CHAPTER 49
THE COMING STORM
The bright morning sun blazed across Camellia, known as the premier city in all of Rosenblum. Amongst one of the many neighboring houses in particular at number 7 Woodville Avenue, Jeffry stood before the front door of his family home, his fingers trembling around the doorknob. In the span of a few months, everything he had ever known, all that he believed in, was in question. All the bloodshed he had witnessed, the former Princess' near execution, the crowd chanting for her death, and all the comrades he'd lost shook Jeffry to the core. But what really troubled him was the faces of Travis and the young Norma girl Ruby. 'Stop thinking about them.' Jeffry told himself firmly. 'You're a soldier, a soldier.' At least now he had finally been granted leave to return home so he could see his mother and little sister Clementine again.
Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Jeffry finally opened the door and went inside. The sound of dishes being stacked led him to the kitchen where his mother looked up in a mix of shock and joy as she saw who it was, almost dropping the plates she levitated with the Light of Mana as she ran over to squeeze him in a rib crushing hug. Despite being a short plump middle-aged woman, it was a wonder to Jeffry how strong she was.
"I prayed everyday you'd return." His mother half wept into his shoulder. "Look at you! I never thought you'd grow more handsome. You're looking just like your father." It wasn't long though before she began to fuss over the patches across his skin. "You never learn, do you?" She tittered. "Always forgetting to apply sun lotion."
"Okay mom you're embarrassing me, jeez." said Jeffry as his mother took his rucksack from him. Better for her to think it was due to negligence than a near brush with death.
"You must be hungry. Let me fix you up your favorite breakfast, blueberry pancakes."
"Thanks mom. Where's Clementine?"
"Upstairs, probably playing with her new imaginary friend. She'll be over the moon to see you." 'Imaginary friend.' Jeffry mused as he headed upstairs, passing by a portrait of his family. 'I'm sorry dad.' He grieved as he looked at the tall and proud man he admired his whole life. "I thought I could fill your shoes, but I'm not like you." Removing the golden phoenix emblem of the NMB off the breast of his uniform jacket, Jeffry pocketed the badge and continued on to his younger sister's room. Despite all the hardship and death Jeffry had experienced over the past few months, he was filled with excitement as he tip toed upstairs and heard Clementine's giggling from behind the bedroom door. Suddenly, the warm expectation of seeing his kid sister froze in dread as he heard a man's voice talking with her. His instincts told him to barge the door down and confront whoever was trespassing. But instead, a switch clicked in his head and he slowly opened the door to reveal a long mane of white hair sitting between him and Clementine.
"Ah, about time big brother joined us." Blackadder spoke softly, his hand lightly laying the first of the next level of the playing card tower he and Clementine had been building.
"Big Brother you're back." Clementine squealed with delight as she dashed to her feet and hugged Jeffry around the waist. "Come play with us."
"Why are you here?" Jeffry's voice shook as he shut the door behind him. The last thing he wanted was for his mother to know someone as dangerous as Blackadder was in their house.
"I'm just concerned." Blackadder said as he continued to stack the cards. "Clementine, your big brother is very brave. He volunteered to assist me with a very SPECIAL task. But I'm concerned he's forgotten his promise."
"I haven't forgotten." Jeffry countered. "I only wanted to take a break. Mr Villson said I…"
"You don't work for Mr. Vilson." Blackadder glowered. "You work for me. And until I release you from my service you will not deviate from your assigned task. Understood?"
"Yes." Jeffry nodded. "I'll do whatever you want. I'll return to my post immediately."
"Good." Blackadder said as he lazily dropped the final card onto the tower of cards, causing them to collapse. "I'm afraid I must leave now Clementine but thank you for entertaining me. I'll drop in for another visit later." Behind his glasses, Jeffry could feel Blackadder's slitted pupils deliver a silent warning. 'Do not step out of line or she will be the one to reap the consequences.'
"Jeffry, Clementine, your pancakes are ready." Their mother called from below. Jeffry reflexively turned towards the sound of her voice and when he turned back, Blackadder had vanished.
The morning training schedules ran as usual for the pilots of Arzenal but with a slight change. Cal, with his now completed battle plans was permitted by Commander Jill with Inspector Bronson's approval to organize a Category 5 training exercise. "From now on, we've got our work cut out for us." He spoke to the assembled pilots. "As you all know, the DRAGONs have been getting more persistent as of late. Coming over in larger numbers and bringing along more new DRAGON types in less than a year. If this keeps up, then it's only a matter of time before we face another large-scale attack. I don't think anyone of us wants a repeat of the last Category 5." Eleanor shot him a dirty look but Cal paid it no mind.
"As of now we might be 3 pilots short, but that dosen't matter. As long as we work together, communicate and coordinate our attacks, we'll achieve anything!" His voice carried out like a trumpet call as some of the pilots gave a loud cheer, a few with hearts in their eyes. Commander Jill would be observing their progress from the Command Centre and Cal knew that this could determine how well they performed when Libertus began in earnest. Before they got started however, Cal pulled Chris aside. "Thanks for helping me out last night, you were a massive help."
"Don't mention it, you helped me take my mind off of things." said Chris. "I'm just grateful I have you and Rosalie with me. At least I know you two won't ever leave me." As everyone got into their designated simulators, Cal and the three Captains completed the final preparations when Eleanor noticed a change in the younger recruits' settings.
"Cal, why have you changed, Miranda, Chiho and Ginny's glaives to the Hauser type units?" She demanded.
"I put in a request form to the Commander. And she agreed that it's time for the new recruits to experiment with all 4 Paramail unit types." He explained.
"You think that's a good idea?" Salia wondered. "I'm not sure they're ready."
"New recruits usually don't get a new unit type until they've piloted for more than 18 months." Scarlett mentioned.
"Maybe, but the commander also acknowledged if we train them EARLY, they'll find their footing in a shorter period of time." Salia and Scarlett got the hint but Eleanor remained defiant.
"I don't like it. They've only been riding with us for 4 to 5 months." She frowned.
"True, but what better way for the newbies to find their style unit by throwing them in the deep end." Scarlett piped in. Salia nodded in response so Eleanor reluctantly went along with the plan.
"I hope you know what you're doing." Salia said nervously once Eleanor was out of ear shot.
"It was Chris' idea." He revealed to Salia's surprise. "She pointed out if Miranda doesn't find her footing, she might end up in big trouble during a Sortie and we all know we'll be fighting more than DRAGONs soon. Maybe a goal of getting a new unit might set Miranda straight. After her display against the Big Horn, she could be the second pilot to earn a Razor unit."
"I hope you're right." Salia admitted. Suddenly, Cal gave a cry of pain as something flashed across his mind like a strobe light. In just an instant, a vision of a slender shadow cast across a metal room scattered with torn papers passed across his mind, along with a fury not of his own. It was like being struck by an electric shock. "Cal what's wrong?" Salia and Scarlett both worried.
"It's nothing." Cal said as he shook his head. "I must have gotten a static jolt." The shock has passed as quickly as it came but for a second, Cal could have sworn he was looking at the underground base of Endurant Harbor.
The simulator battle proved more than a little challenging as immediately, they were outnumbered by over 90 Schooners, 25 Corvettes, 5 Brigs and 2 Galleons. The only pilot who was having a blast was Vivian who swooped across the battlefield, cutting down the small fry with her Razor's Sub-machine Gun. "Come on! Is that the best you got!?" Vivian boasted as two Corvettes were taken out by the newbies in their grey standard Hausers. "Yeah, that's the way to do it girls!" she cheered, only to jink out of the way from one of the Galleon's red lightening attacks.
"Vivian concentrate!" Salia scolded her. "You're supposed to stay close to the recruits!" Across the sky, Cal and Captain Eleanor worked together to take down one of the Galleons as more Schooners advanced onto the rear Hausers.
