Welcome back to the story! Previously on…Following a message delivered to their hotel room, Goddesses and Tashima followed it to find Yuko. However, as they came to the designated place, they were kidnapped by, as it turned out, the Technocrats, who almost executed them, but thanks to Noire's timely acting, they were freed and brought before the face of The META, super computer in charge of them. However, right after assuring the help of the group, an attack came.
But before that, reviews.
To end5: As always, thank you.
With that out of the way, let's get into it and find out what happens.
Chapter 14
February 14, 2257
20:13
In front of the Technocrats HQ, few minutes after the start of the attack
Captain Resin Aster stood among his soldiers, observing the progress of the attack. Or rather, the terrifying lack of it.
In front of them was the 'abandoned' power plant that served as the Technocrats HQ. There were walls surrounding it, with a big gate in the middle, leading straight to the main entrance through a large courtyard. And as it turned out, someone made some modifications to the walls, mounting PDC-class guns to them. Taking them out turned out to be not as difficult as they anticipated. They quickly were able to cross the wall line.
The problems started once they entered the courtyard. Immediately, railguns came to life, targeting all Imperial vehicles they could see. First armored charge of an entire armored company was stopped just fifty meters from the gate. Until now, the eleven tanks burned, sending piles of smoke up towards the ceiling above their heads. Bodies of numerous soldiers supporting the assault still laid among the wrecks.
All trials to take out the railguns were unsuccessful as well, as they were additionally protected by their own PDCs, making it impossible to destroy them with missiles. Also, the armor was too thick for snipers to take them out. Not to mention there were also snipers on the enemy side, taking out any allied sniper they saw.
In short, so far, the whole attack was a disaster.
Aster looked at Kilt to his left. The other captain was biting his nails through his gloves.
"Something wrong?"Aster asked.
Kilt looked at him and quickly stopped and cleared his throat.
"No."he replied."Everything's perfect."
"You certain? Because you seem stressed."
"You must be seeing things!"Kilt replied in more high pitched voice than normal.
Aster just shook his head. He saw too much in his life to be scared of something like this. Even though it was terrifying.
"Anyway, we're gonna go there sooner or later."he continued."So better get your men ready, or we will be toast."
Kilt looked at him, scoffed and walked away.
Meanwhile, Aster looked at Estro.
"Where is lady EVEa?"Estro asked."She was supposed to join us."
"I can't answer that, unfortunately."Aster said."Maybe she's just late?"
"Or maybe she's got some plan?"
"Maybe. You can never know, right?"
"Right."
As they observed for another few minutes, two more waves were sent into the fire, with the same result as before. Not even the thickest armor could protected the tanks from a direct railgun hit. Nearly half an armored battalion was destroyed and nobody even got close to the entrance. All in just a few minutes.
If it continued like that, they would have to call off the attack, but then, it would give the enemy a chance to counterattack and if something went right for them, then they could even take over the whole moon. And then it would lead to a response from the Imperials. Which would lead to thousands more deaths. And that was something none of them wanted. Nobody wanted thousands of dead civilians. Not good for propaganda.
As he watched wave after wave of soldiers and vehicles go to their deaths, he wondered, what will they encounter inside.
February 14
20:37
Inside the HQ
Goddesses, Tashima siblings and Zingo quickly left The META chamber and went to get information. Their greatest fears were confirmed, when some officer in the command center said, that Imperials started a direct assault on the facility. For now, the defenses were holding them at bay, but while the Technocrats were masters of technological warfare, there was still a chance for the Imps to break through.
This is why preparations went into overdrive, as the Technocrat infantry started setting up defenses in the corridors of the facility. To not feel left out, Goddesses quickly started doing the same and helped them. Meanwhile, Tashima, Yuko and Zingo stayed in the command center to monitor the situation.
"How does it look?"Tashima asked.
Zingo looked at the screens showing the view from cameras mounted on the PDCs and railguns.
"As you can see, we're still holding them off. But there are two ways this thing can end."the machine replied."Either we run out of ammo and they simply march in and start storming the buildings. Or, they will run out of men and weapons."
"Knowing Imperials, they will prefer to throw meat at us until we have only rocks to throw at them."Yuko said.
"Sounds about right."the android stated.
At the same time, in the corridors. Goddesses were helping the soldiers to prepare their defenses. Noire transformed and thanks to The META's permission, she took over the command of the defensive efforts, because, as it stated:
"SEEING A GODDESS IN COMMAND AND TRANSFORMED WILL BE GOOD FOR MORALE. IT WILL ASSURE THAT THE TROOPS WILL HOLD THEIR GROUND TO THEIR BITTER END."
Which sounded quite cold, even for a machine, but made sense.
"Come on!"Black Heart exclaimed."We won't let them take over this place! It's either us or them!"
"Yeah!"Technocrat soldiers replied.
"Wow, Noire really took that command role very seriously."Neptune stated.
