Battle Dawn
Chapter Twelve: Differences
by Silver
Author's Note: Whew. This chapter took a while. It feels a little weird not having to write about the Valley of the Rarehertz anymore.
This chapter touches base with some characters we haven't seen in a bit. Think of it as a transition into the next phase.
Thanks to ChirsDude and ZeroPioneer for proofreading my stories. You'd all be lost in spelling and grammatical errors if not for them. I also thank everyone who has read this very long story and has been kind enough to leave a review. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
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It was business as usual for the Backdraft. Deals, threats, and the occasional surprise.
The deal came over a video conference. Altiel smiled at the man on the screen, portrayed several times larger than in real life. Such an act was necessary in rebuilding a relationship. Allowing the enlarged image made the sender think he was all the more important. Yet even at that size his head could not contain his ego.
"Greetings, Mr. Champ, or may I call you Bernard?" Bernard Champ was a tall, muscular man, though his excessive lifestyle had added a fair deal of girth to his body. His brown hair was slicked back and his moustache was trimmed to a laser-fine point. Those eyes shared the same glint of greed that Altiel saw in a mirror. He recognized that they both shared the same ambitious streak, though that wasn't necessarily an opportunity for friendship. Bernard Champ stressed his lineage by dressing in a "cowboy" style suite, including a hat fashioned with an over-sized rim. The Champs were one of the few families that could trace its lineage back to Earth, somewhere in the western part of a country called "America." Bernard even practiced a fake accent to remind anyone who spoke to him that he was "pure-bred" Earthling. Such knowledge was truly meaningless to the common people of Zi, but for the world's elite it was a sign of prestige and money, for only the rich could trace their lines back that far.
"My friends call my Barry. You can call me Mr. Champ f'r now."
"Oh, come now. Hasn't the Backdraft always been your ally and you ours? Why, it was our team that honored your request, challenged your son, and took all his Zoids."
"Fer all the good it did." Bernard leaned back and Altiel could see the edges of what looked like a very plush arm chair. "Kid's still playin' Zoid Pilot, even managed to hook his sister." He muttered, "I never should have sent Mary to bring the boy home. 'Never send a girl' and all that."
Altiel cleared his throat. "Even so, Mr. Champ, the Backdraft crippled his forces and returned the Zoids to you. I would call that a gift of friendship, given the vast number of units we ended up returning."
Bernard's attention returned. "And what kind of gesture where you makin' when your Genosaurers nearly roasted my son like a pig on a skewer?"
Altiel didn't let his smile waver. "That was purely unintentional. We were aiming for the Blitz Team and your son happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I understand he threw himself in harms way."
More muttering. "Riskin' his life for some trashy little girl… idiot… need to bring that boy home and…" The rest became inaudible. It was aggravating to be ignored like this, but Altiel let the man distract himself with personal issues. The truth behind the Genosaurer attack on the Berserk Fury would only make the Backdraft appear divided. In this time of weakness, when most supporters had severed all ties to BD, it was vital that Altiel regain the backing of the Champ Corporation. They were the largest arms manufacturer on Zi, as well as the source for all AI robots, including the ZBC Judges. Bernard Champ owed that resource to his wife, Rachel Schubaltz-Champ. The combined wealth of the Champ Corporation and Schubaltz Industries overshadowed any other company on Zi. Backdraft needed that funding, so Altiel would have to be patient until Bernard's attention returned.
"Why are you calling me, Altiel? Shouldn't you be hidin' under a rock next to the other snakes? Word is that Backdraft's finished now that its Old Man is six-feet-under." It was suddenly harder to contain the fury.
"I can assure you, Mr. Champ, that the Backdraft Organization is far from finished. Count Umbra was a great leader, but his death does not spell the end for us. Backdraft will rise again, stronger than ever. We're making plans to remind the ZBC that we are not defeated."
"And where do I factor into these plans of yours? I'm not plannin' on joinin'; seein' as how you've nearly killed my son and cost me a lot of money on your battles."
Amazing how one could contain his rage when money was the proper motivation. "As I said, your son threw himself into the fray. It was unavoidable. As for the lost money, that is the inherent risk in gambling. I believe it was you who bet against the Blitz Team several times. But surely those loses were but a drop in a very deep bucket for the Champ Corporation."
"It's the principal! Your so-called 'Warriors' couldn't beat some snot-nosed kid and his dress-changing Liger! Now you expect me to back you when you're down and out?"
"That won't be an issue anymore. We're no longer interested in unsanctioned battles. If anything, we're expanding the market for your business."
"And what business do you fig'er I'm in?"
"War. I understand it was your company that supplied the weapons used on the ZBC Super Satellite. An impressive arsenal." He had to fight hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. To think that he was brown-nosing to the wretch that stabbed the Backdraft.
If Bernard took any offense, he didn't show it. "Never hurts to play it safe. Even the best bettin' man keeps a little cash on hand for when he loses big. You lost, and I'm not goin' down with you."
"Oh, we truly lost one battle, but even now we are geared to start a true war."
"That's the second time you've mentioned war. What war? What can you do with a bunch of half-assed pilots while the Elephander's MIA and the Berserk Fury's in ZBC hands? Ya'll got nothing."
Altiel leaned back, trying to emanate as much confidence as possible. "I make you this offer, Mr. Champ. Watch the Backdraft in these next few days. By week's end the whole of Zi will fear our name again and every military organization, from the ZBC to the lowest town sheriff, will be begging you for weapons. We'll also be hosting bets again, but the stakes will be much higher for the participants. Death awaits the losers, and all of Zi will be the ultimate prize."
Bernard was silent for a long while. "Fair 'nough. I'll wait one week, then I call the ZBC if you don't deliver. I'll be watchin' you, Altiel."
"Thank you for your time, Mr. Champ."
"You can call me Bernard, fer now." The screen flickered off.
Altiel had only a few moments to compose himself and try to ebb his anger before the threats started. Kristi Fuma strode into the base with her second-in-command dragging their guest behind. Loath as Altiel was to give that bastard Vaez any credit, he had read Fuma's actions perfectly. They'd come to the Guerrial base, far from the eyes of the world. Altiel once again dressed in a false smile, though this time he would be the one in a position of power.
