Gigantis Class battleship - 30 x 8 inch guns arranged 15 on port side, 15 on starboard
side.
8 x 12 inch guns in 4 turrets on deck.
400 crew, primarily automated functions.
Top Speed: 31 knots

Advance Wars 2: Red Fire

Sonja left Red Alpha and walked back out to where the soldiers were now celebrating three victories, one over Rommel and his tanks, one over Mata and her air force and one for liberating Yellow Comet. Somewhere near the middle of the crowds the soldiers had set up instruments on top of a Heavy Tank and turned it into a makeshift stage for people with musical talents to share their gifts.
"Excuse me, do you know where Romanov went?" Sonja asked a red soldier.
"I think he was heading towards your hospital with the Blue Moon CO" The soldier said.
"Thank you" Sonja said, heading towards the Yellow Comet headquarters.

"So why again do you want me to meet this man?" Romanov asked.
"Because he wants to meet you" Grit said, "Kanbei is the Emperor of Yellow Comet and wanted to thank you for liberating his country."
"How'd he become crippled?" Romanov asked.
"Saving a lot of lives" Grit said, "It was about a month ago...."

A month ago....

"Sir we have to get the hell out of here!" A Yellow Comet soldier yelled over the fierce sounds of the raging battle, "If we can hook up with the remains of Blue Moon and Orange Star we may be able to launch a counter attack!"
"No!" Kanbei yelled, "I will not leave when there are still civilians here! Order the APCs back and tell the crews to help get the people to safety!"
"But sir!" The soldier exclaimed.
"No buts! Just do it!" Kanbei snapped, "We have a responsibility, what will the people in other cities think if the military abandons these people!"
"As you command sir" The soldier said, dashing out to call in APCs. On the outskirts of the city, Yellow Comet soldiers fought desperately to hold off the incoming force of Neo Tanks under the command of the Grey Ash CO Rommel while their APC units moved people out of the buildings and towards safety. Soon many of the buildings were empty and the Yellow Comet soldiers started to flee for their lives to avoid being crushed by the tanks.
"Sir, We have to go! We've got everyone out!" The soldier yelled.
"Very well, order the retreat" Kanbei said, walking out of the last building.
"Wait! My daughter is missing!" A middle aged woman cried out, "Kari! She must gotten seperated during the evacuation!"
"I'll find her!" Kanbei said, dashing back into the building.
"Sir! You'll be killed!" Soldier screamed, but Kanbei was gone, "We'll wait as long as possible but we can't just sit here and get crushed"

"Kari!" Kanbei screamed over the noise of the battle. He ran up to the second floor and the sounds of a young girl crying caught his ear, "Kari, where are you!"
"Help me! I'm scared!" Kari cried from one of the apartments. Kanbei followed her cries to an open apartment and went in. He saw the girl hiding under a table and went to her.
"Come, we have to hurry!" Kanbei said, picking the girl up. As he did the building started to shudder, causing him to stumble out onto the balcony.
"Lord Kanbei! Theres an enemy tank directly on the other side of the building! You'll have to jump!" The Yellow Comet soldier yelled from below.
"Catch her first!" Kanbei said, dropping Kari over the side and into the arms of the soldier.
"Hurry up!" The soldier screamed. Before Kanbei could jump the building shuddered violently and the balcony above him colapsed. He managed to get out of the way but the only way out left was to go back the way he came in. He ran like a bat out of hell out of the apartment and down the stairs. As he reached the lobby he saw the front of the building start to collapse, trapping him inside. He turned and his eyes went wide as one of the legs of a Neo Tank was smashing through the building like nothing and bringing everything down on top of him.

Present again...

"Kanbei was found the next day in the wreckage, one of his arms was crushed by a huge piece of wreckage and had to be amputated at the site. His back, neck and several ribs were broken and he's paralyzed from the waist down as a result." Grit said, "But if he hadn't forced the soldiers to stay then a lot of innocent people would have died."
"Comrade Romanov!" A red soldier called running out of the crowd with another soldier behind him.
"Ah, Serge, how are you?" Romanov asked, turning to meet the soldier, "And Kiri, you are both looking well"
"We have something to ask of you" Kiri said.
"Well, go ahead" Romanov replied.
"We know the army rules forbid intimate relations between soldiers but since there is a chance many of us may perish during the coming battle" Serge said, "We met an Orange Star soldier who is also a preacher"
"And we wanted your permission to have him marry us" Kiri said, taking Serges hand.
"Now here's the thing, if I were in your position I wouldn't do what you're doing now" Romanov said, smirking as the two soldiers seemed to become very sad suddenly, "What I would do is say screw the rules and do it anyways, you have my consent, and spread it around that for tonight all traditional rules do not apply, do what ever you wish"
"Thank you so much!" Kiri exclaimed hugging Romanov then dashing off with Serge.
"Romanov!" A group of soldiers called, "Come, you must join us in a drink!"
"Gladly" Romanov replied, heading over to join the soldiers.
"Hey, what about going to meet with Kanbei!" Grit called.
"My first duty is to my soldiers, and my soldiers want to share a drink with me" Romanov laughed, "Come join us as well"
"Well, I've never turned down a drink." Grit said, following Romanov to the group of soldiers.

