Hello! Previously on…Empire sends more drones to scout the systems, only for them to be eliminated by the Technocrats. At the same time, with Artisan's resistance cell, the group a plan is devised to capture one of ASIC cargo haulers carrying supplies for soldiers stationing on an isolated moon. As they board the vessel, after some difficulties, they discover that the crew decided to defect and mutinied, killing their commanders and deciding to go with the group. That way, the group received a new ship.

Also, sorry for now new chapters for a while, but I had a very important time in my life these past few weeks, so I had to focus on it. Hope you understand.

Now, before starting, reviews.

To end5: Thanks, my friend.

Alright, with that done, let's start, shall we?

Chapter 8

February 8, 2257

01:32

Hangar, resistance cell's base

Artisan, CPUs, Tashima and Tiller stood in the hangar, watching the work unfold. After returning from the mission with a captured cargo hauler, new members of the cell were greeted like kings and quickly accepted into the community of the rebels. Also, not wasting any time, they started to check the supplies carried aboard the ship and brought them to the warehouses of the base to be used for later. Additionally, the engineers were hard at work, using the weapons from the destroyed drone and mounting them in appropriate places on the ship, turning into an armed cargo hauler, something that actually wasn't as crazy as one thought. After all, before The Day, some ships like that were in service with navies of the four nations. But after the war, they were scrapped, so they wouldn't fell into the wrong hands. Pirates could really do some bad with them.

Speaking of the hauler, which was renamed from Beacon of Arfoire to Beacon of Hope, it was currently docked in the hangar, alongside the Goddess' Shine. Fortunately, the hangar was big enough to hold the ship of this size. Mining stations were often built with hangars that could fill in big cargo ships, so it would make loading resources easier. Still, it was really impressive to see a ship of that size inside some kind of closed space. Sparks were flying everywhere, as engineers worked hard on arming the vessel.

"That's truly a sight to behold."Neptune said, her arms behind her head.

"Yeah, Goddess' Shine looks like a toy in comparison."Blanc stated.
"There is a lot of difference between a simple corvette and a cargo hauler."Tashima shrugged."But yeah, the corvette would easily fit inside of it. And there still would be space for two more and some of the boarding pods."
"Speaking of which."Artisan said, turning to Tiller."How about the pods?"
Tiller nodded.
"All launch sections aboard Shine were already equipped with them."the sergeant replied."We also plan to put some of them aboard Beacon. The corvette will also be placed inside before longer voyages."

Goddesses and Tashima looked at them.

"Longer voyages?"Noire asked.
"Oh, right."Artisan said."While we were discussing it, you were hiding inside of the asteroid belt from the enemy search party. So, in short, after you reported the mission successful, we decided, that the cargo hauler will act kinda like a Tarian Horse for use."
"In short, we load the Shine into the cargo bay, fire up the engines and send them in."Tiller said."You know. In case we will have a good opportunity for a mission beyond the belt."
"We simply decided, that if we actually want to make a difference, the Unbreakable Ore must expand it's operational range."Artisan said proudly.

Goddesses risen eyebrows.
"So you actually went for it?"Vert asked.
"Yeah, I explained it like Neptune did and it was an instant hit."the leader of the cell replied, shrugging.

Everyone looked at Neptune.
"Once again, you influence something."Noire said, crossing her arms."How do you even do that?"

Neptune grinned.
"I'm the protagonist, after all!"she declared.

"Yes you are."Noire rolled her eyes.
"So, with our fleet now bigger by one ship and with ability to actually travel further, what is our new goal?"Vert asked.

Artisan and Tiller looked at each other.

"It so would happen, that we actually came up with something."she said.
"Care to fill us in?"Blanc asked.
"Of course. Follow us to the command room."

"After you."Neptune said.

With that, the group left the hangar and proceeded to the command room.

February 8

02:13

Command room

The group entered the command room and approached the holo-table in the middle, as always. Tiller turned it on.

"So, what's the plan?"Neptune asked.
"Well, now, that we have long traveling capabilities, we came up with an idea."Artisan said."We're gonna go out there into the system and start preparing the actual ground."
"Ground for what?"Noire asked.
"For the ultimate liberation of the Gamindustrian System from Imperial occupation."Tiller said proudly.

