"Isn't this a little...ah what's the word..." Galahad asked, lost in thought.

"Overkill?" Gear asked, as he and Galahad watched worker mechaniloids loading crate after crate onto the Rogumer, including one or two large ones that apparently contained Ride Armors.

"Yes that's it." said Galahad. "Overkill, this is most certainly overkill."

"I have to agree." said Shenlong. "I mean I understand there is going to be a LOT of Mavericks overrunning Aria City, but do we really need all these weapons?"
"Of course we do!" Jane walked over looking giddy as she watched the crates being loaded on. "According to Roadbuster, this is a time honored tradition of the Wreckers to have this much firepower."

"While I am all for tradition." said Galahad as he rubbed the back of his head. "It just seems a little much."

"Subtle isn't exactly what we do." The group turned watching as Roadbuster walked over.
"Commander Roadbuster." Galahad said with a salute.
"At ease Galahad, no need to be so formal." said Roadbuster.

"So if we don't do subtle, what do we do?" Shenlong asked.

"Cause a big scene that's what." said Roadbuster. "We're the first ones in and the last one's out. Our missions are generally behind the scenes causing as much destruction as possible to keep the heat off of other hunter units in the areas."
"So we draw everyone's attention to us, taking out as many as possible?" Shenlong asked.

"More or less." said Roadbuster. "Basically we go into an area before the main unit, and cause a commotion, or a distraction, often designed to draw enemies away from another installation, thus reducing security and threat level at the particular location."
"And you do that with an over abundance of firepower?" Galahad asked.

"What better way to get the enemy's attention then with a nice big explosion?" Roadbuster asked.
"Hmm." Galahad said, tapping his chin. "I suppose it would work as a viable diversionary operation."

"Our work doesn't end there." said Roadbuster. "As I said before, first ones in, last ones out. So even when our primary objective has been achieved, we stick around and make sure nothing goes wrong until the main team have completed their objective and got out, we also deal with any stragglers and leftovers."
"So we double as a cleanup crew?" Shenlong asked.

Roadbuster nodded. "However that's not all we do. We also do rescue work when it's needed."

"Roadbuster." Xaine came over, causing Galahad to go rigid again and salute. Xaine raised an eyebrow.

"Er sorry, sir." said Galahad, relaxing. "Force of habit. I'll try to be a little less formal."

"What's up Xaine?" Roadbuster asked.

"How are the preparations?" Xaine asked.

"Almost done." said Roadbuster. "Just a few more crates to load."

"Good." said Xaine. "Everyone get on board we'll be taking off soon, and grab whatever you can to help speed up the loading."
"Yes sir." they said, saluting and heading for the Rogumer.

"You sure know how to pick them." Roadbuster said, watching Gear, Galahad, Shenlong and Jade. "Never mind the fact you recruited Crash's brother of all people." he turned his head, seeing Musashi and his cyber wolf. "How the hell did you recruit a Strider?"

Xaine pulled out a pack of cigarettes, calmly lit one and took a puff. "Kuramoto owed the Maverick Hunters a favor."

Roadbuster looked at Xaine. "We've been partners for 3 years you and me, and I know just about every favor a hunter has collected on here and there. But a favor from the Striders? How did you manage that?"

"Remember that trip to Moscow we took prior to repliforce?" Xaine asked.

"You mean the incident in Kazakh City?" Roadbuster asked. "That was the striders?"

"Yeah." said Xaine, taking another puff. "Apparently one of Kuramoto's Strider's was performing a mission there, some assassination or another, and put in a word to the Maverick Hunters to cause a distraction so his agent could infiltrate the place without a problem."

Roadbuster scratched the back of his head. "Well that explains the uniforms and the potted plants."

"In exchange for our help, Kuramoto offered to lend the Maverick Hunters use of one of his Striders for their next major mission whatever in my be."

"And when you went diving for recruits, Signas let you call in on that favor?" Roadbuster asked. "You could have at least called in the guy we helped in Kazakh."

"He's on another assignment." said Xaine taking a puff on his cigarette.

"That line is turning into a running gag, and a bad one at that." said Roadbuster.

"Well Kuramoto assured me that Musashi is capable, both in a fight and on recon missions. He'll be able to go places in Aria none of us will thanks to his training."

