Hello LYNXes and RAVENs of all kind! and Welcome back to Fires of Victory: NIKKE!
This chapter kicked me in the ass to try and finish it I won't lie, however I managed to finally get this thing done, but I had work in the morning so I ran out of time to post it last night. Now, for this chapter I replayed a certain mission in Armored Core 6 a few times to get a good idea on where I wanted to move this forward. Other than that I don't really have much to say, other than that NIKKE will be added in the story, where in the game I've sort of got an idea but it isn't quite finalised yet but I'm close to deciding it.
Other than that, Enjoy!
MAIN SYSTEM: ACTIVATING COMBAT MODE
ACT-3: Pack your bags
Combat Zone: Central Icefield-Gaia Spaceport
Objective: Attack Base/Capture Target
Reward: 500,000 COAM, Arquebus seized PCA Heavy Warship
Details: Attack the base seized by Arquebus stragglers and seize a Heavy Warship.
Clear the base for friendly supply choppers to load the captured Warship.
Mid-route rendezvous with friendly craft.
Extra rewards based on number of enemies destroyed.
Raven waited patiently for both King and Chartreus to knock out the communications for the base and their Raven to drive any reinforcements away from said base. Right now, he was on the outskirts of the base just outside their visual and sensor range and he was getting antsy about the entire mission as a whole. He tapped his fingers on the controls of NEPHALEM as he waited and waited.
"…" He could hear Ayre wanting to say something but stopped herself.
"Yes?" Raven asked the Coral entity in his brain as she materialised herself in front of her pilot but only her upper torso and arms.
"Nervous?" She asked him as Raven shook his head.
"No…maybe a little but…I want to make sure this chance doesn't slip through my fingers". Raven replied. "Also, I'm also just getting a little impatient I guess". He confessed.
"It's fine to feel this way, Raven. Anyone would be if they were in your position". She stated, she then decided to switch the subject. "Do you have closure…now that you've said your goodbyes, to Walter I mean". When they brought back both Walter's AC and ECHO, to say that the RLF was shocked to see Institute technology brought back before their very eyes was an understatement. However, Dolmayan was weary of bringing them to their base…though Raven assured that they will be taking both ACs with them on their trip to earth, so that the coral infused Armored Core will not be used outside of those he trusted. When they pried Walter out of his AC it wasn't a pretty sight. The former handler was connected via several tubes and wires all the courtesy of Arquebus, Raven made good on his promise and laid Walter to rest and they buried him alongside the memorial of those who fought in the RLF…though Raven made a separate tombstone for his handler and one for Chatty as well, which made Carla smile at the thought that the hound she was taking care of, slowly began to see as her little brother make a resting place for her passed AI friend, giving him the respect Raven felt was deserved.
With the Armored Cores acquired from the Xylem, Raven then set to work in using some parts of the Coral infused AC Walter used to upgrade his own, he took the legs off of the AC and attached them to NEPHALEM as well as swapping the Fire Control System (FCS). He also added a dual cell split missile launcher for extra power and ammunition to replace the single cell launcher he once had.
"Yea…I've got some closure now that it's all said and done". He assured her. "Though I will admit that it was kinda uplifting getting to work on your AC Ayre". He replied which Ayre smiled back at him.
When he was upgrading his AC he even set to work on ECHO as Ayre wanted to strip the Coral components off of the AC and have them stowed away and taken with them to earth, Raven understood as Coral was used as a fuel and ammunition for the Redshift weapons and he didn't want to think about using Coral like the corporations or the Institute were doing with it.
Raven, with Carla and Rusty's help stripped the Coral parts from the AC and replaced them with other AC parts, the boosters were taken off and replaced with the boosters from Walter's AC and replacing the FCS for a G2/P10SLT to improve its mid-range capabilities and improve the missile lock on time, the weapons were also swapped out including the shield were replaced with a Ludlow Machinegun, a normal Moonlight blade, a VP-L66R laser rifle and a BML-G3/P05ACT-02 homing missile launcher. Raven had dubbed the variant of Ayre's AC, ECHO ANEMONE, an RRI AC stripped of its Coral weapons and went for a more modern approach to armament. The only part that was still Coral technology was the generator, removed from Walter's AC and moved to Ayre's so she can use the power source of ECHO and have it work with her rather than have it burn her very existence out once it was recalibrated with Carla's help.
Once these preparations were made and he'd given Walter his goodbyes, he contacted Branch to let them know he was ready, with Ayre, Carla and Rusty to get the job done.