"Fuma, what a delight to see you. I am relieved to see you've returned to us safely."
The young woman did not return his smile. "I have returned, but only as a guest. We have business."
"Oh? Do you need something from me?" He made sure he sounded sarcastic this time.
"Money and Zoids. You give us our Neo War Sharks, ten million zenny, and in return we'll give you two Genosaurers and our guest here." She gestured to the man standing behind, his arms cuffed at the wrist. The prison uniform strips barely contained his rather broad shoulders. Altiel tried hard not to laugh at the man's head. For some reason, that egg-shaped cranium always made Altiel giggle. His beady eyes and a haircut that looked like a broken shell made him all the more comical.
"Dr. Laon, how are you doing?"
"Peachy." Laon scowled at Fuma's Second, whose name Altiel couldn't remember. Dr. Laon had been Count Umbra's special invitee to the Backdraft. A master creator of Zoids weapons and energy systems, he had helped create the vastly superior Neo War Sharks, Shadow Fox, and served as the chief researcher for the Berserk Fury. He also exhibited a strong rivalry with Steve Toros, making him the enemy of the Backdraft's enemy. Fuma had been smart to liberate him from prison and bring him along.
Altiel returned his gaze to Fuma. "And if I give you all I ask, what will happen then? I seem to remember giving you three Genosaurers."
"We're selling you two of the three. One is in working order, the other is damaged."
"A damaged Zoid is hardly worth three Neo War Sharks and ten million zenny. I'm not even sure Dr. Laon is worth that much."
"HEY!"
Fuma said, "My team is the only one that can bring out the full potential of the Neo War Sharks. Two Genosaurers are worth far more to you, even if one is damaged. The money will ensure our silence. I'm sure you don't want word to slip out as to why we attacked the Berserk Fury."
Altiel nodded. "That would make my life most difficult. But still, I can hardly let such a skilled espionage artist such as yourself slip away. We need your skills now more than ever."
"Tough. We're independent now. Either pay up or we take Dr. Laon, have him fix the broken Genosaurer, and spread the word that it was you who tried to kill the Backdraft's greatest Warrior. The last bet you'll ever have to wager is how long you can hold on to that 'Supreme Commander' title."
Altiel nodded. "I wouldn't bet on lasting very long, but since it would be my last wager I'm sure I'd put everything on the table." No one laughed. "Very well, Fuma, you have a deal. Provided, of course, you refuse this offer." He pressed a button on his desk panel, summoning an image of a woman. They could only see her from the chest up, but all that mattered was that Fuma saw the woman's face, as well as the gag around her mouth and the fear in her eyes. Two men dressed in black with masks over their faces held her steady. She looked like Fuma, but much older.
"Mother!" Fuma's face went white, a rare occurrence. Her mother tried to scream something through the gag, but Altiel cut the sound off.
"We were fortunate enough to rescue her from a ZBC pursuit force. She's now under my protection at one of our most secret bases. We can't have yet another member of our Committee falling into the enemy's hands."
Fuma's glare held the promise of death, and she spoke through gritted teeth. "And if I want to be the one protecting her?"
"Then you can help me overthrow the ZBC. Your men are free to go, of course. They have no real stake in this. But I'm sure that, as a loyal daughter, you'll want to ensure that your mother never has to face a ZBC tribunal. I hear that some of the Committee of Seven members are either facing life imprisonment or even execution." No doubt the executions were supported by ZBC officials who stood to lose something if their connections with the Committee members came to light.
He watched Fuma's second, knowing that all of Fuma's men would follow her. Their loyalty was too strong for them to simply cut and run. He could see it in the fool's eyes. "You will have to maintain your silence, Fuma. It would be hard to guarantee your mother's safety if the Backdraft turned against itself any further, and I can promise you that you'd have to search a long time to find the Countess. Her location isn't documented anywhere besides within my own mind."
Fuma was silent for a long while. He could tell she wanted to send her clenched fist through his skull. She relented in the end. "What do you want me to do?"
"What do you want me to do, sir."
"What do you want me to do, sir?"
"Gather up your men and bring all three Genosaurers into this base. You'll then head out to the Triangle Darias base. We moved your War Sharks there in preparation for sea battles after the Royal Cup, though that's no longer an issue. You may return to your Dark Fortress if you wish, but I'll have new orders for you soon. Oh, and leave Dr. Laon here. I'll need to speak with him after you take those cuffs off." Fuma complied and turned to leave.
"When can I see my mother?"
"Oh, that's complicated. Due to the risks of a security leak, I'm afraid only a handful of people can know her location, most of whom are stationed at the base itself. Unfortunately, you're not part of the circle. I will try to arrange a meeting as soon as possible, but I doubt I'll be able to fit anything in until after we've toppled the ZBC."
Fuma's second snarled. "That could take years!"
"Then you'd all best give your full effort to speed the process along." Fuma and her man left, seething all the way. Altiel almost laughed. So this was how Bernard Champ felt just a moment ago.
Dr. Laon cleared his throat. "Are you sure it's okay to let them just walk out of here? Fuma might not stick around."
Altiel leaned back. "So long as I have her mother, I have her loyalty as well. She'll be no threat."
"Loyalty and obedience are two different things, my puppet." A voice came from behind and a vid screen snapped open in mid air. Sen Vaez wore his usual smug grin. "You handled that well, even if it was I who read you your lines. Just don't start thinking you're actually controlling this play."
Now came the surprise. A surprise for Altiel, and to a lesser extent, Dr. Laon. "Hey, I know you… you're-"
"A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Laon. I am Sen Vaez, ZBC Commissioner, Chairman, and shadow master of the Backdraft Group. I am the true power behind the throne of BD."
Altiel's good mood vanished. "What are you doing?"
"I am speaking with my new ally. For his roll to serve the greater good, I can't have him reporting to anyone other than myself."
"Then why aren't you putting him on the cutting board like you did to me?"
"C-cutting board?" Laon turned to run.
