Welcome back to the show! Previously on…Goddesses and their companions finally reach the main fleet of the Veterans Alliance and were allowed to meet with Devon Rand, the General of the Alliance. After surprisingly easy and short negotiations, the support of the VA was assured. However, the time of celebration couldn't last long, as suddenly, a fleet of Imperial vessels appeared in the vicinity of the fleet…
But before we start, reviews.
To end5: As always, thank you very much.
So, without further ado, let us begin this chapter.
Chapter 11
February 11, 2257 G.C.
13:14
Day's Break, conference room
Rand was about to say something, when the entire room was bathed in red as alarms started blaring and sound of the ship's captain filled the PA.
"General quarters, general quarters! We're under attack! Man your battle stations! This is not a drill! I repeat…!"
"Nep?!"Neptune exclaimed."Attacked?!"
Rand quickly grabbed his hand terminal and searched for the appropriate contact. Soon, he found it and made a call straight to the captain.
"The hell's going on?!"the General shouted.
"Enemy fleet just exited hyperspace! In force of one battleship, two heavy cruisers and two destroyers!"the captain replied.
"Don't let them…"Rand suddenly frowned as he realized something."Wait. Did you just said that they came out of hyperspace?"
"Yes! Seems like their ban on hyperspace just been lifted!"
The General terminated the call and looked back at the gathered around the table. Matty already grabbed his terminal and was making a call, probably to his ship. Devon stood in front of them.
"What's going on?"Noire demanded.
"Enemy fleet just jumped out of hyperspace. It's only five ships, but they are a battleship, two heavy cruisers and two destroyers."he replied.
"I guess it's bad?"Vert asked.
"We have some chances. Our ships are smaller and there are more of us, we can outmaneuver them and maybe even his some vital points of the Imps' ships."Rand replied."But they took us off guard and we might not have time to get ready."
"How did they even find us?"an Officer asked.
Tashima's eyes then widened. Rand noticed it.
"You know something about it?"he asked.
"During our stay on Everques, we managed to take the Commandant of MU's Security Forces prisoner. They must've somehow tracked him."the Marine replied.
"Just great."Blanc said through gritted teeth.
Right then, the ship shook.
"What was that?"one of the Officers asked.
"Enemy fighters."another replied."They are starting to attack the ship. Ours are already leaving hangars."
"Did you say that they jumped out of hyperspace?"Tashima asked.
Rand nodded.
"Bu why?"Yuko questioned."They didn't use hyperspace since The Day. Why would they start using it now?"
The General looked at the goddesses.
"I think the reason might be simple."he stated.
All eyes turned towards them.
"Wow, are we really that popular?"Neptune asked, giggling.
"There is no time for this!"Noire said."General, order all your troops to go to battle. If we can defeat them, we will."
"Understood, Goddess Noire."Rand said and left, accompanied by the Officers and his bodyguards.
All eyes turned on Noire.
"And what do we do?"Yuko asked.
"Same as always."the goddess of Lastation replied, summoning her rapier."We'll bring the fight to the Imperials."
This got a smile out of the other goddesses, which proceeded to summon their own weapons.
"Now we're talking!"Neptune said.
February 11
13:23
Thunder of Enlightenment, bridge
Tacoma stood on the bridge of her flagship, observing everything that was happening. Enemy ships, surprised, had little time to prepare. Already, some of them were destroyed. But they quickly gathered themselves and were now returning fire towards her fleet. Enemy fighters were already engaging the Imperial ones, while frigates and corvettes started swarming the five Imperial ships. They were fast and nimble, already peppering the bigger ships with their weapons and evading some of the fire, or rather, the most intensive parts, which would destroy them.
But for her, it didn't matter. What mattered, was that, if Affimojas was to be believed, goddesses were here. And capturing them, was the Empire's up-most priority.
Speaking of Affimojas, Tacoma looked to the side, where the leader of the Machine Union stood. For some reason, he just demanded to go with them.
"I guess it worked."she said in her usual, emotionless tone."We did find the enemy fleet."
"Indeed, all thanks to Steamax's signal."Affimojas replied.
She didn't reply. She just looked at the ship's captain.
"Captain, order our Marines to move out and board the enemy flagship."she ordered."And tell them to not take prisoners."
"It will be done, milady."the captain ordered and walked away to do as he was told.
"And what are you going to do?"Affimojas asked.
Tacoma didn't reply.
Meanwhile, order was relayed to the Imperial Marines, which quickly started loading into their dropships. Machines started taking off and leaving the hangars of the battleship. They turned and took course for the enemy heavy cruiser. Immediately, they were targeted by VA's ships and machines, which started chasing them and firing, taking down some of them. This didn't matter, the rest of the dropships pressed on. For them, their lives were worth less than the survival and security of their Empire, so no matter the cost, they would do what they were told.
This is why even when out of twelve machines that were sent to board the cruiser only five reached destination, that didn't mean much. Once they did, they were immediately met with the resistance of enemy troops, which fortified the hangars and quickly set up everything. Dropships, even under fire, quickly landed and started letting out the troops inside. Some of them didn't even leave the insides of their machines, before being cut down by VA's fire. Still, they pushed on, firing back at the defenders with all they had. Bullets and lasers flew in both directions, as both soldiers took losses. However, it was the VA that had to start falling back, due to how relentlessly did the enemy push forward.