She, Blanc and Vert were currently hiding behind a barricade Noire took as her command point. Together with them were around twenty soldiers, preparing to stop the enemy. Tension could be felt in the air and it was so thick one could cut it with a knife.
Explosions and railgun shots could be heard all around, as the automated defenses held the attackers at bay. But nobody knew if it will be enough.
"Well, she is the most commanding of us all."Blanc said and after a second added:"Second most."
"Right, because you're the first."Vert said.
"Exactly."Lowee's CPU agreed.
"Still, I think you don't her the 'capacity' to actually command."Vert said with a smirk.
Realizing what she meant by that, Blanc looked at her, her eye flashing red so much, that some soldiers around them actually backed off. Lowee's Goddess hissed like a venomous snake.
"You'll say something like that one more time, I swear that I will punch the fat out of your milk bags, you bi…!"
"Keep it calm!"Black Heart exclaimed."Unless you want to make the job easier for the Imps! If you want, you can try and kill each other for them!"
Everyone looked at her and then back at each other and returned to their work.
February 14
20:57
In front of the Technocrats HQ
The battle was certainly not turning in Imperial favor. Wrecks and bodies dotted the entire courtyard of the facility, railguns still fired and it was only a matter of time until Aster and his unit would be sent into the fray. And this moment was slowly inching closer and closer. Which was not good for anyone. Especially soldiers under Aster's command.
"What do we do?"Estro asked.
"I don't know. We will most likely serve as more cannon fodder."Aster replied.
"I don't think they can run out of ammo."other captain noticed.
"Most likely they stockpiled it for a long time, so they could defend for more than a few hours."
"That sucks."
"Exactly."
They just watched another wave getting annihilated by the railgun fire, white streaks of slug shots slamming into the ground at several hundred kil0ometers per hour. None could survive that. Not to mention the PDCs that were additionally finishing off the infantry.
"We're gonna be so dead."Estro stated.
"Can't argue with that."Aster replied with a heavy sigh.
He looked towards Kilt. The whole eagerness for battle and arrogance seemingly disappeared, replaced by stress and fear. Honestly, as much as Aster hated the guy, he couldn't blame him.
Right then, their all communicators came to life.
"Alright, people!"their colonel said in their ears."It's time for our veterans to show what they can do! Get out there and bring glory to your Empire!"
Aster sighed. Here it goes.
"Okay!"he said in the radio."This is our time! Let's get there and do what we have to do!"
"H-Hey!"Kilt exclaimed, his voice cracking."I'm in charge! I should…!"
"Yeah, yeah. Do as you wish."Aster rolled his eyes.
Kilt nodded and cleared his throat. Then he activated his radio and said:
"Okay! This is our time! Let's get there and what we have to do!"
Aster rolled his eyes again, but he listened, moving with his soldiers to starting positions. They quickly stood behind the supposedly safe protection of tank and APC armor and waited for the signal. Tension was high, as before every assault. Railguns and other defenses were silent, just waiting for their new prey.
"Move!"colonel ordered in radio.
And with that, the next wave moved in.
Immediately, railguns and PDCs came to life, peppering the assaulting force. To his left, Aster saw as a railgun round slammed into the tank and plowed through the soldiers hiding behind it, obliterating them. Aster just clenched his teeth as their unit pushed through, tanks firing, but their shells being shot down before impacting by the targets, while bullets fired by the APCs were not powerful enough to penetrate. The whole area was drowned in cacophony of the battle once more and Kilt tried his best to keep the morale up.
"Push!"he shouted through the radio."We are soldiers of the Aristian Empire! The greatest power the universe have ever seen! We shall pre…!"
Railgun round hit his squad head on, plowing through them just like before. Aster saw Kilt's head, eyes wide from surprise, flying away after the rest of his body was evaporated. He gritted his teeth, praying in his head to whatever was listening to him.
"This is fucked up!"Estro shouted in the radio.
"I am very fucking aware!"Aster replied.
Railguns and PDC still fired, slowly lowering the numbers of charging soldiers. It almost seemed, that this assault will end like the previous ones. However, something unexpected happened then.
The railguns and PDCs all blew up. Imperial soldiers looked at with shock and disbelief, but also with relief and joy. They raised their weapons in the air and started chanting:
"EVEa! EVEa! EVEa!"
Aster was confused for a moment, but then, he saw her. Standing between the burning weapons, her spear raised high, was EVEa, one of the four Imperial Knights, looking down at the soldiers. Honestly, for a moment, the assurance that she'll appear in the battle seemed like a simple propaganda to make sure soldiers will willingly throw away their lives, believing that their knight will come and save them.
But she was really here.
"With me!"she exclaimed from the top of the facility.
In response, she received dozens of battle cries, as soldiers, now without the need to hide, charged towards the facility, while EVEa simply jumped up and smashed through the ceiling, falling inside.
