Nothing Is Truly Impossible
Tony stormed into the multipurpose room which was now being converted into a command center of their very own. Walking through the doors he found Maximus setting up tech and his team setting up monitors, Kolt's Pandora were busy setting maps and tables, Tony's team did the same as the Pandora, "What's been happening so far?" He asked heading towards what appeared to be a main table with a map of the surrounding area with Kolt over looking it.
"Tony? Kolt only called like five minutes ago." Cobalt stated with confused scrunch expression.
"Ghosts have many abilities." Kolt responded overing hearing Cobalt's statement. Turning to Tony she explained, "Things have been hectic and everyone's scrambling trying to comprehend what's going on."
"Sister Margaret's taking precautions and having several V-22s prep'd and ready to fly." Maximus spoke up still working with the tech contraption.
Tony paused thinking about it with a hand raise to his chin, "So if given the order, they'll head over to East Genetics." He said aloud the most possible scenario.
"Why what's up?" Kolt asked straightening her posture.
Tony walked over to the main table and over looked the map, "They'll be flying over the Impure Sanctum." He said trailing a line to East Genetics, "Open a channel to the Command Center." Tony said pointing to a working monitor.
Command Center
Watching via main screen the staff and personal at West Genetics were in complete and utter disbelief, "Target 1 has reach the defensive line" one of the personal on a terminal stated aloud.
"Civilian evacuation is proceeding on time, currently at 95 percent complete" a other at a different terminal stated.
"We will intercept the targets in 1 minute and 31 seconds" yet another personal called out.
"Ma'am, We got a call incoming from Multipurpose Room 16. Permission to deny." The first personal said looking back to Sister Margaret.
Immediately knowing who it was she left out a stressful sigh, "Put it on the main screen." She ordered. Much to the personal's surprise she nodded compiling with her order.
Up on the main screen a little video feed in the corner popped up. Tony's face looked stern and serious, "Sister Margaret." He greeted with a nod.
"Make it quick Tony, as you can see I'm very busy." She said wasting no time at all
"You knew this would happen didn't you." Yu-Mi spoke before Tony could.
Turning his head he looked to Yu-Mi on his screen, "Never say never Yu-Mi." He told her, "Anyways I understand you have several VTOLs prep'd. I want a couple teams to hitch a ride." He said wasting no time as well.
Again she wasted no time thinking, "To combat the Nova is our job, your job is to combat the monster you refer to as Impure." She told him sternly but in a calm assertive way.
"We're only hitching a ride, where we want to go is right on the way if you were to head over to East Genetics. With your permission we'd like to hitch ride." Tony explained casually.
Before Sister Margaret could respond the second personal from earlier interrupted, "Ma'am! West has been ordered to mobilize." She stated looking back to her.
Not a moments pause she gave her answer, "Granted, how much time do you need to unload your teams." She asked not wanting too waste more time.
"No time, fly low and slow then my teams should be able to handle themselves." Tony replied confident in his teams.
"Very well, godspeed." Sister Margaret said ending the conversation. Just like that Tony nodded and ended the call. Sister Margaret expressed concern about the whole situation in general to which Yu-Mi took notice.
Multipurpose Room #16
Looking over to his team who wear now wearing their assault loadouts ready for deployment, "Teams 1, 2, and 3 haul ass over to the V-22s in the Main Courtyard." He ordered.
Before any of them could move they looked to each other in confusion, "Wait what're we doing?" One of them asked
"You'll be clearing an old subway station, your Visors should have the information now go!" Tony quickly explained holding up a flat folded visor with straps dangling.
"Yes sir." Himiko stood forward, nodded, and acknowledged the order. She rushed out rifle in hands as the others followed behind.
"Rest of you remain here. We have planning to do." Tony told the room as the final member of his team left.
Kolt and her team stood forward with Kolt in center, "Pandora teams ready and willing." She said.
Glacing over he scanned through the teams who appeared ready for hell but he had his doubts, "Kolt, Pandora teams will be on standby. Maximus, I want your tanks stationed here." He explained and pointed out on the map's main road outside West Genetics.
Looking over the position Maximus felt unsure, "Expecting company?" He asked curiously.
Tony sighed hoping he'd understand right away, "During a time like this Impure often come out of hiding as chaos erupts you know this Maximus." He explained looking at Maximus giving him a 'really' look.
Maximus rolled his eye's as if he knew already, "I know that much but why outside West Genetics?" He asked redirecting the question.
Without a second thought or pause Tony quickly responded, "Precautionary measures."
