Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation - Expeditionary Force: Frontier (IMC-EF-F)
-The Expeditionary Force compiled together with many of the IMC garrisons stationed on the Frontier. The planets these soldiers came from include Gridiron, Demeter, Harmony, and Freeport. The IMC-EF uses two Vigilant Class Cruisers as their command and transport ship, Vigilant and Colossus.
Some members of this force include Titan War and Frontier Revolt veterans.
Members of the IMC-EF (Current):
Captain of IMS Vigilant (Core Systems-Earth)
Captain David Vaughan-PILOT[GRUNT LEADERSHIP CERTIFIED] (Frontier-Demeter's Airbase Sierra)
Captain Angie Carthy-PILOT[CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE CERTIFIED] (Core Systems-Earth)
Captain Bracken-PILOT[K.I.A. ANGEL CITY] (Core Systems-Earth)
Sergeant Messerly-GRUNT(IMS Colossus, Core Systems-Earth)
Captain Hackathorn-GRUNT (Core Systems-Earth)
Captain Gates-PILOT (IMS Colossus, Frontier-Demeter)
Corporal Éliane Belrose-PILOT [TRAINING, MARKSMAN COURSE] (Frontier-Gridiron)
Corporal Ryan Anders-PILOT [TRAINING] (Frontier-Freeport)
Corporal Matthew Carter-PILOT [TRAINING, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE COURSE] (Frontier-Demeter)
Lieutenant Jack Nelson-PILOT [MERCENARY, MARKSMAN CERTIFIED] (Frontier-Galleon)
Minami Shiratori-CIVILIAN (Possession, Frontier-Galleon)
Reina Kawakami-CIVILIAN (Frontier-Harmony, Harbor District)
*I assume you all know about the "Freelancer" subtitle in the title. So, you guys get to know before Reina, which would be anti-climatic.
IMS Vigilant
Head ship of Vigilant Class Support fleet Star Cruisers (SSC) of the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation - Expeditionary Force (IMC-EF)
Ships in Class: Vigilant (Anti-Ship), Colossus (Carrier/Command Cruiser)
Armament: 24 modified 510mm (20 inch) guns (2 guns x 12 mounts), 12 Point-Defense Guns, and 20 missile pods.
Design: 535m length, 200m width, 110m height
Special Equipment: High Powered Laser Cannon (Vigilant), Increased engine power generators (Colossus)
Effects: Smaller military force capacity, more firepower and armor (Vigilant), Lower armor, overall strength, and firepower, more military force capacity, more engine power (Colossus)
Storage: 2 hangers* (Size dependent on role), 20 IMC Droppods
Vigilant: Smaller than normal size: carries 10 IMC Goblins, and up to 6 Titans fully built on standby
Colossus: Normal size: carries 20 IMC Goblins, and up to 12-15 Titans on standby.
Fighter complement:
Vigilant: 2 squadrons* of Phantoms, and 1 squadron of IMC Bombers
Colossus: 4 squadrons of Phantoms, and 2 squadrons of IMC Bombers
*Hanger 1: Ground force hangers
*Hanger 2: Fighter/Bomber squadrons
*Squadron size of aircraft are from 12 to 18 fighters
Based off of: Paris/Charon-Class Heavy/Light Frigate from Halo series, Respectively Vigilant and Colossus
IMC Phantom Fighter codename: STRATON
*Jump capable fighter designed after the Titan Wars
*Expensive to maintain due to Political Interference and Cost Runoffs
*Performs slightly worse than the Militia Hornet
IMC Bomber
*Based off the IMC Goblin dropship
*Powerful, yet large
*Designed with ski ramp style landing gear
INFANTRY WEAPON FILE SECTION 1-1: Lastimosa Armory R101-Carbine (R-101C)
-Standard-issued carbine rifle for the IMC and Militia forces. Can be modified into different weapon forms such as a Submachine Gun or a Designated Marksman Rifle. Chambered in 8.19 Tungsten Penetrators, similar in design to the old world Sabot tank rounds. A popular weapon for infantry, Pilot and Grunt alike.
INFANTRY WEAPON FILE SECTION 2-1: Hammond P2011 Pistol
-Standard-issued pistol P20(11x23mm) developed by Hammond Industries and Lastimosa Armory. Chambered in 11.43x23mm, and outfitted with a laser aiming device, and a match-trigger system, providing high fire rates in times where need.
INFANTRY ANTI-TITAN WEAPON FILE SECTION 1: Wonyeon Defense Anti-Titan Automatic Rocket Launcher (AT-ARL)
-Micro-rocket launcher more commonly known as the Sidewinder. Damage is low compared to other weapons, but is capable of causing critical damage if hitting a Titan's weak points.
TITAN WEAPON FILE SECTION 1: Brockhaurd Manufacturing XOTBR-16 Chaingun
-Automatic Titan Battle Rifle chambered in 20mm rounds. Compared to other weapons, damage per bullet is low, but is capable of long range engagements and Anti-Personnel combat. Modifications can increase it's fire rate up to 1020 Round Per Minute, but affects it's accuracy.