Goddesses and Tashima looked a bit surprised, but mostly intrigued.
"So we're actually moving in, sir?"Tashima asked.
"Yes, Tash."sergeant replied."Last three years were too hard for everyone and the time has come to finally prepare a nasty surprise for our friends currently settled on Gamindustri."

"However, we decided to take short steps first."Artisan stated."If we actually want to make a difference and start a full on revolt against the Imps, we need to gather allies."

"Oh, so the typical 'Before starting a quest, a team must be assembled' trope, huh?"Planeptune's CPU asked.

Leader of Unbreakable Ore nodded.
"But what allies do you mean?"Noire asked.
"Oh, you really thought we're the only resistance group in the whole system?"Tashima smirked.
CPUs glanced at each other. Smile vanished from Tashima's face.
"You actually did?"

"Yeah, I mean…"Vert scratched her head."We didn't hear people here talk about other groups."

"Not surprising, honestly."Tiller stated, shrugging."It's hard to contact other groups from our position, so people don't actually hope about doing so. Besides, they also see us as too insignificant to talk to other bigger players in the resistance stage."

"Okay then, so who do we need?"Neptune asked.

Artisan pressed some buttons on the table and a hologram appeared. It presented four symbols, which goddesses didn't recognize.

"There are four main groups of resistance in the system, which even now still oppose the occupation."she said."These are the Veterans Alliance, Technocrats, Anonimals and the recent one, which we don't know much about, the Freedom-2-People. Our contacts outside of the system gave us info about them. There are also numerous other groups, either independent or some factions within the main four, which also operate. But if we want to unite all resistance groups in the system into a unified front, we need to first unite the main four."

Goddess looked at the emblems shown in the air and pondered.

"I guess they all have their own agendas?"Noire asked.
"Pretty much."Artisan replied."But well. What's new?"

"Veterans Alliance aims to resist through armed actions and some of their factions lean more into areas of straight up terrorist organizations. Technocrats aim at liberation through unification with machines and meddling with technology. Anonimals aim for total freedom of information and cybernetic attacks."
"These two sound pretty similar."Neptune noticed."You sure they're not one and the same?"
"They're not."Tiller said."As I said, Technocrats promote cooperation with machines on much higher level, as well as focusing on destroying the Empire's economic potential. They want one, singular society of machines and people, with joint government and everything else, not two separate entities trying to ignore each other. Some rumors say, that they even aim for a full on transcendence of human race and to make humans and machines one."

CPUs actually shivered hearing this.
"So they're bunch of cyborgs?"Vert asked.
"As I said, these are rumors."sergeant continued."Meanwhile, Anonimals prefer to act in complete secrecy. Nothing is known about them. Only thing we know for certain is that they exist. They are famous for their theft of classified military data, sabotage of civilian and military infrastructure and several others. But fortunately, they try to operate in a way that doesn't hurt any civilians."
"At least something."Blanc said.
Artisan nodded.
"Indeed."

"And there is also the F2P."Tiller moved on."As I said, the information about them started reaching us only recently. But only some news about their attacks across Gamindustri, which means that they operate only on the planet. They are also making a lot of Imperial security forces stay there to try hunt them down."
"Hm, interesting."Neptune said.

"Is something on your mind?"Blanc asked.

Neptune just shook her head.
"Nah, I was just daydreaming."Planeptune's goddess replied.
"Right…"Lowee's goddess said."Now, I gotta ask. Did nobody try to unify the resistance groups before?"
"No."Artisan replied."While resistance groups shared the goal of overthrowing Keya and her Empire, they still don't trust each other. There are some…factions within each group, which oppose other groups. At least when it comes to VA, Technos and Anos. F2P stays a mystery in that regard."

"So even when they have the same goal, they still can't stop fighting each other."Noire shook her head, crossing her arms."Even in times like these, people will always find a reason to keep arguing."
"True that."Tiller sighed."However, we have a new factor, which might help us in this task."

Artisan nodded in agreement.
"If there is something that can help us in getting the support of remaining resistance groups, it's a uniting factor. Something, that will give them hope."

Saying that, she looked at the goddesses, which tried to understand what she meant by that.
"Or someone."

