(updated 11-01-2020)
CHAPTER TWELVE
Taking a Stand
Species Identifier: B511E6D4
Species: Human
Homeworld: Location Unknown
Technology Level: Protoculture-based
Threat Evaluation: Extreme
Notes:This organic species arrived unexpectedly in the Tirol sector. Even though this species shares many similarities with the other organic species, this species appears to match us (and even exceed us) in certain technical areas. They display an alarming knowledge and use of Protoculture along with a willingness to share that knowledge with other organic species. We must not underestimate the threat posed by this species. Normal protocol of attacking, either subjugating or exterminating the species' home world, is not a viable option with its location unknown. There are still many within the Hegemony dismissive of this organic rebellion. The Hegemony must not underestimate the long-term strategic implications and the threat this species poses. We should allocate further intelligence resources at gathering more detailed information about the main human commander. This human seems to be a main focal point of this rebellion and recommend targeting him for either direct or psychological action to eliminate him.
— Excerpt from captured Haydonite intelligence report
oOoOo
The cruiser's bridge came back into focus as James regained his senses after exiting the space-fold. An anxious sensation gripped him while the bridge crew went back to work, recovering from the transition back into normal-space.
"Captain Wright."
James turned to face the Tirolian commanding the cruiser, "Yes, Commander Kor?"
"We've received permission to approach and take station off the shipyard. There's a shuttle in the main launch bay ready to take you across as soon as you're ready."
James kept his excitement in check while he turned his attention to the bridge's observation window. The orbital shipyard was a hive of activity, but his focus was on the enormous ship at the center of all this activity. The ship's familiar outline brought back memories of the other SDF-3.
"Thank you, Commander. I'll head over now," James said, giving the Commander a nod.
oOoOo
James kept a professional expression on his face as he exited the shuttle on to the deck of the Super Dimensional Fortress. It was a struggle to contain all the emotions raging inside him while experiencing a sense of déjà vu.
It's almost like being back home...
He was experiencing some mixed emotions, despite achieving one of his long dreamt goals. There was a time when his career consumed every aspect of his life. He was now in command of one of the most powerful warships in existence—even if uncompleted—following in the footsteps of some of his heroes.
Yet, thoughts of buffy tempered any giddiness and excitement he was experiencing. A sense of guilt gripped him, knowing what was going on back on Earth.
Chief Larson's approach made him bury all those emotions for now to focus on the work. James noted the tiredness on her face as she came to attention, giving him a crisp salute.
"Welcome aboard, Captain."
"Thanks, Chief," James said, returning the salute, "What's your status?"
Rachel read the excitement in the Captain's eyes despite the standard neutral command expression he projected, "I can brief you on the way to the bridge. I assume that's where you want to go first?" she replied, giving him a smirk.
James couldn't help himself as a smile broke on his face, "Don't tell me that mind reading is one of your skills, Chief?"
Rachel flashed him a smile, "Only one of many, sir," she replied, leading him from the hanger bay.
oOoOo
As they made their way to the bridge, James noted the unfinished portions of the ship and the work crews seemingly everywhere, working at a hectic pace. He waited until they were on the elevator to the bridge to voice his observations and concerns.
"Chief, I want your honest opinion. Will this ship be able to fight in her current state?"
Rachel sighed, catching James by surprise as she pressed a button on the elevator control panel, abruptly stopping it between decks. She met his eyes, "Do you want the 'official' word or my honest opinion?"
"I need to know what we're capable of doing," James said, eyeing the Chief.
Larson snorted, shaking her head, "I don't know what the Admiral was thinking when he came up with this plan, but he's asking a lot of us and this ship. We haven't tested the power system for the main gun at full power yet. It might fire, fry out the power system or even blow up. We don't have any maneuvering capability to speak of beyond our thrusters. I've rigged a shield system to protect the ship's critical areas, but if we end up in slugging match with any of their dreadnoughts..."
James grimaced, easily picturing what the Chief left unsaid. He was now finding his initial excitement fading, getting a genuine sense of what they were facing, "Anything else?"
"Sir, I've got all my work crews, plus the ship's crew working as hard as possible to get her into combat-shape. If we only had more time... a few more weeks."
