"I know that the interim commander wanted to send a different crew in to rescue Commander Eagle, I have put my trust in the skills that I know you are the best crew for this assignment," King Jared says to the four star sheriffs standing to the other side of the desk.
"We know he's there, we just need to extract him." Shinji replies.
Jared nods. "Do so by whatever means necessary. I will handle the dissension here. Bring him home."
"Aye Sir!" the four say in unison before leaving the office and taking off towards the Outrider base.
"We're approaching the base, Shinji." Saber says as the base comes back into view.
"Roger that," Shinji replies. "Not sure how you managed to find it again, but let's get in there and get the commander out!" he says as he pushes the ship full speed ahead.
"Looks like we've got company coming," Saber adds dryly as a squad of fighters heads in their direction.
As they start closing in, they ship hits an electrical field, causing the crew to scream in pain.
"Better pull back," Shinji says with gritted teeth.
"No. We push through or die trying. We cannot fail," Saber replies obviously in distress.
"Okay," Shinji manages to reply as he keeps the ship moving into the force field.
Just then, the fighters begin firing once more, causing them to all cry out again.
"Cut over and then down, that might get us through the worst of this," Saber says through clenched teeth.
"Will try," Shinji says and works on complying.
"The Bismarck crew is approaching, Sir." a soldier says as he turns to Zatola.
"So I see. Send out a squadron to greet them. Maybe we can bring them down before anyone else knows of their approach."
"I thought Commander Blue said to conserve our power?"
"Blue is not in charge here. I am, you imbecile! Do what I tell you or I will kill you and get someone that will follow orders!"
The solder snaps back to his console in fear," Aye sir!" he replies and starts hitting buttons on his console, locking on to his target, he fires a massive laser weapon.
Screams of pain and distress are heard as the laser cannon makes impact with the ship.
"Power systems have been knocked offline. We need time to get them back up," Saber says through gritted teeth.
"I'm trying. I've got a bit of reserve, I'll try and slow our fall," Shinji replies through his clenched teeth. Alarms blaring all around.
Managing to hold onto a shred of control, Shinji manages to crash-land the ship onto the surface of the base. They are quickly surrounded and the three guys start to head out.
"I'm coming too," April says.
"You should stay," Shinji goes to argue.
"It's MY father we're rescuing. We can cover more ground."
Shinji goes to argue when Saber pipes up." Let her come. We're wasting time."
"Fine. April, stay with me," he says.
"Okay!" she calls and the four dive off the ship, closing the ramp behind them to keep out enemies. They are immediately met with fire and a gun battle ensues.
Surrounded by robotic spiders, Colt whoops and starts firing. Managing to knock-out the bulk of them before they manage to fire.
"That was fun. Let's see of we can find our mark and get out of here," Colt says as he scans for more opposition.
"Eagle is our objective. I've got a DNA tracker readout, so we should be able to pinpoint his location quickly, now that we're inside," Saber replies.
They start down a corridor, in the general direction of the signal, to find what looks to be a nursery or growing lab.
"What is all of this?" April asks, looking around at the poor conditions of the equipment and plants.
"I believe this is where they grow the food," Saber replies as they look around.
"But it looks bad," April replies as she inspects a shelf of what appears to be heads of lettuce.
"Aye. As you know, this base, like this food is decaying. Without a power source, everything is dying."
An alert chimes and Colt readies his blaster.
"Easy Cowboy. They aren't close...yet. We need to focus on finding Commander Eagle and making it out alive. Fight only when necessary."
Colt snorts in annoyance. "Then let's get a move on," he replies and the four continue down a corridor.
"They've just left sector twelve, sir. They're headed towards the depot."
"Good," Jesse says with a smirk. "Let them make it there, then seal off their exit. Then wait for my command on what to do next."
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers says and begins dispatching soldiers.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Zatola calls walking up to the soldiers loading into a convoy. "Call those men back!"
"What?!" says another soldier, turning in his direction. "I have orders to send them after the Star Sheriffs and box them in."
"Your orders have changed. Seek and destroy the enemy!" he replies. "This way!" he calls as he leads the troops straight to the Star Sheriffs.