2 hours after Assault on Outpost 207
Room 3713
Jack Nelson
... How long has it been since I had a friend other than Angie and David? 2 years? Man... never thought Reina would come along... It was about to be sleep call in 5 minutes. Rest, after 2 missions in one cycle (7 days). Sure would feel great.
...Oh right, Reina...and Minami...
"Reina, Minami." I asked, "Would you like sleep here?"
Minami quickly answered, "Yes! I would love to sleep with you!"
...Okay. That might not be the right response, or the right interpretation. But, I mean she's 7.
"Reina?"
Reina thought about her choices, which are very limited, "...Okay then."
I looked at the bed, enough for two adults... maybe even three kids. We might have to squeeze in... that'll be a problem for Reina then. Minami went into the bathroom, leaving us with a few minutes to talk.
Reina was silent... like she was in Angel City. I could hear her, even in the battle. Must be those implants every pilot gets.
I asked her a question, "Do you have a family?"
"Yes..." She whispered, "My sister, Mei. She's 14, and quite in a...how do I put this... rebellious phase right now."
"Rebellious? As a teenager... It would make sense." I replied, "And your mother?"
"Asuka. 43. She's in Angel City. My father's Daiki, 45... if he were alive... He was killed during the 1st Siege of Angel City."
The Sieges of Angel City... I learned it in my history books.
Sieges of Angel City: Titan Wars
A series of battles between the IMC and Militia
The Militia was at it's final stand of force, occupying Angel City
1st Siege: IMC teams attempted to recapture the city, only to be overwhelmed by Guerrilla based tactics
2nd Siege: IMC cut off supplies in order to weaken the Militia
3rd Siege: The IMC Expeditionary Force arrives in support, and defeated the Militia forces.
My eyes began to feel heavy... and Reina noticed, "You okay?"
"Just tired. Two missions in one week." I replied
Minami then came out, wearing a night dress... one that's suggestive...
"Minami Shiratori! Where did you get that outfit?" I shouted, feeling energized suddenly
She replied, "Angie. She said she got it from Angel City."
"And that is suitable for children?" Reina asked
"Maybe..."
"No...I can't have you sleep in that."
I agreed, "It's not suitable for you."
Minami sighed, "Okay. Reina-sama, can you get my pajamas from my room?"
Reina nodded her head, and walked out of the room.
Minami then looked at me, "She's cute."
I sighed, "Yeah... I guess she is."
"So... do you think you can stay on the ship for a long time now?"
"I think so. At least for a day."
"A day?" She whined, "But I want you to stay longer!"
"You can do a lot in a day."
"Like what?"
"I don't know... maybe have lunch? Stargaze?"
She doesn't seem okay with that suggestion, "No, how about we go back home?"
But I reasoned, "It's not nearby. We have to travel at least a week at most to get there."
She pouted, "Aw! I wanna go home! It's so boring here all alone!"
I patted her head, "I know it's dull out here in this part of the Frontier, but when I'm done... we'll go back home. And stay there. Okay?"
"But your job..."
"I'll find other types of employment. A marksman like me can find a good job back home."
"But... what about Reina?"
That's when it hit me. Reina... home... She lives in Angel City. We live on the other side of the Frontier. What about her?
I just said, "I don't know... but, we can visit her if we go back home. We can visit her once a month."
"Ok. It's... I thought that she could be with you. With us."
That caught me off guard. Me and Reina? It rarely crossed my mind...
Why would Minami think of that?
3 Days Later
The days with just Reina and Minami were purely like bliss. It's what I need with this war going on.
Enroute to Boneyard "Tower Station ZULU", the research facility that "does not exist". It has a "Dogwhistle" tower that repels the indigenous life. It's been disabled for 2 decades... so our deployment jump locations and fighting force will be affected.
...Unfortunately, half the Vigilant's force, mostly grunts, was denied clearance to the Boneyard, including me... not that I want to be impaled through the chest from an armor-breaking beak. Looks like David and Angie won't be getting a Titan from me. It seems like the Vigilant was sent to patrol the perimeter while the fleet is in low orbit. Just one ship? Isn't that risky?
"Here Be Dragons"
Boneyard Installation "ZULU"
IMC Base "Golden"
Captain David Vaughan
IMC
Day 78 - War of Frontier
It's too bad that Jack can't be planetside. But, it's alright, we got this in the bag. Arming my R-101C with a Holosight and high capacity magazine, I prepare for the jump.
Sergeant Blisk informed us, "Pilots, we got information that the militia is trying to reverse engineer our repulser technology. This old tower here, is our prototype for the Three Towers back at Airbase Sierra. These towers, gave us the advantage to colonize the planets with hostile, indigenous species. Your objective, is to scuttle the base and tower, before the Milita can learn too much about it. There are three hard points. Same drill as the Refueling Colony! Patch me in, and we can blow the core. That'll do the trick! Ready up!"
"This is Vigilant control, confirm release of dropships. You are cleared for jump." the radio reported
The Goblin pilot radios, "Dropships prepare for jump. Coordinates marked... jumping in 3...2...1... MARK!"