"Juggernaut team! Behind you!" Scarlett warned just in time for Ersha and Tanya turned to provide cover fire and foil the DRAGONs attempted pincer. Meanwhile, Salia and Scarlett led the assault crew comprised of all the Glaives and Arquebuses against the 5 Brigs who didn't stand a chance against their bombardment of ice bullets. With half the enemy numbers depleted and only one Galleon remaining, Cal and Eleanor drove through the center to regroup with the others.
"What do we do Captains?" Tanya asked as they all spread out, the Gallion readying to shoot its lightning at them.
"Get in close and nail it before it attacks." Eleanor ordered.
"Do what she says!" Cal agreed. The fight was nearly over and now wasn't the time to get caught up in a fight over tactics. "Artillery don't let those schooners get on top of us. Pixy crew stay on our rear!" The Hausers kept up their endless barrage of firepower, forming a protective wall against the Schooners while they dodged the Gallion's attacks. "Focus on its front and act as a diversion. Pixy team, get overhead and wait for an opening!"
"Okay newbies, let's get going!" Vivian cheered as she launched upwards with the newbies right behind her. This was the perfect chance for her new roommate to take down something larger than a schooner and work her way up the board. "Now's your chance!" Vivian yelled to Miranda as she provided cover fire. She watched as Miranda loaded up a freeze bullet and was about to move in for the kill, until Vivian heard Miranda's sudden gasp through her visor and her unit stopped abruptly. "Roomie! What are you doing? Quick before…"
"Miranda move!" Cal yelled. Too late, Miranda's unit was hit by the Galleon's massive tail and her unit crashed down into the sea below. Vivian, Ginny and Chiho quickly finished the Galleon off while everyone else took care of the schooners. The simulation ended and the score showed moderate to minor damage to over half the units and only one casualty. As Vivian exited her simulator, she saw Salia confronting Miranda.
"What happened? Salia demanded. "You had an opening! Why didn't you fire?".
"I'm sorry! I just lost concentration." Miranda said quickly, but Vivian could tell it wasn't nothing. Miranda's face had lost all color.
"Miranda honey." said Ersha in a gentle voice. "If you don't tell us what's the matter then we can't help you."
"I told you I'm fine." Miranda half yelled before she ran off. Cal tried to go after her but was halted by the sudden arrival of Trudy from the Security Staff.
"The Commander wishes to see you in an hour with your simulator analysis results and paperwork." She told him.
"Fine whatever." Cal groaned. "But I have something…" But Trudy's team blocked his way, their hands preparing to draw their stun batons.
"I suggest you finish your job first, or you'll explain to her why you suddenly attacked us while refusing an order." Trudy said with a malicious grin. "You don't want to let the Commander down now do you?"
"Fine." Cal spat and stomped back to the simulators to download the data for his report. With big bro unable to go after her, Vivian took it upon herself to go after Miranda in his place. "Hey wait up roomie!" Vivian called as she finally caught up with Miranda. "Hey don't be too hard on yourself, who else here faced a bighorn?" Miranda didn't answer or even look at her until Vivian stood in front of her path. "C'mon you're not doing as bad as you think you are. Besides if the slow bulky Hauser's aren't working for you then I'll show you some cool moves to get a Razor unit like me."
"Really?" said Miranda who finally looked at Vivian, some color returning to her face.
"You betcha! I'll help you become the second pilot in history to have one. That'll really get up Margaret's nerves." Vivian offered her hand. "We'd make the perfect duo in battle. No DRAGON would mess with us. Whaddya say. Partners?" Miranda lips turned into a thin smile and was just about to take Vivian's hand when her eyes became livid with terror as though she was looking at something beyond terrifying.
"No! Just leave me ALONE!" Miranda screamed causing Vivian to jump back before she dashed off to the showers.
"Roomie? Vivian mumbled sadly as Ersha and Salia came up behind her.
"It's okay you did nothing wrong." Ersha assured her as she hugged the bubbly young Norma. "She's just going through a tough time because of what happened with Hilda." The older Norma sighed. 'Why did she have to say those mean things to her? We have to make this right or she could get herself or someone else seriously hurt in battle.'
"If anything does happen to her, Hilda will pay for it. I'll make sure of that." Salia said scathingly.
With his patience running thin, Cal was led by Trudy to the Command Centre with his completed simulator analysis where Commander Jill, Inspector Bronson and Corporal Lawrence awaited him. "You wanted to see me, Commander." Cal saluted.
"I'm pleased to see you've made some improvements leading the three squads with the other Captains." Jill said plainly as Cal handed her his paperwork. "The Simulator results were exceptional as well. A category 5 with only one casualty is phenomenal to say the least
"Thank you Commander. Next time we'll pull it off with none." Cal promised, deciding he'll skip the gym to make sure Miranda was okay first.
"Your own performance aside." Emma suddenly ahemed. "I'm a bit concerned with pilot Miranda's performance. She's been piloting for months now and there's no excuse for such slovenly behavior. If that was a real battle she could have gotten someone killed. If she doesn't do better next time then perhaps it's better if we reassign her to a non-combat role." Cal's blood began to boil and opened his mouth before he could stop himself.
"If you think you can do better than by all means maybe you and Miranda should trade posts!"
"Watch your tongue!" Corporal Lawrence snapped.
"You…how dare you speak to me that way!" Emma scolded him. "As your Chief Lieutenant Inspector, you will respect me as a human and your superior! Or have you forgotten the sole purpose of your existence is to protect humanity from the DRAGONs?!"
"Oh I haven't forgotten!" Cal snarked. "And what do you care if a Norma dies? Aren't we all just expendable to you people anyway?" The command staff clapped their hands over their mouths in shock.
"CAL!" Jill barked slamming her prosthetic hand on the desk with a bang like a cannon. "Get your attitude under control! My apologies Inspector. Rest assured I'll deal with him myself. Cal, you're dismissed." Cal gave a curt salute and then stormed off to the nearest bathroom where he splashed cold water onto his face to cool off. He had really toed the line now. His anger was getting out of hand but his newfound hatred towards the humans and those who ruined his life threatened to burst over. Especially with two of the most arrogant and insufferable humans imaginable as his superiors. 'Maybe if I buy the Inspector a new Perolina plushy to add to her collection she might forget the whole deal.' He considered, swallowing his pride.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere a volcanic surge of fury pulsed through Cal's body. His head was searing with pain that made him grip the sink with trembling hands. Then in an explosion of agony, his reflection in the mirror slid in and out of focus until it burst with green as the scene twisted and reformed into a dark forest and Cal felt the grip of a rage that was not his own. He saw a group of men cowering on the wet ground, hunched over, moaning in pain, and recognized the place where he and Dutch Villson fought. His arm was outstretched, his hand in a grasping like motion with one of the men floating up in the air as a high, cold, merciless voice spoke.
"Did you not understand my orders you insignificant fools?"
"We're sorry…sir…" One of the men gasped. "But…we couldn't find them…anywhere…"
"Then I shall demonstrate to you all what happens to those who are of no use to me anymore. You'll be begging for Mr Villson's help long before I finish with you!"
With a sense of emerging from deep water, Cal drew heaving breaths and opened his eyes to find himself back in the bathroom. That was no feverish mirage or dream. His clone Blackadder was looking for something. Though his head was still pounding, and he was battling the urge to be sick Cal composed himself for a few minutes until he heard a blood curdling scream. He tore out of the bathroom just as Ersha came bounding down the hallways, her face ashen and her green eyes full of dread. "Ersha what's going on?" Cal demanded.
"It's Miranda! I can't get into her room and she's not responding! I think she's in big trouble!"
Tearing into the locker room Miranda ripped her rose red and purple pilot suit off and threw it in the garbage bin. She had bought that suit and had her unit repainted the same color to be just like her former mentor Hilda. Now she wanted all traces of her to be erased. But that was not what troubled her the most. When she looked up to Vivian's face, she had seen Coco's instead, torn up and bloody.
"We'd make the perfect duo in battle, no DRAGON would ever mess with us. Whaddya say, partners?" Coco's exact words echoed through Miranda's mind like a never-ending nightmare. "We'll always be best friends forever."