Commander of the defenders quickly turned on the radio.
"This is Salis!"he exclaimed."Enemy is pushing us in the hangar, we have to fall back! What are the orders?!"
"Fall back and fortify the corridors, Salis."Rand replied."Keep them occupied until we'll send you some help. Can you do that?"
"We can try, sir. Over."
Salis terminated the call and turned back towards the enemies. However, something else turned his attention. Looking past the advancing enemy Marines and their dropships, he could see an orange dot coming closer and closer to the ship. He quickly pressed the button on his helmet and activated the zoom. He zoomed on the dot and what he saw, was a female figure with purple hair wearing a black-orange suit with a chain axe in hand. Salis was well aware who that was.
"Incoming!"he exclaimed.
Tacoma flew into the hangar at a moment's notice, rushing past the Marines. She revved up her chain axe and before VA's soldiers could react, she landed between them and started slashing in all directions, cutting off limbs, cutting weapons in half and all in all making a bloody and gory display Hall-A would be proud of. Soldiers tried to come close and attack her, but her higher intellect and better senses managed to make all those efforts futile. Imperial Knight danced among the defenders, eliminating them one by one, until there was almost none left.
Salis, seeing the slaughter of his men, quickly hid behind some boxes and activated the connection to Rand again.
"General!"he whispered."We have a problem!"
"What is it?"the General replied.
"We have an Imperial Knight here!"
There was a moment of silence on the other side.
"Can you stop her?"
"No, sir. I'm the only one left. And I don't think I will make it out."
Another period of silence.
"Your service will be remembered, soldier."Rand said firmly.
"Anything for the cause."Salis agreed and terminated the call.
He clutched his weapon tighter, preparing to do what he knew will end badly for him. If he had to go down, he would go down fighting.
Before he could do that, however, he heard steps to his left. Looking in that direction, he saw a tall female figure. Looking up, he looked straight into the eyes of Tacoma.
"Pathetic."she spat.
She revved her chain axe again and took a swing, separating Salis' head from the rest of his body.
"Secure the vessel."she ordered with her monotone tone."Eliminate all resistance. Leave none alive."
"Yes, Lady Tacoma!"Marines replied.
She watched them run past her and leave the hangar. She didn't follow them. She had other things to do. She looked at her hand terminal and the scan of the ship made by Thunder. The energy readings were weak, but there was no doubt, who they were.
"Time to put you in your place."she stated.
Next, Tacoma floated out of the hangar and towards the energy readings.
February 11
13:37
Day's Break, corridors
Within no more than twenty minutes, enemy Marines were already flooding through the ship's corridors, pushing the defenders deeper and deeper towards the bridge. Still, VA's soldiers had the field advantage. They knew every niche and cranny aboard the light cruiser and they used it to their advantage, ambushing enemy troops and inflicting severe losses on them. However, this didn't slow down their progress, as they pushed forward relentlessly.
Still, Rand was able to lead the goddesses and the others through areas that were safe from enemy movements. His two bodyguards in power armor led the way, scouting ahead and making sure they will not end up in the middle of a firefight.
"What exactly is the plan?"Noire asked.
"You are going out of here."the General replied.
"What?"Lastation's CPU asked."We can't just…"
"As much as it pains me to say it, you have no decision in this matter."Rand stated firmly."You have to get out of here as fast possible. Otherwise, Imps will put you wherever they wanted to again."
"I fear that the General is right."Yuko said."You are too important for Imps to catch you again."
Goddess didn't like it one bit, not only Noire. Once, they were not there when their people had to suffer under the tyrannical rule of Keya and her Empire. They didn't want to leave all of these soldiers to die just to buy them some time. But then again, they heard that there was an Imperial Knight on it's way. And they all remembered, how their meeting with the four princesses ended the last time.
"Alright then."Noire said."How are we getting out?"
"Well, I already ordered the docking collar to detach, so…"Matty said.
"You'll go to the hangar and steal one of enemy dropships."Rand stated."I heard that they are still there."
"And then, we'll fly it to Hope and go away from here."Tashima stated.
"Does anyone even know how to fly an Imperial dropship?"Neptune asked.
"We'll figure it out."Matty stated.
In the front, two bodyguards suddenly stopped and lifted their fists. Everyone stopped and listened.
It wasn't long before they heard shots and screams from in front of them. Additionally, they heard a clear sound of a chainsaw-like device, as it slashed through bodies.
"This can't be good…"Neptune stated.
Right as she said that, a body of a leanboxian Marine flew our of the corridor and slammed into the wall, trailing blood from a giant gash on his chest. He fell to the floor and soon, the one responsible for this came out from around the corner.
"There you are."Tacoma said, her chain axe revving time after time.
The group observed the Imperial Knight, as it slowly floated towards them.
"Fuck."Rand cursed.
"Go."
Everyone looked at the bodyguards.
"What?"Yuko asked.
"I said go. We will buy you some time."the bodyguard replied.
"But…"Rand tried to argue.
"No, sir."second bodyguard said."This is the only way."