A sudden burst of movement into the cabin... and we see the tower... still standing after all this time.
"Crows spotted, sir!" The radio reports, "The Militia are here!"
The drop ramp opened up, and Angie stepped up next to me, "Ready?"
I smiled, "Ready."
"LET'S GO!" We jumped off the dropship, and we land on the sandy environment...
"WATCH OUT! FLYERS!" A grunt exclaimed
A winged creature grabbed an IMC grunt, and flew off, the man screaming in fear... damn...
A grunt alerted, "All units! Watch out for the flyers, they can kill you with their beaks."
We rush off to the Hardpoints, passing under the Flyers and Leviathans.
"Militia forces had just captured the Hardpoint at Objective Charlie. Get a move on!" Blisk informed
I ordered to the grunts, "Move to Objective Alpha! We need to get this reactor core blown up 5 minutes ago!"
"Sir yes sir!" They responded. Angie followed me towards Alpha, and she got on the console.
"Uh... you know how to work it?" I asked
She then stopped, "Um...I don't..."
A grunt then came up, "Allow me sir, m'am."
"Go ahead."
The grunt got on the console, and began to work, "Connecting. 50%...and...done!"
"Hard point Alpha is secured, good work. Core is at 30% till detonation." Blisk reported, "We still need Bravo and Charlie... Be advised, we've lost contact with a Spectre unit at Objective Bravo. They were going to established the uplink."
I responded, "Roger Blisk. We're on the way." Turning to the grunts, "Stay here! Hold this area till further orders."
"Yes sir." They responded.
Then, Spyglass reported, "Pilots, Titan constructions are complete. Drop in 3, 2, 1, Mark."
Then the ground shook. Like... 5 times... that means 5 Titans! NICE!
When we ran out back to rally point, we see 5 Atlas Class Titans, armed with XO-16s and Rocket pods. I ran up to one, and got in the cockpit.
The opening closed, and a holographic display lit up. The O.S. "Betty" reports, "A.I. Mode offline. Transferring controls to pilot."
I move the robot mech towards point Bravo, and see a Titan. I fired my primary weapon, along with a barrage of rockets.
"Warning! Hostile Titan engaging ally."
The report is for Angie's titan. She's in trouble.
I look to the left, and see her Titan taking hits. I dashed over to her, and activated a Vortex shield. Bullets and rockets were stopped, and I released the shield, and the projectiles were relaunched towards the attacker... The Titan began to smoke, and my Titan, pulled out it's pilot. I see a male... who gave me the middle finger... dude really? I proceeded to move the arm to throw him into the wall. He splatted with a massive blood stain.
"Bravo is under our control. One more, and we can provide max power to blow up the core!" Blisk reported.
"This is Spyglass, the fleet reports that all selected forces are deployed. No planned reinforcement will be made."
I contacted the Vigilant, "Vigilant, this is Vaughan. We're just about done here."
"Roger that... wait...what's..."
"Vigilant? What's the matter? Please respond."
"Radar contact! ENEMY REINFORCEMENTS! SPOTTED AT 3 O'CLOCK!"
"What!?"
IMS Vigilant
Orbit of Planet Leviathan
Badlands Solar System
Lieutenant Jack Nelson
IMC Expeditionary Force
"GENERAL QUARTERS! GENERAL QUARTERS! ALL HANDS! MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"
I grabbed my rifle and gear, as Reina was shocked, "What's going on!?"
"A fleet of Militia ships were spotted." I explained, "It's their backup. We're outnumbered 20 to 1."
"Wha...What do we do!?" Minami asked so scared...
"Hide in that closet!" I pointed, "Stay there, and be quiet. I'll be back."
"Wait!" Reina grabbed my arm, stopping me, "Before you...I ...I want to say something..."
The ship rumbled from the fire of it's cannons.
"I...I lo..."
Minami just yelled, "Just say you love him already!"
What? Love! But... that can't be...
Reina embraced me, "Please... don't leave us... don't leave me..."
I don't know what to say...but returned the hug... and suddenly, I felt as if my chest was starting to feel lighter...
I opened the door.. and face Reina again... I don't know what went over me... but my lips connected with her forehead...
Running out to the bridge, I past crew members and grunts.
"Sir! Besides some recruits, you're the only pilot on the ship!" A grunt reported, "Captain wants to see you!"
"Alright. Get the teams together. Prepare for combat!" I ordered as I put on my helmet.
"Yes sir!"
The bridge became a noisy center of command.
"Nelson!" The captain ordered, "The Vigilant is engaging Militia carriers. We're holding them back... but not for long..."
"SIR!" An officer came out, "IT'S THE BLACK HEART!"
Every single person in the room rush to the viewport... and see the source of fear in the IMC. The Black Heart Battlecruiser. Armed to the teeth with 25 inch guns... but that's not the worst part...It's our ships' "half-sister"...
"By the stars... They don't just want the tower... they want our heads!" I realized
"IMS Vigilant to any IMC Star Cruiser in the Low Orbit Area, we require assistance! Any ships please respond!" An Ensign began transmitting, "Anyone?... Sir! We're on our own..."
