Chapter 5: The Calm, and the Storm
[Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 OST - A Good Thing Is Possible]
In the aftermath of their battle with the Decepticons, the Autobots, Arzenal squadron, and Amuro were returning to Arzenal Base. No one seemed to be in a rush to get back to base. Everyone was taking their time. Optimus Prime was carrying Salia's Arquebus on the back of his trailer, which everyone retrieved from the other side of the island. Salia was riding with Ange on her Ragna-mail. The Autobots drove slowly as Nu Gundam walked alongside them. The Villkiss and Glaive were hovering in front and behind them, flying slowly.
The girls back at Arzenal were watching the seven of them return to the base. Standing in the destroyed command center, Momoka and the Norma girls could only wonder what will happen next.
"For a minute there… I thought that we were all goners…" Hikaru said, slouching down against the remains of a chair.
"If it wasn't for Ange, Salia, and Hilda, then we would be…" Pamela replied.
"But we can't count those other guys out right?" Oliver asked. "Whoever they are… they saved us too. We need to get down and thank them ourselves."
"Do you think they're really that friendly?"
"Sure! They were fighting to save Arzenal after all. And the others seem to trust them now."
"If they're alright with them, then I don't see why we shouldn't be." Hikaru added.
"I guess so." Pamela said. "Okay! Let's get down to the island. They'll probably stop wherever they see us."
The three Norma girls ran out of the command center. Jill remained standing at the edge while Momoka followed after the other three.
The group was approaching the ruined command center. Luckily, the majority of the base was still intact, but the area where Jill and the others were stationed got hit the worst.
"Ange?" Hilda asked, her Glaive hovering next to the Villkiss. "Is… bringing these guys all the way back to base really a good idea?"
"Can't say I'm completely on board with it…" Ange replied. "But it's not like we can just tell them to leave."
"They fought alongside us after all." Salia added. "I'd say letting them stay is alright, but it's up to what Alektra says in the end."
"Frankly, I just want today to be over."
"You can say that again…" Hilda and Salia replied, sighing.
The three pilots saw Jill and the other girls coming out of the command center from behind. The Villkiss and Glaive flew on ahead of the others, circling around the girls on the ground before landing on the sides of them. Nu Gundam slowed down and came to a stop. The Autobots stopped as well. Bumblebee and Wheeljack transformed as Optimus detached his trailer, driving forward slowly. Salia got off of the Villkiss, but Ange and Hilda stayed on their respective mails. Even though they just fought together, they wanted to be cautious. Momoka and the other Norma girls were standing by them as Jill approached the Autobots and Nu Gundam. She stopped walking, Optimus began transforming. The other girls hadn't gotten to witness the Transformers change forms up close yet. They were marveled at how it was similar and different to the Para-mails and Ragna-mails.
"Who in the world could've made these machines…?" Zhao Mei wondered aloud.
Optimus kneels down, getting as close to Jill's level as he physically could.
"I suppose the first thing I should do is thank you." Jill spoke. "You and your friends helped Ange and the others get through this."
"It is I who should thank and apologize to you." Optimus replied. "The Decepticons are our enemies. I did not wish for your island to become involved in our war. The effort that your allies gave is what helped us eliminate the Decepticon army invading this place."
Jill just nods in agreement. "However... Before this conversation goes any further; Step out. Even if they are advanced to the point where you have mouths on them, I want all four of you to come out of those machines of yours and talk with us face to face."
Bumblebee and Wheeljack looked at each other, as they just realized that the Norma aren't familiar with Cybertronians.
"Maybe…" Amuro spoke up. "I should go first."
Nu Gundam powered down as the cockpit opened. Amuro stepped out and lowered himself down from his mobile suit, all eyes on him. Jill narrowed her eyes, as she was expecting to see that they were humans. The others were a little surprised, excluding Ange since she already met Amuro.
"I had a feeling that they'd be human." Salia said.
"Think we can still trust him?" Hilda asked.
"He doesn't look like he knows anything about Normas. I wouldn't say trust him, but I don't think he'd try anything."
As Amuro walked forward, Jill turned her attention back to the Autobots.
"Now for the rest of you." she said.
"Uhh… there's just one problem, miss." Wheeljack said.
"What?"
"This actually is face to face." Bumblebee answered, transforming back into a car and opening his doors. "There's no human in here. Take a look."
Jill was naturally cautious but slowly approached Bumblebee. Walking up to the Autobot with a pistol hidden in her clothes, she looked inside of the open doors.
"There's… no one in here…" she said, surprised.
"Huh?" Ange and the others were just as surprised to hear that.
"Hang on, are you saying nobody's piloting these things?" Hilda questioned. "What the hell?"
As the girls all came over, Wheeljack and Optimus transformed, opening their doors too. Everyone was shocked to see that there was nobody inside them.
"You're kidding…" Ange said.
"We've been fighting alongside machines with no pilots…?" Salia asked herself.
"The Villkiss has operated on its own before, but this is a whole different level." Ange looked over at Amuro. "Were you aware of this?"
Amuro nodded. "Trust me, I was just as surprised as you are."
"I'm… not sure how to feel about this…" Oliver said. "Talking with actual giant robots… For sure, this is gonna take some getting used to."
"If it makes anyone feel better, you can talk to us while we're transformed." Bumblebee suggested.
"I don't wanna stand here and talk to cars." Ange replied. "That feels weird."
[Transformers Galaxy Force OST - Miraculous Star]
Everyone stepped away as the Autobots shut their doors and transformed again.
"They're completely automated machinery." Zhao Mei said. "Not just that, but they aren't on the level of any A.I. They're… sentient robots."
"What are these guys…?" Hilda asked.
"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron." Optimus explained. "As an entire species, humans would refer to us as 'Cybertronians' or 'Transformers'. My name is Optimus Prime. I am the leader of the Autobots, a faction dedicated to the protection of our own planet, as well as the worlds of others." Optimus gestures to Bumblebee and Wheeljack. "With me is Bumblebee, our lead scout and messenger, and Wheeljack, one of our leading scientists."