Colt and Shinji step forward first, only to be greeted by blaster fire.
"Damn it! We're sitting ducks!" Colt swears as they fire back as quickly as they can.
Saber and April are in a similar situation on the other side of the room. Both firing in rapid succession.
"They planned this, Saber. We need to pull back."
"I know, April. We need something to push through the troops with," Saber replies as he continues firing his blaster, knocking several soldiers down, only to have them quickly replaced.
"Hey Raceboy, think you could get to that vehicle over there?" Colt says as the two fight back to back.
"Cover me, and yeah."
"You got it. Ready...steady...now!" Colt says and starts firing in rapid succession.
Shinji takes off, making a break for a nearby vehicle. Firing it up, he lurches forward before spinning it quickly back to Colt, who jumps in, still firing at their assailants.
"Head for Saber and April!" Colt calls as Shinji barrels across towards them. Killing several Outriders in the process.
Saber jumps in, only to realize April didn't follow. "Blast! We've got to go back."
"No! Keep going, I'll be a distraction," April calls.
"Like Hell you will!" Shinji calls and swings them back around rather violently, causing Colt and Saber to brace, so as not to fall out.
"Colt, be ready to grab her," Saber says as Shinji barrels over the soldiers between them and April without a second thought.
"Right," Colt calls as he holds out his one hand for April to grab.
Shinji comes speeding up and Colt grabs, nearly lurching out at the force. Saber anchors him and Colt swings April into the vehicle. "Gotcha!" he calls as they speed off down a corridor.
"They're getting away!" Zatola calls. "After them you fools!"
"That bastard Zatola will pay for this!" Jesse mutters as he watches a view screen.
"They're heading towards the center, Sir." the soldier running the equipment says.
"Very good. Let's box them in at the center. Have our soldiers seal off all exits to the central hub," Jesse replies.
"Yes sir! But what about the fugitive. We've still not recaptured him."
"We get him to the same place," Jesse replies before grabbing the mic from the console. "Attention, the Star Sheriffs are heading towards the central hub. Seal off all exits to the surrounding sectors. Keep them contained and wait for my orders."
"Very good, sir. Things are going just like you said," the soldier replies.
"How are they able to find us at every turn?" Shinji mutters to himself as he drives full speed through various corridors.
"The tracker?" April suggest.
"Huh?" Shinji and Colt say simultaneously.
"It tracks DNA signatures. Perhaps they are using it to track us," April suggests.
"That is a possibility that hadn't occurred to me," Saber admits as he reaches down and pulls out the tracker. "Let's see if you're theory is right," he says and switches it off.
"We lost the signal, sir." the soldier manning the control center says as he turn to Jesse.
"So they figured out how we were tracking them. This could be fun." he thinks to himself. "No matter, we are continuing with the plan. We know where they were headed, and we've got them surrounded. We will stay the course unless I say so."
"Yes sir!"
Commander Eagle comes from around a bend and hops into the back of a passing truck. Holding on, he hops out the back after the truck stops, quickly ducking behind a large piece of equipment near a rather large tower that seems to be central to the facility.
"Hey! One solder calls up to another. "Come on up and help me watch for those Star Sheriffs!"
"On my way!" the other calls and heads into the tower.
"What is this place?" the commander says as he stares in awe at the tower before him.
"Sir! I found the commander! He's at the entrance to tower."
"Put out an alert. Steer him away from the tower." Jesse says urgently.
"I thought you wanted him to go to the central hub area?"
"I do. Just not where the tower is. He's a scientist. Letting him inspect that tower is not a good thing. Capture him, or chase him away, but get him far from the tower!" Jesse replies. An alert sounds and Jesse's voice comes over a speaker system. "Attention, the human is near the central tower. Find him and escort him to me."
Commander Eagle is searching frantically for a hiding spot. Seeing an unattended car, he heads for it and starts trying to open the door.
"There you are Commander," a voice says from behind.
Whipping around, he sees an Outrider who seems to be of similar stature and age. "Who...who are you?" he stammers, all too aware he is in danger.