"Damn it!" The captain cursed, "We're doomed! And so are our forces in orbit!"
"..zzz...This is the IMS Destroyer. We hear you. Help is on the way." The radio responded.
A sigh gave out, it was everyone. Help is here... At least we have a fighting chance. We all gather on the tactical map, and see our situation.
"Sir, Leviathan is behind us. 20 ships are approaching at speed. 15 transport carriers, 3 light cruisers, and 2 battlecruisers: Black Heart, and Blue Head. Our cannons can take the light ships, but not the Battlecruisers at once. The Destroyer should be able to help us." A tactician reported.
I suggested, "We should save our Laser Cannon for the cruisers, and use our main arms and missiles against the transport ships."
"Excellent." The captain commented, "Crew! Action stations1!"
We all rushed to our spots on the bridge. I stood beside the captain at the viewport.
"How could they know we would be alone?" the Captain wondered
I was also concerned on that. Why would they send this fleet, to our sector only?
"Sir! IMS Destroyer will be here in 5 mikes." A Petty Officer reported.
"Ready guns!" He ordered. The transports are loaded with 15 in. guns, but the Vigilant can take that.
All guns pointed forward... and ready to spark...
"FIRE!"
The guns erupted with a full barrage, shaking the ship. Transport ships tried to return fire, but to no avail. One after one, a ship will be hit with cannon fire.
"Missiles incoming!" A fire officer reported
30 missiles rain down on our ship, taking a toll to our shields.
"Shields are damaged. 75% buffer." Another officer reported.
"Arm Secondary Cannon! Target the Blue Head!" I ordered.
"SIR!... Ready to fire!"
The ship lines up in front of the Blue Head.
"FIRE!"
The cannon fires a high intensity microwave laser, modified to be more powerful than the ones on Outpost 207. Faster than 50 times the speed of sound, it strucks the ship's hull, damaging it severely.
Then, we see the IMS Destroyer, firing on the transports. The Destroyer is fast, and mildly armed.
"This is the IMS Destroyer, we have arrived on scene. Providing support."
Our technicians gave constant status, "Report: Light damage to shields, enemy suffers 3 transports destroyed. Blue Head suffers hull damage. Wait... Black Heart's turning broadside!"
"They're firing! Evasive maneuvers!" The XO ordered. The ship lurched to starboard, trying to avoid the fire...
"INCOMING! BRACE YOURSELVES!"
The ship shook intensely, like a major earthquake...
"Son of a bi.." BOOM!2 Missiles rain down on our hulls...
Looking trough the viewport, we see the Destroyer taking round after round...
"We're taking fire! Our engines and drives are out! Weapons are disabled!..MISSILES INCOMING... BRACE! BRA...AHHH..zzz..."
Then... a burst of light... a nuclear pulse... our ship was struck again by a burst of shockwaves. All were powerful, throwing us to the ground...
"WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" A voice muffled... my ears are ringing...struggling to get up...
"The Destroyer's down!... She's gone! Blown up!" Someone screamed in horror... we're alone now... "THE BLACK HEART SLAUGHTERED THEM!"
"SIR! Black Heart's lining up on us! She's moving at speed!" The tactician reported
A crewman asked in shock, "What are they doing?!"
I looked at it... getting closer... and closer...
I just realized too late, "THEY'RE COMING STRAIGHT AT US!"
"RAM! SWING WIDE! SWING WIDE!"
But it was too late... the Black Hearts ram... struck our stern portside...
We can see the bridge... filled with crew... glaring at us... Then, they moved further away... away...
"They're pulling back... why?" I asked
The shocked crewman answered, "Blimey...I've seen that move before... they're gonna send boarding ships!"
The captain then ordered, "Bloody Hell...Full power to engines! Get us out of here! We need to jump..."
BOOM! A shock wave burst through the bridge... blowing us to the ground... BOOM! BOOM! Missile... missile.. when will it end!?
"...SIR! SYSTEMS ARE DOWN!" A crew member reported
"What?!"
I stumbled over to her console... it's all in red colors...
"No engines... no weapons...no shields...Nothing's working!" She was shaking in fear...
I realized the worst we could be in, "We're dead in space!"
Captain Vaughan
"This is zzz..MS Vigilant to any IMC Vessel! We are disa... ! We require ..zzz...medite assistance!" The radio crackled
No... Our ship is in trouble.
"...zzz...Transports are breaking through! .zzz...emy reinforcements are inbound! Prepare yourselves... We're in no zzz..scue...zzz..."
"Vigilant? IMS Vigilant respond! Respond! Captain? Are you there?! Jack? Jack!? COME IN!" I tried to call them, but there's no response...
"CAPTAIN!"
BOOM!
A massive crater erupted in front of my mech. More Titans... more Militia.
"We're being overwhelmed! We need to fall back!" The Grunts were shouting, "No! We hold the line! You crazy?! Stand down soldier!"
I finally snapped at their bickering "ENOUGH!" I opened up the hatch, and spoke to them face to face, "All IMC teams! Fall back to rally point Alpha! We're holding them back here! And that's that!"