"Nice to meet you." Wheeljack greeted.
"Glad we get the chance to talk now that the Decepticons are gone." Bumblebee said.
"You can call me Jill. I'm the commander-in-chief of the forces in Arzenal." Jill introduced herself. "Of course, this isn't all of us just like the three of you aren't all the Autobots." Jill gestures to the rest of the girls. "The only ones here aside from me are the communications officers, our mechanic, three pilots, and Ange's maid."
Everyone saluted as they introduced themselves.
"It's a pleasure meeting you all." Pamela said, first. "I'm Pamela. To be specific, I'm the chief communications officer for Arzenal."
"I'm Hikaru. Arzenal's chief dispatcher."
"And I'm Oliver, the junior communications officer."
"I'm the maintenance foreman for Arzenal, Zhao Mei."
"That just leaves the three of us." Salia said, officially introducing herself first. "We're the pilots of Arzenal's first Para-mail squadron. My name is Salia, the pilot of that Arquebus on Optimus' trailer."
"I'm the pilot of the Glaive. Hilda."
"Ange. Pilot of the Ragna-mail Villkiss, and leader of the first squadron."
"And I'm Momoka, Momoka Oginome! I'm Ange's maid!"
With the Autobots and Norma out of the way, the only one that was left was Amuro. Everyone turned towards the mobile suit pilot as he introduced himself.
"I'm Amuro Ray. Ranked commander in Londo Bell and the leader of the mobile suit squadrons aboard one of its ships. I'm the pilot of the RX-93 Nu Gundam."
"Seems like all of us are completely in the dark about one another." Jill sighed.
"Commander, could we take this back inside the base?" Zhao Mei asked. "I should get started on repairing the Para-mails. Especially Salia's."
"Right. We'll take this to the landing platform."
Ange and Hilda went back and started up their respective machines, preparing to fly them back to the landing platform. Amuro did the same with the Nu Gundam. Wheeljack carried Salia's Arquebus back to the landing platform on foot while Optimus and Bumblebee drove as close as possible.
"Hey, Ange?" Hilda asked, starting a conversation while they waited for everyone else to get to the landing platforms. "You knew, right?"
"Knew what?" Ange replied.
"About that Amuro."
"That he's human? Yeah, I knew. I met him while investigating that crash site on my own. Apparently, he met the Autobots before we did, so he knew something was up when he heard they attacked Salia."
"Do you trust him on that?"
Ange scoffed. "Not by a long shot. I don't know how he is compared to the empire, but the odds of him being someone like Momoka are really low. But right now, we're gonna have to rely on him whether we want to or not."
"Yeah, unfortunately."
[Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 OST - A Time In The Afternoon]
Everyone else was starting to show up. On the platform, Wheeljack jumped down from the island onto the metal runway below, Arquebus in hand. When he arrived, he saw how small the entrance area was in comparison to his robot mode.
"This… might be a bit of an issue." He said, walking up to set down the Arquebus as close as possible to the entrance.
Optimus and Bumblebee drove up to the edge of the island, transforming as Nu Gundam flew overhead.
"Uh, Prime?" the scout asked. "What do you wanna do about your trailer?"
"Leave it here, for now." Optimus answered. "There are no present threats and therefore, there is no need to utilize its cargo."
The two Autobots slid down the side of the island, landing on the runway safely. Nu Gundam hovered below and landed as well. Suddenly, an explosion occurred in the mobile suit's left leg, bringing it down to one knee.
"Amuro, are you alright?" Optimus asked.
"I'm fine." Amuro replied. "But that last battle left Nu Gundam in need of serious repairs."
"Getting them inside might be a problem." Wheeljack said. "Nu Gundam's not gonna fit through here unless we tow it in."
The Autobots observed the narrow entrance into the landing platforms.
"Man, that really is a small entryway." Bumblebee said.
"It appears that in either robot or vehicle mode, there is a possibility that I will not be able to pass through." Optimus added. "You and Wheeljack however, should be small enough to drive in."
"I think so. We'll try."
Bumblebee and Wheeljack transformed. Both of the Autobots were small enough that they could drive inside. When Optimus tried to do the same, everyone saw that the Autobot leader's vehicle mode was surprisingly able to fit through the entrance. However, it appeared that Optimus would not be able to transform inside the hangar.
"Well… you sort of fit." Wheeljack said.
Both he and Bumblebee were small enough to stand up straight in the hangar. Optimus remained in his vehicle form.
"Great… I have to talk to cars anyway…" Ange thought.
Everyone was in the hangar, Amuro having left Nu Gundam outside on the runway.
"Sorry about the lack of room around here." Mei apologized. "On top of all the piles of scrap metal laying around here, this place isn't built for any of the Para-mails to be in Assault Mode."
"It is fine." Optimus replied. "There is no need to apologize."
"Oh yeah, what's with all of the scrap lying around?" Ange asked.
"Whatever washes up near here, we've been collecting for spare parts." Mei answered.
"Anything and everything washes up against Arzenal and we've been using the Para-mails to help pull it all up here." Pamela added. "It's surprising that the sea is still as blue as it is with all the things we've found."
"Use anything that's helpful, I guess."
"You have my thanks." Optimus replied.
"Even though we've just met," Bumblebee said. "It's nice to know that in the end, we can still get along with humans no matter where we-"
"Let's get one thing straight." Jill interrupted. "Unlike Amuro Ray and Ange's maid, the rest of us here aren't humans.""
"Huh? You aren't?"
"We aren't. Myself, and Arzenal's crew are Norma. And considering how most humans treat our kind, I find it insulting to be referred to as one."
"Insulting?" Amuro questioned. "What do you mean? What are humans like where you're from?"
