of Terra Squadron did. their preflight-checks.
Haruka and Michiru arrived running at their Tie-Aggressor and were greeted by a ground crew loading up Concussion Missiles into the Fighter. Haruka and her Girlfriend got on to preflight checks.
Marvin arrived at the hangar, now wearing his flight suit and his helmet under the arm. He went over to the Headhunters to briefly talk with each pilot.
„King Endymion now has taken command of the operation. ETA till Real Space five Minutes" Artemis announced over the ship's loudspeakers.
A few corridors away SunTzu was back on his way to the Hangar and he almost crashed into Hulk, fully geared up, carrying a Machine Gun, and the rest of Team 1, all ready for combat.
„Hey New Guy, you ready to pop your cherry?" he said as they all rushed together to the Hangar. "Bet you Space Jockeys are the only ones getting some today."
"You don't know yet Hulk. Depending on how good those Pirates are they might be already boarding the freighters." Rudy chimed in.
They arrived in the Hangar and Team 1 went over to the Gunships, SunTzu rushed over to AICA. Ground Crew was just packing up.
"She's fueled up and armed. 6 Concussion Missiles loaded." Karlena said, standing in front of the A-Wing. She was cleaning her hands with a greasy cloth. „Good luck out there. Try to come back in one piece. Same goes for you A-Wing. May the Force be with you."
„I'll try to. May the force be with you. And thanks!" he said and swung himself up in the open cockpit.
„Good late evening my dearest most sophisticated fighter in the universe."
„You're the Last of the Pilots to arrive. About time." his A-Wing complained.
„Because I know you already did the Preflight-Checks." he said as he threw on his Life-Support-Equipment and Flight Helmet.
A black helmet with two yellow Crests appeared next to him.
„Stick with me and we'll be good, okay? Don't do anything stupid I wouldn't do either!"
„Don't plan to. I got your six." he answered to Haruka.
Haruka held out her fist and they gave each other a fistbump. Then she was gone.
Sailor Venus, Mercury and Mars passed him on their way to a Gunship as he was double checking some displays in his fighter.
„You ready for this?" Ami asked him in a caring tone.
"It's what I'm here to do, no? Don't worry, just gonna play a bit of Top Gun as Mars would say and will be back in five minutes." He answered with a smile, trying to sound calm. Mars dramatically rolled her eyes acting like the comment was impertinent, the other two girls grinned.
Inside he wasn't calm at all tho, he actually was nervous as fuck and hoped nobody would recognize that his hands were slightly shaking.
"You stay safe, I'll take care of the other two girls", he said and pointed onto the Voyager, where Haruka just soared up to the entrance hatch.
Ami nodded, Venus gave him a nervous smile and they headed on.
"Good luck out there!" Rei said with a hint of a reassuring smile and then turned away to catch the other girls.
"Thanks, I'll try to not do something stupid for once." he answered.
"At least try to stay in the cockpit this time." She replied with a grin looking over her shoulder while she left.
He got back to the displays and said "That's at least the plan" to himself.
As he closed his canopy Marvin came over Radio.
"Listen up people, we'll drop out of Hyperspace in one Minute. I'll head out first with the Headhunters and take care of fighters. Haruka, SunTzu you follow and protect the Far Side from anyone coming to near. Everyone good to go?"
The pilots checked in, one by one, with SunTzu being the last.
He looked over to the Voyager and saw Michiru take a big breathe. Their eyes met and she gave him a victory sign with a exerted smile and slipped her helmet on. He gave her the Victory Sign back and nodded.
The Far Side came into Real Space 20 kilometers away from the freighters. One was already drifting motionless while number two just got raked with Turbolaser Fire from a Marauder Class Corvette and Number three tried to flee the scene, being the nearest to the Star Destroyer but also being chased by a Pelta Class Frigate.
"Terra Squadron go! Front Guns aim for the Pelta!" the King's Voice ordered. He was sitting in a big chair in the middle of the Bridge with Artemis standing by his right side.
Immediately Marvin's red A-Wing and the four Z-95-AF4 Headhunters shot out the Hangar.
"I got some more Contacts. Squadron of mixed Fighters, all over the place in groups of two to four." The Squadron's Commander radioed in. "Terra 2 to 5 form up on me, we're heading to that nearest freighter. Haruka, SunTzu take off and take flanks on Far Side. Do not engage before someone gets too close."
That's it, SunTzu thought as he made the repulsors lifted AICA off the deck.
He took a big breathe and cut in after the Voyagers tail as both Starfighters accelerated out the Hangar and shot for the stars.
"You okay?" AICA asked over the intercom.
"Just a bit nervous, nothing to worry about." He answered as steered right when Haruka steered left.
Both ships swung around and flew a loop around the Far Side, turning around at the aft side of the ship and taking the flanks.
Marvin and the other four pilots closed onto the third freighter fast and they locked on onto four surprised Scurrg H6 Bombers. The Bombers, dating back even before the Clone Wars, didn't stand a chance when two concussion Missiles each was fired up on them. The four bombers exploded around the fleeing fighter.
Then the Far Side opened fire on the Pelta Frigate. Turbo Laser Hits made the Frigate's Shields light up and the Hunter turned into the Hunted. The Frigate made a full turn and tried to get away now.
