'Why do we die?'
...It's a question that never crossed my mind.
Even before I fought, as a genetically augmented soldier in knightly armor,
I was meant to lay down my life –
for a cause higher than myself.
Though, looking back at my past,
that purpose wasn't as simple as it seemed...
[We are entering atmosphere.] AR-73251 broke the silence in our squad communications channel, her Type-III Field Blitz Striker Model flying at the front. [Prepare for deployment.]
In the distance, Glamoth's lush homeworld of Falakor grew ever closer. [Copy,] I hear the Iron Cavalry ready.
[It's happening, isn't it?] Despite the fact that every Knight speaks the same synthetic monotone voice within their armored Frames, I sensed AR-410's worries haven't gone away, her Type-V Field Buster Assault Knight flying behind us.
[Just stay close to us,] I advise her. [We're almost there.]
[Yeah, you're too afraid about this.] AR-2504's Type-IV Tactical Valiant Striker was at the left of the group formation. [It's not like Wakened to fear their first battle,] she stated in an energetic tone.
[2504...]
A sigh from her.
We were all part of Fyrefly Squadron 3, assigned to a Unit of newly Wakened Knights. Although the other two squads have gone ahead before us, we are all sent to fulfill an extermination mission – to eliminate the Silver Sting Swarm at the Fersei Expanse.
As we felt the pressure of atmospheric entry, our armors tightly held onto our chests, flames enveloping us as if we were like meteors in mixed skies of blue and gray. There was some anticipation heard in our squad channel as the other Knights close by in their jewel groups spoke of their wills.
Then the chatter was unexpectedly cut by the wet sound of popping matter.
[Gyaaaaahh-!]
[No, I'm hit! My Engine's-]
[Get off me! Get off me you bugs!]
[Oh Empress, guide-]
Already a few of the blazing Iron Cavalry exploded as enemy fire erupted at the stratosphere. I even saw a Knight fly into what appeared to be one of those dark fields, and there was a flash of teal and red in the next moment.
In my mind, the external sensory signals in my body identified those attacks.
Spore clumps. The Swarm's equivalent of Glamoth's flak shells, these things are dangerous for anyone in the skies. The moment their putrid shells burst, they become dark fields of tiny insects that eat at flesh. Although this is negated thanks to our armored Frames defending our vulnerable bodies, we are still susceptible to corrosive chemicals if we even fly through the fields.
[Descent obstructed by aerial attacks!] I warn.
[Break formation,] 72351 sharply orders. [Evasive maneuvers.]
[This is bad..!] 410's flying became shaky. [We'll die!]
[Just move it, simple as that!] 2504 urged and broke off.
The squad abandoned their jewel formations, scrambling to evade certain death. Sometimes clumps would detonate near me and I wouldn't anticipate them in time, only for my sensors to register them as near hits. I even had to sharply turn either direction the moment a field was in front of me, careful not to collide with any Knight while doing so.
[Cloud opening found.] The next command sounded. [Commence Delta Order: Meteoric Incineration!]
[Is it time? Are we there?!] 410 quickly asked.
[Hang on, everyone! We're hitting the ground!] I felt 2504's determination in the already chaotic channel.
Then just as we followed into the nearby cloud opening, with the ground coming into view, another close impact sounded.
[Nooo!] But it seems 410 was just hit. [My arm! I-I'll die I'll die I'll die]
[Khhh...]
In the opening moment of my first mission, I was gripped by the fear of death, yet was simultaneously filled with fury against the Silver Sting Swarm for attacking us from below, and even with the resolve to fight for Her Majesty, Empress Titania...
Fyrefly Type-IV – Tactical Heavy Assault Model Frame.
With free arm at the ready, my armored legs retract as I brace for the ground.
Activate!
(/0\)
The plunge of an Iron Cavalry Knight can be best described as a scorching impact, like how meteors hit a planet's surface if intact.