"Sir, we have sighting of Yamamotos flagship the Yamato" A deck hand said, "It seems to be all alone and heading for us"
"Good, I know that ship well" Nimitz said, turning to Nelson, "Pop quiz, get it all right and you'll be a lot closer to the promotion to Admiral"
"Fire away" Nelson said.
"One, describe the Yamato" Nimitz said.
"The Yamato is a Dreadnaught class vessel, slightly larger than a battleship and supports a total of fifteen eighteen inch guns in five turrets. It has a crew of two thousand and a top speed of twenty seven knots" Nelson replied.
"Correct, strengths" Nimitz said.
"Heavy armor, powerful weapons, Long firing range and an experienced commander" Nelson said.
"Correct, weaknesses" Nimitz said.
"Thinner armor near the water line, poor mobility, long reload times, long firing to impact times and a minimum weapons range." Nelson said.
"Correct, last question, best strategy" Nimitz said.
"Maneouver erratically while heading straight for it, take advantage of the superior speed and mobility to get in close then hit it hard with everything we have" Nelson said, "Always exploit the weaknesses to the fullest, no matter how much of a low blow it may be"
"Correct, In war it only matters if you win or lose a battle" Nimitz said, "Inform HQ about our contact"
"Aye sir" Nelson said.

"Grit!" Sonja called, spotting the Blue Moon CO, "Where's Romanov"
"Over there" Grit said, downing a shot of Vodka with a female Red Army soldier, "So, You seeing anyone?"
"Jeez, you'd almost forget there's a war going on" Sonja said, "Now where did he go this time?"

"Sir, report from Nimitz" A red soldier said, "He says he's spotted the Yamato and is going to engage it"
"Excellent" Romanov said, taking the piece of paper and walking up to where a group of the soldiers were playing instruments and whispered something to the Yellow Comet soldier who was singing.
"Stop the music! We've just heard that the Red Army fleet under command of Admiral Nimitz is about to engage a Grey Ash armada" She said, "Let us pray for a swift victory, but now since the rules have been thrown out for tonight, this next one is for all the couples who have been hiding relationships"
Everyone looked around as the band played a slower song but no one seemed to want to dance to it, possibly afraid this was just a ploy to catch them.
"Come on, Red army soldiers afraid of a little dancing?" Romanov laughed, jumping down into the crowds and making his way through, "Let me show you how it's done"
"I wish I were taller" Sonja groaned, trying to see over the soldiers standing in front of her. Suddenly the soldiers parted a bit and a hand took hers and pulled her past. A small area cleared as Romanov pulled Sonja over and twirled her, stopping with one hand around her waist and holding her hand in his other.
"I heard you were looking for me" Romanov smirked as he started moving with her to the music, "Have fun playing pong?"
"Having fun making a mockery of me?" Sonja asked sarcastically.
"Yes actually, you make it so easy and fun" Romanov smiled, "So, find out anything new?"
"Just your age, some of your country's history, how this army is technically still your first mission" Sonja smirked.
"So, I still know your measurements" Romanov's smile turned to a sarcastic smirk as Serge and Kiri joined in the dance, "Well, nice to see some of my army isn't afraid"
"The rest of your army isn't newly married" Serge smiled.
"So, are you going to tell me what else I want to know?" Sonja asked.
"Depends on what it is" Romanov said, "How about about a quick fire question session."
"Alright, first, What are the chances of us winning this thing?" Sonja asked.
"Depends on the success of Red Dawn" Romanov said, "What the hell is a foobles?"
"My first word" Sonja replied, noticing several other couples had started dancing, "What is Red Dawn?"
"An attack that could end the war in one fell swoop" Romanov said, "Are you enjoying this dance?"
"Yes I am, actually it's the first time I've danced with someone besides my father" Sonja said, smiling, "Why couldn't I hack into your computer system as easy as you could mine?"
"You used Windows, the most insecure operating system ever, even a child can crack that, We use Unix, almost impossible to crack" Romanov said, "What the hell is Grit doing?"
"Huh?" Sonja said, looking over at Grit trying to dance a river dance, "I think he's drunk"
"Oh" Romanov said.