"Think about it like this." Ange replied. "This island is meant to be a prison first and foremost. Humans put us here the moment they find out that we're Norma. No matter how old or young any of us were. They'd treat us like we were mistakes that shouldn't exist and round us up like wild animals. Humans hated us because we couldn't use the Light of Mana like they all could. Even with that gone, they probably still do."
"We've been treated like shit far too many times by humans." Hilda added. "If you heard the stories that Ange and I could tell, you'd get it. No way in hell we wanna be considering one of those bastards. Got it?"
"I understand." Optimus answered, the Autobots surprised to hear about this. "Our apologies. We were unaware of the cruelty that humans have enacted upon you."
"Discrimination… treated like they're a new species over one ability…" Amuro thought. "It's almost like the way people see us Newtypes."
"Relax, you didn't know." Ange sighed. "We're not gonna stand here and be mad at you all for that."
"Besides, we have more important things to discuss." Salia stated. "That being, who exactly are our allies and who are our enemies."
"Oh that's right." Wheeljack said. "If I remember, you girls said that Salia here was attacked by 'Autobots,' right?"
"That's correct. But from what your leader has said, the ones that attacked me were Decepticons in disguise, much like the ones that just invaded Arzenal."
"The descriptions of your attackers do not match any Autobot with wings," Optimus responded. "Furthermore, we Autobots would not attack innocents, be they human or Norma."
"The Aerialbots might be loose cannons sometimes, but even they know not to attack everything in sight," Bumblebee added.
"These guys didn't attack us after those Decepticons were beaten." Hikaru thought aloud. "And if you asked me, they really could've taken all of us on if they wanted and won."
"Hikaru!" Pamela and others yelled at the girl.
"Sorry!"
"Dammit, I hate that she's right…" Hilda groaned, putting a hand on her head.
"That aside…" Salia said. "I believe that we can trust them on this. One of those Decepticons mentioned the name 'Starscream' earlier, and that was one of the ones you recognized as my attackers."
"At the very least," Jill commented. "These three Autobots aren't our enemies. For now, at least."
"What about me?" Amuro asked, looking at Ange. "Are you gonna treat me like an enemy then?"
"We'll keep an eye on you for now," Ange answered. "Like hell I'm just gonna trust you. But I have to give you some credit. When we were fighting, you were only trying to disarm the Villkiss, not trying to kill me."
"I'm just glad I made it out of that fight alive. When your Villkiss transformed, I just knew one wrong move would've taken out Nu Gundam, and me along with it."
"Then keep in mind; If I have to use it against you again, then I won't miss this time."
"Noted."
"Hey now, let's not start fighting amongst each other," Wheeljack intervened, putting his hand in between the two. "We've established that it was the Decepticons who've caused trouble around here, and everything else so far has just been a misunderstanding. No need to get at each other's throats while we have a common enemy."
Salia nods in agreement. "Like it or not, we've got to work with each other to try and beat the Decepticons."
"And that's only implying that our enemies are the Decepticons alone," Optimus added on.
"Huh?" Momoka looked confused. "Who else would there be?"
"Our worlds have collided, which is the obvious reason that we've been able to meet. On the opposing side, who's to say that our respective foes have not emerged in this world as well?"
"He's right," Amuro said. "The Autobots have their enemy. In return, Char and the rest of Neo Zeon could be here too."
"Dammit…" Jill said, clenching her fist. "If that's the case then hypothetically speaking, that bastard Embryo's alive isn't he?!"
Ange just looked away, partially feeling that this is her fault if that turns out to be the case. She almost completely destroyed Hysterica before the space time vortex opened. With Tusk's help, that should've been the end of Embryo. But now, she could only wonder if her failing would be the cause of Embryo's return.
"There's a possibility that both things could be true," Wheeljack replied. "If this vortex had brought all of us here, then we may run into our respective enemies."
"We'll just have to work together and hit them where it'll hurt," Bumblebee said. "In this situation, I doubt they'd expect to be attacked by three armies working together."
"The element of surprise is always useful." Jill pointed out. "Not to mention that considering how severely understaffed we are, we don't have any reason to turn down more soldiers. Especially since the Autobots and Amuro are willing to help."
"You can count on our assistance whenever we need to fight," Optimus stated.
"We're better working together than we are on our own," Amuro added.
"Nice to see we're much more organized now," Salia said, smiling. "That way, we can avoid being on the losing side of a battle like we were for most of today."
"Then I'd better get started on repairs!" Mei exclaimed.
"Let me see if I can help you with anything," Wheeljack said, offering assistance.
"Let's just hope that this alliance doesn't end up backfiring on any of us," Ange commented.
"I wouldn't worry about that," Bumblebee replied. "We've got a long road ahead of us together. I'm sure all of us will learn to get along great! And before you know it-"
"-we'll be giving the Decepticons a run for their money for what they did to you girls."
"Payback sounds good to me!" Hilda said, laughing.
"You foolish Autobots…!"
[Cross Ange OST - Uzumaku Ensa]
Unknown to the group at Arzenal, they were being watched. Every word that they spoke was being recorded and broadcasted back to the Decepticon warship, the Nemesis. In the ship's control room was Starscream, who was listening to the words of his enemies with a smug grin on his face. Decepticons Onslaught and Thundercracker were also present at the time, the former having his arms folded.
"How incredibly naive they all are," Starscream boasted. "Thinking that because they've eliminated one army of treacherous Decepticons that they stand a chance against those loyal to I, Starscream, Leader of the Decepticons."
"Leader until we find Lord Megatron," Onslaught interrupted.
"Do you truly believe that fool Megatron is still alive? Two weeks have passed and we've scoured the Earth in search of him. Megatron has not once shown up on any of our monitors or even been spotted by a single scouting team." Starscream pushed Onslaught. "Worry about the one who got us into this mess won't do you any good."
Onslaught didn't say anything, and just refolded his arms.