The enemy reacted now and the Marauder turned around to get away as well while the remaining eight enemy fighters swarmed in. Four T-Wing Interceptors pounced onto the Z95s and Marvin while four R41 Starchaser took headed for the Far Side.
On the Bridge of the Far Side the King ordered all four of the ship's Proton Torpedo Launchers to fire at the Pelta Class. The Frigates Shield were already failing when the first Torpedo hit its mark. The rest of the salvo let the midship of the Frigate explode in a bright fireball before ripping it apart. Both parts slowly drifted apart, spilling their insides out, lighted up by secondary explosions.
The Pirates answered with concussion missiles from the Starchasers. Eight Missiles were unleashed but thanks to the point defense lasers only two found their mark at all. And those two burnt up on the Gladiator Cruiser's Shields.
"Okay, for me this was too close! Let's join the festivities!" Haruka announced over the Radio and both fighters left their flanking positions and sped up towards the R41s.
SunTzu switched to Missiles and got lock on one of the fighters. On his left Haruka already fired a pair of homed Concussion Missiles which found their mark in the engines of one of the StarChasers. The ship exploded in an fiery light. SunTzu fired a missile salvo too and hit a StarChaser right in the middle of the fuselage as it was about to rise steeply. The ship exploded, leaving nothing but star dust.
"I got one, I got one!" He cheered over the radio.
The other two StarChaser hauled ass and turned around, soon overshooting the brawl of starfighters that were fighting around the third freighter and the debris of the Pelta Frigate. Unfortunately they were already to far away for a lock on.
"You guys need help, One?" Haruka asked Marvin over the radio.
"Wouldn't mind some to be honest" was the answer. The Voyager and AICA approached the freighter trying to get a lock on but the cluster of fighters was to tight to not risk friendly fire. While the Squadron had a numerical advantage the T-Wings were faster than the Headhunters and now both sides were trying to somehow get the upper hand.
Haruka sank the Aggressor' nose down before the Freighter, just diving down into the bundle of fighters. Finding a T-Wing hunting one of the Headhunters in a dog fight and took aim. With a few well aimed laser shots she ripped apart two of the T-Wing's Thrusters and her next salvo made the ship explode. That was number two for today.
"Thank God Haruka! I owe you one!" Ritz radioed in.
"You're welcome Mate!" she answered, looking for new targets.
SunTzu overflew the Freighter and after doing a looping to climb higher over the remains of the Pelta Frigate found a Headhunter chased by one of the T-Wings, he took away thrust and as soon as his Squad Mate, which left thruster was already spitting fire left his sight marks, replaced by a T-Wing he opened fire. The first shot didn't went through the Shields but the next two hit the cockpit and the third one the astromech droid. He hit the pilots and the ship just started spinning around his own axis, veering away.
Now the tables had favorably turned in their direction and the other two T-Wing tried to get so far away that they could jump to Hyperspace. Their efforts were fruitless in the end as Marvin and Odegana sped up behind them, shooting them down.
The Far Side now had passed the fleeing freighter and headed past the destroyed Pelta Frigate closing in to the other freighters and chasing the Marauder Corvette. The last two Star Chasers took flank on the fleeing Corvette.
"Galactic Alliance Defense Fleet Cruiser Far Side to Freighter Fleet near CTE Nav Beacon 03. What's your situation?"
The Far Side contacted the freighters. The Freighters gave their sincerest thanks and told that Freighter 1 had a destroyed impulsion, 2 just minor damages and 3 was nearly undamaged. The Freighter Fleet's commander told the Far Side that they were good on their own so far and the Far Side continued the pursuit of the rest of the Pirates with full speed. Terra Squadron, with two Z95s less, Taego and Xena had to return to the Far Side because Damages they took, regrouped and Marvin had to quiet down the chatterous pilots. Just as the Far Side aimed in on the Corvette, the Pirates fled into hyperspace.
SunTzu took another deep breathe. Wow. He really made it through his first fight. But somehow he still wouldn't calm down.
"Terra stand by, we're pinning down where the Pirates jumped too." King Endymion's voice came in.
A few moments later AICA came on over the same frequency.
"King, this is AICA. I got a pin too. Sending over the data, standby to receive."
She sent over the data to the Capital Ship.
„Receiving Data, wait one." Another voice came in.
"You can track down Hyperspace Jumps?" SunTzu asked his Ship.
"Yes, I can do that to a certain degree." She answered nonchalant.
"And when did you wanted to tell me that?" He scolded her.
"You never asked." His Ship replied to this.
She was not wrong.
Two minutes later Ami came on over the radio.
"Okay, we tracked them. Just a five minute jump from her. I'm pretty positive that it's the pirate group that has been harassing ships around here lately. Problem is, that the coordinates are pretty close to a Asteroid field and it might not be safe for the Far Side to jump there. Best bet would be to send Starfighters to investigate first."
"Sounds like a job for the Voyager. Requesting permission to check it out." Haruka replied. A moment of silence followed.
"Permission granted. Your wingman will also go. Standby for navigational data. Jump when ready. Rest of Terra Squadron stand by to support." Endymion informed the Taskforce.