"There's no need to fear, Doctor. Altiel is having trouble understanding that our past 'transactions' were but a single case, not a general rule. As I said, Altiel, loyalty and obedience are two very different things. I cannot have your loyalty, so I had to ensure your obedience. With Dr. Laon, I am confident I can have both without resorting to extreme ends."
Dr. Laon turned back around, more composed now. "I appreciate the flattery, but I doubt you have anything to offer me. My time with the Backdraft has cost me dearly."
"Ah, yes. You've been black-listed by the ZBC, lost your Whale King, and all your research and funding has been confiscated. Truly, you are a man who has hit rock bottom."
Laon's expression soured. "That's about right. I can handle being snuffed by the ZBC, but it was the Backdraft that blew up my Great Whale King!"
Vaez nodded. "All Altiel's doing. Hence the reason I can't have you answering to him." He leaned closer to the monitor, as if to hold his face close to Laon's. "Doctor, I can help you rise to heights you never dreamt. I can fulfill all your desires. With my support, you can create wondrous Zoids that put the Shadow Fox to shame. More than that, your new creations will accomplish far more than Steve Toros could ever hope. You will surpass him in every way." He held up a picture of the Blitz Team member, Leena Toros. Altiel knew that Laon admired Leena from afar, just as he had loved Leena's mother years ago. Altiel had apparently stolen that picture from Harry Champ during a botched kidnapping and hostage attempt.
"I can also guarantee that you'll get to see Leena Toros almost every day of your life."
Laon's eyes widened. "How?" he almost whispered.
"The ZBC needs researchers to help advance Zoids development. If the brilliant yet slightly rogue Dr. Laon were to willingly return and reject the BD, I'm sure I could arrange for your assets to be released and gain a position for you on many projects. You'll also develop new Zoids for the Backdraft. I can promise that you'll be busier than you've ever been in your life, but I can also promise that you'll never feel more fulfilled."
"And… uh… about…"
"As for Leena Toros, she will be joining me here in Jusight in a matter of months. She'll serve a roll roaming about with the Blitz Team for a time, but very soon she'll be in the ZBC capital, leading a new life. You can be a part of that life if you swear allegiance to me."
"You got it." Laon said in one breath. "Anything."
Altiel rolled his eyes. Laon was a weak-willed man to be taken in by some girl. Altiel had never succumbed to such weakness. He wondered what Laon could hope for, being as old as Leena Toros' father, could he seriously have romantic feelings for her? Or was it just some pathetic nostalgia for the woman he failed to win. In either case, Altiel wouldn't mind letting Laon go. What bothered him was that Vaez hadn't told him this was part of the plan. He knew better than to ask now. Vaez would only act more smug and say something involving puppets and how they don't need to know these things. Altiel was no one's puppet. He would find a way free of Vaez's grip, and then he'd personally strangle the life out of the little bastard.
Vaez and Laon hashed out a plan for Laon to escape in several days and make his way towards the nearest ZBC base. Vaez would ensure that a patrol would find him and escort him in. From there Laon's course would lead straight to the ZBC capital city, and Vaez's side.
Yes it was all business as usual at BD. Deals Altiel could handle, he loved making threats, but a surprise on him always spoiled the day.
"Damnit, damnit, damnit!" Iyaga threw a piece of equipment from Genosaurer 3, smashing it against a rock. "That damn bastard!" No one bothered to tell him to calm down. All of them felt the same way.
Koga watched the various damaged pieces scattered on the ground. "Couldn't we use the Genosaurers to storm the base and make Altiel tell us where to find Countess Fuma? It's not like they'd be able to put up a fight against us."
Neguro shook his head. "Altiel would have left orders with her captors. If anything happens to him, I'm sure they would execute her."
Fuma nodded. Altiel was smart enough to cover for betrayal. It also added an incentive to Fuma herself to prevent others from raising a hand against the new Backdraft leader. If anyone killed Altiel, Fuma's mother would pay the price. It didn't matter if the assassin was a part of her team or not. "Everyone." She turned to face her team and tried not to show any of the emotions that pulled her down. "I have to stay with BD, but there's no limitation on all of you. I have to bring in the Genosaurers, but you can still go to the Triangle Darias and take back your Warsharks."
Iyaga chuckled. "And here I thought I was the one who made bad jokes."
Koga said, "We're not leaving. We'll stay until we free your mother."
Neguro. "And you'll have first dibs on killing Altiel."
Fuma smiled. Killing Altiel sounded nice. But not now. She'd have to follow Altiel, but not a second longer than necessary.
Leena had been right about the Panzer. With that super-heavy armor, Leo hadn't been able to remove the platting and fix the electronics and components within. He'd set to work immediately after returning from the Valley of the Rarehertz (despite a strong desire to sleep), and tried to finish repairing the Liger Zero's armor sets. Jager and Schneider were all set, but the Panzer would take a good while to fix.
On his way to the shower, Leo stopped at the kitchen. He was starving. Jamie had cleaned out most of the fridge in preparation for the team's journey. Leo still hated the idea of leaving the Toros base and having to spend the whole season on the road. The others weren't happy either, but they didn't have to worry about nightmares every time they slept somewhere new.
There were a few sugary snacks that Jamie had opted to leave behind. The kid really was the mother of the team. Leo could already hear Bit and Leena arguing about their abandoned treats. Brad had told him never to touch those snacks, because Bit and Leena fought for them tooth and nail. Too bad for them. He ate a cookie, and for some reason he felt as if he was suddenly one foot in the grave.
The vid-phone beeped. Who could be calling so early in the morning? Leo picked up quickly before anyone else could stir.
"LEEENAAA!" The man on the other line had his face pressed up so close to the camera that his mouth took up the whole screen. Leo jumped back, startled. "At last I have been freed from my medical prison. The barriers of health and safety could not hold my love for you!" The mouth pulled away, allowing Leo to get a view of the man's face. "Man" was perhaps too strong a word. This person was about the same age as Leena and Bit, but he seemed to have certain naiveté about him. He was lean, barely any real muscle, with short cut brown hair that formed a V around his forehead an extended down his head. He dressed in an odd orange and yellow cowboy-style shirt with brown pants, also cowboy-influenced. He spoke with such startling passion that Leo wondered if perhaps he'd accidentally keyed into someone else's conversation.