James sighed, shaking his head, "I hear you Chief, but time is the one thing we don't have. General Coulson wants to launch a counterattack ASAP. He doesn't want to give the Haydonites time to dig in further."
Rachel nodded, "Yes, sir. I understand that. There is one thing we can do to help our situation."
"Whatever you need! I'll see what I can do... within reason you understand," James replied.
"Well, I've been thinking about our maneuvering problem. That cruiser you came in on. She was already going to accompany us to Earth, using her space-fold engines to make the jump."
James grimaced, not sure if he wanted to know what she was planning, "What do you have in mind, Chief?"
Rachel grinned, seeing the pained expression on the Captain's face, "Well sir, they are both Robotech ships. I thought I would take a page from the old SDF-1. It won't be pretty, but I think I can make it work."
oOoOo
As the doorbell rang a second time, Andy double-checked the 9mm Beretta tucked into his pants, behind his back, while making his way to the front door. Not that he was expecting trouble, but in these uncertain times it didn't hurt to be cautious.
To be on the safe side, he peeked out his front window as the doorbell rang again. He didn't recognize the couple standing at the front door. The man, despite trying to look casual, looked military or at least had a military background. But it was the more diminutive blonde woman standing next to him that caught Andy's eye. Something about her seemed familiar.
After making sure they were alone, Andy answered the door, keeping his right hand behind his back just in case.
"What can I do for you?" Andy said, using a causal friendly sounding voice while scanning for any threats.
"Are you Andy?" the blonde said, catching him by surprise.
His pulse quickened and his senses heightened, studying the pair again, wondering who they were and why they were at his door. He was debating whether to brush them off when Faith's voice from behind caught him by surprise.
"What're you guys doing here?"
Andy turned, seeing the puzzled look on her face. The blonde's quick reply caused his head to whip back, "We came here to find you."
oOoOo
Andy studied the visitors sitting in his living room as he came back from the kitchen carrying cold drinks. Most of his attention was on the blonde, recalling Faith talking about Buffy on occasions.
It was a little hard to believe the slightly built blonde was also a Slayer. Yet, seeing the hardness and pain etched in her face and eyes made him wary, getting a predator sense from her. What also surprised him, despite being on the same side, was noticing an undercurrent of tension between the two Slayers.
Faith muttered thanks to Andy, taking the beer he offered. Her attention shifted between Buffy and Riley, trying to figure out why they were here. A small smirk flashed on her face, seeing Buffy take a glass of lemonade rather than a beer.
Her gut churned with worry, realizing they both wouldn't be here unless something bad was happening. She'd resisted the urge to jump right into the matter, allowing Andy to play the friendly host.
As Andy sat down beside her on the sofa, Faith skipped the idle chitchat, "You guys said you were here to find me. You found me, so what's up?"
Riley glanced around, giving Andy a suspicious look. He would have preferred having this conversation in private with Faith, but there was no more time to waste, "We came here to get you. I need you to come with me."
Faith felt Andy's body stiffen from Riley's announcement. Questions filled her head along with her growing worry.
Buffy resisted the urge to give Riley a slap on the side of the head, seeing Faith's puzzled expression at his cryptic response. Even though she understood why he was sparse on details, she also knew how Faith responded to being left out or being the last to know. She figured if Faith was spending this much time here, then she trusted Andy with her life.
Buffy jumped in to head off any potential misunderstandings, "What James Bond here is trying to say is that we've got information that the aliens are looking for you. We came here to warn you. Riley is here to take you to a safe place to hide you from them."
Faith sat there stunned. This was the last thing she'd expected to hear. She stared at Riley and Buffy, "Y-You're kidding, right?" she stammered, wondering if they were crazy or trying to pull some elaborate joke on her.
As what Buffy said sank in, her thoughts raced, filling her head with more questions, "W-Why? W-Why would aliens be looking for me?" she said.
Riley rolled his eyes, shaking his head over how Buffy was violating operational security—again—without the slightest trace of concern. Riley had wanted to avoid saying too much in front of this stranger. Faith might be playing house with this guy, but he hadn't stayed alive this long by being careless. Besides, it was better for Andy to know as little as possible, in case the aliens traced Faith to here.