"Shut up!" Miranda snapped in pure frustration, scrubbing the shampoo out of her hair hard, her tears mixed with the running water. "You were never my friend!" She had never had these negative thoughts and feelings towards Coco before. But it seemed after Hilda's harsh words everything was put into clear perspective. Those you love the most will leave you if it meant having a better life for themselves.
After washing up, Mirand made her way to her and Vivian's shared quarters. As she turned the corner, who should appear but three girls in orange jumpsuits; Marika, Noona and Mary. Margret didn't seem to be with them but Miranda, feeling angered by the sight of them just put her head down and kept on walking.
"Hey Miranda." Noona was the first to speak.
"Listen we just wanted to apologize for…" said Mary but Miranda barged past all three of them.
"Miranda wait, we just want to…" Marika called out before Miranda slammed her bedroom door behind her and locked it shut.
'They are all the same.' Miranda thought resentfully as she curled up on the bed, choking back tears. 'They all think I'm weak, helpless, and useless." In the end everyone would forget about her once she died in battle.
"Why didn't you save me Miranda? I thought you were my best friend."
"You should have proved yourself better than my shield, otherwise I might have stayed."
"Why did you have to be a Norma?"
The three voices boomed inside her head as she opened her wardrobe to retrieve her old pale blue pilot suit and came across a Lilac and Indigo one still in its see-through packaging. It was the suit Cal had bought for Coco and had been passed down to her. Miranda sank to her knees, wave of tears spilling down her face as she held the packaged pilot suit close to her chest. She almost wanted to rip it apart but she found she could not bring herself to do it. "Coco, I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me?!" She sobbed in a hoarse broken voice.
"Shhh. It's okay." She felt a hand on her shoulder. A man's hand. "There's no need to be upset anymore." It was Cal, no mistaking that voice. She hated that he had to see her like this, but she could not help herself and hugged him very tightly as he stroked the back of her head. Somehow it did not feel like Cal. He seemed thinner and his left hand was cold and hard. And when did Cal have long whisps of white hair.
Miranda looked up and the last thing she saw was a pair of blue eyes with slitted pupils as she let out a lung tearing scream before she plunged into total darkness. All she could hear in those final moments was the real Cal yelling out her name before his hands lifted her up to carry her away.
News of Miranda's collapse travelled like wildfire. Even the preschool children heard the news of their former big sister now lying unconscious in the infirmary. Despite this disruption Abagail and the rest of the middle-aged preschool kids finished their exam papers on 'THE FUNCTIONS OF PARA-MAILS AND THEIR USES' which would determine where the children were assigned once they finished their advance-level final exams before they turned 12 years old. As Miss Mary collected their papers, Abagail thought she had done rather well, but if she wanted to be a pilot, she'd have to study harder. The rest of the afternoon passed by swiftly as the children busied themselves with coloring and playing board games in the playroom. Their day brightened incredibly when Ersha and Tanya arrived with a whole tray of chocolate chip cookies. As they all tucked into their treats Abagail couldn't help but notice the glum look in Ersha's eyes.
"Do you want mine?" Abagail offered as she held out her cookie.
"Oh no, it's okay honey." Ersha perked up immediately, but Abigail could tell she was pretending to look happy and guessed what she was upset about.
"Are you sad about big brother Cal?" Abagail said abruptly, taking Ersha by surprise.
"I'm not sad, just concerned about him."
"I hate it. He dosen't come to visit us anymore." Abagail confessed. "He would always draw pictures for us when he first arrived. But lately he always seems so angry. Has he forgotten about us…about me?" Ersha gently rested her warm palm to Abagail's cheek.
"Cal would never forget you. He's going through a hard time because he ran into a bad man. But don't worry, he'll be just fine."
"Is it those same bad people who took me away from my mother and auntie?" Abagail asked with a frown.
"I don't know." Ersha said to her in a gentle voice. "Sometimes grownups don't admit their true feelings when they think they're putting others in danger. But what I do know is, no matter how sad or hurt Cal is, he will always protect and fight for us. Especially you. After all, you two both came here at the same time."
"You're right." Abigail agreed. She glanced at her knee from when she grazed it during the Festa and how Cal made it better. If he was hurting because of bad people, Abigail promised herself to help Cal like he helped her.
Far away from Arzenal, evening had set in for the humans of the six nations. Civilians and officials, teachers and students, the old and the young, all retreated home to their families. But for the leaders of the NMB council table their days ahead seemed like an endless whirlwind of damage control. The catastrophe that was the former Princess' failed execution and the terrorist's appearance broadcasted live worldwide by Holy Emperor Julio, had sent shockwaves across the entirety of human civilization.
The situation had become so dire that the members of the NMB council representing their own nations conducted a secret meeting away from the six world leaders themselves. Around a hexagon-shaped table sat Vice president Boris of the Endurant Union, Chancellor Sullena of the Galia Empire, Senator Mark of the Marmeria Republic, Head Minister Cody of the Kingdom of Rosemblum, and the Duchess Caitlyn of Velda Dynasty, cousin to the Velda Dynasty Queen. The sixth and only empty seat belonged to Commander Dutch Villson from the Empire of Misurugi, who had specifically not been invited.
"Are we all in agreement that something must be done?" Chancellor Sullena asked.
"There's no other option." Vice-President Boris nodded. "Villson and his team have given a massive black eye to our entire organization. Our very credibility is at risk."
"But this plan is deplorable!" Senator Mark objected. "We're really considering going through with this. If we do, we're no better than the Norma!"
"Would it not be more prurient to arrest Commander Villson and lock him up at Black Crow?" Cabinet Officer Cody suggested. "It's the Highest security prison there is. And surely the terrorists contained there would take care of him for us."
"Have you all lost your spines?!" Duchess Caitlyn snapped, her eyes livid with rage and grief. "Villson has not only damaged our reputation but threatened the stability of the entire world with all of his failures! I've always known someone like him should have never been put in our position of power. He's of lower birth and nothing but a mad dog drunk with power!"
"We understand your frustration and your loss." Chancellor Sullen commented. "But if Villson were to suddenly disappear then the world leaders will surely question us. Not to mention they might launch a wide scale investigation."
"My son Travis died because of him!" Duchess Caitlyn yelled. "He should have never been at the Misurugi Palace to begin with! Villson covered up his intentions from us and our superiors because of his obsession with the Male Norma!" Everyone else looked at each other and reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"How are we going to do this?" Minister Mark asked. "Villson is cunning and has years of experience behind him."
"Me and Duchess Caitlyn have seen to that." Vice-President Boris answered. "We'll be going together very soon to deal with Villson. And as it turns out, there are those under his command who would like to see him disappear as well." With a wave of his hand, Vice-President Boris beckoned the Light of Mana to open a nearby door, revealing a tall and muscular woman waiting out in the hallway, her yellow eyes gleaming in anticipation.
"It'll be an honor to work with you all." Lieutenant Jadis bowed with a twisted smirk.
It was a quiet morning within the Sanctuary. Even the constant snowstorms around the Velda mountains where the base was hidden seemed to ease, resulting in Lucas, Lucia and Dolton returning to the base much quicker. Jacob would have liked to allow the three to get some much-needed rest. But that afternoon he received an important message and opportunity which he could not refuse.
"Good to see you all made it back in one piece." Captain Jacob commented as they assembled in the conference room. Also in attendance were Malta and Hosea. "Did Tusk get back to Misurugi safely?"
"Yes sir. He's already in position." Lucus confirmed. "Wasn't easy though. The entire border is being patrolled by Mana drones. We had to serve as a diversion so Tusk could sneak through the opening."
"And you made sure they didn't follow you here?" Hosea worried.
"You don't have to worry." Lucia assured the elder man. "Dolton took care of that."
"Well I can't take all the credit since it was Lucas idea and if it wasn't for his flying the drones would have cornered us." Dolton rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "All I did was hack through the drones' security locks and disabled their cameras once we got over the sea. It never ceases to amaze me how abysmal the Misurugi tech security is."
