Gundam Gear Solid
Quincy007
***Milliardo succumbed to the blackness after being shot only twice. He's going to wake up very uncomfortable right about …now***
As I opened my eyes I realized, that I passed out. I think I would have preferred death. The arm wound was patched up neatly. As was my leg.
The table I was strapped to was a cold hard metal. My wrists and ankles were bound by yellow hued cuffs. Copper. Fuck.
"I can tell by how wide your eyes got that you realized what exactly I have you strapped to. Yes, it is a large high voltage, high amp, Electrical queen sized bed."
I said nothing. If we were anything alike I was about to enter a world of pain. I really hoped I was pleasantly surprised.
"I'm going to run a high voltage electric current through your body, if its just for a short time it won't kill you."
"Really? I didn't know that."
"Like that is an amazing feat. We're going to play a game Millardo. I'm going to ask you some questions about the Tallgeese and Mobile suits in general then when I don't like your answers I'm going to crank up the power."
"…"
"I beg your pardon?"
"…Fuck off…"
"Right. If it makes you feel any better you are on my tough nut to crack list. I won't expect you to talk until we 650 at least."
"What are you starting at?"
"610." He smiled viciously. I shuddered.
"Now…" I tune him out I don't even plan on answering the question. So why should even bother to listen? He looks pissed and hits a switch.
Have you ever been zapped by static electricity? It smarts. As the machine warmed up I felt that all over, then the pain rippled out from the bindings I suspect there was sparks flying. I really couldn't tell because my head was thrashing about. I probably screamed, hopefully not like a girl. When he stopped session one I felt my body sag against the bindings and I had a hard time feeling my legs. Of course at this point I was probably so out of it I wouldn't have known if I was let go.
"How did you like that? Ready for one more?"
"...no..." I managed to whisper out.
"Well, tough. I say you are ready."
As he flipped more switches I wondered if I was ever this sadistical. Probably, and Trowa once told me that everybody always gets their comeuppance. After looking it up I think I laughed a little and blew it off. Now, I wish I hadn't. I was beginning to wish he had strapped my head down. I was getting all pained from having my head hit the back of this torture bed.
I smelled burning flesh, and realized I was going to have a doozy of a time.
"That's enough for now I think."
I was barely conscious enough to notice my face hit the ground.
The ground was cold and hard. Not bad really. After that burning I could use a cold wall to lean against. Well the laying down is leaning against the ground so that works I guess.
I heard ringing. At first I thought it was my head, but I soon realized it was my codec. "What?"
"Yuy filled us in. It's a good news/bad news situ here." Lady Une told him.
"Bad news first."
"They got Noin again. She acquired a sniper rifle and went back to get you. We though she got the sniper, but he was wearing a bullet proof vest."
"Damn it. Did she get hurt or…"
"They captured her and took her to a place we can't access. Or at least Heero couldn't find."
I pause to start hitting the wall-a lot. I was enraged. The guard yelled "Shut up in there willya?"
"Millardo! Do you want to hear the other news?"
"Depends is it good news or just not as bad?"
"Well, its actually…uh…crap."
"Millardo its Duo here. Um… I haven't really been paying attention, but Heero told us that the other news was that there is no way off the island. No boats or anything. He mentioned decisive lack of transportation. We can't reconfirm though, because we lost contact with Heero."
"Gee. How quaint. So even if I escape my cell, rescue Noin, kill the bad guy, save the world, I can't leave?"
"Yea, but that apparently isn't the bad news."
"Oh, and what pray tell is?"
"Umm…I'm not sure…"
I frowned, this had to be bad, Maxwell was one of the most direct people I knew.
"What's the bad news?"
"Well…"
"Awww Fuck! C'mon! Can somebody tell me what the fuck is going on?"
"Zechs has released a general threat to the world for 10 billion dollars from each country to avoid a nuclear strike from his 100 foot Tallgeese. Preventer HQ has already been hit and the MS hanger is slag. Trowa and the other's can't get into the G-hanger because we lost contact with Heero."
"HQ has been hit? Nuclear? Casulties?"
"He used a surface piercing warhead, but the plutonium was removed. Big ass explosion. Casualty reports are coming in."
"Is there any good news here? At all? What the fuck people?"
"No." Une told him.
"Thanks. Put Sally on."
If it weren't for the fact that the world is going to end over this I would probably start laughing right now. But then again, this is pretty damn amusing. Here I am, and its just one hit after the other. Bam! Your gonna die from severe electrical burns! Pow! They got your best friend. Kapow! There is no way off the island. Slam! The world is being held hostage. I guess I had started laughing because Sally asked me. "What is so funny?"
