Chapter 12: A Fractured Moon.
Konner sat in the mostly empty cafeteria. A few occupants sat at the far side of the large room, chatting quietly amongst themselves.
"Hey!" A voice suddenly sounded behind him. He turned around to see Klera walking towards him. A sigh of complete relief found its way out of his lungs, having barely escaping the grasps of boredom.
"Hey Klera, what are you doing here?" He asked and leaned back in his seat while she sat down on the opposite side.
"I was looking around for you, right now is my lunch hour. We're taking a break from some of our projects." Konner nodded and looked down at his untouched food. Klera couldn't help but notice. "How are you doing Kon?" She asked and looked him directly in the eyes.
"I'm doing just fine… My muscles don't hurt as much as they did. And every now and then I just feel like taking a good long nap." He finished and yawned "I just wish there was something to do…"
"Well actually…" Her face had suddenly turned red, causing Konner tilted his head curiously.
"What?" He asked, finding her expression slightly amusing.
"Since we're both doing nothing, and tomorrow is the day you're back on duty. I thought you could teach me… to ride a board." She blushed intensely and tried her hardest to keep from losing control of her voice.
"You mean." He looked up in shock, not believing what she had said. "You've never reffed before?" She nodded shyly. Konner jumped up with a sudden burst of excitement. "That's great! All these years, and I never new!" He ran over to her side and helped her to her feet. "Come on, I can teach you everything you need to know." He almost yelled as she was pulled along by his hand. She couldn't help but laugh as his excitement drained into hers.
---
"You're not done until you fix it…" Axel growled down at the defenseless Renton. Renton sighed in annoyance and rolled his eyes.
"It would help if I knew what it was." He grumbled back at his old man.
"A real Mechanic doesn't need to know what he's fixing. He only allows his mind to open up to new ideas, and to explore the hidden concepts of a machine." Renton rolled his eyes once again. He examined the device closely, but still couldn't figure out what it was. The device was a cylinder that had dips coming out and in occasionally. Every time he shook it, it would give off a small clinking sound. Slowly as he examined the device, his mind drifted to other thoughts. He started to wonder how Eureka and the kids were doing, or at least what they were doing. As his thoughts were wandering, something caught his eye. At first he frowned, and then looked closer. A sudden smirk traveled across his face. He sat up and his hands began working with the device. Only a few minutes pasted when he suddenly jumped up and tossed the device to his grandfather. The old man caught it in surprise.
"Done." He smirked and put his hands on his hips. Axel looked it over carefully, and then nodded in satisfaction.
"This is excellent work Renton, I'm very impressed. Now you can mov-" He looked up to see Renton had run off. "That little…" He clenched his fist and turned around.
---
"Mama, when do we get to leave to the city?" Maeter ask in a whiny voice as she leaned against Eureka. They were all in the lounge, enjoying themselves with random activities. Linck was curiously folding some paper, trying to achieve a strange shape. While Maurice on the other hand was doodling on his own piece of paper.
"As soon as Renton is done." She gently smiled back down at her.
"Can we get some straw berries this time?" Maeter asked hopefully, a little sparkle in her eyes. Eureka nodded and took a quick look at Maurice's doodle. She couldn't help but draw her thoughts back to the strange incident she and Renton had a week before.
"Hey!" Every one looked up to see Renton walk in with his hands in his pockets.
"Barfy!" All the kids yelled and ran to give him a hug. He knelt down and accepted the hugs. Although they still used the name Barfy, Renton didn't mind. In his opinion, he rather preferred it. It almost felt like a strong connection that he had directly with the kids, and everything they had gone through. Eureka stood up and walked over next to them.
"Ready Renton?" She asked with a serene voice. Renton looked up to see Eureka looking right back down into his eyes. He stood up and nodded.
"We're taking the 606 right?" He said as they walked out the door and down towards the hanger.
"Yes, it should be able to fit all of us." The kids ran ahead as Renton and Eureka walked together.
"Are you going to be ok?" He asked her with concern. She turned her head and nodded, completely relaxed. Her hand reached out and took his.
"Yes, this time I will be." She stopped for a second and turned her head down at something. Renton followed her gaze to his left arm. "You sure you don't want me to drive?" She asked and looked back up with concerned eyes. Renton nodded, a confident smile spread over his face.
"I'm not worried, Mischa said that my arm should be able to handle this now. As long as we don't get into a fight." She nodded, but still seemed a little worried. It had only been two weeks since his arm had the infection. She couldn't stand to see him flinch every time he lifted an object that his arm wasn't capable of carrying. They reached the hanger and moved down the steps. The 606 was patched up again from the previous battle. When the Xellien had attacked it a week ago, it was almost unsalvageable. But thanks to Axel and Irik, they were able to put the whole thing back together.
Renton climbed in the front seat while the kids and Eureka climbed in the back. The cockpit itself was surprisingly roomy. Although, Renton couldn't help but wish they had the Nirvash back, so they could all be together. He reached out and hit a switch.