In this case, the surroundings are set alight. Any organism such as the tall withered grass burn up and suffer damage, and the Swarm's forces are no exception.
Even more so when said entomon creatures always have to contend with a force as equal as us, the Iron Cavalry Regiment.
Behaviors etched into our genetic code start to be executed. At the first sense of the nearest Swarm entomon, even if they may not be in sight of the patterned visors of our homing helms, we move in. This destructive power isn't only because of our Frames' Molten Cores – it is innate within us. As living weapons of war meant to safeguard Her Majesty, we are born to fight.
Article 5 of Glamoth's Military Regulations: Knights never show mercy to their enemy. Nor is cowardice displayed in battle.
As I stood up, my Core operating at Primary Combustion level, I was mentally reminded of one of the rules of warfare sent into my mind prior to participating in this battle.
Sensors alert me to some beetle-like Stingers around me, likely having survived incineration. Most of them bore carnation red markings on their dull silvery carapaces, while a few of them glowed orange. Each one, a target that buzzed with killing intent.
Article 6: Every Knight must utilize the fullest extent of their strength.
Another rule appeared in my mind as my Frame's thrusters fired short bursts that propelled me forward.
It's natural for an Iron Cavalry warrior to deliver any blow necessary to defeat the enemy. Whether it's with tactical finesse, any gear weapons like a rifle or a sword, or just plasmoid casters and wrist guards, the Empress' enemies can fall.
Since the Assault Model line of Frames have no unique armaments save for the latter and reinforced armor, such as my Tactical Heavy and the Field Buster...
I started blasting.
The orange-glowing Stingers were next to move. I aimed a hand at one, and felt the recoil of the caster as it fired plasmoid which seared the disgusting entomon. Another went in close, and I did the same. The end result was the detonation of both their carapaces in a shower of bright yellow.
The red Stingers noticed this, and backed off. They began expelling poisonous miasma from their mouths and barbs which washed my silver-tinged armor.
Attacks detected. Negligible damage.
With the assurance that my bulk armor will hold more than that, I counter with my wrist guards.
I punch through each of the Swarm spawn, their explosive death throes made evident. A particular Stinger was unfortunate to be caught in my other hand. It tried snapping and wriggling to break itself free, but I followed up with a low blow on its armored head, stunning it.
With one motion I clenched my wrist guards and broke the entomon's carapace, corrosive fluid spraying from its abdomen and into my Frame – only to be instantly vaporized and leave a filthy stain on the heated armor. Then I threw what remained of the monster away from me, as it burst in its own blood, taking down a few more nearby.
[Am I... dead?] In the static-filled communications channel, 410's voice crackled. [Anyone...]
I move immediately, my Frame shifting tight. When I got there, however, the Knight was missing her left arm, cyan coolant and red liquid leaking out of the stump.
[AR-410! I help her up with both hands. [Are you still combat capable?]
[M-More or less...]
Sensors suddenly warn me of a Stinger that approached me from behind. The Buster looks to her right arm before igniting her caster, destroying it to my withheld relief.
[We're in the Fersei Expanse,] I recall for her. [The mission – can you still follow?]
She nodded her head in understanding.
We stood up, and continued our fight. This time, we moved with caution.
There were few moments that 410 would take out a Swarm entomon that I failed to anticipate in time. It is thanks to Her Majesty's telepathic link guiding us that this shared sense allows me to be more acutely aware of my surroundings.
But even so, I wanted to know exactly the progress of our operation.
With our channel still in disarray, I feel my sensors light up. The Frame's visor scanned the area with a pulse –
I could see the rest of Fyrefly Squadron 3. They were scattered, but certainly fighting. The Swarm concentration in this area, however, was above moderate levels, and I even detect unique Stinger strains here.
[There you are!] A Type-IV Tactical Valiant Striker Model approached us, composite longsword in one hand. [Glad to see you're okay, 26710.]
I recognize that Knight. [AR-2504? 410 here was hit before landing.]