"Hey Yamamoto, you there old friend" Nimitz broadcast over the radio.
"It is good to hear from you again old friend, I feared you had been killed in the nuclear attack" Yamamoto responded.
"I didn't think you would have cared" Nimitz replied.
"Believe me when I say I was horrified that the boss would actually use those weapons." Yamamoto said, "Why don't you come over to the Yamato and we can talk over some tea?"
"Um... we're supposed to be at war" Nimitz replied.
"Such a shame, a pointless waste of life especially since the nation Grey Ash no longer supports us" Yamamoto said, "Actually, the only reason my Navy even stuck with the boss was in hopes of changing the minds of the army but I now know that will be impossible"
"What are you saying?" Nimitz asked, "Give me the short form version"
"Fine, Navy no like boss, that better?" Yamamoto said.
"I'm not an idiot" Nimitz said, "So what does that mean?"
"I'll just say this, your Victory and my Yamato in a one on one battle, if you win you'll get a couple of pleasant surprises" Yamamoto said.
"You're on, first ship disabled loses" Nimitz said, turning the radio off, "Order the fleet to stay back, sound general quarters"
"Aye sir" Nelson said, hitting a button that made alarms go off all over the ship.
"We have the advantage, Yamamoto has never seen this type of a ship before, it was just a fluke that we stumbled upon that hidden dry dock in Aqua Bubble" Nimitz said, "Prepare for erratic maneouvers! full speed ahead"
"Aye sir!" The deck hand said, signalling the speed control for flanking speed.

A couple minutes after ending the radio conversation a salvo of shots rang out from the Yamato.
"Hard Right!" Nimitz ordered, "Return fire with deck guns!"
"Aye, hard right, return fire!" The deck hand said, spinning the wheel. The Victory turned right and it's turrets rotated to fire on the Yamato. Several large splashes erupted from the sea on the course the Victory had been taking. The deck guns roared to life and fired a full salvo at the Yamato.
"We have roughly three minutes before the Yamato can fire again, Get us in closer now!" Nimitz ordered, "Nelson, you look after the aiming of the deck guns"
"Yes Sir" Nelson said as the Victory resumed it's straight course towards the Yamato.
Slashes erupted in the distance near the Yamato, indicating a miss. The Victory deck guns fired again and sent another salvo hurtling towards the other ship. Shots rang out from the Yamato and the Deck hand looked to Nimitz for orders.
"Steady ahead" Nimitz said.
"But." The deck hand started.
"I said steady" Nimitz said. The crew of the Victory waited nervously but the tension broke when a large number of splashes were seen off to the right of the ship.
"Uh oh, Yamamoto thinks I would be stupid enough to do the same move twice" Nimitz smirked.
"Sorry I questioned you sir" The deck hand said.
"No worries" Nimitz replied as another salvo was fired from the Victory deck guns.
This time, instead of only splashes around the Yamato there was a single plume of black smoke coming from the bow as well.
"We hit her!" Nelson exclaimed.
"Yep, took out her forward turret, still has four more thought so don't get lazy, aim for the stern and try to take out her props" Nimitz said.
"Aye" Nelson replied, relaying the orders.
Another salvo rang out from the Victory and another plume of black smoke. The Yamato began to turn in a circle as it's rudder was hit and jammed off to one side.
"Excellent, he'll have to shut down his engines in order to get an accurate shot off, aim for the rear turrets" Nimitz said. Another salvo came from the Yamato as it slowed to a stop. Splashes erupted around the Victory and the vessel shuddered as a shot slammed into the front gun turret.
"Damage report!" Nimitz yelled.
"Turret one is out, turret two is damaged" The deck hand said, "500 meters to Yamato minimum range"
"Hopefully we can get under their minimum range before Yamamoto can fire again" Nimitz said, "Can we fire the rear turrets?"
"Not without turning sir" Nelson said.
"Alright, full speed, charge!" Nimitz ordered.

"What is he doing? He wouldn't dare ram us, we'd both sink" Yamamoto said.
"Sir, he'll soon be to close to use the main guns on" Yamamotos second in command said.
"If he does then hit him hard with the AA guns, it will not be very effective but it is better than just sitting here and letting him hit us" Yamamoto said.

"Sir, we made it! We're under their minimum range" The deck hand exclaimed.
"Good! Bring us to within a hundred and fifty meters" Nimitz said.
As the Victory closed the distance gap the Yamato opened fire with it's smaller Flak Cannons. Black puffs of smoke erupted around the Victory as the Flak shells exploded.
"What is he trying to do?" Nelson asked.
"An act of desperation" Nimitz said, "Distance?"
"five hundred meters sir" The deck hand said as a Flak shell exploded next to the bridge and shattered the glass on that side, "Holy Crap!"
"No need to worry, the shells can't hurt us" Nimitz said.
"Um sir, your butt is smoking" Nelson said, "I think a piece of flak hit you"
"Yes it did...ow" Nimitz said.
"Are you ok?" Nelson asked.
"This is nothing" Nimitz said, "Distance?"
"Now at a hundred and fifty meters" The deck hand sir.
"Come up beside the Yamato" Nimitz said, walking out onto one of the flying bridges that extended out from the main bridge.