"Ohh, just how I am getting screwed from every angle now. There is a point when so many things have gone wrong you just have to laugh. What I wanted to ask you was, how could I tell when I have permanent scarring from electrical burns?"
"Does it hurt when you touch the burn?"
"A little."
"Then there isn't any permanent nerve damage I wouldn't worry about it to much. Umm…why?"
"I was just wondering if I'm gonna need to get my hands and feet amputated after this."
"Electrical Torture rack?" she sounded worried. Gee at least someone is concerned.
"I think it's a newer model than the one at Preventer HQ."
"Maybe. I'd be careful."
"Any hints on how to survive this?"
"You were the local torture expert. What do you hate them doing when torturing them?"
"Well, usually I don't use electricity. I'm more of a drug person."
"You know what I mean."
"Thanks."
I think for a bit before I decide what to do. I am in deep shit here. I need to escape, but Heero is uncontactable. So that would leave Relena, assuming she isn't captured too.
I dial in her frequency "Heero?"
"No. Its your overbearing brother."
"Millardo! Where are you?"
"I need help. I'm in a cell by the torture machine."
"I was wondering when you'd ask. I know where that is. I'll get there as soon as I can."
"Right. Hurry."
"I'll try."
I sat down on the metal sheet that would be used as a bed. I gave myself a once over and to my surprise I wasn't burned much. I expected deep fried turkey. That goes to show how much I knew about electrocuting people. I am more of a drug induced interrogation guy, or just plain beatings. I hoped he stuck to electricity.
I heard a beeping from the wall and the guard told me in a very amused tone, "Peacecraft, Zechs wants to talk to you again."
"You are enjoying this to much. I won't regret it when I kill you."
"Whatever."
So Relatively soon I found myself back on the bed of doom. Apparently we were running at 780 volts and an undisclosed amount of amps. Pity really. It's the Amps that kill you.
"So, are you ever even going to consider talking back?"
"Go to hell."
"It's a start. Be careful not to bite your tongue."
And here we go. The generator must have been warmed up because I felt it right away. When I thought I felt a vessel burst I almost wished he had just shot me.
"Well, what do have to say now?"
"…"
"What was that?"
"…Y…y…your-"
"My what?"
"…breath…stinks."
"You cocky little freak."
I was hoping to enrage him into killing me and I thought it was working. Fade to black can't see, smell, or hear.
Its black. Cold. I can't feel anything. When I try to move my arms I feel pain. That is the one thing I notice, pain. Lots of it. My wrists hurt like sons of bitches. I think those are my wrists. Pain. Better stop moving.
"You're a strong man."
That voice. Fuck! Shit! Cocksucker! How can I not be dead?
"I was hoping you had died."
"That makes two of us you uncle fucking, ass ramming cockmaster penguin spelunker."
"Then I realized you were just trying to get me to kill you. So that was no fun. I thought about launching a few nukes in protest, but people wouldn't understand. I then considered hooking up your girlfriend to this rack here…"
"Noin? What did you do to her you shit eater?"
"…But I thought home movies were more in order."
I'll kill him. Break every damn bone in his body. Some twice. I can imagine the impact fractures. I'll set his body on fire, and dance a jig on the ashes. Then I can…no I'll dance the jig on his body before I set him on fire, then I'll…
"You must really be pissed. I can tell. I think I'll let you cool down in your cell."
This time I turned my head and hit the side of it. Still hurt, but I didn't risk breaking my nose. I was dragged along the hallway and threw back into my cell.
I tried calling 'lena, but to no avail. She must be busy. I try Lady Une.
"Millardo? How are you?"
"Not well. The bastard took my shirt and its cold in here. That and I just spent the last…however long being electrocuted and was knocked unconscious. I think that son of a bitch is planning on…" I paused to control my fury. If I find out he so much as touched her… "raping Noin."
"You are going to kill him right?"
"Yes. After I break every bone in his body at least twice. Then I'm going to do my victory jig on his bloody body before I set on fire using a slow burning chemical. Maybe I can find some salt too…"
"You are not okay are you?"
"I am the striking definition of mentally unstable. Did you know that my body can survive 900 volts of electricity for at least seventeen seconds?"
"Ow."
"Yes. That's what I said." I lean against the wall. "What's your first name?" I ask.
"What?"
"I always wanted to know. And I'm probably going to die anyway."
"Stop that. Its not like you Millardo."
"I'm very not much like me right now."
"Anne."
"Anne Une. It does sound nice. Better than what I can do. I had two names and I screwed it up both times."
"Two names? Try having Two personalities."
"Hah. Good point." She jokes now, but if you ever saw her switch, it was really creepy.
I watched the guard the entire conversation. He seemed preoccupied. He was sneezing a great deal and all of a sudden he grabbed his stomach. "Oh! My stomach."