Main Courtyard
What appeared to be the lead Pandora and a Teacher altogether stood on the ramp looking back inside counting heads, "That's all the fourth years, take us off!" She radioed into the headset resting in her ear.
"Negative, command say we're dropping off a few boots along the way to East Genetics." The pilot radioed back.
Scanning the interior of the V-22 she pressed the call button, "What?! there's no room!" She radioed.
Almost instantly dozens of boots were slammed against the ramp, "We're here, let's go!" A male member of Tony's team sounded tapping the Lead Pandora's shoulder as he passed.
Not realizing she still held the button, "You can't be serious?!" She said sarcastically. As the last of the team hopped on.
One member headed straight for the front as the rest stood in the center single file. A few moments went by and the bay went dead with multiply glares then the VTOL closed the back hatch and took flight.
In transit the Tony's team looked back and forth amongst each other in confusion ignoring the murmurs and glares, "So uh...what now?" Asked Cobalt standing near the cock pit.
"We know what do to but..." Answered another member yet to be identified.
Himiko was at the back hatch and the last to enter, 'Here we go.' Himiko rolled her eyes in thought, "Listen up gentlemen! Safeties off, hammers cocked, and weapons tight." She said doing said commands. She pulled the hammer back in her Tavor, "Check around every corner and keep close, if we run into any of those monsters we'll be ready. Seeing we'll most likely be in groups single shots only, conserve ammo that way" She explained switching the select lever to single shot and with fire burning in her eyes as she looked back glaring the members.
The Pandora felt that sudden burn and quickly looked away, "Yes ma'am." The team shouted in unison.
"I think you just became the de facto squad leader and Tony's second-in-command." The member standing behind Himiko commented a chuckle. She did nothing but roll her eyes again.
"We're nearing the drop-off point." The Pilot sounded via intercom. Himiko noticed a button near hatch the pressed the button.
"Open the hatch!" She ordered.
Without a moment's pause a sudden protest sounded "Are you crazy!?" The Lead Pandora shouted in shook, "We're still in transit!" She sternly told them.
Not listening Himiko opened up the hatch manually after seeing a level, "One last thing, Remembering your training will only get you killed. This isn't just some training exercise so be ready, your training come naturally with the giving time is right." She explained standing with unshaken determination.
"They f*cking crazy." One of the fourth years responded knowing what they were gonna do. As Pandora they'd survive the fall but these were ordinary people making all of them nervous. Himiko looked out into the passing city rooftops which was at least 30 meters from the ground.
"On my mark." Himiko said holding up three fingers. She closed each finger and pumped her arm downwards, "Mark!" She yelled.
"Sh*t!" The pilot radioed. The V-22 suddenly dropped altitude to 10 meters from the ground and flew over what appeared to be a park.
The Entire Team rushed off the back one by one as the V-22 decreased it's speed significantly. Once they hit the ground they did a barrel roll but not all of them managed to land it.
After a quick head count and regaining their composure they looked amongst themselves then to Himiko, "What now?" A member asked her. Several members were in crouching positions and scanned the respective direction.
Himiko suddenly remembered what Tony had told them before they left, "Put on your Visors." She said reaching to her left belt pouch and pulled out a folded glass visor. Unfolding it, it became a two sided visor with a wide bottom opening with the top that should fit nicely over the forehead. She pulled the straps and wrapped it around her head.
Heads Up Display Interface initiated
Himiko Online
Much to everyone's surprise the Visor sounded as if it had a spear but there were none visible. Within the HUD the rifle they held had a little Tavor Icon in the top right hand corner with dozens of ticks and an ammo count. In the top had a directional bar stating which direction they were facing. Also each member was tagged with a symbol stated they were friendlies.
Ignoring it they looked amongst each other then to Himiko, "Let's move...Objective is..." She trailed off trying to figure the HUD thing out.
"That way." A member identified as 'Dexter' pointed southwest. Clearly he had the thing figured out.
"Right. Uh that way." Himiko followed suit and pointed.
"You'll get used to it." Another member reassure her. His tag read 'Ozone'. Heading in the direction they presumed was the subway tunnel their Urban tactics training immediately kicked in as they made their way cautiously to the said station.
Surprisingly along the way they encountered a few stragglers and looters but they quickly ran away when several uniformed and armed team approached them. Continuing towards the station they ran into a Zombish looking person, "Reaver, Take it down!" Cobalt stated firing his weapon.
