Chapter 1: Far From Home
Disclaimer: I don't own Vandread or the Ace Combat series.
The Odyssey of Discovery: Gryphus 1
The wormhole opens up and spits Gryphus Squadron out before vanishing.
Kyle's face lied on the control console as he starts regaining consciousness. He straightens in his seat and shakes the cobwebs loose then looks around, the screen in his helmet was distorted thanks to the energy of that wormhole. He presses a few buttons on the miniature computer on his left gauntlet to fix the screen. The process takes only 40 seconds to scan, repair and reboot the system in the helmet. He presses a red button that controls the vision modes and selects enhanced vision.
He wondered, "Where are we? More importantly how did we survive that explosion?" He suddenly gasped, "Crux, do you read me? Crux, this is Gryphus 1. Crux, come in! Gryphus 2, do you copy?" A few yards from him, Alex comes around too.
Alex responded, "I hear ya, Gryphus 1. Did anyone get the license plate on that semi-truck that hit me?" He looks around seeing nothing but an endless sea of stars.
'Don't tell me!' He thought in realization.
Kyle seemed to have read his mind, "We're in Outer Space! But our fighters weren't designed for space because there is no air! How is it possible for the systems to operate in space?" His radio picks up a speech being broad casted on the desert planet below them.
A bald man with a mustache stands on a podium in front of a ship wearing a dark blue military uniform with medals signifying he's from the higher-ups. The Prime Minister's speech was being broadcast to the audience through a broadcast station.
The Prime Minister said, "My comrades, my brothers, the time has come for the Empire of Tarak to reclaim the glory it once had. Our great forefather Grand Pa guided us here but now we must leave this land we've cultivated through blood, sweat and tears to regain the pride of men. For today we have a new weapon that will change the course of history! In other words we have reached the point where we shall bring down the hammer of justice on our most vile nemesis, women!" Down in the bowels of the city, a teenager was finishing packing his bag.
He had black, wild hair that reached his neck and secured by some sort of headband, brown eyes, wore a long-sleeved black shirt, an orange jacket with black trimming, baggy pants and boots.
He sighed, "I wished I hadn't said that." He reflects back on the bet he made with some other third-class citizen.
Flashback
A third-class citizen holds a piece of metal above his head, showing it to the others in the break room.
He boasted, "Look at this, everyone! Every day we put our hearts and souls into making parts like this right here. But did you guys know that someone in this room came to me yesterday and claimed he would bring a completed Vanguard with this very part for all of us to see?" He pointed at the person, "And the one who claims he'll pull this off is the one and only Hibiki Tokai. That is what you said, right? You're gonna steal one of the Vanguards and show the rest of us third-class citizens the machine we never got to see. What's the matter, Hibiki? Don't you have nothing to say? Or are you feeling not too talkative because everything you said was a bunch of BS? After all, we know you say dumb stuff from time to time and there's no chance..." Hibiki was eating a bunch of pellets Tarak uses as a source of nutrition until he couldn't take the man's voice.
Hibiki slammed his hands on the table and stood up, "I wasn't lying about that!" He crossed his arms with a grin, "And if you guys want to see one that badly, you're gonna get one!"
The third-class citizen said, "Did you hear that, men?" They cheer in unison.
End of flashback
Hibiki sighed again, "Me and my big mouth. Why did I have to get carried away like that? Stupid! Oh well, can't go back and change my mind. No matter what happens, I'm still a guy and Hibiki the man never breaks his word!" He sets out on his mission to retrieve the Vanguard.
The Prime Ministry continued his speech, "We will destroy the women of Mejale and the strength of men will triumph!" Hibiki makes his way up a flight of stairs while remembering the words of his fellow workers.
"Come on, you know we're only third-class citizens."
"All we have to do is be quiet and keep making parts like these and we won't have to worry about starving to death."
"Don't be so hotheaded, shorty. You can't change who you are no matter how hard you try."
'Maybe I am hotheaded but the blood inside me is screaming, telling me there is something out there in life. If you guys want me to prove it with actions then that's what I will do.' Hibiki thought as he made his way toward his destination.
