The T-Rexaur roared. The sound shook the ground and nearly burst Miles' eardrums. Taking in a deep breath, Miles unsheathed his Dual Hyperion, then gave his own battle cry, amazingly weak compared to that of the monster, but comparable nicely to humans.
He dragged the blade along the ground, swinging in an upward ark aimed right for the creature's underbelly. As he approached, the monster swung his head downards, jaws open, attempted to simply pluck Miles and make him a tasty meal.
-Not today you prehistoric bitch.-
Miles tuck rolled right, throwing himself in the direction of the Rexaur's foot. At the last minute, he shoved his hands into the ground hard, propelling himself upwards, and he continued the roll, allowing the momentum to throw him over the foot and onto the ground beside the monster. He pushed himself up, and then charged again at the flank. The Rexaur tried to turn, but was too late. Miles sheathed the gunblade, and then yanked out two small combat daggers. He grabbed onto the Rexaur's leg, then dug the first dagger into the flesh, and began to use it as a support. He stabbed the monster higher this time, and slowly, through a series of pulls and stabs, used the knives to carry himself up the creature. Finally, when he was on its backside, the Rexaur roared and turned in frantic circles, trying to throw Miles off. Miles stuck to it though, and made his way to the Rexaur's neck. Upon getting at its base, Miles yanked out the gunblade again, and raised it above his head. He thrust it down, and stabbed the monster directly in the back of the neck. The Rexaur didn't die though, and Miles pulled the gunblade's trigger once, twice, three times, and the Rexaur gave a final, ear-piercing roar, before beginning to collapse. Miles pulled out the gunblade, and then watched for his moment. When the body was about 10 feet from hitting ground, he leaped off, and rolled off safely to the side. The Rexaur landed, and sent a shockwave throughout the training center.
There was a dead silence, then the crowd burst into applause. Someone tossed him a towel, and he wiped his brow, then raised his voice above the noise, "THAT, everyone, is how you take out a T-Rexaur."
One of the younger students spoke out, "What if we don't have a gunblade?"
"Well, most of you don't, I know, but I can tell you right here that pumping the thing full of hot lead will have the same effect."
Another came out, "What if we can't climb it?"
"The underbelly is just as weak as the neck. Getting underneath a T-Rexaur is bad news for the monster. Now, if you're one of those people who use your fists or nunchakus, or a weapon besides a gun or gunblade, well… I recommend you just run for it. Except for whips… if you can get up top, you can strangle it. Any other questions?"
There were none, "Great, thanks for watching everyone."
Miles laid back against a large rock, catching his breath with a small grin. Just as he began to regain himself, the loudspeaker blared to life, "Miles, report to the bridge, ASAP."
***
President Laguna Loire backed into his office grinning, still reveling in the moment with his grandson. He shut the door and turned around, and the grin quickly faded.
His cabinet was fully assembled, and none of them were very happy. He scratched his head and looked around, "What's up everyone?"
The Minister of Defense, a young man with an excellent public relations ability, came forward, "Sir, five hours ago, Alexian Harket declared Galbadia to be reunited, and himself to be the President.
The Secretary of State came forward next, throwing a folder onto the desk, "Then, the man ordered attacks on Dollet, Timber, Winhill, and any other area that was formerly under Galbadian control. Winhill and Timber fell quickly, and Dollet is currently being held off by SeeD."
Laguna frowned and sat down, "Get reinforcements to help SeeD now."
"What about Winhill and Timber?"
"First things first. Let's help what we can."
"There is one other matter, sir."
"That is?"
"We received a message from Harket two hours ago."
An aide flipped on the television set, and Harket appeared. He was a fit, young man, easily thirty years younger than Laguna, and his face gave a look of confidence. Disturbing confidence. With a grin and a brush back of his thick, blonde hair, he stared into the screen and spoke, "Loire. You know what I want. Let us not waste any time on it. I will give you two days to comply. After that… well…"
Harket laughed, and the screen went black. A few moments passed as Laguna scratched his head in confusion. Finally, he spoke meekly, "What the hell was he talking about?"
No one could answer him, "We were hoping you could tell us."
***
Miles threw himself down the stairwell, tucking and rolling as he smashed into the ground, now bruised and cut, but still better off, as the top floor exploded brightly, sending glass out of the windows, and causing the structure to weaken.
Miles ripped out his Dual Hyperion and dashed into the street, promptly stabbing a soldier. With a quick spin, he smashed another's face with the flat end of the blade, knocking the soldier out entirely.