[It hurts... it hurts too much...]
The Buster must have had her morale lowered after what happened. Even if her Frame's monotone filter masked her pained voice, it still is cause for concern.
[Stay strong. We'll win this battle.] The Valiant looked to her dried stump.
[What's the situation?] I raise.
2504 raised her longsword to her shoulder. [We've landed at a dangerous spot – a Swarm cluster. Though our squad's hitting back hard, it'll take a while before we clear their initial numbers. Some of the Knights I saved also reported seeing unusual entomons with large protrusions on them.]
I look to her. [We have to reconnect with the other squadrons.]
[Comms are a mess, though our squad channel is working.] 2504 turned to 410. [Ready to move out?]
[I... I guess so-]
A bang, then another two, hit her from behind. The helmet of the Buster Frame came off, leaving a decapitated armor that slumped forward... and fell...
[?!]
The horror of seeing a Knight fall, without even the firsthand glory of battle – it gave way to the sight of entomons we were not immediately ready for.
More of those Stingers...
[They killed 410!] 2504's distraught voice was clear as fire.
[Haaaah!]
Adrenaline surged through my body as we struck at the Swarm attackers. In that fit of fury I figured out that my plasmoid casters can serve as conduits towards enhancing the strength of my wrist guards. This shunt of power, while making my grips and punches more deadlier, disabled any ranged attack.
So it would seem I have to be aware of which hit best answers the opposition...
[Yeaow!]
Even so, it wouldn't be enough. I hear an explosion, and soon 2504's Valiant Frame fell on the back, likely from a Stinger's explosion close to her skywalk greaves. Her longsword also shattered, its handle remaining.
[2504!] I glance at her – there was no time to help her up this moment..! [Get up!]
[Yeah, but my lower armor's compromised! And my sword-]
[Use your casters! We have no other options!]
She even was hesitant in aiming at the Swarm in front of us, but desperation took over as she began to fire.
Our enemy, numerous as ever, threatened to overwhelm us in this undignified moment. No matter how many we took out, they kept coming.
Is this it? If it came down to it...
Article 2-
The sound of slashing air suddenly stopped my thoughts as I saw the relentless entomons blast before my visor. That was when the sight of a Type-III Field Blitz Frame appeared, ending what seemed to be a struggle.
[Article 2 of Glamoth's Military Regulations: Knights must remain on guard at all times.]
[73251!] 2504 felt relieved.
The nimble Knight stood up, her triangular visor looking to us. [Had I not arrived soon, you two would have likely shared the same fate as the who have fallen.] The sword bracers attached to her Frame folded on their own.
[I could've taken them on myself, you know!]
[In that current condition?] The wounded Valiant was shocked as our squad leader looked to what remained of 410's Buster. [You would not last 60 seconds against a clutch of Young Stingers.]
This was a reminder to me regarding the Swarm threat. They may be numerous, but doesn't mean they are impervious to any brave Knight. Consequently, the reverse also applies to the Iron Cavalry – we cannot last forever in combat, no matter the size of our squad or even the Frame composition.
I put 2504 up on a standing position. [Can you move?]
[My boots are in bad shape, but I think I'll manage with my thrusters.] She gently touched her greaves, warped from damage and corrosion. [Oh, and I'll need a replacement sword...]
73251 put a hand to her helmet, as if receiving a transmission – probably from our Unit commander.
[This area's clear.] She looked to the distant battlezone before broadcasting on our squadron channel. [Article 8: Surviving Knights must immediately return to their Unit.]
I nod to my Valiant comrade, and she responded back, albeit hesitantly.
With the other able Iron Cavalry of Fyrefly Squadron 3 regrouping, we boosted out of the Swarm cluster, taking care to keep close to the ground.
2504 in particular put more effort on her boosters. At that time, she never wanted to be caught off guard by suicidal Stingers...
[So, how's it?]
2504 clutched a newly-produced longsword from the hand of a Type-IV Tactical Sustainer Support Model.