"Well done." A voice from the table spoke and to the twins surprise they saw the face of Colonel Daisuke displayed on the tabletop monitor. "You were right Captain; we definitely could use a soldier of Lucas' caliber."
"What's this about Captain?" asked Lucas.
"It's why we called you here." Major Malta explained.
"The colonel and his community have finally finished their construction on the Beowulf Submarine gunship." Jacob told the twins. "And he has a proposal for you both."
"The Beowulf is finished?" Lucia gasped in amazement.
"Yes, and it has enough firepower to rival the Aurora herself." Daisuke said proudly. "But we still need a Captain and an XO. Are you two interested?" Lucia looked astonished by this sudden announcement, however Lucas remained stoic.
"I'll be joining you both there since the Sanctuary already has enough leaders here to keep everyone in line. The Tripartite pack needs all the help it can get." Major Malta volunteered.
"It'll be great to have you here Major. Can't wait to see you again." Daisuke winked at her. "I'll give you a few days to consider my offer. I'll stay in touch if anything major occurs in the outside world." The screen went black and Hosea smirked at Major.
"Do I detect some reignited sparks between you two?"
"Shut it you silver haired old scrotum." Malta grimaced. Jacob meanwhile turned his attention back to Lucas and Lucia.
"I know this is sudden and a lot of responsibility to take on, but I have the upmost faith in you both."
"I can't accept this." Lucas said abruptly, everyone in the room shooting him stares that doubted his sanity. "I will not turn away from the fight just to go off and wait around until the Commander of Arzenal is ready to let us join her."
"We might not have a choice in the matter Lucas." said Captain Jacob. "Jill still isn't ready to bring us into her full confidence. That's why I had to put my trust in Cal and Jasmine. To rebuild the broken bridge between us."
"The Male Norma and the former Commander isn't enough to persuade Alektra and you know it." Lucas argued. "Do you really intend for us to wait around and twiddle our thumbs until it's too late?"
"We've always considered this to be a possibility." Hosea interrupted. "Nothing has changed with that."
"Everything has changed!" Lucas snapped. "Three of our bases have fallen. Embryo, Dutch and this new threat with the male Norma's clone. They could be at our throats next time. We must act now and join Arzenal."
"But at what cost? How many more among us will fall if we become too reckless? We don't yet have the numbers, or the allies to attack the Dawn Pillar at this time."
"Then let's mend old relations and pierce at the heart of this world." Lucia spoke. Lucas could be a little more tactful about it, but he had a point. "Embryo is not going to give up until we are all dead."
"Lucia, I know where you're both coming from, but we have to be more patient if we are to ever have a future." Jacob argued.
"I never would have taken you as cowardly, compared to the fierce leader you became once Xeon fell?" Lucas said coldly. Immediately, the atmosphere in the room dropped to a level thar made the outside seem like a tropical beach.
"Leave us." Jacob ordered everyone who promptly left him and Lucas alone.
"You know I hold higher ground on this." Lucas pressed on. "How many of our people have fallen because we failed to act? We can't wait any longer. Especially with a golden opportunity of Misurugi and the NMB in disarray."
"We have but nipped at the ankle where Embryo is concerned." Jacob pointed out. "To bare teeth at the dawn pillar's throat I…" He paused as fret filled every line on his face. "I now fear the reprisal more than ever. We were once over 80 pilots strong during our alliance with Arzenal 10 years ago, Fully prepared and ready. But now…we're not even half that number. Nor do we have Alektra's support."
"I'm tired of hiding and waiting for our enemies to come find us." Lucas growled. "It's time for the Dawn Pillar, Embryo and Dutch to all fall and burn! And we could do it if we just took Siegfried back!" At long last, Jacob's patient ran out.
"Lucas, enough!" He roared. "I am in command not you! Cal is the pilot and you will accept that! If you really care anything for the goodwill of your people then you will stop acting like a petulant child and put them above your personal desires. And if you can't, then you have no place under my command. Dismissed!" Lucas eyes burned with a cold resentment as he spun around and left without so much as a salute. Jacob rubbed his throbbing temple and sank back in his chair as Hosea reentered the room.
"Do you think you got through to him?"
"No." Jacob sighed as he shook his head. "That boy has a stubborn streak a mile wide. He's one of my best soldiers. And the closest thing I ever had to a son. But I just don't know what else I can do with him. I guess there's some old wounds that are too deep to heal." Jacob fretted to think what would happen to both Lucas and Cal if their revenge against Dutch Villson would be their eventual downfall to not only themselves but to Libertus too.
"Well, Lucas is still a soldier and will do as he's ordered." Hosea assured him. "Having him take command of the Beowulf will not only be of benefit to our people; it will also help keep him away from Cal, Siegfried and Dutch." Hosea instinctively reached inside his pocket for corn and Jaccob sniggered to himself.
"Missing your little friend?"
"Like hell I do. I'm glad I haven't got that pest squawking in my ear every minute." Hosea scoffed. The old man then took out a tablet device and handed it to Jacob. "By the way, I was searching through the global news our tech team managed to hack into and I came across something strange." Jacob leaned in closer and saw an article that displayed none other than Dr. Trager's house.
'INVESTIGATORS CONCLUDE, TERROIRSTS MURDERED WORLD-FAMOUS DOCTOR' the headline read 'Remains of world-famous scientist Dr Richard Trager's remains were found burned beyond recognition on his own fireplace.'
Jacob breathed a sigh of relief; it looked like they were covering it up by blaming it on them instead. It was a relief to know Cal's secret was still safe. "From what out intel hackers uncovered, there was no CCTV footage of Cal's involvement in Trager's death." Hosea informed. "But even with Dolton's assistance we couldn't find the footage, nor was it anywhere hidden in the NMB's heaviest security files. It seems the footage wasn't discovered or even taken by either Dutch or the NMB."
"At least Embryo won't be able to bring back that sick bastard." Jacob mused. "But Cal told us he strangled Trager and left his body on the floor near his desk when he took that sick bastard's files on his mother and clone."
"Exactly my thoughts." Hosea agreed. "So, if it wasn't Cal or the NMB who burned Trager's body and the NMB weren't the one's to wipe the footage, then who did?"
After training, Salia got word that Miranda had been discharged from the infirmary but had been confined to her quarters for a few hours of bed rest until she was ready to return to her duties tomorrow. She passed by the maintenance hangar where the armorers were as usual busying themselves with Para-mails repairs and upgrades. At the far end Salia spotted Mei and her team repainting Miranda's Glaive back to its pale dark blue and white. When Mei saw her approach, she excused herself so they could chat away from any prying ears.
"I wanted to thank you for my sister's flowers. I knew it was you when I passed her grave this morning." Mei mentioned. Every season Salia and Mei would rest a bouquet at the graves of the Norma lost during the first Libertus; including Mei's sister.
"You know when I was out in the yard the kids called me mistress." said Salia with a solemn smile, reminding her when she was of a similar age. "I must be getting old."
"Don't be silly, you're only 17."
"That's the thing." Salia told her somberly. "Alektra was only 2 years older than me when she lost her arm and yet she achieved so much with Villkiss. But I've done so little to contribute to the cause. Especially compared to Cal who's only been here almost a year."
"Don't worry about that Salia." Mei said earnestly. "You'll do your part for Libertus. You're one of our best Captains and pilots here." As Mei got back to work, Salia returned to her quarters to start her paperwork, but she kept reflecting on the young mechanic's words. 'It's not enough.' She told herself dejectedly. 'I must be more than a Captain. I have to be the one to inspire others like Cal does. I can't do that without Villkiss.' As she opened the door, she saw Cal half asleep at their shared desk, an empty cup of coffee next to his open data pad, his log report only a third complete.
"Crap, what time is it?" He half jumped. "I'm late for my workout session with Scarlett."
"Cal wait a minute." Salia spoke as he began to change into his gym clothes. "Maybe you should skip today and rest. You're pushing yourself too hard." But Cal wasn't listening so Salia grabbed him by the arm before he could put his shoes on. "Cal please?"
