Mission 6: Escort the Weaponized Mining Ship
"621. I've noticed you acting anxiously recently," Handler Walter said.
"… Rested… and no jobs?" 621 asked. She fidgeted in the cockpit, tugging at the large zip down the center of her pilot suit. Handler Walter had barely spoken to her after the Tester AC mission.
She was worried he was on to her.
She was worried he knew she was broken.
She was worried he was looking for a replacement.
"About that… we were waiting for a good opportunity to reach the Bona Dea Dunes. There was an immense sandstorm blanketing the area over the past few days, so we remained grounded," Handler Walter said.
"Is… job there?" 621 asked.
"That's right. We've got two conflicting requests regarding the same ship," Handler Walter said. At that, 621's on-board computer gave her the notification of two new jobs becoming available. "You'll be doing the work, so you get to choose. Check the briefings."
The moment the comms cut, 621 let out a huge breath of relief. She sunk down into her seat, a dopey smile plastered on her face. Her Handler wasn't going to get rid of her.
Giggling excitedly, she popped open the requests and viewed them one at a time, beginning with a request from the Arquebus Group.
"Got a job for you, 621," Handler Walter's recorded voice began. "This one's a request from the Arquebus Group."
Watching the familiar logo cover her display, 621 expected the same somewhat pleasant voice to begin the briefing. Right on time, the liaison spoke.
"Raven. This request comes from Schneider, an Arquebus subsidiary," the liaison began. Cue the sleek orange logo. "The mission will take place in the Bona Dea Dunes of Western Bellius."
621 saw a visual of a large desert, appropriately filled with various hills and rock formations scattered about. The image quickly shifted to the inside of a sandstorm, but something massive was clearly walking through it in the distance, six legs that must have been the size of skyscrapers plodding forward.
"Our Coral investigation there is being blocked by the STRIDER, a Rubicon Liberation Front mining ship," the briefing continued. "You are to destroy it."
621 tilted her head slightly. She didn't think she had access to a weapon powerful enough to take down something like that. Thankfully, the image quickly swapped to schematics of her target, likely to help explain how an AC was supposed to destroy something like that.
"The STRIDER is a mobile resource base that was expensively weaponized by the Liberation Front. Call it the crowning glory of their efforts to militarize into an anti-corporate force," the liaison continued.
The image panned out to show the Strider from the side, perspective shifting to highlight its uniquely segmented composition. 621 wasn't sure if that meant the ship was somehow modular or if it meant that each piece needed to fall individually. Before she could weigh what made more sense for a machine of that scale, the image shifted upwards and focused on what appeared to be some kind of weapon mounted atop the ship.
"Your attack will focus on the Eye, a giant laser cannon connected directly to the main generator," the liaison said.
"Ahhh…" 621 vocalized, realizing what the plan would be. Destroying a system connected to the main generator would at the very least disable the ship, even if the entire structure wasn't destroyed in the process.
"It's protected by a shield which is powered by auxiliary sub-generators. These should be your first targets," the briefing further explained, shifting back to the original schematic view and highlighting four areas on the ship. Shortly after, it swapped to a shaky camera feed of a sub-generator, identifying it as an easily recognizable power core that jutted out of the STRIDER's main body. From what she could see, the open rotary modules were necessary to rapidly release heat, which made them vulnerable to direct attacks.
"This concludes the briefing. Good luck," the liaison said. At that, the briefing ended, leaving 621 the option of accepting the job or backing out.
Considering that Handler Walter had told her there were two requests about the same ship, she wondered what else people might want with the STRIDER. Deciding not to waste time guessing, she opened the second job offer.
"Got a job for you, 621," Handler Walter's recorded voice began once again. "We've received a request from the Rubicon Liberation Front."
621 blinked as the Liberation Front's strange logo, a man overlooking sand dunes, appeared on screen. She didn't think the Rubicon Liberation Front hired mercenaries, noting the 'RLF' shortening used during their own briefing introduction.
"Raven," an RLF representative said. "Here's an operation that may be of interest to you."
621 was surprised. She expected a Liberation Front representative to sound angrier with her. She had killed a lot of them recently.
"We want you to escort the STRIDER, a weaponized mining ship," the representative said. 621's display swapped to a much clearer picture of the STRIDER taken from ground level nearby, likely with an MT's camera given how wide of a shot it was.
The picture shifted to a geographic map of the Western Bellius region, showcasing a number of areas highlighting corporate interests that were beginning to encroach on a large sphere along the coastline, indicated as Liberation Front territory. "There's no end to the corps' invasion. They've reached the Bona Dea Dunes in Western Bellius now," the representative continued.
The image shifted back to one of the STRIDER on the move, the large grinder arm on its front plowing through some sand as it walked. "Before the invasion, the STRIDER was our mobile base for extracting and distributing Coral. We paid the Dosers a fortune to outfit it for combat – it's too precious an asset to lose."
That was a term 621 had only vaguely heard of before in reference to people who used Coral as a drug. She didn't know they functioned as a group, let alone one capable of equipping a mining ship with a laser cannon strong enough to deter corporate forces.
"Hopefully, we can count on your assistance. After rendezvousing with the STRIDER, the Liberation Front will maintain your AC and provide for your needs to the best of its ability for the entirety of this operation's duration. Of course, this won't affect your payment," the representative concluded. At that, the briefing ended, and 621's cockpit returned to normal.
With both options available, 621 began comparing the job listings.
Arquebus offered 270,000 COAM, no bonuses, and set a deadline for completion of the operation, leaving the time of attack and method of approach completely up to whoever took the job.
RLF offered 500,000 COAM, no bonuses, and an imminent night-time rendezvous date set just before the operation commenced to ensure any potential enemies would be unaware of the STRIDER's added protection. Hired guards were expected to remain on duty for one week, with the potential for immediate re-hire if the situation called for it.
621 hummed, checking her back account to see how much she had available. Sitting comfortably at 290,000 COAM, she could see the need for more money if she planned on updating her AC's frame. Additionally, the timing of the guard mission ended one day after the deadline for the STRIDER's destruction, meaning that the RLF's request was likely a direct response to Arquebus's request. This left 621 to consider the possibilities for each operation.