It was at this moment, that they understood.
"Wait, so you want us to be that unifying factor?"Vert asked.
"Isn't that obvious?"Artisan risen an eyebrow."You're goddesses. Without you, people lost hope for a better tomorrow. But now, with you back, we can gather enough support, that who knows? Maybe we'll actually be able to make a difference and make everything as it was before."

"Sounds reasonable to me."Blanc said."I will agree. What about you?"

"If it will help us kick some Imperial butt, then sure."Neptune smiled.
"As a CPU of Lastation, I can't say no."Noire nodded.
"If it will allow me to catch up on all the game releases I missed, of course."Vert stated.

This earned her several meaningful looks.
"And if it will allow us to topple the Empire."she quickly added.

Artisan nodded.

"Great. Now, it's time for Unbreakable Ore to move into action."she stated.

"Sounds good to me."Tashima threw up his arms.

Neptune looked at the four emblems in the air again.
"So, who are we going to talk to first?"she asked.
Leaders of the cell also looked at the holograms.

"Hm. I think it would be best to talk to the VA first."Tiller stated."They were soldiers before The Day and even today, they pledge allegiance to the four nations of Gamindustri."
"So if they see that we're alive, they might pledge it to us?"Noire guessed.
"Exactly."Artisan agreed."Besides, they have the biggest military potential of all resistance cells and groups in the system. Their fleet is not big, but it's still a threat."

Goddesses nodded.

"Alright then. Do you know where can we find them?"Vert asked.

"Apparently, they are mainly active near Sonius and Nintendus. Their ships were often sighted in these areas, while numerous attacks arranged by them constantly harass ASIC on Nintendus."

"Serves them right."Blanc scoffed.
"True. So."Artisan clasped her hands."Are you ready to go?"

CPUs looked at each other. Smiled. And looked back at Artisan.
"When can we begin?"Neptune asked.

February 10

13:58

Sonius' sector

Sonius was the second biggest planet in the system, following Segen. However, there were few things that set it apart from other planets. First, it had the biggest ring system. Uncounted number of ice, asteroids and other rocks formed a miracle of space nature, which made everyone marvel over it. Many artists were inspired by their beauty, both in the past and in modern times. Many said that if these rings were to vanish, no beauty would ever be allowed to exist in a world without them.

Second thing that set the planet apart, was it's biggest moon: Everques. Not only because it was the biggest of nearly 90 moons, but also because…it could support life. Although being a long distance from the sun of the Gamindustrian System, Everques had a bustling ecosystem with trees and animals which would never be seen on Gamindustri. And due to the fact that it was spinning faster than the planet it was adjacent to, it had a day and night cycle, with 36 hours a day. It was also much colder than Gamindustri, but not that life could not survive on it's surface. This made it the second main target of colonization after Nintendus. And when first people set foot on it's surface, it became the first Lastation's colony in the system. Numerous corporations and scientific groups quickly moved in, making research on the new, unknown flora and fauna of the moon, while corporations quickly started exploiting it's resources, much to the dismay of ecologists. Still, it became a smaller copy of Gamindustri, with numerous cities dotting it's surface and nearly half a million inhabitants, making it the third most populous world in the Gamindustrian System, after Gamindustri and Nintendus.

It was also the main stop for every ship visiting this part of the system. So nobody payed attention to a cargo hauler, which joined the stream of approaching and leaving vessels. Even the fact that it was clearly modified to be armed didn't make anyone interested in it. Most people thought, that because it had markings of ASIC, it was some kind of new, modified ship serving in the ASIC fleet.

"And you're sure nobody will suspect anything?"Noire asked.

They were all standing on the bridge of the ship. Crew was working at their usual positions, making sure that the whole ship was up and running. Although, due to the fact that the higher ups of the ship were biting the dust, there were some staff shortages. Fortunately, these ships were designed in a way, so they could be operated even by the skeletest of skeleton crews.

Petty Officer, or rather now captain, Matty looked at her.

"As I said before, yes."he replied.
"And what if they try digging in the systems and won't find the ship in any registers?"Blanc asked.
"We took care of it. Our documents are as real as they can be and then some."
"And what if they try checking you?"Vert asked.
"Same. Your EWAR specialists are surprisingly capable."Matty said to Tashima.

Marine officer nodded in agreement.
"Some of them were forging such documents way before all this mess started."he replied."If there's one thing they're good at, it's forging false documents almost indistinguishable from real ones."
"No we just have to hope for the dumbest possible traffic controller they have."Neptune said.

