The Elsewhere Saga: Brotherhood of Glass
Episode Three: Invasion
Chapter One: New Toys
May 29, 2016. BAINE Research Center, Classified Location.
The glass door slid open, and two figures entered the room. On the right was a slender, taller man with black hair, holding himself in a professional, but not uptight, manner. Doctor Edmund Rhodes, one of BAINE's top scientists. On his left was an older gentleman with short greying hair, and a sturdy build despite being confined to a motorized wheelchair. Director Morgan Mills, the current head of BAINE's North American branch.
"These past few months have been a major wake-up call," said Rhodes. "The Children of Homeworld showed us that there are threats out there ready and willing to attack us directly. And the Cluster showed us that not only does Homeworld still have its eyes on this planet, but that we'll be completely outmatched if they get serious. If we want to stand half a chance in the event of a full-scale assault by Homeworld, we need to up our game."
"Indeed we do," Mills said with a nod. "It's not only corrupted Gems we have to deal with anymore."
"No," said Rhodes. "Now, I have a few prototypes that, with your approval, I'd like to move into the mass-production stage. At least, as mass-produced as we can with our limited resources."
The pair passed by a number of scientists and workers on their way through the facility, designing and building the next generation of BAINE's equipment. Some used a mix of Gem and human sciences, like the photo-field containment devices used to hold defeated Gem monsters, or communicators that could maintain a connection even underground or in stormy weather. Others were made solely through human ingenuity, like the carbon-mesh armor used by BAINE operatives, strong enough to withstand even the strongest impact, or nanogel that could quickly sterilize and seal wounds in the rare chance that the armor was bypassed.
What Rhodes wanted to show Mills was passed all of these innovations, however. The two carried on into the next room, a large hangar that held several land and air vehicles. Rhodes hit the lights, revealing a futuristic fighter jet suspended in the room's center. The plane was far more sleek and smooth than current models, with numerous thrusters and afterburners at the tail end, and a holographic display in the cockpit.
"If Homeworld does attack us, we'll need to be able to fight them on their level," Rhodes said. "For that reason, I've designed this: a painstaking three-year process of reverse-engineering a Gem fighter from the War has resulted in the XA-9 Lightray, the most advanced single-person fighter, and perhaps aircraft, ever created. The Lightray is equipped with both kinetic and energy-based weaponry, making it equally qualified to handle both extraterrestrial and earthly threats. By using a Gem fuel cell as its power source, it can fly for nearly a month without needing to refuel, and is able to reach speeds capable of achieving escape velocity-and it's no coincidence, as it's also able to handle in the vacuum of space, with an armored hull and shielding capable of protecting its pilot even in these conditions." Once he finished, he looked up with pride at the space-age jet.
Mills looked up at the jet, impressed even if his face didn't show it. "Dr. Rhodes, you've truly outdone yourself with this one," he said. "I don't suppose, if it isn't too much to ask, that I could see a live demonstration of its capabilities?"
Edmund pursed his lips and turned to the side. "I'm...afraid not, sir," he said quietly. "This is only a theoretical project. What you see here is only a model, unfortunately."
"Oh?" said Mills, raising an eyebrow. "What happened to your 'painstaking three-year process?'"
"Well, you see, we did uncover a Gem fighter ship, and we were able to reverse-engineer it," Rhodes explained. "We more-or-less know how it works, there's just the matter of making it compatible with human control. I think we can definitely pull this off, as long as we're given the needed funding."
"I see," said Mills. "Theoretical or not, this 'Lightray; of yours seems promising. I'll consider it. Now, what else is it that you wanted to show me?"
"Ah, yes, my other project," Rhodes said, walking back into the previous room, as Mills followed. "I think you'll be glad to know that this one is not only much more down-to-earth, but much less theoretical as well!"
"I am excited already," Mills said calmly.
Their path brought the two of them into a room that was much smaller than the hangar, but still quite spacious. A glass barrier separated them from much of the room, which contained a plethora of what looked like security cameras on one side, and a large armored door on the other.
Rhodes stepped in front of Mills with his back to the glass. "Now, in the event of a Homeworld invasion, they aren't only going to attack from above, right? They're most likely going to send in ground forces, either to reactivate the Cluster, resume production at the Kindergartens, or just exterminate us outright. Given the vast difference in technology between modern humans and modern Gems, we won't have a prayer in the event of an all-out attack. So, we'll need to up our game." As he talked, Edmund began to gesture wildly, and his mouth spread into a grin. "Take Jasper, for example: even Gems like Garnet, Stevonnie and apparently Rose had trouble taking her on, so we'll need a weapon able to go toe-to-toe with a Quartz soldier like her." He tapped a communicator on his ear. "Send in the big boy."
The heavy door on one side of the room slowly began to raise towards the ceiling, whatever was on the other side hidden by darkness. Whatever it was, while it couldn't be seen, could definitely be heard. Heavy footsteps tromped closer to the light, something in the tunnel illuminated: a small blue light, growing slightly brighter.
The source of the light soon revealed itself as a large figure appeared: a glowing blue visor belonging to a person clad in a thick layer of armor, pure white in color. The armor was also host to several smaller blue lights, the brightest of which came from a massive backpack worn by the figure, which was connected by several cables to a truly enormous underslung gun that they held.