Taking Arquebus's job was simple – she would go and destroy the STRIDER. Heavy combat was required and given the size of the Eye laser cannon from the schematics, would likely be extremely dangerous. She recalled old combat data recovered from one of Handler Walter's previous Hounds had ended with them being obliterated by a similar weapon. It was undoubtedly a high-risk job. Possibly too high-risk for that level of pay.
Taking the RLF's job would be a small outing – she would be stationed on the STRIDER, likely hiding somewhere on it to avoid detection from long range scanners, and only emerge to combat any serious threats that approached it. There was a chance that whatever threats the STRIDER faced could be easily handled by the Eye, or that nobody else would attempt to destroy the STRIDER if she didn't, meaning there was a slim chance that she could be paid for simply standing guard and not actually fighting. Of course, if combat did occur, she imagined it would be against other AC pilots, as she doubted any MT was mobile enough to seriously threaten the STRIDER. Those fights could be difficult, but she would be supported by the STRIDER itself and whatever other RLF forces were in the area.
After some consideration, she decided to accept the job from the RLF. If both jobs were going to be high-risk, there was no reason not to take the higher paying job. Defending the STRIDER sounded like a simpler task to prepare for, as that meant she could prep her AC to focus solely on pressuring enemy units. Nothing in the briefing indicated she needed to destroy a set amount of opponents, and melee combat could easily endanger her if the Eye was also aiming at her targets.
Deciding her choice of weaponry, she put in a quick request message to the maintenance team. She would swap both of her arm weapons out for her two Ludlow machine guns, intent on simply forcing enemies back or rapidly pursuing anything that tried to slip past her. Given what she knew of the STRIDER, she doubted the RLF would mind if a few rounds or missiles struck the deck of the ship. Additionally, she knew the RLF made extensive use of cheap weaponry like the Ludlow. There would be no shortage of ammo for her to request during the mission.
With preparations complete and her AC set-up for deployment, 621 was about to exit her cockpit when her comms came on.
"621. Come to the office," Handler Walter said.
621 froze. Handler Walter almost never called for her in person.
Had she done something wrong?
Did she make a decision he didn't approve of?
Was the conflicting job situation a test?
Shuddering, 621 barely managed to respond. "Y-yes…" she breathed.
"… Don't take too long," Handler Walter said. The comms cut off, leaving 621 in silence. She sat still for a few moments, eyes wide as her mind raced.
She hadn't hallucinated in three days. There were no incidents in that time. She had been nice to the maintenance team just now. She had even kept up the exercising and eating routine Handler Walter suggested. What had she done wrong?
Deactivating her AC and exiting the cockpit, 621 looked around the hangar. The maintenance team was loading the Ransetsu and BU-TT/A into storage containers without issue. Her AC was in as pristine a condition as it usually was before a mission. The lights in Handler Walter's office were on, and she could see faintly see his outline standing near his desk. Gulping, she closed her AC and slowly began walking over.
She nervously patted down her hair, trying to make herself look more presentable, and pulled up the zip to her pilot suit so that it no longer exposed everything down to her navel, instead hanging open around the midsection of the gray cropped thermals she wore underneath. She adjusted her leash, making sure it wasn't loose in any way, and patted her pilot suit's leggings down to ensure there were no extraneous straps loose or pockets hanging open. Finally, she smoothed out Handler Walter's emblem, placed proudly over her pilot suit's left breast like a militaristic badge of honor, before entering the office.
Handler Walter was a tall man whose polished walking cane and penchant for patterned dark overcoats could easily fool someone into thinking he was the kind of person who cared what other people thought about him. It could just as easily fool them into thinking he was physically weak, but a single handshake would disprove that. Curly silver hair crowned his head and lined a sharp chin, acting as a frame that put the more prominent features of his face and piercing gray eyes into perspective. He stood in his dimly lit office, back to the door as 621 entered.
"621. Take a seat," he said, shifting his head towards the sofa near the wall of his office. Unlike before, it had clearly been repacked to perfection.
"… Mmhh," 621 said, slowly walking over to the seat. She glanced downwards, making sure she remained presentable. She grimaced, noticing the white laces of her left boot were undone. Usually, having laces undone was of no concern for someone who spent all their time in a cockpit, but it was a sign of carelessness. A mark against her.
Sitting down, she quickly tied the lace, hoping her Handler wouldn't notice. Sitting up, she saw him finish what he was doing at his desk – making a hot drink in a disposable cup. He picked up the cup and walked over, cane accentuating every step until he took a seat next to 621 and placed the cup down in front of her.
"Here. Figured a warm drink might help. You've been shivering recently," Handler Walter said. "Don't worry, it isn't coffee. Managed to get some cocoa."
621 nodded, tentatively taking the cup. She raised it to her face and sniffed, taking in a much more pleasant aroma than the one that struck her when she was given coffee. She slowly took a sip, warmth flooding her mouth almost rapidly enough to burn alongside a subdued sweet flavor. She paused, swallowing, before letting out a content exhale. This cocoa was a good drink.
"Seems you like it," Handler Walter said. 621 nodded enthusiastically, turning to him with a smile. "Hmm. I'll see about keeping a supply in here, then."
"… Like that," 621 said, taking another small drink. Handler Walter glanced back at her, the scar running down the left side of his face markedly similar to the wound on 621's neck. She had never asked if her Handler was once a pilot, but she could see the signs clearly enough. Thinking about it, she realized the overcoats could easily cover any telltale signs of augmentation around his neck and upper back.
A short silence followed, Handler Walter seemingly in thought about something as 621 sipped on her cocoa. She considered asking why he called her here but feared that could be seen as insubordination. Or worse, ungratefulness. Thankfully, Handler Walter soon spoke again.
"Chose the Liberation Front, did you?" Handler Walter asked. 621 slowly nodded. "Whatever works to get your name out there. That's the benefit of being independent."
"… Paid more…" 621 said. Her Handler simply nodded, pausing for a bit before speaking again.
