Roleplay Area

[Raptordude115]

"Finally, jeez! My name is Zack Tristano, Runner of Neo BAHRAM's Eclipse Orbital Frame. I'm currently stationed at Neo BAHRAM's Deimos base, and I've got some important information that I think you Space Force guys should know about."

Zack holds up Adalia's data pad, turning it on. He is relieved that it was still unlocked, and begins swiping through some files before coming across the Blueprints section.

"Now I ain't got a whole lot of time, cause it won't be long before Neo BAHRAM finds out what I've done. And once they do, they're gonna want my head on a silver platter."

Meanwhile, Adalia had returned to her quarters, raising her eyebrows in suspicion as she realizes that her guard wasn't at the entrance anymore. Still suspicious, she enters her quarters, looking around cautiously before turning her gaze to her desk. Something was off about it, though...

"Wait a minute...where's my data pad!?"

It was at that moment that her guard had finally come back, though he was equally suspicious as he hadn't seen Zack guarding the entrance. As he sees a now fuming Adalia standing before her desk, she turns to him questioningly.

"Soldier! Where did you go and what happened to my data pad!?"

"I was called to break up a fight in the Mess Hall by one of your Runners, ma'am. I told him to guard your quarters while I resolved the issue and..."

Adalia's eyes widen, her face showing furious anger, knowing that the only Runner she knew of that was still around and could have possibly had stole her data pad was...

"Zack Tristano..."

 

[Ishi123]

"Wait, Neo BAHRAM?" The voice on the other end said. "Aw, shit, not another one..."

The voice on the other end sighed.

"Listen, we aren't Space Force. You're broadcasting on an open channel, so you might want to cut it. Tune to 255."

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack groans in frustration as he immediately cuts off the broadcast and begins tuning to 255. TESS uses Eclipse's head to slowly look from side to side, scanning for any crew members. She saw only a couple, though Eclipse's slow head movement prevented them from noticing.

"Ugh, hello!? Are any Space Force members on this channel!? This is Zack Tristano of Neo BAHRAM's Eclipse Orbital Frame speaking!"

 

[Ishi123]

"Stop shouting, dammit." The same voice came in again. "I can hear you just fine."

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack groans again, albeit quieter as he rubs his forehead with the palm of his right hand.

"Well sorry for shouting, it's just that I'm in a bit of a panicky mood considering I'm at risk of getting found out for treachery by Neo BAHRAM."

Zack sighs as he begins speaking again, this time in a slightly calmer voice.

"Look, is there any way you can get me connected to some Space Force base or ship or whatever? I've got a data pad that's got some interesting files and blueprints on it that I'm sure they'd like to know."

 

[Ishi123]

"Well, I don't know." The man said. "Hang on, gimme a second."

There was some background chatter, but it wasn't clear enough for what was said to be properly heard. A few minutes later, the man comes back on.

"What's on the data pad?" The man asks.

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack looks down at the data pad, swiping through some blueprint files until coming across a file titled 'FENRIR'. He opens up the blueprint file, and the image expands, filling up the screen. Zack reads off the blueprint title and what type of Frame it was.

"Well, not only are there blueprints to unmanned Orbital Frames, but there's also this one blueprint titled 'FENRIR'...according to this file, it's some kind of new Orbital Frame Neo BAHRAM's made. Jesus, these specs...Blade x4, Phalanx, Comet..."

Zack's voice expressed genuine surprise, but then looks up as TESS speaks.

"Zack, I'm seeing quite a few crew members entering the hangar now..."

"Oh boy..."

 

[Ishi123]

"Send them over." The man said plainly. "It's a closed channel, it'll be fine."

 

[Raptordude115]

"Got it. TESS?"

TESS makes an affirmative huff as a cord pops out, allowing Zack to plug the cord into the data pad's slot. Zack presses on the data pad, selecting the FENRIR blueprint as well as the other blueprints. He presses down on the prompt that states "Transfer Selected Files".

"Sending now. I just hope this transfer goes fast...because me and TESS don't have a lot of time until Adalia discovers what I've done..."

