Chapter 24 Assault of the Behemoth

Michael sat down, drumming his fingers heavily on the composite board table beside him. Surveying the room quickly he counted twelve; noting that Freya, Appolus, and Jessica were still absent as he reclined back, irritated, in his chair.

“So tell me you two what exactly is it that you’ve called us here for?” a voice up front asked.

“Don’t worry Cronus, you’ll know soon enough. I think we’re only missing three people right now including Freya and she should be back with them at any minute.” Carlos replied as he sat down next to Michael. Grabbing his attention Carlos motioned for Michael to come closer.

“Do you think they’ll all agree to this? It’s not exactly the most fool proof plan even if it is the most logical choice.”

“I can only hope, the big issue is whether Cronus and Appolus will accept their roles in this ploy. Cronus I don’t think will haven any qualms but Appolus, that’s a different story. We may need Jessica to talk him into it.”

            “I haven’t even seen Jessica lately to be honest. She sort of disappeared right after you all returned from space. Which brings up another question I’ve been meaning to ask you, what about Major Novus, is he going to be joining on this expedition?”
Micheal shook his head, as much as he tried to convince Stephen he wouldn’t agree.

“No, he said he has prior engagements on Mars. He still is with the TA for whatever reason. I don’t want to put his career in jeopardy for something that has no relation to him.” Micheal replied.

“Makes sense I suppose, but it’s a pity. Having a soldier of his caliber on board would have been a great asset.” Carlos replied.

“Hey. Are we late?” Freya’s soft sounding voice was a bringer of relief to Michael and Carlos. To their surprise as they turned to greet her there stood Appolus, his arms crossed neatly across his chest.

“Let’s just get this over with already.” Appolus mumbled.

“Glad to see that you showed up. For a second we didn’t think you would….thanks.” Michael mumbled softly.

“*Pft*” The slight utterance of a sound was the only response Michael knew he was going to get when it came to Appolus. A man who had no name, and seemingly no past.

“Hey, what about Jessica? You’d think that since we’re using her ship that she’d be present for the mission.” Freya pointed out.
Appolus simply shrugged his shoulders carefree. “She’s not coming. She needs time to think things over.”

“So you did decide to show yourself for this. I thought you were going to back out.” Cronus’ rough and rugged voice pierced through Appolus’ ears causing the fierce warrior to cringe. His fists fell to his sides quivering with anger at the sight of the man known as Cronus Blackheart.

“All you do is talk. You waste your breath in thinking you’re talk means anything to me you useless man.” Appolus bitterly uttered.

“Says you. You saw what happened the last time we clashed. I’d becareful to make sure it doesn’t happen again. After all, the next time you might not be so lucky as to survive.” Cronus chuckled. As he passed by his shoulder pushed against Appolus’ as an intimidation tactic only to be pushed back. The impact shook his soul, Appolus’ shadow glazed eyes stared deeply into Cronus, his muscular physique was like a brick wall which repelled Cronus like a rubber ball. Briefly shaken Cronus continued on his way walking up the ramp and into the bellows of the ship.

“Ugh, I hope those two can keep their composure during the mission otherwise we’re going to be doomed to fail.” Freya interrupted.

“You’ll be fine. It’s something you learn when you’re in charge of hot headed men. You use their conflict against them and use them as a diversion.”     
Freya’s eyes nearly on the brink of lighting up turned to see Stephen Novus walking through the hallway.

“Major Novus, you’re still here!”

“For the moment yes. I’ve received word of a facility orbiting between Mars and Phobos. I think I’ll find what I’m looking for there. So I came by to thank you for the assistance….” Stephen’s words began to trail off as he caught a glimpse of Appolus who was standing not too far from his right side.

“What?” Appolus barked.

“Nothing….it’s nothing.” Stephen mumbled turning back towards Michael and Carlos.

“It really is a pity Stephen. We could really have used a person with such an intense sense of justice.” Carlos said.