He ran off towards what I could only assume was a bathroom. Relena actually showed up I was impressed. "My sister is here I may be breaking out."
"Millardo? You have 10 hours left before the deadline."
"Thank you."
"And stop thinking about death."
"Right."
I ran-as fast as I could run-up to the cage door. Relena frowned "Ugh. Its like an aminal's cage."
"Get me out of here!"
"This door won't open with a keycard, you need a key, like the soldiers carry."
"Why are you here then?"
"I thought you might be hungry." She handed me a ration and ketchup. Ketchup. Hmmm. "And I got you this level 8 key card. It should open the rest of the doors in the building."
"How did you get this?"
"Heero coded it."
"Right." I slipped it my pocket. "Where is he?"
"Trapped on the second floor basement of the nuke storage building. He went to the R&D labs and got trapped by the electrical floor and the toxic gas in the air."
"Crap."
"The guard is coming back!"
"You'll have to take him out!"
"What? No! I can't kill anyone! Uh-oh, gotta go. See you later!"
I had about ten seconds. I break the bottle of ketchup on the ground and let it spread out. I cringe a little as I lay on the cold sauce. I hoped this guy was stupid and I was convincing.
"What the hell?" He ran up to the door and unlocked it. He took two steps in and I jumped up and body slammed him. I run out the door. He follows me. The gun comes out first. I grab that, twisting his arm. He drops the machine gun. I punch him three times and put kick in for good measure. He has the worst glass jaw I've ever seen. I pick up his unconscious body and crack his neck. A little unnecessary. But I did tell him I would kill him. I take his equipment and walk into the torture room. I find a box with my crap in it. I suit up and check my hair in the mirror. Still good. Yes, a little vain, but who do you think I am? I load up my guns and shit. And out the door.
I find myself outside the first cell block. By the armory. And the MS Hanger.
"Fuck!" I step into the elevator and begin my descent. I want some more ammo. And I need to kill some more people. Petty, misdirected yes. In character? Extremely.
I load up after disposing of a few guards. I leave through the big air lock type door and it's a quick hop by the ruined MS. I successfully break the necks of all three NBC (Nuclear Battle Conditions?) guards I take the elevator down to the second floor. I see three guards standing around by a door. They have a funky missile launcher and are going to try something I know it. "Excuse me gentlemen?"
"Who the fuck are you?"
I smile evilly if I thought I had the time I would have laughed, but I just shot all three.
The funny missile launcher was a Nikita at least that's what was printed on the side. I gave Duo a ring. "What can I do with a Nikita missile launcher?"
"Holy shit! You found one? Those things are like twenty grand apiece!"
"Dandy. Still. What is it?"
"Well, they are remote control missiles. You launch one and you control it with the joystick thingy."
"Thanks."
I look around. To my right I see a glass wall. With several large switchboards.
I walk in through the airlock and am glad I knew about the gas before hand. The floor is sparking like I suspect I was earlier. So if I launch a missile and send it right, I can maneuver it to the switchboard and stop the electric floor problem.
Piece of-ACK!" I run out of the rooms and get a few lungfuls of good sweet air.
I try again. I ready the launcher and there is a loud crack as it launches. I watch its progress from a LCD camera in its nose. I turn right.
A small lab. Nothing to special. I hug the walls trying to avoid the gun turrets. I few quick jets to the left and the right. And I hit the switchboard. The explosion is kind of cool from the first person. I run out to the main room for more of that air stuff. I liked it so much I got some more.
"Now. I'll check the rooms for good shit."
The first room has nothing. The second had a pack of Nikita missiles. Joy. I run out for air, and hit the jackpot in the third. Gas masks. Two of them. I go out to the main room and put one on. I can now walk around with impunity. I check the rooms to the right and I find some body armor. Expensive shit too. Even the Preventers don't have this.
So I walk to the left. I find a lot of air buffers. After the second one I pull the mask off. I walk through the doors. I find a nice scene from the Slaughterhouse Yuy. He had to have done this mess. I'll ask him.
I walk up to a door with a busted card reader. Less work for me. I ready my pistol as I walk in.
"Millardo? What the fuck are you doing here?"
"Getting your sorry ass out."
"I heard you got captured."
"I did, pulled a Houdini on 'em."
"Oh. I've been digging through the computer, but I can't find where Noin is. Sorry."
"I'll find her. Zechs won't keep her far away from the new Tallgeese. By the way the other pilots need the codes to the hanger."
"We when was the last time you used your codec?"
"A few minutes ago. Duo told me how to use the missile launcher I found."
"Really? Mine has said nothing but jammed. It doesn't matter anyway. If they come within a mile he will spot them. And then bad shit hits the fan."