Xaine took another puff on his cigarette. "And you know I prefer talent and skill over accomplishments Roadbuster. So no matter how awesome the Strider from the Kazakh mission is, if he doesn't have the talent and skill to go with it, why bother recruiting him for this mission?"
"Well, aside from him and Galahad, none of the others really stand out." said Roadbuster.

"And is that a problem?" Xaine asked. "You and I are only A rank hunters after all, and Medi is a civilian medic. Everyone else is either S or A, then there's Gear who's only C rank and Shenlong, who is a newcomer."

"With an assignment of this magnitude, I'd have thought you'd grab as many special S hunters as possible." said Roadbuster.

"Rank isn't everything." said Xaine. "Remember we recruit based solely on rank. Individual talent and ability is also a must, and these kids have what it takes."

"I hope so." said Roadbuster. "This mission doesn't feel right."

"Yeah Signas said the same thing." said Xaine as the two started walking to the Rogumer. "Too many coincidences, that's what he said. Frankly I'd have to agree. Think about it Buster, this many mavericks in one place all at once?"
"Does seem a little fishy." said Roadbuster. "But we should worry about it after we clear out the mavericks." He stopped, something clicking in his head as he looked to Xaine. "Is that why you got authorization to arrest humans? You suspect one of the criminal organizations that has the city carved up like a thanksgiving turkey don't you?"

"Well there is that." said Xaine. "But to be honest I got the authorization cause sooner or later we'll step on the wrong toes, and I don't want to get stuck behind the corruption and politics of that place when we do."

"Well if we got one thing going for us." said Roadbuster. "They won't be able to buy their way out of a maverick branding."

"Exactly." said Xaine. "That at least affords us some advantage, but at the same time let's try not to abuse it too much. If any it's more of a deterrent to allow us to do our job without interference."
"Right." said Roadbuster. "Man who would have thought trying to wipe out Mavericks would be THIS much of a pain in the ass."

"Well we're not just dealing with some random maverick insurrection or virus outbreak." Xaine said as the two boarded the Rogumer. "There is a potential human element involved who may or may not be pulling strings behind the scenes."

"So it's either one big coincidence." said Roadbuster. "Or one of the big names mobsters is involved."

"And that is what worries me." said Xaine.

"All you ever do is worry." said Roadbuster.

Xaine smiled and hit the intercom. "Breaker, everyone is on board and the Rogumer is loaded."

"Copy that." said Breaker. "Prepare for lift off."

Up front in the Rogumer cockpit, Breaker was going through startup procedures, quickly and deftly flipping switches with a practice hand.

"This is your captain speaking." Breaker said over the intercom. "Please observe the seatbelt sign, keep all cell phones and electronic devices off during takeoff, and please enjoy the flight, next stop, Crime central!" The engines of the Rogumer roared with life as the hangar roof opened up. the Rogumer rising and heading into the sky.

An hour had passed, the Rogumer on autopilot as Breaker was now in the back with the others, a game of poker underway between him, Roadbuster, Galahad, Jane, and Xaine in the break room.

"Whats wrong Breaker? Nervous?" Roadbuster ask as he raised the pot by 500. "Maybe you should stay in the cockpit."
"The only one whose nervous is you Roadbuster." said Breaker as he matched Buster's bet, he looked to Jane. "Your move."

"I'll raise." said Jane with a grin. "1000."

A low whistle.

"Too rich for my blood." said Xaine setting his cards down, all eyes on Galahad who was contemplating his cards.

"Down to you Knight boy." said Breaker. "You in or are you chickening out like the commander."
"Hmm." Galahad looked over his cards again, calmly set them down and moved all his money in the pile. "I go all in, that is the correct term is it not?"

Breaker raised an eyebrow and just grinned. "Okay I'll bite." he said, pushing his money in.

"I'm out." said Roadbuster putting his cards down.

"Yeah same." said Jane. All eyes were now on Breaker and Galahad.

"Show em." said Breaker, setting his cards down and revealing Kings and Queens. "Full House."

"My that is a strong hand." Galahad said, as he calmly set down a 10, J, Q, K and A of spades. "Now how do you say it again? 'Read em and weep'?"

Breaker's jaw dropped, Jane stared in disbelief and Xaine just shook his head.