“While I understand what you’re trying to accomplish I still have things left to accomplish in the Alliance. If I left prematurely then everything I’ve worked for to this point would have been for nothing. Good luck Carlos. I will try my best to get the TA off you’re back, but it seems you’ve instigated a powerful enemy. I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold them off for long.”

“You mean the 181st.” Michael interrupted.

“Yes, it would seem as Marcus has taken a particular shine to you Lythe.” Stephen replied.

“Let’s just say that we have some history.” Michael mumbled.

“History….heh, it sure has a way of catching up with us in one way or another. Well, I should head out. If I plan to find this facility that doesn’t exist

I’m going to need all the time in the world.”

“How do you intend to get there?” Freya asked still wide eyed in the presence of the infamous Crimson Knight.

“I have my team coming to pick me up from Evo. They were already stationed at Washington so it should take a day or two to get here.”

“Well good luck then Major Novus.” Michael said as he placed his hand before his body.

Stephen smirked as he took his hand shaking it. “Call me Stephen by the way.”

As Stephen walked away from the eager crew of Red Fury he took one last glance at the statuesque Appolus. Following a soft sigh he left the hanger.

“Well then, we should discuss how we’re going to pull this miracle off.” Michael stated.
Cronus stood leaning against the edge of the ship’s door while Freya perched herself on the ships’ metallic stairs. Carlos reclined in his chair while

Appolus stayed still barely even paying attention to the words that Michael was muttering.
A slight humming echo filled the room just as the lights began to dim. As the shadows converged around the group a glowing hologram lit up the area in a short radius. A diagram of the space surrounding the Prometheus space station became visible; its accuracy was to be admired as even the floating asteroids were being depicted.

“Ok, this is the Prometheus here, and we will be heading there from these coordinates over here.” Michael pointed out as he turned on his laser pointing directing to the far right corner of the diagram. It represented a small asteroid field that would be able to act as cover. “As you all can see we’ve reconfigured the paint job of Jessica’s ship to match that of a standard EAP drop ship. We’ve made some cosmetic changes to the thrusters to make it appear damaged; this will not pass a thorough inspection by EAP officials. So we’re going to have to make this quick, it’s for simple appearance to get us into Prometheus.”

“But what you’re suggesting is a bit radical isn’t it? I mean going out of our way to head through an asteroid field just to approach Prometheus. Wouldn’t it make more sense to just head straight there once we head out?” Freya interjected.

“If we go through the asteroid field, not only would it add some real damage to the ship for effect, it would also cover our tracks. If we head there straight from Mars it wouldn’t be difficult for EAP surveillance satellites to pick us up and retrace our footsteps and thus blowing our covering. This is the best plan we have. I’ve already sent out a few Y-Lights to investigate over here, approximately 1000 meters away from our point of entry. They should give us enough cover to get through.” Michael replied.

“Just a few Y-lights? That isn’t going to be enough you know.” Freya replied.

“I know, that’s why Appolus and Cronus will act as an even bigger distraction. I know how much they like to destroy things, so this should be right up their alley. The subtle approach doesn’t seem to fit them.”

“Whatever, I don’t really care as it is.” Appolus bit his lip as he glanced over at Cronus. The two stared back and forth for a few second, exchanging bitter facial expressions before turning away.

“As Appolus and Cronus cause a big enough distraction, Carlos, Freya, a few other soldiers and I will enter Prometheus and begin to look for Gina.”

“Maybe I should go along with Appolus and Cronus, you know…to keep them from killing each other.” Freya mumbled.

“No, I need you with us. They can take care of their selves.” Michael replied quickly.

“So what happens after we find Gina? I can’t see the EAP just letting us walk out freely.” Freya asked.

“I have another Y-Light coming to pick me and Gina up. You and Carlos will take care of Jessica’s ship. And I fail….then it’s your job to get everyone out alive and keep fighting for Red Fury’s dream. That’s all I have to say for now. Dismissed.” Michael bellowed.

As the crew began to stock the ship up with arms and all sorts of supplies Michael still concerned about the well being of Jessica approached Carlos.