"This is Renton in the 606, we're heading out to go and re-supply certain items in our food storage." There was a long pause until a response came.
"Alright then, you guys are set to go. Just be back in an hour, because we're leaving this air space the minute you get back." Hap's voice replied through the comm..
"See you later." Renton reached out and turned the comm. off. "We ready?" He asked towards the back, in which he received a few nods. "Then let's go." He smiled slightly as the catapult doors opened. When the door had completely opened, the 606 shot forward with incredible speed. It soared out of the Gekko-Go and caught onto the thick green winds. It then dipped its board down and surfed back towards the city.
It didn't take long until they were landed in a parking lot, the whole city just laying in wait for their arrival. They all hopped out the 606 and quickly made their way towards the market.
"What's on the list?" Renton asked as they walked down the street. Eureka reached into her pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper.
"Not too much. We mostly just need to restock on milk and some fruits. Although, I don't think that will be easy." She pocketed the list and looked about the market in concentration.
"What do you mean?" He stopped to see where she was looking.
"Well, when the planet's shell had shattered, the prices of many foods shot up. Buildings, crops, animals that produced the food people needed were destroyed. Talho told me that the only way every one is making it through, is by moving to the fruits recently discovered bellow the shell." Renton nodded, never even had considered that possibility. But now that he thought about it, it had a dark logic behind it.
"Ok, then let's get it and go." He smiled and started off. This was one of there few times off the ships, and he wanted to make it last for all of them.
They all walked down the market, occasionally stopping at one of the shops to pick something up. As they went, they had gathered all their supplies except for one last item.
"Maybe they just don't have any here." Eureka suggested as they neared the end of the street.
"Wait, is that it?" Renton stopped and started in another direction. The others followed behind until they reached a small little set up. An older man sat there, he looked to be in his mid sixties.
"Can I help you?" He asked in a crackly and weary voice, but even then, it was still polite towards them. Renton looked about his items, seeing several canisters.
"Do you have any milk?" The older man tilted his head and nodded. Renton let out a sigh of relief, finally seeing that they had finished. "Perfect, we'll take four gallons. That should be good enough." He turned to Eureka who nodded in agreement. The older man picked up several canisters and placed them out to take. Renton fumbled to try and pick them up, but he was already carrying so much. Eureka let out a small laugh at his innocent clumsiness
"How much will it be?" Eureka asked and turned back to the man.
"One hundred." He replied gingerly.
"One hundred?" Renton reacted in surprise, almost dropping all the supplies. A stressed looked crossed over Eureka face.
"I'm sorry, but these times are hard." The older man looked as if he felt a little guilty, but even so, they all needed to be fed in the end. And Renton knew that the older man probably had some one he needed to support. Milk was hard to come by, and they were lucky if they could get any.
"Here." Eureka said as she handed the money to the man.
"Nice doing business with you." He bowed politely, but Renton couldn't help the sigh he was holding in his lungs.
It didn't take long for them to once again reach the 606. It was just as they had left it. Renton went to the back and shoved all the supplies into one of the compartments. Then they all hopped into the cockpit.
"Ok, if we got everything then shou-" Renton was interrupted when the comm. suddenly burst to life.
"606, come in, this is the Gekko-Go." Gidjets voice sounded over the comm.. Renton frowned and opened the connection.
"606 here, what's up?" He asked, recognizing a strange urgency in her voice.
"We're leaving right now, immediately return the Gekko-Go, understand?" Renton hesitated, still confused on why she was so pressing.
"Understood, we're heading back right now." The comm. shut off right as he said so. He turned back to see Eureka, but she only titled her head in the same lack of understanding. Renton turned back to grip the controls. He then moved the 606 forward and into the air. They flew all the way back to the 606, which already had its catapult open for them. With out waiting for recognition, they landed the 606 inside.
"606 returned, wha-" Renton was speaking in the comm.. But just moments after they landed, the Gekko-Go shot forward on full thrust. "What the?" Renton yelled as the 606 shook. It wasn't until moments later that everything had randomly settled.
"You guys ok?" Holland's voice came through the comm. Renton rubbed his head, and quickly glanced back to see if Eureka and the others were ok. To his Relief, they were fine, just a little overwhelmed.
"Yeah we're fine, but what's going on?" He asked in slight frustration.
"I'm not going to hide it from you guys. We're one a mission to take down a military facility. You know that device that Irik was making?" The comm. went silent as it waited for an answer.
"Yes?" Renton was a little surprised at the question.
"Well, apparently they have finished designs for a new unit, something that can change the tides of this brewing war. We're not going to let this weapon be developed. Which leaves me an extremely important question to ask you." There was a long pause, one that left an uncomfortable silence. "I need you to ride the Xellien… can I trust you two?" He asked bluntly. Renton looked down, fearing the question himself. Neither he nor Eureka had gone near the Xellien since the incident. Slowly he turned his head back, looking at Eureka. She was looking right back at him with no answer. They held their gaze, searching for some sort of solution. Finally, Eureka nodded her head, a look of confidence growing on her face.