"621," Handler Walter said. "About the mission you've accepted…"
She leaned back slightly. This was why she had been called in, not the drink.
"The RLF is asking you to stay with them for a week," Handler Walter continued. "You've fought against them in the past. It's fair to assume that some of its members will have a vendetta against you."
"… Sh-should not… take job?" 621 asked.
"No. Whatever your reasoning, you want to work with them," Handler Walter said. "As an independent mercenary, you have that option. And as an independent mercenary, you have the right to defend yourself."
"Deehhh… defend?" 621 asked.
"Unlike corporate mercs who can't fight back against their corporation's board or their superiors, you aren't bound by any rules," Handler Walter said. "I don't think the RLF leadership will do anything to you – they're the ones who hired us, after all. But the RLF is a guerilla army, full of unstable zealots and madmen worshipping Coral. I doubt they keep proper tabs on all of their members or bar the psychopaths from signing on."
"… Think… in danger?" 621 asked.
"I can't ignore the possibility," Handler Walter said. "I've heard enough tales of independent mercs lured into jobs that sound like easy money, only for it to be a trap meant to take them out. You need to be ready for something like that on the STRIDER."
"Have gun… need more?" 621 asked, patting the pistol holstered to her waist.
"I'm sure you can fend off anyone stupid enough to try and attack you directly," Handler Walter said. "But there are other precautions you can take to avoid more… underhanded attacks. So I'll need you to promise me that you'll always do these three things while working with the RLF."
"… Kay," 621 said.
"First, always eat and sleep in your AC. You're vulnerable outside, so this will minimize the chance of them attacking you directly," Handler Walter said. "I'll pack a supply bag for you to take in your cockpit. There'll be enough rations in there to last the duration of the operation. Eat only what I give you and do not accept meals from any RLF members. Is that clear?"
"Yes," 621 said.
"Second, keep a direct comms link open with me whenever the RLF has you on standby. We'll be trailing the STRIDER in this transport," Handler Walter continued. "If the RLF turns on you, or attempts to use the STRIDER against you, retreat immediately. We'll rendezvous shortly and evacuate."
"… Not fight… RLF?" 621 asked.
"If they get in your way, eliminate them," Handler Walter said. "Don't worry – if the RLF did set a trap, then we'll take Arquebus's job the moment you escape and show them what happens to people who threaten my Hound."
621 smiled. It was obvious now that Handler Walter was worried – not about her, but for her. "We… make them pay," she said.
"That's right. Now, for the third and final piece of instruction," Handler Walter said.
621 sat at attention.
"If the mission goes as planned, you'll likely encounter at least one enemy AC. The corps are going to send heavy hitters to take out something as important as the STRIDER," Handler Walter said. "Whatever happens, make sure you leave an impression on them. It's one thing to build your reputation by taking jobs, but nothing earns you more respect in the business than fighting other aces. Every encounter you have with one is a badge nobody with any sense can deny, doubly so if you manage to take the ace down or force them to retreat."
621 grinned, baring her fangs. "I'll leave a mark," she said.
The corner of Handler Walter's lips perked up. He raised his hand and patted her head, a motion that 621 blissfully nuzzled into. "That's my girl."
A day later, 621 found herself back inside of her AC, having secured a duffle bag full of rations in the small storage bay underneath the rear of her seat. The area usually remained empty save for an easily constructable sniper rifle and its ammunition, meaning she had no trouble fitting the duffle bag inside as well. As she checked her AC's systems once more, she felt her AC lifted up and prepared for deployment.
"The first part of this mission is the rendezvous," Handler Walter said over comms. "I doubt they'll try anything so quickly but keep your guard up."
"Understood," 621 said. She gripped her controls, watching as her AC floated above the dark sands below. She was released, boosters kicking in to slow her AC's descent through the desert skies, moonlight painting her entire frame a reflective grayish blue. Seeing the STRIDER just off in the distance, she activated her main boosters while in Standard Mode, establishing sustained flight towards her defense target.
"Once you're within pick-up range, activate combat mode. The Eye will have a clear shot on your approach," Handler Walter said.
"Yes, Handler," 621 said. Surveying the area as she approached, 621 noticed a thin veil of sand covering the area. Heavy winds whipped the surrounding dunes constantly, obscuring the STRIDER's full form until she got much closer. Reaching the designated zone, 621 slowed her thrusters and readied her AC.
"Main System: Activating Combat Mode," 621's computer said as her AC dropped down and skid to a halt across a wide patch of sand, boosters releasing excess heat as steam to rapidly cool itself.
"Commence mission," Handler Walter said. "… Wait. Someone's already attacking the ship!"
As 621 turned her attention to the STRIDER, she saw explosions taking place atop its deck. Smoke billowed from areas at the top and sides of the STRIDER, and she quickly recognized what was causing it. The STRIDER's sub-generators had already been destroyed, and the numerous rapid explosions coming from the Eye, currently aimed towards the STRIDER's own deck, confirmed its imminent destruction.
"Wh-what is that thing?!" one of the RLF's crewmen yelled over the radio. 621 assault boosted towards the STRIDER, unaware of what was happening but prepared for a fight.
"Hold the line! We are Coral Warriors!" the STRIDER's captain, pre-tagged in her communication system in preparation for this mission, cried out. The STRIDER's legs began to crumple, metal folding in on itself as the explosions on the deck grew more intense.
621 came to a halt atop a hill looking at the STRIDER. She could do nothing if the ship had already begun to collapse. She watched as the eye began to spurt energy uncontrollably, falling towards the core of the ship as the middle segment of the titanic structure collapsed first. Explosions rocked the various joints of the ship as it fell, the Eye glowing brighter and brighter as it clearly went out of control. Something was pouring more and more energy into it.
"Coral, abide with Rubicon!" the STRIDER's captain yelled. The Eye went critical as the STRIDER's main deck began crashing into the sand below, a massive explosion consuming the area in a blinding white light. 621 shifted her AC behind a nearby rock, covering it from any stray shrapnel that might be concealed in the rushing dust cloud created by the STRIDER's collapse.