"Congrats on surviving your first battle but you heard the man. Let's go." The Voyager's Pilot came through the radio.
"Affirmative, right behind you. And thanks. Let's keep it that way." He answered, not sure why he felt so tense.
Both fighters jumped to hyperspace.
A few minutes later they fell into Real Space again, near a dense asteroid field.
"Through that asteroid field?"
"Through that asteroid field!" Haruka replied.
"Mind if I lead on, better shielding." He asked.
"After you."
He flew past the Voyager and both ships entered the asteroid field on the search for the Pirates. Flying in a line with just a few meters between them they carefully made their way through the field, sometimes in need to change their path to avoid bigger asteroids. Some smaller asteroids hit their Shields from time to time, making them flash up. Even their both ships advanced sensors were pretty limited in this field.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Michiru commented.
"Don't worry Babe. Anything that could get dangerous for us, would hit SunTzu first, giving us enough time to dodge it." Haruka answered.
"You know what I really like about you being my wingman Haruka? SunTzu chimed in. "You always make me feel so safe"
"Shhh, focus on flying Mate!"
As they were through a third of the asteroid field SunTzu started to feel something. Something was about to happen. Hello again, dear Force.
A bit apart from them, hiding with shut down sensors behind a bigger asteroid, the pirate's remaining StarChasers waited for their prey. They waited till the three Earth-Dwellers passed them and rushed to action then.
"Behind us!" SunTzu suddenly screamed.
"I don't have anythi…" Haruka tried to say.
"I see him!" Michiru yelled, swinging around the Tie's Rear Guns and opening fire. One of the StarChasers was unlucky and got hit, loosing his shields.
Michiru shot on and the fighter starting reeling and crashed into a asteroid, exploding in the process. The other fighter steered away and hid again.
While they had the better ships and were two, the Star Chaser obviously knew his way around and that gave him a bit advantage.
"Anyone see where he went?" Uranus asked.
"I lost him behind the two big asteroids on our eight." Michiru answered.
"AICA you got anything." SunTzu asked the AI.
"Negative, the Asteroids are scrambling the sensors." The ship answered.
"Great" he replied. "Hey Girls, listen. I'm trying to shoo him down, so you can nail him."
"Roger, be careful." was the answer.
"Careful is my second name." He said as he broke left and began his search.
"C'mon SunTzu, c'mon. You have to find this guy," SunTzu thought while he was searching for the last R41 Star Chaser.
He remembered Kyp Durron's words about virtue and decided to start with some Jedi Mediation techniques. And it worked, slowly the universe opened up to him again and he could feel it's bindings again. He instantly knew how to manage through the asteroid field without turning down the speed.
Something in his mind urged him to close his eyes and open up more. Although it was suicidal to fly with closed eyes in an asteroid field like this he trusted the inner voice.
It was like he never closed his eyes, he saw the asteroids, their manifold sizes and shapes and he steered through them between them, letting AICA dance through them.
Far away he could hear her remarks about that but that was not of concern right now. Right now the concern was to find the last enemy fighter. With closed eyes he looked to his left and he suddenly knew where it was. That sneaky bastard took his time to fall back and changed to the opposite side than the one he steered away. Now he was closing onto the Voyager again. Probably aiming for an attack from around a 45 degree chevron, where the rear turret couldn't hit him and the Solar Panel gave a nice target.
Smart plan but SunTzu was not here to loose his wingmen so easily on the second day of the job. He opened his eyes again but the sensation of the force stayed.
No way he could get over there that fast and take him out from behind, so he had to make something up and that fast.
„AICA, you have to trust me again on this one." he said as he threw the ship into a Immelmann, nearly missing two asteroids. He sped up and radioed in on the Voyager.
"Girls, you have to trust me on this one. I found him but I need you to go on with your route but when I tell you have to dive down!"
"Roger, I don't have any idea what you're planning but I'll be on standby to dive."
SunTzu raced through the asteroid field, trying to reach the height of the TIE before the enemy, dodging objects. He closely sped through two big asteroids that were about to touch, just a few seconds more. He could feel the other fighter turning into his attack run and boost up the thrusters more.
"Haruka on my mark! AICA, energy up on frontal shields and lasers!" he ordered the other pilot and his ship while he made a sharp turn to his right.
He could feel the enemy speed on the Aggressor, being sure on a successful attack run while he tried to close the distance to the Voyager.
"Now!" He yelled and Haruka immediately dived down, a fracture of a second before the Star Chaser opened up fire.
SunTzu aimed quickly as he saw the R41 racing towards him and fired. The shots went through the shield and the fighter fell apart, spitting fire out of his frame.
In an Instant SunTzu changed the energy fully back into the forward shield and rushed through the debris, making his shield flash dangerously. Fortunately the shield held up and as he passed the cloud of fire and debris Haruka came exploded into his comm.
"Mate, the fuck was that? Where did that wanker came from!?" A sigh could be heard. "Guess you just saved us. Not, that it's not your Job but thanks."
"That was close! Thanks SunTzu!" Michiru joined in.
"Roger, close call. I'm glad you guys are okay", was SunTzu's reply.