"Salia I'm fine." He said stiffly. "I just had a late night after I went to visit Ange and…" He stopped midsentence and Salia frowned.
"You went to go see Ange and Hilda, didn't you?" she said sharply.
"Well…not quite." He admitted. "I bumped into Momoka first who told me she's been trying to sneak them food all week, but she's been denied by Trudy and her security squad every time. So I caused a simple distraction and…"
"Cal you know better than that." She told him as she crossed her arms. "They are being punished for a reason."
"I know but they're still our squad mates. Besides they both saved my skin plenty of times. Including Hilda when we were cornered by the NMB."
"They don't deserve your sympathy." Salia said bitterly. "They both treated you like crap ever since they first met you. Hilda almost jeopardized Libertus' future by sabotaging Villkiss and Ange has caused all this mess because she and Hilda chose to escape. They almost got you killed."
"Hilda's the reason I'm still alive Salia." said Cal affront. "I busted my ass off to get this squad to work together with Ange and Villkiss in the picture after Zola and Coco's death and I'm not going to let us fall apart because some of you can't keep your priorities straight." His brow then furrowed in anger. "I read through your forms to Jill. And I know you're trying to confiscate Villkiss from Ange. What are you planning to do? We don't have time to find a new pilot!" And then it all connected. "Wait a minute. You want to pilot Villkiss yourself don't you?!"
"I meant to tell you."
"Yeah, but you didn't, because you knew I'd object. Do you think I want you to be put in more danger by piloting such a crucial machine alongside Siegfried? I already have a huge enough target on my back as it is!"
"And you think Ange will actually put you in even less danger!" She half shouted. "How can you trust her more than me?"
"Ange is already in their crosshairs." Cal countered. "There's nothing she can do that won't make them single her out any more than she's already done." Salia's fists clenched in anger. After all that had happened, why was he sticking up for Hilda and putting his faith in Ange?
"All I want is to help you and do what's right for Libertus." She argued.
"You and the others promised that you'll help me right? Then help me keep our squad together." Cal said irritably. "War is coming and if we're divided like this, Dutch and the other humans will just pick us off one by one." Cal stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind him, leaving Salia alone and completely dejected.
'Why is everything I do not good enough?' She fumed as she slumped into the desk chair. "Can Cal ever look at me the same way as Naomi? And what does Ange have that I haven't?'
"I'll get revenge for you Alektra!" Her own words to her Mistress when she was young repeated over in her head along with the promise she made to Cal. 'Don't worry Cal you won't have to bear this alone. Once Villkiss and Siegfried are back, we'll do it together.' No matter how hard she tried, her heart could never let go of the promise she had vowed to the woman she admired and the man she loved. She would just have to prove it to them both.
'I won't let Ange take Villkiss away from me.' She vowed with a fiery hatred towards the girl that had snatched her dream from her. Now it was time to take it back.
"Come on three more!" Scarlett's voice rallied through the gym. "You're gonna have to do better than that if you want to lose…"
"Don't…say…a…word!" Corporal Lawrence puffed, sweating madly as he tried to complete his final set of pushups with 80kgs weights and Scarlett sitting on his back. "I…swear…if…it wasn't…for the…fact you were a…Norma…you'd make the perfect…gym…instructor..." Scarlett gave him a hard chop on the back of the neck, and he splattered to the floor with a tremendous thud.
"And if it weren't for the fact, you were a Human, I'd would have knocked you out for saying that."
"Don't…push…your…luck." Corporal Lawrence wheezed. Though the Inspector's bodyguard was an intimidating presence, Scarlett had to admit she and a few Norma across the base were starting to warm up to him. Though he could still be a real ass sometimes. "I know you're only helping me with my work out because I ordered you, but I'm glad you're not holding back on me."
"It doesn't matter if you were a Norma or Human when you're training with me. I always expect 110% from my girls and you and Cal are no different." Scarlett said as she sipped from her water bottle. "Speaking of which I heard he's been causing you bother."
"The boy is out of control." Corporal Lawrence grunted, and Scarlett could have almost sworn she heard genuine concern under his voice. "I don't like this new attitude of his. If he doesn't get it under control, he's going to get himself killed."
"Us Norma all have bad days." Scarlett shrugged. "Sometimes the stress of the life we live gets to some, though most of us pull through. Even if it means losing a part of us, we carry on to honor the comrades we lost." There was a pause as Scarlett looked upon the Corporal's face and again, could have sworn he looked remorseful. Almost as if he understood exactly what she was saying.
"What about you? Did you lose a part of yourself?" He asked quietly.
"Trust me, I've had very bad days." She answered. "There were points I almost gave up after losing someone I deeply loved until Cal brought me back. He helped me when I thought there was no light."
"Then I'd advise you to do the same for him." Corporal Lawrence advised, his usual gruff demeanor returning. "Whatever he's going through he needs to snap out of it or I'll knock the stuffing out of him."
"I'll keep that in mind." Scarlett gave a half laugh as she left the gym to wash up. As the running water washed over her, Scarlett couldn't help but think on the Corporal's words. 'Cal is hurting.' She knew. 'And the Commander is fueling his newfound hatred towards humans and those who ruined his life.' Scarlett knew such thoughts turned those at Arzenal bitter and vengeful which in return only got them killed in their blind rage against a DRAGON. 'I think it's time the Commander and I had a little talk.'
Inside the peace and quiet of her office, Commander Jill replayed the footage of today's Category 5 simulation battle on her data pad. She was pleased to see Cal's gamble with the two young recruits had paid off. Ginny and Chiho took well to their new Hausers. Though Inspector Bronson had pushed for Miranda to be reassigned, no doubt as payback for Cal mouthing off to her, Jill had managed to smooth things over. Hesitance or not Libertus would need all of its pilots in order to work.
In the meantime, Jill was focused on the more troublesome matter of Ange. Though it was fairly easy for her to get Cal under her control, Ange was a different animal all together. That royal pride of hers made her all the harder to break. 'She almost reminds me of myself from a long time ago.' She smirked when someone knocked at her office door.
"Enter." She called as the door opened to reveal Captain Scarlett. "Something I can help you with Captain?" The muscular young woman didn't respond but instead hurried over and leaned over Jill's desk.
"I'll be direct." She said. "Whatever you're doing with Cal, I want you to stop."
"Excuse me?" Jill asked as she stood up.
"You heard me." Scarlett answered. "What you're trying to do to him, what you're trying to shape him into, I'm not going to let it slide anymore. He's not your tool."
"We are all tools for the sake of Libertus." Jill reminded her. "I need Cal to be the best soldier we've got. Zola knew a Captain's role was to toughen up her recruits under her command. Or have you forgotten that?"
"No, I haven't." Scarlett replied, her eyes burned with anger. "But Zola also knew to take care of those under her and she never allowed anyone to use them. And neither will I. Cal may technically be Captain now, but he's still my junior. And if anything, bad happens to him, you'll have me to deal with. Got it!?" Scarlett growled. The Captain left without another word and an unfazed Jill lit up a cigarette. 'Stupid woman. If she's going to put her personal feelings first then she might become a liability." One thing was for certain, Scarlett could not be won over and was not to be trusted.
"Commander?" Jill looked up and saw Salia standing in the open doorway, her daily reports under her arm. "Is something wrong? I saw Scarlett leave and she didn't seem happy."
"Just a minor disagreement. Nothing serious." Jill replied. As she accepted the report, Jill flipped through and frowned as she came across a proposal regarding the escapees' further punishment once they finished solitary. "You want Ange and Hilda's units confiscated."
"Affirmative." Salia nodded. "It's standard disciplinary procedure."
"Perhaps, but they can't buy their units back as money won't be of use to us anymore once we leave this place. And we don't have the time for them to adjust to a new unit either before Libertus begins. You know that Salia."
"That's the other matter I wished to discuss with you, Alektra." Salia continued which caught Jill's attention. Whenever Salia used her real name, it was something important. "Let me pilot Villkiss again." She said broadly almost making Jill cough from her smoke in surprise. "Ange cannot be trusted to pilot Villkiss again after her escape. Given the chance she'll do it again. But we have her ring now. I could…
"That's enough Salia!" Jill interrupted. "I thought I made myself clear on the matter years ago!" Salia looked as though she received a punch in the gut.