The Prime Ministry said, "The power each of you hold will help rebuild the future of our great empire. The ship that brought us to this holy land, the Ikazuchi, has been revived! And our young men have boarded it as its new officers. You are the future of Tarak. This is no force in this universe that we need to fear with our manly strength! To repay the first generation starting with Grand Pa, we must combine the strength of the second and third generation. The moment they unite, our long awaited dream will come true!" He banged his chest, "We all feel it in our hearts, the new breath coming from the Ikazuchi. Look upon it, praise it, this is the flagship of the Tarak Imperial Army! You're the third generation of Tarak, the first graduates of the military academy were born to board the Ikazuchi. Congratulations! You have the blood of the first generation flowing through your veins and you are all legitimate brothers of the Original Eight Men including Grand Pa!" A blonde-haired soldier yawns in boredom. Who could blame him? Standing there listening to a long speech would make anyone yawn.
Hibiki makes it to the loading area.
A worker coughed, "I can't stand this dust! Hey, that box goes here not over there!" The young mechanic hides behind a box as it rides a conveyor belt up to the Ikazuchi and resumes heading for the storage area holding the Vanguards.
The Prime Minister informed, "As most of you already know, the main goal in our mission is to erase the piracy that has plagued our borders by the women circling our realm recently. However, don't forget you are on a battlefield so work diligently and stay on your guard!"
The Tarak soldiers shouted in unison, "Yes, sir!" Hibiki reaches the door containing his prize and stops for a breather.
He said, "Oh man, this place is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. It's a good thing I didn't leave anything to chance, I would be in trouble if I hadn't done my homework." He puts a glove on and sprays before touching the hand scanner.
A computerized voice stated, "Palm print does not match. Re-enter within 30 seconds!"
Hibiki exclaimed, "What? No Way!"
The Prime Minister slammed his fist down, "Enough time has been wasted. Why wait for the designated hour to arrive? Wouldn't you agree with me, men?" The first-class citizens shout in agreement.
Taken by surprise, the crew already on the Tarak flagship get to their stations to prep it for takeoff.
Back with Hibiki he hears the countdown and when it ends, something will happen. He didn't know what but it won't be good.
He panicked, "Why is this happening? I couldn't have screwed anything up, I did it right this time!" He spits and blows on the glove then touches the scanner, this time it confirms the signature allowing Hibiki to calm his pounding heart.
He watches the door open to show the Vanguards.
Hibiki grinned, "Heh, piece of cake!" Unknown to him pressure tubes and latches detach allowing the Ikazuchi to begin its ascent.
He looks at the Vanguards hoping to see the one that had the scratch, he feared that the builders saw the scratch and replaced it but he spots it on the last Vanguard on the right side.
Hibiki's eyes shone with glee, "So that's where you are, partner. I must say you look pretty impressive. I'm gonna take you home with me now!" He jumps to grab hold of the Vanguard.
The Prime Minister ordered, "Launch the Ikazuchi!" Boosters ignite sending the ship on its way to space.
Once the Ikazuchi reaches past Tarak's atmosphere, the booster units disengage and separate from the vessel.
Gryphus Squadron finishes listening to the speech.
Alex deadpanned, "Okay, what kind of garbage was that? Men at war with women? Something you'd see out of a cheesy science fiction movie."
Kyle answered, "I have no idea. One thing I can say is whatever that wormhole was it transported us to a different dimension. This planet isn't showing up on any recorded file in my helmet's memory banks. Somehow the inhabitants were able to colonize the planet enough to sustain life though there's no water on the surface. They must have access to underground wells that'd be sheltered from the daytime heat." Inside the commons area, the cadets celebrate their graduation.
A dark-haired man said, "I assume you'll be assigned to headquarters, right Duero?"
A browned-haired man agreed, "With a record like yours, you can do whatever you want." Duero quietly takes a sip of his wine.
Their light blue-haired companion told them, "I heard he submitted his assignment form completely blank!" That earns a gasp of surprise from the others.
In Duero's opinion, none of the selected areas weren't interesting to him so he left the form blank of his signature.
A voice said, "Hey there, everyone having a good time?" They turn around to see a man with blonde hair, blue eyes and wearing a Tarak military uniform standing there.
He pointed at the box he was holding in one hand, "This is a sample of our company's new product. It's our own unique special formula nutrition pellet." He leaned in to whisper, "I shouldn't be telling you this but the quality of ingredients are far superior to other pellets." He offers them a sample but the men decline it earning them a mock hurt look on the blonde-haired man's face before he offers it to a pair of men passing by.