"And here, I agree with you."Matty stated."You know, these new looks suit you."

Goddesses looked at each other. Due to the fact that they were basically wanted criminals, so probably many, if not all, security services across the system had their photos, they had to somehow conceal their identities. Luck would have it, that base had some old barber equipment and supplies stacked somewhere in the former recreation section of the asteroid, and some members of the resistance group once worked there, there was no problem with changing the looks of the CPUs. Some hair color changes, some cut hair and maybe some cosmetic changes to their faces, whatever was within the staff's capabilities. And it came out pretty well.

"Thank you."Vert said, tucking a strand of her now black hair behind her ear.
"Honestly, I think this color makes me stand out too much."Noire said, looking at her blonde hair."And those glasses…"
"Come on, I think you look adorable in them."Neptune said, smiling and putting her hairband on her brown hair.

"Of course you think that."Blanc said, tying her red hair into a ponytail.

"So, I wish you good luck on the mission, while I still can."Matty said."Take care of them, corporal."

Marines officer nodded.

Tashima was sent with them to serve as their guide and overseer during the mission. And the mission objective was simple. They had to find and contact someone from Veterans Alliance and try to talk to them. Unbreakable Ore's contact on the planet was supposed to meet them in the capital city of New Lastation and help them with everything. It was lucky that the organization had contacts in outer colonies of the system. Unfortunately, if they start venturing deeper, into the inner part, everything would be harder. They had no people on the inside there. So for now, they had to focus on the outer planets and moons.

Cargo hauler continued it's flight through the traffic, until suddenly, communications officer turned to them.

"Captain!"he exclaimed.
"What is it?"Matty asked.
"We're being hailed by the traffic control!"

Everyone tensed. It was undoubtedly the hardest part of the mission. One screw up and they would end up blasted by either ground emplacements on the surface or Imperial warships that guarded the peace in the area.
"Patch them through."Matty ordered.

"Yes, sir."comms officer replied.

He turned to his console and pressed some buttons. Soon, a waving line appeared on a screen in front of Matty.
"This is Everques Traffic Control to ASIC cargo hauler Ground Dog."the voice on the other side said."Transfer us your documents and await our response."
"This is captain Zeel of the Ground Dog."Matty said."Sending you our manifest, registers and licenses. Confirm receiving."

"Documents received. Await further instructions."
"Let's hope it works."Noire whispered.

"Don't be such a pessimist. We have a plot armor! It will work."Neptune stated proudly, crossing her arms.
"This is not a video game."Blanc said."We might as well get ready for a fight."
"Don't mind me saying, but I doubt you'd make any difference if a bunch of warships ganged up on us."Tashima stated.

Everyone on the bridge waited in tension for the response from traffic control. The time was stretching seemingly forever as they waited. Silence was becoming unbearable. Matty even silently ordered the weapons officer to be ready for incoming attack.

"Everything green."traffic control finally replied."You're allowed for landing. Welcome to Everques."
"Understood, thank you."Matty replied, ended the call and sighed."We're in."
Everyone let out a big sight of relief.
"Now, we just have to wait for our turn to land."Tashima said.
"By the way, what was in that forged cargo manifest?"Vert asked.

Matty threw up his arms.
"Video games and consoles."he replied.
"Wait, since when are military ships carrying video games and consoles?"Blanc asked.
"Ask Arfoire. It's her that ordered the military to produce games about how great her and ASIC are and spread them across the system."captain explained.

Goddesses' expressions changed to unpleasant ones.
"What a hag…"Neptune said.
"And narcissus."Vert said."Who would order to have games made about themselves?"
All eyes turned on the CPU of Leanbox.

"What?"she asked.
"Do we have to remind you that one time when you had game companies in Leanbox make games with you as the main protagonist?"Noire asked.

"And then they didn't sell well, what caused a planet-wide financial crisis which almost ruined numerous economies and companies?"Blanc asked.
"And that after that, there was so much of them lying around, that disposing of them took nearly four whole years?"Neptune asked.

Vert just looked away.
"We were supposed to not talk about it anymore."she said.
"We're just saying."Planeptune's goddess said, lifting her hands in defensive gesture.

Deciding to leave this subject for another time, goddesses looked at Tashima.
"So, Tash."Neptune said."You were saying what our identities are?"