"But Starscream," Thundercracker starts to say. "Shouldn't you be a little more worried? That plan of yours backfired and now the Autobots are teaming up with those humans."
"As if something as simple as that will be enough to concern me," the Decepticon leader replied. "After all, it worked out in the end didn't it? Yes, it is a shame that our glorious plan has failed and we've lost them as allies, not to mention that those loyalists to Megatron got themselves terminated. But look at what all of that has brought us." Starscream chuckled at the sounds of the group back at Arzenal talking. "The Autobots and their new allies are completely unaware that as they speak, every word they say is being transmitted back to this warship. All according to my ingenious plan."
"Funny how when things go your way, you're quick to act as if you were the mastermind behind a joint strategy. When it fails however, you don't waste any time saying 'our plan.'"
The monitor behind the three Decepticons was suddenly displaying the face of an adult male in his thirties, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. The Red Comet of Neo Zeon, Char Aznable, was addressing the Decepticons via communications.
"You dare to drop in on me unannounced?" Starscream responded to the Red Comet.
"I was kind enough to let you finish your self-praise session first." Char replied. "Isn't that enough for you, or would you rather I allowed you to-"
"I don't need to hear this from the likes of you" Starscream cuts him off, obviously angered. "I don't have the time to waste on humans. The might of the Decepticon leader is needed elsewhere to plan my next move."
"Please, the only thing that's mighty about you is your ego."
The screen was then split into two as another human appeared on the monitor. Much like Char, his hair was blonde but much longer and had green eyes. The other man was the one responsible for the World of Mana, Embryo, who had appeared seemingly just to spite Starscream. Onslaught laughed at what Embryo said, angering the new Decepticon leader more.
"What are you laughing at?!" Starscream asked his subordinate.
"Sorry," Onslaught replied, regaining his composure. "I just thought of something funny."
"Enough of this!" The seeker faced the two men on the monitor. "What is it that the two of you want?"
"I wanted to inform you that our carriers are en route to your warship," Char explained. "We ran into some unwanted company on the way, but both carriers are still intact."
"Do you expect me to provide you with an escort?"
"We're more than capable of dealing with the threat ourselves. I just decided that it would be in our best interest to contact you ahead of time, just in case you've forgotten and tried to shoot us down."
"I can have Blast Off and Vortex head to your location and provide you with support," Onslaught said, ignoring Starscream's glaring.
"Much appreciated," Embryo replied. "But there will be no need for that. But do expect us to arrive sometime by nightfall."
"I'll alert the others. We'll open the hatches once you're close enough to the Nemesis. If needed, we'll provide artillery support from the warship once you arrive."
"That would be excellent. It's nice to know that we have someone in your ranks that we can count on."
"Unlike a certain leader of yours," Char added.
"Do you have anything else that you want to report?" Starscream asked. "Or shall we save the rest of our conversation for when you board the Nemesis?"
"It would be best if we did the latter. It would be much better for us if we heard what you have to report about our mutual enemies in person."
"Any experience that your forces have against the Norma would be beneficial," Embryo commented.
"Oh I'm so sorry to disappoint you on that," Starscream apologized in a sarcastic tone. "But our forces that advanced to that island on their own were completely annihilated."
"Really? They were wiped out?"
"None of Dirge's attacking forces survived whatever happened down there. Only one Decepticon remains there, and is currently doing surveillance in secret. Audio is the best that we can manage. I'll relay their words to you once you arrive."
"That will do. We should be able to learn much from that alone."
"Very well," Char said. "We'll resume this conversation in a few hours."
"Oh, I look forward to it," Starscream said with as much sarcasm as possible.
Wanting to end this conversation, Starscream immediately cut the connection to the two after he said that. The Decepticon leader just sighed.
[Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 OST - You Know What]
"It is rather unfortunate that he's our only option right now."
Flying through the skies were three Columbus-class ships. While they were ships designed by the Earth Federation, those on board were anything but Earth Federation. In the center ship, that is where both Char and Embryo were. The interior had been customized to be a comfortable travel space for the two commanders. They were not without their subordinates. For Embryo, he had several of the Diamond Rose Knights members with him. Tanya, Irma, Chris, and Ersha were all in close proximity aboard the ship, the latter two having a blank stare on their faces. Accompanying Char were two Newtype pilots that fought with him at Axis. On the left, Gyunei Guss. On the right, Quess Paraya.
"Seeing as how we're in an unknown world with limited numbers, allying ourselves with a larger force such as his would be in our best interest," Char continued to speak. "Furthermore, the intelligence gathering capabilities far exceed ours. For the time being, we'll have to rely on the Decepticons."
"That guy's nothing but a real pain in the ass," Gyunei grumbled.
"Perhaps," Embryo replied, reading a book. "But if you have any better options, feel free to let us know."
Gyunei didn't, of course. So he didn't reply.
"Don't get me wrong, Gyunei," Char said. "If we had the ability to do so, I'd gladly call this alliance off. However with what limited men and mobile suits that we have, what good would making them our enemies do?"
"Shouldn't we at least come up with some sort of plan in case they betray us?" Quess suggested.
"We have enough mobile suits to cover our men in case we need to leave. Considering these are Federation transport ships, I don't have any objections to abandoning them should the time come. If needed, we can blow them up within their warship.
"Are you sure that would be such a good idea?" Embryo asked. "You'd be left without a means of escaping quickly."
"Destroying three ships would cause a significant amount of damage to their own. Their first order of business would be to repair their own property instead of worrying about 'a bunch of measly humans' as their leader would put it. Should we play our cards right in this situation, we should all escape rather easily. Of course, we have to be sure not to underestimate our 'allies,' unless we truly want to die."
"Very well. I'll put my trust in someone as experienced as yourself." Embryo flipped a page in his book.
"Speaking of experience, I remember you mentioning that you've met a Decepticon's intelligence officer before."