"It's been so long since I had the chance to gaze upon your brilliance. Forgive me for rousing you from your beauty sleep, but I couldn't bear to wait a moment longer and I-" He finally noticed Leo.
Rarely was Leo so startled and at such a loss for words. "Um… Hi?"
Now this strange person pressed his eye up against the camera. "Who are you? What are you doing in Leena's home? Are you some kind of kidnapper? I won't let you lay a finger on my dear Leena! Threaten her and you'll face Harry Champ, a man destined to be king!"
"Oh, uh… good for you." Wait a minute, did he just call Leo a kidnapper? As if anyone could hold a powder-keg like Leena. Maybe with fifty men and enough rope and metal to bind several Zoids… "My name is Leo. I'm the Blitz Team's mechanic."
The freaky man pulled away and composed himself instantly. "Ah, my Leena has hired a servant." Servant? There wasn't any malice in this "Harry Champ's" voice, but the way he simply stated it as a fact really angered Leo. "Go fetch her for me, will you? I haven't spoken to her since the Royal Cup and-"
"Where the hell do you get off calling me a servant?"
Harry's mouth fell. "How dare you speak to me like that? Do you have any idea who I am?"
"Do you have any idea how little I care?"
Harry tried to draw himself up to his full height, but he lacked the imposing presence. "I am Harry Champ, a man destined to be king."
"You said that already."
"My family tree extends back to-"
"You can take your 'family tree' and-" The screen flipped off. Leena stood by the controls, wearing her purple sleeping pants and shirt with her finger proudly pressed against the off button.
"You've got guts, talking to Harry like that. Most people hear the name 'Champ' and slink away. Only other guy I know who doesn't let Harry's money intimidate him is Bit."
Now that Leo didn't have a source for anger, he was able to reflect on Harry Champ's name. "Wait, 'Champ' as in 'Champ Corporation?'"
Leena grinned. "You guessed it! You just mouthed off at the son of the richest company on Zi. Harry likes to use his Dad's money on Zoids battles, so odds are he'll be challenging you with some special custom Zoid." She seemed to find this amusing.
Leo shrugged. "You make it sound like I should be quaking in my boots."
Now Leena had a dreamy look on her face. "Harry has challenged Bit time and again over my affections. Thousands of battles that shook all of Zi! They've dueled countless times for me. My great beauty-"
"And modesty?"
Leena shot him with a glare, then continued, "my beauty has been a source of conflict between them for over a year now. It's almost more than an innocent girl like me can bear." Leo doubted all of that. He'd have to check the records, but he was willing to bet Bit and Harry had only "dueled" a few times.
"If he wants to duel me for you, then I'll forfeit. I don't need to compete for you."
Leena blushed. "Oh, no need to play coy. Trust me, soon you'll be on the battle field, facing off against Harry's custom Dark Horn in your outdated Zoid, and it'll all be for me." She giggled, until Leo took another bite of his cookie. "Where did you get that?" Now the other foot in the grave.
"Um, I got it over there…" He pointed to the kitchen.
"Ah-ha! So you're the one who set off my cookie alarm!"
"Cookie alarm?"
"I installed an alarm in my room for when Bit came back and tried to steal my treats! No one touches my stuff." She got right in Leo's face. "That includes you. Now hand that over."
Normally Leo might have resisted, but he was far too tried for this nonsense. He handed it over and Leena inspected the treat. "Okay, you can have this." She tossed it back to him.
"Not that I don't appreciate the gesture, but why are you letting me eat something from your private stash."
"Because it's a cookie I stole from Bit, so I don't mind sharing." She bade him goodnight and went back to bed. Leo devoured the rest of the treat, then found Leena's alarm system and disabled it, helping himself to another cookie. If she ever found out, there'd be hell to pay, but she'd just given away one of Bit's stash, so it seemed only fair that he rob them both. Leo grinned all the way to sleep.
It was hard not to grow attached to Arcadia, thought "Chancellor" Hancock. He'd lived with the people of Argos for over a week now and it was impossible to miss the energy contained within Fylak's walls. These people were, by northern standards, poor and primitive, lacking any sort of comfort or advancement. But the Arcadians didn't care. They devoted all their energy to the tasks at hand. There was no time wasted thinking about what they lacked; instead they focused on what they could build. No regret or jealousy, only the drive to build and to welcome.
Hancock glanced at the flowers on his desk. A young lady dropped off fresh flowers to his door every day. He often missed her due to meetings, but he recognized her handwriting on the address note. At first he thought he was being bribed to stay, but then he learned that the same girl delivered flowers to the tech staffs and attendants within The Castle every day. He'd even seen the woman's flowers resting on King Prasino's desk.
At night several families delivered dinner to everyone, the royal family included. These people did not waste money on personal cooks or catering. They pooled their resources to support one another. Most of them, at least.
In his brief time as Chancellor of Resources, Hancock had poured over financing reports, requisitions, expenditure forms, and done a little personal digging of his own. He'd exposed several corrupt officials both within Argos and in outlying cities. Those men had been relieved of their positions and run out of the town, cursing Hancock all the way. It was hard not to feel satisfaction when Hancock realized that his revisions had made life a little easier for the people. In the ZBC, he'd averted countless disasters and incidents, but the people took their peace for granted and rarely made note. Even the news media ignored great accomplishments. They were too busy looking for the next failure to sensationalize. The people here could take nothing for granted, which seemed to keep their eyes clear.
Yes, it was hard not to love these people. Despite his earlier resolve not to form a bond he quickly realized he was losing that struggle. He cared. He cared about this place as much as he cared about the ZBC. He felt that old exhilaration, that feeling of purpose that had taken grip the first time he'd donned a ZBC uniform and lasted all the way to his retirement. I am a builder again, he realized. I am helping to build Arcadia's future. Even if it only lasts briefly, I will help build this nation.