As she did, she came face to face with a whole company worth of enemy soldiers, standing just behind the entrance to the facility, supported by ten mechs. She quickly took a look at them. They looked back at her.
"Y-You're surrounded!"one of enemy soldiers exclaimed, their voice breaking.
EVEa smirked.
"All I am surrounded by is fear…"she replied, standing up."…and dead men."
Honestly, this line wasn't even hers. She saw it in a comic she read not too long ago and she though it sounded cool. Especially in a situation like this.
Enemy soldiers quickly regained composure and started pulling their triggers. Their lasers and bullets started flying at her, but they didn't think about her ability to predict the nearby future. Thanks to this, she knew about their attack in advance, what caused her to skillfully deflect all the shots coming at her with her spear, spinning it like a tornado. Soldiers tried to eliminate her with everything they had, but it seemed like it would be for nothing. Seeing this, one of the mechs locked onto her and fired a missile. Seeing it coming ahead of time, EVEa was ready for it.
As the missile flew, she stepped a bit to the side and, much to everyone's shock, she put the tip of her spear in it. Next, she did a spin and even more shockingly, she sent the missile back where it came from.
"Returning to the sender!"she exclaimed and laughed.
The missile made the distance and slammed into the mech, causing it to explode. Subsequent shrapnel additionally killed several nearby soldiers.
It was at this point that Aster, Estro and other soldiers reached the facility and joined the fight, firing at the Technocrat soldiers. Aster spotted EVEa, as she jumped into the fray and started slaughtering the defenders with her spear. They tried to fight her back, but she was too good at it. Limbs and bodies were flying left and right, Aster observed as she plowed through them like through some kind of wheat. And if some enemy managed to escape her wrath, he didn't escape the wrath of the other Imperial fighters.
In just a few minutes, from one hundred defenders, just twenty were standing, with all mechs but one destroyed. Last remaining mech actually still fought, slaughtering the attackers, but he met his end when EVEa through her spear which struck it's optical sensor and then simply pulled herself towards her weapon, slamming her fist into it and pushing it in further, destroying the machine's computing unit. Then she just ripped the spear out and spun it, cleaning it from the mix of blood, oil and other fluids.
Looking around, Aster almost couldn't believe she had did so much damage herself. But then again, she rivaled a Goddess in power.
"Spread out and secure the facility."EVEa ordered."Eliminate all resistance and if needed, take prisoners."
"Yes, lady EVEa!"soldiers replied.
"Well, seems like this actually has a chance to work."Estro said, standing next to Aster.
Captain looked back towards the courtyard filled with bodies and wrecks of vehicles. He wanted to say something, but ultimately decided to shut up.
"Yeah. Yeah, it does."he replied.
With that, the two of them followed their troops into the facility.
February 14
21:23
Inside the Technocrats HQ
Firefights already sounded through the corridors and halls of abandoned power plant, as Imperial troops started their clearing operations. Technocrat soldiers were doing their best to hold their ground, but with EVEa involved, it was basically useless. With the help of the Imperial Knight, the attackers pushed through like a wrecking ball, piercing through defense point after defense point and forcing the defenders to fall back deeper and deeper into the depths of the facility.
Zingo and Tashima siblings already left the command center and managed to reach the barricade commanded by Black Heart and other Goddesses. Upon their arrival, said Goddesses looked at them.
"What are you doing here?"Black Heart asked.
"Well, we have complications."Zingo replied."Turns out, that the enemy has an Imperial Knight with them."
There was a gasp of shock among the Technocrat soldiers manning the barricade, but Black Heart lifted her hand to silence them.
"Which one?"she asked.
"The one in charge of the area."the machine replied."EVEa."
Immediately, Vert tightened the grip on her spear.
"That…"she said, rage clear in her eyes.
"Keep it at bay."Blanc said."You'll have your shot at it."
"I hope so."
Right then, an explosion rocked the facility again.
"They are not playing around, do they?"Neptune asked.
"What else did you expect?"Black Heart asked.
"Incoming!"one of the soldiers exclaimed.
Down the corridor, they could already see Imperial soldiers pushing through this direction. Seeing the barricade, they didn't think twice and immediately opened fire, forcing the defenders to hide, but not without responding in kind, firing their weapons at the attackers. Numerous Imperial soldiers fell, but the rest still pushed. Seeing it, Black Heart flew from behind the barricade and towards the attackers.
Seeing the Goddess suddenly appear out of nowhere, some Imperials stopped and panicked, what allowed Black Heart to slam into them, swinging her sword in all directions, slashing them to pieces. Even when they regained their composure, it didn't help them, as she easily evaded their shots. In just few minutes, she managed to slaughter them all before they could cause anymore significant damage.
Everyone else observed this happen from behind the barricade.
"So good that she's on our side."Neptune said.
"Wait until we all regain our powers."Blanc said.
"I hope it will happen soon."Vert said.