They got back into a tight formation and flew on through the asteroid field.
"Good Reflexes on that shot with the rear turret Michiru." SunTzu praised the teal-haired woman.
"When your girlfriend's a speed junkie you have to have fast reflexes. But thank you." she answered joyfully. "In all honest that was the first combat kill i scored." she told further.
"Looks like we both been blooded today." SunTzu said.
"Roger that. Hey Haruka, our new wingman and me got deflowered. We're finally adults now!" She replied laughing.
SunTzu could imagine the annoyed look Haruka had under her helmet and he had to grin.
Reaching the end of the asteroid field the two snubs shut down their active sensors and slowed down. Jumping from asteroid to asteroid they carefully approached the edge of the field and soon they could make out an asteroid base with the Marauder Corvette hanging around in front of it.
"Well, would you look at that. We found our friends hangout." Haruka broke the radio silence.
"I think we should invite the rest of the gang for the Afterparty too, don't you think?" SunTzu asked, looking at the Corvette.
"The more, the merrier. AICA my dear, would you please be so kind and tell the rest of the Taskforce where we are and how to get here safely?"
"Sending signal!" The A-Wing replied.
It was time to end these Pirates wrongdoings once and for all.
AICA told them, that they had five minutes before the Far Side would arrive and they used the time to observe the base.
They found a quad barrel anti fighter laser on the top of the hangar entrance and a single laser cannon atop the main building.
Nothing the Far Side couldn't handle but being cautious was never wrong.
„The King thanks us personally for our effort and wants us to know that they'll drop out of Hyperspace in thirty seconds".
On the second later the Far Side and her three accompanying Star Fighters dropped out of Hyperspace. The Marauder Corvette turned her frontside towards the Gladiator Cruiser, getting ready to attack it.
"Uh uh uh, is that a way to receive one's guests?" Haruka commented. "Let's teach this Corvette crew some manners!"
"On your three, switching to missiles." SunTzu affirmed.
Both Ships left their hiding place and rushed towards the Marauder. As soon as both got a lock each of the fighters launched two concussion Missiles towards the Corvette. The Asteroid Base's weapons opened fire but missed by far, the fighters being too fast for the ancient guns.
The Missile barrage didn't do any damage but was enough to let the shields collapse. Marvin and the two Z95 followed the example and another barrage rained down on the Corvette, this time aimed at her wings and destroying her main weapons.
Seconds later the guns of the Far Side opened fire and blew the Marauder to pieces.
Terra Squadron linked up again and flew a loop around their carrier ship. The Far Side blew off the Base Shield Generator with a barrage of Missiles in the meantime.
Ami came in on the radio.
"The King and me would like to breach the Base and see if we could any Intel on the suppliers and collaborators of those Pirates.
The Gunships are standing by to ferry us over. Soon as the Base's defenses are gone we're off.
"You the Lady, Squadron. Open Formation, Fire at will!" Marvin ordered over the radio.
Terra Squadron didn't need to been told two times and the fighters swarmed out.
"Let's show them what we're really capable of AICA!"
SunTzu accelerated and rushed past the other fighters, switching to missiles. Dodging the inaccurate fire of the Anti-Fighter-Battery, he waited for a lock and launched his last two Concussion Missiles. The Emplacement lighted up in a fiery fire blossom.
"You're turn!" he told his squad members.
"Oh, we can do that too!" Sailor Uranus made known and accelerated too.
She head for the single laser canon that couldn't track her at all and shot two missiles, destroying the last defensive gun of the base. The fighters swarmed around the base, looking for other defensive measures but couldn't find any.
A LAAT/i exited the Far Side's Hangar and took course to the base. Marvin's A-Wing hovered in front of the Base's Hangar, checking if the coast was clear.
A minute later the Gunship touched down and Team 1 and formed a perimeter while the remaining Senshi, sans Sailor Moon and Sailor Chibi Moon, exited the Gunship too. The Gunship left again and stood by in a low orbit above the asteroid, together with the Starfighters.
At first they encountered only light resistance and the first ten enemies were neutralized soon. But Far Side's scanners read at least thirty lifeforms, so they were still in the minority. Sailor Pluto and Saturn were flanking from the right while Team 1 was taking the main corridor and the Inner Senshi the left two corridors.
SunTzu's inner voice came again, telling him to land too and join the ground forces.
"I gotta check something out and will land there too." he announced and took course onto the base.
He landed in the Hangar and took a good look around. When everything seemed safe he, took off his helmet and life support system and exited the cockpit. He hurried around the fighter and opened a storage compartment, taking his plate carrier and the Subcompact 416C Rifle. He threw the helmet and vest on and loaded up the gun.
"Extend your blaster and shoot at everything that is not part of our Taskforce" he ordered to AICA.
He then turned on the Rifle's Micro-Reddot and took aim. The weapon felt great, although he wished he had had time to train with it before. Better luck next time, he thought and headed out the hangar.
The whole base was a labyrinth of vertical and horizontal corridors with rooms up the most northern parts, making it easy to defend and flank any attacker. Who ever designed it, knew what he was doing.