The General tried to come up with something to say, but finally gave up. He signaled to the rest of the group to follow him. They turned into another corridor and continued on their way towards the hangar.
Tacoma watched them run, but didn't worry about losing them. They will find them again, no matter what. For now, she had to take care of the insects that were standing in front of them, their weapons pointed at her.
"You know you will die?"she asked them.
"If it means buying time for them…"first started.
"…then it's a risk we're willing to take."second finished.
A small, barely visible smirk appeared on Tacoma's face.
"Pathetic. But admirable."
And with that, she launched towards them, her chain axe roaring as it's blade revved up to max.
To her surprise, two soldiers evaded her attack and responded with fire from their hand mounted weapons. Tacoma quickly turned and started swinging her axe, deflecting and slicing the bullets. Soldiers backed away, continuing to fire, but Tacoma still moved forward. Some bullets passed through her defense, but then they deflected off of her personal force field. Seeing how their ranged weapons had no effect, soldiers switched to their extendable wrist blades. Imperial Knight was quite impressed by the speed they were moving at. It seemed, that this power armor was more advanced than she previously thought.
Soldiers attacked, stabbing and slashing their blades. The three engaged in an elaborate dance of twirls and attacks. Tacoma could feel that her chain axe was slowly overheating. She really didn't expect the two soldiers to be on par with her.
But they did make mistakes. Like now, when one of them let himself move forward too much. Knight grabbed his arm and swung her axe, separating it from the rest. Soldier tightened his teeth, but did not scream.
"They are strong."Tacoma thought."We could use more of those."
Next, she swung down, cutting off his leg and pushing him back. Soldier fell on the ground, after which Tacoma rammed his own blade through his visor.
Seeing the demise of his companion, the second soldier didn't back off. Quite the contrary, he increased the intensity of his attacks, but didn't lose his composure. He evaded when needed and struck when he got a chance.
At one moment, the two of them crossed their weapons, their faces inches from each other.
"Why are you serving them?"she asked."Fallen nations, which Goddesses can't protect you?"
"Because that's the right thing to do."soldier replied.
"You could join us. Someone like you could reach high places in the hierarchy."
"Thanks, but I'm not the one to turn back on my people."
Tacoma nodded.
"Well then."
And then, she headbutted the soldier, making him recoil back. Using this occasion, she spun around with her chain axe. Blade connected with the soldier at his waist and cut through ceramics and metal the power armor was made of, as well as flesh and bones, making it's way out through the other side. Soldier regained his composure for a second, before he fell backwards, both of his lower and upper parts separated from one another.
Taking a second to look at him, before starting in the direction the Goddesses and their companions went.
"Wait…"
Surprised, she looked back at the dying soldier. Even though he was split in half, he still had enough life in him to talk.
"What do you want?"Tacoma demanded.
"You will not beat them…"
Imperial Knight tilted her head, shouldering her axe.
"And why is that?"
"Because…our Goddesses…have one thing…you will never have…"
"That being…?"
A shit-eating grin appeared on his face.
"The support…of our…people…"
As these words left his mouth, all light in his eyes disappeared. Eerie silence hung in the air, cut off only by sounds of gunfire coming from all around the ship. Tacoma looked at him for few more seconds, before restarting towards her objective, his words pushed to the back of her mind, yet still very much present.
February 11
13:56
Day's Break, hangar
The group, after leaving Tacoma behind, quickly made it's way towards the hangar. They had to pass by some enemy soldiers, but thanks to Rand's knowledge of the vessel, it wasn't as hard as they thought. Now, they were already here, looking around. It seemed, that Imperials were not expecting anyone to come here, as no guards were visible.
Except the dropship pilots, who were standing next to their machines, smoking cigarettes. Seeing the group, they were so surprised, that they didn't even react when Rand, Tashima, Yuko and Goddesses pulled out their weapons and quickly dispatched them. Soon, their lifeless bodies fell on the ground.
"Okay, let's take one and let's get out of here."Rand said.
"Do you even know how to pilot that thing?"Noire asked.
"We managed to capture a few of these."the General replied."It's never too much military equipment when you're in our situation."
Before Rand went to one of the dropships, he quickly contacted the bridge.
"How does it look, captain?"he asked.
"Situation is critical, at best, tragic at worst."captain replied."Enemy troops are still pushing us back and I can already hear the firefight from the bridge."
"How does it look outside?"
"To our surprise, we managed to take down three enemy ships. But our losses are also mounting. Nearly 25%."
"Fuck."
"My word exactly."
"Continue fighting."
"Till the end, General."
"Your sacrifice will not be forgotten."
As he said that, he already turned to run towards the dropships.
"Stop right there."
Everyone stopped and looked back.
Tacoma was slowly floating into the hangar, her grip tightened on the handle of her axe. She eyed them with her bespectacled eyes. Her neutral expression, as always, didn't say anything.
"Well, there goes an easy escape."Neptune pouted.
Tacoma lifted her axe, pointing with it at the group.
"I have nothing against you, rebels."she said to Rand, Tashima, Yuko and Matty."I have a bone to pick with your so-called Goddesses. So you better stay out of this, or else I will make sure Hall-A will have her way with you."
She then glanced at the Goddesses.
"Are you gonna fight me? Or will you run like simple cowards?"