"Holland…" Renton started, but stopped for a second. The answer he would give could go either way for the future. "We'll do it." He barely let the words out, but he didn't look away from Eureka.
"Then you two better get ready, we've been preparing this for two days. Jurgens has rounded two other ships to the sector, and they'll be supporting us in the battle." He finished and waited for a confirmation.
"Alright, we'll get ready to launch." Renton forced the worry dwelling in his voice, and sustained a sound of importance. When the comm. shut off, they all climbed out of the 606.
"I want you guys to go back to the room." Eureka knelt down and told the kids in a gentle voice. They all looked up at her with worry.
"When will you and Renton be back?" Linck asked with his innocent face. He understood what was happening, and Eureka wished he didn't. "We'll be back soon." She responded with a warm smile, one that could hold no deception. Maeter and Linck smiled, and the doubt drained from their faces. They quickly turned around and started for the stairs. But Maurice didn't follow, he was still looking between Renton and Eureka. He seemed to know more then what he admitted.
"Don't worry Maurice, we'll be back." Renton gave a strong smile of confidence. When Maurice saw it, he couldn't help but smile in admiration. He nodded and followed the kids back up the stairs. The minute the kids had disappeared, both Renton and Eureka looked at each other. They could see the worry and concern in their eyes, a little lost in what the other should do. It didn't matter how hard they tried to hide it from each other.
"We can do this… right?" She asked as she walked forward and wrapped her arms around him. He took her in his own arms, letting their strengths drain into each other.
"If we're together…" He responded said back in calm voice.
"I don't want to loose myself again…" She pressed her face into his shoulder. Renton held her closer, trying to share every ounce of strength he had.
"No Eureka, I wont let it happen this time." Softly he pulled away and looked into her eyes. She stared right back into his and saw a brewing fire. Suddenly her body was filled with strength, the worry and fatigue fell away into nothing.
"Let's do it together." She smiled back and they both climbed into the Xellien.
---
"They probably noticed that we're here by now." Holland grumbled as he leaned back in his seat. Hap laughed and looked forward.
"Yeah, but there's nothing they can do about it now." Holland smirked at Hap's comment.
"The Gallian and Orak are on their way. Gallian reports that it will be approaching the base from the North east, while the Orak will come in from the North West." Gidjet announced from the communications stations.
"Good, then we'll approach from the south." Holland said, and Moondoggies nodded in reply. In the view port, a small building could be seen. It was just lying in the huddle of trees, innocent and inconspicuous.
"Unidentified Archtype is being picked up!" Gidjet anxiously announced as she looked closer at the screen.
"What do you mean?" Holland asked and frowned back at her.
"I don't know, they're approaching from the base and moving towards the Orak." Every one shifted their view to a ship moving closer to them. Suddenly, five white and black objects popped out of the forest bellow. They charged up at the Orak, swiftly curving up and above its wings. As they traveled across, flames spewed from the metallic shell bellow them.
"Those must be the S.U.s…" Holland gritted his teeth. "What exactly does the Inverse drive do to improve the units?" He asked, but didn't suspect any one to answer. Ten green trails, one by one, fell out of the Orak. They charged towards the five S.U.s, but had little success against their incredible speed and precision. "Ok, launch the Xellien." Holland commanded Gidjet.
"Got it!" She pressed a small button on the board. "Eureka and Renton, you're clear for launch."
---
"Got it!" Eureka replied back as she reached forward and gripped the controls. The catapult door opened and they slipped out, landing on the winds of trapar.
"Looks like there are five of them… what are they?" Renton wondered aloud as he gazed down at the radar.
"They're S.U.s, or I should say Slave Units. They're the new archtypes specifically designed to use the Inverse Drive. Nothing has really come in, so we're not sure how it works. But apparently it's doing something right… I want you two to be careful." Holland's voice went darkly serious at the end. Both Renton and Eureka looked at each other before looking back out at the battle.
"Don't worry Holland, we can do this." Renton replied in confidence, no trace of doubt crawled in the back of his words.
"Good, the Orak and the Gallian will hold off the S.U.s. I want you to charge in and destroy the base. Do what ever you need to make sure its left only as a pile of rubble on the ground."
"Got it." Eureka responded as she dipped the Xellien down towards the base.
---
"Woz, have you picked up any specifications on the S.U.s?" Holland asked from the front.
"It's hard to say, don't rush me. I could study this thing better if I had actual recorded designs, some kind of record, or at least the thing itself. But trying to pick up specifications through S.U.s computers is slightly more difficult. Give me a few more minutes…" He replied in building aggravation.
"Gidjet, how is the battle going on over at the Orak?" Holland asked and looked back sternly. As the motions of battle began to take hold, it was apparent that Hollands moods had changed. He was fierce with his words, but not harsh. Everything was considered and revised before initiated into their plan. And he knew that this would be different, that this could make the difference in the war. But if they failed, then the out come would be unimaginable.