"… Handler?" 621 asked as the dust blew past her AC and the blinding light of the Eye's explosion died down.
"… Looks like they were determined to take out whatever destroyed them," Handler Walter said. "That explosion must have… Huh?! Enemies on the radar! 621, they're coming from the STRIDER!"
Receiving a marker on her HUD, 621 activated her boosters, moving her AC down the hill as she prepared to intercept. Looking around for any signs of movement, her eyes snapped to two glowing streaks of red light descending into the settling dust cloud.
"Red light…" 621 said. Before she could say more, her FCS began trying to track something in the distance. Focusing, she made out the shape of two unusually large MTs headed straight towards her. "Enemies! Engaging!"
Picking out the lead target in conjunction with her FCS, 621 unleashed both of her back missiles at it. Her target suddenly boosted to the side, moving just as fast as her own AC while firing a shotgun spread of missiles back towards her, all of them arcing in her general direction. She assault boosted forward, trying to get past both of the new targets and avoid the incoming fire. Landing, she swiveled around and raised her Ludlows, only for the second target to strafe past her while launching two bazooka shots at her.
She quick boosted in a retreating zig-zag pattern, narrowly avoiding the attacks as it continued trying to encircle her, launching its own shotgun spray of missiles from the two massive launcher bays serving as the machine's shoulders. 621 barely managed to make her AC jump and boost slightly, emptying her generator to avoid taking the brunt of the missile barrage while firing with her Ludlows. She only managed to sustain fire on the target for a second before it escaped her weapon's reliable range, moving completely unphased after her burst fire.
621 tensed as she landed, her ACS giving her a warning that the first strain threshold had been passed by a partial hit from that missile barrage. Her enemies were not only at least as fast as she was, but they were also more durable and equipped with heavier firepower.
"No ID. They're not Schneider MTs…" Handler Walter said as 621 landed. She barely had a moment to let her generator reset before she noticed the target strafing around her suddenly jump into the air, raising one of its heavy cow-like legs up. In the next moment, it activated something akin to an assault boost of its own, firing all of its boosters as it attempted to kick 621. She gasped, quick boosting away in the nick of time while firing her machine guns at it. The bullets left small marks on its heavy armor, but she hadn't managed any significant damage before emptying her clip.
"This reading… Are those… C-Weapons?!" Handler Walter asked.
"High mobility. Heavily armored. Dangerous opponents," 621 said as she boosted backwards, firing both of her shoulder missiles at the enemy that flew past her. She didn't get a chance to see the result of her shot as a warning indication blared within her cockpit, causing her to suddenly quick boost forwards and jump into the air, barely avoiding two bazooka shots from the other strange machine that was now flanking her. "STRIDER down… what to do?"
"… Defend yourself, 621," Handler Walter said. "They're not going to listen to reason. Focus on one at a time – don't let them disorient you."
621 let out a growl, activating her assault boost and taking off in pursuit of the target she fired her machine guns at. The machine seemed to shrug off the few missiles that managed to hit it, aiming both of its bazookas at 621 and preparing for more shots. Warning lights went off in 621's cockpit again as the machine fired, two bazooka rounds headed straight towards her. Barrel rolling past the attacks, 621 opened fire with her machine guns, peppering the machine with more bullets as she quickly ended her assault boost, eyes more focused on its shoulders rather than its body. As she expected, the machine kept sliding around, firing its shotgun missile barrages at her just as she landed. 621 immediately quick boosted in rapid succession towards her opponent, knowing that the arc of most of those missiles would strike the area behind her if she moved quickly enough.
Explosions went off behind her as the bulk of the missiles missed their mark, though some struck her shoulder and back. Her ACS warning went off again as she emptied her machine guns once more, reloading as the strange machine pivoted with a red flare jutting out of its boosters. 621 watched as the machine prepared to boost at her again, leg raised, as she fired her shoulder missiles once more. Scoring direct hits, the machine froze in mid-air, boosters spurting excessively as it rocked backwards and slowly descended to the ground.
These machines used ACS systems as well, and 621 recognized that she had just managed to overload this one. Boosting past her target, she began firing her freshly reloaded machine guns at the stunned machine, intent on dealing significant damage in this small window of opportunity. She fired about half of each clip as she slid over the small dune next to it before another warning blared in her cockpit. Glancing to the side while firing, she saw the second unit rapidly approaching her, foot extended.
621 activated her quick boost, but she hadn't reacted in time. The large machine collided with her, the impact throwing her violently in her cockpit's seat as she heard metal crunch against metal, her AC suddenly flying backwards as her ACS instantly overloaded. She coughed something up as she recovered, but there was no time for concern. Her cockpit's warnings activated once more, indicating that both machines were aiming at her recovering AC with their bazookas. Gasping, 621 forced her AC to ascend as quickly as possible, her systems restoring themselves the moment both machines fired. She narrowly avoided the direct hits, firing back with what was left in her machine gun's clips at the now clearly damaged target.
Caught in the air, she watched as both machines moved to opposite sides of her, each firing their shotgun missile barrages. Assault boosting with what energy she had left, 621 swerved towards the more damaged target, her FCS struggling to keep a lock as it tried to strafe just outside of her flight path. Coming to a stop as she touched the ground and maintained boost, 621 fired her shoulder weapons again, missiles chasing after the strange machine. It veered towards her this time, rapidly aiming and firing its bazookas as it managed to evade a few of the incoming missiles by shortening the distance between it and 621.
Quick boosting in another zig-zag pattern forwards, 621 narrowly avoided the incoming bazooka shots before firing both Ludlows once again, skating past her target as it reloaded its bazookas. The final rounds from her machine gun began tearing through its armor at close range, red sparks and explosions coming from the strange machine before it went up in flames. One target down, one shotgun missile barrage to immediately dodge with a quick boost. 621 turned her AC towards the second target and fired her shoulder missiles once more, causing it to suddenly boost in the opposite direction in an attempt to outmaneuver her.