Which leads us to now, Raven was waiting for the call from Fiona to give the Liberator of Rubicon the Green light to start attacking the Spaceport. He had been waiting for currently ten minutes which felt like an hour, but he was patient when it came to things like this. The thing he was impatient about was leaving Rubicon and traveling to Earth to find out who he was. Raven then looked on his arm, the same one which had his ID number and barcode had a word carved into it…a word he had carved into in his vivid memory of being subjected to Generation 4 augmentations.
Rapi
That's what the word said, and he knew he carved it into his arm…but he couldn't remember why. Ever since he had free time since he had liberated the planet he tried to remember the reason and the meaning behind the word, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
"Still trying to figure out what it means?" Ayre asked him as she looked at the carved name.
"Yea…I distinctly remember doing this…but the rest is just a mystery". Raven said to her as he then saw he was getting comms from Branch. "I'll find out more when we get to Earth". He added as he then answered the comms.
"Raven, the Spaceport's communications have been disrupted and their forces have been routed. You are free to engage at your discretion". Fiona stated.
"Finally! Roger that Fiona, commencing attack!" Raven replied as he then booted up his AC and Over boosted towards the Spaceport.
MAIN SYSTEM: ACTIVATING COMBAT MODE
As Raven then reached the compound of the Spaceport he wasted no time firing his weapons into the PCA operated forces as he figured he'd settle a score with Arquebus for what they did to him and Walter. As the Arquebus forces began to try and mount a defence Raven just carved a path through them as soon as he was in range, firing his rifle, unleashing his missile launcher letting his grenade cannon roar and delivering fatal blows with his Pile Bunker, he never let up his assault. All the while Arquebus chatter was going on for him to hear as he tore their ranks apart.
"We got an AC!"
"Identified as…Oh shit! It's Raven!"
"Put that Merc in the ground! Don't let him near the warships!"
Raven was determined to see this job to the end and reach the planet that held his past.
All he need was one of their Warships.
As Raven dealt with the outer defences and made is way deeper into the Spaceport he saw several berthed Warships just waiting for him.
"Raven, there are the Warships, I've marked the best one to capture for our journey to Earth, destroy the rest. I'm updating your marker data". Ayre stated as she marked all but one of the vessels with a DESTROY marker. Raven wasted no time making sure no Arquebus ships had the opportunity to get away he saw three lined up and took chance to hit them in one go, he fired his Songbird into one's bridge as he followed up with a missile strike destroying one, he unloaded a full magazine of his rifle into the second's bridge eliminating it and then dashed to the third one and delivering a Pile Bunker strike which was fully charged scratching it off the list of targets.
"Three targets down, two remaining. Once the other ships are destroyed we'll need to eliminate the remaining forces to secure a safe are for the choppers to approach with the supplies for the journey". Ayre pointed out.
"They'll get their opportunity, just need a minute to deal with everything else". Raven replied as he shifted his focus to the remaining warships to destroy. He boosted to the upper area of the Spaceport and destroyed the warship that had unlashed more Subject Guard MTs operated by Arquebus, but it didn't matter if they were PCA or Arquebus…
"He's targeting the warships! Keep him away from them!"
"Where are our heavies?! He's tearing through our lines!"
They won't stand in his way…not when he has the opportunity of a lifetime. He moved NEPHALEM to the front of the warship and fired his missile launcher and Songbird into the bridge destroying it. Raven then fired his rifle into the MTs the ship had unloaded and destroyed them one by one, and adding his Pile Bunker into the mix as he dealt with the annoyance that was the MTs. NEPHALEM then flew towards the last of the targets and fired its back weapons into the bridge like the last few times ending the last warship in Arquebus's arsenal.
"All targets destroyed. Now we just need to deal with the remaining enemy forces and the choppers will have a safe passage to the Spaceport". Ayre explained as Raven then turned his attention to the remaining MTs gunning for him, he just sighed.
"They never learn do they?" Raven asked rhetorically as he reloaded his weapons before boosting into the fray. NEPHALEM, as it was boosting towards the MTs fired a missile into two leading MTS destroying them, before leaping into the air and firing a burst from the Songbird dealing an area of effect and destroying two more MTs. As the remaining ones rushed the AC Raven delivered a light Pile Bunker attack to one killing it instantly as he then aimed his rifle towards another and unloaded into it sending it to the scrapyard.
NEPHALEM then stood among destroyed Mechs as they all burned and had parts scattered around the area. Raven looked around and scanned the area as he then detected two more approaching craft, NEPHALEM then turned around to see a modified PCA LC HM (High Mobility) and HC land in front of him as they had their weapons armed.