"But Jill…last time we didn't have a royal ring. You told me it was the missing key to breaking through Villkiss' locks." She pleaded. "Please just give me another chance and I'll show you I can…"
"Enough!" Jill barked and Salia's lips pursed, her eyes filled with anguish. "Ange is the only pilot for Villkiss. Like I said those years ago, you can't do what you can't do. We are done discussing this matter. Is that understood?" Jill shot Salia a harsh glare and the young Captain saluted.
"Yes Ma'am." Salia said in a low empty voice and left.
'Goddammit Salia, I thought you'd eventually let go of Villkiss for something more important.' Jill rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration. She could still picture how happy Salia was, arm in arm with Cal during the Festa fireworks, something Jill once longed for herself. From out of her desk drawer, she took out Ange's ring and held it between her prosthetic fingers. 'Why does she insist on trying to be like me? I'm the last person you would ever want to be Salia.' Although so many years passed, Jill would never forget Salia's words to her the day after Xeon fell.
(10 years ago)
"That's right, just let go of all your troubles." A man's soft voice echoed out of the blind white light as the figure before her offered his hand. "Come with me and let all your suffering and hardships go."
In a daze, Alektra took the man's warm and gentle hand, and in an instant the light around her flashed and changed into a sea of red as the corpses of her comrades, Vanessa and Istvan lay before her. Alektra awoke with a jolt and felt an immediate shock of excruciating pain in her upper right arm and shoulder. The rest of her arms was gone and the stub of her elbow heavily wrapped in gauze and bandages. It took her a few seconds to register that she was in one of Arzenal's private infirmary rooms and the horror of last night came flooding back to her.
"Alektra!" Assistant Nurse Maggie shot up from her stool when she realized she was awake and peered her head out the door. "Commander she's up!" Commander Jasmine threw the door open and hurried to Alektra's side. In an overwhelming wave of grief, shock and emotion Alektra flung her arms around her Commander.
"Shh, it's okay. You're safe now hon, try to relax." Jasmine held her tightly.
"I thought…I thought I was going to die…"
"Gaz found you before you bled out." Jasmine told her. "He managed to patch you up and flew you back here on his skyhook. We've sent a team to receive Villkiss on his island." The vivid moments came back to her, and Alektra remembered a pair of small hands holding onto her remaining hand and the innocent sky-blue eyes gazing at her.
"Cal, he saw me. But…Siegfried! What about Istvan and…" Alektra began to panic.
"Calm yourself, Siegfried is here too. Jacob got it here before Gaz arrived." Jasmine said gravely. It all became too much as the reality came crashing down on her.
"They didn't make it." Alektra wept. "Xeon, it's all gone."
"Don't talk, save your energy." Jasmine said, trying to calm her down.
"I'm so sorry Jasmine." Alektra wailed. "I wasn't strong enough. The Ancient folk, our comrades, Xeon, they're all gone! I wasn't the right pilot for Villkiss! I was just too weak!"
"That's not true!" Came a high-pitched voice from the doorway and Alektra saw a small girl with twin tails running up to her bed. "You're not weak! You're my hero Alektra!"
"Salia, please." Maggie urged as she tried to usher her out. "You shouldn't be here?"
"No…wait." Jasmine interrupted. "You know her Alektra?"
"Yeah." Alektra whispered. Despite her reservations, Maggie let the little girl go and she ran forward to take ahold of Alektra's remaining hand.
"What happened to you? What DRAGON did this?" Salia asked. Of course, she'd think it was a DRAGON. "I won't let it get away with what it did to you." She began to cry. "I swear I'll get revenge for you Alektra!" Alektra couldn't help but smile despite all that had happened. For such a kid, Salia had a real fire within her and Alektra gently patted the little girl's head.
"Yeah. I know you will." As the years passed, Alektra, after she changed her name to Jill and became Commander of Arzenal, kept track of Salia's progress. She had incredible raw talent and determination, quickly surpassing even her older squad mates. For a time, Jill even began daring to hope that maybe even without a Royal Ring, Salia could master Villkiss. So despite Jasmine's reservations, Jill had brought Salia into their circle. She told her the truth about Embryo and how it was because of him that she lost her arm and assigned Salia to pilot Villkiss in her place.
Unfortunately, Villkiss refused to accept her. Almost as if Embryo was mocking both of them. Finally, after weeks of trying, Salia crashed Villkiss on one of the island beaches. Though she survived with nothing worse than a broken arm, it only confirmed that only a Norma of royal blood who still had her ring could pilot it so she had it locked up that very day.
"You can't do this!" A bruised and bandaged up Salia protested. "I'll try harder next time, don't give up on…"
"Forget it." Jill interrupted. "No matter how hard you try. You can't do what you can't do."
"But Commander…"
"If you can't get that through your skull," Commander Jill raised her prosthetic arm with a frigid expression, "then you're a liability." Salia grew a crushed look as she rubbed her plastered up arm.
"Then…what do I do?" Jill blew up a puff of smoke.
"The same thing any Norma does. Stay alive as long as you can."
(Present)
"Very good, that arm is getting stronger every day. You should be feeling right as rain in a few weeks." Maggie said as she rebandaged Charlotte's still healing sutures for her reattached arm. "Just don't strain it until the bone is fully healed. You wouldn't want it to break off again, do you?"
"You really need to work on your bedside manner." Corporal Lawrence grunted as he observed the procedure of her rough bedside manner as Charlotte was allowed back to her room. "And I'd start with cutting off the booze."
"Aw c'mon, you should learn to loosen up a bit." Maggie pushed out her chest in front of the Corporal and flashed the small hip flask in her coat pocket. "Want some. What the Inspector doesn't know won't hurt her." Corporal Lawrence flushed but he begrudgingly accepted the flask and took a small sip of whiskey. It was rather fun for her to tease the big brute during the Festa. Especially since the Inspector running around trying to find Cal and Ange allowed her to have him all to herself. It had been years since she had felt such desires despite how dangerous it was, which made it even more enticing. "I'm off to give the babies medicine for their hay fever. Care to join me? I'll make it worth your while." Maggie leaned in closer, making the Corporal's face go a tinge of pink.
"I might as well. I need to write my report to the NMB of the babies' progress anyways. But don't push your luck." He warned. As they walked along to the Nursery Corporal Lawrence suddenly spoke up. "Will the injured Norma be able to pilot again?"
"No." Maggie sighed. "Though her arm will heal, there's no chance it will function properly." Though Charlotte was eager to be back with the second squad after her horrific injury, Jill would have to break the news to her eventually that she would have to retire as a pilot. "Still, I do my best to give the girls the best recovery possible." Miranda though was another issue. Throughout Maggie's life on Arzenal there had been more than a few young recruits who couldn't handle the stress of being a pilot and threw themselves off the cliffs. She had always tried to identify which ones were the most likely so she could intervene in time and prayed Miranda wouldn't go down that road. Still, it was another cruel reminder that as a Norma, that's just how they had to deal with things. "How's the Inspector doing? It would be a shame if she was fired after the whole fiasco with Ange and Hilda kidnapping her nation's princess. I'm actually quite fond of her." Maggie had heard through Emma's panicked conversations with her father that Ange and Hilda had left Princess Misty unharmed inside the plane they escaped with and had tied and gaged her then stuffed her in the perolina mascot costume until the N,B found her hours later.
"Stressed, but don't worry. She and I aren't going anywhere. Her father Senator Bronson has powerful connections. After all, someone has to keep an eye on you Norma. And luckily, Lady Misty spoke up on both her and the Norma's behalf. It's the only reason why they haven't passed down any orders for their immediate execution."
"Aw, are we really that bad in your eyes." Maggie cooed.
"Some worse than others. Though I don't agree with your level of professionalism, you're the best doctor they've got." Corporal Lawrence complimented. Maggie smiled slightly and felt her hand almost grasp onto his but drew back once they reached the nursery.