"And eventually, we'll have to fight our way out."

"Exactly, TESS."

 

[Ishi123]

A minute passes before the man speaks up again.

"Well, damn..." He said. "The specs on these things... this what Neo BAHRAM is making now? This is beyond the manned Nephtis models!"

The man sighs and speaks up again.

"Alright, listen. We're with the Merchants, the name is Flitz Ardent. We've got a problem of our own. Neo BAHRAM is hot on our tail and we don't have the firepower to deal with them. If you could meet up with us with an Orbital Frame and help us out, then we'll help you get to the Space Force. Got it?"

 

[Raptordude115]

"Ya heard that TESS?"

"Heard it loud and clear!"

"Alright, we'll rendezvous with ya. And don't worry, I've already got my own Orbital Frame."

Eclipse's visor eyes glow as Zack begins checking on the status of it.

"Alright, TESS? How's the Eclipse?"

"Thrusters are full, weapons are primed and loaded, armor and shields are green. We're good to go, Zack!"

"Good...like I said...there's no turning back now..."

 

[Ishi123]

"Just sent the coordinates to you. Meet up with us, it's gonna be a fight." Flitz said. "By the way... do you know if Ren Silber made it to Earth?"

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack pauses for a moment, remembering Adalia's reaction to hearing that Ren managed to escape to Earth with the Space Force. He sighs, recalling how Adalia shot a poor Neo BAHRAM crew member out of rage.

"Given how Adalia shot a man out of rage when she heard that Ren escaped Neo BAHRAM a second time with the aid of the Space Force, I'd say he did make it to Earth."

TESS processes the coordinates and displays them on a mini-map in the bottom left corner of the control panel.

"Coordinates set."

"Alright...let's do this!"

Eclipse lets out a loud hum as it stands up, shocking all crew members inside the hangar. Several shouts can be heard as other members raised their pistols, aiming them at Eclipse. Eclipse switches to Homing Missiles and fires off five missiles at the hangar door, creating a large hole that Eclipse can escape through.

"Engaging thrusters!"

Eclipse boosts forward, flying through the hole and being pulled into space, along with several unlucky crew members and debris. Alarms blare throughout the base, and before they knew it, a large number of Raptors and Cyclopes exited the base, chasing after Eclipse.

"I think they know now, Zack!"

"Yeah, no shit!"

Meanwhile, Adalia looks up at the ceiling of her quarters, rage visible on her face as the sounds of alarms and shouting can be heard outside. The now alerted bodyguard hurriedly exits the room, aware of what Adalia is capable of when enraged. Her fists ball up as her eyes narrow angrily.

"Damn it, Zack...I expected better from you..."

Adalia exits her quarters in a fury, stomping her way down the halls and pushing aside panicking soldiers as she made her way to the Control Center.

 

[Ishi123]

Flitz nodded and smiled. If Ren made it to the Space Force, he could possibly get in contact with him to have the Space Force back up their retreat. Neo BAHRAM was still on their tail after they had destroyed their outpost around Jupiter. It was lucky they had the foresight to pack up and leave while they had the chance. However, with Neo BAHRAM still after them, they'd have a tough time fighting back. Though with an Orbital Frame on their side, their chances increased significantly. They'd have to get in contact with the Space Force as soon as possible.

Brand Kazan was seated in the captain's seat of the main battleship they possessed. He looked over to Flitz.

"Are we good?" He asked.

"Yep." Flitz said. "He's on his way now."

"Good." Brand nodded. "Try to get in contact with the Space Force on Earth, see if Ren is there."

"Better hope he is." He said, putting out a communication.

---

Back on Earth, an emergency communication was received on a Space Force channel. Commander Weinberg was overseeing operations when it came in.

"Commander." An operative said. "We have an emergency message coming in. It's from a Space Force channel."

"Open it." She said.

"Hello? Can you hear me?" Brand's voice said.

"Who is this?" Commander Weinberg asked.

"Sorry, we jacked one of your comm channels for a bit." He said. "We're with the Merchants and we got something that might interest you."