There was a moment of silence, interrupted only by the sounds of battle ongoing around. Goddesses looked at each other, thinking. Finally, Noire was the one to step out.
"If there is anyone you have a bone to pick with…"she said, her rapier at the ready."…then it's me."
"Noire what…?"Vert asked, but the look Noire sent her stopped her.
"I, Noire, am the Goddess of Lastation."she said firmly."You usurped my nation and my position. I failed in beating you the first time. But today, I will not fail and you will learn what crossing me means."
Lastation's CPU looked at the other Goddesses, who in turn looked back at her with concern.
"Are you sure about that?"Blanc asked.
"Like never before."Noire answered firmly.
Looking back at Tacoma, Noire with surprise discovered, that the neutral expression on Knight's face was replaced with a slightly visible smirk.
"So, you want a duel to decide the fate of the battle?"she asked."Then let's have a duel…to the death."
"So be it."Noire replied firmly.
There was a second of a standoff, as the two looked at each other, while everyone else watched, tension rising in the air. Battle around them continued, but for now, it seemed as if everything stopped in anticipation.
"This can't be good…"Neptune stated.
And right as she said that, Noire and Tacoma rushed at each other.
Noire was the first one to strike, her rapier darting forward, only to be deflected by Tacoma's axe swing. For a moment, time seemed to slow down for Tacoma as she analyzed her opponent's movements in smallest detail. Imperial Knight made numerous calculations in her mind within seconds and before Noire could evade to the right as she planned, to not get hit by the axe, Tacoma's armored fist slammed into her face, sending her staggering backwards.
Noire grabbed her face, looking at Tacoma.
"How did…?"she asked.
"Did you forget? My mind is high above yours. I can literally calculate what will you do in a minute."Tacoma replied.
Noire only growled and moved to attack again. Tacoma, however, now started evading her attacks one by one.
"We have to do something."Vert stated, looking at how effortless the whole thing seemed.
"But what?"Yuko asked.
Rand didn't say anything. He just turned around and walked into the Imperial dropship. He made his way to the cockpit, sat on pilot's seat and turned the machine on. Hearing the sound of engines behind them, everyone turned and saw as the dropship takes off, spins around and it's chin-mounted laser machine gun starts rotating.
"Noire, look out!"Blanc exclaimed.
Noire glanced back and saw the dropship. She quickly back away from Tacoma, right as machine started firing at the Imperial Knight. Surprisingly, Tacoma didn't see that coming and lasers hit her, slamming against her personal force field. She was thrown backwards for a few steps, before she regained her composure. She looked at the dropship.
"I said…"she said.
She took a swing and threw her axe at the machine. Weapon collided with the right engine, making it explode. Dropship started spinning and falling, until it crashed to the far right side of the hangar.
"…no interference."Tacoma finished, as her axe returned to her.
Noire looked at it and then at the dropship.
"Go help Rand."she told the others."I'll finish this."
Everyone nodded, except the other Goddesses, who hesitated, but ultimately followed the rest of the group. Noire, in the meantime, looked back at Tacoma.
Lastation's CPU saw a shimmering field around her opponent. It was a faint shade of red. Something told her, that it could be useful.
"Face it."Tacoma said."This is over. The faster you go back to Alcellay, the better for everyone else."
Noire's gaze only hardened. Imperial Knight shook her head.
"How many people are you still willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals? This is all pointless. If you want peace, Empire is here to preserve just that."
Grip on the rapier tightened.
"Bullshit."Noire stated."It's not us sacrificing lives of our people…"
February 11
At the same time…
Day's Break bridge
Captain of the light cruiser sat in his seat, listening to the cannonade happening just behind the door of the bridge. Enemy Marines were already so close, but allied troops were still holding them at bay. How long would it last, though, he didn't know.
"Situation?"he demanded.
"Enemy ships still continue to fight."radar officer reported."We're damaging the remaining vessels, but there is no sights of them going down."
"Try harder. It's either us or them here."
"Aye, aye, sir."
Captain looked through the window of the bridge towards the remaining enemy ships. They may have managed to destroy three of them, but the Imps had quality and firepower on their side. VA had the numbers, but this didn't mean it would completely save them. If something didn't happen quickly, they were going to be done.
Security officer at his console suddenly perked up.
"Captain!"he exclaimed.
"What is it?"
"You gotta hear it!"
Captain stood up from his chair and approached the security officer. He pointed one of the camera screens on his console. Looking at it, he saw Noire facing against Tacoma. Security officer gave captain the headphones, which he put on his head.
"It's not us sacrificing the lives of our people…"he heard Noire say.
Captain looked at the security officer, feeling that this was something important.
"Put it through speakers all over the ship."he ordered.
"Right on it!"security officer replied, pressing the button.
Soon, Noire's voice came out of the PA system across the whole ship:
"…It's our people sacrificing their lives for what they believe they deserve. Freedom. Freedom to chose. Freedom to speak. Freedom to do what they like. Even if you manage to capture us again, or even kill us, our people will not stop fighting."
As the message sounded, all soldiers currently engaged in battle ceased fire. Even the Imperials, surprised, stopped their assault, listening to the words of enemy Goddess. They knew they should continue, but the words were too tempting.