"As I said before: I'm the ship's second officer."corporal started."You, Neptune, are the main engineer who's not good at her job…"
"Sounds about right."Noire said.
"You Noire are ship's radar officer."Tashima continued."Blanc is our main accountant and secretary. And Vert is ship's electrician. The ship stopped here for a quick refueling. Captain gave us a shore leave to go around and have some fun time on town."

"And you are?"Vert asked.

"Chief of security."Tashima replied.

"Won't it be weird that the chief of security gets ashore?"Noire asked.
"Why would it be weird in one of the most secure harbors in the system?"
"Fair point."Neptune admitted.
"Okay, now, let's wait for our turn."Matty said.

And so, they waited.

February 10

15:31

New Lastation Spaceport

After nearly two hours of waiting, the ship finally reached it's turn to land. It turned towards the surface and flew threw the atmosphere, the entry cone surrounding the giant vessel. When it was finally at appropriate height, it evened it's flight and flew towards the city and the spaceport. There, they found a free landing pad and touched down. Docking collar was extended and attached to the airlock of the ship. And when the airlock opened, Tashima and CPUs crossed into the main building of the spaceport.

Once there, goddesses saw large crowds of people walking in all directions, either to or from liners and other ships.
"Seems like occupation didn't hurt the tourism industry."Blanc stated.
"Only thing that changed is that to leave a planet, one must acquire a special visa."Tashima replied."But it's relatively easy to obtain."
"Good for all those who can afford it."Noire murmured.
"Yeah…"

They passed by the crowds, looking at the surrounding area and people. Even among this thick crowd, they could see numerous Imperial soldiers with weapons guarding the place. On walls, except of standard posters of tourism agencies advertising beautiful beaches of Leanbox or savannah like Marien, they could also see numerous propaganda posters. One of them showed a row of Imperial soldiers saluting, with captions saying: 'Sign up now! Only together we will ensure peace and stability!'. On another, they could see two crossed riffles of Veteran Alliance, with a skull wearing a helmet and captions saying: 'Know your enemy'.

"Propaganda machine goes brrrr."Neptune said.
"Indeed. If history teaches us something, it's that solid propaganda can easily keep people in check."Tashima said.

"Can't argue with that."Blanc nodded in agreement.

The five of them walked through the building towards the security checkpoints. There, they were stopped by a woman wearing black uniform of Spaceport Security.

"Documents."she said with emotionless voice.
"Of course."Tashima said.

All of them pulled out their forged documents. Crew IDs, made to look like the ones used in ASIC, landed in hands of the woman, who looked at them one by one, glancing at the five from time to time, as if to make sure the photos matched.

"Got any luggage?"she asked.
"No, we're just on a shore leave until the ship's ready for flight."Tashima said.

"Got anything in your pockets?"

They shook their heads.

Woman nodded and handed them their IDs back.

"Well then. Welcome on Everques."she said."We wish you a safe stay."

"Thank you."Tashima said.

"Hope you have a nice day too."Neptune said, winking at the woman.

Woman only shot her an annoyed glance and quickly turned to another passenger. Then, Noire hit Neptune in the back of the head.
"Ow! Why?!"Neptune asked.
"Don't turn attention at us!"Lastation's CPU scolded her."Or we'll end up in trouble."
"But you didn't have to hurt me…"Planeptune's goddess massaged the back of her head.

"No time for that, ladies."Tashima said.

The group quickly made the way from the checkpoints to the main exit. Once there, they crossed the door and set foot outside on the street.

"And here we are!"Tashima said."It's been some time since I were here."
"You come around here often?"Vert asked.
"Sure. I'm from here."

Goddesses looked at him, surprised.
"Really? Why didn't you tell us?"Noire asked.
"I didn't think it was important."Marine stated."We have a mission to do."

"Alright. As a local, lead the way."Blanc said.
"I'm actually not from New Lastation. I grew up in a town further South. But, me and my dad often came here for business. So I know my way around. Follow me. Our contact is supposed to meet us at Divine Plaza."

CPUs nodded and soon, the five of them went on, disappearing into the crowds of people on the streets.

XXX

This is where we're gonna end for today. As always, remember to leave a review, follow and favorite. It will be highly appreciated!

Bye!