"Well shit. C'mon. We gotta go. Save the world and all."
"Where is Relena?"
I call her up. "Relena? Where are you?"
"I'm in the women's bathroom on the first floor basement of the Nuke storage building."
"I got Heero. I'll bring him up."
"Right."
I give him a gas mask. "Thanks." He mutters I think he had different plans on how to escape, but hey take what you get right?
So we leave in an expedious manner. Heero seemed wary of the previously electrical floor.
"I'm not Spiderman. I can't cling to the ceiling. I had to get across somehow."
"Well, I had an unfortunate experience with this floor earlier."
"Say no more. I've had my fill of electricity."
We move upwards one floor via elevator and walk to the women's bathroom. I am a little surprised to see one, but it's convenient. I notice that the room has a couch. Figures. At least it wasn't pink. Or is it the lighting? I can't tell.
"Millardo? Heero?" Relena asked.
"Yes, but its generally not a good idea to ask if its us by saying our names, dead giveaway."
"How would you have done it Mr. Soldier boy?"
"Wait for one of us to ask for you, or take one at gunpoint until the identity crisis is solved."
"You are an example to us all." Heero muttered. He had already moved next to Relena.
"What's our next move?"
"We need to stop the threats in order of most dangerous. First then we should destroy the new model of Tallgeese. Then the psychopath who built it. Then we find Noin and escape."
"There is no way off the island remember?"
"We'll call Domino's and steal the delivery boy's truck."
"Works for me." I shake my head. "I'm going for those communication towers then, to get to the Evil Tallgeese."
"I'll do it. I have more experience…"
I put up my finger to shush him. "Nuh-uh. I'll do it. You watch over my sister and your wife. I have to do this anyway. I promised Noin I would kill Zechs."
"We'll find our way around and try to help out. I'll hack into the computers and try to find out some info on this new make."
I nod. I pick up my equipment. Guns, explosives and rocket launchers. (For those who care, he puts them where Heero puts his gun and Wufei puts his katana. Even though you can't see it its there. Trust me.)
"And away I go." I step outside, not wanting any good lucks or other such well wishes. It irks me that I might need luck, I do, and lots of it but still c'mon. As I walk through these now familiar halls I ponder on the ponderable such as my own mortality. I can't really seem to comes to terms with the fact I don't want to die
The corridor from hell. I can see my own blood-staining the snow. The communication towers were at the back. I shudder involuntary and continue north. The door is very normal looking. Not quite the prize I expected. "Oh well." I call Une. "I'm at the comm. tower door. Entering."
"Right. Its about twenty seven flights of stairs."
"Right." I stretch out the word and look up. Figures I have to climb all the way up.
As I walk in I notice the unusually large amount of security cameras. Onward and upward I guess so I try the next door nimbly dodging the camera's field of view. I pass through the doorframe and right into a camera. I hit my head. And it hurt. "Sonnova Bitch!"
"Halt!"
I look at this pair of gaurds. Holding machine guns at me. I smile quickly and take off down the hall. As I'm running I hear them swear. As expected on a day like this I trip on some rope. Trying to salvage my dignity and save my life I pull out my pistol. When the two guards catch up I introduce them to a very close friend of mine, Always the eloquent speaker he made three very profound arguments and fell my attackers. I get way to dramatic and personifying at times like this. I untangle my legs from the rope, but its still caught on my wrist. Being the lazy bastard I am I just pick up the coil.
I enter the third door and am greeted with a large staircase. As more guards are trying to follow me I do the only logical thing. Run up the stairs.
Taking the stairs mostly two at a time, I run constantly occasionally shooting one who got to close. I ran up halfway when I see a door. I try to open it. And fail. There must be ice on the outside or something. I duck shower of bullets and return fire. I pull a grenade and throw it down the stairs.
The seemingly endless amount of guards slowed him down. I'm amazed they hadn't hit me yet, not that they hadn't tried. Dropping another grenade I fly up the next flight of stairs.
The guards seem to thin out, as I get higher. I reach the top finally and am all alone. I hear guards rushing up the stairs and I know my time is limited. I spy a ladder and climb up it into a small room. The guard doesn't do anything but ensure I'm not coming back down that way. I pause to catch my breath. Running up 20+ flights of stairs is not my idea of fun. In fact it made me downright cranky. I take the rope that found it clinging to me. I recoil it up and throw it over my shoulder. You see that in the movies, that the hero always wished he had a rope. Why not me?
Satisfied with my equipment I open the door. And by the way, did you know that it is really cold and windy at 27 stories? I do now.
I walk up to the bridge that would take me down to the other side, therefore getting me closer to my goal, Noin, and that big mobile suit. I haven't forgotten about Zechs, mind you, I just link him to the mobile suit.