"You invaded them, brought destruction and death upon their homes and families. All they want is just to live out their lives as they please, not fearing for their life every single day, because they get killed by you or tortured for saying one thing wrong. It doesn't matter how much you will kill them, there will always be new people willing to stand up against you and your rule."
VA's soldiers around the ship looked at each other. Meanwhile, Imperials looked at each other too, but with concern. Even they knew, that what the Goddess was saying was true.
"Do what you want with us. You can imprison us for eternity. Kill us. Torture us until we beg for death. That doesn't matter to our people. As long as there are any people and things worth fighting for and protecting, there will be people willing to fight and protect them. You can't kill or destroy one thing people will always harbor, no matter how hard you try to exterminate it."
There was a pause.
"Hope."Noire finally finished.
Entire ship fell silent, as minds of soldiers on both sides processed what they heard. Finally, Veterans Alliance's soldiers started turning back towards the Imperials, who stared back at them.
"For Gamindustri!"VA's soldiers roared across the ship."For our Goddesses!"
Next, much to Imperials' shock, they started charging at them. Imperials opened fire, but no matter how much they took down, VA didn't slow down. Soon, they crashed into Imperial Marines and a fierce melee ensued. Using everything they had in their reach, VA's soldiers started mauling enemy troops. At the same time, another thing they didn't know happened. Something, which they did subconsciously.
They started to truly believe again.
And with their belief reignited, waves of energy flared to life.
February 11
14:02
Day's Break, hangar
Tacoma listened to Noire's speech with the same neutral expression as always. When Lastation's CPU ended, she corrected her glasses.
"Finished?"she asked.
Noire responded by lifting her rapier higher. Tacoma just sighed.
"Just give up already."she said."You won't win this and you know it."
"I can keep trying, right?"Noire replied with a smile.
"Then let's see how long can you last."
Noire's grip on her rapier's handle tightened. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Tacoma was mostly right. Without her power, there was no way for her to actually beat her. And even then, it wouldn't be so certain that she'll win. She had to come up with something quick, if she wanted to come out of this alive.
Other Goddesses observed the two opponents standing across from each other. Neptune actually started biting fingernails.
"Could you stop?"Blanc asked.
"I'm stressed. So I cannot."Neptune replied and continued.
"It's slowly pissing me off."
"Why are you complaining about me biting my nails?"
"Yours?!"
Right then, Neptune noticed, that she's actually holding Blanc's hand to her mouth and bites Lowee CPU's nails. Realizing it, she gave her a smile and let go of the hand.
"Ooops."she said.
"I swear, if you…"
"Do you feel that?"Vert suddenly asked.
The two looked at her.
"What do you mean?"Blanc asked."Did those melons finally start weighting you?"
"That's not it. And no."Vert replied."It feels like…"
CPUs of Lowee and Planeptune then felt it as well. A familiar, warm feeling they didn't feel since they took down the drone. It came suddenly and in such a force, that they had to gasp as it continued to flow and flow in. They touched their chests.
"Is that…"Neptune asked.
"…Share Energy?"Blanc finished.
Vert nodded.
"Where is it coming from?"Neptune asked.
"Is it important now?"Leanbox CPU replied, looking towards Noire.
The two did as well.
Lastation's Goddess also started feeling it as well. Powerful flow of Share Energy. She had no idea where did it come from, but she knew what did it allow her to do now. But she decided not to reveal too much yet. She decided to make a surprise for her opponent. She stood more confidently and looked at Tacoma with a smirk, causing the ever composed Knight to growl in annoyance.
"What are you smirking at?"she asked."Are you really willing to welcome what's coming for you with open arms?"
"Why don't you find out?"Noire replied valiantly.
"You're honestly starting to piss me off."
"Oh, really? Because I can't see it."
Tacoma just growled and before anyone could react, she launched herself at Noire.
Lastation's CPU just stood there, her weapon at the ready. She had to wait for a good time. She had to do something that Tacoma could not account for. Something, which her 'perfect mind' could not calculate. Fortunately, there was something she could do in that matter now. And she would use it.
Tacoma was just inches away, but Noire still didn't move. She could see the normally neutral expression start to get twisted with anger. Apparently, the Imperial Knight didn't like when people actually weren't scared of her.
"Now."Noire thought.
She reached deep inside of her and before long, the hangar was engulfed in a flash of light. The flash blinded Tacoma, forcing her to close her eyes and look away. When the light subsided and Tacoma looked back at Noire, her eyes widened with actual surprise, as she saw that in the place of Noire now stood Black Heart, with her sword pointed right at Tacoma.
Imperial Knight tried to quickly slow down, but it was of no use. Her speed carried her forward. Everything then started happening in slow motion for her.
The sword pointed at her.
Blade touching her weakened personal force field.
The field giving up.
And the sharp blade plunging into her chest and coming out of her back.
Tacoma's breathing quickened as she felt the sharp steel piercing her. Black Heart just stood there, looking with no emotion on her face. Imperial Knight coughed, purple blood pouring out of her mouth.
"How…?"she asked weakly.
"Your calculations never accounted for one variable."Black Heart said.