Team 1 has been hold in their advance when they stumbled upon a makeshift barricade including an E-Web Blaster that was keeping them down, although Hulk exchanged loads of belt-fed hate with the energy weapon.
Piedro was hit in the side of his neck while he took point and Doc Martens now was taking care of the nasty looking black stripe of burned flesh on the Brazilians neck.
SunTzu decided to head right up the various intersections leading away from the hangar and cautiously but as fast he still could moved forward. The base had a lot of intersections and various rooms coming from the sides, which made it easy to be flanked. Suddenly he heard blaster fire ahead of him and he rushed there. Two attackers were laying in ambush and opened fire on Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn but the later one used her Silence Wall to shield them both from the blaster bolts. Relentlessly moving forward the two Pirates realized that It was better to flee and ran away. But Saturn and Pluto immediately chased after them and when they turned around on the next corner to let off some shots it was already to late. The left one, an overweight middle aged human was hit in the face by Pluto's Garnet Rod and with a cracking voice it broke his jaw. A immediately following high kick from Pluto's boots left him unconscious on the floor. The second pirate, a Weequay was even unluckier as Saturn jump kicked his back which made him fall down and with a swift swing of decapitated him.
Those two In action were quite a spectacle thought as he just stood there gazing.
He closed up and immediately both Silence Glaive and Garnet Rod were shoved into his face.
Holding his hands up he smiled apologizingly. The woman lowered their weapons as SunTzu yelled "Down!" and pushed Saturn out of his way. In a fluid motion he brought up his gun and started shooting, hitting a third attacker, armed with a big vibro blade that was sneaking up from behind. He looked down onto Saturn to see if she was okay, before he hold out his hand and helped her up. They both looked at each other and nodded. Pluto pulled Saturn back into cover as SunTzu raised the rifle again and moved over to the third attacker, making sure he was neutralized. He just had kicked the blade away when he felt the urge to duck and as soon as he dropped a blaster shot rang centimeters over his head. He dove forward into the cover of the next corridor.
The attack came from behind.
He gestured the two Senshi where the shot was fired from and also to stay put. He tried to risk a glance and was treated with another near missing shot. Great. As he was thinking about what to do next he looked over to Saturn and Pluto and the older one motioned him to wait. She summoned a garnet ball protruding out in the corridor crossing and this draw the fire. SunTzu used this to lean out and shoot a full auto salvo in the direction where the Blaster fire was incoming from. A Scream was to be Heard- and he got up and crossed the corner. Weapon aimed down he walked down the corridor. Another Pirat lay there in puddle of blood, hit multiple times. He was already dead. He didn't wast any time and moved back.
He got back to Pluto and Saturn's cover.
„Thanks for the help!" he told Pluto, to which she just nodded.
„Maybe it's better if we join up with the others." he suggested.
„Way ahead of you." as she started moving out and crossed the corridors. Saturn took a moment look at him and then headed off too. With a sigh he followed.
They were moving fast and soon arrived the middle corridor where Team 1 was pinned down by the fast shooting repeating blaster. Pluto didn't wast no time and summoned her Dead Scream, air flowing out of the corridors around the Orb. The E-Web was raking the left side of the corridor with salvos. Therefore couldn't change it's aim fast enough when Pluto took a short running start, slammed her staff into the ground, using it to catapult herself into a side flip into the corridor and then released the energy ball midair towards the weapon with a whisper of the attack's name as everyone watched in amazement. The emplacement exploded taking it's crew with it. Pluto landed on her feet mid corridor, with a hint of a satisfied smile on her lips.
What. A. Woman.
She landed on her feet and crossed over to Team 1 without any indication of effort.
She was icecold. Saturn followed and after a moment to process what just happened SunTzu crossed over too.
Hulk, Nava, Briggs and Smithy moved up while Kiwi and Aussie secured the corridor and Pluto kneeled down next to Martens, taking a look at Piedro's wound.
Saturn took a defensive stance to the left and SunTzu asked where the rest was, while he reloaded his rifle. Rudy told him that the Senshi headed left and SunTzu decided to link up with them. Rudy and Dish covered his advance while he moved out. Up ahead Gun and blaster fire could be heard.
On the second most left corridor the Senshi were fighting against a group of Pirates that took cover stacked up up the corridor. The senshi in turn were scattered over three corners. Jupiter, also dressed in a Plate Carrier, was taking turns in sending rifle fire salvos and Thunder bolts towards the enemies while Venus and Mars hurled their attacks at the enemies. They already got some of the attackers but the rest was even more determined to hold the corridor. Mercury was using her googles to find an alternative way.
SunTzu arrived at the height of Sailor Mars, this time he announced himself.
„Earthling coming through"
Mars turned around in surprise.
„Lieutenant, I see you left your cockpit again, despite my advice."
„You know I got bored of playing Top Gun with the other two girls so I decided to check out what the rest of the gang is doing." he replied.
„Actually not much. We're here getting shot at, yelling profanities at the enemy.
He looked over to the other side of the crossing and saw Mercury and Venus. Venus waved at him smiling.
„Sounds like fun, mind if I join in."
"Not at all, Help yourself."
They traded places and he took a quick glance. He felt Mars's hand on his back and that made him actually more nervous as the fight around him right now.