With Buffy breaking the news, she left him little recourse, "We're not sure. My sources are telling me these aliens have been asking a lot of questions about you. They seem to know who and what Slayers are, but they seem especially motivated to find you."
Faith shook her head, still not quite believing what she was hearing, "So what's the plan?"
"We get you out of here and somewhere these Haydonites can't find you. Once you're safe, we try to find out why they want you so badly. Maybe there's something that we can use against them," replied Riley.
Faith didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Only a few weeks ago, the thought of having to hide from a bunch of space aliens would have seemed crazy. A deep weariness gripped her at not only having to hide from The First Evil, all its minions, the government, but now also aliens. The touch of Andy's hand on hers made her turn and look at him. His smile and gentle hand squeeze reassured her, giving her energy and purpose.
"When do you have to leave?" Andy said, glancing at Riley.
"The sooner, the better," Riley replied, "They know you're in Texas, so they have a general area to start looking. We've got people sitting on this information, delaying its release, but..."
Andy sighed, "Yeah, I know. Time isn't on our side."
Faith's head filled with a torrent of thoughts and emotions as she grappled with now being hunted by aliens. One thought... one concern pushed to the forefront of this torrent, "Andy can come with us?" she said, eyeing Riley.
Her question caught Riley and Andy by surprise... not so much Buffy. Buffy recognized how serious their relationship was, "It shouldn't be a problem to hide one more, shouldn't it?" she said.
Before Riley could reply, Andy spoke, "I-I can't leave... My family and others around town are depending on me."
He faced Faith, hating what he was saying. A part of him wanted to say yes, but his emotions were being pulled in all directions. There were still family, friends and neighbors that depended on him. Thoughts of what might happen to all those people held him back, "Besides, I think Riley here has only made plans for you," he said, trying to assuage his guilt.
Faith bit her tongue, struggling not to erupt or say something she would regret. She pushed down the anger, counting to ten. There was a part of her that understood why Andy couldn't leave. It had always been easy for her to leave and move on, dropping everything... and everyone. At least, it used to be easy until meeting Paul and now Andy.
It would be just easy to run away and hide... I've been running and hiding for so long now... I'm tired of it all...
Memories of Paul mixed with memories of Andy, and how he always stood in his doorway when she left. The anger returned, but this time it was different, sparking something inside. She decided what she was going to do.
"No," Faith muttered.
"What?" Andy said.
Faith's voice took on a hard, stubborn tone as she stood up and headed towards the kitchen, "You heard me. I said, no. I'm not going anywhere..."
oOoOo
James pushed through his tiredness, keeping his eyes glued to the bridge monitors. Chief Larson's voice echoed across the bridge.
"One hundred meters... Ninety meters... Eighty meters... Fantoma, you're coming in too fast! Two-second burst on reverse thrusters."
Sweat trickled down James's back, hearing the cruiser acknowledge the command.
"Looking good... Cut your thrusters... Fifty meters," Rachel said, using a calm, professional tone.
The SDF-4 shuddered slightly as the cruiser docked with the battle fortress. Rachel quickly jumped in, "We have hard dock! EVA crews, you have a go to secure the Fantoma. Engineering crews, as soon as the air lock is green, start running cables and conduit. I want to have the bridge connections in place within the hour. Understood?"
A smirk grew on James's face, seeing the satisfaction on Rachel's face as acknowledgements filled the communication channels.
"Good job, Chief," James said, standing up from his bridge chair, making his way over to the huge bridge observation window. Space-suited crews swarmed over and between the two docked ships—like ants climbing over giants—working to secure both ships and run connections between them.
"Thanks, Captain. It's not pretty, but we'll have propulsion, and the cruiser's shields give us increased protection on our starboard aft sections."
James nodded, "Hey, any improvement over us drifting in space is preferable, plus we'll have the Fantoma's missile tubes to add to our firepower."
Rachel smiled, joining the Captain to watch the crews working outside. The noises of the bridge faded to the background with each of them lost in their thoughts, watching the construction operations outside. They both realized the risk and what was at stake, by using an unfinished, untested ship to save the world they hadn't seen in years.