His radio blared to life, "Miles, order has been restored!"
He nodded, "Okay, regroup at the camp, and wait for me."
Miles had been put in charge of this operation. The battle for Dollet had been nothing but a series of advances, followed by a series of retreats for both sides. They had just repelled Galbadia from the City Square, now they would have to regroup and take advantage of Galbadia's temporary weak position. He sighed and ran to the fountain.
***
Miles watched as SeeDs ran back and forth across the small camp, tending to injuries, and delivering messages. Lee stepped up to him, a stack of papers in his hands.
"Here are the reports. We've got twenty wounded, five are serious."
"Casualties?"
"Three."
"That's three too many. Recruits?"
"Both recruit squads are fine."
"Okay, get groups A, C and D. Tell them to secure the foot of the mountain."
"A group was wiped out."
"Okay, fine, get C, D and E. Get two sniper teams to cover them. They have one hour to make it happen."
A messenger came dashing up to them from the direction of the docks, screaming and panting, "Soldiers! At the docks!"
"Shit!" Miles suppressed a panic-instinct, "B group, F group! Follow me!"
***
When Miles got to the dock, his gunblade drawn, he didn't see the dark-blue uniforms of Galbadia. He saw the amazingly flashy uniforms of Esthar. Putting the gunblade away, he approached the man who appeared to be in the lead.
Extending his hand, he cautiously spoke, "I'm Miles Animus. You are?"
The older man returned the gesture, "Alan Rickspan, General of the Galbadian Army."
"Laguna sent you?"
"The President gave us orders to help out in any way we could."
"Great, your guys can help us secure a foothold or two."
Miles wrapped his arm around the General's shoulders and led him towards the camp, "We have a lot to talk about, Alan."
***
Galbadia swept out the mountain region quickly and efficiently, and then, with SeeDs help, drove Galbadia out of Dollet two days later. Afterwards, most of the troops were stationed across the town, keeping the peace, while SeeD prepared for withdrawl.
Alan and Miles were inside one of Dollet's many now-abandoned buildings. Miles walked out of the bathroom, dabbing his face with a washcloth, as Alan, sitting across the room in a couch, began to speak.
"So, Mr. Animus, about our orders…"
"Jeez man, first off, it's Miles. Second off, your orders are complete, right?"
"Not exactly. I was also asked to contact you, and deliver this message to you."
Miles accepted the letter than Alan held out, and gave a quick nod. Alan gave a gracious bow, and then exited the room.
Miles sat on the couch, his wet clothes soaking the furniture, and began to read the letter.
Miles-
I sincerely hope you receive this letter. I have no doubt that you would be alive, but Rickspan is a bit too stiff for my tastes. He gets the job done though, right?
Okay, to the point. As you can no doubt tell, the world is in trouble. Galbadia is bad news. We should have done something to stop this. On the next few papers are reports that you should read. Meanwhile, Winhill and Timber have both fallen to Galbadia. I'm sure you've handled Dollet. Don't worry, Esthar will keep an eye on the place.
Anyway, I want to commission SeeD for a job. I know, I should probably get my army to do this one, but I want it silent. I want you to evacuate our agents from Winhill. Just get to Winhill, contact our agents (if they're alive), and do whatever it takes.
I know you don't have authority, so get it to whoever does. This is important. Just get to Winhill, and get them out!
Oh yeah, Neos is fine, in case you were wondering.
-Laguna Loire
Miles sighed; he'd give the stuff to Xu. He curiously looked at the attached papers. There were two quick reports.
WINHILL FINAL REPORT
CONTACT LOST WITH AGENTS AT WINHILL. ASSUME WORST CASE SCENARIO. WINHILL HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN TAKEN BY GALBADIA. ALL INFILTRATION EFFORTS HAVE FAILED. WE ARE UNABLE TO ESTIMATE CASUALTY COUNTS. GALBADIA REFUSES TO RELEASE. ESTIMATED FORCE WITHIN WINHILL IS ABOUT 200.
TIMBER FINAL REPORT
TIMBER FELL SHORTLY. RESISTANCE MOVEMENTS WITHIN TOWN WERE UNABLE TO MOBILIZE. LACK OF ANY OFFICIAL MILITARY PRESENCE CAUSED DOWNFALL. GALBADIA REPORTS NO CASUALTIES, BUT REPORTS ARE MOST LIKELY EDITED. GALBADIA ALSO REPORTS NUMEROUS CAPTIVES. ESTIMATED FORCE OCCUPYING TIMBER IS ABOUT 400.