Few minutes later, Black Heart was back, her sword covered in blood, but no drop on her, surprisingly.
"How do you do that?"Tashima asked.
"Do what?"Black Heart asked.
"There is no blood on you and you just killed an entire platoon."Zingo said.
"This is just how it works."Black Heart replied with a smile.
Right then, Zingo received a call and he quickly accepted it. Everyone looked at him for a few seconds, as he listened to whoever was on the other side. Once he finished, he looked at everyone.
"I got good news and bad news."the robot said.
"Elaborate."Neptune said.
"Good news, Imps seem to lower the intensity of their attacks."
"And the bad news?"
"Bad news, EVEa was spotted moving in our direction."
Suddenly, a chill moved down everyone's spine after hearing that.
"W-What do we do…?"one of the defenders asked.
Everyone quickly started thinking, trying to figure out what would they do of the Imperial Knight reached them. And not many solutions came to their minds. Finally, Vert sighed and stood up.
"Screw it."she said.
And without waiting, she jumped over the barricade.
"Vert, where are you going?!"Black Heart exclaimed.
"I'm gonna pull EVEa away! You take care of everyone else!"Vert shouted back.
"But I can fight her!"Lastation's CPU argued.
"You'll be as useful here as you would in fight with her! This is the main line of defense! You're needed here!"
And with that, she disappeared behind the turn. Everyone looked at each other.
"She's gonna get herself killed…"Blanc said through gritted teeth.
"I think we have to trust her on this one."Black Heart said.
"I hope she'll be alright…"Yuko said.
"We all do."Tashima said.
Further down the corridors, Aster and Estro followed EVEa with their teams. Imperial Knight specifically requested their company, as they were next in the line of command after Kilt. They moved through the corridors and didn't even fire one bullet. Whenever they met some kind of resistance, it was EVEa who took care of it, with deadly effectiveness.
"This is easier than expected."Estro said.
"Most likely they didn't expect anyone would break inside of the facility."Aster replied."So they had to improvise with defenses here."
"Their loss!"Estro laughed.
"Focus on the mission."EVEa told them.
Immediately, they both fell silent. Everyone knew that out of all Imperial Knights, it was EVEa who was the most cheerful and kid-like, even though she was not the youngest of the four sisters. But when push came to shove, she would turn as serious as Hall-A or Tacoma. You would better not piss her off then.
They made another turn. And stopped.
"You're gotta be kidding me…"Estro said.
Standing in front of them was a single woman, dressed in standard ship crew clothes, looking at them with fierce eyes. In her right hand, she only held a spear.
But both Aster and EVEa recognized that spear.
"Lady Vert…"Aster whispered.
"Former CPU of Leanbox."EVEa said, spinning her spear."To be frank, I didn't expect to see you here."
"I could say the same about you."Vert replied, shouldering her spear."Life can be surprising, can it?"
"Certainly."Imperial Knight agreed with a smile."After her."EVEa ordered.
Soldiers looked at the two of them, surprised, but right then, Vert dipped into the nearby maintenance shaft, surprising them, but not EVEa, who stood there. She already knew Vert was gonna do it with few seconds start, but decided to let her do as she pleased. It would make hunting her down much more exciting.
"After her!"she said louder, seeing that the soldiers didn't move yet."Captain Aster, you go. Rest, continue as planned."
"Yes, Lady EVEa!"Aster and Estro said.
The two looked at each other.
"Just watch out out there, bud."Estro said.
"Same to you."Aster replied.
They fist bumped and Aster's soldiers approached the maintenance shaft and entered it one by one, with Aster in the front. EVEa watched the two groups of soldiers going to do their respective task, while she beat with herself, thinking where she should go. Probability of Estro's soldiers making it through enemy defenses was minimal without her. Meanwhile, same was with Aster and his troops capturing Vert. She closed her eyes.
And made a choice.
"Hope I won't regret it."she whispered.
And she flew into the wall, following along the maintenance shaft.
February 14
21:37
Orbit of Sanghill
Captain of Playful Edict, personal flagship of EVEa, sat in his chair, resting. Since their arrival, the battleship was put on standby, as it's services would not be as needed as previously expected. Orbital bombardment on Technocrat HQ would end in much bigger damage, most likely tearing apart the entire undersurface city, as the sudden change of pressure would simply suck it out into space, like what happened if you made a hole in a spaceship. So the ship, as well as it's escorts, had not much to do.
So the whole crew was allowed to just kick back and relax, waiting for the return of their leader. Captain was just sitting, doing nothing but drinking coffee.
"Report?"she asked her FO.
"Still nothing to report, ma'am."she replied.
"You know, I could get used to this."captain said, leaning back further into her chair."To situations when we can just sit back and watch the show. Speaking of which, how do you think they're doing down there?"
"According to the seismic data, the fighting is fierce."FO answered."We detected numerous explosions and it's possible that our forces have already entered the facility."