"The Orak has taken severe damage, and they've lost eight KLFs." Gidjet replied and a look of utter shock rushed across her face.
"Eight?" Holland almost chocked on his own breath. "The battle hasn't even been going for more then three minutes…" He shifted his view back to the view port. The Orak had released several KLFs now, but they did nothing. The whole battle was starting to lean in a bad direction. Holland shook his head, trying to remove the negative thoughts. "Alright, prepare to give the Xellien cover fire."
---
The Xellien shot down towards the base, ready to puncture the buildings roof. As they reached it, something slammed hard against their side. They flew down, landing a far ways off from the building. Both Eureka and Renton yelled as they tumbled through the air and slammed against the ground.
"What was that?" Eureka asked in quick shaky breaths. Renton looked down at the radar.
"I think its one of those S.U.s." He replied, looking around desperately with cautious eyes. He reached across and flipped a switch. Both arms extended their sharp blades, exposing themselves for the readied battle. Every inch in Renton's body seemed to shake with energy. He could almost feel the adrenalin rushing through his veins. Quickly he glanced at Eureka to see she was just as energetic. Her hands were shaking as she gripped the controls. Gently he put his hand on top of hers, holding it in place. At that moment, her hands immediately stopped trembling, and her breath became calmer.
The Xellien stood up and looked about. When it did a full 180, it faced a large object moving at them quickly. Its speeds were swift and incredibly smooth. Eureka's hands pulled at the controls desperately. The Xellien jumped into the air, and the S.U. crashed into the ground, leaving a massive crater in its place.
"It's suicidal." Renton spoke in disbelief. Who ever was inside would surely be dead, but no, the machine stood up and faced them once more.
"Still… alive" Eureka looked down in utter confusion. The S.U. didn't even have a scratch on it.
"That can't be possible." Renton was still shaking his head, not wanting to believe what he just saw. The S.U. jumped forward, starting another attack towards the Xellien. Eureka barely dodged out the way and gripped the S.U.s leg. The momentum that the S.U. had already built up threw the Xellien forward along with its tight grip. Eureka struggled with the controls to keep the hold, but it slipped from under the hand, and then fell back down towards the earth. The S.U. turned around in mid air, about to land on top of them, but two large red blurs slammed into either side. Two P.O.F.s fought to hold the S.U. down, but they had little success in doing so.
"We got to help them." Eureka barely shoved the words through her heavy breaths. The Xellien leaped forward and pulled out a small blade, ready to pierce the shell of the enslaved enemy.
---
"I can't get anything on it!" Woz yelled as the chaos started to pick up. "There's too much interference from something I've never seen before."
"What?" Holland asked, only turning around for a brief second.
"I don't kno-"
"Its most likely the signals being sent over the trapar waves." Irik interrupted from the balcony. Holland twisted his head in mild surprise.
"What do you mean, what signals?" He asked shortly.
"The inverse drive can only receive a signal through the trapar, but that isn't my concern. Look at the S.U.s, they're moving at in human speeds. Who ever is inside those things should be knocked out from the immense pressure, but that's not how the trapar works. The signals affect the brain in obscure ways. For one, the rider couldn't even tell he was being effected, but he will no longer feel pain. Secondly, the rider is left in a subconscious state, completely immune to things happening around them. And thirdly, the brain is sent into over drive, or in other words, it'll be hard to knock them out. The riders inside the S.U.s are dangerous under the use of the Inverse Drive. But they also have little will of their own. And what ever damage they cause to themselves, they're going to feel ten fold once they remove themselves from the effect of the device." Irik finished, not even blinking as he spoke.
"And you waited to tell us now?" Holland let out an exasperated sigh.
"The time seemed right." Irik responded in a tone as if he didn't care. Holland rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair. He knew Irik initiated the development of the device, and that he would have the most knowledge. But he couldn't stop wondering who in the U.F. would know how to complete the device. All these thoughts stirred in his mind, but one nagged at his conscience. "And there's nothing we can do…" He gritted his teeth as he watched the battle field.
---
"Eureka, there are two now, and they're coming from the back!" Renton yelled as he looked over the controls, trying to keep his hands on everything that was happening. Eureka nodded and roughly pulled back on the controls. The Xellien did a back flip, barely missing the two incoming S.U.s. To their luck, the two S.U.s slammed into a group of trees. Splinters shot out as the trees snapped in half from the impact.
"They're open…" Eureka whispered under her breath, and she charged the Xellien forward. She pulled out the blade and aimed it towards the desired target. And for a split second, it seemed as if they were now winning. But the feeling instantly faded as the S.U. twisted out the way, missing the blade all together. The second S.U. leaped up and landed on them, pinning them down to the ground.
"Dang it!" Renton clenched his teeth as he searched for a solution. Down on the radar he could see the second S.U. coming in quick, most likely to end the battle. His eyes scanned the statistics a few moments longer, until an idea suddenly struck his mind. "Eureka, do you think we can flip over?" He quickly turned to her in hope.