We all moved back, "Move! Move!"
"Captain Vaughan! The enemy just retaken Objective Bravo!" One of the Colossus's grunts reported, "They are currently looking for a key weakness on the tower!"
I ordered, "Have sniper teams set up! Both Grunts and whatever Pilots you can find! We need to weaken them before they arrive!"
"Sir!" He ran off, "All Snipers and DMs, report to Captain Vaughan of the IMC-EF! He'll direct you to positions!"
Wish we have Jack here...
I look ahead, and see hundreds of Militia troops.
"This is the IMS Colossus to the IMS Vigilant, do you read over? We are sending fighters and bombers to strike the enemy fleet in orbit. Can you confirm enemy forces still active?" The radio requested
"Thi...zzz... This is the IMS Vigilant. DO NOT engage enemy fleet in orbit! We have 2 battle-cruisers in the area. We are... enemy Crows approaching sir! Set up defenses! Lock down rooms! We are being boarded! Prepare for enemy reinforcement! ...zzz..."
"Vigilant respond. Do you copy?"
Damn it!
Angie then asked me, "They're gonna be ok right? Right?!"
"O...Of course they'll be! Jack's with them! He'll fight them back!"
"Sir! All snipers are here and standing by!" A grunt returned
"Good." I looked at all the men, and gave my order, "All right teams, set up on the spine! We'll use the altitude advantage to cause havoc on their forces. Arm all AT ordinance! We need to stop these guys here! If we lose the terminal, we'll lose Sierra, and thus, Demeter! All grunts, move towards the turrets, and set up Arc Mines! Pilots, stick together! No more 'Lone Wolf' shit. Let's go!"
"Yeah! Let's go!"
We all ran and jumped towards the spine of the skeleton. Pilots and spectres setting up Archers, Sidewinders, and Charge Rifles, ready to strike at the Titans. Snipers deploying their Longbows DMRs and some Kraber APs.
"Sniper team, aim for Titan weak spots upon AT fire. DMs, attack the infantry." I ordered
"Alright! Here we go lads! First Titan, coming up on the ridge!" A pilot reported
"Fire!" I ordered, firing my Sidewinder launcher. The Titan's shields went down, "Archers, fire!"
Rockets launch, and struck the tank, blowing off pieces of armor.
"Snipers, now!"
"Left! 1000 meters! 2 mill! Fire!" BOOM! Rounds streaked through the air, and struck the Titan's inner parts.
"FINSH HIM!" A friendly Titan dashed up, and crushed it into rubble.
"Krabers! Load HE! 500 meters! Infantry sighted!" Angie ordered, "Fire!"
"One away!" BOOM! BOOM! Rounds sail like a round and detonating like a mortar. Grunts and Spectres flew in pieces.
"Two Titans, sir! Stryders!" A grunt reported, "Blimey Hell! How did they get them?!"
"They must have reverse-engineered the test unit when they struck one of the facilities!" Angie speculated
"Might be new, but it's weak in armor! No chance against us Pilots! Charge!" A pilot reminded
A squad of pilots armed their Charging Laser Rifles, their beams ready to strike.
"Now!"
Shots dispersed into the stryder, taking out it's shields.
"LOAD AP! 100 meters! FIRE!" BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Rounds struck through it's weak joints, causing it's limbs to fall into the ground. I grabbed my Sidewinder, and fired a burst of mini-rockets, it stuck the cockpit, and it exploded into an inferno.
"No pilot in there... These guys must be running out of 'em." A pilot observed
"Either that, or they're training Grunts to become Pilots, the hard way." Angie speculated
"How different is this, from 'Whitehead'? How?" I reminded
"Might be different when you have multiple people trying to gun you down. Training Pods are everywhere."
"This is IMS Colossus, I'm patching Blisk through, standby... This is Sergeant Blisk, looking good out there! But, the battle not done yet. We still need to destroy the tower. From the looks of it, the Vigilant's crew is holding out. We're sending in a few Goblins to assist you. They'll be your eye in the sky and air support. Be careful, the Militia is still capable of putting a beating on us."
"Roger that," I responded, "Any thing from the Vigilant?"
"Sorry son. No words yet."
"Alright. Let's keep up the fire! We're pushing them back!"
Lieutenant Nelson
IMS Vigilant
"All available men to the hanger bays! We need to repel the enemy attack!" The captain ordered
I started to move, when the captain stopped me, "You lead the defense Nick. Do what you got to do. And just so we clear..."
I already knew the order, "The rules are meant to be broken."
"Good lad." He commented as I ran out of the bridge.
"...zzz... This is Captain Hackathorn! We're being outnumbered!... Militia forces are hardpointing the tower... ah! zzz..."
"Hackathorn? Respond!... Blimey..."
The situation is really looking bad...
Hanger 1
"Corporal...Éliane Belrose. Ready for duty, sir!" The recruit was nervous, and so are the other 2 Pilots-in-Training. A Marks...woman, a rifleman, and a CQB... Longbow, Carbine, and EVA...
