Episode Four: Wayward Son
"Are you sure?" inquired Dominic as Anemone watched his afternoon briefing with Valkyrie inside their small room onboard the Gekko, "When did this happen?"
"Yes, local Armada forces confirmed the Nirvash typeTheEND over Ciudades Del Cielo several hours ago," Valkyrie sighed, "According to them he was siphoning trapars while hovering above the Predgio Tower. Two K.L.F. squads intercepted; both destroyed. Dozens of civilians were injured and several killed by debris. Vodarac faithful have christened TheEND the 'Black Death'. This makes the forth such encounter between Marcus, Vodarac sites, and Confederation forces."
"Hey, you alright?" inquired Anemone, noting her depressed tone and expression.
"It's nothing," she replied swiftly, "I assume you will inform Holland?"
"Yes, and we'll notify the Izumo of our intentions shortly," confirmed Dominic, "Is Jürgens sure Controrado is ready for the Armada forces' departure?"
"The 88th will remain for several more weeks," Valkyrie explained, "However, the Super Izumo can be called away when needed. Since the Federation has not contested our acquisition of this Tower, our presence is ancillary. Also, the upgrades to our K.L.F. squads are almost complete."
"Hmm, wonder where he's heading," thought Anemone aloud.
"His most probable destination is the Great Wall shrine," she replied, "We analyzed his previous siphon points and calculated a pattern indicating this conclusion."
"Very good," Dominic smiled, "We'll keep the Izumo posted of our progress; and don't worry, we'll get Marcus back. I give your my word."
Valkyrie appeared encouraged by this before ending her transmission.
"So, the game's afoot," Anemone quoted, sitting on her bed, "But is his endgame neigh?"
"For their sake, I hope he reconsiders," wished Dominic, "It's clear they took his defection pretty hard. I know he's said it, but I do hope he realizes just how much he means to them."
"So far, he's just pissed off Holland again," she sighed, "You saw what he drug out of storage. I really hope Dr. Egan isn't right; it does not bode well for him."
"It's been a few since we heard about him," recounted Talho, sitting on her bed with a sleeping Vernon in her arms, "Wonder what he's been up to."
"Hopefully not more of the same," Holland huffed, trying to nap beside her.
"I just don't get it," she sighed, "He was such a sweet guy. Now not even saving our son seems enough to redeem him. Just wish I could understand his methodology…"
"If he was manipulated, it would explain a lot," he speculated, "But it doesn't excuse him now."
"You think those vengeful spirits retook control?" inquired Talho, to which Holland groaned.
Unable to rest, he turned over onto his back. She then placed Vernon on his chest.
"I don't know," admitted Holland, "Maybe he was never free to begin with; still tryin' to get Dr. Bear's theories outta my head. The more I learn, the less I know; and understand. What I do know is he's a threat to the Confederation; and I'll be damned if he ruins all we've fought for."
"Still can't believe what Dr. Bear said about that photo-book of his," Talho recalled.
"Yeah, that's a trip," he agreed, "Haven't seen anything new in it lately. It's crazy the amount of lifting metals he won. For someone clueless about the year, he did well for himself. Ten-thousand year-old grudge… I don't know, his story's just too clean. He had to know more. He had to be involved with these 'voices in his head'. There's no other explanation."
"Changing the subject, it's been nice having Renton and Eureka back," she smiled, noting his frustration, "It's scary just how much they've matured; can't call 'em my children anymore."
"True," nodded Holland, "I'm surprised Axel hung around but damned if he hasn't sped repairs. I swear death will have to pry those tools from his cold crabby fingers."
"Unless your antics get 'em flying first," teased Talho with a grin, kissing his forehead.
He just huffed as a priority call rang. She took Vernon back as Holland got up to answered it.
"Holland; Marcus was spotted over Ciudades Del Cielo, engaging two K.L.F. squads," informed Dominic, "The Swallowtails believe he's now heading for the Great Wall."
"So, this is his path," he sighed, "Dominic, have Hap inform the crew to prepare for trajectory flight. We'll be departing within two hour."
"Sir," acknowledged Dominic before ending the transmission.
"Why so soon?" inquired Talho.
"Wanna get there before he does," replied Holland, "And keep him from doin' something dumb."
A short time later, the Gekko pilots met inside the main Tresor hanger to retrieve their respective L.F.O.s. Renton and Eureka were the last to arrive and climbed into their typeR606, in vehicle mode, while Holland boarded his prototypeT303 nearby.
"Renton, what will happen to Marcus now?" asked Eureka, slowly driving out of the hanger.
"I really don't know," he replied, "He's a lot like Anemone was, but more- accountable."
"He did save our children and Vernon," she reminded, "Shouldn't that count for something?"
"It does, but not much," agreed Renton, "Remember, he violated Holland's trust; and I know just how hard that is to regain. Plus his recent actions are devious and a threat to M.C. security."
As the typeR606 turned towards the Gekko, it suddenly came to a screeching halt.