The satellite dish thing is pretty big, about 50-60 feet diameter. I look at it questionably as step onto the bridge.
And I hear it. A familiar sound of rushing rockets. I turn to take a look see and there is about ten Missiles launched at the bridge. Being the non-suicidal person I am I jump back. The explosion is a bit too bright and I feel hot shrapnel prick my skin, but I have already gotten over it. Glancing to the left and right I see a Military helicopter. Zechs, gotta be. He flies overhead and fires his machine guns. Ducking behind a utility box, which was conveniently here.
"The road for you ends here my brother!"
I scowled, "Don't call me that!"
"Why not? I'm you, I'm your shadow."
Great I'm out of Stinger missiles. Brilliant. How could I have forgotten those?! Oh well I could jump down to that walkway, if I could survive the fall. I could use this rope I got here! "Dumb luck." I love coincidences. When they favor me.
I ran out to the guard railing and started tying the best knot I remembered.
"What are you going to do? Take on a Hind with your bare hands?" To punctuate he fired his machine guns.
I finished the knot, and kicked the rope off the top. Glad I was wearing gloves I grab the rope and slide down.
I get a call when I hit the first ledge thing. "Millardo? You do know how to repel don't you?" Sally asked.
"I was going to wing it."
Sally sighed. Une broke in. "Just remember, keep both hands on the rope. One in front of you and one right by your butt. Use that hand to control your speed by how tight you hold onto the rope. Keep both feet planted on wall. Jump off the ledge when situated and repeat."
"Have you done this before?"
"I am knowledgeable in all sorts of things."
"Right."
"Be careful you don't have safety rope."
"Right. I'm good to go."
I followed Une's instructions and jumped. I gave my self some slack and slid down the rope. As I fell back in I braced my legs. That was one. Only god knows how many more to go.
The Helicopter flew by me shooting sporadic gunfire. As the bullets came towards me I leapt again. I almost let go of the rope I was sliding so fast and my hand was getting hot.
I did this three more times. Dodging the gun fire and the occasional steam vent that decided to spit steam at me. Ten feet from the ground I let go and hit the ground. I slipped on the icy ground. Staring at the sky I realized the Helicopter wasn't circling around. I glance down the catwalk and can faintly see three machine gun toting guards. As I pick my ass off the ground I pull up the Nikita. "I love explosives."
Firing down the walkway I watch the missile come at the guards seemingly unaware. Odd. I cast away that thought as I remote detonate the missile killing them.
I kept on getting disappointed by the security around here. The guards have to mercenaries or something. Running down the walkway I hear the Helicopter. Much to my dismay and frustration he pops up right in front of me at the end of the walkway. Sliding under the stream of gunfire I scramble up and run for the door.
Inside Tower B I swear at the audacity of that man. If I had some Stingers I could have killed him. I look at the box I'm sitting on. Stinger missiles. "Ha-ha!"
Now just because I have an explosive arsenal, I am not invincible. This fact is quite obvious as I feel my injured leg, throbbing from all the running. It might be best to try to avoid this fight. Sometimes I feel like such a coward. He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day.
"Bullshit."
I walk inside the building and to my wandering eyes does appear, an elevator. I press the button and hope that it works. And It doesn't. I see the car come up to a certain point and stop. So it's the stairs for me. Joy.
I should be thankful that I'm going down and not up. I wind down the stairs thankful that no guards are around. I finish the umpteenth stair and almost fall off the broken staircase. "Damn."
This was getting increasingly annoying. Everything I did seemed to encourage contrivedness and involved way to much work. I walked up the stairs slowly. I dug around in my pack for some water or something. Hrm Frozen. How quaint. I put the bottle back in the bag and sigh.
Back at the floor of the evil elevator who would not work, I hear some faint scuffling. Drawing my pistol I ponder why someone would be up here. I round the corner and aim my pistol.
"Woah! Wait Millardo! Its me! Heero!"
"Yuy? How did you get up here?"
"It wasn't as dramatic as your entrance believe me. I used the elevator."
"The elevator was working?"
"Yes."
I look down at the stopped car. Maybe it was my presence. That was it the elevator didn't like me. "I have a favor to ask."
"What is it now?"
"Can you get the elevator to work again? I have a noisy fly to swat."
"Jeez. You're acting like a movie hero or something."
I leaned against the railing and looked down, "No, in the movies the hero always gets the girl."
"You mean Noin, right? Sorry."
I was getting all depressed. I didn't have a chance did I? "Heero, Do you think that love can bloom even on a battlefield?"
He hesitated. Maybe he was actually considering my question. "I believe love can bloom anywhere, at anytime. But if you love someone you have to be able to protect them."