"Buy you a cup of coffee, Chief?" James said, eyeing Rachel.
Rachel smirked, "Yeah, that sounds good, Captain."
oOoOo
James studied Rachel as she sipped her coffee across the table from him, "You've wanted to ask me something ever since I got here?" he said.
Rachel arched an eyebrow in slight surprise at how well the Captain could read her. Ever since Admiral Coleiro informed her of the Haydonite invasion of Earth, and tasked her to have the SDF-4 made combat-capable, something had been gnawing at her. She gave the Captain a good look over. He reminded her in some ways of the Admiral when he was younger, but without all the drama that seemed to follow him around.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Rachel said.
James nodded, noticing the Chief's relieved expression.
"What in the hell is the Admiral thinking?" Rachel whispered, so no one would overhear them.
James sighed and shrugged, "I don't know. He's got something up his sleeve, but he hasn't told me anything."
Rachel shook her head in disbelief, "We're facing the proverbial desperate situation here! I would've expected him here to command this ship, considering what's at stake."
"To be honest, I'm as surprised as you are. When I saw the plans for this ship, I thought the Admiral would be in command."
Rachel's face took on a worried expression, "Did he say anything? Give you any hint what he was going to do?"
James shook his head slowly. He didn't want to alarm and worry the Chief anymore, recalling the Admiral's words from that last meeting, "No, he was planning to take a ship. He needed to see someone to prevent a disaster."
A stabbing sensation gripped Rachel's gut as her fears grew. She'd known the Admiral for years, and he never made frivolous statements or went for the high drama... at least not intentionally. She hoped her worries were just being exaggerated.
James read the worry and concern on the Chief's face. Despite not wanting to tell her the Admiral's last words, there was one bit of information he could share with her. It had taken some digging and calling in some favors to get it, but maybe she would have some insight, "I found out where he was heading to."
Rachel eyed James in surprise, "Where?"
James still didn't know what the Admiral was planning or hoping to achieve, but the Admiral wouldn't have gone there unless he had a good reason.
"Optera," he replied.
oOoOo
Buffy gave Faith a couple of minutes before following her into the kitchen. When she entered, she saw Faith staring out the kitchen window, taking a long swig from her bottle of beer.
"Come to change my mind?" Faith said, turning to face Buffy.
Buffy smirked, shaking her head, "Wouldn't think of it. I've learned by now that trying to talk you out of something is an exercise in futility."
Faith returned the smirk, "Smart girl. So, why are you here?"
Buffy shrugged, "I just wanted to check you were sure about your decision. I also figured you might want someone to talk to. You're sure about this?"
Faith sighed, "Yeah, I'm sure about this. I'm tired of the running and hiding. If it's going to end, I want some say in how it's going to go down."
Buffy met Faith's eyes, giving her a hard expression, "You know what will happen to Andy and the people around here if the aliens find you, don't you?"
Faith bristled at Buffy's statement, "How is it any different if I go off with Riley?" She took a deep breath to get her emotions under control, "We've lost too many friends, too many people we care about. You and I both know it's only a matter of time before they track us down. I can see it in your eyes."
Faith turned to look out the kitchen window again, "I want to spend whatever time I have left with Andy. He's been the one good thing to happen to me since Paul left. Besides, even if the aliens show up here, I'll give them a run for their money. I'll make sure nobody around here gets caught in the crossfire."
Buffy said nothing. She understood Faith's reasons, and if she were in her position, she would probably make the same decision. Like Faith, she was wearing down from all the running, hiding and losing people she cared about.
oOoOo
With the women in the kitchen, Riley wandered outside to stretch his legs. Andy was also outside, and each of them awkwardly occupied a spot to be alone with their thoughts. Riley sipped his beer, hoping Buffy could talk some sense into Faith, and get her to see it was important that she come with him. He still had no idea why the aliens had singled out Faith. Yet, his gut was telling him that everything—the fate of Earth and humanity—was reaching a crucial tipping point.
His thoughts shifted to Samantha and a wave of guilt washed over him, realizing he hadn't properly grieved for her yet. He figured this was because of the numbness and shock still gripping him, but it was more than that. A part of him still refused to believe she was dead. Even when things looked hopeless, there was still a glimmer of hope they would prevail and they would be together again.