He let out a small salvo down the corridor which draw counter fire. Jupiter used this to aim and take out another pirate.
He turned around to Mars and told her "I think it's been long enough since I didn't do stupid stuff. Don't wait for me with dinner."
"Jupiter, Coverfire!" he yelled and Jupiter let out a full auto salvo and the rest of her magazine. SunTzu crossed the corridor and moved up to here. As he got in cover she turned back and reloaded.
"Great to see that you decided to join us grunts. Isn't it way more fun than flying in the boring vacuum of space." She stated.
"I almost got into two asteroids tonight. Boring Vaccum never." He replied.
"Don't wanna end up between a rock and a hard place. Ready to move up?"
"Ready."
"Girls, You're turn. I give you the signal." Jupiter yelled. She looked over to SunTzu and told "Mag Dump on 3, I take the high." She waited a moment.
"1… 2… 3!"
She leaned out and opened up while SunTzu dove down next to her feet and opened up too. Their fire suppressed the enemy and when Jupiter yelled "Now!" after their magazines were empty a wall of Burning Mandalas and Crescent Beam Shower flew down the corridor felling at least two more opponents. In a Blink of an eye Jupiter reloaded and moved up one horizontal corridor. SunTzu reloaded also and covered her.
Behind him Ami and Venus moved up to Jupiter's old position. The two woman pulled him back behind the corner.
"Hi", Venus said with a smile and he answered with one too. Ami was in contact with the Far Side, trying to get detailed maps from the ship's sensors.
He reloaded and asked Jupiter for Cover again. He didn't cross over to her this time but rather moved straight forward. As a pirate leaned out to take a shot at him, Jupiter took him down with a thunderbolt.
He moved up more and wasn't greeted by any more resistance. In the distance more shots and explosions could be heard.
"Let's move up to the end and flank them." Jupiter ordered and she and SunTzu moved carefully up, weapons raised.
They moved up some corridors and took cover again.
"You know actually i came here to tell you guys to link up." SunTzu said as the sounds of the firefight one the right didn't stop.
"Not the worst idea. Care to stay here and defend our flank?" Sailor Jupiter asked him.
"Will do. See you soon." he responded.
"Venus, Team 1 just told that they have another wounded. It's better you come along. Ami you too." Jupiter briefed the girls.
"Mars, care to stay here and cover us too?"
"You rather mean taking care that the new guy doesn't kill himself with stupid actions?" Rei shook her head after a moment. "No, anybody knows I've always been a philanthropist." Sailor Mars answered. This earned her a sceptical look from SunTzu, who was a passage up, taking aim down the corridor.
A few minutes later Sailor Mars and SunTzu were slowly and carefully moving up the most left corridor with SunTzu having his short rifle at the ready and Rei ready to cast a fire soul.
The sound of combat coming over from the central corridor died down at first but erupted once more after a short break.
They were walking next to each other when they suddenly heard making the sound of metal rolling over the floor. A big metallic sphere rolled in sight a few dozen meters away and on a sudden protruded laser bristling arms and legs while it's joints made squeaking sounds.
Shit.
"Take Cover!" SunTzu screamed and both dived for cover in the next horizontal hallway.
The now combat ready Droideka Destroyer Droid was old, probably predating the Clone Wars, and not well maintained which led it to be a bit slower in movement than the models the CIS used but was still a deadly opponent. While the two Earthlings jumped into the corridors he already aimed and opened fire.
Great.
SunTzu took a breathe and let off a salvo onto the droid while it was firing after the left side where Rei just stood up, to her right the corridor was closed off through debris. No moving off to the right.
The bullets ricocheted right off it's shield without piercing through.
Fucking great.
"What the fuck is this thing?" Rei yelled.
"It's called a Droideka. Even the Jedi had their problems with them in the Clone Wars." SunTzu answered her and then leaned out for another unhelpful salvo.
"Next time I'll stay with the girls! I bet they're safely chilling, protected by a group of Elite Soldiers, while me and TopGun here landed on an automated Bugs Dinner menu!" Mars yelled in his direction and hurled a Fire Soul at the droid. The Droid's shield flickered but still stayed up.
"Oh yeah?! And I'll stay in my fucking starfighter." He yelled back while getting back into cover.
"I could be up there just vibing to "Highway to the Dangerzone". But nooo, Dumb me had to come down here and participate in this clusterfuck while being get yelled at by someone I just managed to not get turned into Swiss chess by a fucking droid!"
He let off the rest of his magazine into the Droideka's shield. The Droideka slowly but unflinching came closer and now took turns raking fire at their both covers.
"It's not helping Mars. Unless you have EMP Grenades or a Light Sword we cannot take this thing out!" SunTzu informed her over the Droid's blaster fire. "I'll cover you and you fall back to the others."
"And give myself the bareness to actually let you die? Don't think so!" She responded. "I don't know if you someone told you this yet, but Sailor Mars doesn't run away from a fight!"
"So, any ideas before this thing comes around the corner and bbqs us?" SunTzu asked.
"Actually yes. I need you to do stupid stuff again. Distract this thing from me, I need some time to cast something!" Mars told him.