It was with this new feeling that Hancock dreamed of solutions to the largest problem; competing the Zi superpowers. He had no desire to make an enemy of his old home, but now he had to think of a way to at least outshine them enough to win support from influential city-states. King Prasino had been right; whoever provided the best defense for the independents would win their loyalty. Arcadia had no army to send out, no material to waste on new bases. With this limitation at the forefront of his thoughts, Hancock had devised his most insane plan to date. He knew it was crazy, and he was sure his tension shown in every step on the way to the King's office.
Kenneth Gray had returned from Jusight only recently, and was as eager as everyone to hear Hancock's plan. Even Captain Stoller and Prince Atory sat in on the meeting.
Hancock stood with the same poise he had shown to ZBC councils. He knew he was taking these people more seriously now. "Having reviewed our current financing and reserves, I've reached the conclusion that there is no way we can finance a force large enough to route bandit groups and ensure peace for both allied and independent cities and towns."
King Prasino frowned. "Even with all the money we've managed to save through reorganization?" That was as much a compliment to Hancock as it was a question.
"Unfortunately, no sir. Between weapons expenditure and fuel costs, it would not be effective to send out bandit hunters. There is an alternative, however." He handed out packets that outlined his plan. "The ZBC currently enjoys the benefit of a large pool of resources, so they can afford to waste a little cash on excessive raid groups. During periods of budget restrictions, however, the ZBC has tightened up on the number of troops it sends out. Often, they choose to send out elite units to trouble spots and rely on their skills to accomplish what normally requires a much larger force. The issue with this plan is that pilot survival rates decrease, and it is difficult to find pilots of such high skill."
"Have you found a candidate amongst our ranks?" asked the King.
"No sir. No one in Arcadia has the level of experience or demonstrated the potential to serve in this capacity. The one exception is perhaps Captain Stoller." Hancock still wasn't sure how he felt about this ex-Backdraft warrior, but there was no denying the man's experience.
Stoller shook his head. "I'm retired now. No sense sending someone my age out there. We need someone younger to fulfill this role."
"Hold on." Kenneth Gray said, "We haven't even confirmed this plan. Chancellor, are you suggesting we send out a small team to police the troubled areas?"
This was the moment Hancock dreaded. If his plan was to fall, it would meet its end here. "What I am suggesting is that we train and fund a warrior and give him or her carte blanche authority to be dispatched to trouble areas with the single objective of wiping out any bandit groups. No containment, no routing. The pilot will have to completely destroy the raiders' ability to function."
King Prasino raised an eyebrow. "Including taking the bandits' lives?"
"… if necessary, sir."
"Absolutely not. I will not hand our justice system over to an individual to deal out as he or she pleases."
Ambassador Gray nodded. "And this seems a tall order for just one pilot. To have to fight whole bandit groups with just one Zoid and no support. Why the pilot would have to be-"
"A guardian." Stoller's comment drew everyone's gaze. "What you're proposing, Chancellor, is a single-unit Guardian Force. In the past, Helic and Guyglos military units patrolled the world, but it was the Guardian Force that tackled the major problems that arose. Very often the GF sent single units into dangerous situations, most notably was Van Flyheight the Hero." To think that Stoller was Hancock's one supporter. Irony abounds. "This is an innovative idea and I recommend that we not dismiss it outright. The demands on the pilot will be staggering for a few months, but with time we can train small teams to go out and ease the burden somewhat. Furthermore, this would save funding we could channel into defense groups for current and new territories. Most towns are lucky to have a Godos or Molga acting as guardian. We might actually have enough money remaining to provide stronger defenses."
King Prasino nodded. "I see your point. But the matter of a pilot still remains. We'll also have to purchase a strong Zoid to support the pilot."
Ambassador Gray said, "We could hire a Zoids Warrior. That would solve the matter of a Zoid as well. Bit Cloud is known for taking on just causes. Perhaps Chancellor Hancock could persuade him."
Hancock shook his head. "Bit Cloud is used to fighting as a member of a team, albeit an unorthodox team. Furthermore, the Liger Zero requires a Combat Armor System to draw out its full potential. The cost of hiring a crew to man the Hover Cargo carrying such a system would defeat the purpose."
Stoller added, "Besides, most Warriors will only fight for as long as the interest holds them. We need to have someone we know will be devoted."
The King said, "We seem to know the qualifications for a candidate, but you've yet to make a recommendation."
Hancock turned to the back of his packet, indicating that the others should follow. "This is a rather unknown Zoids pilot who recently joined the Blitz Team. He has no last name, and very little history. He's known only as Leo."
The others read what information Hancock had been able to provide. Ambassador Gray said, "A truly unremarkable record. Failed to attain even a Class B ranking, let alone stay with a team for over a month. Exceptional mechanical skills, but sub-par piloting." He looked at Hancock in bewilderment. "What led you to recommend this person?"
The perfect opening. Hancock inserted a video disk into the King's deck. An image of a strange bison-based Zoid charging a Godos materialized above the King's desk. Everyone watched in silence and the Godos braced itself for the collision, then jumped at the last second and rolled over the unknown Zoid's back, landing flawlessly.
"Cool!"
"Atory." The boy fell silent, though Hancock could tell both the King and everyone else in the room was equally impressed.
Hancock paused the playback. "This information is from last night. It was e-mailed to me by a friend in the military."
The King was taken aback, "You told her about our search?"
"No sir. It's a complicated story, but apparently this friend of mine was in command of a Godos unit charged with stopping the rampaging Zoid. The one we just saw was commandeered by this Leo person. I have data confirming him as the pilot. Due to the debacle with this mystery Zoid, my friend was discharged and is now seeking a position elsewhere. She thought I might be able to help her and passed along this information more as a point of interest. It was recorded by several news crews, so it's hardly confidential. No one knows the pilot's name, however. The ZBC is apparently claiming this was one of their own pilots. Incidentally, I did mention our need for pilots and manpower here in Arcadia."
The King nodded. "She is more than welcome if she desires. And thank her for this information. But I am confused. A move such as the one we just witnessed seems beyond this pilot's skill level."