"What the hell is he doing?" Yamamoto asked, going out onto his own ships flying bridge.
"Hey Yamamoto!" Nimitz yelled, "Two hundred years ago how did the wooden ships attack each other?"
"What?" Yamamoto asked, "They would come up beside each other and fire their cannons, basically the same as we fight today but at a shorter range, did you come over here just to ask that?"
"No, I just wanted to see this up close. " Nimitz said, turning to the bridge, "Nelson! All Port guns fire! Give'em a broadside just like the old days!"
"Oh shit" Yamamoto said, looking down as the fifteen doors on the side of the Victory opened and the eight inch guns emerged. With a deafening boom each of them fired and slammed a shell into the side of the Yamato. The guns retracted after firing and began to automatically reload.
"Cross the Tee Nelson" Nimtitz said, returning to the bridge.
"What?" Nelson asked.
"Cross the Tee, take us past the bow and fire another broadside" Nimitz said.
"Aye sir" Nelson said.

The Victory moved forward and came across the Yamato's bow, making a T shape. The guns emerged from their doors again and unleashed another round of their fury on the Yamato. Black smoke bellowed from the holes created and the Yamato's decks began to fill with crew members trying to escape. The Victory came along the other side of the Yamato and fired a third broadside, aimed mainly at the waterline. That was the final shot. The Grey Ash flag was taken down from the stern of the ship and was replaced with a white flag.
"I win" Nimitz said, grinning as the Victory pulled up beside the Yamato and lowered gang planks between the two ships. Nimitz walked along the deck of the Victory and went halfway across one of the gang planks, stopping in front of Yamamoto.
"I must admit I'm surprised you beat me, I guess there is a first for everything" Yamamoto said, handing his sword to Nimitz, "I humbly admit defeat and put the lives of my men in your hands"
"I accept your defeat and welcome your men on board my vessel" Nimitz said, taking Yamamotos sword and sliding it into his belt, "Well, don't just stand there and wait for your ship to sink!"
Yamamoto signalled to his men to evacuate and the Grey Ash sailors began flooding onto the deck of the Victory. Nimitz and Yamamoto walked together along the deck and onto the bridge.
"It was foolish of you to think such a small fleet could beat me" Yamamoto said, looking at the ships off in the distance.
"That's only a third of my force" Nimitz said, turning to Nelson, "Tell the first and fourth fleets to show themselves, come old friend and watch. Remember, all warfare is based on deception"
"You sneaky bastard" Yamamoto laughed as dozens of submarines began surfacing around the Victory, "You know how I hate those"
"So what were you chasing anyways?" Nimitz asked.
"Who said we were chasing anything?" Yamamoto said, "That was just a ploy to fool the boss and keep our real mission hidden."
"So what was your real mission?" Nimitz asked.
"Give me a radio then I'll show you" Yamamoto said.

A large part of the Grey Ash fleet was anchored in a harbor to defend a major base on the eastern tip of Green Earth. Soldiers on the shores were lounging around enjoying themselves. They had heard from radio reports about the coming of the Red Army but were unconcerned, thinking that the new opponents would soon fall like all the others.
"Sir, message from Admiral Yamamoto, he says commence operation M." A petty officer said to his captain on the bridge of the lead battleship.
"Operation M...." The captain said, smirking, "Inform the crew"
"Aye sir" The petty officer said, dashing out.
"Operation M..." The captain said again, walking out onto the flying bridge, "Mutiny"

"What the hell is happening out there?" A grey soldier asked his companion who was fishing off of one of the docks.
"What the hell is what?" The other soldier asked, not looking up.
"The fleet is taking down their flags" The first soldier said.
"What?" The second said, looking up to see the ships raising red flags on their sterns, "Oh shit..."

"We gave them a chance to join us, they refused, they who were once out comrades are now our enemies" The captain said, "Open fire....."

Back at the celebration Romanov and Sonja were still dancing, as the had been for an hour straight, and asking each other questions. Grit had disappeared with the Red Army soldier he had been talking with, somehow his butchered riverdance impressed her and they hadn't been seen since.
"Birthday?" Sonja asked.
"August eighteen" Romanov replied, "First boyfriend?"
"Never had one, too busy with computers remember" Sonja said, "First girlfriend?"
"Never had one, too busy training to become a CO" Romanov replied, "I can't think of anything else to ask"
"How about this" Sonja said, "Can I kiss you?"
"Are you asking me or do you want me to ask you?" Romanov asked, being caught off guard as Sonja reached up and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Aw, how cute" Sami said, having been watching the scene.
"Sami!" Sonja exclaimed, blushing madly, "I thought you went to sleep"
"I tried but Andy kept whining about wanting to join the celebration and not wanting to go alone" Sami said, grabbing Andy by the back of the shirt and jerking him over beside her.
"Hey! I was just about to join my soldiers in a drink!" Andy exclaimed.
"First off you're only eighteen and not old enough, do you see Sonja out drinking?" Sami asked.
"So, you were drinking" Andy said.
"That's because I'm two years older than you and I'm old enough to drink." Sami snapped, "Now smarten up or else I'm going to leave you alone with all these red soldiers!"
"I'll be good!" Andy exclaimed.
"Good" Sami said as a Yellow Comet nurse came running up to the COs.
"Sonja! Your father! He's taken a turn for the worst" The nurse said, "He doesn't have much time left...."
"No..." Sonja said, grief washing over her, "I need to be by his side!"
"He wanted to have all of you with him, and he asked especially for the Red Army CO" The nurse said, turning to Romanov.
"Let's hurry!" Sami said, rushing off towards the hospital with Andy in tow.
"Please come with me" Sonja said to Romanov.
"I will" Romanov replied, hearing his name called by a very happy looking soldier, "I'll be there in a minute"
Sonja nodded and ran off after Andy and Sami as Romanov turned to speak with the soldier.