"You're a real pain in the ass Raven. But that ends now". The LC HM pilot said to the Mercenary.
"I hope you've said your final prayers…because you're not leaving this place alive". The HC pilot added.
"Looks like they brought out the big guns". Raven pointed out as he reloaded his weapons.
"You're not doing this alone Raven…" Ayre said as the mercenary then picked up a friendly IFF flying into the AO, he saw who it was and smiled. ECHO ANEMONE had flown from behind the two cavalry units and landed right next to NEPHALEM. "I'm with you, Raven. Now...I can fight by your side".
"Wouldn't have it any other way". Raven smiled as both Armored Cores then engaged the stolen PCA hardware as Ayre took the LC HM as her target and the mercenary went after the HC unit.
"Who the hell is operating that AC? It doesn't look like any model I've seen". The LC HM pilot asked.
"I'm not detecting any pilot inside, but a Coral response…Must be institute tech, kill the Merc and scrap that AC!" The HC pilot replied.
Raven dodged several missiles from the craft and returned fire with his rifle and his missile launcher as both missiles hit their target. The HC charged its energy blade and slashed NEHPALEM several times cutting through the AP of the craft. However, Raven retaliated with a point-blank Songbird salvo putting the HC into an ACS overload. NEPHALEM then pulled off a charged Pile Bunker strike dealing significant damage to the HC as it was now low on AP, but it wasn't going to let what Raven did go unpunished.
As Raven was dealing with the HC, Ayre's first fight in live combat put her AC to the test as she boosted from side to side as she fired both her Ludlow machinegun and her laser rifle in tandem with each other unleashing a barrage of laser fire and bullets into the PCA craft. The LC was getting peppered but used its mobility to try and get around Ayre's guard, however the Coral entity chased the mobile craft with ease due to no needing to worry about G forces, she switched her Ludlow to her Moonlight and charged it fully before unleashing an energy wave towards the LC HM as it made contact putting the craft into an ACS overload. Ayre then fired both missiles from her launcher as the slow-moving ordinance travelled towards the LC HM as it was staggered and both missiles hit their target putting the Arquebus LC on the ropes.
"Ayre, Switch!" Raven called to her as both ECHO ANEMONE and NEPHALEM dashed past each other as they switched dance partners of this two-on-two fight. Raven fired his split missiles into the LC as they hit their target as he followed up with a Songbird blast as both shots hit and it made the LC go critical.
"One hell of…a Merc…" The LC HM Pilot said before the craft exploded and fell to the ground reduced to nothing but a scrapped mech burning in the snow.
"One down one to go!" Raven said as he then moved to help Ayre with her target, the Coral Entity unleased two waves from her moonlight making the HC use its shield to block her attacks and slashed at ECHO ANEMONE causing her to go into an ACS overload.
"Institute relics…always getting in the way! Just stay dead already!" The HC pilot raged as he powered up his energy blade and went to stab Ayre's AC but was stopped by two grenades from NEPHALEM's Songbird.
"You wanted to fight asshole?!" Raven barked as his AC then had its visor fold over its face as it glared into the HC. "You got it". He then dashed towards the HC and kicked it before firing both his rifle and missile launcher into the HC as it tried to retaliate form the Merc's gunfire but was hit from Ayre's AC as well as she fired her machinegun and laser rifle into the Arquebus seized craft. The continuous barrage from both NEPHALEM and ECHO ANEMONE were enough to put the PCA craft into ACS overload.
"Now Raven!" Ayre cried as the mercenary boosted towards the HC and charged the Pile Bunker on its left arm, a second later the Pile Bunker struck true, piercing the armor of the HC and finishing it off for good.
"No…how can…this…" The HC pilot said as his craft exploded and crashed into the snow.
"Confirmed…both Arquebus LC and HC destroyed. Mission accomplished". Ayre said as both ACs landed facing the destroyed PCA craft.
"Now we just need to deal with the ship that's still standing and make sure it doesn't leave". Raven said.
"I wouldn't worry about that Raven". Ayre replied as NEPHALEM looked at ECHO ANEMONE. "When you were fighting, I took the liberty of disabling the warship. The crew on board won't be able to do much since they're locked out of the Warship's systems". She pointed out which made Raven chuckle.
"Yea…that'll be a real problem won't it?" He said with a smile.
"Flatwell, its Ayre. The Spaceport is secure, send the supply choppers".