With simple single shots the Reaver dropped dead to the pavement in seconds, "It's hard to think they were human once." Ozone commented poking it with the barrel of his gun.
"Keep moving." Himiko ordered urging them to press on. Ozone nodded and fired once more into the Reaver's head. A few more yards forward and they already spotted more Reavers, "Reavers, We know what to do."
"That's right." Cobalt acknowledged lifting his rifle and pulling the trigger.
West Genetics
Chiffon walked into the third-years regular hangout room, "Elizabeth." She greeted with her Limiter Yujin to her side.
Elizabeth turned her attention to her colleague, "Chiffon, Where have you been?" She asked with a stern tone a small frown. One would think that the Student Council President would be around when things stirred up.
"We have bigger problems to worry about." Chiffon replied immediately changing the subject.
"That's right, Tony has Tanks stationed outside West Genetics." Ticy responded afterwards. The tone of her voice carried distaste for using Tony's name.
"Tanks?!" Attia shouted with an outcry. She wasn't sure wether to laugh or protest at the thought of having tanks right outside West Genetics when there shouldn't be but thankfully she was to confused processing the thought.
"Normal weapons have no effect on Nova. What makes them think they'll hinder them?" Arnet then spoke with a rather amusing tone. The room had a few chuckles and snickers but nothing close to a full blown laugh. The only ones that didn't respond were Chiffon, Ticy, and Elizabeth who stood with seriousness and stern expressions.
"For one: They aren't normal. Two: They aren't fighting the Nova." Elizabeth finally spoke after the brief moment and that got everyone thinking. True they weren't normal but that didn't get to anyone. What did was they weren't fighting the Nova and to station tanks outside West Genetics was kind of useless but it was kind of overkill for a bunch of monsters.
The room fell silent not out of awkwardness but out of seriousness. Something big was going down to have such firepower outside the gates just for a munch monsters and this wasn't going to be taken lightly by the third-years especially by Elizabeth and Chiffon.
Outside Maximus had several makeshift Abrams tanks sitting in formation. One Tank was an IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) that had 2 20mm cannon within it's turret, the second tank had only a bare 120mm cannon and a couple motors behind it, the third tank had 4 Browning Machine Guns sticking out the turret along with two Vulcan Chain guns resting on top, the fourth final tank was a straight up beast. 2 120mm cannons resting in the turret, another turret with 2 20mm cannons resting on top, wider treads, bigger hull, and thicker armor plating.
Meanwhile Kolt's Pandora were outside with Maximis' Tanks since some of the Pandora's Limiters were there. At least 4 pairs were there, 2 Limiters without their Pandora, and 8 Pandora without their Limiters. All in all, there were a total of 24 heads including the non Pandora/Limiter personal and the two leaders.
"This seems overkill doesn't it?" A Pandora asked Maximus whom was sitting behind the beast of a tank.
"Not necessarily." Kolt answered standing beside the Pandora, "Back home; Impure generally rush in groups." She told her. Like a bunch feral animals the Impure normally rush in packs stampeding their way towards their target.
"I'm sure Tony know's what he's doing, wouldn't be the first time we assumed something and didn't turn out as we expected." Maximus finally spoke adding his opinion on the subject since he was right. Whenever the faction suspected something it wasn't aways what it seemed and Tony saw it before hand or acted upon it.
"He was pretty good with tactics, personally I'd have these tanks heading over to East Genetics by now." Kolt agreed on that notion regarding Tony.
"These Tanks wouldn't even put a single dent in the Nova's hull." A Pandora protested, "Especially against an S-Type." She said.
Though she would appear right if these were regular tanks, "You sadly mistaken, These Tanks are loaded with..."Special" rounds. If these rounds couldn't dent it then I'd use something short of a nuclear tipped balistic missile." Maximus explained with confidence and pride in his work as he always did.
Pretending she didn't hear the word "Nuclear" and "missile" in the same sentence she took a different approach, "You sound awfully confident." She told him sounding like a complement.
"Trust me, These rounds will damage it." Kolt assured her Pandora, "*Clang* Sh*t! Everybody get down! *Clang Clang*" she ordered as something ricocheted against amongst the Tank's Chassis. Everyone dropped behind something and hid behind cover.
Maximus leaned against the back of the beastly tank, "Where is it coming from!?" He asked shouting to his crew.
"Ahead of us!" The shouted back. By now the tanks with the machine guns and turret-less fired towards the positions where the projectile were coming from. Maximus' position just became a firefight warzone.