Stoller grinned. "There are some things you can't measure through official battles. No disrespect to Chancellor Hancock intended." When asked for an explanation, Stoller said. "The moment we just saw was not an official battle. It's the one time we see how this pilot reacts to a situation where he has something more to lose than points or a reputation. Chancellor, if I may ask, what was this pilot doing in a military Godos?"
"The information is limited, but apparently a friend of this person was in the field of fire unprotected. He piloted a downed Godos in order to extract this friend and escape."
Stoller grinned again, an excitement in his eyes. "So both the pilot's life and the life of his friend were on the line and he managed to pull off what is usually regarded as a Class S move."
King Prasino had noted the look in Stoller's eyes as well. "Captain, you seem unusually interested in this young man."
"I think I see something of myself within him, sire."
"Would you elaborate?" This ought to be good. The biography of a Backdraft Warrior. Ex-Backdraft, Hancock reminded himself.
"When I was about this man's age, I too enrolled in legitimate Zoids battles. I was able to obtain Class B standing, but I hit my limit there. I didn't have what it took to reach Classes A or S. At the end of the season, my team and I returned to our home: a small town on the outskirts of southern Europa. Bandits were a constant fear for my friends and family, and we suffered many raids. One such raid came the very night my team returned. I'll never forget how terrified I was. We were only a Helcat and two Command Wolves versus several Molgas, a Command Wolf, and a Saber Tiger. The odds were totally unbalanced.
"I remember thinking I was going to die, but to run away would mean leaving my family at the mercy of the raiders. So I fought with the total desperation of a man facing his end. I won, though I still can't imagine how. All I know is that I challenged a Saber Tiger in a Helcat (without a stealth unit, I might add) and walked away the victor. That battle was my crowning glory.
"But that battle also meant the end of my time in official Zoids Battles. When the new season started, I ended up piloting worse than before. My training and piloting had improved during the off-season, but the moment I returned I found something missing. Having put everything on the line: my friends, my Zoid, my family, my life… official battles were suddenly bland in comparison. I felt nothing when I fought, so I had no reason to strive for victory. Losing a battle meant falling down a few ranks, but after the danger of death, that wasn't so frightening an issue. I left the official ranks and was eventually drawn by rumors of the Backdraft: a group of rogues who put everything on the line in unofficial battles."
Hancock scoffed, "So you joined the Backdraft as a thrill-seeker."
If these words upset Stoller, he didn't show it, though the King reprimanded Hancock. Stoller merely said, "I think that I, like many of the men I've trained in BD, sought a battle that meant more than simple competition. There is a different feel to war-like situations and steeper losses. It is an adrenaline-rush, but it is also a moment of meaning and clarity. Sometimes people who do poorly in mundane exercises can excel under pressure. I believe this Leo person is the same as I."
The King nodded. "I see… and should we manage to gain the allegiance of this young man, who would train him?"
"I would." Both Stoller and Hancock spoke in unison, then glared at each other.
"This is my plan. I should be the one to train our 'Guardian' as you put it."
Stoller retorted. "This scenario calls for someone who isn't steeped in military formations and protocol. I've trained many Backdraft members to function as independent units. I know what is needed."
"Enough." The King motioned for both men to sit down. "We are not yet at the point of making a decision on this issue. Chancellor Hancock's plan makes much sense, especially given our limited resources, but I am not yet ready to commit to such an unorthodox plan. For now, we will monitor this Leo as best we can, and see if he can confirm Captain Stoller's ideas. Should he prove to be the man we seek, I will then decide who will train him. We will also keep our eyes open for other candidates. Agreed?" Everyone nodded their assent.
Hancock left the meeting a bit dazed. Stoller had been his one ally in supporting this plan, but both knew that if this carried through they would be at odds over who molded this special pilot, this new Guardian. Hancock could feel himself becoming more and more upset at the idea that Stoller would take over the strategy Hancock designed.
This would all be so much easier if he simply didn't care.
It took the Blitz Team two days to reach their first battleground. The ZBC had intentionally arranged the battles to test both teams' mobility. Anyone who failed to appear at the appointed time instantly forfeited. It added an element of suspense to the battles. The penalty for losing a game was much steeper this season. Several loses in a row led to the demotion of Class F. All this to keep interest in Zoids battles, and word was Sen Vaez had even more plans hovering within his mind. Leena didn't object to this, naturally, but the others were concerned that too many changes at once would leave every Zoids Warrior struggling to cope.
Leo spent most of his time eating, sleeping, and trying to fix the Panzer. The damn thing's armor nearly broke the Hover Cargo's manipulator arms. How Bit could pilot the Liger Zero with such super-heavy armor was completely beyond Leo's comprehension. Much to their credit, Bit, Brad, and Jamie helped when they could, but they were more focused on preparing for the upcoming battle. Leena was less involved, usually daydreaming about Sen Vaez. She hadn't told anyone about her encounter in the Valley of the Rarehertz beyond meeting Vaez and being chased by the Cannon Fort. No mention of Eveopolis. Leo could understand since that had been a moment of extreme vulnerability and Leena might need some time before being comfortable enough to talk about it. He knew he had no right to speak of it anyway.
By the day of the actual contest, the Panzer was seventy-percent restored. Leo knew he couldn't finish the work before the fight, so he showered, ate, and joined the team in the Hover Cargo's meeting room for one final briefing.
Jamie stood next to the monitor, which displayed several powerful Zoids. "I know you're all excited to be participating in our first Class S battle, but this battle isn't going to be easy. In many ways, the Royal Cup was a cake walk. Every team that's in Class S has either won the Royal Cup themselves, or accumulated enough wins to advance. This season's going to be even tougher than last year."
Leena waved her hand. "You make it sound like we're losing already. Don't forget, we've already beaten Vega Obscura. You can't tell us that these Class S fighters will be any worse than he was."
Leo glanced at Bit, who was staring eagerly at the Zoids on the monitor. A Shield Liger, an Iron Kong PK, and a Storm Sworder. Damn, that was an impressive array. Shield Ligers boasted a nearly flawless defense with their e-shields, and an Iron Kong PK enjoyed impressive firepower from its shoulder-mounted beam cannon and missile pods. Combine that with the Storm Sworder's high speed and blades and you had a very balanced team. No doubt these Zoids were also customized to suite the pilots. One of the benefits of Class S was raking in a good deal of zenny, enabling pilots to buy the best Zoids out there.