"Ah, that's right. It wasn't anything special however. Though it is thanks to his assistance, I was able to gain these two." Embryo gestured to the emotionless Chris and Ersha. "But other than that, I can't say there's really anything important that took place other than mentioning the name 'Decepticons,' which is why we're here now."
"Think that same one that's spying at the Norma's base?"
"Most likely. His ability to avoid detection is impressive thanks to his ability to change his size whenever he transforms."
"I see."
"Commander Char!" the pilot of the transport ship called out. "That ship that was pursuing us earlier, it's back!"
Char got up and walked to the ship's cockpit, everyone else remaining seated.
"Whoever's aboard just doesn't know when to quit," he said. "Where is it?"
"It's right underneath us," the pilot answered. "I only managed to get a glimpse of it by slowing down, but I think it's trying to stay off of our radars."
"They must be trying to follow us and see where we're heading before trying to shoot us down. If they aren't going to finish this, then we will. No need to let them follow us all the way to the warship." Char opens a channel to communicate to the other transport ships. "All transport ships, prepare for combat. We'll deploy a maximum of two mobile suits per ship, and have the other pilots on standby. Do not move out until you see this ship send out its mobile suits first. Remember that we're on Earth, men. Make sure you don't let yourself fall too far."
Char walked off, preparing to head to the cargo hold and enter his mobile suit.
"Gyunei, you're with me," he said. "Prepare to sortie."
"Wait, Commander!" Quess spoke up. "You shouldn't go out there. You don't know if your mobile suit can handle what's out there."
"Quess is right," Gyunei commented. "If someone skilled turns out to be on board, you need a better machine than that."
Inside of the transport ship were three mobile suits. Both Quess and Gyunei's custom Jagd Dogas along with a commander type Gelgoog instead of Char's Sazabi. The six Ragna-mails, the Cleopatra, Theodra, Raziya, Victoria, Eirene, and Hysterica were also aboard.
"Let the two of us go out there," Gyunei continued. "We're better equipped for battle than the Gelgoog."
"No, I need Quess to stay here and act as a defense for the transport," Char argued. "The Gelgoog will be fine, it's just one ship."
"If I may make a suggestion," Embryo said. "Perhaps one of my girls can take Char's place in this battle. I'm also a passenger so I'm concerned for my own safety and I'd be willing to have someone lend a hand if there's a problem."
"Very well. I'll allow one of your soldiers to take my place."
Embryo nodded and turned to face Tanya. "I'll let you handle this, Tanya," he said. "Get changed, and prepare to fight."
"Yes, sir!" Tanya responded, saluting as she heads off.
"Don't make me wait long," Gyunei said, heading to the cargo hold as well.
The forces of neo Zeon and Tanya all began preparing to engage the ship below them. While it was below them, it was still too far away for others to determine if it was the same one that had been pursuing them before. The Diamond Rose Knight had started changing into her pilot suit in the corner of the cargo hold while Gyunei hopped into his Jagd Doga and powered it on. While waiting for Tanya, he decided that he wouldn't carry the shield for his Jagd Doga into this battle, and sat it down before heading to the cargo hold's doors. Other mobile suit pilots in the other two transport ships were doing the same. One Geara Doga and one Zaku II had been activated in each of the transports and were ready to deploy whenever Gyunei and Tanya were.
The transport ships all opened their cargo holds as they kept flying at a constant speed. The Jagd Doga and Victoria stepped out into view, the Geara Dogas and Zakus waiting for them to jump out before doing the same.
"Be careful when we get close," Gyunei said to Tanya. "Those guys had some impressive snipers on the ground. We might be flying, but I don't know how they'll perform in the air. Take caution."
"Understood," Tanya replied.
"Once we've left the transport, our goal is to shoot down that ship by any means necessary. We started this fight, and now we'll finish it."
"Whatever it takes to keep Embryo safe, I'll do it. Advancing on your call."
"Alright. Gyunei, Jagd Doga, moving out!"
The Jagd Doga took off and jumped out of the transport, entering free fall towards the ship below.
"Tanya Zabirova, Victoria, heading out!"
[Dynasty Warriors Gundam OST - Wings Of A Boy Who Killed Adolescence]
The Victoria followed suit by activating it's thrusters and flying out. The Ragna-mail enters Assault Mode and allows itself to enter free fall with the Jagd Doga. Seeing the two jump out, the Zakus and Geara Dogas all jumped out as well. The five mobile suits and one Ragna-mail were falling straight towards the ship below, conserving fuel by letting gravity and their weight drag them down. As they got closer, they were able to see that they recognized the ship below. The ship they were about to engage was an Autobot dropship.
"Target confirmed!" One of the Zaku pilots exclaimed. "It is the same ship!"
"Let's finish it off this time," Gyunei said. "Fire at that ship! Start with its thrusters!"
The Geara Dogas and Zakus aimed their respective machine gun weapons and opened fire on the dropship below, alerting the Autobots inside that they had been detected. The dropship swerved out of the way to dodge the bullets and beam blasts, and slightly opened the door on one side so that snipers could fire. On the other, several Autobots jumped out and transformed into planes in order to combat the Neo Zeon troops. Other Autobots jumped on top of the dropship and started shooting at the mobile suits as well. The mobile suits and Ragna-mail all activated their thrusters and engaged the enemy Autobots in battle. Gyunei kept focusing his attention on the dropship, shooting at it with his beam assault rifle while avoiding fire from flying Autobots. Fliers kept orbiting around and shooting at his Jagd Doga, forcing Gyunei to draw its beam saber and fly towards them. When one flyer got close, the Jagd Doga ignited its saber and flew into melee range, slicing the Autobot flyer in half and leaving the remains to fall back to the ground. He was about to attack the other but was halted as he just barely missed a sniper shot from inside the dropship. The sniper inside was quite skilled, but turned his attention away from Gyunei as the mobile suit flew out of range. He focused on the other Zakus that were firing on that side.