Dancing around each other as they closed in, 621 and the strange mech opened fire, machine gun bullets flying past bazooka rounds. 621 jumped into the air and boosted away as the other machine quick boosted backwards, putting it in perfect range for 621's own shoulder missiles. It countered with another shotgun missile spread, prompting 621 to assault boost forward into the attack to mitigate the full spread. Explosions rocked against the core of her AC as she reloaded her machine guns, watching carefully as the last of her missiles caught the recharging machine and overloaded its ACS. Skidding past her opponent, she opened fire with both machine guns at point blank range, attempting to saw through her opponent with bullets.
Either out of desperation or heightened recovery systems, the weakened machine whipped around, aiming both bazookas at 621 once more. She grit her teeth, noting that her boosters had consumed too much energy for anything other than a single quick boost. Cutting her machine guns just short. she quick boosted once to avoid the first shot before opening fire again, fully aware that she couldn't dodge the second. Bullets flew past the massive shell, twinned explosions erupting from both machines as their projectiles struck. The last of 621's machine gun rounds had put the strange machine down in exchange for a bazooka hit to her left shoulder, rocking the machine and easily overloading its ACS yet again.
"AP at 30%" 621's computer warned. She huffed, waiting for her systems to normalize as a hand hovered over her repair kit deployment command.
"Looks like you got them, 621," Handler Walter said. "Those were drone weapons made by the Rubicon Research Institute… Relics that survived the Fires of Ibis. You did… Wait. There's more!"
621 gasped as four more markers appeared on her HUD, indicating signals closing in on her location fast. She utilized one of her AC's repair kits, the electrified metal particles quickly covering her machine before they fused into place reinforcing the damaged sections of her AC.
"Two Repair Kits remaining," her computer warned.
621 turned towards the incoming signals, reloading her machine guns as she activated her boosters and began reversing, trying to maximize distance between her and any incoming attackers while keeping them in sight. She focused, first making out strange plumes of sand indicative of a large machine rushing through the desert before getting a good look at her new opponents.
Massive metal wheels that looked more suited to mulching metal on an assembly line than mech movement raced towards her, jagged spirals of heavy spikes forming some nightmarish mix of drill and wheel that easily demolished the small rocks in their path. Absurd as these strange opponents were, 621 could still make out armaments on them as deployable missile launchers extended from the leading wheel, firing in sequence as each one reached the apex of the wheel's rotation. Hissing, 621 fired off her own shoulder missiles in response as she started trying to zig-zag backwards.
"Helianthus Machines?!" Handler Walter yelled.
621 gulped as she narrowly avoided the incoming missiles. Her Handler had sounded concerned from the very start of this battle. Now he sounded afraid.
"Don't take them head-on, 621! They'll tear you to shreds!" Handler Walter warned.
"Keeping distance!" 621 yelled, quick boosting backwards as the lead wheel seemingly continued unphased by her missiles and stayed on course. It sped up, seemingly intent on striking her, before suddenly skidding in place, revealing its broad side to 621. She raised her machine guns, thinking she had an opportunity to attack, when the broad side of the wheel opened up, revealing a hollowed out inner area brimming with fire as her cockpit's alarms all went off.
The Helianthus Machine's core exuded an immense gout of fire, carpeting the desert in front of it as it surged forth like a wave attempting to envelop 621's AC. She hissed, jumping into the air and boosting back and up as quickly as she could while firing her machine guns. The smallest lick of flame had caught her AC's legs, throwing up the warning 'ACS Anomaly' near the bottom of her HUD along with the initial strain threshold warning. She let her AC fall away from the machine, shifting to the side, as a terrible realization overcame her.
If any of these machines struck her directly with that fire, her ACS would overload and short circuit, crippling her AC's defenses while leaving her vulnerable. It was one hit short of instant death.
Gliding sideways as she touched down away from the lead machine, she quickly realized what had happened. The first machine had forced her into the air, slowing her backwards momentum enough for the others to not only catch-up with her AC, but begin to encircle her. She looked from side to side, reloading her machine guns as she took a shaky breath. Watching their movements carefully, she saw one of the machines dig into a deep turn, moving to try and crash into her. She whipped her AC around and fired her shoulder missiles, letting them fly before quick boosting to the side. Narrowly avoiding the first attack, her computer spoke-up.
"Left and right shoulder ammunition at 50%," the computer warned.
621 didn't have time to register that as she found herself being peppered by missiles from another encircling machine, suddenly needing to focus on dodging it. Her cockpit's alarms blared, notifying her that another Helianthus Machine had gotten behind her and prepared to unleash a devastating fire attack. Reacting immediately, she assault boosted upwards, boosters barely propelling her AC out of the incoming fire attack as she rapidly veered to the side, trying to focus on one the most heavily damaged machine that was currently rolling away from her.
Honing in on the weakest target to try and thin their numbers, 621 watched as the damaged machine swerved to the right, grinding through the land itself as it began firing missile after missile at her in an attempt to deter her. She dove her AC towards the ground, flying underneath the incoming missiles as she aimed her machine guns. Her generator screamed a low energy warning at her as the Helianthus Machine suddenly pivoted, the massive wheel making up its body rapidly rotating as it prepared to charge straight at her. Opening fire, 621 let out a yell as her AC hovered just above the ground, barely maintaining enough energy to keep up its assault boost. The Helianthus machine took off towards her, sparks and explosions flying off of it as the last of her machine guns' bullets tore through bits and pieces of its armor. Using the last of her generator's reserves, 621 forced her AC into a barrel roll, the action allowing her to just barely evade the incoming wheel and skid to a halt on the desert floor, the emptied clips of her machine guns tumbling alongside her.
Swiveling, she watched as the Helianthus Machine shakily tried to turn, only for another section of it to explode and cause the massive wheel to collapse on its face. One target down.
That confirmation came at the cost of incoming missiles from the other Helianthus Machines, the three wheels spreading out as they approached her. Locking on to the other damaged machine, 621 fired her shoulder missiles and attempted to quick boost away, only for her boosters to sputter. She yelled in frustration, only now noticing that her generator was still cooling down after being completely spent. There was less than a half second left for it to recharge, but that half second cost her three missiles to her AC's head and core, the explosions rocking her body as she resorted to using basic boost to avoid the full volley.