I nodded. "I think so too."
I walk around and begin to head up the stairs. On my codec Sally gives me a warning. "He is circling, like a hawk, waiting for you to show yourself. Don't go out there."
"I can't run forever. I may not get to break every bone in his body, but I can try to kill him nonetheless."
Duo cuts in, "We got the specs back from intel. It's a Hind class Mi-24D helicopter, a Russian gunship. Standard crew is three. Rotor span 17.30 m Legnth 21.5 m, height 3.90m, with a disk area of 235m2. Weight 12000 kg. Speed 322 km/h ceiling 4570 m."
"All nice and great Maxwell, but weapons?"
"I was getting there. 1 gatling 12.7 mm in the nose (60 arc) 4 UV-32-57 unguided rocket pods and 4 Phalanga-P (AT-2 swatter) radio guided antitank missiles."
"Dandy." I look at the long way up and sigh. "Anything else?"
"The M-24 Hind D is an upgraded Mi-24 assault Helicopter, which carries a sizable weapons load and the ability to carry up to eight troops. The selection of the Mi-8's propulsion system has lead to a rather large overall machine, but this is compensated by high speed ( it is still one of the fastest assault helicopters in the world.) and fighter like agility provided by powerful engines and rotor design. Roomy cabins space provides an area for eight servicemen and extra fuel and ammo. Meaning a battlefield reload is possible."
Duo droned on I was thankful for that. I wasn't to eager to get this over with, "The second production model, eliminating the co-pilot position despite the tandem cockpit bubbles. Extras include s new set of avionics (including sophisticated wind sensors)--"
"So that is how he found me." I deadpan using my codename.
"--To aid weapons targeting in a quickly changing combat situation. Steel spars and fiberglass skin to improve survivability in land warfare replace the rotor blades' aluminum structure. A new titanium hub is designed to resist 20 mm cannon strikes, and armored windscreens are also included. Many other aluminum parts were substituted with titanium or steel earning the Mi-24 the honored title, "Most difficult helicopter to shoot down."
"Are you trying to depress me? Really. This has been a bad enough day, and you are telling me that I'm taking on the most difficult helicopter to shoot down? This after all the other shit that's happened? I want something good to happen to me damnit."
"The Hind D also carries the improved Phalanga-P antitank missile complex, incorporating the Raduga-F (Rainbow F) semiautomatic guidance system. This upgrade has allowed the Hind D to become more than twice as accurate as the previous Miw24. Gyro-stabilizing guidance systems also allow more complex maneuvers within a +/- 60 yaw, Finally a remotely controlled machine gun (the USPSU-24) has been linked to the gyroscopic system to introduce automatic aiming correction"
"Okay Duo, While talking to someone before a stressful situation occurs can help to relieve tension, telling me how good my opponent is was not a good choice. You could have tried a joke or something."
"Well, I just thought you would want to know. I can't have you underestimating your advisarys now can I?"
"And if these Hind Ds are so damn good, why didn't I ever see a purchase order cross my desk in the year or so I was commander?" I actually wondered that as I found the all to similar ladder at the back of the stairs.
"Well, we had a contract with the guys who make the Apache."
"Whatever. Put Lady on."
"Yes?" Lady Une's voice overrode Maxwell's.
"What kind of pension am I getting from the Preventers anyway?"
"What's a pension?"
I thunk my head on the ladder. "That's all I needed to know. When I'm done somebody better have some good news to tell me. I'm sick of getting depressed."
I climb up the ladder and out into the stinging cold and harsh winds. The rooftop isn't much better than the other one. I can get over it though. The Hind pops up in front of me Zechs shouting, "So the snake has finally come out of his hole?"
I pull out that stinger launcher and line up the heat seeking sights on the central section of the Hind. I get that steady tone and fire one missile.
He pulls up the bastard. The missile, realizing it will never hit the target detonates. He whips the Helicopter around and lets loose the rain of gunfire. I dive behind an electricity exchanger wondering just how that is going to stop those bullets. I was beginning to wish I had listened to Maxwell drone on about this damn thing. I always loved not having a handicap, but this is what a more sane person would call ridiculous.
He realizes he hasn't got me and begins to swing around. Zechs is going to pop up on the side to get his shot so I run to the other side and pick the left side, hoping he does so too.
I let the missile fly a little early, but it worked. He flew right into its path. The aircraft rocked but I didn't get much penetration. I reloaded the launcher as he tried a strafing run. Running forward I hoped to get out of his firing arc and have him over me so I could launch another. Slam Bam Fire Number two.