With another sigh, Miles stuffed the papers back into the envelope, and exited the room.
((Next Chapter: Decision, and Laguna goes commando.))
He dragged the blade along the ground, swinging in an upward ark aimed right for the creature's underbelly. As he approached, the monster swung his head downards, jaws open, attempted to simply pluck Miles and make him a tasty meal.
-Not today you prehistoric bitch.-
Miles tuck rolled right, throwing himself in the direction of the Rexaur's foot. At the last minute, he shoved his hands into the ground hard, propelling himself upwards, and he continued the roll, allowing the momentum to throw him over the foot and onto the ground beside the monster. He pushed himself up, and then charged again at the flank. The Rexaur tried to turn, but was too late. Miles sheathed the gunblade, and then yanked out two small combat daggers. He grabbed onto the Rexaur's leg, then dug the first dagger into the flesh, and began to use it as a support. He stabbed the monster higher this time, and slowly, through a series of pulls and stabs, used the knives to carry himself up the creature. Finally, when he was on its backside, the Rexaur roared and turned in frantic circles, trying to throw Miles off. Miles stuck to it though, and made his way to the Rexaur's neck. Upon getting at its base, Miles yanked out the gunblade again, and raised it above his head. He thrust it down, and stabbed the monster directly in the back of the neck. The Rexaur didn't die though, and Miles pulled the gunblade's trigger once, twice, three times, and the Rexaur gave a final, ear-piercing roar, before beginning to collapse. Miles pulled out the gunblade, and then watched for his moment. When the body was about 10 feet from hitting ground, he leaped off, and rolled off safely to the side. The Rexaur landed, and sent a shockwave throughout the training center.
There was a dead silence, then the crowd burst into applause. Someone tossed him a towel, and he wiped his brow, then raised his voice above the noise, "THAT, everyone, is how you take out a T-Rexaur."
One of the younger students spoke out, "What if we don't have a gunblade?"
"Well, most of you don't, I know, but I can tell you right here that pumping the thing full of hot lead will have the same effect."
Another came out, "What if we can't climb it?"
"The underbelly is just as weak as the neck. Getting underneath a T-Rexaur is bad news for the monster. Now, if you're one of those people who use your fists or nunchakus, or a weapon besides a gun or gunblade, well… I recommend you just run for it. Except for whips… if you can get up top, you can strangle it. Any other questions?"
There were none, "Great, thanks for watching everyone."
Miles laid back against a large rock, catching his breath with a small grin. Just as he began to regain himself, the loudspeaker blared to life, "Miles, report to the bridge, ASAP."
***
President Laguna Loire backed into his office grinning, still reveling in the moment with his grandson. He shut the door and turned around, and the grin quickly faded.
His cabinet was fully assembled, and none of them were very happy. He scratched his head and looked around, "What's up everyone?"
The Minister of Defense, a young man with an excellent public relations ability, came forward, "Sir, five hours ago, Alexian Harket declared Galbadia to be reunited, and himself to be the President.
The Secretary of State came forward next, throwing a folder onto the desk, "Then, the man ordered attacks on Dollet, Timber, Winhill, and any other area that was formerly under Galbadian control. Winhill and Timber fell quickly, and Dollet is currently being held off by SeeD."
Laguna frowned and sat down, "Get reinforcements to help SeeD now."
"What about Winhill and Timber?"
"First things first. Let's help what we can."
"There is one other matter, sir."
"That is?"
"We received a message from Harket two hours ago."
An aide flipped on the television set, and Harket appeared. He was a fit, young man, easily thirty years younger than Laguna, and his face gave a look of confidence. Disturbing confidence. With a grin and a brush back of his thick, blonde hair, he stared into the screen and spoke, "Loire. You know what I want. Let us not waste any time on it. I will give you two days to comply. After that… well…"
Harket laughed, and the screen went black. A few moments passed as Laguna scratched his head in confusion. Finally, he spoke meekly, "What the hell was he talking about?"
No one could answer him, "We were hoping you could tell us."
***
Miles threw himself down the stairwell, tucking and rolling as he smashed into the ground, now bruised and cut, but still better off, as the top floor exploded brightly, sending glass out of the windows, and causing the structure to weaken.
Miles ripped out his Dual Hyperion and dashed into the street, promptly stabbing a soldier. With a quick spin, he smashed another's face with the flat end of the blade, knocking the soldier out entirely.
His radio blared to life, "Miles, order has been restored!"
He nodded, "Okay, regroup at the camp, and wait for me."