"Alright, set up defenses. Place Goblins as cover, and deploy Spectres as front guard." I ordered, "Belrose, your instructor, back at Whitehead, who was he?"
"It was... 'Scope'. Trained me personally." She responded, presenting her Longbow, "Gave this to me as a reward."
I examined it... It IS "Scope's" rifle... Active Radar Pulse integrated into the 4.5x power scope.3
"You must been a really good shot." I remarked
"Well, I did survived the 'Gauntlet' with my original DMR."
"Good...Anders. Your training?"
Anders stepped forward, "Trained with Captain Bracken, sir. Too bad he's..."
"I know. Angel City...You're in defensive line 2. Make sure your AOG (Advance Optical Gunsight) is aligned."
"Yes sir!" He and Belrose ran off to their positions.
I looked at the last one, Carter... holding his shotgun, "Now Carter, how good are you with the EVA?"
"Enough to destroy the broadside of a barn."
"Excellent. Set up with Anders."
"Sir!"
I grabbed my own Longbow and set up with Belrose, "You ever seen battle before?"
"No sir."
"Well, get ready. You are about to face some real experience."
"Are they true?" She seemed nervous again
"...'they'?"
"The rumors. Of the Blackheart's crew."
"No... they're not. But... their Pilots are... They're really are phantoms..."
All of a sudden, a Crow began entering the hanger bay...
"Hold..." I waited, "Hold..."
The grunts are trembling, so are the P.I.T.s. The dropship began to descend to the ground...
"FIRE!" All of us opened fire on the enemy transport. Launching rockets, shooting rounds. Everything. It crashed on to the deck...We all hold fire, staring at the wreck...
They opened up to reveal grunts and Spectres, armed with normal weaponry, but with staggering numbers. 50 to 1. Opening fire, they suppressed us with lead.
"HOLD THE LIN...GH! HOLD!" I see men take hits. Our Spectres are too little in size compared to the Militia. We deployed most of them to the surface.
"GOBLINS! ENGAGE!" I ordered, "ALL POWER TO WEAPONS!"
One of the Goblins dropships powers up, and hovers in front of us. Firing it's 4 wing mounted rotary cannons, it shreds the enemy down...
All of them are dead...
"Enemy force defeated." One of the Grunts reported
"This is the bridge. We got another wave of Crows inbound. Looks like Hanger 2 is in trouble. We need someone to head over there."
I got on the radio, "This is Nelson, I'm on my way... CARTER! ANDERS! HOLD THIS HANGER BAY!"
"ROGER! All right men, hard point this place!"
I ordered, "Belrose, with me."
"Oui monsieur." She replied in French
We both ran through the galley ways, and finally reaching the hanger, where mechanics are being slaughtered.
"This is Hanger 2! We need immediate assi..ah!"
No... I readied my Longbow, and fired a burst at the enemy forces.
Belrose did the same, but snipers against rifleman at this range has disadvantages, even for Pilots. I ran up to a bomber and climbed up on top, giving me equal footing.
"Belrose, get these crewmen out of here!"
"Wait!" She stopped, "The Vigilant is still being repaired... If we can get the Phantoms out..."
"We can delay the boarding party." I concluded, "Bridge, this is Nelson. What's the status on the ship's repair?"
"This is the bridge, repair is at 25%. We have minimal power to monitor ship status. Our repair teams report that they are now working on power to the drives and shields." The radio reported.
"Scratch that bridge. We need to defend against the enemy infantry. Prioritize repairs for Fighter Operations."
"...Jack are you sure?"
"I'm sure Captain. We need to delay the enemy Crows and transports. What else but our fighters?"
"I... I see! Alright, the repair teams will get power restored as soon as possible."
"Roger that..."
A grunt then screamed, "MORE CROWS! INBOUND!"
3 more Crows appeared, and dropped in Grunts by the dozens...
"There's too many of them!" Another grunt alarmed.
Gh! I can't believe it... We're still not good enough against these guys... I knew thought I'd say this but...
"ALL UNITS! FALLBACK! RETREAT! HEAD TO YOUR EMERGENCY DEFENSE POSITIONS!" I ordered on the radio.
Belrose then got up to me,"What does that mean?"
"We defend the most important places to the Vigilant: the bridge, drives, and ammunition racks."
"Got it. I'll head with Carter and Anders to the Magazines."
"I'll defend the bridge." I rearmed my Longbow, and ran out back into the corridors...
Reina...Minami... please be safe...
Room 3713
Reina Kawakami
My radio can hear everything Jack says... it doesn't sound good. Not to mention me and Minami. We are so cramped in here... I can hear booms and bangs going out...
I asked, "Minami, are you okay?"
"Yes" she replied softly, "I'm fine..."
"This is the bridge! Militia forces are on board! I repeat! Militia are boarding us!" the radio blared, "BOOM!...We're being breached! SEND SUPPORT!"
Oh no... not them...I can't...not again!
"Reina-sama? Reina-sama?!" Minami is trying to call me.
What is this... I'm trembling... I'm crying...
"Reina...what's wrong?...sh sh shh... calm down." She embraced me... like a daughter and mother, "It's all right..."
"How..."