"AP at 50%" her computer warned. Taking what little opening she had until the Helianthus Machines were once again upon her, she activated another repair kit. "One Repair Kit remaining."
Deciding that the Helianthus Machines were most dangerous when she had to react to their tactics, 621 activated her assault boost the moment her repair kit's operation finished. Pursuing the previously damaged Helianthus Machine that veered off to her left, she raised her machine guns once more. The Helianthus Machine in question went into a rapid pivot, stopping on slightly more solid ground as its core began to open.
Firing both her missiles and her machine guns as the core opened, 621 unloaded everything she had. Flames spurted from the machine's core as internal explosions rocked the wheel, its combustive attack sputtering into a self-contained eruption that 621 easily slid past. Two machines down.
"Left and right hand ammunition at 50%," her computer warned.
621 panted, watching the other two Helianthus Machines change course as they began pursuing her. She was making progress, and with only two opponents left, she could already foresee an easier time isolating and destroying them one by one.
"We've got more incoming!" Handler Walter warned. 621's eyes widened, a small notification from Handler Walter appearing on her screen. Two more Rubicon Research Institute drones were beelining towards her, less than a minute away if they maintained their current speed. "Way too many for a chance encounter…"
"Wha… What is…?" 621 asked as the Helianthus Machines approached, drawing her attention away from the notification markers.
"Focus, 621! I'll do the thinking," Handler Walter ordered.
Her Handler was right. 621's job was to survive this battle, and worrying about what was happening only served to distract her. Growling, 621 fired both of her shoulder weapons at another Helianthus Machine, changing course to try and meet it at an angle rather than letting it approach head-on. Both machines responded in kind by firing missiles of their own, the projectiles arcing into the air before veering towards 621's AC. She maintained her course, moving forward and letting the incoming missiles fly over her shoulder as she opened fire with her machine guns, managing to land a few hits on the passing Helianthus Machine that simply kept rolling instead of trying to attack her.
Quick boosting sideways in response to an alarm, she saw the Helianthus Machine she ignored fly past her, the machine having tried to run her over from behind. She emptied the rest of her machine gun's rounds into it next, landing a few stray hits before firing her shoulder missiles again, maintaining pressure as she reloaded.
"Left and right shoulder ammunition at 30%," her computer warned. 621 paid little heed to it, watching as her missiles struck their target as it tried to turn. The successive blasts knocked the massive wheel off balance, tipping it over and making it crash into the sand. Wasting no time, 621 assault boosted to get right on top of its downed form, her machine guns having just completed their reloading as she aimed them down at its now exposed core. Unleashing round after round into the downed Helianthus Machine, 621 waited until bits and pieces of it began to break off and explode beneath her before flying backwards, escaping the wheel's destruction as more warnings appeared in her cockpit.
Turning to view the incoming attacks, 621 sharply inhaled. Not only had the other Helianthus Machine started launching more missiles, the approaching Institute drones had started spreading out and fired their shotgun missile spreads, creating a wall of explosives primed to slam into her. Her mind raced, predicting outcomes for every option she had available with the limited EN at her disposal, before she made her choice. Waiting for her generator to resupply let the missiles get close enough for her cockpit's alarms to activate yet again, prompting her to assault boost along the ground. She passed underneath the swarm of missiles, a few explosions licking at her AC's feet as it narrowly escaped the barrage.
Skidding to a halt, she was about to look for a new target when the Helianthus Machine seemingly appeared out of nowhere, its massive grinder wheel body set to slam into her AC. 621 quick boosted forwards, trying to turn towards the passing by weapon to fire her machine guns until more warnings went off in her cockpit. She jumped with her AC, boosting into the air to avoid a bazooka shot before quick boosting to avoid another, barely escaping shots from one of the Institute drones. Her initial target turned away, revealing the second Institute drone jumping into the air as it primed boosters, ready to tackle her the moment she landed. She touched down, sliding along the desert's shifting sands before using the last of her energy to quick boost once more.
Her AC narrowly avoided the incoming drone's kick, the machine crashing nearby and kicking up a plume of dirt. 621 whirled around, firing both her machine guns and her missiles simultaneously to take advantage of the machine's small window of vulnerability. Despite crashing into the sand, the drone wasted no time boosting away from the last of her barrage, rotating as it drifted away from her to quickly fire off its bazookas. Stuck with only her normal boosters, 621 barely managed to avoid the first shot with a sudden shift of direction before the second struck the ground in front of her, the explosion rocking her AC and chipping away at its armor as her weapons reloaded.
Ignoring the recent damage, 621 turned just in time to see the Helianthus Machine skid to a halt behind her, exposing its core and preparing to unleash a gout of fire. She immediately checked her energy, noting the fraction of a second it had left to begin recovering. As the flames grew brighter behind her and her generator stabilized, 621 activated her assault boost. Flying diagonally upwards, her AC narrowly avoided the incoming flames. She pulled to a stop and began quickly turning her AC, the near instant shift in momentum making her lurch in her seat as her FCS struggled to keep up and target the Helianthus machine.
Spinning as she descended, 621 unloaded her machine guns and missile launchers at the stopped wheel. Her barrage carved a line down the side of the machine as its fire attack abruptly ended, the wheel shakily leaning backwards before ultimately tipping over once struck by the full force of her missile barrage. Firing the last of her machine gun's clip into the downed Helianthus Machine as her AC crashed into the sand, 621 watched the wheel go up in a plume of flame, whipping up a smoke cloud that quickly spread through the area.
"Left and right arm ammunition at 30%," her computer warned. Said warning was immediately overshadowed by another warning of incoming spread missiles, forcing 621 to quick boost and avoid the bulk of the barrage. A second warning came, prompting her to quick boost again as she activated her scanner to detect the source of the attacks. The two drones pinged on her scanners, both machines apparently moving in unison as they tried to flank her. She turned to face them, using only her normal boost in the hopes of allowing her generator time to recover.