"Are you fucking shitting me?" said Breaker, watching at Galahad gathered up his winnings. "How lucky can you get?"

Galahad looked up from counting up his winnings. "Oh it's not luck my dear Sir Breaker. This isn't my first rodeo, as it were, when it comes to gambling, plus you're easy to read, your tells are far too obvious." Breaker's eye twitch and everyone chuckled.

"I am not easy to read!" said Breaker. "I have the best poker face in the 5th Calvary."
"Then the rest of the 5th Calvary must be worse than you." said Galahad.

Breaker grumbled, got up and walked back to the cockpit. "I think I'll do a barrel roll next time you're sleeping." he said.

Jane burst out laughing. "Oh man that was awesome." she said. "How did you manage a royal flush?"
"Well, there is always some luck involved." said Galahad.

"Luck nothing." said Jane. "You British types seem to be way too lucky when it comes to gambling."
"My dear Lady Jane." Galahad said, standing with a bow. "I think you watch too many spy movies."
"Whats wrong with that?" Jane asked. "Spy movies are great." She perked up. "Oh! That's right!" she grinned and raced off to the cargo hold. "I'll be right back."

"Where is she going?" Raem asked, having walked in just as Jane ran out.

"Storage it looks like." said Roadbuster.

Raem blinked. "Why is she going there?"

"I know why." said Gear, popping up from behind a chair, he had apparently been reading a magazine. "I took inventory of everything we have, which is quite a lot let me ask you. Among them was an extensive Holovid collection. Apparently it belongs to Jane."

"Why would she bring that?" Raem asked.

"Movie nights of course!" Jane came back in, holding a vid case. "You know, something fun to do in between retiring mavericks and beating up gangsters."

"You do realize it'll be another hour or so before we reach Aria City airspace." said Roadbuster. "We don't have time for an in flight movie."

"Ah don't be such a stick in the mud." said Jane. "Let's at least relax a little bit and enjoy a movie while we can."

In the Med bay, Medi was currently going over all the medical supplies they were able to procure, tapping her pen on her chin as she double checked the notes.

'Going to have to acquire more, depending on how long this mission goes.' she thought. 'hopefully we can get the hospital to cooperate.' she looked over and blinked, surprised by what she saw. "Oh, Mr. Musashi. I didn't see you there."

"Apologies for the intrusions." said Musashi.

"No need." said Medi. "The Med bay is open to everyone. I would have thought you'd be with the others in the break room though."

"Striders don't mingle." said Musashi.

"Nonsense, everyone mingles." said Medi.

"Then why aren't you out there mingling?" Musashi asked.

"Because if I was out there, I'd be in that poker game and if I was in my poker game my husband wouldn't be able to win a single hand. At least with me here in the med bay he at least has a chance." Medi gave Musashi a sly, if playful smile that made the Strider raise an eyebrow.

"Is he that bad?" Musashi asked, oddly curious.

"Oh no he's a good poker player. I'm just better." said Medi. She looked through the list of supplies again. "It's one of the reasons we stopped going to Atlantic City, at least stopped going together." she set the list down and looked at Musashi. "The thing is Musashi, you are a part of a team now, a maverick hunter unit, we're not all one man armies like X or Zero or even you and the other Striders. We're just normal hunters."

"Does that include you?" Musashi asked.

"Who me? No I'm a civilian reploid." said Medi. "I volunteered to help when Xaine couldn't find a capable medic. What about you, what made you become a Strider?"

"Family." said Musashi. "our family has been a part of the Striders for generations."

"Tradition is good." said Medi. "I hope you do your family proud." she sifted through her pockets, pulling out a pack of slims and took one out, lighting it. "So were you hand pick for this assignment, or did you volunteer?"

"Volunteered." said Musashi. "Though I'm sure if commander Xaine had the option, he would have wanted Hiryu rather than me."
"And why is that?" Medi asked, leaning against a desk.

"Hiryu is our best agent, highly decorated with a perfect record. He would have been the better pick for this mission."
Medi smiled. "Nonsense, if there is one thing Xaine never does, is pick someone based on their accomplishments and reputation. He always looks for the best and brightest regardless of rank, valuing talent more than anything. 10 times out of 10 he'd pick you over this Hiryu person every time, I'm sure of it."