“Hey, maybe you should go find Jessica. I mean it doesn’t seem like her to just not be around. I mean we are using her ship after all.”

“Yeah I agree. I’ll go see if I can find her. You go see your daughters; you of all people know the risks of this mission.” Carlos replied.

It didn’t take Michael too long to make it to his room. With the quick swipe of his card he could hear it, the thunderous sound of four feet running across the room. Even though he had an idea of what awaited him didn’t mean he was prepared. As the metallic door swished open both of his daughters leaped into the air, flying like angels and into the grasp of their father’s arms. It was hard for him not to smile and feel overwhelmed with joy, seeing their eyes, and their smiles was more than enough to make him forget about all his transgressions and concerns. Even in the face of death he would be able to make a valiant stand as long as their budding angelic faces were glowing brightly in his mind.

“Jenny…Cathy, hahaha, when did you two get so strong?” Michael laughed.

“I don’t know daddy, you were gone for a long time. Are you going to stay this time?” Jennifer’s eyes were gazing into her father’s torn soul, he wanted to tell them he was, that he wasn’t going to leave ever again. But he knew they needed a mother, not an Aunt who was their most of the time. He needed to get his children their mother back, not just for them, but for him as well.

“I want to sweetie, I really do…”

“Daddy! Why are you leaving again?” Catherine’s voice screamed with such a sense of distraught and frustration.

“Daddy needs to go find your mommy girls.” Cassandra mumbled as she came to the rescue.          

“Hey girls, why don’t you both go play while I talk to Aunt Cassandra ok?” Michael pleaded with them.

“Ok daddy, but….come back….for good this time.” Jennifer replied.

“I…I will. I promise.” Michael replied as he slowly stood up once his girls ran off in the distance.  

“You know I still don’t approve of this. What is going to happen if you get taken too? Then these girls won’t have a mother or a father. You can’t just expect to pawn them off on me you know…”

“I know Cassandra, I know. But they need their mother; I’m not much of a parent on my own. I can’t let them go through life without the tender touch, or kiss of an affectionate mother.”

“What if she’s not there and you die? Then this will all have been for nothing.”

“I can feel it in my gut Cassandra. Gina is at Prometheus, and I won’t let that happen. This is my last chance to get her back. I know I’ll just regret it if

I didn’t do anything. I have to, and I promise that I will find your husband as well. And before you say anything, you don’t have a say in the matter, I will find him too. Now excuse me, there isn’t much time before we launch. I’m going to play with my daughters.

**********

            Attention….Attention, all preparations are complete for launch. All personnel please report to hanger 34B.

The message rang loudly through the desolate hallways all over the Red Fury base of operations. The hanger was the place with all the activity, Appolus reluctantly began to make his way back into the ship once Stricken was loaded up. As he entered the hull he found Cronus leaning against the pallid wall glaring back at him.

“Once this is all said and done, you and me will finish this for good this time.”

“It’s not like it matters, you may hold on to such trivial things but they mean nothing to me. If revenge is what you’re after the one you seek is already dead to this world.”

Ignoring the facial expression given by Cronus Appolus walked off towards the docking hanger in the ship to stay with his MF. As the nameless soldier vanished Cronus began to mutter under the cold whispers of his breath.

“Even if his ghost remains, I still cannot find rest….”

            While the alarms continued to blare Jessica remained huddled up in her room. Her knees covering her face as she leaned forward holding her thoughts to herself. Realizing the severity of what she asked about him regaining his memory. If he really did come back what would she do, he wouldn’t know her. Then the one thing he remembers, “What did he mean?” As she continued to delude herself into trying to figure out the enigma she now considers a partner she vaguely heard her name being shouted.

Just as Carlos walked past her door, on the brink of giving up Jessica managed to find the strength to get out of bed.

“Carlos?”

At the sound of hearing her voice Carlos turned around.

“Jessica there you are. We’ve been looking all over the place for you.”

“I’m….I’m sorry. Is everything working out as you guys planned?”