"Yes." She responded, wondering what he had in mind.
"Ok, when I say. Turn us over and stab the coming S.U." Eureka nodded and gripped the controls once more. The screeching metal between the S.U. and Xellien rang in Renton's ears as he studied every inch of the radar. Numbers were increasing rapidly, causing his mouth to twitch at the urge to signal. But he stopped himself, and waited until the perfect moment…
"NOW!" Renton yelled and Eureka reacted immediately. The Xellien pushed with all the strengths its limbs would offer. Both the S.U. and Xellien tumbled, but not before Eureka pulled out the blade and aimed it. As Renton had assumed, the S.U. did the rest of the work for them. Because of its deathly speed, the S.U. rushed right into the blade, piercing its own chest. The action caused the S.U. to fall to the side, barely missing the Xellien. Eureka controlled the Xellien to leap off and land once again on its feet. With out loosing momentum, she pinned the next S.U., and quickly shoved the blade into its chest. The S.U. turned lifeless and the soft glow faded from its eyes.
A sudden calm rushed through the cockpit and surroundings. Silence filled every space around them, except for Eureka's erratic breath. Renton twisted his head to see her eyes wide open, looking out the cockpit. He had never seen such a fear in her face before. She was shaking slightly, and couldn't keep a good grip on the controls. Gently he reached out and took her hand. She slowly turned her head to him, absolute terror swelling in her eyes. Finally in what seemed like desperation she fell into his arms, clinging to him with everything she had. He pulled her close, completely submerging her in his own arms. Her muffled cries came through his chest.
"I'm sorry Renton…" She cried as she held him tighter. Renton immediately shook his head.
"No, I don't think we've been in a situation like this before." He shifted his eyes towards the outside of the Xellien, where the blade still laid imbedded into the S.U.'s chest. "We didn't have a choice. We had to act then and now." Eureka slowly nodded at his words of confidence, but both knew what they had done.
"We have to move on." She said as she lifted her head and wiped her tear stained cheeks. Renton looked into her eyes, and felt a heavy burden fall on his chest. Not a single ounce of energy could be seen, she was completely lost in her sadness. And yet she still tried so hard to hold herself up, no just for him, but for everything else. He wanted to do something, anything to give her the strength she needed. So he reached her back around her and pulled her close. He then softly kissed her, letting a few moments pass by. After a time had gone, they softly pulled away from each other. Her eyes now seemed to be filled with new confidence.
"Thank you Renton." She smiled warmly, leaving a new energy in his body. They both turned back towards the controls, ready once again for the tasks that lay before them. But now the stress was lifted. They held each other's burdens, when they knew they couldn't do it alone.
"We're doing the right thing." He said as the Xellien jumped into the air. But the second they broke the trees, they were revealed to a horrific site. The Orak was in flames, as if ready to fall apart into a crumbling mass of mashed metal. Not a single S.U. had been taken down, and the P.O.F.s were throwing everything they had at them.
"Eureka… I'm picking up a single S.U. near the main base. There are several KLFs surrounding it, but they don't seem to be putting up much of a fight.
"Understood." She responded with a serious tone. The Xellien turned its board back towards the science facility. A smaller swarm of KLFs entered their vision. "If we move in right now, I think we can get the S.U. by surprise." Renton nodded in agreement. Eureka controlled the Xellien to fly down with its blades at the ready. They shot through the air, and came within striking distance of the S.U.. But just as they did so, the S.U. turned around and swerved out of the way. Renton grumbled in annoyance as it did so.
"They react so fast…" He muttered in frustration and looked down at the statistics. Quickly he jolted his head to the right. "Eureka, in coming KLF from the west!" He yelled and pointed to the right. Eureka reacted instantly, gripping the controls and pulling back. Just as they were about to dodge out the way, the KLF slammed into them. A massive bang pierced their defenseless ears as they tumbled towards the ground. Both the KLF and the Xellien crashed into the earth. Eureka and Renton were pushed out of their seats and hit the side of the cockpit, loosing their grip on reality, and falling into a cold sleep.
Eureka opened her eyes, looking around carefully. She frowned as she realized that she had hit something soft. Shifting her weight, she turned to see that she was lying against Renton. His eyes were closed and his face was emotionless.
"Renton?" Eureka started in fear and softly shook him. His eyes lazily opened to see Eureka's face. A wave of relief passed over her body, and she smiled.
"What happened?" He muttered and tried to sit up, but gravity had other ideas.
"The KLF hit us, we're on the ground." She whispered back, and turned her head to get a better view on their surroundings. Renton nodded and leaned his head back. Everything around him was still spinning, but what bothered him most was the sharp pain pulsing on the side of his head. Gingerly he reached up and tapped the side to feel a warm liquid meshing in his hair. Slowly he took down his hand to see it partly soak in blood.