"We're not interested in black market dealings with pirates like you." Commander Weinberg declared.

"You might want to look at it before you judge." Brand said, sending over the data.

"Got some attached data, ma'am." The operative said.

"Let's see it..." Commander Weinberg said, pulling up the files.

What she saw baffled her... a new line of unmanned Orbital Frames far beyond the current models Neo BAHRAM was deploying against them. Full specs and blueprints were disclosed, revealing just what kind of power Neo BAHRAM was planning on using against the Space Force and Earth."

"A new line of unmanned frames..." Commander Weinberg said. "Where did you get this?"

"There's a Neo BAHRAM runner who decided to defect." He explained. "He provided the plans for us. He's on his way to us and he's bringing an Orbital Frame with him."

"And what do you want from us?"

"We'd like to join the Space Force." Brand said, leaning back in his seat. "We've got a force of one heavy cruiser and three frigates as well as full complements of Phantoma LEVs. In addition with the plans, we can see about what we can do with the defecting runner and his Orbital Frame."

"You join the Space Force?" Weinberg said, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't think the Merhants would be so willing considering your line of business."

"Things change." He said. "Besides, we've got nowhere to go now. You'll find that we can fight, even if some of us don't take orders very well."

Commander Weinberg sighs, putting a hand to her chin in deep thought.

"Tell me, why should we risk putting our own forces out to assist you?"

"You mean other than all of what we're offering?" He asked. "Tell me something, is Ren Silber with you?"

"You know Silber?" She said.

"We're the ones who sent him on his way to you." He said. "He wouldn't be there now if it weren't for us."

Commander Weinberg put a call out for Ren to come to the command center. A few minutes later, Ren showed up, peeking into the room.

"Uh... you wanted to see me, Commander?" He said.

"I did." Weinberg said. "This man says he knows you."

Ren looked to the screen, seeing Brand wave at him.

"Hey, there." He said. "It's good to see you made it safely."

"Brand." Ren said.

"Oh, is that Ren?" He heard Flitz say from the other side of the room. Flitz quickly got off his chair and into the monitor, waving to Ren from behind Brand's command seat. "Oi, kid! You're alive!"

"Oh, Flitz." He said, surprised and a bit confused. "Uh... what's going on?"

"There's not a lot of time to explain..." Brand said. "We need help getting to you. Neo BAHRAM destroyed our outpost after we helped you out and they're still on our tail. We've got plans from Neo BAHRAM on a new line of unmanned Orbital Frames and another defector with his own frame coming with us. You can vouch for us, right?"

"I, uh... sure?" Ren said. "Wait, another defector? A new line of unmanned frames? I'm confused..."

"Ren." Commander Weinberg said. "You'll sortie with Leo. We're picking them up."

"Heh?"

"Alright!" Flitz said. "Can't wait to see you in action again, Silber!"

"Wait, now?" Ren stammers, a bit overwhelmed.

"Commander?" Another operative says. "Are you sure?"

"I trust Ren on this one." She says. "Besides, we've had good luck with defectors so far. We'll scramble an assault force to meet up with you and escort you to Earth. We'll have mobile catapults on standby."

"Better bring some heavy firepower with you." Brand said. "It's gonna be a tough fight."

"I'm expecting as much." She nodded. "Ren, get ready."

"Uh... okay..." Ren said, quickly running out of the room to get his pilot's uniform.

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack grits his teeth as Eclipse fires off another barrage of Homing Missiles at the horde of Raptors and Cyclopes approaching. He manages to destroy 4 Cyclopes and 5 Raptors, but one Cyclops manages to survive and charges forward at Eclipse as it flees. Eclipse extends it's Long Claws and slashes at the incoming Cyclops, slicing off both its arms before kicking it away. Switching to Phalanx, Eclipse unleashes a barrage of pulse energy into the Cyclops, shredding it apart and causing it to explode. Eclipse continues boosting towards the coordinates, still being chased down by packs of Raptors.

"Damn, these things are persistent!"

"Ya got that right, Zack! We're nearing the coordinates!"