621's FCS locked on to the leading machine as she and her opponents exited the fading smoke cloud, the three machines seemingly racing alongside one another as they took aim with their guns. Firing her shoulder missiles, 621 was free to jump and boost over the two bazooka shots coming from the first drone, watching as it stopped in place while the other continued forward. Attempting to catch her as she landed, the second drone fired its bazookas, only for 621 to quick boost back towards the first drone, managing to avoid both shots with one movement as the drone struggled to aim directly overhead. Falling back towards her original target, she opened fire with her machine guns as it jumped up, preparing to intercept her with a boosted kick.
The storm of bullets finally overloaded the drone's ACS, causing it to sputter in place as 621 fell towards it, leaving the machine completely vulnerable. With both her arm and shoulder weapons reloading, 621 took advantage of her opponent's weakness in the only way she could. She assault boosted directly into the machine, slamming the weight of her AC against it and crashing both massive machines down into the dirt. The bulk of the Institute drone prevented her AC from striking the ground directly, allowing her to quickly back away and fire her freshly reloaded shoulder missiles at the stunned opponent. Explosion after explosion rocked the damaged craft as 621 slid backwards, red sparks jutting out of her target before a condensed burst of energy tore its body apart.
"Left and right shoulder ammunition at 10%," her computer warned. 621 shuddered. She couldn't afford to waste any missiles against her last opponent.
"Helianthus Machines, coming in hot!" Handler Walter warned. "You know how dangerous these are, 621. Knock them down and go for the kill."
621's heart dropped as three new markers appeared on her HUD, indicating the rapidly approaching targets. A grim realization quickly overtook her.
She didn't have enough ammunition to handle her remaining targets.
The momentary epiphany was immediately shattered by a powerful impact, 621 thrown violently in her seat as her AC skid along the ground. Shifting her focus back to the task at hand, she watched as the remaining Institute drone backed away from her, clear bits of her own AC's armor dragged along by its foot as it quick boosted backwards and took aim at her with its bazookas. Gasping, 621 attempted to quick boost away, only for the ACS control lock to keep her in place as her machine tried to correct its deformed posture. Her eyes widened as the explosive shells approached her, a scream bubbling in her throat.
Massive explosions struck 621's AC one after the other, both shells exploding around the core of her AC. The machine staggered backwards as it continued to right itself, forcing rigidity that tossed 621 around like a pinball in her chair. Barely able to keep herself from losing focus, 621 managed to hear another warning from her computer.
"AP at 30%."
Quickly activating her repair function as she roared in anger, 621 immediately fired her shoulder missiles at the retreating Institute drone. The explosive left her just as the metallized particles spread out and coated her AC once more, clearly begging to fill in the massive dents and breaks caused by the most recent attacks.
"No Repair Kits remaining," her computer announced.
Assault boosting after the drone as it quick boosted aside to avoid some of 621's missiles, she aimed both machine guns at it. The Institute drone fired its shotgun missile barrages, but 621 barrel rolled past the initial spread and pulled up, cutting her boosters as she landed directly in the machine's path. Unloading her machine guns at her incoming target, she emptied the clip before boosting away, an indication of the new Helianthus Machines launching missiles getting her attention.
Quick boosting towards the incoming drone as it raised its bazookas, 621 narrowly bypassed the incoming attacks. Her AC skated to the right, turning as she began tracking the Helianthus Machines' incoming missiles. Watching her generator quickly refill, 621 waited until the missiles began their downward trajectory. At that moment, 621 activated her assault boost once again, beelining for the Institute drone once more as it reloaded its bazookas. Unlike last time, 621 opened fire while assault boosting, overloading the drone's ACS as she drew nearer. She emptied her machine gun's clips again before continuing her flight path, ramming the crippled drone aside.
The Institute machine tumbled, sparks flying from it as 621 suddenly barrel rolled twice in quick succession. She threw the entire weight of her AC around, managing an almost complete 180 degree turn as she pushed her generator to the limit. Pushing her boosters to the limit, 621 managed to ram into the Institute machine again. She struck hard enough to knock the old machine off its feet, the relic spewing Coral from its damaged armor as it slid along the ground.
621 would have been proud of herself if the drone she managed to knock down wasn't immediately crushed by a Helianthus Machine rolling straight at her, appearing just as her generator had run out. She tried to evade the incoming wheel with her normal boost, but the machine struck too quickly. The left side of her AC was caught by the edge of the machine, narrowly avoiding the main grinder wheel but still rocked by the mass of metal armor on its side. Her ACS threw up a warning, but she was more concerned about the other alarm going off in her cockpit.
A second Helianthus Machine had tried to pincer attack her, almost prompting her to quick boost away before it suddenly pivoted and exposed its fiery core. Not wasting this opportunity, 621 fired her machine guns while boosting straight into the air, bullets raining down on the fire-spewing machine. Unable to fully escape the blast due to a fraction of a second's delay with her generator recharging, ACS warnings flooded 621's HUD as the legs of her AC were once again burned. Ignoring the warnings, 621 fired off her shoulder missiles, having confirmed the collapse of her target.
"Left and right arm ammunition at 10%. Left and right shoulder ammunition depleted," her computer said. "Purging empty weapons."
Shifting her AC to the side, 621 watched her now spent missile launchers fall to the ground as the last of their payload destroyed the downed Helianthus Machine. She registered a slight decrease in weight that increased her mobility, but doubted it would matter. Letting her AC simply descend for a moment, 621 used her aerial position to pick out her next target. One Helianthus Machine had passed underneath her, firing off its missiles to attempt direct vertical shots, while the other was making a long-winded turn to try and strike her again. Needing to move regardless of target, 621 activated her assault boost and went off in pursuit of the turning Helianthus Machine.
Roaring alongside her boosters, 621 opened fire with her machine guns as she flew down to meet the charging grinder wheel. Bullets tore into bits and pieces of the metal monstrosity as 621 fired, getting in line with the machine before barrel rolling away. Drifting along the desert floor once more as she cut her assault boost, 621 reloaded her machine guns. Both Helianthus Machines dug into the ground to drift, launching their missiles as they attempted to come back around for another go at 621. She refused to back down, continuing her advance as she aimed her machine guns at the damaged Helianthus Machine closer to her.