"A like-minded scientist, as yourself. Like you, I wish for peace, as do the majority of our people. Here," the Outrider says, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose before holding out an odd-looking flat metal object.
"What's this?" the commander asks hesitantly.
"The key you need to escape. Please try and make it back to those in your service and remember us when you return to your Cavalry Command."
The commander takes the key and inclines his head in gratitude. "I shall not forget this kindness. I too wish for peace."
The Outrider places the key in the commander's hand and the commander unlocks and opens the door to the vehicle. "Safe Journey. Head straight down that corridor and you should find the ones you seek."
The commander nods and fires up the vehicle and takes off, leaving the scientist behind.
The scientist takes out his phone and presses a button. "Sir, the commander is headed to the depot, as you commanded."
"Well, he's left the vicinity of the tower, sir."
"Good. Is he headed towards the depot hub?" Jesse replies.
"Yes sir. But that's where the Star Sheriffs are too."
"Good. Make sure they find one another, understood? Then wait for my next orders."
"Um...yes sir." the soldier replies and goes back to watching various screens.
A soldier standing guard picks up his phone. ""Yes?"
"Commander Eagle is headed your way. Do not harm him, but don't let him leave the sector." a voice says over the line.
"Yes sir." the soldier replies before turning to his companion. "Commander Eagle has been spotted heading our way. We are to detain him if we find him."
"Right." the companion replies.
April gasps. "They said my father is nearby!"
"Yeah, I heard. But he's on the far side. We've got to get across to him before they find him."
"What about that?" Colt says pointing to a transport car.
A noise behind them causes them to turn and Saber gets behind the Outriders and fires three shots, killing those that were about to strike. Only one managing to even fire before being killed, Colt ducking in reflex.
They then take off for the cart, the four boarding the vehicle and Saber attempting to hack into it to get it to run.
"Let's see what we've got going..." he mumbles as he begins typing furiously.
"Better hurry, Saber. We've got company coming." Colt says as he fires off a couple of shots, narrowly missing being hit by enemy fire.
"Got it!" Saber says and the vehicle lurches forward. "Hold on," he calls as they take off across a bridge, the Outriders right behind them on a similar mode of transport.
Colt, April, and Shinji continue firing at their pursuers as Saber continues forward. Doing his best to maintain control of the transport.
"Damn it!" Colt mutters as he's nearly hit several times. "Their aim is improving. Gotta stop them fast," he says as he adjusts his blaster to a higher level and fires in rapid succession. Killing the two drivers, then fires towards the engine of the vehicle chasing them, hitting it and causing an explosion, shaking their vehicle as Saber works to keep them stable and moving.
"Sir, they're headed straight to where Eagle is."
"Good," Jesse replies pleased. "Now if everyone can follow orders, we'll achieve victory."
April turns to the front and realizes they are heading for trouble. "Saber, lookout!" she yells and points to a raised crosswalk ahead of them that has several soldiers with guns trained on them.
"Now!" Zatola calls and the soldiers open fire on the approaching Star Sheriffs.
"Get ready to jump," Saber calls and the four leap from the vehicle just as the blasts hit and it explodes, causing the four to fall and crash down below.
"That's the end of those annoying Star Sheriffs!" Zatola calls out with a laugh.
"Ow," Shinji says as he slowly gets up. "April? Colt? Saber?" Shinji says trying to reach anyone of the team.
"That nearly killed us!" Colt says as he slowly gets up, favoring his left shoulder.
"I've not heard from April or Saber," Shinji replies.
"Hey!" Saber calls to Shinji and Colt. "Help me here. She's pinned under some steel."
"April!" Shinji calls urgently as he and Colt rush over. Kneeling down, he grips a section of a large beam, Saber and Colt grabbing other parts. "One...two...three," he says as the three men strain, but manage to lift the mangled metal off of April and put it to the side. "April?" Shinji says with obvious concern. "Are you alright?" he asks reaching for her hand.
"Shinji?" she says as she winces from pain before grabbing his hand. "Yes...yes, I'm okay," she replies weakly as he carefully helps her stand, only to have to catch her to keep her up.
