Chapter 19: Secluded Wings pt. 2

            The stars were beautiful, a view something not to be missed. Not one for words Marcus continued to gaze at the passing specs of light that flickered minutely in the distance. He couldn’t remember how Natasha persuaded him to allow her to tag along; all he knew was that there she was only a few feet away from him.

“I still think this is a waste of time.”

Marcus glanced over at Natasha, his eyes half opened glazed over from the immense feeling of boredom roaming through the air.

“Who knows, it’s still better than just sitting in the Iron Fist waiting for an assignment.”

“Just what are you being sent to recover anyway? You never did inform me.”

“I’m not being sent to recover anything. This is an assault Natasha.”

Her eyes, beautiful and soulful burst wide, with her mouth gawked she stared in disbelief. It was hard for most people to understand a mission that was set to take place in the middle of nowhere. 

“An assault? On what? There’s nothing there, nothing but empty space.”

“That’s what everyone believes. Hell, that’s what I believed as well, but apparently everyone was wrong. A small renegade force made their way to an asteroid, stealing it right from underneath the EAP’s nose. And it is my job to make sure that this small ember is put out before it can become a raging torrent of flames.”

“Marcus…”

“Heh…” Marcus quietly began to chuckle as everything slowly fell into place. The clear view they had into the depths of the darkness was all the confirmation they needed. Lingering slowly through out the scattered rocks and minerals was the asteroid. A few dimly lit lights flashing in the distance.

“Is that it?!” Natasha yelled.

“It would seem like. Looks like we’ll be able to get back before dinner. Heh.” Marcus quickly turned around grabbing onto his radio receiver which gave him direct communications with the MF’s lined up in the hanger of the Trident. With a devilish grin and his pulsating adrenaline he spoke.

“EVERYONE LAUNCH AND TAKE DOWN THAT ASTEROID… But remember, the MF…it’s mine.”

With no hesitation each and every pilot saluted their commanding officer just as they switched on their generators. Marcus had been supplied with a battalion of OZ production suits. Disregarding his own dissatisfaction with the move taken by the Vice Admiral Marcus was curious about their performance. Marcus Falden was a unique individual who preferred to remain unique, and in his eyes the production units infringed on that essence of individuality.

25 units in total were supplied to the Trident, but Marcus knew it he just needed one MF, his, the original OZ to accomplish his mission. This would be the first occurrence out in space since his encounter with the Diabolos from the EAP a few days prior. Still his mind focused on that machine, and its creation.

“ *sigh* I’ve been in space way too long. Natasha…”

The sound of her name emanating from Marcus’ voice caused her to snap out of her day dream.

“Yes?”

“Stay here. I won’t be long.” Marcus snapped wittily as he ran out the door. The grin on his face along with the determination swirling in his soul clinched the deal; he was not going to leave the battlefield empty handed.

********

            Gail Contadino reclined steadily in his chair centered in the main control office for Blind Justice. He like everyone else in Orbis had become accustomed to the quiet aura that floated through out the station. Unbeknown to all the squadron of OZ MF’s was quickly approaching, shattering through anything that stood in their way.

“GAIL! We have something on radar….”

“What?!” Gail shouted as he nearly jumped out from his seated position.

“There’s 26 in total, heat signatures….all unknown! Definitely MF’s though, this isn’t good Gail. Blind Justice’s defenses aren’t up yet!” The CIC agent screamed.

It was hard for people not to jump to their own paranoid conclusions in a moment of surprise.

“This is impossible, who the hell could know that we’re here? Even more, what the hell did we do to ignite such a welcoming party?!”

“I’m not sure Gail, but if we don’t do something then we’ll be done for!”

“Damn it!” Gail screamed. His clenched fists pounded into the cold steel surrounding the computer control panel.

“Don’t worry Gail; I won’t let this dream die.” A voice beckoned from below.

“Huh?” Gail along with the rest of the staff turned around to see a man already suited up holding onto his helmet.

“Lieutenant Chris Procella, I had almost forgotten about your arrival in Orbis.” Gail muttered softly as a sudden surge of relief began to take over.

“Heh, I’m not a Lieutenant anymore Gail. You should know that my rank was tossed out the window the minute I abandoned the Trinity Alliance.” Chris replied.

“That is true; you are no longer a Lieutenant. From now on you will be the Captain of the 1st division Orbis MF force.”

“Captain eh? Are any of Orbis’ MF’s ready for battle yet?” Chris asked.

“Unfortunately no, we’ve just begun the preparations; we still need a few more days before we can truly move forward with the project.”

“I see, so it’ll just be me against the odds.”     

“That is correct, but I have faith in your abilities. You did well in the Azure Cup.”

“Heh, I did alright.” Chris replied as he waved his hand while he departed from the control office.

“Looks like we’ll live to see another day after all.” Gail mumbled softly.

           
“This is Ensign Ramirez.” The younger soldier spoke.