"A lot more then I thought." He muttered in disgust. Eureka turned to see what he was talking about, and instantly noticed his damp hair. A small trickle of blood began to slip down his cheek.
"Renton." She whispered softly, and shifted her weight to get a better look. Gently she reached up and put her hand against the wound. Her hand pressed harder, causing Renton to flinch slightly at the pain. His hand jolted up and landed on hers.
"What are you doing?" He grumbled in confusion. Eureka briefly looked at him and then started to look around the cockpit.
"I'm stopping the bleeding." She replied and patted her hand behind the seats. But finally she stopped and looked back at Renton in concern. "There's nothing to tie around your head. And I don't think the Xellien is equipped with an emergency medical kit." Her eyes shifted down in disappointment. He could see that she was truly worried, and started feeling guilty at his being disgruntled. Just as he was about to say something, Eureka's eyes brightened suddenly. "Renton, hold the wound." She indicated at the gash on his head. Although he was confused, he pressed his hand against the wound when Eureka moved her hand. She reached down and unzipped his jacket. Then carefully she slipped it off and tied it around his head. Renton struggled to keep from jerking away as she tied the knot tighter.
"How does it feel?" She asked and felt it softly. Renton looked up and let a sigh drift from his lips.
"I'm going to miss my jacket." He nodded at his own words. Eureka actually let out a laugh, which made Renton reacted in surprise. After all that happened, she actually let herself laugh. He couldn't help the smile that started to spread across his face as he watched. But just as her small laughs stopped, the realization of their mission fell once again on their exhausted minds. The moment felt to brief to be real.
"I'll try and reach the controls." Eureka said and attempted to grip them. Renton gave her a soft push, helping Eureka the rest of the way. The Xellien lifted to its feet, standing once again on the firm ground. They looked about the area, attempting to summarize their surroundings.
"Let's try helping the Ora-" Renton began and paused. His eyes were settled on something out of the cockpit. Eureka followed his gaze to the KLF that had crashed into them, and spotted a man trying to crawl out, but he seemed to be stuck.
The cockpit opened and Renton started to jump out. But before he could leave, an arm reached out and grabbed his.
"You should stay here, I'll go." She urged and stood up herself. Renton looked down at Eureka and then the struggling man.
"No Eureka, I can't pilot the Xellien in my condition, but I can help that man. If something were to happen, the one who should be inside the Xellien should be you." They both knew that leaving the Xellien was a bad idea. Left and right they could hear crashes and booms of battle. For a few seconds they just looked at each other. After another moment passed, Eureka finally nodded. Even though she didn't want to agree, she knew he was right. He smiled and started to step back.
"I'll be back, Eureka." He spoke with utter confidence, but Eureka felt none of it. She watched him climb down the Xellien and towards the man. He and the man conversed for a while, about what, Eureka couldn't tell. She strained her ears to listen, but their voices were drained out by other various noises. As she watched she put her arms in her lap and looked about the cockpit uncomfortably. With out Renton she felt unsafe inside, and she didn't dare touch the controls. Her trust for the Xellien had vanished.
Renton reached down and grabbed the man leg. As he pulled on it, the man's anguished cries shook the air. Eureka looked closer to see that his leg was somehow stuck in the KLF. With one final tug, the man's leg slipped out. It was badly scrapped up, and bent in an odd direction. Renton spoke a few more things and the man nodded back through his pain. He then turned back towards the Xellien and started back toward Eureka. But as he looked up, his eyes went wide in horror.
"Eureka!" He yelled and pointed behind her. She started to turn around when the Xellien's cockpit suddenly shut automatically. Her head turned towards the controls, not even having touched them. A large bang scratched at her ears and shoved her forward. The Xellien plummeted through the forest, knocking down any trees that attempted to stop it. With one last jolt, the Xellien came to an abrupt stop.
Eureka looked around the cockpit, trying to regain her control on everything. Her hands gripped the controls, and she moved the Xellien to stand up.
"Renton…" She whispered the words but knew no answer would touch her ears. Her eyes scanned the radar, absorbing any information it shared. Weakly she turned the Xellien around, spotting three S.U.s standing in front of her. "What… how?" She said in complete shock at the situation that was now laid before her. The first S.U. charged forward, slamming the Xellien into the ground. Just as it rolled off, the second S.U. lunged down, slamming a mighty fist at the Xellien's chest. Eureka screamed as the cockpit shook, giving away to the chaos. She felt her arms starting to loose control, the world around her fading into nothing. Her grip on the controls tightened, and she twisted to the right. The third S.U. missed and slammed against the ground. She shot the Xellien forward and controlled it to grab the S.U.. The S.U. gave no resistance to her actions. A blade slipped out the Xellien arm which was gripped tightly. It was quickly wielded and shoved into the stomach of the S.U.. The Xellien picked up its leg and pushed the S.U. to the ground, and with out mercy, pulled the blade across. Sparks flew out as the blade tore the S.U. in half.