"Loud and clear Ayre, choppers are enroute". Flatwell replied as Raven saw several friendly IFFs appear in the combat zone, and he looked up to see several helicopters with the RLF emblem on the side. Five choppers came in and landed near the berthed Warship as several RLF infantry pile out and enter the hanger. Both ACs flew over and landed near the Warship and walked inside the hanger and powering down. Raven exited his AC and with the help of Ayre took the lift down to the hanger floor and several RFL soldiers rushed to the doors that will lead deeper into the ship. As the last of the soldiers rushed past he saw Rusty all fully healed and carrying a stockless pump shotgun resting on his shoulder all the while with a bandolier holding extra shells wrapped around his chest.
"Thanks for clearing the way Raven, you never fail to impress". The blue jacket pilot said to his war buddy with a smile. "Me and the boys will clear out the ship so we can get ready to stock this boat up".
"You plan on killing someone Rusty? Because I feel like the remaining Arquebus personnel are ready to give up at this point". Raven said to him jerking a thumb at the door surrounded by RLF soldiers.
"Don't worry it'll be a civil conversation". Rusty assured with a smile.
"Why don't I believe you?" Raven asked with a raised brow, but his buddy just waved it off, still assuring the mercenary as he then held his shotgun in two hands.
"Oh relax…just trust me". He assured once more before pumping the shotgun as the weapon made a meaty metallic sound as he did. "I'm a people person". He smiled as he then walked off to the rest of the RLF infantry squad…Raven just sighed and shook his head with a shrug.
With the ship secure and the remaining Arquebus stragglers now being loaded onto an empty chopper as prisoners, supplies were being loaded onto the warship, crates were being placed in the cargo hold and being strapped down in the hanger bay. Supplies ranging from basic necessities that could be provided, food stored away for an occasion such as this, but most importantly…AC parts and ammunition to go along with it, new and replacements for all four Armored Cores that are locked and secured in the hanger. NEPHALEM was stored on the left side of the hanger next to ECHO ANEMONE while a fully repaired and fully stocked STEEL HAZE ORTUS was next to FULL COURSE on the opposite side.
Some of the RLF members even had the Arquebus Emblem replaced with that of the Liberation Front's emblem to show that the corporation had no possession over it anymore.
Raven was seeing the crates being moved and carried into the ship as Ayre stood next to him, just seeing the Rubiconians work as one cohesive unit was something to behold unlike Balam or Arquebus or even the PCA. As he was watching Rusty and Carla had walked up to him getting his attention.
"Hey kiddo, you won't believe what we found as we were stocking AC parts". She said with a smile that was containing a surprise.
"Humour me". He said to her as the Coral entity next to him wondered along with him.
"We found some PCA weapons already loaded onto the ship with ammo to boot, rifles, snipers and even some heavy ordinance to go with it". Rusty replied with a wide smile. "It'd be a shame to leave it all behind huh?" Raven and Ayre looked at each other with a smile before looking at the two Rubiconians.
"A shame indeed". Raven replied with a matching smile.
"If we weren't prepared to go to earth before, well…" Carla said as she saw the last of the crates being loaded into their ride to humanity's home world. "…we are now considering the cargo we got on board". She then held up a data pad which Ayre had connected to a while ago, RaD's leader then went over the manifest. "Ok so we got four custom ACs, NEPHALEM, STEEL HAZE ORTUS, ECHO ANEMONE and FULL COURSE. Replacement AC parts and ammunition to go along with them, PCA weapons and ammo, seed vault-," "Seed vault?" Raven interrupted her.
"Seed vault as in, crop seed vault?" He asked making Rusty speak up.
"Yep. The RLF had them securely stowed away when the corporations came to Rubicon, when the war ended Flatwell ordered them to be taken out of storage and had Dunham begin construction on greenhouses to begin plantation. Now we can have something more than just mealworms from now on". Rusty explained.
"Huh…I dunno why but always wondered if you ate more than just mealworms ever since I came here". Raven shrugged. "Which begs another question, why are we taking a vault of seeds with us? I mean it's not like we're gonna start a farm when we get to earth". He asked as both Carla and Rusty glanced at each other before looking back at Raven. "Are we?" He asked with brows raised in surprise.
"I can answer that". All four of them turned to see Flatwell walk up to the quartet. "I figured that if this mission of yours truly is a one-way trip. I wanted you to have something to use and be able to have a source of food to keep you going. Dolmayan was hesitant at first, but I convinced him that one seed vault among several dozen wouldn't be that much of a loss on our part, plus it's a way for me saying thank you for all you've done…Raven". Flatwell stated.