Tony's Command Room (formerly Multipurpose Room #16)
Tony had finished setting up several more monitors for overwatch. Looking over several maps and pointing in several positions when Himiko's voice radioed. Tony placed an earpiece to his ear to listen, "Himiko to Command actual."
"This is command, how goes it?" Tony announced
"We've run into light Impure presence and are moving into the subway station." Himiko radioed back.
"Light? There should've been at least 4 times more than light." Tony said aloud. Tony had expected he Impure to wait for the right moment to strike but this was far from what he was expecting.
"What!?" Himiko sounded
Another voice from the team sounded "Himiko, We've managed to take down 3 Hydro's and 6 Reavers with ease, take it easy." He said. The voice of Cobalt reassured her
"Right, sorry." Himiko apologized to Cobalt, "Himiko out." She said before radio silence.
"Thanks for the sit rep, Command out." Tony stated. He walked over to one monitor then to the other on the other side figuring out tactics when his earpiece rang from Kolt's Voice, "Tony, This is Kolt!" She sounded through yelling and gunfire in he background.
"Sound's like hell down there." Tony commented walking over to the main table in the center where he looked over the map.
"It is HELL! It's like we're seeing an entire legion of Impure!" Kolt shouted. Judging from the background they were being fired upon as well was firing back.
"Legion? Hold fast." He stated processing the thought. He then remembered what Himiko just said.
"Take your f*cking time!" Kolt snarled.
Tony went over the intel and began thinking. Stopping and widening his eyes in realization he radioed Kolt, "Kolt! That IS the entire legion! Fall back now!" He ordered. There was only one thing Tony would know that'll command as he did.
"WHAT?!" Kolt sounded in disbelief, "Ladies fall back, why are we falling back?" She ordered then asked the only thing necessary.
"If any Impure manage to get passed Maximus' defensive line then who's gonna stop them from reaching WG?" Tony asked posing a clear unquestionable statement.
"Good point, Back to West Genetics!" Kolt commented and regave the order.
Tony slumped forward on the desk with hands clasped into fists and gritted his teeth, "Richard." He said in a lowly toned irritated voice. He then proceeded to the door
Flashback
Tony wore his regular clothing; a Navy Trench Coat, black turtle neck, and black pant. He stood with a katana in hand and posed menacing, "How did you figure my plan?" He asked the familiar pale figure in white. He wasn't one for he had a young mocha skinned girl sitting in a chair sleeping up right.
Richard smirked and grin, "If one knows thy enemies and as well as thyself, then thy will not be imperilled in battle." He said looking down to the girl.
"You think you know me?" Tony asked curiously. For him to say that would mean Richard knew Tony in some aspects.
"Tony, You haven't any idea how much we are alike." Richard stated softly stroking the cheek of the young girl as a father would do so, "Our goals, factions, and alignment may be different but in truth; I am you and you are me." He explained looking to Tony with a soft smile.
More of less Tony knew he was right, "I hate to admit it but that's one way of looking at the both of us." He told him complementing the sinister cryptic individual of a man.
Nodding Richard continued, "I won't kill you because of some misplaced judgement and you won't kill me because I'm just too much fun. I think you and I are destined to do this forever, you complete me." He admitted to Tony viewing him not as an arch nemesis but a rival of the highest accord.
"We'll see about that." Tony commented twirling his sword upwards and next to his face with the blade close to his body.
Richard grinned again and nodded. Richard began stepping away from the girl and expecting Tony to attack, "As you were." He said holding his arms out waiting patiently. Tony didn't think twice and lunged towards with a downward diagonal swung.
Flashback Ends
Tony walked into Maximus' garage set in one of West Genetic's old rooms. Sitting under a spotlight sat a blanket covering a contraption, "Maximus is going to kill me." He commented to himself pulling the blanket off and hopped on.
City
Cassie Lockhart was her name and her title given was "The Godspeed of the East". She had expected to combat Nova when she reached the AO but things took different turn. She was now combating monsters and happened to be doing well.
Her comrades stood a chance for a bit but were cut down due to the numbers of monsters. She, Melina, and several others and heir hands full to bother with the Nova that were proceeding to East Genetics.
"Ma'am! At this rate we'll be overrunned!" Cassie stated to her superior dodging the swings of a Hydro.
"We're all counting in you Cassie, You're the only one that could pull this off!" Melina replied back taking down a Hydro and a Reaver at once.
Standing on the the rooftops overing looked the field, Two Hydros watched as the few Pandora from East Genetic's were holding their own against their brethren. Richard was on the other side of the roof looking through a very nice telescope with the receipt taped to the base of it making it clear he bought it.