"Huh?"
"How can you be so calm?" I said, wiping tears. "You're so young... yet you still..."
"It's because Jack promised me he'll protect us. He always has... ever since I met him."
2 Years Ago
Frontier Revolts: Month 8 of 24
Minami Shiratori...
I was very little...I can barely talk well. But I can remember what happened...
Mommy! Mommy! Daddy!
No! NO! Stay away from her!
DROP THE GUN! I WON'T SAY AGAIN!
HELP ME! HELP!
NO!
BANG! BANG!
AHHHH!
...Mommy?... Daddy?...
They were killed... murdered...and I...I... watched them...
Iie! MAMA! PAPA!
Quiet! Quit that struggling!
NO! NO!
Jesus. Will this kid shut up?... Dude, we killed her parents... Well it's not our fault they have a gun!
I missed them so much... they dragged me to a stage...
This child is an example of the IMC's brutal colonizations on our homeland! Yet she lives with us 'lowlifes'. Now, we shall set an example of what we do to these kind of people!
KILL HER! KILL THAT BITCH! KILL! KILL!
Yamete! Yamete kudasai! Iie!
Stop right there! LET HER GO! DON'T MOVE! DROP IT!
But he saved me...
It's the Town Watch!
BANG BANG BANG!
...
...
Are you okay?
Stay away...
I'm not going to hurt you...Minami...It's me. Minami, it's me...
J...Jack? Jack!
Minami, I'm here. I'm... I'm sorry!...I'm sorry... Your mom... and your dad...
Jack...
I broke into pieces inside...crying...
I...I...I will always protect you... I care for you too much... I love you...
Jack, please stay with me. Forever, and ever...promise?
...I promised, my swan...my beautiful 'southern swan'4
"Minami..." I was shocked, she's just like me..."You're parents. They're..."
"Jack has always been with me... Like an older brother. Inside, he cares for everyone he loves. Even you...mama."
"Ma...ma..."
"I just realized... my mom and dad always ask me about having a godfather...I didn't know what that means until...I figured it out myself."
Surrogate parents? But that's not...!
"Please... be my mommy."
"But, I... Jack...and..."
"There you are!" The door slammed opened, blinding me... A hand grabbed me and pulled me outside...
"Reina!"
I see Pilots... two of them...
"The captain will be please that you two are doing what you are supposed to do. Hide in a closet." One of them remarked, "Now... where were we?"
Their radio reported, "This is the Black Heart. Any civilian affiliated with IMC forces are subject to action depending on identity. Tiger 2, what's your finding?"
"Tiger 2, we found Kawakami, and a girl with her. Orders..."
"I'm patching through to command... You are cleared to kill her."
"But sir, any civilian..."
"She's technically IMC. We follow orders. Even if we are Mercs."
Mercs? Mercenaries?
"Understood sir. Miss Kawakami... I'm sorry." They raised their weapons...
Mimami hid behind my leg whimpering, "No... please don't do this."
"It's our orders, kiddo. Even your friend Jack would understand..."
"What? Wait! You know Jack?!"
"The Black Heart is not the third ship of the Vigilant class, but the first in the Heedless subclass. But it was modified and taken by the Frontier Militia. Hell, all of us, Colossus, Vigilant, and Heedless were the original IMC-EF! But fate proved something different."
They gripped the hand guards...
"Stop right there, sailor." A new voice emerged...
"Crap...Just like old times, huh Jack?" The Pilot chuckled
The voiced laughed, "Yeah. Do me a favor Mason, DROP THE GUN!"
The pilots sighed, and placed them on the ground... and our rescuer came in...
"JACK!"
"Minami! Reina!"
I lunged at Jack, and embraced him... my heart feels so happy... When I see his helmet, I want to be like a princess. My hands clasped around it, and pulled it off it's wearer... The scar on his cheek... like a tally mark. My eyes began to close, and I felt my head moving forward... till my lips touch his.
When I opened my eyes again... I can see him smiling, "My Angel..."
Angel... from Angel Cit... oh him and puns...
"Now," he faced his prisoners, "I think you are the ones from the Black Heart? The ONLY ones?"
"You got us. You were facing the Blue Head's forces."
"Now, I think we got some catching up to do, Mason, Davies."
Bridge
Jack Nelson
Leading my two former comrades, Reina, and Minami, we all head towards the bridge... And see grunts ahead.
I fired my P2011 at them, with Mason firing a Hemlock BF-R, and Davies bursting a C.A.R. SMG. Breaching through, we find the Captain and the crew still in one piece.
"Jack... Andrew, and Linus. Nice to meet you again. It's been too long." The captain was surprised, but was laughing...
Then, Belrose, Carter and Anders came in and reported, "Sir! All enemies on the ship are defeated."
An ensign reported, "Power is restored! Weapons systems are back online!"
The captain then ordered, "Prepare all power to Laser Cannon! Target: Blue Head!"
"Sir!"
"Oh I've always waited for this. Seeing it from the bridge." Mason was being like a kid, all hyped up...
"Ready to fire, sir!"
"FIRE!"