"Father!" Sonja cried, running into the hospital room and dropping to her knees beside her father.
"Sonja.." Kanbei said weakly, "I didn't want to die while my country was still enslaved by Grey Ash."
"Father, I've been meaning to tell you, Grey Ash has fled Yellow Comet, they retreated to Green Earth, Our country is free again" Sonja said.
"That is wonderful, There is one other thing I wanted to do before I died though" Kanbei said.
"What is it father" Sonja asked.
"I wanted to be face to face with the Grey Ash leader and spit in his face" Kanbei said, chuckling weakly.
"I'm afraid that is a pleasure I reserve for myself" Romanov said, entering the room, "But instead of spitting in his face I will run him through"
"You must be the leader of the Red Army, No words can express how thankful I am for your arrival and assistance." Kanbei said.
"There is more good news" Romanov said, drawing the attention of all in attendance, "Nimitz has defeated Yamamoto and the entire Grey Ash fleet has defected to our side, as we speak they are bombarding the bases along the shoreline of Green Earth."
"Are you serious!" Andy exclaimed.
"Yes, and I have also learned that the loyalty of the Grey Ash army is weak, should the leader be killed then the war would end." Romanov said, "But as long as he lives the soldiers will fight to the death out of fear, if they don't then the leader will turn his remaining nuclear weapons on them"
"A true leader rules with compassion, not fear" Kanbei said, "Like you appear to young CO"
"He's starting to fade away" A nurse said, watching the heart moniters.
"Hand me my katana" Kanbei said.
"Yes sir" Sami said, handing the sword to Kanbei.
"Sonja, with my passing I leave you in charge of Yellow Comet. Remember all I have taught you and rule fairly and justly" Kanbei said, using his remaining strength to hand the katana to Sonja, "Pass down what I have taught you to your own children and pass this sword on to your chosen successor"
"Father, please don't die, I'm not ready to take over, not with things the way they are.." Sonja said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I wish it wasn't this way either." Kanbei said, closing his eyes. Seconds later the heart moniter flat lined, Mighty Kanbei was dead. The only dry eyed person was Romanov, when you see a nation of over three hundred million people obliterated in a matter of minutes death no longer seems to affect you. Sonja stood up, clutching the katana, and ran to Romanov, burying her face in his chest. The nurse, also crying, went over and pulled the sheets over Kanbeis face.

The fortress Grey Omega, command center of the Grey Ash army and home to their commander, known only as 'The Boss'. The Grey Omega was also a modified Barbarossa class fortress as the original plans had been created in a joint venture between Grey Ash and Red Fire during the years prior to the war. Surrounding the fortress was an army roughly double the full size of the Red Army, the elite guards whose only mission was to protect The Boss.
"Let go of me! Stop pushing!" Tojo snapped as a pair of soldiers forcibly lead him into the bosses office. The office was situated in the same place as Romanovs quarters were in Red Alpha. It was designed to be spacious and luxurious, only fitting for a man who was on the verge of world domination. The soldiers dragged Tojo to a chair and forced him to sit.
"You may go" The Boss said, his large leather chair facing him away from Tojo, making the soldiers scurry out, "What the hell are you doing here Tojo..."
"I'm very sorry sir, but it was either retreat or be killed." Tojo said, his voice shaking.
"Since you're here I want you to explain a few things to me" The Boss said, turning his chair around so he faced Tojo but keeping his face hidden in shadows.
"...." Tojo sat there frozen in fear.
"Could you please explain to me why those pitiful nations aren't crushed yet?" The Boss asked.
"Well you see sir..." Tojo started.
"Could you please explain to me why two of my best commanders are dead and Niko has been captured?" The Boss asked, his voice growing louder.
"I..." Tojo started again, only to be interupted again.
"Could you please explain to me why Yamamoto and my entire navy has defected! Explain to me why I lost almost a hundred divisions when they began attacking my coastal bases! Could you explain to me why this Red Army even exists!" The Boss screamed, "Well! Out with it!"
"I can't! I don't know! Most of that I didn't even know happened!" Tojo exclaimed.
"You are a failure as a CO. You showed cowardice when you fled Yellow Comet and in turn gave up a large amount of MY territory." The Boss said, "I have no place in my army for cowards and idiots like you."
"But Sir!" Tojo said, jumping to his feet. Before he could say another word a shot rang out and a bullet went through his skull. The doors opened and the two soldiers ran in and grabbed the body.
"Spread the word, any soldier who gives up even a foot of land to the enemy is to be shot" The Boss said as the soldiers dragged the body out, "Order the army to relocate to the inland bases and send scouts out to find where this Red Army has set up camp."