She then reached out, grabbed Tacoma's shoulder and pulled her closer, at the same time thrusting her blade forward, sinking it even deeper inside Tacoma. Imperial Knight felt herself getting weaker, as her chain axe fell out of her hand.
"You never thought we'll have enough Shares to actually transform."Black Heart whispered into her ear.
Right then, a group of Imperial Marines which Tacoma called secretly entered the hangar and frozen in their tracks, seeing the sight before them. Black Heart then pulled out her blade from Tacoma's chest and pushed the dying Knight back, making her fall on the ground. Purple stain started forming under her, as her eyes darted from one place to the other, as if searching for something.
"Lady Tacoma…"commander of the Marines whispered.
"Impossible…"another said.
"Very much possible."Black Heart stated. She pointed her sword at them."I want you to report everything to your commanders and tell them to surrender immediately. If they refuse, I will personally cut down every and one of you. Do you understand?"
Marines looked at each other, thinking what to do. Ultimately, the squad leader contacted their commander. He explained everything to him and even turn don his helmet camera to prove it. Soon, the general's voice sounded in radios of all Imperial Marines.
"This is general Rodiun. I order all of you to immediately surrender to Veterans Alliance's forces. The order comes into life immediately."
Not long after, first prisoners started being led to their cells by victorious VA soldiers.
"Good."Black Heart said."Now, there is one more thing I have to deal with."
"Mother…"Tacoma whispered.
Black Heart saw as she reaches out towards something.
"I don't wanna die…"Imperial Knight continued. Tears started streaming down her cheeks.
Lastation's CPU was surprised. Just few minutes earlier, Tacoma tried to kill her and seemed like a cold, emotionless, logical machine. Now, she laid there, whimpering like a little girl. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Black Heart felt some kind of…guilt.
And right then, Tacoma's body started to…dissolve.
Particle by particle, her body started disappeared, like a piece of paper set on fire. Everyone went silent, observing this, until everything that was left in place of Tacoma was a purple puddle of blood.
"What the nep?"Neptune asked.
"We'll figure this out later."Black Heart said."You take care of these guys."She pointed at the surrendering Imperial Marines.
"And what are you going to do?"Blanc asked.
Black Heart just turned to them and smiled, after which she proceeded to fly out of the hangar at full speed.
Nobody knew why, but Goddesses were able to breath freely in the emptiness of space, what allowed Black Heart to soar through the emptiness of space. The area all around was filled with fire exchange between the two opposing fleets. Among all these flashing lights, she spotted the enormous shape of enemy battleship. Giant vessel was the center of attention, as remaining Imperial vessels tried to shield it from the incoming fire of more numerous and nimble VA ships. Alliance still held the numerical advantage, but Imperials still had advantage in firepower.
Not for long.
Black Heart set course on the battleship and started flying towards it, at the same time gathering energy in her blade, which started glowing with white-black light. Nobody paid attention to her. She was still too small to be spotted among the mass of fighting ships. At least to notice her with a naked eye.
"Sir…"radar officer on Thunder of Enlightenment's bridge spoke.
Both Affimojas and battleship's captain looked at him.
"What is it?"captain asked.
"We're detecting a small, yet fast and highly energy emitting object coming our way."
"What is it? Can you identify it?"Affimojas asked.
"No, it's too fast and energy it's emitting interferes with our sensors too much."
Affimojas looked out the bridge's window towards the space in front of him, activating his combat mode. This allowed his HUD to more easily identify immediate threats and closest dangers. And thanks to this, he spotted a shimmer of white-black light, as it approached the machine. Zooming closer to the light, he saw the object that emitted the energy.
And when he did, his mechanical heart almost stopped beating from shock.
"It's…!"Words couldn't leave his speakers.
"It's what?"captain demanded.
"It's Bla…"
With a scream only she could hear, Black Heart rammed into the front of the battleship, flew through the entire length of it, on the way turning everything into molten mass of metal, shocking the crew and before long, reaching the reactor room. It's crew looked at her with disbelief, as she took a swing and wave of energy smashed into the reactor, damaging it beyond repair.
"A present from me."Lastation's CPU said before turning and flying out of the reactor room the way she came.
Reactor room crew tried to do something with the newly damaged reactor, but there was no use. Reactor soon imploded, releasing the energy in it. An enormous orb of energy started expanding, devouring the battleship in it's wake.
On the bridge, alarms blared as captain and Affimojas looked at each other, shock visible even on robot's face. A few seconds later, energy orb reached the bridge.
"Nooooooo!"Affimojas shouted, as the orb absorbed and disintegrated him.
Energy expanded and expanded for the next two minutes, before it finally vanished, leaving only most upfront and back parts of the giant vessel.
Seeing the death of the flagship, remaining Imperial ships quickly turned their tails and jumped out of the area. Seeing this, many VA soldiers looked in disbelief for a few seconds, before erupting in cheers.
Back in Day's Break hangar, Goddesses, Tashimas, Matty and Rand quickly called in support and rounded up the enemy Marines. Not long after, they saw Black Heart flying into the hangar and Goddesses quickly rushed towards her. Right then, there was a flash and Noire appeared. She fell to her knees, but before she could fall completely, Vert grabbed her.
Lastation's CPU looked at them with tired eyes.
"I'm…spent…"she said.