"Eureka!" protested Renton after being flung into his control dash, "What's wrong?"
She stared back into the hanger with a horrified gaze. Renton turned to catch what caused her distress. Inside, he watched the prototypeT303 adjusting a large anti-K.L.F. particle-beam long-barrel cannon. He recognized the weapon but not its significance.
"I don't see anything," Renton admitted, leaning over his console, "The particle-beam cannon?"
"It-its… it brings back bad memories," Eureka relented after stumbling through her thoughts.
"Oh," he sighed, sitting back in his seat, "Wanna talk about it?"
She did not respond and resumed their trek to the Gekko. Renton relented and did not press the subject. When the typeR606 was loaded and parked, he waited for her to disembark.
"When I participated in the S.O.F. assault against Ciudades Del Cielo, I used that weapon against a group of civilian protesters," explained Eureka abruptly, "There were no survivors."
"I see," acknowledged Renton, "Well, Holland won't be using it like that; or without due cause."
"I know," she nodded with a sigh, "I just don't want more violence because of my kind."
"We'll make that happen," he rallied, "With the Confederation's help; it will just take time."
"It's so strange," remarked Eureka, "Why do humans think conflict will solve their problems?"
"Don't know," admitted Renton, "But Holland's thinking planetary survive, if Dr. Bear's right."
"I mean Marcus," she clarified, "Even if he does find them I doubt their answer will satisfy him."
He opened the cockpit, climbed out, and offered his hand, "Then we'll make sure he doesn't do anything brash. Remember, we can still make a difference. You could even intercede for him."
Eureka smiled and accepted his offer. In short order the Gekko was again prepared for flight. Everyone took his or her post as the prototype carrier rolled onto the tarmac.
"Holland to all personal," he announced, seated in the captain's chair, "We'll immediately enter into trajectory flight after takeoff. Vanguard pilots, be ready to launch once we reach the Vodarac shrine. The Tower Council will begin asking tough questions after this. We will patrol the area until Marcus arrives and only interfere if he attacks us or if his actions present a threat to the planet, as described by Dr. Bear. With any luck, this will be all over soon. Prepare for launch."
With tower clearance, Moondoggie primed the engines before they roared to life and sent the SL-1200 Mk-II soaring into the thermosphere. Most of the crew took a moment to gaze out upon the large cyclone-like storm that surrounded the Great Wall area, which had lost none of its glory or awe-inspiring size. Holland met the other pilots in the hanger-bay while Talho took command. Dr. Mischa and Axel took care of the children. The descent back into the atmosphere was short and brought the Gekko into a clear patch of sky just as the sun was rising. Moondoggie flew in low as the vanguard launched. The prototypeT303 carried the particle-beam cannon on its back.
"Hap! What's our status?" inquired Holland over the Gekko's intercom.
"No contact reported by local Armada troops," he replied, "They've otherwise complied with our request for an emergency withdrawal. Civilians have sought refuge inside the shrine. We're ten minutes out from the Great Wall barrier. We'll hang back and proceed as planned."
"Roger that," he acknowledged, "Renton, Eureka, you two ready for this?"
"We are," he affirmed.
"Eureka?" pressed Holland after a silent moment.
"Yes," she replied finally.
"Anemone, you'll have my back," he reminded, "Dominic, make sure you backup Renton and Eureka. Matthieu and Hilda, you know what to do."
"Right!" replied the others in unison.
"Holland! We're picking up strange trapar readings on your ten," informed Talho.
"What?" he questioned, turning to his left.
"Trapar levels are dipping to dangerous levels from the south," explained Woz, "This isn't good, buoyancy troughs into a trapar void moving fast on an intercept course with the Great Wall. The void has a ten-meter diameter. Trapar buoyancy doesn't stabilize for another ten."
"Unable to confirm target," concluded Hap, "My money's on Marcus. Holland, be careful."
"Aren't I always?" he grinned, "Everyone, take your positions and watch your buoyancy."
Everyone acknowledged. Air-raid sirens sounded throughout the settlement as the target reached the Great Wall barrier. As the vanguard neared their objective, a colorful display appeared.
"So Woz, there's a void inside, right?" recalled Stoner, photographing the eddying visible trapars.
"At the center, yes," he replied, "Outside is more like a raging vortex encapsulating the void."
"Then how would that K.L.F. sustain itself in flight inside the void?" he quizzed.
"After you start resurrecting L.F.O.s, I stop asking questions," shrugged Woz.
"I second that," agreed Dominic, "Best just to keep clear of it. Holland, what's the plan?"
"Proceed with caution but do not engage," he instructed, "Let's give him one last chance."
The prototypeT303 slowed its approach as the primary typeR606 and typeR808 flanked it. The other L.F.O.s kept back while the target slowed to a hover high above the ground.
"Marcus, if you can hear me please listen," requested Eureka on an open channel, "I know you think this is the right path but you could do more harm than good. Let us help you find closure."