Sonja had just finished doing one of the hardest things she had ever had to do. She stood up on the make shift stage and announced that her father was dead. There was a stunned silence as she began to cry again and turned back to Romanov, who put a a comforting arm around her as she again cried on his shoulder.
"In every moment of darkness there is a light. An hour ago Nimitz defeated Yamamoto and now the entire Grey Ash navy has defected to our side. As we speak they are enroute to meet up with us at the southernmost territory of Yellow Comet." Romanov said as a Jet copter flew overhead and transformed into it's ground attack mode, "Also, it turns out that the fleet Nimitz was sent to intercept was not chasing something but escorting something."
"Escorting what?" Sami asked as the copter touched down on top of the tanks turret and the door opened.
"Me!" the Green Earth sea captain Drake exclaimed, hopping out of the copter, "And the rest of the people who managed to escape Green Earth!"
There was a small cheer from some of the soldiers but most were still upset due to the passing of Kanbei.
"Yeesh, who died?" Drake said as Nimitz emerged from the copter.
"My father...." Sonja said in between sobs.
"Kanbei died not more than ten minutes ago" Sami said.
"Oh..Now I feel like a jerk." Drake said, looking down.
"You didn't know" Romanov said, "Sonja, you should go an rest, it's been a hard day you've been handed a huge responsibility"
"You're right" Sonja said, "Please, walk with me back to the quarters you offered Sami and I"
"As you wish" Romanov said, jumping down from the tank and then helping Sonja down.
"Who's he?" Drake asked.
"See all the soldiers in red uniforms? See the big fortress He and Sonja are heading for? He's in command of them all" Andy said.
"Whoa" Drake said.
"Yeah" Sami added, smirking, "He doesn't have to share his power with children"
"Hey!" Andy snapped, "Where did Grit get to?"

Romanov took Sonja back to Red Alpha and to her room. She sat on the couch drying her eyes while Romanov got her a drink of water.
"You know, when I was younger and I was upset about something I would always be able to rely on my father to make me feel better." Sonja said, accepting the water, "Now that he's gone I'm all alone"
"You have others to turn to in times of need." Romanov said, "I never had anyone. When I was a child my father was always too busy with military matters to spend any time with Niko and I. My mother was too busy raising my younger sisters to care much about me. That's the way it was in my family, mother looks after the daughters, father looks after the sons. When I was twelve both my father and Niko disappeared leaving my to raise myself for a year. The next year Grey Ash began to become agressive mainly towards Red Fire. That same year I left home and entered the CO academy."
"Same age I did, what was yours like?" Sonja asked.
"Wake up before dawn, two hour run before breakfast, spend all morning in the classrooms, eat lunch, spend all afternoon in combat training, dinner, then more running and training until it was time to go to bed." Romanov said, "In the end only one person from each class was chosen to become a full CO. They would choose by giving you what they considered to be a no win situation and you had to choose to either create a tactic to escape or to counter attack. Then a computer would run a simulation and determine how effective your tactic is."
"What did you choose?" Sonja asked, moving over to allow Romanov to sit down.
"I was the only one to choose the counter attack option." Romanov smirked, "And I came out with a 93% chance of victory with minimal casualties."
"Your countries program is a lot more intense than ours" Sonja said, "But how did you come to be the top CO when you're so young, what about those other guys?"
"Patton, Monty, Bishop, Nimitz and Nelson are considered Sub Commanders, trained in a specific area of combat, for example Patton is trained as a tank commander, thus he commands the armored divisions." Romanov said, "As a CO I am trained to command and operate every type of unit, I'm an expert marksman, expert at close combat, and versed in almost every hand held weapon created."
"An army of one in otherwords" Sonja snickered, "Where have I heard that before?"
"Are you feeling any better?" Romanot asked.
"Yes actually, It's nice just to listen to some one talking" Sonja said, "Helps to take my mind off my fathers passing."
"One thing I always tell my soldiers is never forget." Romanov said, "It's what drives them to keep going."
"The way we're all acting right now you'd never guess we could all die tomorrow" Sonja laughed, "There's a huge party going on, everyones having fun, you'd think we've already won."
"You never know what tomorrow will bring" Romanov said, "Yesterday I didn't know I'd get stabbed by my own brother, hell, I didn't even think I would ever see him again."
"Yesterday I thought we were all about to die, yet you showed up out of nowhere with your army and took out the force that beat us all back" Sonja said, snuggling up slightly to Romanov, "So, when are you going to tell me what Red Dawn is?"
"You'll know it when it happens." Romanov said.
"Why, is it really flashy or something?" Sonja asked.
"Yes, but you won't see that part." Romanov chuckled, "You'll know it because every loudspeaker on the Alpha will be saying 'Red Dawn' and all the Red Army soldiers will stop what they're doing and run to their transports."
"And if Red Dawn fails?" Sonja asked.
"We're all worm food." Romanov said.
"So this may be our last night alive." Sonja said, standing up, "In that case there's something I wanted to try at least once."
"What is that?" Romanov asked.
"Come and I'll show you" Sonja said, taking Romanov by the hand and pulling him behind her.