Miles had been put in charge of this operation. The battle for Dollet had been nothing but a series of advances, followed by a series of retreats for both sides. They had just repelled Galbadia from the City Square, now they would have to regroup and take advantage of Galbadia's temporary weak position. He sighed and ran to the fountain.
***
Miles watched as SeeDs ran back and forth across the small camp, tending to injuries, and delivering messages. Lee stepped up to him, a stack of papers in his hands.
"Here are the reports. We've got twenty wounded, five are serious."
"Casualties?"
"Three."
"That's three too many. Recruits?"
"Both recruit squads are fine."
"Okay, get groups A, C and D. Tell them to secure the foot of the mountain."
"A group was wiped out."
"Okay, fine, get C, D and E. Get two sniper teams to cover them. They have one hour to make it happen."
A messenger came dashing up to them from the direction of the docks, screaming and panting, "Soldiers! At the docks!"
"Shit!" Miles suppressed a panic-instinct, "B group, F group! Follow me!"
***
When Miles got to the dock, his gunblade drawn, he didn't see the dark-blue uniforms of Galbadia. He saw the amazingly flashy uniforms of Esthar. Putting the gunblade away, he approached the man who appeared to be in the lead.
Extending his hand, he cautiously spoke, "I'm Miles Animus. You are?"
The older man returned the gesture, "Alan Rickspan, General of the Galbadian Army."
"Laguna sent you?"
"The President gave us orders to help out in any way we could."
"Great, your guys can help us secure a foothold or two."
Miles wrapped his arm around the General's shoulders and led him towards the camp, "We have a lot to talk about, Alan."
***
Galbadia swept out the mountain region quickly and efficiently, and then, with SeeDs help, drove Galbadia out of Dollet two days later. Afterwards, most of the troops were stationed across the town, keeping the peace, while SeeD prepared for withdrawl.
Alan and Miles were inside one of Dollet's many now-abandoned buildings. Miles walked out of the bathroom, dabbing his face with a washcloth, as Alan, sitting across the room in a couch, began to speak.
"So, Mr. Animus, about our orders…"
"Jeez man, first off, it's Miles. Second off, your orders are complete, right?"
"Not exactly. I was also asked to contact you, and deliver this message to you."
Miles accepted the letter than Alan held out, and gave a quick nod. Alan gave a gracious bow, and then exited the room.
Miles sat on the couch, his wet clothes soaking the furniture, and began to read the letter.
Miles-
I sincerely hope you receive this letter. I have no doubt that you would be alive, but Rickspan is a bit too stiff for my tastes. He gets the job done though, right?
Okay, to the point. As you can no doubt tell, the world is in trouble. Galbadia is bad news. We should have done something to stop this. On the next few papers are reports that you should read. Meanwhile, Winhill and Timber have both fallen to Galbadia. I'm sure you've handled Dollet. Don't worry, Esthar will keep an eye on the place.
Anyway, I want to commission SeeD for a job. I know, I should probably get my army to do this one, but I want it silent. I want you to evacuate our agents from Winhill. Just get to Winhill, contact our agents (if they're alive), and do whatever it takes.
I know you don't have authority, so get it to whoever does. This is important. Just get to Winhill, and get them out!
Oh yeah, Neos is fine, in case you were wondering.
-Laguna Loire
Miles sighed; he'd give the stuff to Xu. He curiously looked at the attached papers. There were two quick reports.
WINHILL FINAL REPORT
CONTACT LOST WITH AGENTS AT WINHILL. ASSUME WORST CASE SCENARIO. WINHILL HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN TAKEN BY GALBADIA. ALL INFILTRATION EFFORTS HAVE FAILED. WE ARE UNABLE TO ESTIMATE CASUALTY COUNTS. GALBADIA REFUSES TO RELEASE. ESTIMATED FORCE WITHIN WINHILL IS ABOUT 200.
TIMBER FINAL REPORT
TIMBER FELL SHORTLY. RESISTANCE MOVEMENTS WITHIN TOWN WERE UNABLE TO MOBILIZE. LACK OF ANY OFFICIAL MILITARY PRESENCE CAUSED DOWNFALL. GALBADIA REPORTS NO CASUALTIES, BUT REPORTS ARE MOST LIKELY EDITED. GALBADIA ALSO REPORTS NUMEROUS CAPTIVES. ESTIMATED FORCE OCCUPYING TIMBER IS ABOUT 400.
With another sigh, Miles stuffed the papers back into the envelope, and exited the room.
((Next Chapter: Decision, and Laguna goes commando.))