As Maggie gave each of the babies their medicine, Corporal Lawrence took it upon himself to tend to baby Serra. All the Inspectors before Emma (excluding that monster Jadis) had always had a soft spot when it came to the babies, but Maggie had noticed the Corporal had taken quite a fondness to Serra out of all the others.
"Your good with her. Do you have children of your own?" Maggie stood next to him as Serra dropped off to sleep in the bodyguard's arms and he laid her gently in her crib.
"No, but I have a wonderful niece who means so much to me." Corporal Lawrence told her and his tone was different, soft and calm as Serra's small hand held onto one of his big sausage-like fingers. "Her Father ran off with another woman after she was born and left my sister all alone. I made a promise I'd never abandon my family." His other hand began to grip the crib almost out of frustrated guilt. "It makes me wonder if I'm doing the right thing by being here." Maggie placed her hand on his and his grip eased by her touch.
"I never knew what it was like to have a family. But I've always dreamed of another life where I could be a mother. It's why I do my part at being a big sister figure to the other girls. I wish things could be different for us Norma but this is really the only life we can have." Maggie looked at Corporal Lawrence whose face screwed up as though he was in pain when his hand suddenly jerked away from hers.
"You should forget about that and just accept the way things are. No human would ever want to be with a Norma. And you're fooling yourself if you think I ever would." Maggie felt a lump form in her throat.
"No, I didn't mean…"
"Don't mistake my intentions. I only care if the babies make it until they are old enough to defend the human race against the DRAGONs. Now leave me alone, you disgusting Norma and do your job!" Maggie felt as if the ground beneath her had been pulled out and as the Corporal turned and stormed off little Serra began to cry, and Maggie held her.
'Stupid.' She told herself firmly. 'He's not like Gaz and he's no Randall. It dosen't matter how they see us. As far as the humans are concerned, we Norma are all trash to be disposed of.' But maybe, just maybe, if they defeated the humans and Embryo, that things could be different for Serra and the other baby's generation.
Miranda had not left her room all day out of fear of ridicule and humiliation from Margret and her other tormentors after her…what Maggie called an 'episodic mental hallucination.' And Vivian, who had already fixed and cleaned up their room after Miranda's outburst, brought her food from the mall when she got hungry. By now, night was falling and outside of Miranda's window, she could hear the traitor Ange singing. She slid the window shut and returned to sketching in her diary while studying the book Salia had given her. It was a rather useful read which prompted Miranda to start sketching upgrades and new weapons for her unit. She still had a big sum of money left from the Bighorn. Maybe it was time to put it to use.
Suddenly, a knock broke her concentration and Miranda looked up to see Cal's face peek in. "You hungry?" He came in with a few hamburgers. "Hey…what you drawing?"
"Just some new weapons for my Para-mail." said Miranda as Cal came over to take a look.
"Nice." Cal grinned, listing her choice of weapons. "Nunchaku Reaper Kamas, Fennec 54 SMG, acceleration nitro wing boosters. You going for speed over firepower this time?"
"I guess." Miranda said heavily. "I've tried the Hauser and glaive units but I just don't sync with them. The Razor is my last chance to prove I'm not a screw up."
"You wanna talk about what happened?" Cal asked.
"What's the point? I screw up everything! I always do!" Her voice broke as she felt the tears begin to build up.
"Nobody said that."
"Really? Because none of the others did this bad after being assigned as pilot. And there's a bunch of things I just can't do." Miranda repeated Cal and Margaret's words back to him. She scrunched up her sketch and threw it in the bin. "Maybe she's right. I should just quit and transfer to maintenance! At least then I can't embarrass myself anymore!"
"Never mind what Margaret says, she talks a load of crap." said Cal pointedly as he took the drawing back out of the bin. "Look, I might have Siegfried, but the truth is I'm nothing without it. But you have something way better than she and her lackeys." Miranda shot him a bemused look as he smoothed out her drawing across the desk. "It's potential. I've been watching your progress and you show far more growth than I did when I first started piloting. And that's why you can't quit. You've always got to pick yourself back up because I know you're on your way to being one of the best."
"You mean it?"
"Remember when that Bighorn had us pinned down? Who was the one who kept pushing forwards when everyone else was pinned down?" He then placed something in her hand. It was Coco's emblem keyring of the first squad that Cal had given her. "You're stronger than you think Miranda. And one day the whole world's going to see it too." Miranda sniffled before she threw her arms around his neck. How could she ever think Cal would abandon her? She'll show Margret and everyone who doubted her that that she was strong and that she didn't need Hilda to protect her. "Now what do you say getting out this room?" Cal suggested. "I've got some popcorn and the new 'Deep Space' movie that just dropped."
"Yeah." Miranda agreed. She wasn't really into action anime but it was better than being on her own. But as she followed Cal to his room, their cheerful mood didn't last long. At Cal's door stood a small crowd of girls all muttering wide eyed as though they had witnessed murder.
"Hey, what's going on?" he called. At the sound of his voice, Jasmine pushed her way out of the crowd towards him.
"Cal! Someone broke into your room. We don't know who but Salia and Ersha have already gone to the security office to check the cameras." Cal pushed his way into his room with Miranda trailing behind and she stood behind him open mouthed at the scene before them. It looked as though a bomb had gone off. The wardrobe and dresser drawers had all been emptied and their contents scattered everywhere. Pages had been torn out of Salia's books, and the shelves on the wall had been ripped off with their personal items and trinkets strewn over the tipped over bed.
"Who the hell did this?" said Cal his lip trembling in anger.
"We don't know, but we'll find the culprit." Jasmine promised fiercely as she shooed the crowd off just before Salia and Ersha returned. "Anything?"
"Nothing." Ersha said as she shook her head. "It seemed as if some kind of electrical short knocked out the cameras in this wing alone."
"This wasn't just a burglary." Salia noted. "Whoever did this was looking for something specific. But as far as I can tell nothing's been taken. And judging by the disarray they were searching in a panic." As Cal stepped gingerly across the floor, something on the windowsill caught his eye. He reached forward, and in his grasp was a long silver white strand of hair.
The storm outside was building rapidly, the winds howling across the mountain tops and providing enough cover for Lucas to sneak his way through the hallways of the Sanctuary and into the top hanger. After confirming it was clear of any witnesses, Lucas checked his watch and saw it was past 3 AM. If the storm continued its current direction, it would pass in half an hour and he would make it to Arzenal by tomorrow evening. 'I'm sorry Captain. But you're wrong and I'm tired of hiding. You took Siegfried from me, but you will not take away my chance to avenge my father.' Lucas knew his father's killer would be coming for the Male Norma, so he just needed to keep close to Cal and wait for his opportunity to kill Dutch once and for all and reclaim his father's sword.
Hurrying before the next patrol came around, Lucas stocked up his skyhook and hurried to the control panel to unlock the heavy steel hanger doors. As he typed in the security codes for the door to temporary open for 30 seconds, the sudden sound of footsteps made him whirl around with his gun drawn.
"Woah, you planning to blow my head off?" Lucia hissed.
"What are you doing here? Go back to bed." Lucas whispered back.
"You're seriously not planning what I think you are, are you?"
"I've got no choice. I'm sick of sitting around and waiting for Embryo and his dog to finish us off. I've made my choice and you can't stop me."
"Don't worry I won't." Lucia smirked. "Because I'm coming with you."
"What?" He gasped.
"I heard everything between you and Jacob and you're right." Lucia placed her hands on her brother's shoulders. "Jacob is wrong to send us away instead of persuading Alektra to pull the stick out of her ass and evacuate Arzenal. The way I see it, if the Norma aren't there to protect Mana society, then the DRAGONs can do our work for us. Besides who else is going to keep you in line?" Lucia smiled at his dumbfounded expression and hugged him tightly. "We'll do this together."
"If that's the case then you're gonna need someone to keep a look out for you both." From out of the darkness, Dolton suddenly appeared, packed and ready to go. And behind him stood a towering figure.