"Don't make me regret that!" he answered and unloaded a whole magazine in the shield of the Droideka, gaining him the full attention of the Battle Droid.
He loaded the next magazine and waited for the droid's fire to cease after a salvo to repeat the whole thing. "Last Mag!" He let Rei know.
Sailor Mars began to summon an attack, she looked angry as hell. The Droideka was just a few meters away from SunTzu and marched on.
"You know, I could be in bed, having my well needed beauty sleep. Or back at home, having a nice lunch with grandpa tomorrow. I could have been on a shopping spree but no. I have to be on this stinking asteroid in the absolute nothing, middle of the fucking night while a mechanical Cockroach is trying to shoot me!"
SunTzu draw his Pistol and took aim at the Droideka around the corner. Between single shots so he didn't get hit he could see Rei, who looked furious and was actually emoting heat and even smoke from herself, getting on her knee, a huge bow of Fire in her hands.
The droid crouched slowly around the corner and SunTzu jumped on his back, emptying his pistol.
The Droideka needed a moment to rearrange his guns but SunTzu was sure that this was it.
"MARS FLAME SNIPER!"
An arrow made out of Fire and Heat left the bow and hit the Droideka's shield on the back, it hang in the shield for a split second then penetrated it and went into the Droids upper half, exploding there. The Droids upper third ripped apart and it's legs gave in, making him fall to the side.
SunTzu got limp and laid back, making a big sigh. He would feel that one tomorrow too.
"Are you okay TopGun?" Rei asked him.
He held up an arm and gave her a thumbs up.
"I feel fucking perfect!"
He closed his eyes for a few seconds and took another big breath of air.
When he opened his eyes, Rei was standing above him, looking down and holding out her hand.
"Nice trick!" he said as he took her hand and got up. Her hand felt soft and warm and for a split second he forgot the pain his body made him feel.
"I'm the Star at every kid's birthday party. Are you injured?" She said, actually looking kinda worried.
He saw that he earned a small grazing shot at his hand from when he was shooting his pistol at the Droideka but other than that he was fine.
"Next time, do that sooner." he admonished her.
"I need time to prepare it." she answered apologizing.
He opened a zipper on his flight suit and put a new magazine in his pistol.
"Better link up with the others. Don't wanna run in another one of these things."
She nodded and they turned around to get back.
Just in that moment Sailor Venus and Sailor Saturn appeared behind the next corner, rushing to their position.
"We run into some Battle Droids over there and thought you probably did too and need help." Venus told them.
Sailor Mars and SunTzu looked at each other, started shaking their heads and broke out in laughter.
Saturn and Venus both were wandering with these two, looking perplex.
15 minutes later the Base was completely cleared according to the Sensors of the Far Side and AICA. Ami was busy extracting data from the pirate's computers and Team 1 searched the base to make sure that really every Pirate was either dead or detained. Hulk had some cuts from shrapnel in his face and Piedro the gazing shot he attained earlier in the battle, other than that their TaskForce didn't have any casualties. Still it was a close case, SunTzu thought. Especially against that damn Droidekas.
They had three detainees, the rest of the Pirates were dead. The Droideka was last measure action from four surviving Pirates in their operations central, which included their leader too.
After Venus took a close look at his hand, caressing him as his fingers had been all but blown off, and but some Bacta and a bandage on it, he helped Team 1 with the room to room search of the base.
He and Lance Corporal Smith came into a hallway were Sailor Saturn surprised three Pirates while she was flanking from the left.
SunTzu was glad he didn't eat before, those Pirates were extra dead. He was looking on the remains of a decapitated Zygerrian, a human with a long and deep slash from stomach up to the neck and a tall Iridonian that had been literally cut in half by her.
"All this mess done by a single teenage girl.
Good thing she is on our side. But honestly… She creeps me out, always moving like a shadow and always being that quiet." Smith commented about the macabre scene.
He went on his way back to the hangar and crossed into the central corridor.
Saturn was standing there, looking at the smoldering remains of the E-Web-Emplacement and it's charred crew, like she was guarding the scene. Okay, that actually was a bit creepy but maybe she had her reasons. He walked over to where she stood and positioned himself next to her.
"You good kiddo? Don't wanna go back to the hangar with me and get ready to leave?" he politely asked her.
She stared at him for some long seconds. Her mouth moved as she was trying to say something but she stayed silent and her gaze wandered to the front again.
Well, at least he tried, SunTzu thought and with a last glance left the scene.
He took a few steps when she turned around.
"I enjoy the silence. The silence after the battle." Sailor Saturn said quietly.
He turned half around.
"Thanks for saving me earlier." The girl thanked him sincerely.
"Just doing my job", he answered with a smile and waved his hand. "My offer regarding the hangar still stands."
"Thanks, but I'll wait for Mom here."
Mom? Oh yeah, he read something that Sailor Uranus or rather Setsuna Meiou, officially adopted Sailor Saturn alias Hotaru Tomoe a few years ago.
"Alright, see you on the way home then." He said and gave her a two finger salute.
She nodded and turned around again.
Two minutes later he entered into the Hangar. Kiwi and Aussie were there, securing it and right now they were standing over the corpse of a pirate, laying face down in front of AICA.