The light blue-haired man asked, "Who was that guy?"
The brown-haired man told him, "That's Bart, his father owns Garsus Foods. Let's just say his company is keeping us fed and not go any further."
The dark-haired man grimaced, "I'm getting a case of heartburn!" The lights turn off as a video screen appears.
A guy said over the PA system, "Gentlemen, please direct your attention to the large screen in front of you!"A video begins to play of the new Vanguard model.
The narrator said, "Pierce, stab and slain. With these all-purpose accessories, the Tsukumo Van-type fighter is a weapon in and of itself. It is ready to slam down the fist of justice upon our enemies. It is the soldier at the front lines of our empire be it the skies, the seas, the plains, the mountains, there is no terrain that the pride of the empire cannot brave! The Tsukumo version Van-type, a new day for Tarak will be dawning right before our very eyes!" Virtually everyone cheers except Bart.
He face faulted, "They're so dorky!" The curtains pull away and the new Vanguards turn toward the audience, however the cheering ends when Hibiki was spotted. The Prime Minister ordered guards to get him, Hibiki initially fought off the guards but Duero saw it pointless. The guards restrain and take him towards the brig, throwing Hibiki inside before activating the laser grid.
Hibiki glared at them, "Bastards! Don't dump me in some storage room you could at least put me in a real prison!"
The first guard said, "This cell maybe used for storage but it's a brig so settle down."
His friend added, "They've decided to give you a public execution and it won't be quick and painless."
The first guard ordered, "High type number six!" A small white robot hovered over to him, "Watch him, understood?"
The robot complied, "Beep, roger."
Hibiki groaned, "Why must things get messed up in my life." He stared at his watcher, "Hey partner, would you be a pal and let me out of here? We were both born in the factory, right so that means we're kind of like brothers."
The robot corrected, "Wrong. We are composed of different materials therefore the term "brothers" is not correct and inappropriate. The subject is making an improper request. Instigating attempt of bribery and escape are crimes, therefore..."
Hibiki asked with fear, "Therefore?"
The robot answered, "Punishment." He zaps the poor lad.
Recovering from the attack, Hibiki snapped, "What the hell are you doing? Who do you think I am?"
The robot said, "Identity scan of subject commencing. Subject is human, organic in structure. Scan complete, you are..." Suddenly the Ikazuchi was rocked by explosions sending the robot into the laser grid, short circuiting it.
Gryphus Squadron watches craft of unknown design called Dreads swarm the Tarak flagship.
On the command bridge, the Prime Minister barked, "I gave the order to stop the exhibition!"
A bridge operator told him, "This isn't part of the exhibition. It's the women, they're attacking, sir! Formation has been breached!" Close by the pirate's ship watches the fray its fighters are causing.
Two women watch the show from the bridge.
One was a young woman with long silver hair that ended in a twirl, gray eyes, deeply tanned skin, wore a green top that had a choker with a gem and left her stomach exposed, bands on her arms and jewelry on her wrists, green baggy pants and boots.
She grinned, "Looks we caught ourselves a big one today, captain." Her companion was older than her, gray eyes that held years of leadership and wore robes that hid half of her face under a hood.
The old woman chuckled, "It seems today is our lucky day!" Kyle watches the Dreads destroy the Tarak escort ship Hijiri and Moroboshi with amazing precision.
The Prime Minister growled in disgust, "What deplorable tactics, they're hiding the background fire! Send the Vanguards out!"
The commander objected, "But most of them are trainees, Minister!"
The Prime Minister looked at him, "If we don't use our latest weapons now we'll bring shame to our forefather!" The pilots get inside the Vanguards and launch into battle, dog piling on a red Dread.
Its pilot said, "What are these things? They're getting in my way!"
The flight lead said in a calm tone, "Forget the Vanguards, concentrate on the enemy flagship." Kyle observes the battle with great interest, particularly how the Dreads used the enemy AA defenses against their own forces.
Kyle said, "Impressive. Most impressive."
Alex nodded, "I agree with you, Captain. Those pilots fly their Dreads like they were born to!" On the Ikazuchi's bridge, the radar man squints his eyes as if trying to make something out in the blackness of space.