Missiles arced overhead, preparing to rain down on her as 621 opened fire, quick boosting in a zig-zag to avoid the first volley of missiles. The damaged Helianthus Machine ate shot after shot, wobbling in place as its ACS overloaded mid-turn. With another clip empty, 621 assault boosted yet again, flying directly into the side of the heavily damaged machine, ignoring a few stray missiles that struck her AC's shoulders as she rammed the large wheel. Her AC practically bounced off of her target on impact, the inside of her cockpit shaking violently as she watched the larger machine tip over and collapse. Touching down, she watched the grinder wheel body slow to a halt as smoke rose from its damaged bits, the machine's signal disappearing from her sensors.
She almost breathed a sigh of relief before she heard another warning alarm, drawing her attention to the final approaching Helianthus Machine. It was headed straight towards her, and she saw her generator only now recharging after her last attacks. Yelling, she began boosting diagonally backwards while firing the last of her machine guns' ammunition, trying to get out of the way. The Helianthus Machine took every bullet without a hitch, continuing along a direct path to her as it managed to curve along the ground just as quickly as her normal boost let her move.
"Left and right arm ammunition depleted. Purging empty weapons."
Discarding her machine guns, 621 grit her teeth as the massive grinder wheel came straight at her. With no other options left and her generator recharging too late to avoid getting hit, she did the only thing she could do.
"Won't lose," 621 said.
621's AC bounded forward and punched with its left arm, metal crunching against metal as she drove her AC's arm forward. The collision immediately began pushing 621 back, almost throwing her core straight into the grinder wheel directly if not for her mangled metal arm creating a barrier between them. Her rear indicator began pointing out an incoming object, and a quick look at the camera showed she was being pushed towards a small mountain.
"AP at 50%."
Ignoring the screams of her ACS system, 621 punched with her right arm, jamming it into the other side of the grinder wheel as her AC kicked up sand while dragging its feet. Metal crunched against metal as she managed to slow the Helianthus Machine, her boosters heating up as her generator refilled. The warning indicators grew louder as her AC's sensors recognized the imminent threat of being crushed between two massive objects.
"AP at 30%."
Screaming, 621 activated her assault boost, trying to fly diagonally and throw the Helianthus Machine on its side. The initial burst of power from her boosters managed to stop the advance of the massive wheel, but it kept on spinning against her. 621 could tell the mangled remnants of her arms were rapidly approaching breaking point. Fully aware of her imminent death if her AC's arms broke before the Helianthus Machine collapsed, 621 decided to bet it all. Angling her AC forwards, she thrust its head unit into the grinder wheel.
"AP at 10%."
Her main camera burst into a mess of static, and she could hear the massive wheel scraping against the outer edge of her core as she maintained her assault boost. Her generator's low energy warning went off, escalating her sense of urgency. Using as much strength as she could on her rapidly jamming controls, 621 threw the entirety of her AC's weight to the side.
Small explosions went off around her auxiliary control systems, raining sparks down into her cockpit. She saw a section of her cockpit's front beginning to glow, a telltale sign of the Helianthus Machine's grinder wheel nearly breaching her core. Screeching, 621 forced her controls to respond over and over, pushing repeatedly as she felt her machine tipping over. She could hear her Handler's distorted screaming over malfunctioning comms, but barely registered anything other than his voice.
Finally, she felt her entire AC spin as the last sputters of her boosters died out alongside her generator. The odd feeling of weightlessness was quickly replaced by a violent shock, the remnants of her heavily damaged frame bouncing along the ground as chunks of her controls clattered and collapsed around her. Tumbling to a halt, her AC lay silent on the sand.
The only lighting inside her nearly destroyed cockpit came from stray electrical sparks and cracks deep enough to let rays of moonlight enter. Shuddering with ragged breaths, 621 could barely process the complete and utter state of disrepair her machine was in. All she knew was that she could hardly breathe.
Shakily undoing her restraints, 621 practically fell out of her pilot's seat. Pain shot through her abdomen and right leg, and she let out a low whine as she reached for the area. Feeling the warm liquid and bits of shrapnel, she could guess what had happened. Struggling to her feet, she worked her way over to her partially destroyed cockpit's hatch and fumbled at the manual release controls.
She pulled down, hurting herself with each movement as she struggled to activate the damaged mechanism. Letting out a yell, she mustered what little strength she had left and yanked downwards, popping the hatch open as she tumbled out of it.
Collapsing on all fours, 621 vomited blood and bile. Her vision grew blurry as she took in a breath of air laden with smoke, dust, and burning metal. She needed fresh air.
Clawing at the sand as she attempted to crawl, 621 barely managed to drag herself a few meters from her AC before she collapsed, her arms failing as she began to lose feeling in her extremities. The sand against her cheek felt uncomfortably cold and threatened to flood her mouth and nose. Grunting with immense effort, 621 rolled onto her back, a shaky breath escaping her as she lay on the desert sands. She stared at the moon, flickering in and out of existence as her eyes struggled to stay open.
"I was right to choose you."
Barely cognisant of the voice speaking to her, 621 saw the silhouette of a familiar figure. She momentarily closed her eyes, turning her head towards where the voice seemed to be coming from before a jolt of pain in her side forced her back to reality. ALLMIND's avatar sat kneeling next to her, a hand gently caressing her forehead in time with the desert winds.
621 tried to speak, but only managed a pained breath. She writhed on the ground, her old fears suddenly making themselves fully known. Her fingers clenched at the sand she lay on, but she found herself unable to even raise her hands.
"Shh… don't worry," ALLMIND said. "You are too valuable an asset to lose."
Before 621 could protest, ALLMIND leaned over her, putting her face directly above 621's.
"Rest now… I will need you, just as you need me," ALLMIND said. She leaned down further, taking 621's breath away.
When their lips parted, 621 only felt the last of her breath slowly leave her mouth. ALLMIND's hand gently rested on 621's cheek, shifting her head to the side as her consciousness faded.