"Rest for now."Vert said."We'll take care of everything else."
Noire nodded and her eyes closed as she dozed off.
February 11
15:57
Day's Break bridge
Following the battle, VA immediately went to cleaning everything. Bodies were gathered, makeshift barricades were dismantled and POWs were brought to the cells aboard variosu ships, while their equipment was confiscated and would be given to VA soldiers. It was also unanimously decided between the General and the Officers that the fleet will soon begin to move, but after all the survivors from destroyed ships will be gathered.
CPUs entered the bridge and took in the crew members hard at work. Captain of the ship was telling orders to his officers, which then relied them to other people at the consoles. Rand stood besides the captain, observing everything.
When he spotted them, he smiled and approached them.
"Goddesses."he said."How is Goddess Noire?"
"Tashima, Yuko and Matty took her to Beacon of Hope."Blanc replied."We just came here to finalize some formalities."
The General nodded.
"I think it's obvious. You can count on full support of all Veterans Alliance assets all across the system. Wherever our operatives are, they will support you."he said.
"Thank you for that, general."Vert said, bowing slightly.
"So, what you gonna do now?"Neptune asked, hands before her head.
"Simple."Rand shrugged."We lost almost half of our ships in this fleet. So we decided to disband one of the others and replenish losses in this one with it's ships."
"Ouch. Sorry for causing that to happen."Neptune said.
But the General shook his head.
"We don't hold a grudge. After all, not only did we win the battle. Goddess Noire managed to kill an Imperial Knight. Something we all thought impossible. And yet she did it."
"She said, that it's also partially your merit."Blanc said."Apparently your stunt with the dropship weakened Tacoma's force field enough for Noire to destroy it."
He threw up his arms.
"If she says so."he said."And what are your goals now?"
"We're gonna continue gathering support."Vert explained."We have the VA. Now we have to get the Technocrats and Anonimals on our side."
"I wish you good luck with that. Your success will be our common victory."
"Indeed."
The three of them were already turning to leave, but before they left, Rand spoke:
"I have one more question."
They stopped and looked at him.
"How did Goddess Noire suddenly manage to transform?"he asked.
"Simple."Blanc said."Apparently, her speech reached far enough, that your soldiers regained their full belief in us and Share Energy was powerful enough for us all to transform."
"Buuut…"Vert said."…by doing so, now there is not enough Shares for us to transform. They will return in time, but not yet."
"If Shares from entire fleet were enough to destroy a battleship, imagine what Shares from entire planet will allow us to to."Planeptune's CPU said, grinning widely.
"I guess we'll have to wait and find out."Rand laughed."Still, that was quite the feat and she deserves her rest. And once again, thank you for your help."
"We did what we could, general."Vert replied.
With that, the three turned and left for Beacon.
February 11
15:58
Beacon of Hope cargo bay
Once more, Tashima found himself in the cargo compartment of the hauler, walking between various boxes and crates. He was here to once more speak to Steamax and maybe actually try convincing him of joining. Truth be told, even though Steamax was leader of Machine Union's Security Forces, he still seemed to have his own set of morals. Tashima could appreciate that and actually felt respect for the robot. Even though he was still probably responsible for a lot of atrocities.
He quickly made the way to Steamax's holding cell and told the two guards to walk away. He stood face to face with the robot.
"Steamax."he said.
"Corporal Tashima."Steamax replied."What is the purpose of this visit?"
"You probably know what happened?"
Steamax nodded.
"Yes. Lord Affimojas managed to contact me. Fleet got here because of my signal."
Tashima nodded.
"At least you admit it. Now, we decided, that we will remove your signal emitter to hide you better."
"If you say so."
"Also, I wanted to know, what do you make of my previous offer?"
There was a moment of silence, as the two looked at each other. Finally, Steamax shook his head.
"As I said, I owe too much to Lord Affimojas. He…"
"Affimojas is dead."
Hearing this, Steamax literally jumped up from his seating position and pushed his face against the force field separating him from Tashima.
"What?!"he exclaimed.
"We got testimony from POWs. Affimojas was aboard enemy flagship. And we didn't detect any life pods launching from it before it was destroyed. So, assuming Affimojas didn't have any copies of himself saved…"
"He didn't. He said, that he can be only one and thus, he won't copy himself or make backups. To not risk it ever getting into unauthorized hands."
Tashima shook his head.
"Stupid decision in machine's case."
"I tried to persuade him, but he wouldn't listen."
An awkward silence fell between them. It lasted for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry."Tashima finally said."I know how much did Affimojas mean to you."
Steamax didn't answer. Instead, he just watched Tashima leave and his guards return to their usual spots. His robotic mind was lost deep in thoughts about what should he do, even as the cargo hauler departed for the return journey to the Unbreakable Ore's HQ.
February 11
21:36
Planeptower, Planeptune
Empress Keya Aristos I, empress of the Aristian Empire, sat at the top of the table in the meeting room. There were only three people sitting with her: Hall-A, with her inseparable sword, and two guards at the door. They stood there, unmoved, like they did back on Aristia years ago. You can change the planet, but you can't change the people. That was what Keya's husband, the previous emperor, always told her.