"Well, it's almost two hours since the operation started."Captain looked at her watch."I wouldn't be surprised if they were almost done and now just finishing up whatever was remaining."
"Agreed, ma'am."
Captain returned to drinking her coffee. She was one of the more long-time veterans of the Imperial Navy, beginning her career at the time of rule of the previous Emperor's father. These were good times, when the Empire expanded still, so Navy was on constant combat readiness. Only later did it become peaceful and kinda dull.
There was a moment when everything was like the good old days, three years ago. But then again, it lasted only one day. And after that, to the boring standby. Imperial Knights' personal flagships were always held in the back until their owners were really needed somewhere.
As she sat there, the captain was suddenly torn out of her tranquility by a shout from the radar officer.
"Detecting numerous signals on approach!"he exclaimed.
"What the fuck?!"captain asked, almost flying over to him."What do you mean by that?!"
"I mean, that we're detecting numerous enemy signals on their way to us!"radar officer replied."Some larger vessels and some smaller ones."
"Can you determine their type?"captain asked.
"Of course, we…"
Before the radar officer could finish, suddenly, his radar screen gone haywire. Number of enemies approaching grew and shrinked, their position changed, enemy ships were once close, once far. Captain and radar officer looked at it, not knowing what to say. Comms officer reported, that their escort ships are reporting the same problems.
"Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?!"captain demanded.
"Captain!"high-pitched scream came from the weapon systems operator."W-We lost control of our weapon systems!"
"What?!"she exclaimed.
Before anything else could be asked, the battleship guns, as well as guns of it's escorts, turned towards each other. Seconds later, they fired, high power railguns puncturing holes and gauges in the hulls. Playful Edict shook from the impacts, throwing everyone off of their legs and making them fall over. Same was with other ships, hit with railgun shots time after time. The fleet was basically destroying itself.
Captain returned to her seat, trying to take control of the situation.
"I want everyone to quickly regain control of the ship!"she ordered."And find out how could all this happen?!"
"Yes, ma'am!"everyone replied.
Captain started quickly thinking. Someone hacked her ships within seconds. Few seconds and everything was turned against them. And there was only one force who could do just that. A force they were currently dealing with.
The Technocrats.
But the ones on the surface were too occupied by the operation. So whoever did it, must…
Her thoughts were interrupted, when a railgun shell, not fired by any of the Imperial ships, slammed into her bridge, completely obliterating it, followed by many others, which joined the dance of destruction that had already continued among the vessels. Rain of railgun shells fell on them, piercing through the armor plating, reaching the deepest compartments, turning people into stains and generally destroying everything in their path.
Within seconds, battleship was basically useless, turned into husk, just like it's escorts. The ship drifted in the orbit, the gravitational pull of the moon slowly pulling it and it's escorts towards the surface.
Several thousand kilometers away from the ships, captain of one of the Technocrat EW ships observed everything on his screen. The enemy ships in the orbit were eliminated with upmost precision and effectiveness. Their codes and systems were not hard to crack and take control of them. The rest was just a formality. Additional salvos from the railgun drones and the railguns on the ship itself were all that they needed to completely ensure their victory.
The ship was on the way to Sanghill to give it's gathered intel to the HQ and The META. Presence of one of four flagships in the orbit surprised them. This is why they quickly devised a plan to eliminate them. They had the chance to eliminate one of enemy's most powerful warships, they took it and they nailed it. Literally.
Captain looked at his comms officer.
"I want you to contact the surface. Immediately."he ordered.
"Yes, captain!"the comms officer replied.
With the situation in orbit under control, captain gave orders to their drones to return to the ship. Now, the time has come to give support to the surface.0
February 14
21:51
The Technocrat HQ
Vert continued to crawl through the maintenance shaft. Behind her, she could hear enemy soldiers doing the same. They were closer and closer and truth be told, it was certain they were going to catch up with her, as something was slowing her down…
"Maybe Blanc is right…"Vert thought."Maybe big tits are not always the best ones…"
She bent herself around the next corner to easier crawl through. She could hear the tearing of metal around her, which may have meant, that EVEa probably took less peaceful way of following her. Which at least gave her some time. Still, she had to take care of the soldiers that were just behind her.
At the same time, Aster was crawling with his soldiers right behind Vert and various thoughts raced through his mind. The spear held by the woman definitely was the same one carried by Goddess Vert. It could be fake, true, but still, there were some doubts in captain's heart. He guessed that everything will be uncovered sooner or later.
"Keep going, people! We're just behind her!"Aster told his soldiers.
"Do you see any pleasant views, sir?"one of them asked and giggled.
Aster rolled his eyes.
"Stop acting like horny teenagers, damn you!"he hissed.
Vert rolled her eyes as well hearing their banter. She couldn't really blame them. Her line of thought was interrupted, though, as she saw an exit from the shaft in front of her. It was so close and she could almost feel the freedom. So she picked up the pace and started crawling faster until she reached the hole and quickly exited the maintenance shaft. She was now standing in the empty generator room. Silent hum of the generators around was reaching her ears as they continued operating.