Zack nods his head firmly as Eclipse continues boosting, launching another barrage of Homing Missiles back at the packs of Raptors and blowing up a good chunk of them. Zack maintains his cool, his eyes twitching as he keeps his guard up.

"C'mon, Zack...you can do this...you and TESS can do this!"

Eclipse slashes downward at an incoming Raptor, slicing it into three parts before it explodes behind Eclipse. Eclipse continues boosting towards the designated coordinates, a long streak of light blue blazing behind it thanks to its thrusters.

 

[Ishi123]

Ren and Leo quickly got suited up and went to the hangars, getting into their respective frames. Ren sighed as he activated the panels, checking the systems to make sure everything was ready for combat.

"Are we going into battle?" ARAI asked.

"Yep." Ren said with a sigh. "We'll be going with Leo."

"Very well." She says.

"Alright, Ren." Leo says in his comms. "Let's head over to the ships. We'll be transported in one until we get there."

"Right."

Ren takes off with Leo and heads to their ship, docking in with a few other LEVs and being clamped into a launching position, ready to deploy. The bay doors close over them, and shortly after the ship takes off with a few others, including two mobile catapults. They begin to drift up into the air, heading to the main catapults on the base. Once docked with the catapults, they shoot upwards into the sky, heading for their coordinated location, prepared for battle.

 

[Raptordude115]

Eventually, after slicing and shooting down multiple Raptors and Cyclopes, Eclipse finally makes it to the rendezvous point, taking cover behind a couple of small asteroids passing by. Zack pants as he looks around, groaning as he sees another wave of Raptors and Cyclopes approach him and TESS.

"Gragh, these things are such pests!"

Eclipse fires off another volley of Homing Missiles at the incoming mass of unmanned frames before switching to Shot x2. After a series of explosions light up space, Eclipse begins shooting down at any damaged Cyclopes and Raptors. One Cyclops, however, manages to get too close and barges into Eclipse, causing Zack to scream in shock.

"Get OFF!!"

Eclipse switches to Wisp and grabs hold of the Cyclops tightly, three glowing orbs restraining it tightly. Eclipse then chucks the Cyclops at a nearby asteroid, shattering it into pieces before exploding. Zack huffs as he tries to catch his breath, leaning back in his seat.

"Hah...bloody hell...I really hope help arrives soon..."

"Yeah...until then, we gotta hold this point!"

"Yeah...right!"

Eclipse switches to its Phalanx and fires off a stream of plasma bolts into an incoming Raptor until it explodes.

Back on the Deimos space station, Adalia fumes as she witnesses the fight from the Control Center, seeing the numerous explosions go off as people around her speak and shout.

"Raptor Squad 5 has gone offline!"

"Cyclops Squad 2 is moving in!"

"Someone get Raptor Squads 8 and 9 out there now!"

Adalia eventually grows tired of the constantly shouting and silences everyone with her loud, stern shout.

"SILENCE!!!"

The Control Center goes quiet, the crew members looking at Adalia with fear and worry. Adalia crosses her arms as she resumes speaking in her stern, authoritative voice.

"Try to get communications open between Eclipse and us. I have some very choice words to tell Zack..."

Adalia said Zack's name with spite as several crew members tried establishing communication with Eclipse. Back on the Eclipse, Zack continues slashing and firing at the seemingly endless horde of Raptors and Cyclopes. Suddenly, however, they stop charging forward, floating idly around Eclipse. Zack makes a questioning look before a screen shows up in front of him.

"We're getting a communication request from Deimos base."

Zack sighs as he quickly figures out who it is. TESS speaks to Zack in a concerned tone.

"Zack...we don't have to answer the call..."

"...Put it through..."

TESS answers the communication channel, and Zack is greeted by a cold, furious stare courtesy of Adalia. Zack looks back at Adalia just as coldly, hatred visible in his eyes as he stares at the woman he used to call Overseer.

"Zack Tristano."

"What the hell do you want?"

"You really think you can just disregard me as nothing just because you had the nerve to go ahead and betray not only me but Neo BAHRAM as well? Stealing a high commanding officer's items, insubordination, and unauthorized use of an Orbital Frame? You're such a pathetic excuse for a Neo BAHRAM Runner..."