As both Mills and Rhodes regarded the figure, the latter beamed. "Sure, the Lightray may have been impressive, but I think this is my magnum opus!" he said. A similar fusion of human and Gem tech, what you see before you is a suit of powered armor equipped with life-support functions, resistant to just about everything this planet and others can throw at it, and enough firepower to take on a corrupted Gem solo. I give you...the Quartzbreaker!"
The soldier wearing the Quartzbreaker armor moved into place further into the room, standing on an indicated marker facing the opposite wall. The devices that seemed to be security cameras whirred to life.
"You wanted a demonstration, Director?" said Rhodes. "Well, see for yourself what a Quartzbreaker can do!"
Beams of light shot out of each of the cameras, each one forming a three-dimensional shape of a burly humanoid roughly the size of the Quartzbreaker. Once they were fully formed, these holograms ran towards the armored figure. Undeterred, they levelled their massive gun at the approaching threats, the barrel exploding with light. A barrage of countless bolts of energy shot out, mowing through the holographic targets like a hot knife through butter. Only when the wave had been completely eviscerated did the beams stop, the end of the gun glowing with heat as steam rose from it.
"It certainly boasts some impressive firepower," Mills observed.
"Just wait, you haven't seen the best part yet," said Rhodes. "Ready second wave!"
More of the holographic Quartzes appeared opposite the room, rushing at the armored soldier. In response, they lifted the gun up higher, pulling the grip downwards. This caused the barrel of the gun to shift, transforming as another blue light appeared-a glowing blade made from pure energy.
The Quartzbreaker skewered the first of the approaching targets, lifting it above their head and bringing it down onto the next. They swung the sword with surprising speed, aided by the enhanced strength granted by the armor. Each of the holograms was bisected before it could land a single hit, with the last one sliced clean down the middle. They then shifted their weapon back into gun form, standing ready and waiting for another wave.
Rhodes looked excitedly between the Quartzbreaker and Mills. "Well? What do you think?" he asked. "Pretty cool, yeah?"
"Pretty cool indeed," said Mills. "But is it as effective against actual Gems as it is against holograms?"
"Don't worry, these holograms are made from similar solid-light technology to real Gems, so that's how you know it really works!" said Rhodes. "And this is just the prototype! Once we can get enough funding to mass produce these handsome devils, we'll be able to make them sleeker and less bulky, while still keeping them just as combat-ready. So? You make up your mind yet, or would you like to see a third wave?"
"That won't be necessary, thank you," Mills said. "You've convinced me-I'll see if we can't send a little extra financing your way for this pet project of yours."
Rhodes silently pumped his fist, before speaking into his communicator. "Thanks, bud, go ahead and take five." The Quartzbreaked nodded, before heading back through the large door. "I won't let you down, sir!"
"You never have before, Doctor." The two of them exited the firing range. "Though you may have to wait a while for your Lightray project."
"You're the boss, sir," Edmund said, nodding. "BAINE's aerial division's made it this far, anyway. I think they can handle themselves for now."
May 30, 2016. Skies over the Mediterranean Sea.
Miles above the water, a squadron of jet fighters shot through the clouds at close to mach three. They numbered five in all, with one slightly before the other four. In this one, the pilot glanced occasionally down at his radar, waiting for a ping. This was Emett 'Vortex' de Santis, the squad leader.
A voice crackled in through the radio to all five planes. "Falcon Squadron, target is rapidly approaching, ETA two minutes. Fall into formation and prepare to engage, over."
Emett clicked the button to respond. "Roger that, Command. Team, into positions. Falcon-1, standing by."
A second fighter, flying slightly above the others, approached Emett's plane from behind with an aileron roll. "Falcon-2, standing by," said a male voice.
A third fighter didn't need to fly into position, as it was already flying behind Emett. "Falcon-3, standing by," another male voice said.
Yet another plane rose up from beneath the others, taking its place behind and left of Falcon-2. "Falcon-4, standing by," a voice far deeper than the others said.
After a while, a fifth plane still hadn't appeared. "Oh, for...Where's Rattler?" asked the voice of Falcon-3.
"Ah, don't get in a knot, I'm comin'," said a female voice. Another plane, which had been skimming along the sea, rose up into place. Unlike the others, this one bore artwork on its nosecone-specifically, the image of a rattlesnake's head. "Falcon-5, ready to rock."
"Command, all fighters are in position," Emett said.
"Roger, Falcon Squadron," said Command. "Target in range in T-minus fifteen, you are clear to engage. Civilians have been evacuated, so heavy ordinance is authorized. Just keep the target away from the sea, over."
"Acknowledged," said Emmet. Falcon Squadron lowered their flight path as land appeared in the distance, rapidly approaching. "Weapons hot-get ready to bring the rain."
"Just rain?" said Falcon-4. "Tonight's forecast calls for thunder!"
AN: Here we go, episode three bay-bee! I'm really excited for this one, because it's got quite a bit of world-building in it-but plenty of action too, of course! Hope you enjoy!