"Okay, now…"
Before she could finish, the wall above her exploded and EVEa flew out of it. She then slowly hovered down in front of Vert, pointing her spear at her.
"Well, well, well."she said."Seems like the cat caught the mouse."She grinned from ear to ear.
Behind Vert, Aster and his soldiers exited the shaft as well and now, they started setting up behind the Goddess, although their weapons were lowered.
"So. You have me cornered."Vert said, shouldering her spear.
"Yeah, seems like it."EVEa replied."But trust me. I don't like the fact that I have to chase you down."
"Why?"Vert scoffed."Because you have some executions you want to see? Or maybe you have a rebellion to put down."
EVEa shook her head.
"No."she said."It's because there are so many games and comics I'm missing out on!"She pouted and stomped her foot down.
Vert blinked a few times, surprised.
"Wait. You're a gamer too?"she asked.
"Been my whole life."EVEa replied, clearly surprised."You are as well?"
They stood there, looking at each other. Soldiers around them were doing the same, trying to figure out what to do now.
"Captain…?"one of them asked, but was stopped by Aster raising his hand.
"Wait. Let's see how this develops."he replied. Who knew, maybe all this could be resolved peacefully.
"Aww, crap."EVEa sighed."It's the first time I met another person who likes games like me IRL and I have to beat them up. No fair."She pouted again.
"You know, we don't have to fight."Vert said, seeing an opportunity.
EVEa raised an eyebrow.
"Why is that?"she asked.
"Well…maybe we could join forces?"CPU of Leanbox explained."You seem like a good person. Seeing you serve such bastards as Keya is not something I like. And maybe after we overthrow the Empire, we might play some games together?"
Aster's heart was pounding. The tension in the air was high and thick and anything could happen at any moment.
"Eh…"EVEa sighed."A tempting proposal…but I fear I must refuse."She readied her weapon."I am loyal to my mother and our people."
"That's what I feared."Vert replied, also taking a fighting stance.
Seeing this development, something snapped in Aster. Captain gritted his teeth. He looked at his soldiers. Looking in his eyes, they could see what he thought. He nodded at them.
"Are you with me?"he asked in the radio.
"Always, captain."they all replied.
"Good."
Aster looked towards the two fighters.
"Lady EVEa!"he exclaimed.
EVEa turned around and saw Aster and his soldiers aiming their weapons at her.
"Captain, what is the meaning of this?"she asked.
"I have determined, that enough is enough."he replied."Enough fighting, enough killing. I killed more of my own people than I can count. But it ends today. And I'm gonna be sure of it."
He took a deep breath.
"Lady EVEa, by the authority of Lady Vert, acting CPU of Leanbox, I place you under arrest. If you surrender peacefully, you can be sure of a fair trial."
EVEa made a face that screamed 'Say whaaaaat?' as she looked at the soldiers. Meanwhile, Vert just stood there, dumbfounded.
"Thanks…I guess…?"she said.
"You know that it's treason then, captain?"EVEa asked.
"I really wish it didn't come to this."Aster replied.
"So did I."
Saying that, EVEa spun around and the tip of her spear glowed. When she did her spin, she sent a crescent of energy flying at the soldiers. Before they could react, the crescent reached them, cutting them down.
"Now that this is taken care of…"EVEa said, but didn't finish.
She felt a powerful strike on her back, which she survived only thanks to her personal shield. Looking back, she saw Vert standing there, her weapon at the ready. The Goddess was clearly surprised.
"I'm surprised you didn't see that coming."she said.
"You…!"EVEa replied and charged at her.
Vert quickly parried her attack, beating it to the left and immediately tried to counter, but EVEa evaded it like she saw it coming.
"Of course she does."Vert thought."She can see into the fucking future!"
Smile appeared on EVEa's face as she made a quick series of thrusts with her spear, trying to hit Vert in her weakest points, but the Goddess was keeping with her. Barely, but she was. She just didn't know for how long and she had no way to get help. Maybe leaving it to Noire was not such a bad idea after all…?
Vert beat back another series of attacks, but EVEa continued to press on, forcing Vert to fall back. The blades of their spears made sparks as they collided. The whole area was lost in the dance of spears and sparks.
"You can't keep up with me forever!"EVEa exclaimed."I'm surprised you actually are doing better than our last encounter!"
"Yeah? Well, surprise, surprise."Vert replied.
As she said that, she tried to additionally punch her opponent, but EVEa just made a step to the side and grabbed Vert by her wrist, spinning around and throwing her towards the nearest generator. CPU slammed into it and the high voltage hit her like a bullet train. She could feel the electricity coursing through her veins, reaching her every nerve and fingertip. She screamed, which came out as a long wail.