"Plus you'll need some muscle if you're in a tight spot." Finn grinned. Lucas eyes Lucia suspiciously, knowing she had asked them to come with them.
"Hey I'm coming too!" Frenzy suddenly whizzed out of nowhere much to everyone's dismay, carrying a huge duffle bag across his back, filled with what sounded like the rattle of grenades and other explosives. "Besides you'll need a 5th soldier of intelligence and skill on this… mission… quest… negotiation… thing."
"Well, that rules you out." Finn commented.
"I did not invite him along." Lucia mouthed to her brother.
"No this could work." Lucas agreed. "If we all act as the Sanctuary and Tripartite representatives to Arzenal; then having 2 of us, a human, and a human-Norma half breed would be ideal to convince Alektra." Lucas could only hope that she would see sense in getting the hell away from that island as soon as possible. And Frenzy being half-Norma himself might be the best way to bridge that gap. That's if he could keep his perverted little mind in check. "Alright, let's get going."
Once they all pulled on their winter padded ponchos and mounted up, the huge doors in front of them slid open and they all shot out of the Sanctuary. No sooner had security arrived on the scene to investigate the five lights of the skyhooks now resembling tiny pinpricks in the pitch-black stormy sky faded into the horizon.
Humming merrily to herself, Momoka did her usual morning chores around the private Villa. Outside, across the rocky area out back, she could hear Arzenal's pilots do their usual training drill while in the hangers below, the armorists were repairing and equipping the Para-mails. Doing her maid duties around the Villa reminded Momoka of her old life back at Misurugi palace, not having Lady Angelise around made her feel completely lost. 'Just 24 hours to go and she'll be released.' Momoka reminded herself cheerfully. And at least Sir Cal had helped assist her in sneaking food to Lady Angelise and miss Hilda the other night. But regardless of her anticipation in seeing Lady Angelise again, Momoka couldn't help but feel anxious as to what would happen next. The Commander had given her orders to spy on the Inspector and her bodyguard but nothing they had discussed or contacted from the outside world was of any interest to the Commander.
At stroke of 11 o'clock, the rest of the pilots finished up training and Momoka began to dust every nook and cranny around the Villa before starting the Inspector and Corporal's lunch. As she passed by the backdoor, she heard a faint gruff voice coming from behind the walls outside. Curious, she snuck around to the Inspector's study and recognized the voice outside the window facing the cliffside belonging to Corporal Lawrance. And it seemed as if he was talking to someone.
'I'd better not disturb him and the Inspector.' Momoka told herself with mild amusement. It was common knowledge the Inspector was infatuated with her bodyguard and it seemed as if she had finally decided to take the initiative.
Or at least, that was what Momoka thought until she realized the person Corporal Lawrence was talking to was another man.
"Keep her in your sights at all costs." The stranger ordered as Momoka crouched down on all fours just below the window. "You know what to do if she tries to escape again."
"I understand Captain." Corporal Lawrance responded. "If the Princess tries to flee, she won't get far. I'll make sure of that." Momoka let out an audible gasp and clapped her hands over her mouth. Corporal Lawrance was working with the NMB and they were after her dear Lady Angelise. 'Is Julio planning something again?!' Momoka began to panic. She slowly rose and almost screamed as the Corporal was standing right at the window and looking directly at her, his huge hand shooting out to cover her voice.
"What did you hear?" He demanded. His voice was calm but his eyes were narrowed in threat. Momoka shook her head. "Don't lie to…" Suddenly, his gaze diverted up at the sky above them. Momoka couldn't see what he was looking at, but his face was livid with panic. "Oh…my…god…" he shuddered in horror before he jumped through the window and swept Momoka under his arm, carrying her like a sack of potatoes. Roughly tossing her onto the couch, the Corporal tore up the stairs and quickly returned with a long steel silver case in his hand. "WE NEED TO GET TO THE COMMAND CENTRE! COME ON!" He bellowed as he took Momoka by the arm and they both bolted outside of the Villa.
"What are you…" Momoka sputtered, utterly confused until she too gazed up to the sky to witness the horror coming down upon them.
Outside of the launch hanger, Cal leaned against the wall wanting to get some fresh air. The past few days had been an up and down spiral in his own mind, but now he was starting to piece things together from what he saw. The sea of files and papers across the raided Endurant Harbor, Blackadder's burst of fury at the scene where Cal and Dutch fought, and now his trashed room. His clone was looking for the files Cal had lost.
Cal had made up his mind then and there to tell Jill and Jasmine about his theory. Though he had told his squad the full details of his mission outside of Arzenal, after they had revealed the truth to him Jacob and Jill both advised that he'd keep the details of his clone to himself until the Sanctuary and its allied communities gathered more information. Cal wished he could cut off this connection between himself and his clone. Aside from the stress it caused him, it felt as though Blackadder was constantly peering at Cal through a spyhole. But could he see Cal when he intentionally and unknowingly did the same thing? Whatever this connection was, Cal could witness what his clone was up to. But why and how? 'If only I hadn't dropped those files.' Cal fumed. 'It would've given me all the answers I need.' Glancing to his right, Cal saw Salia eyeing Villkiss. When she noticed he was looking at her then she looked back for half a second before she swiftly turned away.
"You two have a spat?" Scarlett asked as she suddenly peered around the pillar.
"Jeez, don't jump out at people like that!" Cal flinched.
"Aw did I scare you. Come one fess up what's eating you."
"Sorry, I was just thinking about…stuff." Cal muttered.
"I guess you have, being a lead Captain and having to share the role with all 3 squads." Scarlett counted her fingers. "Piloting Siegfried, going to the gym twice a day, having a maniac killer after you…"
"Alright, alright!" Cal rolled his eyes. "I get your point."
"Take it from me kiddo." She smiled warmly at him. "Taking on too much responsibility and thinking about those who destroyed your life only pushes those you love away." Cal looked at her solemnly. "Trust me I know what it's like to lose someone because of it. Just promise me you won't go down that same path." Cal let out a sigh.
"I know that. But as much as I want to, I can't let go of the hatred for the man who destroyed my home and took away the man who raised me. Just thinking about it makes me wanna tear him apart. Along with Jadis after what she did to both you and Zola."
"I understand." Scarlett whispered. "But I'll deal with her when we get the chance remember? Just promise me you won't lose yourself to this hate. I've seen what it does to those close to us. And I don't want to lose you too."
"I'll try my best." said Cal. "But I don't know if I'm strong enough for this. For what's to come." Scarlett smiled and stroked the back of Cal's head.
"You helped Zola come back from her darkness and helped me see the light when she had gone. No matter where you go, I'll always support you and be by your side when the time comes for us to fight back." Scarlett's assurance made Cal feel a little better. Until Eleanor suddenly sauntered up to them.
"What are you two talking about? You're not adding another one to your harem are you, pervert?"
"How many times do I have to tell you I DON'T have a harem." Cal glowered. "It's just Salia and Ersha."
"I wouldn't be so sure." Scarlett smirked. "Sadie might be a strong contender after her display in the showers with you this morning."
"Keep dreaming." Cal groaned. "I won't be showering with your squad ever again."
"Is it true she tried to touch you where the sun doesn't shine?" Eleanor suddenly asked.
"Sh..shut up!" Cal yelled as both girls roared with laughter. Despite the jovial tone of the conversation, Cal suddenly felt a strange sense of foreboding he couldn't quite put his finger on. From the corner of his eye, Cal noted a flock of birds in the sky suddenly change direction and race off as if spooked by a predator. As he followed their original path, one of the clouds sparked with red lightning and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Scarlett and Eleanor noticed it too as all three ran at a half pace across the runway to get a clearer view. And what they saw made their faces go white with shock as the deafening blare of Arzenal's alarm rang out across the island.
"Oh no." Cal's breath caught in his throat; his eyes locked at the sky above them. A singular had opened right above Arzenal and a massive horde of DRAGONs unlike any they had ever seen had started to emerge. "RUUUNNN!"
TO BE CONTINUED…