"Ta, love, but can't," he replied over her intercom, "Gotta earn my quid and flush 'em solo-like."
"How?" questioned Renton, "The Coralians you want aren't even on this planet anymore."
"Piece of piss: create an inter-dimensional rift," informed Marcus, "Kinda like a wormhole."
"Dr. Egan warned us that will likely threaten the survival of the planet," informed Dominic.
"Bit late for puttin' the wind up, right mate?" he rebuffed, "Still Rafferty's Rules after all."
"Last chance," warned Holland, readying the anti-K.L.F. cannon, "Disengage now or else."
"That'd be right," sighed Marcus, "Sorry, above me pay-grade, Boss! Do what ya must."
"You heard him, people," he instructed, "Target the center and fire at will!"
The vanguard locked onto the colorful trapar sphere as they circled it and engaged. The sphere deflected most of their fire, and even redirected some of it back.
"What the hell!?" growled Matthieu, dodging his own barrage, "We can't touch him!"
"TheEND is using the trapars as a deflector screen," Jobs reported, "Use some English on it."
"Deflector screen; is that even possible?" questioned Dominic.
"We encountered this before when engaging the Izumo around a Kute-class Coralian," informed Holland, "Which means Jobs is right; we need to put some spin on it!"
He took aim and used the deflection patterns to obtain a direct hit at the void's center. The sphere began to dissipate. From it appeared an unscathed TheEND, a black aura churning about its body and feeding upon the trapars that flowed around it.
"Grouse shot, Boss!" admitted Marcus, wheezing with great effort, "Bloody smarts, though…"
"Ready to quit?" offered Holland.
"Ain't cactus yet," he rebuffed, "Besides, you just gave me a leg up, so let's suck it and see!"
"Maestro!" he called.
"You should really listen to your elders!" Ken-Goh smirked, firing the Gekko's main cannons.
The blasts raced passed the vanguard and engulfed TheEND. A horrific scream ripped over the intercom. Everyone cringed while TheEND reemerged unscathed.
"This guy just won't go down," noted Stoner.
"I think we're dealing damage, but having no visible effect," concluded Hap.
"Bloody 'ell ya are, ya stroppy drongo!" wheezed Marcus angrily, "I felt every flaimin' joule!"
"Trapar void is growing!" warned Woz, "Vanguard, fall back!"
"What the-?" asked Holland as multiple warning sounded throughout his L.F.O.
"We have to retreat," insisted Anemone as she retreated, "We're no good grounded."
Everyone double backed as the Gekko circled away from the Great Wall. The black aura about TheEND grew larger and darker. Then, a trapar spike emanated from the K.L.F. in all directions as a sphere of white light. Almost as instantly, a great shadow quickly covered the region.
"Trapar stats just went off the charts!" announced Woz, "Data is overwhelming our sensors."
"Is this a solar eclipse?" questioned Stoner, looking towards a now dimmer sun.
"There's nothing about an eclipse today," informed Jobs, "This is not possible."
"Seems the more we think things impossible the more they happen," growled Ken-Goh.
Without warning, both Anemone and Eureka began to scream in pain and horror.
"Eureka! What's wrong?" asked Renton frantically as he struggled to take control of the L.F.O.
"Anemone? Anemone!" yelled Dominic as the typeB303 began to plummet.
"Matthieu!" commanded Hilda as she followed Dominic's lead.
The three raced down, managing the catch the typeB303, and helped it make a softer landing.
"Renton, Dominic; what's wrong with them?" asked Holland.
"Large power spikes coming from TheEND," informed Jobs, "He's charging weapons."
"I don't know," replied Renton, "She-she's acting like a Kute-class Coralian is about to appear."
"Imposs… Dominic!" growled Holland.
"I can't contact her and she's not opening her cockpit," informed Dominic.
"The Vo-Vascud Kr-Crisis," stuttered Anemone, "He-they're gonna use the Vascud."
Meanwhile, the Vascud Crisis was powering up, as were the other weapon systems of TheEND, which appeared to be absorbing the black aura and remaining visible trapars.
"Matthieu! Hilda! Get up here!" commanded Holland, "Renton, stay back with the Gekko. I'm gonna try another shot. Maestro, I need your skills again. It'll take two this round."
"Roger," acknowledged Ken-Goh with a grin.
The prototypeT303 and Gekko aligned their flight paths and locked onto the K.L.F., which had maneuvered closer to the Great Wall, though it still faced its adversaries as it hovered.
"Holland, Gekko in position," informed Talho.
"Alright Moondoggie, hold her steady," reminded Ken-Goh, "It's time to tango!"
The Gekko fired again, followed instantly by the prototypeT303. Just before the attack reached it, TheEND shot skyward, twisted around, and fired all its weapons at the same point on the Great Wall as the twin attacks were now targeting. Braided streams of trapars encompassed its salvos. Just after, the K.L.F. launched its retracted claws; jets of trapars from unseen turbines propelled them forward while organic tubes kept them attached. TheEND then gave chase.