Marcus’ eyes barely even bother to move to the side in an effort to recognize the soldier’s existence. Instead Marcus continued to move forward allowing the soldier’s words to pass through.

“Commander Falden, it appears that a single MF has left the vicinity of the enemy base. Should we engage?”

Marcus began to laugh once again, his angst taking the better part of him like it always did. Without even realizing the words that were flowing through his lips he mumbled softly “more blood will be spilled in order to be redeemed.”
Failing to respond to his subordinate OZ lit up the region speeding past the cluster of production units heading straight towards the golden light of energy in the distance.

            Chris’ eyes widened as his radar screamed loudly. The camera attached to the core of his MF zoomed in closely at a distorted resolution image of OZ. 

“That MF….that’s Marcus Falden….damn, so it is the TA.” Chris mumbled. His feet jerked at an angle forcing the thrusters to ignite. Golden flames burst outwards as Tempest lunged forward.

“Heh, I see someone’s eager to die.” Marcus screamed. OZ’s energy rifle began to fire. The shells spread outwards as Tempest flew around in an attempt to dodge. Quickly Tempest began to return the favor as he fired a barrage of energy beams from his rifle. OZ simple blocked the attacks with a new energy shield the Vice Admiral had equipped prior to Marcus’ departure.  

“Whoo hooo!! In the early stages of development my ass, this baby works great!” Marcus screamed.
Chris eyes quivered in disbelief, cringing he brushed off the failure of his attack and went back on the offensive. Tempest docked the energy rifle in order to grab onto an energy saber, in hopes of close range effectiveness Chris continued forward.

Marcus’ eye brows twitched in delight, close combat was something he too thoroughly enjoyed. A chance to disperse all of the pent up anger and sorrow in one felt swoop.

“You want to get close to me huh? I give you credit, you definitely have cojones!! With the machine gun floating in space both of OZ’s arms bent backwards as both hands grabbed onto the dull blue and steel hued Excalibur handle. In a ferocious display of speed OZ swung the massive blade downwards revealing the weapon Marcus chose in battle. Chris cringed at the site of the blade; the Excalibur was a true warrior’s weapon, one of significant magnitude and destruction. Before Tempest reached striking distance OZ shot from its position quickly closing in.

“What the hell?!” Chris screamed, he then pulled the throttles to his side allowing him to narrowly avoid the lunge Marcus took. Seeing his opportunity Tempest jerked around swinging its energy saber. The green beam of searing energy scraped across the outer layers of the energy shield on OZ’s left arm. Marcus smirked and then pulled his throttles outwards. OZ quickly pushed it’s left arm forward knocking Tempest’s energy saber backwards in turn sending the golden MF off balance. In the midst of the decreased stability OZ swung its Excalibur to slice through Tempest’s solid shield and left arm.

Marcus continued to laugh as the swinging wires and cables spurt out torrents of electricity. Not one to waste time OZ began to speed towards the falling Tempest, preparing to finish the fight.

“Hahaha, you are nothing! You’re weak!” Marcus screamed.

“Shit!” Chris yelled as he watched helpless.

Just before OZ’s Excalibur could strike a dual energy beam surged in between OZ and Tempest. 

“What the hell?!!” Marcus screamed, he then realized that he was so focused, so determined on destroying Tempest that he failed to hear the alarms sounding inside his cockpit. He then turned his head upwards trying to find out what had come between him and his prey.

A thunderous sound shrieked as another MF sped onto the scene hidden beneath the slowly dissipating energy. Marcus’ eyes tried to focus on the new enemy that appeared on the scene. As the trail of energy completely vanished he saw it, the blue MF hovering with two energy sabers ignited in both hands. The MF was quiet and focused, just floating waiting, waiting for any reason to make a move.

“So it finally comes out. I was wondering how much longer I had to play around before I’d get your attention!” Marcus screamed.
The pilot remained quiet, simply glancing to his left.

“You ok?” He asked.

“Heh, I thought I told you I’d handle this?”

“You did, I would have left it do you if it didn’t look like you were in trouble.”

“Thanks Adam, it’s been a while since I’ve been in a real fight.”

“I can tell, I’ll deal with this. You go and take care of the MFs flying around Blind Justice.” Adam replied.

“Got it!” Chris snapped, Tempest burst from the area flying in the direction of the production units that were waging an attack on Orbis’ main facility.

“Running away? I don’t think so!” Marcus screamed.

Adam cringed, his head turned quickly giving Marcus his full undivided attention. The eight wings on the back of Blue Dragon snapped open as the thrusters quickly charged. In a breath taking display of speed the blue MF appeared right in front of OZ much to Marcus’ disbelief.

“What the fuck? How the hell….”

Blue Dragon’s right arm swung swiftly leaving a sparkling trail of cerulean energy. OZ sped upwards avoiding the attack and then dashed backwards to create some room between him and his new opponent.