Finally, she fell to the ground, smoke coming up from her. She slowly stood up, barely standing on her legs. She held her spear tightly.
"Seriously?"EVEa asked."Just give up. I really wouldn't like to hurt a fellow gamer."
"Screw…you…"Vert hissed.
EVEa sighed.
"Then I'm really sorry."she said.
She rushed at her again.
Meanwhile, among the dead bodies of his soldiers, Aster managed to stand up. Looking around, he was saddened by seeing that he was the only one who made it out. When EVEa sent her attack at them, he quickly fell backwards. It seemed like nobody else decided to do the same. He gritted his teeth and looked up. There, he saw EVEa and Vert still battling it out, even though it was clear, that Vert is getting weaker. It was a matter of time before EVEa would overpower her.
He had to do something, he knew that. He already defied his orders and superiors. Why not do it further?
His eyes fell on a power cable laying on the ground, sparkling. His eyes looked at it and then back at the fighting a few times, before finally deciding what he would do.
"I hope I know what I'm doing."he whispered.
He ran for it.
Meanwhile, Vert felt herself slowly losing strength. She knew she could not beat EVEa, not in this state. Was it really going to be her end…?
EVEa made another strike, this time so powerful, that it sent her flying backwards. She skidded on the floor to the back of the chamber. EVEa immediately jumped up to her and put the tip of her spear to her face.
"Admit it. You lose."she said.
"As I said…screw…you…"Vert said through gritted teeth, barely catching breath.
"Come on, I really would not want to do it."EVEa pouted."I really would love to play games with you…but I don't wanna fail my mother."
"What? Too scared…?"
The Imperial Knight shook her head.
"No. She's just been through enough grief already."she whispered.
Vert frowned.
"What…?"
Before she could finish, suddenly, EVEa screamed, when she was hit with a power cable held by Aster from behind. Several hundred thousand volts coursed through her body, a strength big enough to kill a normal human. But she was an Imperial Knight, meaning that this amount of power would just hurt her like all the worst pains combined.
The electricity not only caused great pain to EVEa, but additionally, it made her suit's system's overload. Her personal shield shattered and made her vulnerable. Seeing this happen, Vert grabbed her spear. And as she did it, without even realizing it, she was enveloped by green light and emerged from it, changed.
"Aaaaaaaaa!"Green Heart exclaimed, as she sunk her spear deep into EVEa's chest.
As if by magic, the whole area fell silent, only muffled shots could be heard. EVEa widened her eyes, as she grabbed onto the spars of the spear sunk deep in her chest and looked at Green Heart.
"How…?"the Imperial Knight asked, tears in her eyes."Why…?"
"I'm sorry."Green Heart said."I wish we could play games together."
EVEa did not answer as the Goddess pulled the spear out and kicked the girl back, making her fall to the floor. Immediately as she hit the ground, she erupted in tears, as she additionally started to dissolve, particles of her flying into air, until she was completely gone.
Green Heart looked at Aster, who seemed both shocked and anxious after what he's done.
"Thank you."she said.
"You're welcome…I think…"Aster replied, looking at his hands."But I don't know if I actually made the good choice…"
Goddess put a hand on his arm.
"You did what you thought was right. That's what's important."she said.
"But…what will happen to my family now? If the higher ups learn about it, they will not let them go."
Green Heart risen her eyebrow.
"You know…I think I have an idea how to deal with it…"
February 14
22:16
In front of The META chamber
Almost all the points of defense have already fallen. This was not good. There were still some in the facility, which would most likely fall sooner or later. This is why Zingo made a decision to set up the last point of defense at The META's chamber. If they fell here and enemy got to The META, then that meant the end of their organization. Imps would get all the information they needed to completely eradicate their cells.
"Get a move on, you pansies!"Zingo shouted."If we lose this position, we lose it all!"
"Yes, sir!"soldiers replied.
Neptune, Blanc and Black Heart observed it all happen from the back. Tashima siblings were also helping to fortify the location. It was actually surprising that again they landed on the brink of defeat and even help of Black Heart barely made a change.
"Well. Do we suck, or we're just really unlucky?"Neptune asked."Or maybe it's all for the sake of literary epicness or something?"
"What are you talking about?"Black Heart asked."We're fighting for our lives here and you're making jokes?"
"My coping mechanism, remember?"Goddess of Planeptune replied.
Blanc just rolled her eyes.
"We also don't know what happened to Vert."Blanc said.
The other two looked at her.
"Hey, did I hear a bit of worry in that voice of yours?"Neptune asked.
"No you didn't!"Blanc shouted back."I'm just pissed that she ran off, leaving us with ¼ less of firepower!"
"Still, don't know if she would help much…"Black Heart said.
"Holy shit!"someone exclaimed.
Looking towards the corridor, everyone saw and earlier heard approaching company of Imperial Marines. Zingo cursed under his breath and looked at his soldiers, pointing at the approaching enemy.