"Who's there?" Niko said, squinting in the darkened medical ward as a figure approached him.
"Sir, I'm here to free you and get you back to the Boss." A soldier in an older Red Fire uniform said.
"Who are you?" Niko asked.
"My name is Fritz, I was ordered by Lord Tojo to stay behind and help you escape captivity" Fritz said, handing a pistol to Niko and grabbing a wheelchair, "It will appear that I am transferring you to a prison cell."
"Okay." Niko said, sliding off the bed into wheel chair, "My hat is over on that table, could you grab it for me?"
"As you wish sir" Fritz said, walking over to grab the hat.
"Actually Fritz" Niko said, aiming the gun as Fritz spun around, "If this weren't Red Fire I'd gladly go back, but since it is Red Fire, I think I'll stay."
"But Sir!" Fritz exclaimed, his eyes going wide as Niko fired several shots into his chest.
"I never wanted to be with Grey Ash in the first place." Niko said, ejecting the clip from the gun and tossing it aside as a group of Red Army soldiers scrambled through the door, "He was a Grey Ash spy, sent to take me back."
"They why did you kill him?" The soldier in charge asked.
"Because I'm happier here" Niko said, "Any chance I could get a Red Fire uniform?"
"We'll talk to Romanov" The red soldier said as his comrades hauled Fritz's body away.

"These things are huge!" Drake exclaimed, placing a hand on the side of one of the Red Army's heavy tanks, "I never thought I'd see a tank bigger than a Neo tank."
"What's going on?" A voice came from the barrel of the tank.
"So that's where he got to" Sami laughed as Grit slid out of the barrel and fell to the ground with a thud.
"Last thing I remember was some cute Red Army soldier..." Grit said, rubbing his head then looking at Drake, "Am I dead? Because I think I see Drake."
"No matey, you aren't dead!" Drake laughed.
"Well, I'm willing to believe just about anything right now, I'd even believe it if the Black Hole army suddenly appeared wanting to help fight Grey Ash." Grit said, "Where's Sonja?"
"Grieving, her father just died not long ago." Andy said, "She's with Romanov right now."
"Do me a favor, get me some coffee." Grit said, "What time is it?"
"Midnight, I'm going to bed" Sami said, "Drake, make sure Andy doesn't make an idiot of himself."
"Actually I'm tired too, Gotta get up tomorrow." Andy said, "War's not over yet."
"I'll be awaiting the arrival of the rest of my forces." Drake said, heading off, "I'll see you all later"

Sami and Andy returned to the Alpha and went to their respective rooms. Several seconds after entering her own room Sami emerged again looking shocked and went to Andy's room.
"What?" Andy asked.
"Move over, I'm bunking down here tonight" Sami said.
"Why?" Andy asked, getting pushed out of the way.
"Let's just say Sonja and Romanov are a bit busy and don't want to be disturbed." Sami said, heading for Andy's room.
"I'm not sure if there's enough room for both of us" Andy said.
"There isn't, you're sleeping out here." Sami said, slamming the door.
"Hey!" Andy yelled.

Several hours later Romanov emerged from the room, a determined look was plastered on his face.
"I promise this won't be your last night to live" He said, walking through the halls to the command center of the fortress. The light was on and one other person was present.
"Hey bossman, burning the midnight oil too eh?" Bishop said from his seat.
"I thought I told all of you to get some rest" Romanov said.
"I tried but the excitement of watching my air force smash Rommel's tanks still hasn't worn off" Bishop said.
"I see, well perhaps you can help me." Romanov said.
"You're in charge." Bishop said, "Name it."
"Are you familiar with a decapitation strike?" Romanov asked.
"Quick attack, take out the head honcho, watch enemy moral plummet." Bishop said, "Lots of fun."
"Yes, well I need a jet copter, I plan to kill the Grey Ash leader tonight" Romanov said.
"Sweet, can I come?" Bishop asked, standing up.
"Your funeral" Romanov laughed at his commanders eagerness, "Fine, let's go"
"Nothing is more satisfying than killing a few Grey Ash soldiers." Bishop said, walking out the command center with Romanov.
"Heads up!" Niko yelled, zipping past Romanov in his wheel chair.
"What the hell are you doing?" Romanov asked.
"I lost part of my childhood so I'm having some fun." Niko said, "Where are you going?"
"To kill your former boss." Romanov said, "Any weakness in defenses we should know about?"
"No, pretty much everwhere is suicide." Niko said, "Have fun!"
"Are you really related to him?" Bishop asked.
"Regretfully." Romanov said, continuing on, "But I'd probably be acting the same way if I were forced into the military lifestyle. But I went willingly."
"Ok" Bishop said as they exitted the fortress then made their way to where a large number of Jetcopters had landed. Bishop climbed into the cockpit of his personal 'copter and Romanov jumped into the seat of the nearest unoccupied one. Both took off and gained enough altitude to convert to the jet mode. After a quick pass over the celebrations, which had died down as many soldiers retired to quarters to get some rest, then headed out towards Green Earth.
"Welcome to Red Army airlines, our destination today is the nation of Green Earth where we will be shoving a rocket up the ass of the Grey Ash commander, our flight time will be two hours and we will be crusing at top speed which is Mach 2.9." Bishop said over the radio line, "Stewardesses will be by soon with peanuts and soda."
"Right..." Romanov said.