I was a little too close, as shrapnel and heat came back down to the roof. I saw a few sparks and smoke but no rewarding explosion of that damned helicopter. He flew out of range of my stingers and launched one of his Big missiles-uh Phalanga-Ps. "Eat this!" He shouted, giving me serious doubts of his sanity. I run as far back as I can possibly go and crouch. The missile blows up the remainder of bridge that connected to two towers.
"Shit! That's hot." I wave off the small fires and ready my shot for when he passes by looking for my body.
Fwoosh Bang. I can see the Batman esq. Action bubbles. Shudder. I know I hit something that time. He is definitely having problems turning.
I am down to three missiles, and then I have to try Nikitas. I believe that to be a bad idea waiting to happen.
I hear him on the left side and am not surprised to see him shooting as he came up to prevent me from coming out like I did before.
The missile streaked homeward, but he shot it out of the air. He was making my life difficult on purpose.
"Is that all you got?"
"Nope! Two more!" I respond thinking logically. If he shoots as soon as he comes up and is randomly picking a side to approach from A one in four chance of picking the right side and a 100:1 chance of timing the shot right.
I try to surprise him. I run up to the railing and spy the chopper. Leaning almost off the railing I let fly my Stinger. He doesn't see it coming. It hits his cockpit bubble but doesn't destroy them. He finishes his circle and readies another antiMillardo missile. "Eat This!" He shouts again. There is no cover for me that will hold so I throw caution and common sense into the wind and fire my last missile at his.
That was a big surprise to him to see his missile explode safely away from both of us. His 'copter shakes violently as the tail rotor gives out. The craft yaws and spins. Sinking down out of sight and exploding at the bottom of the building. "That takes care of the cremation." I said to no one in particular, "I'll see you in Hell, Zechs."
I was frustrated. Really. Not only did I not get to kill him by my hands, but well I was kind of unfulfilled. And I was cold. All in all, It felt so anticlimactic that I knew I was going to be seeing him again, because my life is as cliché as a book of clichés.
Yea the analogy sucked but what do you expect? I walked back down the communication tower. Heero called me when I got in. "What?"
"The elevator is working again."
"Thank you. What was wrong?"
"Nothing. It just started moving. It was like someone was intentionally holding it."
"Odd. You gone already?"
"Yea, I'm worried about Relena."
"Get going then. I can take care of myself."
I stand in front of the elevator thinking for a few minutes. I actually knew nothing about elevators, and I doubt Heero knew much more, but still…
"Aww hell with it. I can't stand here all day."
Pushing the call button I begin to wish this was as simple as: get in Tallgeese-fire mega cannon and get on with my ever so unhappy life.
I walk into the elevator and lean against the wall after pressing the down button. I hear a loud buzzer, the weight warning?
The elevator descends very not fast. I begin to get impatient. "Heero? Stupid question."
"Then expect a stupid answer."
"When you were working on the elevator did the weight warning go off?"
"I thought that was odd, the elevator must not be vary stable."
"How much do you weigh?"
"About 135, but that elevator has a weight limit of 650 pounds."
"It would take at least five men to go over that limit."
"Millardo! There are enemies in that elevator!"
A new voice shouted out. "Too late Peacecraft! Now die!"
I duck immediately and look for the soldiers. A large blinding flash fills the elevator and I can't see. Must be a flash bang grenade. I'm temporarily blinded. I shake my head as more gunfire bursts out and in such a small area that is dangerous. I'm glad I brought that body armor. I feel movement. Not really thinking I fire at it and I'm rewarded with an arterial mist that clings to my face and a gurgling sound. A body falls to the ground but I can't see it. I hear to the left a safety being unlocked; I throw myself at the sound and hit a soft body. Reaching up to about head height I grab a head and pull myself behind the body. IE a human shield. I feel bullets hit this invisible enemy and he gets heavy. I shoot at the corner where I would be should I be attacking. I can't see blood. But I know the man is dead.
That is three. Meaning one more. A stock of a gun lands itself in my chest, but I don't fall. I grab at the gun and twist it out of his hand. This seems surreal fighting an enemy blind. I blast away with my handgun finally falling my attackers.
I feel the bodies lying around. I shake my head and see the darkness come back. Its too dark at the bottom the comm. tower to see clearly but it is better than seeing blind. I notice that they were hiding under the car, and came up through a panel.
I walk around the bottom floor finding about didily squat of useful items. I walk out of the comm. towers with an unfamiliar ease. I walk out of the Hallway into an open field. A snowfield. I walk forward checking the load in my machine gun. No luck. Not one person to kill. Maybe that's great luck then. Yes, I believe this to be good. I see some helicopter wreckage over to the right, and I am drawn to it. I want a body. I get about ten feet away and my good mood is spoiled. "I'm by the wreckage of the Hind. I found a parachute…"
"Do you think Zechs survived?" Lady asks me.