Doc said, "Listen up team! We need to decide which units we'll field in the battle. It's a tough call since the battle mode is 0982, we can only field as many units as our opponents. So, we have to choose three of our four warriors."
Brad said, "Since the enemy has a Storm Sworder, we should send Jamie out in his Raynos."
Jamie shook his head. "I thought that at first too, but the Raynos isn't going to do much good against an Iron Kong PK and a Shield Liger. Its weapons aren't strong enough. It might be better to have Leena keep the Storm Sworder at bay while Brad takes out the Shield Liger, and Bit focuses on the Iron Kong."
"This would be a pretty easy decision if the Panzer was up and running." Leena threw a teasing grin Leo's direction. "We could simply blow them all away at once."
"No. I'm gonna use the Schneider." Bit drew everyone's attention. "Panzer's great for anti-air combat and blowing away multiple Zoids, but I want to face that Iron Kong one-on-one!" There was such a thrill in his voice. He was definitely feeling something Leo had missed.
Jamie said, "But Bit, what about he Storm Sworder? Shouldn't you switch back to the Jager once you've won with the Schneider?"
Bit shrugged. "If they'll let me. Otherwise, I'll make do with what I have. It's the challenge that matters." Bit's attitude decided everything. Inspired by his confidence, the team elected to use their standard lineup: Bit in Liger Zero, Brad in Shadow Fox, Leena in Ballistic the Gun Sniper. Jamie would run tactical and Doc would… play with toys, apparently. Now that the briefing was over he had two Zoid models in his hand and claimed he was practicing battle scenarios. Too bad a Gojulas and Genosaurer weren't participating in this battle; otherwise his ideas might actually work.
Leo followed Bit to the Liger's maintenance platform, perched at the very top of the Hover Cargo and awaiting deployment. They hopped on a small elevator and began to rise up. "You seem awfully excited."
Bit grinned. "I'm always psyched before a battle. Best feeling in the world!" Leo never remembered feeling that way.
"But like Leena said, you beat Vega Obscura. He was the toughest opponent out there, right?"
Bit stepped off the elevator and looked at his partner. "Yeah, I worried about that for a while. But then I remembered all the fights Liger and I have been in, and all the rematches we've experienced. You've heard of Jack Sisco, right?"
"Yeah. The Lightning Saix mercenary. He's supposed to be one of the best."
Bit nodded. "I beat Jack the first time we fought, so I figured that I could beat him anytime I wanted. I didn't hear from him for months, until he suddenly showed up on the Tasker sisters' Lightning Team. Even then, I thought I'd win no problem. I was invincible; no one could bring us down, right Liger?" The Liger Zero growled, but it sounded more like a chuckle. Bit's expression was both reflective and eager. Leo had never seen that look on a person's face. "Jack blew me away. I couldn't even touch him. Since our last fight, he'd been doing some serious training, gaining perfect control of his Lightning Saix. I couldn't keep up because I let my ego get in the way of my growth."
He turned to face Leo. "I beat Vega once, but there's always someone stronger out there. Someone else is training hard so he can be number one. Every fight I enter helps me become stronger, so I'll be ready to face another rival someday. Who knows, maybe Vega will even challenge me again."
Leo shrugged. "Kinda hard to do that since he's in ZBC custody."
"Yeah, well, you can never tell with that kid." Bit climbed into the Liger's cockpit and nestled in behind the piloting harness.
One final question. "You guys decided on who would fight, but what about a strategy? I didn't see any formation charts."
"We don't use 'em. Too boring."
"You're kidding me."
"Naw. We're a pretty loose team. Just watch us on the field today and you'll see how we fight. You might also understand why I'm so excited." The cockpit closed and Leo moved away from the platform as it followed the Hover Cargo's arch downward. Somehow, he doubted he'd ever understand Bit Cloud.
At the base of the maintenance hanger, the two storage doors on either hissed open, revealing an array of service arms that grabbed hold of the Liger's white armor and pulled it off the main body. Without its protection, the Liger Zero looked extremely thin, and basic. Leo could see most of its hydraulics, making him grin at the thought of a "naked" Zoid.
The storage chambers rotated and came to a halt several doors later. Once again the arms reached outward, this time installing the Schneider close-range combat unit. This armor system was a mixture of both blocky and streamline designs. Most of the streamlined armor encased the Liger's head. The two thrusters formed the "mane" along with five sky-blue blades. Another, larger pair of blades were held along the Liger's back by fold-down arms, much like the Blade Liger's design. When Leo looked at the Liger Zero Schneider, he could see why people considered it the Blade Liger's successor. Doc Toros had taken the Blade Liger's strengths and amplified them, save for the shield generator. That was the one power the Schneider lacked.
Fully equipped, the Schneider ascended again towards the launch catapult. Leo made his way to the bridge, uncertain what kind of a show he'd see. The enemy team had arrayed their Zoids in a triangle formation, with the Storm Sword hovering above its comrades and the Shield Liger taking point. Judging from their positioning, the Iron Kong would fire at long range while its teammates charged in for close-range combat.
By contrast, the Blitz Team didn't appear to have any formation. Each unit looked ready to charge in head-first and snatch the most kills. When Leo voiced his concerns, Doc said, "We're not too big on formations and strategies. Just sit back and enjoy. I can promise you'll never see another team battle quite like ours." Now that was reassuring. But it was exactly the same attitude as Bit's. What kind of team had he signed on to?
The Judge capsule had landed a long time ago, judging by how the crater was already partially filled in by shifting sands. Leo guessed many naturalists were happy that capsules wouldn't be falling to Zi and punching holes in the landscape for a while. "The area within a twenty-mile radius is a designated Zoid battle field. This area is now restricted. Only competitors and personnel have authorized entry. Danger: all others must leave the area at once.