"Mate, that starfighter of yours is the bomb. Made a Barbie of that wanker here." The Australian sniper said.
He wasn't hundred percent sure what the guy from down under told him but then AICA chimed in.
"Well behaved as I am, I followed your orders. That guy tried to steal himself away, so I shot him." She said with a hint of pride.
SunTzu just nodded. Seems everybody got sum down here tonight.
Another ten minutes later, the Task Force Members trickled in. Far Star communicated that a RASP Arquitens Cruiser and a pair of X-Wings were on the way to relieve them. The freighters we're expecting help from a GA Fleet Tender that was on the way from Coruscant including an Escort.
He was sitting on AICA's left wing, looking around him. He already had stowed the rifle and his Plate Carrier again.
Venus and Mars strolled in.
They head over to him, looking tired.
"Hey TopGun, how's the hand? Did Venus caretaking save it?" Rei mocked him.
"You know, I'm beginning to think, that you're bad luck to me Mars. Usually I end up in pain me around you" He mocked her back
"Around me?!" she pointed to herself. "You're the one doing stupid stuff all the time. You should be happy that I was there to save you. Two times already!" She stated with agitated voice.
"You saved me!? That's not how I have it in mind!" he answered and jumped down from the Snub's wing.
"Guys, please! No reason to fight. Let's be glad nobody got really hurt."Venus chimed in, trying to calm the two hotheads down. Both of them looked to the floor.
"Fine. But my opinion stands." Mars replied, looking up again.
SunTzu reached In his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes he bought on board of the Far Ship and put into his pockets on his pitstop before deploying.
"Here take one. As a peace offer." He offered her a cigarette.
She took one and lighted it again with a flame coming from her hands. While she did that he ordered one to Venus who politely declined and draw one for himself.
She extended her arm and he lighted his cigarette with the fire she offered.
They stood there in silence for a moment when another group of people arrived, with Hulk amongst Others.
The Giant came offer when SunTzu waved with the cigarette box, his face coated with band aids.
His mood was fine tho.
He took a cigarette and lighted it with a Zipo he pulled out. After a deep draw where he put his head into his neck, he let the smoke out and told them how wonderful this was.
Then he gave SunTzu a strong pat with his gigantic hands, making the smaller Pilot flinch slightly.
"Heard you actually shot some Pirates today! I'm proud of you. When are you transferring over to Team 1 Buddy?" Hulk asked and then laughed out loud.
A few minutes later the Lartys came back and one of them spilled out a few Guards and some personnel from the Far Star's MedBay.
The Reconstruction Authority Space Patrol Arquitens Light Cruiser and the two XJ5-X-Wings arrived with the X-Wings heading for the base and landing there.
After a short briefing through Sailor Mercury, the Patrol Members began further investigations and the Taskforce's Members boarded their Gunships. SunTzu was already sitting in his Cockpit.
When everybody was on board the Gunships took off and SunTzu fell in line behind them.
He opened a comm channel to the rest of the squadron and was greeted with a "Hush!" from Haruka. "The Rest of the squadron already went back on board the Far Side, it's just us waiting here for you guys. Michiru already fell asleep tho. What were you guys doing for so long?" the female pilot spoke with a quiet voice.
At least Michiru was at peace enough SunTzu thought, as his adrenaline slowly faded. He had very mixed feelings ranging from regret because he killed people over being thankful that he actually survived to joy because they won. It was strange. Above all he felt a deep tiredness and couldn't wait to get back to his bed.
They landed at around 4am Earth Time and SunTzu thanked AICA for having his back in the Battle, which AICA brushed off with an Always while he took off his helmet and gear. Then they said their goodnight and consigned her in the care of Karlena who was already waiting for them. He thanked her and excused himself. He saw that he had a message from Marvin telling him, that the Debrief would be tomorrow morning.
As he left the Hangar, Haruka catched up with him, with a dozing Michiru riding piggyback.
"Finally back to bed." Haruka said.
"Sleeping like a log already," SunTzu said and looked at Michiru. The two pilots smiled at each other.
"What a night."Haruka said tired.
"You tell me." SunTzu replied with a tired smile.
"I heard you also did pretty well at the base. Not to stroke your ego too much but you did good tonight. It's probably the fatigue talking but I think me and Sleeping Beauty here could got a worse Wingman. You really saved our arses out there. You really did good out there." The shorthaired blonde woman let her comrade know.
"You would have done the same for me. I'm glad that nobody was really hurt today" he hold up his bandaged hand. "Although it got a bit crazy in that asteroid."
They arrived at the corridor with their rooms and SunTzu noticed that Michiru and Haruka actually stayed at the room opposite of him.
"Get some rest. We'll see you tomorrow." Haruka sent him off.
"Will do. Good night, give my regards to Michiru."
They both opened the doors to their rooms. When Haruka entered her room, Michiru drowsily said "Was that SunTzu? We're both adults now."
SunTzu closed his door smiling. The talk with Haruka calmed him down mentally a bit.
What a night.
He didn't even care about taking off his flight suit completely and just pulled the top down before he fell into his bed and was gone.