Within the Telescope Richard watched Maximus' position engaged in a heavy firefight between his and Tony's forces, "That, I wasn't expecting." He commented seeing the tanks fire towards Richard's Impure.
Down below the Impure presence were decreasing to a smaller number than they originally had. Again despite having such a low Pandora count East Genetics wasn't going anywhere without a fight not even from their own. Monster, Nova, it made no difference to these Pandora though some were scared since it was their first time in combat but their life at risk and training made them stronger.
"GRRR, ARE THESE MONSTER WITH THE NOVA WHAT THE HELL!" Cassie snarled killing several more Hydros.
"It sure seems that way! The closer we get to the Nova the more fierce these things become!" Melina responded blocking two strikes from Reavers.
Two Hydros on he ledge were about to jump down but their heads were separated from their bodies as something blew passed them. One of he bodies leaned over and fell to the ground as the other leaned back and laid out on the roof. Turning around Richard looked around only to find a headless body laying about, "Those Pandora work fast." He said. Before tuning back to his telescope he felt a jolt to his face along with shearing pain across his face.
Falling back and looking behind him he seen a hovering contraption. Grinning he did a single leap forward landing on his feet and turned around shifting his head cracking it. The contraption came back around and darted towards Richard who noticed Tony on board.
Just as Tony approached Richard for a swing, Richard spun around giving Tony a roundhouse kick to his chest. The force knocked Tony back off the contraption and several yards away close to the ledge. The contraption's front end lowered itself dragging across the ground and eventually off the roof.
Tony stood up recuperated from the blow he received with his sword in hand, "Hello again." richard greeted with a nod. The slash on his face began bleeding but unlike natural blood Richard's was more crimson and had a mixture of black spots.
Tony gritted his teath, "Can it Richard!" Tony said snarling towards Richard.
"Aw C'mon, don't I at least get a complement for my tactics," Richard said holding out his arms.
Tony scoffed, "Blow it out your ass B*tch!" He told him.
"Tch, tch, tch" Richard shook his head in disappointment, "I'll say I really wasn't expecting such a fortified position on the road to West Genetics." He admitted still grinning and blooded dropping on the collar of his white coat.
"So it would seem that we are alike." Tony commented gripping the hilt of his katana.
"You're probably right, but where are your manners?" Richard's grin turned into a smile and told him what Tony normally does towards Richard.
"Of course, I apologize." Tony chuckled in response then stood in the traditional Kendo stance ready to strike. Richard did the same and stood in an MMA stance with fists raised and ready for combat.
Tony lowered his sword, stepped forward, appeared before Richard, and swung upwards with a slash but Richard stepped side and out of it's way. Tony shifted the blade and slashed downwards but Richard caught it and send a frontal kick to Tony's abdomen.
Letting go of his sword Tony was sent back again near the ledge. Once Tony regained grip to this feet he stepped forward again and appeared in front of Richard. Expecting a punch Richard rose his forearm but Tony sent a side kick to Richard's ribcage. Lowering his arm in response Tony brought backnhis leg and sent another to Richard's face.
Dropping to the floor Richard let go of Tony's sword who grabbed it before it hit the roof. Sending a thrust to Richard's chest he felt a jolt to his head and stumbled over him. Richard took Tony's body and threw him over.
Getting up and Richard wiped his face of blood it healed instantly. Tony stood up panting lightly, "You know for someone such as yourself, you're forgetting one thing." He told him smugly.
Tony lifted his head slightly with curiosity, "What might that b-ugh." Tony was about to asked but was impaled through his stomach, "What the..." He trailed off looking down to a flat tentacle like blade.
"Oh You haven't heard? The Nova and I are going on a joint operation together." Richard told him with open arms like it were big news.
Blood ran from Tony's mouth, "...Richard...You..." Before he could finish the tentacle in Tony's stomach retracted and pulled Tony toward Nova's body.
Richard watched Tony's body slam against the Nova's and began absorbing hik, "Ah~ Tony, if only we saw eye to eye." Richard said. The Nova lent out another tentacle only for Richard to step on and allow him to climb on it's shoulder, "Let's go my dear friend, Don't we have to find something of yours?" He asked prompting the Nova to turn towards the Pandora below.
Tony's vision began blurring and darkening, 'Dammit not again, Why didn't I see this coming...' He commented before losing conscious.
Flashnotes
I'll explain explained a little bit about Richard after the Nova Clash but for now just be curiously entertained.