Meanwhile the Victoria was holding its own as its flying enemies were mixing it up, engaging in both close range and blaster fire. In a deadlock with one, Tanya kicked them away before firing the Victoria's beam rifle straight through the Autobot's spark, taking out the soldier in one shot. She then aimed and fired at the dropship's cockpit, but missed as the ship continued to avoid with excellent maneuvers
"Whoever is the pilot of this ship is excellent," Tanya thought.
The snipers inside of the dropship continued to cause trouble for the Geara Dogas, along with the soldiers on top. Several of the Autobots were being shot down, but the Geara Dogas had one of their legs blown off by a blast from a sniper.
"Damn, this guy's good!" one of the Geara Doga pilots exclaimed. "He's quick too. We can't hit him whenever he-"
A Geara Doga was suddenly shot down by an Autobot with a subsonic repeater, exploding in midair. As the other aimed his blaster, the head of the mobile suit was sniped off before forces on top of the dropship finished off that Geara Doga as well.
"Dammit!" Gyunei exclaimed. "Don't let yourselves get distracted by a single sniper!"
The Jagd Doga fired its left three missiles towards the top of the dropship. The Autobots succeeded in shooting one down, but the other two slipped through their gunfire. While the impact didn't do much to the dropship, the Autobots on top of it were all taken out. The Victoria managed to make its way around to the back of the dropship, and was shooting at its thrusters. Tanya almost got to take out one before she was forced to avoid blaster fire from flying Autobots. Dodging the shots, the Ragna-mail fired at the Autobots, shooting and taking out two of them with just two shots. A missile flew past the Victoria, clearly meant for it but it alerted Tanya to another missile. She avoided the second one and then fired at the approaching Autobot jet. The flyer barrel rolled and dodged the blaster fire before firing another set of missiles which Tanya narrowly avoided. The Norma girl quickly realized that this one wasn't a normal pawn like the others she managed to shoot down. One of the Zakus flew past her Ragna-mail, firing its machine gun at the Autobot jet.
"Die already you piece of crap!" the pilot exclaimed.
"Stop, wait!" Tanya called out. "That one's not like the others!"
The pilot didn't hear her as the mobile continued flying towards the Autobot, who slowed down and started to transform after dodging machine gun bullets. He pulled out a double barreled blaster and fired one shot straight through the Zaku, destroying it in one attack. The Victoria fired multiple blasts with its beam rifle while putting distance between her and the Autobot, her opponent firing with his weapon. The Autobot suddenly looked up and saw two more Zakus in free fall, most likely having been deployed to replace the fallen soldiers.
"Jazz, two more of these machines are heading down," he said over radio, quickly contacting the Autobots inside the dropship. "I can't deal with them right now. Think you can handle them?"
"Read you loud and clear, Jetfire. I've got 'em."
The other side door suddenly opened as an Autobot jumped out. The Autobot Jazz entered free fall as he jumped out of the dropship and faced above him, earning the attention of the other Neo Zeon forces still remaining. Gyunei attempted to fire but was forced to strafe out of the way as more blaster fire came from Autobots inside the dropship. Not hesitating as he descended, Jazz aimed his sniper rifle arm at the approaching Zakus. Firing one shot, he hit the first one directly through the chest. The Zaku exploded in an instant, shocking the second pilot as his ally was destroyed before they could even reach the battle zone.
"What the-AAGH!"
He quickly met the same fate as his mobile suit was shot down within a second of the first Zaku. Jazz shot the Autobot Jetfire a thumbs up as he was falling before activating his grappling hook on his left hand, and swung around the dropship while dodging fire from Gyunei and the remaining Zaku soldier. Jazz was nearly thrown away as the dropship performed another sudden turn to avoid missiles coming from the transport ships. The Autobot managed to land on the roof just barely, catching his balance as Gyunei floated in front of him.
"You're out of your element if you think a machine that can't fly is gonna stand a chance out here in an aerial battle," Gyunei boasted.
"Come on, I've been in worse scraps than this," Jazz retorted, laughing.
The Autobot held out his arms while walking backwards, baiting the Cyber Newtype to come and attack him. Gyunei took the bait as he fired his beam assault rifle, to which Jazz dodged while staying on the airship. He pulls out his photon rifle and starts shooting at the Jagd Doga, the mobile suit skillfully avoiding the blaster fire while firing its own beam rifle. Despite the limited ground to walk on, Jazz was able to continuously dodge the Jagd Doga's attacks and return with his own. Suddenly the beam rifle stopped firing as it ran out of ammo.
"Damn!" Gyunei exclaimed. "Alright, how bout this?!"
Gyunei placed the beam rifle on the Jagd Doga's back and charged towards Jazz with a beam saber, dodging attacks from the photon rifle as he was about to enter melee combat. Jazz put away his blast as his right arm transformed into an energon sword, the two weapons clashing.
Jetfire in the meantime was fighting a defensive fight. He continued to keep Tanya and the other Zaku soldier as far away from the thrusters as possible. The Zaku had run out of ammo and resorted to charging Jetfire with its axe. The Autobot flier didn't let that last long as he caught the mobile suit and threw it away from him. The pilot screamed as his mobile suit was thrown through the air, Autobots taking out the Zaku's head and one leg as it crossed their view. The Victoria kept firing at Jetfire, trying to eliminate him before going after the thrusters with no problems. Any other Autobots that interfered were quickly gunned down by the Diamond Rose Knight's Ragna-mail. One of her blaster shots succeeded in grazing Jetfire's left wing, allowing her to catch the Autobot off guard and charge in with her sword. Jetfire avoided the attack but his blaster was sliced in half by the blade. Still in melee range, he flew forward and punched the Ragna-mail in the chest just below the cockpit. Tanya shrieked as she was knocked around and Victoria flew back. She didn't let one attack stop her and quickly resumed firing from a distance.