The judge scanned the area, confirming no intruders. "Battlefield set up. The Blitz Team versus the Heart Fire team. Battle Mode 0982. Ready… FIGHT!" At the Judge's bell tone both teams rushed forward. The Storm Sworder swooped in, only to be met by Leena's barrage. Not a single shot landed, but the aerial Zoid was too busy dodging to do anything. Shadow Fox jumped past the Shield Liger, then spun on the its heel and pursued, firing its laser Vulcan gun. Schneider continued forward, weaving between blasts from the Iron Kong PK's shoulder cannon and its missiles.
Things seemed to be going well enough, until the teams spread out. Both Ballistic and Shadow were outmatched by their respective opponents. Having figured out Leena's attack style (shoot first and damn the consequences), the Storm Sworder took advantage of its speed and began pelting Leena with sonic booms. Leo was amazed at how she dug the Gun Sniper's larger talons into the sand, enabling her to stay upright in the shockwaves' blasts.
Brad, meanwhile, was running beside the Shield Liger. Both Zoids used their pivoting weapons to fire at each other while maintaining a parallel course. It would have been an even contest except the Shield Liger was better at using its boosters to jump ahead of its opponent and then fire during an opening. Brad had already taken two direct hits and the Shadow Fox was running slower. Suddenly the Shield Liger jumped up and somehow managed a short back-flip, putting it behind the Shadow Fox. Leo wasn't sure how the pilot had pulled off that little stunt, but now he was in a prime position to take Brad down.
Farther off, Bit was trying to land a strike with his laser blades, but the Iron Kong was good and swatting away the Schneider's approach with amazing reaction time. Neither Zoid had taken any significant damage, but the minute Leena or Brad went down Bit would find himself trapped in a two-on-one situation.
Leo turned to Jamie. "You have a way out of this situation, right? The team's not doing so well."
Jamie just smiled and said, "I made a promise to myself to be more flexible this year. Watch this." He flipped on the comm. "Leena, did you know that several of your cookies were missing." Was Jamie going to rat Leo out? "I think you should ask Bit about that." What?
"BIT CLOUD! How dare you?"
Bit hopped away from the Iron Kong. "Huh? What I do?" Leena's reply was to launch a salvo of missiles straight at the Liger Zero. Leo wasn't surprised by Leena's attacks anymore, but he was confused by Jamie.
"You do realize you set Bit up to lose, right?"
"Maybe."
"… Isn't this some sort of plan?"
Jamie shrugged. "Depends on what the others do." Before Leo could ask what that meant, the Shadow Fox came bounding into the path of the missiles, and just as quickly jumped away. The smoke cloud it had been expelling remained in the air, however. The barrage flew into the cloud and never came out. Leo frowned until he realized that he'd lost track of the Shield Liger. Sure enough, Leena's attack had hit home. The smoke cleared to reveal the enemy Zoid lying on its belly with half its left side smoking.
Brad's face flipped into view on the monitors. "Leena, what do you think you're doing? You're firing at your own teammates!"
"Can it!" Leena fired yet another round. This blast carried forward, but now Bit and the Iron Kong were aware of Leena's raging and managed to avoid any hits.
"Wait, Brad wasn't intending to lead the Shield Liger into that attack?"
"Intending? Why would I intentionally move into the path of an attack?"
Doc explained, "One of the keys to our teams strategy-"
"Or lack thereof." Jamie muttered.
"-is that our pilots random and unrelated actions somehow weave together to form some kind of offense. The only downside is… we have absolutely no idea what they're doing."
"Hate to interrupt this little chit-chat," Leena growled, "But how about helping me with this stupid bird!" The Storm Sworder strafed her with the machine guns on its wings. Brad sighed and turned his back on Leena, then opened the tail-mounted net launcher and fired a projectile along the flying Zoid's path. The metal casing sprung loose and the energized net ensnared the Storm Sworder, shocking it into submission and out of the match.
With two down and one to go, Leo looked back at Bit, who was making what looked like a final charge at the Iron Kong. The five blades arrayed around the Schneider's head snapped forward, creating a sharp battering ram out of the Zoid's whole body. "BUSTER SLASH!" The Schneider met the Iron Kong head-on, matching its blades against the enemy's metallic fist. Leo never saw the connection. Both Zoids seemed to brush past each other without even chipping their paint.
Then the Iron Kong's shoulder exploded. Bit had somehow severed a vital connection, and the Iron Kong's body was forced to reject the arm rather than let the damage compromise the main body. He never even caught the moment the blade struck home. How had Bit managed such a strike?
"Battle over! Battle over! The winner is… The Blitz Team?" All three Zoids roared triumphantly at the Judge's announcement.
"Well done, everyone." Doc Toros grinned. "Pretty fun to watch, huh, Leo?"
"Yeah…" He had never seen so chaotic and random a team as the Blitz. How had they made it to Class S by shooting at each other and ignoring formations? Leo wasn't sure he understood anything, least of all the Blitz's Team "strategies" and Bit's amazing talent.
Leo spied the enemy Liger. Many of its e-shield generators had been destroyed by Leena's barrage. Odds were the pilot would opt to replace the parts rather than repair them. Come to think of it, some of those smaller generator parts might work with Fang…
With a grin on his face, Leo headed down the battlefield.
Fear.
Fear was the catalyst for change on Zi. Soon, every man, woman, and child would tremble at night, fearing they were next to die. Why hadn't their leaders anticipated this disaster? Why couldn't they stop the attack? Why that city? It wasn't even affiliated. It made no sense. The randomness of it would be far more frightening than the death toll.
Vaez grinned as he sealed the envelope containing his instructions to Altiel. No doubt his puppet would be terrified of the plan as well. No matter. So long as he obeyed.
The Blitz Team's triumph played on several monitors, most of which featured Leena Toros' Gun Sniper. Such a common Zoid, even with the impressive customization. Once Vaez figured out how to break the Blitz Team, he'd have to give Leena a better Zoid (one that did not go rampaging about the land). All in good time.
First came fear, then conquest.
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Author's Note: I'm glad I could post this before Christmas, so I could wish you all a happy season. Who knows when I'll have the chance to wish you well with another chapter… Until next time!