A large roar emerge, and expelled. The laser streak through space... and rip through the Blue Head... Then, a nuclear pulse... The ship trembled with a shock wave. The Black Heart then jumped, retreating.
"Blue Head is down! I repeat! The Blue Head is destroyed!"
"This is the IMS Vigilant, we have regain control, and have driven back the enemy fleet." The captain reported.
"This is Spyglass. We are preparing to head for Airbase Sierra. The mission is a success. However, the Militia has probably completed their objective."
"Roger Spyglass. We will standby till the fleet is ready."
1 Hour later...
"Mason and Davies were part of the original Vigilant crew. They said the Black Heart is capable of joining us, but isn't willing just yet. I guess they need a bit of decision making."
"I see," Belrose commented, "How's Shiratori?"
"She's with the ships therapist. Just doing a check-up on her."
"Alright...I leave you two alone. Excuse me." She left my room, leaving me and Reina.
"Jack, you need to explain to me about Minami." Reina demanded
"Her parents asked me about being her godfather. Normally I would say no... But after what happened... I couldn't say no."
"But she wants me to be the mother."
"Well, that's..."
"It's not normal for her! To be an orphan! And me! To be a surrogate? That's not..."
"Reina..."
"But I don't think I can!"
"Be a mother?"
"To be a wife...I love you... But you are a soldier. And I'm a flower girl... I can't be your Aerith5... I am not ready to be a wife or a mother... "
"R...Reina... I am not saying that I want to marry you now, I..."
"But, I am ready to do this..."
WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT AHEAD: SEXUAL FOREPLAY
VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED
IF YOU ARE LIKELY TO BE OFFENDED BY THE FOLLOWING, PLEASE SKIP THIS SECTION.
She cupped my face, and kissed me... It feels soft and warm... I pushed her away and she looked at me worryingly
"Are... Are you sure?" I asked making sure if she wished for this.
"Yes." She said, "I want you."
"Okay..." We resumed and continued kissing. Her lips began to open and her tongue began to slip through my own... I did the same and my tongue meet hers. A French Kiss. We swirl around, tasting our own mouths... she began to breath deeply... stopping, she was out of breath... I went further... My lips kissed her cheeks, and lower.
Her neck...
She made a gasp... "Ah! Jack..."
Pulling me, Reina lead me to the bed, and I began to let my body take over my mind. Licking her neck, and moving down her body... Till I reach her clothes...
"Wait... you know how this works..." She reminded... her hands pulled off her shirt, and removed her bra... revealing her breasts. "Don't look too much...They're small...Don't be disappointed..."
But I looked at her with a smile, "What makes you think I don't like them?"
My left hand touched her breast, and she began to squirm... "D...Don't be so sudden."
Her left hand grasped my right hand, while I continue to grope her. Her groans and moans start to sound so...
END OF SECTION
CRASH!
"Huh?"
I look behind me, and saw two people in the room, on the floor... with the door beneath them...
"Uh... don't mind us. Carry on..." They tried to evade me... but failed
"LIKE HELL WE WOULD DAVID!" I roared with such fury.
"Angie... You were..." Reina whispered in embarrassment
"I told you. We girls like to be... adventurous." Angie reasoned, "But you...Oh oh oh! I wouldn't know you are such a dirty girl."
"...Ah...I'm not! I... I just..."
"David..." I was growing in anger.
"Oh shit!" He ran off, and I followed him, "It was a mistake!"
"Then why are you running then?!"
When I get his hand on him... Gah..."You are so dead!"
Missions of War on Frontier:
1. The Refueling Raid: IMC victory (Redeye destroyed, Minimal fuel stolen by Militia - Many civilian ships lost to IMC Battle Fleet)
2. The Colony: Militia victory (Lieutenant Nelson - Sole Survivor)
3. The Odyssey: Indecisive (Militia eradicated, Lieutenant Nelson - Sole Survivor)
4. Get Barker: Indecisive ('Barker' escaped IMC search teams, Lieutenant Nelson - Sole Survivor, Militia eradicated, Harbor District destroyed, IMS Sentinel critically damaged)
5. Assault on Sentinel - Militia pyrrhic victory (Sentinel put out of action, Militia eradicated)
6. Here Be Dragons - Militia pyrrhic victory (Dogwhistle Tower analyzed by Militia, Blue Head destroyed, Militia defeated)
Footnotes
1. Action Stations: The British equivalent to the Americans "General Quarters", the call to alert on warships
2. "Son of a... ": Red vs Blue running gag, where these characters would say this line, only to get interrupted with an explosion, usually to themselves.
3. "Scope's Rifle": The AMPED Versions of weapons are viewed as special modified weapons for certain Pilots. Scope in this Universe uses an AMPED Longbow DMR (Sonar scope).
4. Southern Swan: Minami Shiratori's name translates into this phrase. Minami means "South/southern", while Shiratori represents "White bird/swan".
5. Aerith: Final Fantasy VII Character Aerith Gainsborough, who is coincidentally a flower girl as well as Reina... (What are the odds of that... I didn't even intended to make that reference, I had never played Final Fantasy VII)