[Your greaves took most of the damage,] they just finished assessing the Valiant's armor. [Is agility not your model's aspect? You ought to be vigilant fighting-]
[Just repair them, will you 2499?!]
[Don't rush me.] With their right wrist guard projecting what appeared to be nanites via a printing process, AR-2499 began to reinforce 2504's armor. [Sustainer Frames are meant for designing gear weapons and equipment – their repairs aren't immediate like a Field Assist's.]
While waiting for 2504, communications with the other squads were restored when we linked up at the center of the Fersei Expanse.
[Squadron leaders.] The coarse voice of our Unit commander, AR-5418, came in. [Give me your reports.]
[My squad landed in a vast plain – there we detected large entomons with barrels on top of their abdomens.] AR-9603, a Type-IV Tactical Pan Recon started. [Though they did not immediately attack us, instead keeping to their odd burrows, I surmise these 'Crashers' are what hampered our execution of the Gamma Order... Three Knights perished in a strike on one, accounting for some Stingers guarding them.]
[That's for Squad 2. And Squad 3?]
[We landed at a Swarm cluster,] AR-73251 bluntly stated.
There was a brief quiet on all channels, followed by some suppressed chuckles from the other Knights.
[Silence,] came the commander's demand. [Continue report.]
[In addition, we have encountered the unusual entomon variant at key points. Resistance was initially high, but my squadron managed to regroup to here. However, half of my force was wiped out, with one group lost.]
[Add a quarter of my squad lost during our push to here, and we have ourselves a tough mission... Tch.] An audible click from the Type-III Tracker was heard, before she provided the next step.
[Listen up, Knights! We've got intel that the Swarm has rolled out their new strain.]
A data analysis of the so-called Crasher was forwarded – showing its size larger than that of a Mature Stinger, and a barrel protrusion on top of its abdomen, indicating its ability to launch spore clumps at high altitude. However, they would have to be entrenched to do so by digging a burrow for them to serve as an anti-air emplacement.
[These bugs are what delayed our execution of a proper entrance into our glorious homeworld. And here in this stretch of Glamoth's land, some of them have been spotted. All Knights are to spread out and prioritize taking the out, but stay alert – their smaller counterparts are bound to protect them.]
5418 looked at the gathered Knights, some of which had visible battle damage. [Support Knights are to finish repairs with due haste. Everyone, join me as we strike out and complete our mission! This is our moment of glory for the Welkin Empire!]
[For Her Majesty!] The shouts rang.
The Iron Cavalry mobilized, their squadrons reforming their compositions to make up for their fallen Knights in the recent battle. Immediately I notice Fyrefly Squadron 2 move east from where we came from, where they would sweep the Swarm cluster.
[Our squadron will exchange operation areas with Squad 2], 73251 ordered. [We will deal with the majority of Crashers located there, and then link up with Squad 1.]
[Copy,] I hear in the squad channel.
[How many of those Crasher bugs?] A Type-III Buster – AR-12345 – landed next to us.
[Does it matter?] told 2499, having finished their repair work. [We're here to complete our mission, no matter the cost.]
[Yeah, yeah...]
I look to 2504. [You ready?]
[Good as new.] She stood up, sword raised up. [What say we join with our squad and hunt down our next targets?!]
[For Her Majesty!]
With a new group of five, we set off west to the fields. This was just the beginning of our battle to drive out the Swarm from Glamoth.
(/0\)
The Iron Cavalry was founded by Her Majesty Empress Titania for a twofold purpose –
to protect the so-called intergalactic Welkin Empire of Glamoth,
and halt the endless Silver Sting Swarm.
Comprised entirely of Knights in mechanical armor,
this Regiment appeared just as their nation was about to collapse.
Since then, they ventured forth to reclaim lost territories,
burning bright just as the stars clear up and shine once more.
~ On Glamoth's Iron Cavalry Regiment ~