The two other S.U.s stood there with out action. Eureka lost control of her breath as it sped up. Her eyes were swift and alert, not loosing sight of anything that happened. Her attention stopped on the last standing S.U.s.. The fiery building in her arms shoved the controls forward. Earth cracked beneath the Xellien's feet as it jumped and landed on the S.U.. The Xellien's hand cusped around the S.U.s head. It then squeezed with incredible fury. Metal snapped and bent under the Xellien's pressure, until the head itself was crushed. The Xellien gripped its blade and shoved it into the cockpit. Eureka stopped to gather her breaths as her eyes dwelled on the fallen S.U.. But not another second passed when she once again moved the Xellien to attack. The S.U. stood still, not even reacting, and she took advantage. She began to lift the blade, but stopped. Her whole body froze, no longer emitting the energy that was rushing through her body. Gently her hands pulled back on the controls. The Xellien stepped back and lifted into the air with out another movement to attack.
---
"Eureka… I got to help her." Renton mumbled without any grasp on reality. The wounded man could only watch and wonder. A few moments past with out any words being spoken. Wind blew past as three KLFs charged over head, turned, and landed down beside them. Two of the KLFs cockpits opened and two P.O.F. soldiers jumped out.
"Renton Thurston, and Walter Thern?" One of them called out as they ran forward. Renton didn't respond, but only continued to look down the path of shattered trees.
"Yes." The wounded man replied at last. The two P.O.F.s smiled in relief and lowered their guns.
"Good, let's take you two to the Gallian." One of them walked forward and helped the wounded to his feet. While the other looked at Renton in confusion.
"Renton Thurston, we must proceed to the Gallian before more U.F.s initiate a second attack." The man carefully urged him. Renton nodded and stood up, but even as he walked away, his eyes remained on the thrashed trees.
The two of them climbed into the KLF.
"How is the battle." Renton asked in a solemn voice. The soldier looked at him and then back down at the controls.
"Not to well, six U.F. ships are approaching this area." Renton's eyes suddenly shot wide open.
"Six?!" He muttered in disbelief, but the man only nodded.
"Yes, we have to retreat. We were sent out to gather the rest of the survivors. You guys are incredibly lucky we found you." The man almost laughed, but Renton found nothing amusing.
"What about the Xellien…" Renton demanded the answer. The man looked back and frowned, but shortly shrugged and turned back to the view port.
"Don't know, I assumed you would be able to tell me." The man replied all too casually.
"We have to return back down there." Renton pointed down at the forest.
"Are you kidding, when those U.F. ships get here, we're done. My orders are to pick up any survivors and immediately return them to the Gallian." He shook his head several times, completely rejecting the idea. But Renton didn't give up so easily.
"No, I think the Xellien is still down there and could use our help!" He begged through the anger wedging its ways through his throat.
"I can't." He responded back in complete seriousness.
"Please." Renton begged one last time.
"No… Not all of us are fortunate to escape the chaos of battle. So we need to take advantage of what we have, and do as we are told." Renton looked down in shock, not believing what he was hearing. No more words were spoken along the way to the Gallian. Renton continued to gaze out the view port, searching for that which he longed to see.
The three KLFs moved through the swarms of P.O.F.s. that seemed to be fighting nothing. Renton noticed that the S.U.s were gone, and there was no battle taking place. He frowned and carefully summed up the rest of the surroundings, yet he saw no conflict being fought.
"What?" Renton muttered in confusion. The pilot briefly glanced at Renton.
"What is it?" He asked and continued to concentrate on piloting the KLF.
"What happened to the S.U.s?" Renton replied as he continued to search their surroundings.
"Ran off for no apparent reason. I hate to admit it, but they were winning the battle. But just as the battle went on, they suddenly turned and high tailed it." Renton shifted his head down towards the floor, his eyes wide at the news.
"Then what happened?" Renton whispered too quietly to be heard.
The three KLFs turned into the Gallian, and easily landed in their desired spots.
"I don't know where to take you kid, but I'd suggest you shoul-"
"Jys, the captain wants to see Thurston." A man interrupted from bellow. The soldier looked down and cocked his head slightly. But he released a short shrug and jumped down from the KLF.
"Renton, I suggest you follow this man here." Renton hopped down after him and nodded at what he said.
"Thank you." Renton muttered and followed the other man.
They continued through several long halls, until they finally entered the bridge of the ship.
"Captain, I've brought Renton Thurston." The man announced before saluting. A tall older man stood up from his chair and stepped down in front of Renton.
"Captain of the Gallian, and I presume you're the pilot of the Xellien, along with that corallian girl." Renton nodded, impatiently waiting to see why the man had called him. Although he didn't feel the world around him, he felt the world within him. All his thoughts were on Eureka, and there was nothing he could do.
"Why did the Xellien fly off with the rest of the S.U.s?" The old man's words shoved into Renton's thoughts.
"What?" Renton asked in utter confusion. The captain looked down in slight surprise.