“For the most part it is. We’re about to head out now; I was on my way back to the hanger. Once we launch we’re going to pass through the Osirius asteroid field as a means of covering our tracks. Once we make it to Prometheus both Appolus and Cronus are going to provide the distraction by…well by starting a fight with the EAP MF battalions.

“What?! You’re leaving those two by themselves?!”

“Calm down Jessica it’ll be fine.”

“No, no it won’t! Damnit!” Jessica screamed as she began to run in the direction of the hanger. For a second Carlos just stood bewildered, but his confusion cleared up quickly and he too began to head towards the hanger.

*********

            The Iron Fist drifted through space heading towards their newly acquired coordinates. They were being sent to investigate the heat source that abruptly appeared in between Mars and Phobos. This information was sent to the personal computer of Michael Lythe who was sitting in the control room of the ship along with Carlos and Freya. Jessica had made it to the hanger but once she arrived couldn’t find the strength to jump on the ship; she knew that she wasn’t going to be able to get in the way of Appolus and Cronus. Carlos tried to push her into joining the voyage but her pride along with her fear wouldn’t allow it.

“Perfect.” Michael yelled.

“What? What is it now?” Carlos asked glancing over his shoulder.

“The 181st, they’re a bit preoccupied with another mission. They’re heading towards Phobos, this will give us enough time to get to Prometheus without comprise. It appears that luck is indeed on our side.” Michael mumbled.

“Michael, we have confirmation from the Y-Light fleet. They’ve begun to engage with the EAP defense forces. Now’s our chance.” Freya yelled.

“Got it!” Michael screamed. “Full thrust, let’s tear through the Osirius asteroid field and make a break for Prometheus!”

“Got it. I’m sending out a distress SOS in EAP code. From an EAP perspective they should see us as one of them. For now this should serve our purpose well.” A CIC officer mentioned.

“Good. Appolus and Cronus launch, and do what we brought you two here to do!” Michael screamed.
Both Appolus and Cronus launched both with a high distain for their mission. Appolus more so, he was never one to listen to orders dished out by others. The only reason he was going through with this was as a favor for Jessica. The one person who he could ever confide in, although he would never admit it.

“They want a commotion. We’ll cause it. I said we were going to finish this Appolus, and now is the time!” Cronus screamed.
Much to Appolus’ surprise Dark Cross suddenly boosted towards Stricken with its energy blade ignited. It’s head unit glowing with an eerie crimson light.

“You waste your breath. I assure you this won’t be like the previous encounter.” Appolus screamed.
Just as Dark Cross approached, Stricken strafed to the left slicing through the right side of Dark Cross. To the surprise of Cronus he watched as his right metallic limb floated severed from its torso in the depths of space. Appolus didn’t even bother to finish the job, the EAP had already been monitoring the area and had sent out a squadron of Night-Wings to investigate.

“The EAP….your sins have stained the innocents of this world. I will not allow you to live on any longer!” Appolus screamed.
Stricken recklessly boosted towards the hordes of MFs that were closing in on his position.
Cronus cringed as Dark Cross grabbed onto the energy saber that was clutched deeply in the hands of its severed hand and began to follow Stricken.

            “Well those two are easily holding up their end of the bargain. Now it’s time for us to hold up ours.” Freya mumbled.

“Indeed we shall.” Carlos interrupted.

Please confirm EAP identification code for clearance….unknown EAP vessel please confirm clearance code…

“Shit, this could be a problem.” Micheal mumbled.

“You worry too much Michael. I’ll take care of this.” Carlos replied as he took the head set away from the worrying Michael.

“This is Lieutenant Major Franklin Ameritz, identification code, 9A732ZBN.”

Clearance code accepted. Welcome to Prometheus Lieutenant Major.

Carlos tossed the headset back to Michael as he took back his seat. Everyone just glared back at the Red Fury commander in shock.

“Where the hell did that come from?” Michael asked.

“You know how many EAP soldiers are in Red Fury. It was only natural that one of them would have a working clearance code.”