He said, "Minister, I have spotted two unidentified craft lingering 50 yards away from us!"
The Prime Minister said, "Put it on screen immediately!" The monitor shows them the jets.
They were both of mysterious design, having large trapezoidal wings and had light gray colored bodies but the lead one's color was slightly darker to distinguish the two.
Pressured by the situation the Prime Minister glared at the subordinate, "Why couldn't we detect them on radar?"
The radar man replied, "It's not my fault, sir. They're probably using some kind of system that's keeping them invisible to radar!"
The bald man gritted his teeth, "Grr, no matter. All units, designate those unidentified aircraft as hostile and take them out!" Gryphus Squadron hears the transmission.
Alex asked his leader, "Is he for real? Doesn't he know what he's doing?"
Kyle replied calmly, "Does it matter? Gryphus 2, we are engaging the Vanguards. Weapons free." The fighters' engines roar to life and they dive into the battle.
Gryphus 1 avoids the Vanguard trying to land a hit on his F-22 with a right turn, coming around he fires a heat-seeking missile at the target. He quickly banks left to dodge the sword from another Vanguard and fires his aircraft's gun tearing the machine apart. He next spots a bunch of the Vanguards pestering the red Dread, its pilot downs 2 but the last one was closing in from her 12 o'clock.
The pilot said, "Get away, would you?" The enemy dodges her Dread's laser and raises its axe to cleave her vessel in half when out of the corner of her eye she spots Gryphus 1 shooting the Vanguard with the Raptor's gun, hammering the machine with deadly 20mm rounds. The force of the hits push the Vanguard safely away before it explodes. She next watches the belly of the stealth fighter open and missiles come forth taking aim at the AA guns protecting the entry point.
Gryphus 1 stated, "I got tone. Gryphus 1, Fox Three!" Two XLAAM fly toward the AA guns, destroying them upon impact.
'That man saved my life!' The blonde-haired Dread pilot thought in disbelief.
Gryphus 1 contacted her, "Since that Prime Minister guy decided to label us as the enemy, we felt that we'd help you get on board. Go on, the path is clear for you to enter. My wingman and I will keep the forces out here busy." Grateful for his intervention, the blonde-haired woman shoots the door and she along with the other Dreads fly into the Ikazuchi to begin their raid.
Hibiki hot wires the brig's console and the laser grid flickers off.
He grinned, "Never underestimate a mechanic's knowledge." He's about to leave when he hears the white robot making continuous beeping noises like a person screaming in pain. He looks at the machine with pity and decides to bring it with him.
Inside the hanger, a soldier turns a switch to restore gravity while holding a rife equipped with a knife attached to it.
He said into the phone, "Cargo bay restored, preparing to engage the enemy directly!" He drops the phone to engage the raiding party.
The pirates disembark from their ships wearing spacesuits and helmets/masks with creepy designs made for the sole intent of installing fear into their enemy, men. They exchange fire with the soldiers using lasers and one of the pirates gets clipped in the shoulder.
The pilot of the blue Dread has difficulty controlling her machine and sees blast doors rapidly coming closer, she fires her craft's lasers at the last second.
Hibiki runs across the walkway in the engine when he notices the roof in front of him beginning to bulge, turn orange and then explodes. Everything went black afterward.
On the Ikazuchi's bridge, a lever rises from the console and the Prime Minister places his hand on it.
The commander objected, "Minister, you mustn't do this!"
Fake tears pooled in the bald man's eyes, "We can't let the entire ship be taken by our enemy, I must save at least the new section of the Ikazuchi. Before everything falls into the hands of females I'll separate the old from the new!" He pushes the lever and explosive bolts disconnect the ship, freeing the old section.
In the engine room, Hibiki recovers from being flung across the walkway. His hand comes into contact with something soft yet pliable.
He asked, "What's this?" He looked up and freaked out, "Ah! A monster!" He pushed the female off him and starts escaping before it calls out for him to wait.
The pirate removes its helmet/mask to show a beautiful young woman around 16 years old, long, gorgeous red hair that extended past her slim waist and twirled at the end like grape vine, twin bangs lined the sides of her face with fancy bands in them, green pendent hung from her neck, sparkling blue eyes, wore a short tank top that exposed her stomach, a decorative jacket and matching miniskirt that showed off her curves, ankle-high boots and a golder tiara rested on her head. This girl's name is Dita Liebely
She said in excitement, "Wow, it's a real alien!"