"Easy now," Shinji says as he cradles her against him, just as spotlights are trained onto the four of them, causing them to turn and see they are grossly outnumbered.
"Aw, how sweet. This is why we will win. You humans always care about each other. It is your downfall," Zatola states as several soldiers aim their weapons onto the four. "Now, throw down your weapons or die here," he says fiercly.
"That bastard Zatola has crossed me for the last time. He will pay for interfering with my plans," Jesse states as he watches the scene unfolding on a vid screen.
"Your blasters, now!" Zatola repeats, becoming agitated.
Saber, Shinji, and April begrudgingly toss their blasters to the floor.
Commander Eagle hears the commotion and stops short, seeing that the Bismarck team is surrounded. "Damn!" he swears under his breath. "Got to find a way to distract..." he thinks to himself looking around the chamber he's currently in just above the others. Spotting a group of levers and pressure readers, he races over and starts pulling various ones, hoping to set off some kind of alarms and throw off the soldiers down below. "This should start a chain reaction of blowing out energy reserves. That should cause enough of a disturbance," he mutters as he pulls on various levers and gages start bursting.
"You too Cowboy," Zatola says menacingly.
"You want my blaster? Come and pry it out of my dead hand you bastard!" Colt says back in just as menacingly a tone.
"It will be my pleasure," Zatola says with a smirk.
"Colt! Are you crazy?!"
"Maybe, but I an't gonna let this arrogant bastard get my blaster!" he says aiming in Zatola's direction.
A rumbling starts low and then becomes louder. Causing the entire base to begin shaking, debris falling. Confused, the soldiers start looking around, trying to acertain what is happening.
"Time to go," Saber calls and they all activate their jetpacks, lifting off from the now unstable ground. Zatola yelling and cursing after them.
A hole is ripped in the side of the base as the sudden depressurization causes a series of explosions. One so violent that it starts to suck the commander into space.
"Daddy!" April calls as she spots him.
Saber and Colt quickly pull out a pressurized bag, wrapping the commander in it, allowing him a brief reprieve.
"Thank you. I am glad to see this technology works," the commander says sheepishly.
"Save your air, Commander," Colt says in way of reply.
"To the ship, quickly!" Saber calls urgently as he and Colt guide the commander's bag through the now open space.
Shinji follows after them, carrying April in his arms. All of them racing to get to the ship.
Zatola is holding on for life, struggling against being sucked into space. Screaming as he loses his grip and is sucked into the abyss.
As they approach the Bismarck, they are met with enemy fire. Trying to be sure not to let the commander's bag be hit, Saber fires at anyone firing in their direction, while helping Colt keep control of the commander's bag. "Shinji, get the bloody ship open!" Saber calls as he fires off several shots in succession.
"Bismarck, open!" Shinji calls and the ramp opens, allowing them to fly in, still firing on enemies as they enter. "Close!" Shinji calls as he sets April down, the ramp closing as he does. And rushes to his unit and taking off from the base.
Jesse watches as the Bismarck crew and commander Eagle make their escape. It's then he notices how many men he lost. Including the body of Zatola, as they are seen floating in space. Turning from the screen in disgust, he sighs pondering his next move.
"Daddy!" April says wrapping her father in a fierce hug, pressing her face against him to hide her tears. "I thought I'd never see you again.
"Come now April, it's alright," her father says soothingly. "We have all made it."
"Didn't I tell you we'd get him back, April?" Colt quips.
"You're still a pig, Cowboy," she says stubbornly.
"I'm glad you made it unharmed, Sir," Shinji says.
"As am I. Thanks to all of you."
"All in a day's work," Colt says non-nonchalantly.
"We should get you back to Cavalry Command, Sir. There are many awaiting your arrival," Saber states.
"Yes, thank you. You are right of course," the commander replies before once again looking at his daughter proudly.
"Shinji, you once again kept your promise to me. Thank you," April says, wiping away tears once more.
"April, I told you, I'd do all I could."
"And I know now you mean it," she says as she turns and hugs her father once more.
The three men looking on, happy to see a reunion that was a long time coming. Shortly, Shinji goes and returns to his unit, guiding the ship back towards Cavalry Command.