"You didn't know? We were hoping you could explain to us what happened." The older man watched Renton who didn't respond. Renton's eyes were wide open in shock, loosing any grip he had on the things around him. He knew what had happened, but he didn't know what to do. Eureka was gone, and he wasn't sure if he could get her back…
"Are you ok?" Renton shook his head as he felt an arm grasp his shoulder.
"We have to go after them." Renton slowly started, as he pondered the situation. The captain took his hand away and looked down at Renton inquiringly.
"That option isn't even going to be considered, we're returning to base." He spoke in a clear and stern voice. Renton shook his head weakly. his eyes darted around the room. There was nothing to do, but inside him he felt a burning desire.
"Please… they can't take her away." Renton looked up at the captain, his eyes pleading with everything he could summon. The captain looked down at Renton, almost as if in shock.
"You really…" Slowly the captain began to open his mouth, but the comm. beat him to it.
"This is Commander Holland of the Gekko-Go. Do you have Renton Thurston currently aboard your ship?" Holland's words were quick and short, as if rushing to meet something. At first the captain paused, looking between Renton, and then outside the view port.
"Yes, we have him." He responded after some time passed "But do not worry, we'll take him back to base."
"No, I want him aboard the Gekko-Go immediately!" Holland harshly responded at the captain. Renton looked up in surprise, not expecting such a strange reaction from Holland. A prolonged silence settled in the bridge. The captain looked between Renton and then back at the comm.. His vice captain stepped forward to say something, but the captain quickly raised his hand.
"Alright Holland, we'll send him over right away." The captain sighed and turned back to Renton. "I'm sorry about what happened Renton." As Renton looked back up at him, he could almost see pity in his eyes. It caught Renton off gaurd. "My name is Captain Polin, you'll see me again." The captain turned and signaled to his vice captain, who nodded and escorted Renton back to the hanger. As they moved down the halls, Renton couldn't help but ponder the strange look on Polin's face.
Renton hoped into the KLF and lazily gazed out the view port. The Pilot took him all the way to the Gekko-Go, where he was easily received and dropped off. He stepped down from the KLF and watched it fly away, back to the Gallian.
"Renton!" Holland's voice filled his ears. Renton turned around and looked at Holland with lifeless eyes. The stare stopped Holland in his tracks. A gaze was held between them for a long moment, until Holland stepped forward. Understanding was covering his face as he stood in front of Renton. "Don't give up yet Renton, we'll get her." He reached out and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Why did you react the way you did towards the captain of the Gallian?" Renton asked in a mellow voice. Holland sighed and started to scan the hanger with his tired eyes.
"We can't trust the P.O.F. any more Renton. There have been too many betrayals among the organization. The only people we can trust are ourselves." Renton nodded and shifted his gaze back to the ground.
"I don't know what to do Holland." Renton started in a weakly. "We thought we had it together… just us and the kids." Renton could already feel his voice cracking, and Holland could only watch and listen. "I just don't know what to do any more."
"You're going to have to move on Renton. You're not the only one who's worried." Renton looked up at what he said, and saw Holland looking to the back. Slowly he followed his gaze and saw Talho with the kids. It gripped Renton's realization, and a wave of guilt settled over his body.
"I got to be strong." Renton said and stood up, wiping his try eyes. Holland watched Renton start to walk forward towards the kids. A small smile formed on Holland's face, but it faded just as quickly as it came. Renton walked forward and knelt down in front of the kids. They stared at him for a few silent seconds, and then all three ran into his arms. Their bond was tight, and not yet to be broken. Gently Talho stepped next to Holland.
"What are we going to do?" Talho whispered next to him, and kept her eyes on the four.
"I don't know... Not this time." He replied in a mellow voice that seemed lost in his own thoughts.
"I just hope they hold strong. We'll have to help them Holland." Her brows pressed further together as she watched them, and felt a gathering of tender liquid forming in her eyes. Holland glanced at her, and reached an arm around her. She gratefully accepted the arm and leaned against him. For a long time, they just stood there. No words were spoken through the time that passed between the six. At the moment, only silence would settle in their surroundings. And at the moment, maybe silence was needed most.
---
"How is she?" A curious voice drifted across the bridge of a U.F. ship. A man with thinning black hair shifted in his chair. Several clips were attached to his collar, indicating a rank of high stature.
"Hard to say, she isn't reacting to anything we tell her. She just sits there… inside that thing." The man sighed in an old tired voice.
"At least it's working as we had perceived. Very well, what about him?" The captain raised a brow and looked over at the comm.
"Him?" He asked in confusion. There came a long dark silence from the comm.. One that made the man shift in his chair once again.
"I was afraid this would happen… I'm fairly disappointed that this would arise to the situation. But I won't allow anger to overthrow the main objective. Keep all contacts and trackings secure on the Gekko-Go. Initiate an appropriate plan when the time comes. But when that time comes, contact me." The voice finished in a smooth cold tone. Although the captain had never met the person, he could definitely tell they were female.
"Understood." He responded and nodded at the officer to disconnect the channel.