An hour and a half later the land mass that was the southern tip of Yellow Comet gave way to the blue ocean.
"Well look at that" Bishop said as the massive Grey Ash fleet came into view, "They are on our side right?"
"Yep, I can see some of Nelson's fleet interspersed with the Grey Ash ships." Romanov said.
"Nelson to Red Army flyers, who's up there?" Nelson's voice came through the radio.
"Nelson, Bishop, You up for Poker when I we get back?" Bishop asked.
"You really want to lose more money to me?" Nelson asked, "Who else?"
"Me." Romanov said.
"Hey comrade Romanov, Why'd you fly all the way out here?" Nelson asked.
"We're on our way to Green Earth to, as Bishop so colourfully put it, shove a rocket up the ass of the Grey Ash commander." Romanov said, "Decapitation strike."
"That could work." Yamamoto said, on a seperate radio, "Take the Boss out and there will be nothing to keep the soldiers afraid to revolt! They know if they do now then the Boss will launch his nuclear missiles at them."
"But why only two of you?" Nelson asked.
"We're the best pilots and have a better chance of getting through than the other flyers." Bishop said.
"No need to risk the lives of others." Romanov said.
"God speed." Yamamoto said, "And good luck."
"We'll need it" Bishop said.

A while later the two flew over the smoking remains of one of the Grey Ash coastal bases. Everything in the base was demolished when the Navy defected and it appeared any survivors abandoned the base for others inland.
"Keep altitude under fifty feet" Romanov said.
"But that will expose us to ground fire as well at AA fire!" Bishop said.
"But we will be under their radar so their AA can't get a lock until we're within visual range" Romanov said, "Then when they do spot us they won't have time to attack us before we're gone."
"I knew that, just.. um.. testing you!" Bishop said.
The two flew over the deserted land, sometimes just barely above the tops of the trees. Soon they spotted a Grey Ash base that was bustling with tanks and other heavy weapons. They passed over it without incident.

"Sir!" A Grey Ash soldier exclaimed, running into the Bosses office.
"What is it?" The Boss asked.
"Two Red Army flyers, they just passed over Base F" The soldier said, "One was painted standard Red Fire red and the other had a custom paintjob."
"Tell our soldiers to fire on the customized one." The Boss said, "Let the other one through."
"Yes sir." The soldier said, running out.
"So you come for me, I just hope it's you" The Boss said.

"Mountain" Bishop said as they approached a large mountain, "Probably Grey Ash base right behind it."
"Wouldn't doubt it" Romanov said. The jets went up and over the mountain, gaining it's first view of the other side, "This is unexpected!"
"Mother of..." Bishop said, "The infamous Grey Omega..."
"Let's do this!" Romanov said, directing his jet towards the fortress. All of a sudden a hail of bullets erupted from the surrounding encampment. All the fire was directed at Bishops jet, making it almost impossible to avoid.
"God Dammit!" Bishop screamed as several bullets struck his plane, "I'm hit!"
"You're smoking, get out of here!" Romanov ordered, "They're only attacking you!"
"I won't argue, send two up his ass for me too!" Bishop said, gaining altitude and leaving a smokey trail.
"If I don't make it back then Patton is in charge, he's the senior sub-commander, tell them to move the army to the southern tip of Yellow Comet. The codes for Red Dawn are in my safe." Romanov said as the fire from the ground suddenly stopped, "Bad move."
Romanov swooped down low and headed for the Omega. He slowed his speed and right before he hit the Omega he converted to Rotar mode. Two missiles emerged from the sides of the copter and were aimed at the large glass windows of the Bosses office.
"Say hi to Rommel and Mata for me" Romanov said, about to fire when the Boss emerged onto the balcony and stared at him. Romanov was speechless as he saw the Bosses face. That lapse in concentration allowed a Grey Ash soldier to aim a heavy rifle and fire a shot into Romanovs engine, causing the copter to fall to the ground and crash.

A few hours after Romanov left Sonja awoke and emerged with a bit of a glow to her. She went off to find where Romanov had gotten to and arrived at the Alpha command center. She found the people there in somewhat of a stunned silence.
"What's going on?" Sonja asked, only to be answered by a radio transmission from Nelson's fleet.
"Repeat, this is Bishop with dire news. Romanov's copter was shot down... He's dead."

Next Chapter: Grey Ash attacks

Note: I'm writing a new Chapter One, I'll post it and leave the original so you can decide which you like better.