The door to the room opened and two other people they were waiting on entered: EVEa and Stellaria. Two Imperial Knights approached the table, bowed before their mother and took their usual spots.
"Good to see you all here."Keya said.
"Of course, mother."EVEa said."We will always come when you tell us to."
"That is our duty."Stellaria added.
Hall-A rolled her eyes. For her, such words were just a simple attempt to lick someone's ass to get what you wanted.
"Okay, stop the ass licking."she said."Mother said it's important."
"We know."Stellaria replied.
"And we're not licking anyone's ass."EVEa growled."If you want, you can lick your own when I'm done with you."
"Was that a challenge?"
"You bet."
The two of them already reached for their weapons.
"Tacoma is dead."Keya said.
For a second, everything in the meeting room seemed to freeze. Empress looked across her daughters. Hall-A had an indifferent expression on her face, but her left eye was visibly twitching, showing how furious she was. EVEa frowned, as if trying to guess if this is some kind of a joke or if did she hear something wrong. And Stellaria, the most sensitive of her daughters, had an expression of pure shock and fear.
"You're joking, right?"EVEa asked."She's just late, isn't she?"
Keya shook her head.
"She went on a mission to eliminate the Veterans Alliance. She didn't come back. And we all know, that capturing her wouldn't be possible."she stated.
Once more, silence.
"How did that happen?"Stellaria asked, tears slowly swelling in her eyes.
"And more importantly, WHO made it happen?"Hall-A asked.
Keya looked at her eldest child. Hall-A may have been a psychopathic killing machine, but she did care for her sisters deep down, even though she more often told them how she was gonna gut them. But when things came to shove, she would fight for them to the death.
"I think we all know the answer to that."Empress replied."The ones that are possibly the most looked for escapees in the system."
Shivers came down the three's spines.
"The CPUs?"EVEa asked.
Keya nodded.
Hearing this, Hall-A slammed her blade on the table.
"THEN WE SHALL HUNT THEM DOWN EVEN MORE VICIOUSLY!"she exclaimed."WE WILL DELEGATE EVERY SHIP WE HAVE, EVERY SOLDIER, EVERY SPY AND INTELLIGENCE AGENT TO TRACK THEM DOWN, SO I WILL PERSONALLY GO THERE AND PULL OUT THEIR GUTS SO I COULD MAKE MYSELF A SCARF OUT OF THEM!"
EVEa and Stellaria looked at their sister with worry, while Keya still sat calmly, unmoved by this outburst.
"Not yet."Keya stated.
"Not yet?"Hall-A asked."Not yet?! Then what do you suppose we should do, mother?!"
"People can't know about what happened to Tacoma."Empress stated."If the word of what happened to her ever gets to the public, we will not see the end of civil unrest for days. We can't let this happen."
"So what? You tell us to suck it up and forget about what happened to Tacoma?"
With stone cold gaze and voice, Empress replied:
"Yes."
Hall-A almost made the mistake of lifting up her sword, but hearing the rustle of fabric and clicking of weapons behind her, she stopped herself. Not like the two Imperial Guards would have a chance with her, but fighting in a place like this was not something she wanted. She sat back down, her eyes still burning with anger.
"I already gave the orders."Keya continued."Tacoma's retainer will take over her duty of ruling Lastation. A martial law will be instated under the cover of anti-terrorist operation, to ensure nothing will happen. You have to keep silent and make sure no word of what we just said would get into the public, especially to natives. Understood?"
"Yes, mother."EVEa and Stellaria replied.
The three then looked at Hall-A.
"Hall-A?"Keya asked.
The eldest of Imperial Knights growled and nodded.
"Yes, mother."she said.
"Good. You're dismissed."
Three Imperial Knights stood up and walked out of the room. After she made sure they're gone, Keya once more took a trip to the tower's dungeons. She passed by the screaming prisoners and made her way towards the chamber where Histoire was held. She closed the door behind her and then, when she was alone, far from everyone else…
…she let her tears flow down her cheeks.
When the news of Tacoma's likely demise reached her ears, Keya felt a punch to the guy more powerful than anything before. She didn't show it, though. She knew, that her people needed a strong leader in these hard times. She promised it to her husband. That she will make sure that their people will be safe.
But that also meant their family. Their children.
"I'm sorry, my beloved…"she whispered."I couldn't keep my promise…And I fear I will have to break it again and again…"
She looked at the cryo chamber in which Histoire was held in her book.
"I have to admit, I underestimated these 'Goddesses' of yours."she said."They are more capable then I anticipated."
She approached the chamber and placed her and on the glass.
"They killed Tacoma. The second Imperial Knight. My daughter."She clenched her fist."Why am I telling you this, you ask? Simple. So you can rejoice in the fact, that one of the 'invaders' is dead. Like you always wanted."
She swept her tears with her sleeve.
"But know this. Tacoma was more than an invader. She was my child. One of the last things left to me after my husband. I love them with all myself and will do anything to protect them. So know, that now, for doing this to MY family, your Goddesses will be in for a world of pain. Think about what I just told you. And know, that your people are not the only ones to suffer."
With these words, Keya once more put on her mask and left the chamber, leaving Histoire with her thoughts.
XXX
And this is the end for now. As always, leave a review, follow and favorite. It will be highly appreciated!
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