Jetfire transformed as he avoided blaster fire, having to resort to using his missiles as weapons now. Tanya successfully dodged several missiles with ease, and shot down the ones that she couldn't dodge. However, one made it through and struck the left shoulder of her Ragna-mail. Tanya grunted at the explosion as she knew that damage would cost her.
"Damn it, what if we need the convergence cannons?" She thought. "Will he be disappointed in me for letting this happen?!"
That thought was enough to kick her fighting spirit into overdrive as she opened fire with another barrage of beam fire at Jetfire. The Autobot jet flew by her as he avoided it, prompting her to transform into Flight mode and pursue her. Despite the damage, the Ragna-mail was able to transform just fine.
"I'm not going to forgive you for daring to harm Embryo's gift to me!" she shouted.
"They are human after all," Jetfire said to himself. "Why did humans open fire on us in the first place? Where could they be running to?"
Jazz and Gyunei were engaged in melee combat on top of the dropship. The Autobot let his experience speak for itself as he was able to easily match the skill of the Jagd Doga. Furthermore, Jazz had much better movement than a mobile suit. Regardless, Gyunei was able to keep the battle even with his own skill, despite the mobility advantage. Jazz suddenly transforms to dodge a swing of the mobile suit's beam saber, drifting on the dropship before transforming again and catching Gyunei with a swift knee to the head of the Jagd Doga. Gyunei grunted as his mobile suit was knocked away, but not before firing his right three missiles. Two of them missed Jazz while the three hit the dropship. The impact was enough to blow the Autobot off the side of the dropship. Jazz nearly entered free fall if someone hadn't grabbed him. Inside the dropship, the Autobot Cliffjumper reached out to his friend, and started pulling Jazz up. The stylish Autobot kicked off the side of the ship to propel himself inward as Cliffjumper let go once he was inside.
"You alright, Jazz?" Cliffjumper asked.
"Man, aren't I always?" Jazz jokingly responds.
Another Autobot that was firing at the Jagd Doga and Victoria was suddenly taken out, prompting Jazz and Cliffjumper to get out of firing range.
"Sir, our forces are running thin," one of the Autobot grunts said. "There's just two of them but they're a lot harder to take out!"
"Who would've thought that they'd be this tough?" Cliffjumper wondered.
"We've got bad news guys!"
In the cockpit, the dropship was being piloted by Autobot Sideswipe, who picked up something on the ship's radar. Jazz and Cliffjumper quickly came over to see what Sideswipe was referring to.
"I'm picking up Decepticon signals in the distance," Sideswipe explained. "It's still several clicks out, but it's big. It's probably the Nemesis."
"Their warship?!" Cliffjumper exclaimed. "All the way out here?!"
"It's gotta be. Which means we're in trouble if they spot us."
"Must be where those three transports are heading," Jazz said. "They're probably allying themselves with the 'cons, and they didn't want us getting in the way. Call Jetfire and tell him to get in here. We don't wanna get caught by them in this shape."
As if on cue, Jetfire flies into the dropship, having suffered damage out there while fighting.
"No need for that," the Autobot said. "I got the transmission. I'm the only one that's left alive out there. But we can mourn later. We need to leave."
"You heard the man," Jazz says to the ship's pilot. "Get us outta here, Sideswipe."
"Roger that," Sideswipe answers, closing the ship's doors.
More missiles were suddenly fired from the transports, all homing in on the Autobot dropship.
"Hang on. This is gonna be a bumpy retreat."
Sideswipe displays his piloting skills by skillfully dodging the transports' missiles one after the other. The dropship still suffered some hits, but wasn't in any bad shape. After the barrage ended, the dropship pulled off to the side as it decreased altitude even further. Tanya kept firing on the ship until Gyunei stopped her, the Jagd Doga placing a hand on the Victoria's shoulder.
"You'll never hit them from here," Gyunei sighed, banging his fist on his seat. "Dammit!" He contacted the second transport. "We're heading back to the ship. Open the doors."
Both the mobile suit and Ragna-mail took off into the skies, retreating after the battle was over.
Meanwhile, things calmed down with the Autobots inside the dropship. There were only a total of nine of them left, Jazz, Cliffjumper, Jetfire, Sideswipe, and five Autobot grunt soldiers.
"I didn't think that battle would get so hectic," Jetfire said, sitting down. "We've lost over half of our forces pursuing three ships, all of it being because of two human machines. Who were those guys?"
"Never seen them before till now," Jazz replied. "Whoever they are, their group teaming up with the Decepticons only means trouble for the Autobots. We need to find the others, and fast." The Autobot special ops leader turned to Sideswipe. "You still got a fix on that other energy source we were chasing?"
"Still in the ship's computer logs," Sideswipe answered. "I'll reroute our destination back towards it."
"Let's just hope it leads to allies," Cliffjumper said, hopefully.
The dropship sped up as fast as it could without endangering the remaining Autobots. They returned to chasing after something else that they had come across before they were interrupted by a Neo Zeon attack. Both forces split ways as they went towards their respective destinations.
[Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 OST - Mirage]
Meanwhile at Arzenal, the mood between everyone had calmed down tremendously. After introductions and determining that they all had a common enemy, everyone returned to their own business at the time whether it was repairing the machines or just getting some rest. On the island, Momoka had gotten Bumblebee to give her a ride around Arzenal, the maid curious to see how it would feel riding in a car that drove itself. Salia decided to tag along as well, a little curious to learn how the Autobot function. The Autobot scout was trying to make the ride fun for the two, going as fast as possible while also driving close to the edges, unintentionally making Salia worried.
"So, how are you girls enjoying the ride?" Bumblebee asked.
"It's amazing!" Momoka replied. "It really is just like if I was in a normal car, only except there's no one in here driving."