"Get to your positions! We make our stand here!"he ordered.
"Yes, sir!"the soldier replied.
Immediately, everyone started taking their positions, while Goddesses joined them. Black Heart floated in front of them, pointing her blade at the approaching enemies.
"This is gonna get ugly."Neptune said.
"As always."Blanc said.
Imperial soldiers were closer and closer. Just a few seconds and…
A wall next to the Imperials exploded and a flash of green light flew through it. It landed between the Imperials, throwing some of them around. When the flash disappeared, everyone saw a familiar figure.
"What the…?"Blanc exclaimed.
Green Heart stood up and looked at the Imperial Marines looking at her, their weapons raised. Goddess looked back at them, spear in one hand, bloodied helmet in the other. Estro, who was with the Marines, saw 'ASTER' written on the helmet and tightened the grip on his weapon.
"You monster…"he said.
"You're the one saying that."Green Heart replied."It was EVEa who could be called that. But I took care of her."
Soldiers gasped.
"What did you do to her?!"another Imperial Marine exclaimed.
"She's gone."Green Heart said, tightening the grip on her spear and throwing the helmet to Estro's feet."Just like Tacoma."
Estro felt anger growing inside of him.
"You'll pay for this…"he said, raising his weapon.
Green Heart's spear flashed as it's tip cut through Estro's throat. He grabbed it, trying to stop the bleeding, but it was of no use. He was dead before he even hit the ground. Other Imperials looked at it and, without saying anything, they turned and started running. Seeing this, Technocrats started chasing them. News about the fate of EVEa quickly spread among the Imperials in the facility, causing them to start running as well. This allowed the rest of the defenders to immediately leave their defensive positions and went after them.
At the same time, Technocrat EW ship went to work, quickly gaining control of Imperial systems across the planet, basically trapping the Imperials in a complete trap, as even the street patrolling Centurions turned against them. Few hours after it all begun, the whole moon was under the Technocrat control, while the remaining Imperial soldiers surrendered. People in the streets celebrated, as they could be free from Imperial rule. They knew Imperial retaliation will come, but for now, they decided to enjoy the time they had.
Immediately the Technocrats started adapt the whole planet to their use, as information was sent to the remaining EW ships that now, they didn't have to constantly hide across the system and could come to Sanghill to do some R&R. Additionally, Goddesses and Tashimas used their contacts with the VA to assure that some VA ships would come and help to patrol and defend the moon from attacks. It was a help The META gladly accepted.
It was most likely the biggest victory of the Gamindustrian resistance since the start of occupation. And there were more to come.
February 15
00:21
Near The META chamber
Aster knelt in front of Estro's corpse, still laying on the ground in front of The META chamber. Next to Estro laid Aster's helmet, which he soaked with blood of his dead soldiers, so it would look like Vert killed him. Now, if somehow the information got out, it would be said that he died. So his family would, hopefully, be safe.
"Sorry for all this, old chap."Aster said, taking Estro's dog tag."Maybe in a different timeline, we could be real friends…"
"Maybe."he heard from behind him.
He looked back and saw Vert approaching. She already dropped her disguise and presented herself in full glory. The news of her presence spread across the moon and everyone erupted in even bigger cheers, as Sanghill was Leanbox's territory after all.
"Lady Vert."Aster said, standing and nodding.
"No need for pleasantries."she said."Just Vert is enough."
"If you say so."
Goddess looked at Estro.
"Seems like you were close."
"Yeah."Aster nodded."Been friends since basic. He was a hard-line Imperial…but he was a good friend. Probably the only one I made in my Imperial Army career."
"Actually…You're Leanboxian, right?"Vert asked."What caused you to join the Imperial Army?"
"I wanted to do what's best for my family."He nodded."And if it meant making a pact with the devil…then that's fine for me. Even though it caused me to lose all my friends and become seen as a traitor."
"But you had good intentions."
"In my eyes, yes. In eyes of everyone else? I sold myself to the invaders and became their bitch. But now, when they hopefully think I'm dead, they will at least leave my family alone. I hope so."
Vert placed a hand on his back.
"It will be fine. Once we take care of Keya, nobody will have to fear for their family anymore."she promised.
Captain nodded.
"So, what are you gonna do now?"Goddess asked.
"I though that…maybe I could go with your group?"Aster asked.
"And why is that?"
"Well…I don't really see myself joining the Technos. I sure like my fleshy organs and such."
This caused a slight laugh to come out of Vert.
"Sure you can come along. There is always a place for anyone who wants to join and help us in our mission."
"Thanks."
Taking one last look at the deceased body of his only friend in Imperial Army, he followed her.
Few hours later, Beacon of Hope took off and left the planet, with resistance ships in the orbit blinking their lights as a way to say goodbye.
XXX
And this is the end for today! As always, feel free to leave a review, follow and favorite. It will be highly appreciated!
Goodbye!