"No way, as soon as he jumped out he'd be sliced into a million pieces. No, I think it's a message."
"Meaning I'm not dead I suppose."
"Or maybe its I'm gonna string you up!"
I cut the call and look around some more. I walk north and skip going into the small storage units. A move I'd regret later I'm sure…
So I went back and moved through the sheds. I stock up on ammo for almost all of my guns and other devices of death. That little nagging thought gone I can move on.
I open the door to a foundry. Hot metal all over. The heat is staggering. I can barely breath the air is so thick. That and I'm worried about breathing in hot metal suspended in the air. If anybody knew how neurotic I am I would get no respect.
So I can see an elevator in the back but I can't call it. A guard walking along the catwalk is around and I don't have a plan yet as what to do with him. He walks along his path over the pit and back down past my position and comes back…He he. I'm so evil it amazes even I. Hey I shouldn't be enjoying this. This is sick and wrong. On so many levels.
I decide to stop toying around. I brought the gun for a reason. I cleanly shoot the guard in the head. I see a thin ledge I could use to cross the molten pit. Or I could climb down the side of that elevator I saw. Risk death or fall twenty feet and risk a broken leg. I'm fucked either way, so I scale the elevator. Three guards on this level, I could execute them or I could jump down again.
Once I stop trying to kill everyone my job became so much easier. Sneak by bozos and such. I walk through a very large door and come across a cargo elevator. Looks like a long way down. I activate it and lean against the railing.
"I gave you guys plenty of time, now Where is my good news?"
"… … … …"
"How about news? Anything from the home front?"
"The new leader of the preventers, Jim Houseman, has finally found out where Zechs is. He wants to go in with Nukes and crap, Wufei is trying to talk him out of it. Quatre has gotten a few Winner industry helicopters to fly your way, expect them in about three-four hours. You and Heero have been brought up on charges for stealing preventer equipment. And illegally using the office. Minor stuff, but somebody out there is being vindictive."
"The helicopter thing is good news. I like the sound of that."
"Good. So that is your good news."
"Anything positive happening over there? I'm depressed kind of. I realized that I shouldn't be enjoying myself here at all."
"Try thinking about something positive. Like what you are going to do when you get off the island."
"Get a real job and join the nine to five crowd? I do have rent to pay."
"You are a lousy optimist."
"Yea. Any good conspiracies or anything?"
I walk off the stopped elevator and look around. Oh there is another one. How quaint. I walk along, ignoring the camera. Not quite ignoring it. I shoot it away.
"No, there aren't any good scandals or rumors since you have left."
"Why?" I type in the command on the next elevator and continue down.
"Well, you are to dense to notice that you can be quite charming when you try, and that has lead to more than one rumor about you and being promiscuous."
"And how come I never heard any?"
"You're the boss who bites the hand that feeds it?"
"I directly disobeyed orders on several occasions with OZ."
"You never claimed to be smart."
"I don't get it though, even when you where in charge I didn't hear any rumors and I talked to lots of people. I talked to Duo and I never heard any gossip."
"Hey!" Duo said. Une shushed him and went on.
"No one ever expected you to care. And I have to tell you most of the rumors were about you anyway. Lots of rumors about you. And Trowa. You and Trowa."
"Eeew."
"The longest one was that Sally, Noin, and I were fighting over you."
"Heh, no contest. Noin would have kicked all your asses."
"I'm not saying anything to deny that. But I'm not agreeing either."
"I hope she's okay. I'd kill myself if something happened to her."
"We know."
I sigh. I notice crows are flying around. "There are crows here. Lots of them."
"Northern Ravens." Une corrected.
"Whatever."
"They are a sign of death in some cultures."
"Bad omens tend to haunt the successful. Those who believe they have good luck often fail."
"I think this is coming to quickly come to an end."
"The Elevator stopped. Should I call back after finding the Tallgeese?"
"Yes, We will keep track of your position and such. We appreciate you keeping us informed."
I sign off and walk down the hallway. The cement ground clacks under my feet I keep to the left side, because they don't put trap doors along the edge of hallways, only centers. I see a drainage opening and lots of water pouring out. I walk along the bridge that is there. Not much is happening though. I can Smell the tension. I can't believe I thought that. That is so corny. I admit it that I am nervous. As I stated earlier I talk or think too much and way to metaphorically when I am nervous.
I look at the level Ten door before me. The highest level I have is eight. So I need to tamper with the door. Or… I've been carrying these blocks of C-4 with me…
So I drop about four lbs of it by the door. I run back around the corner. I let loose a little giggle as I press the button. A pity I won't get to see it blow up.