Lost in his thoughts, her death sank in, becoming more real. Now the numbness and shock was fading, replaced by emptiness and a building rage. All he wanted now was to hit back and hurt those that had taken everything from him. A voice in the back of his head cautioned him from indulging in a luxury he couldn't afford... at least for now. Andy's question interrupted any further self-reflection.
"How bad is it?"
It took Riley a moment to clear his thoughts, and focus on the question, "It's bad all over. My sources tell me the aliens have established bases around the world. They're building camps and herding people into them. We don't know what's happening, but there are rumors flying around, and a few unconfirmed stories."
Horrible possibilities gripped Andy's imagination, causing him to shudder. He tried changing the topic to shake off the chilling imagery, "So you think our only chance is for Faith to go with you?"
Riley nodded, "Yeah, we need to keep her out of their hands, and figure out why they want her. Maybe you can talk to her, get her to change her mind."
Andy snorted, trying not to laugh, "Change her mind? Someone convincing Faith to change her mind?"
Riley couldn't help himself as a smile grew on his face, "Yeah, Faith can be a little stubborn, so can Buffy. I think it's a Slayer thing."
Andy chuckled, but his smile faded as the sober realization of what they were facing sank in, "They're going to find her. They're going to come here and take her away, and do God knows what to her," he muttered with a mix of sadness and anger.
Riley would not lie or sugarcoat the situation, "Yes."
"She'll fight. We'll fight them," Andy said, steeling himself for the inevitable.
"I know, but there's only the two of you," Riley replied. He sympathized with Andy, wishing they had other options.
Andy's thoughts were a jumble of emotions and ideas as he looked for some glimmer of hope. He knew if he asked his neighbors, they would help him. Yet, he realized a bunch of civilians armed only with handguns and rifles were only asking to get massacred by the aliens. They didn't have the organization or firepower to put up the fight they needed.
It was in that moment of desperation that an idea sparked. At first, it seemed so outlandish and crazy, but as Andy considered it more, it appeared to be the only solution to their problem. Besides, they didn't have any other choices, and until he asked, he would never know.
"What if we had more people and heavier firepower?" Andy said, trying to keep a calm voice as he gripped on to his idea like a rescue line.
Riley immediately figured Andy was talking about getting the locals involved to help protect Faith. The idea of throwing a bunch of untrained civilians against the Haydonites was a recipe for filling a lot of body bags. He was going to say no, but something in Andy's expression made him curious, "What did you have in mind?"
As Andy explained his idea, Riley's eyes widened in shock because this was the last thing he had expected to hear.
oOoOo
The two men rushing back into the house brought Buffy and Faith from the kitchen, looking for threats. Confusion took over as the women saw the excitement on Andy's face as he jabbered on, "I've got it! I've got a plan!"
Faith shook her head, "I told you I wasn't leaving!"
Andy smirked, "I know that, but I think I have an idea how we can keep you safe or at least deter anyone from coming around!"
Both Slayers eyed Andy strangely and then glanced at Riley. He shrugged, "Hear him out. It's a crazy idea, but I think this is our only option... for now."
As Andy outlined his plan, Buffy and Faith mirrored Riley's initial reaction, "You're crazy!" Faith breathed, shaking her head in disbelief.
Andy smiled, "Yeah, but what choice do we have? Riley and I will head over to Fort Hood and talk to my friend Mike. I know I can get him onboard with our plan. Then it's just talking and convincing enough people to join us."
Buffy still eyed Andy in disbelief, "We've spent the last five years hiding from the government, and now you them to fight with us?"
Andy realized how crazy his plan sounded, but it seemed their only option if Faith wasn't going to leave, "I know the mindset of a lot of those guys. They're frustrated and pissed off we lost a war without barely putting up a fight and making those damn aliens pay. Their focus will be on the aliens, not on some woman wanted by a government that just surrendered. I'm not saying we're going to get all the units from Fort Hood or even a complete formation, but any help is better than none. Plus, Mike has a lot of contacts with the Texas National Guard. I can guarantee you a lot of those guys are looking to kick some alien ass."