"Could you maybe not be so reckless?" Salia suggested as she was sweating. "I-I know you're skilled in this and all, but really this isn't necessary."
"I think it's cool. Hey, what other things can you do while you're a car?"
"There's not that much that cars can do anyway. I don't think we should expect too much from the limitations of vehicles!"
"Well, I do have one trick that I like to do," Bumblebee said.
"Show us!" Momoka exclaimed.
"Alright. Buckle up!"
Salia scrambled to try and put her seatbelt on, her nervousness giving her a hard time. Momoka already had hers on and was prepared. As Bumblebee approached the edge of the island once again, he drifted. However this time, he drifted too late and went straight over the edge, willingly of course. Salia started screaming as she latched onto Momoka out of fear while the maid was just wondering what the Autobot was doing. As they were falling, Bumblebee partially transformed so that his right arm was out and grabbed onto the edge, allowing him to drive on the side of the mountain.
"How was that?" He asked.
"Awesome…!" Momoka answered, amazed.
"Let me off of this crazy ride!" Salia screamed.
Bumblebee pulls himself back onto the island before turning around and driving back towards the base.
Back at Arzenal base, the others were trying to help out with repairs to the Para-mails, Villkiss, and Nu Gundam, to the best of their ability. Wheeljack was also taking the time to observe and study the mails.
"Impressive…" the Autobot scientist said. "These things are a little more advanced than I thought."
"They were designed for us Norma to be very versatile and custom," Mei commented. "Sure they aren't as advanced as you guys are, but they get the job done."
"If you don't mind, perhaps I could offer some suggestions for adjustments?"
"Like what?"
"Well for starters, these things aren't exactly air tight." Wheeljack points to the cockpit of the Arquebus. "The pilots are vulnerable to a lot of things whether they're flying or in robot mode. It'd be impossible to pilot this into space or in the ocean. Worst case scenario, someone could shoot at them easily while they're in their alt modes."
The girls knew that Wheeljack was right about that last one, thinking back specifically to how Chris was shot through the head before she could even take off.
"I could help you with these modifications if you want," Wheeljack continued. "I'd be willing to make some blueprints of possible ideas once we've finished repairs."
"That would be swell," Mei replied. "We could model off of Amuro's suit since that one's secure."
"Hey! Could we get a hand over here?"
Pamela called out to the two talking as she, Hikaru, and Oliver were trying to pull a large piece of metal off of a pile of scrap. Wheeljack walked over to lend a hand.
"Don't worry, I gotcha," he said.
The Autobot scientist was able to lift the piece of metal with ease.
"Where did you want me to take this?"
"Bring it over here," Mei replied. "I needed it for the Arquebus."
"Sure thing."
Wheeljack walked back over, metal in hand. As Pamela and the others were about to follow, Oliver saw something in the corner of her eye.
"Huh?" she said. "What's this?"
The trio turned around and spotted a small bag in the middle of the scrap pile. They took the bag and emptied it out onto a nearby table. Inside the bag was a dirty cassette tape player, and a handful of tapes.
"What is this?" Pamela asked. "It looks… really old."
"I think that's an old cassette player," Amuro said, walking over to the girls. "People don't really use these anymore in favor of much better technology. But it's still something if you wanted to listen to music. It probably doesn't work though, considering it was in that scrap pile."
"It looks like it's still in good condition," Hikaru replied, pressing a button to open it and reveal the inside was perfectly fine. "You think if we try, we can get this thing to work?"
"Maybe," Pamela answered, looking at the cassette tapes. "Let's save it for after we've finished the Para-mails."
"Do you need any more help, Amuro?"
"Thanks for asking, but Nu Gundam should be fine," Amuro replied. "It might be spare parts but it should hold up in case of emergency. Now I just need to find an energy supply for my beam weapons."
"If push comes to shove, just use Jasmine's mall," Ange said. "There's plenty of weapons in there you can use."
"You know Jasmine's gonna be mad when she hears that we're just stealing from her store," Mei replied.
"We're in a dangerous situation, and we're not getting paid anyway. I think she can overlook this."
Above the landing platforms, Jill and Hilda wanted to take a look at the contents of Optimus' trailer. Getting to see inside, they were surprised to see that this trailer was loaded up with several weapons, melee, ranged, even shields. A small supply of Energon cubes was also in the back of the trailer.
"Goddamn…" Hilda said, surprised.
"I didn't expect you to be so well equipped," Jill said.
"I hope that these will be suitable replacements if your weapons have been badly damaged," Optimus stated.
"We appreciate it."
Hilda walked through the trailer, observing the melee weapons with her eyes focused on the energon axe on the wall.
"Even though we're low on the number of Para-mails we can deploy," Jill continued. "Having a surplus of weapons isn't that bad of an idea."
"I am glad to know that this can be of assistance," Optimus replied. "I will leave the distribution of weapons to the other Norma in your hands. Roller will be here to assist."
"Roller?"
"Woah!"
Hilda jumped and got the others' attention. A six wheeled, small vehicle drove around her from inside the trailer, beeping as it drove over to Optimus and Jill.
"This is Roller," Optimus introduced. "A Cybertronian drone module that can perform either reconnaissance missions or aiding in battle."
Roller beeps.
"It's rather small compared to the rest of you," Hilda said. "Hell, it's like a small cart that we could ride in if necessary."
"If you require any assistance, Roller will be able to aid you. Communication may be an issue, but he can understand your language."
"Got it," Jill said.
"Commander! Hilda" Mei calls out. "Can you lend us a hand?"
"Sure thing," Hilda yells back. "I'll be right there.
Hilda and Jill head back to the hangar via the door in the command center. Roller went back into Optimus' trailer as it transformed back into trailer form. The Autobot leader walked back to the landing platform to see if there was any assistance that he could offer. The sun was starting to set on this long day, though everyone still had much work that needed to be done before they could rest. And they were unaware of what will await them in the coming days.