Hibiki blinked in confusion, "Alien?" The redhead does a serious of hand gestures that Hibiki mirrors with the same look on his face.
Dita beamed, "It worked! I made first contact!"
Hibiki laughed nervously, "Heh heh, see ya!" He bolts with Dita struggling to get the suit off her, both of them unaware that the engine begins to glow.
A Tarak cadet flinches from the laser bolt shot inches from him.
The woman warned, "Stay where you are, we'll shoot if you try anything stupid." Three more Dread pilots remove their suits.
The first one was a stunning young woman 20 years of age, had blonde hair that almost reached her ankles, stood at 5'8, green eyes, slim figure, wore an exotic not to mention revealing black dress that showed some of her full and with slits around the legs to allow free movement and a rapier attached to a belt on her waist. Her name is Jura Basil Elden.
The second was another beautiful woman, this one was a year younger than Jura at 19, stood at 5'6, wore a form-fitting white and black flight suit that showed off her athletic body, light blue hair in a boyish style that went past her ears and spiked at the front and straightened out in a fan-like pattern at the back, aqua blue eyes, pale skin and a circlet covered her left eye but it didn't hamper her beauty with a face that showed leadership. Her name's Meia Gisborn, leader of the Dread Squadron.
The last pirate was almost a copy of Meia in terms of appearance but had light blue hair that went past her shoulder blades, wore a flight suit that was red and charcoal gray in color, stood at 5'7 like Jura, was 17 years old and lacked the circlet. Her name is Mia Gisborn, Meia's younger twin sister.
Jura said, "I know it's disinfected and all but I won't ever get used to the smell!"
Meia asked, "Where'd Dita go?"
A Dread pilot informed her, "Last I saw her she was having problems flying her Dread and because of that-ow! That hurt, Paiway. My skin's delicate I'll have you know."
The woman named Barnette was 18 years old, had dark green hair, violet eyes, wore an outfit that resembled a one-piece bathing suit covering between her legs, sides, stomach and chest leaving the top of her breasts exposed, shoulder pads attached to clasps on her shoulder blades, thigh-high boots and gloves that went past her elbows. A crown jewel and clip finished the attire. While her breasts weren't as large as Jura's, Barnette was well-formed in her own right and her amazing figure made the brunette more attractive.
Paiway was the pirate crew's nurse around 11 years of age, black hair tied in twin pigtails, red eyes, wore an outfit that resembled a French maiden outfit, elbow-length black gloves and knee-high boots.
She replied, "Just try to tolerate it."
Barnette argued, "Nurses should be a little more sensitive."
Paiway fired back, "I am being sensitive!" Duero looks at them and grunts before moving on.
Back with the battle outside the Ikazuchi Gryphus 2 smokes another bunch of Vanguards.
He said in disappointment, "These guys have no experience with those tin cans. I have seen rookies in Aurelia fly better than this. Makes you wonder if these guys receive any training." His craft's alarm went off again, "This is getting old." His F-22 easily avoids the last Vanguard and downs it with a heat-seeker.
On the new section of the Ikazuchi, the bridge operator said, "The unknown fighters have wiped out half of our Vanguards like they were nothing and the Mejale pirate ship is heading for the old section!"
The Prime Minister said, "Those females move fast, don't they? Prepare to fire a torpedo, the Muramasa!"
The commander gasped, "Minister, are you actually going to destroy the old section?"
His superior stated in fury, "I rather destroy it with my own hands than let it fall into the hands of women!" Hibiki continues to run away from Dita inside the engine room. His backpack gets stuck on some nails and the young mechanic struggles against it until the strap breaks.
Dita snapped a couple of shots, "Mr. Alien why are you running away?"
Hibiki said, "Not only are women scary but they don't make any sense either!" Duero reaches into a locker to retrieve a medic's coat.
The gun woman spotted him, "What do you think you're doing? Get in the capsule!"
Duero replied, "There's time for that later."
The woman warned, "You better start cooperating. Get in the capsule or I'll shoot!"
Duero informed, "I'm no threat to you." He turned to look at them smirking, "I happen to be a doctor." Escape pods jettison from the old section of the Tarak flagship.