"Whoa…shit…thank you Flatwell, really. It means a lot". The Liberator thanked as the RLF leader smiled and nodded. "Are we all set?" Raven asked his companions as Carla gave a thumb up and Rusty nodded with his signature smile. He didn't need to know that Ayre was already ready when he was. Raven turned to Flatwell once more. "Well, guess this is it but, will Rubicon be ok with the four of us gone? I mean the vascular plant is still a target for the corporations who would seek to profit from and exploit the Coral".
"Worry not Raven, with Arquebus's stragglers now known, Balam out of the picture and the PCA long gone for now. We can truly make a foothold on our home and be able to protect it like we always have. Possibly even better than before, Rubicon couldn't be in safer hands". Flatwell reassured the Mercenary that had changed the shape of Rubicon-3. "No one would dare attack the Vascular plant directly since the Coral is their prize, we even have forces raiding another Spaceport for PCA ships that are still intact…surely that has to put your worries to rest". He added with an assuring chuckle in his voice.
"Yea…yea that puts my mind at ease knowing that". Raven replied with a smile. "Well…we better get going before Branch wonders where we are".
"Safe travels…all of you, and remember, the cinders that had stirred on Rubicon will always burn bright wherever you go". The RLF commander said to them wishing the four travellers' luck in their journey. He gave Rusty one last firm handshake in farewell before leaving them to board their newly claimed Warship and set a course to earth.
Once all four party members were on board they all sat down at the bridge with Carla at the helm with Ayre's help to fly the ship, Rusty on the communications terminal and Raven at the weapons station. The bridge was structured as the controls for the ship itself were at the front with two consoles adjacent from each other for a pilot and co-pilot as both the weapons and communications terminals were behind the main controls with a gap between all the while in the very front was an observation platform, behind all the stations on the bridge was a holo-table to and beyond that was the door exiting the bridge itself.
Rusty looked to his right at Raven from across him.
"Finally ready to head home so to speak buddy?" He asked him as Raven smiled and looked back.
"Born ready Rusty". He replied before looking at the front to see Carla at the right terminal in the pilot seat and Ayre sitting across from her being the co-pilot. "Ayre, Carla, let's get underway".
"Roger that kiddo…Attention all passengers this is your captain speaking. We are preparing to leave Rubicon and travel to possibly a one-way trip to god's green earth itself. Please sit back, kick your feet up, relax and enjoy your flight, also be sure to tip your waitress". Carla joked as Raven got a good chuckle out of that all the while Ayre and Rusty couldn't help but shake their heads in amusement.
The ship then began to rise form the ground as everyone looked outside and see that they were ascending, Carla then turned the ship and out the window they could see all the of the RLF members present along with the honorary member Rokumonsen with his AC, SHINOBI present, including the five main leaders with their ACs present as well, Dolmayan with ASTGHIK, Freddie with CANDLE RING, Ziyi next to YUE YU, Dunham alongside BURN PICKAXE, and finally Flatwell with TSUBASA all began to wave the ship farewell and good luck to the four of them…giving them a Rubiconian sendoff.
"Now that's quite the farewell huh?" Carla mused as the ship then began to fly towards the clouds.
"Yea…a Rubiconian farewell". Raven added.
"One I like immensely…knowing that we have a home here on Rubicon". Ayre stated.
"Us locals wanna make sure that you're always welcome here among friends". Rusty said adding his two credits in as the Warship then began breaching the clouds, then passing the Carmen line and then finally reaching the void of space itself. Beyond Rubicon's scorched skies.
As the ship then began to steady itself, another vessel came alongside the seized PCA craft and was tagged as friendly. It was a moderately armed cargo hauler, showing it was more than able to hold its own in a fight and carry a lot of inventory as it was designed to do, the IFF registered as Branch's ship as it flew next to them. The comms lit up and all four members came on screen as the call was established.
"This is the point of no return now…you ready for this kid?" Branch's Raven asked his fellow bird sharing the same name.
"Been waiting to breach the Carmen line for a while now Raven, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't". The former hound replied with determination.
"Glad to know the resolve you have is still strong". King added. "Once we breach the closure system we'll have a course set for earth".
"The thing is that the trip is going to take a month and a half to get close to the PCA quarantine zone". Chartreuse said speaking up. "Hope you're ready for a month and a half nap to pass the time".
"Branch will be rotating in shifts to make sure that we are always on guard just in case anything form the PCA, or the corporations decided to see us as valuable salvage". Fiona stated. "How you decide to take shifts over there is up to you".