“The hell, you got lucky punk. I was off guard, but I promise that will never happen again!” Marcus screamed. With the Excalibur in hand OZ rushed towards Blue Dragon. Adam did the same. The two MF’s clashed with all their might, sparks of electrical energy burst outwards like a display of fireworks with each collision of their blades. They continued back and forth with neither unit showing signs of superiority.

“Damn, he’s much better than I thought. Guess I was wrong Natasha, I won’t be back soon.”

“What the hell am I doing? I don’t even believe in Gail’s ideals, and yet here I am fighting to protect them! Sharon, is this the path I’m supposed to be taking?”

Their souls battled one another desperately as they fought for their own beliefs, no matter how twisted or distorted they were. Suddenly OZ broke free kicking Blue Dragon in the center of its core, Adam held onto his throttles firmly as Blue Dragon was sent into a free spin with Marcus closely on his tail.

“Damn it….I can’t be defeated here!” Adam screamed.

Just as OZ moved in to strike with the Excalibur Blue Dragon dashed to the side avoiding the strike.

“Fuck!”

Blue Dragon slashed through one of the boosters attached to the back of OZ. As the booster pack exploded from the strike Marcus jettisoned the back in order to prevent any further damage to his MF.

“You bastard!” Marcus screamed.

OZ turned abruptly swinging the Excalibur once again. With little time to react Blue Dragon dropped both energy sabers preparing to embrace for the oncoming attack. Marcus snickered as his lead feet dropped the accelerator petals to the floor. The Excalibur began to drop while Adam stared, sweat rolling down his face, the heat swirling the cockpit along with the short heaving breaths palpating from his chest caused his visor to fog in certain areas.

In a loud crashing moment the blade from the Excalibur shot down only to be stopped mid way by both of Blue Dragon’s hands which clutched the blade from both sides. The absurd defensive maneuver sent shivers down Marcus’ spine, never before had he met an opponent quite like this one. Marcus struggled trying to get free from his enemy’s grasp but to no avail.

“YOU ASSHOLE!” Marcus screamed loudly.
In a sigh of relief Adam smirked. The two thigh cannons extended outwards and fired at close range. The two plasma beams exploded off the torso of OZ forcing the silver machine away from Blue Dragon. The collision caused a tremendous amount of turbulence; Marcus’ body was tossed back and forth inside the cockpit while he spiraled out of control from the attack. Sparks emanated from two massive gashes on the side of OZ’s torso, luckily for him the wounds weren’t serious, just not pretty to look at. His eyes squinting from the anguish he managed to stop OZ’s out of control spiral.

At that moment Marcus saw the energy waves flowing out from the extended wings of Blue Dragon. Not knowing what to expect next he prepared his positron cannon for long range combat. As the cannon pivoted backwards just underneath the MF’s arm joints a barrage of energy swept through the region all colliding into the unexpecting MF. Once again OZ was thrown from side to side as the azure orbital weapons continued their assault.

“FUCKING KNATS!!!”

While Marcus’ attention was diverted Adam sped back in with both energy sabers ignited. In the corner of his eye Marcus caught Adam, suddenly images of his long lost love burned into his retinas.

“No…no…go away! GO AWAY!” Marcus continued to scream with his tormented soul being revealed along with his trigger finger. The positron cannon fired swiftly burning through four of the eight weapons. As the massive beam of energy zoomed through the region Blue Dragon quickly maneuvered out of the way. Once again both machines hovered in space glaring back at one another.

Both pilots exhausted and out of breath, whether it be from their physical stress or their mental it did not make a difference.

“Heh, this guy is a lot tougher than I expected. But…I’ll have to admit, this is fun as hell.” Marcus mumbled.

“Damn, if I keep this up I’m not sure how much longer Blind Justice will last. But…for some odd reason, I’m enjoying myself.” Adam said.

Just as Marcus was about to go back on the offensive a communication link opened revealing the Vice Admiral himself.

“Marcus, I have orders for you to abandon this mission and head back to Washington immediately. The situation has changed.”

“What?! I refuse; I will see this mission to the end!”

“I think you’ll change your attitude when you hear what I have to say. The TA is planning an assault on some of the EAP’s main facilities.”

“I don’t care right now.”

“You’re going back to Earth Marcus. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Earth? Can’t it wait?”

“No, it was an abrupt decision by the head office, the transport begin to depart in 14 hours. If you wish to make it in time you need to head back now!”

“Damn it….damn it!!!!” Marcus yelled.

“Good, I’ll be awaiting your arrival on Earth. There is something I must show you in person. The TA’s answer to the Diabolos.”

“Wha?”

“I look forward to seeing you again.” And just as fast as he showed up the Vice Admiral vanished from Marcus’ screen.

“Shit….it looks like I don’t have much of a choice....” Marcus as he turned OZ around switched on the neutral communication signal. Something he very rarely had done. “Well it seems our battle’s conclusion will have to wait. We will meet again, that much I can assure you.”
Adam stared back at OZ as the MF quickly vanished from sight. And just like OZ, the remaining production units began to fly away as well.