“But what if it didn’t work?”

“Oh, if it didn’t work…well, we would have been shot down on sight. Good thing it did eh?” Carlos replied jokingly.

“Hehe..haha. Thank you….” Michael replied.

            “I can’t believe they’re having me transport prisoners now….it’s not my fault I couldn’t prevent a Crimson Dawn from taking the Diabolos.” These words ran through Nathan’s head like a broken record. For the past week he was stuck with the tedious task of moving prisoners and filling out the necessary forms that went with the job. His current task was a beautiful young woman with the identification number 0992361.

“You’ve been awfully quiet since I picked you up from your cell. You’d think that you would be happy to get out of that dreadful cage.” Nathan mumbled.

“Does it matter? I’m just going to be moved to another facility anyway.” The female replied.

“Not this time. I’ve arranged for you to be transferred to a ship that will take you back to the Washington space station.”

“What? But why? I’m a POW, do you even have the authority to do such a maneuver?”

“Ah, now you show signs of spirit. To answer your question, no I don’t have the authority. But, I’ve seen too many young soldiers like ourselves get caught up in this drama. I couldn’t live with myself if I left you here. Besides….I’m the only one who knows the true reason why they transferred

POWs here in the first place.”

“The real reason? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Don’t worry about it. Just put this all behind you and move on with your life. I’m going to try to do the same thing with mine.” Nathan replied.
Nathan and his escort finally arrived at the hanger just as the damaged EAP transport ship began the docking process. Much to Nathan’s surprise because he was aware of the schedule and no EAP ship was scheduled to dock at this time.

“This can’t be good…” Nathan mumbled under his breath.

The prisoner’s eyes widened as she turned back to Nathan.

“What do you mean? What’s going on?”

“This ship isn’t on any check in list that I’m aware of….there’s a good chance this can be a terrorist attack….shit. I’m not prepared to deal with this!” Nathan screamed.

“Are you guys ready?” Michael asked one final time.

“Of course, we wouldn’t have come this far with out being prepared. Now let’s get your wife back.” Carlos screamed.

Just as the transport ship opened Michael, Carlos and Freya jumped down with high-end model assault rifles flinging in the air.

Nathan’s eyes widened at the sight and quickly tackled the prisoner down to the ground in order to protect her from any stray bullets that might be fired. As they rolled around on the ground the female prisoner’s eyes began to tear as she recognized the man in front of her now.

“Mi….Michael?” She muttered.

Michael quickly turned looking at the ground and to his surprise there she was; the object of his affection.

“Gi….Gina?”

********

            “This is way too easy! And I only have one arm!” Cronus screamed.

Stricken surged past Dark Cross while dragging a lifeless Night-Wing in the grasp of its God hand, Appolus cringed once again at the sight of Cronus and his machine. With the majority of the EAP defense forces lost Appolus turned his attention to more important matters.
Cronus’ eyes widened as his radar shouted warning him of the oncoming attack. Just as Dark Cross turned around Stricken slashed through the dark

MF’s leg units causing an explosion that sent Cronus shaking in the cockpit.

“You son of a bitch!” Cronus screamed.

“You’re a waste of existence. You’re life is null.” Appolus mumbled.

Suddenly Stricken’s God hand grabbed onto the front part of the core for Dark Cross. With each second the metallic fingers began to crush through the outer armor of Dark Cross. Wires began to rip from their control panels, and flames of raging heat burst around in the cockpit. Sweat rolled down Cronus’ skin, the flames ran against his skin causing instant third degree burns. He struggled with his own courage, trying to hold in the screams of his pain. Suddenly the cockpit began to crack due to the immense pressure that was being exerted by the God hand.

“Hehe…*cough*…*cough*…hehe…*cough*, so you made it again…*cough*…eh Nick?....*cough*” Just then Dark Cross exploded into pieces as the screams of the dying Cronus filled the thoughts of Appolus’ laughter.

“And so it ends….finally…” Appolus mumbled.