Musashi looked at Medi, and smiled slightly under his mask. "You flatter me."

"I'm quite serious." said Medi. "I mean look at this time, out of everyone here that is a Maverick Hunter, only one of us is a Special S rank hunter. Hell that Shenlong kid is a bottom of the barrel E rank, but he's on this team because Xaine acknowledges his Martial ability and skill in Ansatsuken. As for you, you're what, A rank in your organization? You may not the top of the order, but that doesn't mean your skills are worthless. So trust in Xaine's judgment."

Musashi nodded.

"Besides." Medi said with a grin. "Think about how jealous this Hiryu guy is when you return from this mission, taking on a massive number of mavericks the likes no one has ever seen in this history of this conflict."

Again, a slight smile was on Musashi' concealed face. "The jury is still out on whether or not Hiryu actually has emotions."

"Oh dear." said Medi. "That would have been an automatic disqualification."

That got a chuckle out of Musashi.

It had been about 30 minutes as Breaker sat in the cockpit, piloting the Rogumer and keeping an eye out on the horizon. Flipping on the coms he sat back in the pilot seat. "Xaine this is Breaker, ETA to Aria City 20 minutes."

"Roger that, keep me posted." said Xaine.

Breaker nodded, then blinked, turning to the currently empty navigator chair and hearing something.

"Breaker to Raem." he said over the coms. "Can you come up to the cockpit, there's com chatter coming through the outgoing coms, think you can sort it out?"
"On my way Breaker." said Raem.

Breaker gave a nod and turned off coms and looked ahead. 'Man if only you could see me now Crash.' he thought to himself.

Raem came into the cockpit a few seconds later, taking her spot at the navigation console as she placed the headset on and started adjusting the signals.

"It started up just a few seconds ago." said Breaker.

"Probably local chatter from the city since we're getting close." said Raem. She listened for a moment, and her eyes widen. "Oh god." she said.

"Huh?" Breaker looked over. "Raem whats wrong?"
Raem said nothing as she turned on the com. "Commander Xaine come to the Cockpit right away, it's an emergency." at the same time, she was busy furiously opening various communication channels.

"What are you doing?" Breaker asked.

"Trying to improve the signal." said Raem. "Make sure what I'm hearing is correct."
"Raem what's wrong?" Xaine came in, followed by Roadbuster. Raem looked up taking off the head set.

"Our navigation comlink picked up radio chatter originating from Aria City." said Raem. "A large number of mavericks have laid siege to the main highway that connects most of the city together."

"How long ago?" Xaine asked.

"An hour, from what I can tell." said Raem. She put the headset back on and began to listen again, making adjustments here and there to improve the signal. "It's sounds like the Aria City Police Department's S.W.A.T team has the highway completely closed off and barricaded to prevent most of the Mavericks from getting out."

"What about rescue efforts?" asked Roadbuster. "The police must at least be trying to get civilians to safety."

Raem shook her head. "As far as I can tell no rescue is being attempted...um...it sounds like Police are to..." she blinked, looking disgusted. "sit back and wait until the mavericks kill themselves off, and then check for survivors."

"Are you kidding me?" said Breaker, at this point having put the Rogumer back on auto pilot. "That highway no doubt has humans trapped on it that were merely commuting either to or from work, and the police aren't doing anything? I thought the ACPD handled maverick threats."

"Not the entire department." said Xaine. "There is a dedicated 'hunter division' but that's about it."

"So SWAT just sits on their asses and wait since they aren't qualified to handle mavericks?" Roadbuster asked. "At least say that this hunter division of theirs is on route."

Raem shook her head. "Nothing that I can make out."

"Whats the call commander?" Breaker asked.

"Roadbuster, gather everyone in the cargo hold." said Xaine.

"Yes sir!" said Roadbuster as he headed out.

"Breaker adjust our heading and head for the highway. Raem I want you to get in touch with the hospital in the city and tell them to get transports ready to deploy on our signal."
"On it." said Raem.

"And find out who makes up their hunter division." Xaine added.

2 minutes later, in the cargo hold.
Shenlong, Jane, Gear, Musashi, Galahad, Medi, Roadbuster and Xaine were all gathered, Xaine having just explained the situation at hand.