The Prime Minister asked no one in particular, "Is this their way of showing us pity?"
The commander offered, "Perhaps we can end this battle with diplomacy."
The Prime Minister ignored him and asked the missile operator impatiently, "Isn't the Muramasa ready yet?"
The operator told him, "Calculating distance to the target!" A radar map shows the missile lock forming.
Back in the cargo bay area Jura said in disappointment, "I was looking forward to this because they said it was gonna be big but it's actually junk!"
Meia said, "Jura, we're going to look for Dita."
Jura sighed, "That's why I asked not to bring along a trainee."
Mia explained, "Look Jura, we're short-handed as it is. If you didn't want to take part you should have spoken up earlier."
Jura said, "Okay, I get it. You want me to go with you, right?" From the canopy window of his stealth fighter, Gryphus 1 sees a pair of torpedoes lowering into view.
Gryphus 2 stated, "That's not good." The pirates in the Ikazuchi's sub-bridge notices it on the radar too.
Ezra gasped, "A missile's been locked on to us!"
BC gasped, "What?! Parfet, is it possible to move the ship?"
The lead engineer shrugged, "I'm afraid not because the engine's dead."
BC growled in frustration, "Grr, what do we do, captain?"
Magno ordered, "I see it. Losing the ship would be a shame but our lives are important. Evacuate immediately!"
The silver-haired woman replied, "Roger. Did you get that, Meia?" The Dread leader confirms it from her location on a walkway inside the engine room when she hears a scream. The three look down to see Hibiki being chased by Dita.
Jura stated dryly, "Do you see that, Meia? She's chasing a man."
Mia rolled her eyes, "Thank you, Captain Obvious. We better get Dita before this place gets blown to hell." Duero finishes patching Barnette's arm up and looks at her.
Barnette asked, "What? Is there something interesting about me?"
Duero nodded, "Yes. Very."
The brunette said in a cold voice, "Don't expect a thank you!"
Duero stood up, "I don't. I suppose I'll go now."
Paiway whispered as she wrote in her little book, "He touched a total of five girls." The ship rocks as the Mejale pirate ship fires at the new section.
The bridge operator said, "Sub-controls have been hit!"
The Prime Minister asked him, "The missile?"
The man replied, "It's still in the process of fueling!"
The Prime Minister ordered, "It has more than enough fuel. Target the old section of the Ikazuchi and fire!" With the push of a button, the torpedoes are launched.
Their enemy's ship appears below the old section and a boarding tube connects the two ships.
Belvedere informed, "Crew extraction has begun. 300 seconds until impact!"
Magno said urgently, "BC!"
Buzam replied, "I'm the last from my team. Meia and the others have come back yet."
Magno said over the communicator, "We'll have to let them return on their Dreads. Get back to the ship now!" Dita continues her chase of Hibiki until Meia tackles her.
Meia scolded, "What are you doing? You know better than to separate from the rest of the team!"
Dita apologized, "Sorry, Meia." 150 seconds left until impact.
"Hit or miss, either way it's our destiny." Magno said, bracing for the end.
The four Dreads that made it inside turn around to face the exit but Dita's Dread was stuck in the wall and she couldn't get it free while Hibiki struggles to get his Vanguard online.
With no missiles left, Gryphus 1 glares at the rapidly approaching Muramasa torpedoes.
Dita pleaded, "Someone please help me!" 5,4,3,2,1 and...impact!
A massive explosion happens while a bright light engulfs the surrounding area.
The crew on the new section of the Ikazuchi watch the event.
The bridge operator said, "We're losing mass, sir."
The Prime Minister sighed, "I hope you women enjoy the bitter taste of defeat in the afterlife!" Gryphus finds himself in an aqua blue sea-like realm and spots a humanoid robot materialize in front of him. Suddenly he plummets as if falling from a high cliff and was joined by seven others, screaming in terror as the same bright light from before swallows them.
A/N: Chapter 1 done. This is pretty much the "Character Chapter" as I like to call it since this is where we get introduced to the characters including an OC I decided to add in this story.
Gryphus Squadron find themselves in an alternate dimension where the two genders are warring each other.
Strangely I have nothing else to say except read and review.
Stay tuned for chapter 2.
Vader 23A