"We'll get in contact with you once we're close to the Quarantine zone…see you all on the other side". Nightfall's pilot bid farewell as the call was cut. The ship then proceeded through the debris field surrounding the planet and the Vascular plant was in plain sight as they began to leave Rubicon in the rearview.
"I'll keep an eye out on everything so you three can get some rest. You'll need it once we reach earth." Ayre said to the three humans before her.
"You sure Red? I mean don't you need to power down or something?" Carla asked her.
"Not really. I can assure you Carla, I'm completely fine to procrastinate for a month and a half".
"Well, If you're sure. Alright, time to hit the ice you two, c'mon". She said to the two other pilots as Rusty then stood up, but Raven…
"Raven…your heartbeat. It just sped up…. are you ok?" Ayre pointed out making Carla and Rusty look his way.
"Yea why wouldn't I be?" He asked as he had an unsure smile on his face. All eyes looked at him with a look that said, 'you're not fooling us, you know that right?' This made Raven sigh before coming clean.
"Ok…I have a fear of being frozen…happy?" The mercenary confessed as he looked anywhere but the fellow passengers of the ship.
"Being frozen? Buddy you were literally piloting an AC in a frozen wasteland and killed the ICE WORM in said wasteland. I'm not getting the full picture here". Rusty pointed out in confusion.
"Yea, I was in an AC Rusty. I was fine…the problem is being frozen like a popsicle". Raven elaborated before sighing and speaking up again. "Before I was handed off to Walter, I was brought back to the person who I was sold from time and time again and frozen each time I was brought back, each time felt like I was slowly dying over and over again to the cold. When Walter bought me…he practically saved my life and gave me a chance and I took it". Raven said as he then looked at them. "But something tells me that I'm not going to get around this huh?" Carla Walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Sorry Kiddo, you need to go through with it". She said as she then put a hand on his back and began to guide him to the Cryo bay with Ayre and Rusty in tow. "At least you won't be alone this time round". She assured him as they entered the room where several cryo pods awaited.
"If it makes you feel better Raven, I'll go first". Rusty said as Ayre opened to the pod and stepped inside as the pod door closed. "See you near earth…buddy". He said as the ice and cold quickly froze Raven's war buddy as he held his assuring signature smile.
"Alright, I'll go next". Carla said as she then stepped inside, and the door closed behind her. She looked at the cane holding mercenary as she smiled back at him and winked in assurance before the cold enveloped the Cinder of RaD leaving only Raven left.
"Alright Raven…your turn". Ayre said as the pod for him opened and the mercenary slowly walked towards it but stopping. Ayre held him close as he felt the warmth of her presence run through his body. "It's ok…I'll be right here to wake you up. I promise". She assured him in a motherly tone as Raven then nodded before placing Walter's cane next to the pod before stepping in and laying back into the pod and the door sealed him inside. He placed a hand on the glass and looked at Ayre.
"You promise to wake me up?" Raven said with uncertainty and a little bit of fear in his voice as he looked at the Coral entity he can see alone. She smiled like a mother would her child.
"I promise". She smiled, her eyes showing the warmth of her very soul on the other side. Raven then relaxed and felt the cold return to him once more as he then felt tired and closed his eyes.
"See you…at Earth…Ayre". He said before freezing completely.
"You too Raven. Don't worry…no one will harm you when I watch over you". She said to him as she then looked at both Rusty and Carla's pods as well before looking over all three of them as whole. "All of you…you are safe with me". She said to herself as she then flickered out of existence leaving the Cryo bay dimmed to let her charges sleep for their journey to humanity's crown jewel.
Earth.
Well there we have it! We've breached the Carmen line and are now beyond Rubicon's scorched skies and are now heading towards earth.
However there's one more obstacle in the way of the the group before they can reach god's green earth, and that's the PCA Quarantine Zone. We're nearly into getting the world of NIKKE in the story and we'll have one more chapter before we do, we gotta get through the PCA first, but let's just say that the PCA aren't going to open up the front door for Branch or our quartet.
And let's just say that a certain AC pilot that left the Xylem's crash site leaving Raven and Iguazu to fight each other isn't alone in that regard either. All will be revealed in the next chapter...yea I'm teasing at this point but I can't help it.
Also for those who are wondering on Raven's AC NEPHALEM, I will show the specs in the next chapter.
Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter and be sure to leave me your thought's in the review section...a bit of feedback can go a long way.
So until then...I'll see ya in the next one!
Cronus Prime out!