"Are you serious?" Shenlong asked, in near disbelief. "Mavericks are running rampant on the highway, there is a possibility of human survivors and the police do nothing but keep the highway on lockdown?"

"Yeah."

"You've got to be kidding!" said Jane. "and what kind of bullshit orders are 'wait until the mavericks kill themselves off'? By the time that actually happens there won't be anyone left to save!"

"And that's where we come in." said Xaine. "We're going down there and we're clearing that highway."

"But by the time we land and make it over there, the casualties will have skyrocketed. Plus it sounds like the S.W.A.T team is there to prevent ANYONE from getting in and out."

"Thats why we aren't landing." said Xaine.

"Not landing sir?" Galahad asked, a little confused. "Then how are we getting to the Highway?"

"From above." said Roadbuster. "We're going to airdrop down onto the highway from above."

"Seriously?" Jane asked.

Xaine nodded. "It's our best way of getting in, we'll drop in around the middle, so that we are not spotted by the blockades. Last thing I want is to be mistaken for a Maverick and shot down by trigger happy cops."

"Once we're down we'll have to move fast." said Xaine. "Our priority is to clear out as many of the mavericks on the highway as possible and secure a landing zone for rescue choppers. Musashi you're on recon, I need you to spot maverick groups and point out any strays. We got a crate of gear just for you, including a glider, use it."

Musashi nodded.

"Your Cyber Wolf goes with Medi on the ground to track for survivors. Galahad you're with Medi, keep her safe while she stabilizes the seriously wounded so they can be moved safely."
"Understood." said Galahad. "Fear not for I will make sure no harm comes to her."

"Shenlong, Roadbuster, Jane, you're with me, we're going to take down as many Mavericks as possible and thin the crowd."

"Leave it to us." said Roadbuster.

"Gear." Xaine said turning to him.

"Huh?" Gear blinked. "Me?"

"Yes, you'll be taking a Ride Armor down to the surface and clearing out debris for an LZ, as well as rescuing any civilians that may be trapped under rubble. As soon as I give the word to the hospital we need to make sure there is a viable LZ for rescue choppers."

"R-Right!" Gear said, straightening up. "I won't let you down!"

"Raem will coordinate from up here." said Xaine. "If there are no questions. Then lets arm up and show them what the 21st can do!"

Everyone nodded, even Gear was fired up.

Crates were being opened and weapons being checked, everyone grabbing what they can use.

Musashi loaded Kunai into a hip holster while checking the grip on a climbing sickle as Gear was making adjustments to the glider, a silver winged shape glider that resembled a bird of some kind, with gold accents on the tips. Gear was adjusting the harness so that Musashi wouldn't fall.

"There that should do it." said Gear. "There are fires all across the highway from accidents and such, so use them to catch an updraft if need be."

Musashi nodded as he sheathed his Cypher on his back. "Your services are most helpful." He strapped on the Glider and moved to the lift.

"Musashi, be careful alright?" Xaine asked. "And be sure to stay clear of the blockades, don't want you getting shot down."

"Have faith in me commander." said Musashi. "I'll be able to keep an eye on the highway, including those blockades. Whatever the police are doing, I'll know."

"Alright." said Xaine. "Breaker Musashi is ready to deploy!"

"Roger that." Breaker said over the com. "Lowering the lift, everyone stay clear."

Sirens came on, as the section of the floor squared off by caution strips lowered, the wind blowing as Musashi looked on ahead.

"By the time you land I'll have the highway scouted out within 2 miles." said Musashi, who took a few steps, jumped off the lift and sailed into the air on the glider, Breaker bringing the lift up afterwards.

"Medi, Gear, Galahad you're up next." said Xaine.

Gear nodded, climbing into one of the Chimera ride armors they had brought along, this was one of the newer compact models and stood about 3 feet high with standard fists on the arms, Galahad was adjusting his equipment, adding an extra beam dagger alongside the beam saber he carried, and making checks on the buckler on his arm. Medi was adjusting a field pack she had slung on her shoulder, filled with medical supplies, bandages, ointment, tools and fresh water, she then sighted down a Buster gun, slinging it into a side holster on her hip before picking up a Buster rifle as well.

Xaine walked over, giving Medi a hug and a kiss. "Be safe out there, and stay close to Galahad alright?"

"I'll be fine." said Medi. "You keep worrying about me and you won't be able to do your job. So stop worrying and let me do mine."

"Don't worry commander, Sir Gear and I will keep her safe." said Galahad. "Between my swordsmanship and the ride armor, both Lady Medi and any survivors we fine will be safe."

"Don't forget Wolf." said Gear. "We'll be relying on him to locate the survivors."

The Cyber wolf perked up, wagging its tail as it headed over to the lift, Gear maneuvering the Ride Armor onto it as Medi and Galahad walked on.

"Musashi, it's Xaine." said Xaine over coms. "You find a spot the rescue team can set down in?"

"Affirmative, sending coordinates to Breaker." said Musashi.

"You get that Breaker?" Xaine asked.

"Yeah, making course adjustment now. I'll lower the lift when we get there."

"Copy that." said Xaine, he looked over to Medi, Galahad, Gear and Wolf. "As soon as you touch down, find as many people as you can, get them treated and ready for evac. Once we confirm survivors Raem will contact the hospital, have them start sending rescue choppers for pick up. Gear be sure a path is cleared."

"Leave it to me." said Gear.

"We're in position!" said Breaker. "Lowering the lift now."

"Good luck down there." said Xaine.

"You too." said Medi, as she, Galahad, Gear and wolf jumped off.

Breaker raised the lift back up, and Xaine turned on his com. "Musashi, find us the thickest concentration of Mavericks on the highway."

"Roger." said Musashi.

Roadbuster opened one of the crates, taking out a heavy Gatling gun and strapping it on his back, before sighting down a shotgun and slinging it into a holster on his back. He placed a hand on his shoulder cannon, doing a quick calibration test, and then grabbing up a beam rifle and slinging it over his shoulder.

"Well aren't you the serious one." said Jane, who was calibrating her own built in buster, sighing down it for a line of fire.

"You have a built in buster?" Shenlong asked looking at Jane.

"Yup." Jane said, changing it back to her hand. "Good for Mid range combat when my rifle would be useless, like in this instance." She'd strap a Green and White Riot shield on her back before picking up a helmet, letting her hair down and putting the helmet on, It was green with a black visor across the center of it, and Shenlong watched as the visor lit up with a single red eye that swept back and forth for a moment.

"Sensors online and active." said Jane. "Good to go."

Xaine holstered a Buster gun and shouldered a Shotgun as the four got on the lift.

"No weapons Shen?" Roadbuster asked.

"I am a disciple of Ansatsuken." Shenlong. "I am a weapon."

"Well that should be fun to watch." said Roadbuster.

"Commander, it's Musashi." Musashi's voice came over the com. "I found a nice spot for you to start, sending coordinates now."

"Good. Keep your eyes peeled up there Musashi.

"Can I please just mention how jealous I am that you guys get to go down and blow shit up while I'm stuck up here?" Breaker said over the com.

"Someone needs to pilot the Rogumer and land it at the airport." said Xaine.

"Yeah and by the time we land and get back to the highway we'll have missed out on all the fun."

"There's plenty of Mavericks in this city Breaker." said Xaine. "You'll get your chance."

"We're over the drop site." said Breaker.

"I'm looking at the highway now." said Raem. "Musashi sure knows how to pick them."
"Good to hear." said Xaine.

"Lowering the lift." said Breaker. "Have fun down there, bring back souvenirs if you can."

"Raem, let me know when you've found Aria city's home brew hunters." said Xaine.

"Understood." said Raem.

Shenlong look down, the night sky and city lights illuminated the highway, along with the visible fires of wreckage from the chaos down below.

"This is it." said Xaine. "This is what the 21st is all about."

"Man look at that down there." said Jane. "There's gotta be thousands of mavericks crawling all over the highway."

Xaine smirked. "That all?" and he jumped off and went into a freefall.

"Is he always like that?" Shenlong asked.

"Only when he's on assignment." said Roadbuster. "I think he's just eager to finally be back on the field." on that note Roadbuster took a step and jumped off.

Jane was smiling under the helmet. "Oh this is going to be fun!" d with an extatic giggle she leapt off the lift. "WOO!"

Shenlong just sighed and shook his head. "Never a dull moment when you're a wrecker I guess." he said as he jumped off the lift with a flip.