Zack grits his teeth in anger as he shouts back.

"Shut up, Adalia! I'm no longer a part of Neo BAHRAM, not after learning about Project Obsolescence!"

Adalia's eyes widen in fury as Zack said this. He didn't lower his head or loosen up his angry face, and neither did Adalia.

"I know exactly what it's about, how Neo BAHRAM wants to use Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu as weapons to kill all humans on Earth, how DELPHI is the AI to be used in the project, and how you're the one leading the project!"

Chatter can be heard by some of the crew members in the Control Room as Adalia grips the handle bars tightly, breathing through her nose furiously as Zack revealed Project Obsolescence's details.

"You don't even know what you're talking about! You're just a Runner! A Runner whose sole purpose is to serve Neo BAHRAM and fight! Project Obsolescence is an act of establishing peace!"

"Don't even TRY lying to me! This project isn't for the pursuit of peace, it's for the pursuit of GENOCIDE! You're planning on wiping out an entire PLANET for your own personal gain, and you know it Adalia!"

Adalia grits her teeth as she stares at Zack furiously, the latter doing the same. Adalia raises her right hand and points her finger at him.

"Enough! I'll give you one chance, Zack...either give yourself up and surrender to Neo BAHRAM, or die like the traitorous scum that you are!"

Zack leans forward a bit, retaining his glare as he replies to Adalia coldly.

"Never."

"Hmph...you're such an idiot...ATTACK!"

As Adalia cuts off communications with Zack, the Eclipse switches back to its Homing Missiles as the Raptors and Cyclopes charge forward once more.

"Incoming enemies from all sides!"

Zack lets out a battle cry as Eclipse launches a volley of Homing Missiles at the charging horde of Raptors and Cyclopes, hitting several before boosting upwards and switching to Long Claws to slash at any incoming Frames.

"Enemies are all over the place, Zack!"

"Damn it! When are help gonna get here!?"

 

[Ishi123]

Suddenly, a twin shot of turbolaser fire screamed through space, slamming into the oncoming unmanned Orbital Frames, cutting a swathe between them and Zack.

Brand looked over to the side, smiling.

"Nice shot, Flitz." He said. "You think they're impressed?"

"Heh... I hope so." Flitz responds with a wide smile. "I do love to make an entrance."

"Zack Tristano." Brand said. "We're here. Bring them in closer and we'll provide cover fire."

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack can't help but grin as Eclipse boosts towards Brand's ship. It fires off its Phalanx at any incoming unmanned Orbital Frames, which were now dwindling in numbers.

"Man, talk about an entrance!"

"I'm just glad they're finally here!"

Zack chuckles at TESS's remark before returning his attention to a Cyclops that tried to grab them. Eclipse blocks the Cyclops's attack before using its Long Claws to shred it in half horizontally. It explodes as Eclipse thrusts backwards for some distance.

Adalia looks on in shocked anger as she sees Brand's ship aiding Eclipse.

"What the hell!?"

"Ma'am, do you think it might be the Space Force?"

Adalia grits her teeth as she watched the battle unfold.

"Likely...damn it!"

 

[Ishi123]

"Alright, we're heading for coordinates where we're supposed to meet up with the Space Force." Brand says. "Deploy first strike group. Go out and meet any incoming enemy forces."

With that, one of the ships opened up its bay doors and a group of LEVs jumped up out, fully armed and ready for battle. They moved out and scattered, forming a large barrier to protect the fleet.

"Second strike group, deploy and stay near the ships. Take out any hostiles that get through the first strike group."

A second group of LEVs flew out of the ship and began flying with the fleet, staying close and matching their speed.

"All other groups will remain on standby. We've got some time to burn before any reinforcements arrive, so make sure you're all ready for a prolonged battle. Zack Tristano, you back up the first strike group. Engage any and all hostile targets."

 

[Raptordude115]

"Copy that! Let's go, TESS!"

Eclipse boosts forward and groups up with the first strike group, Homing Missiles armed as more Raptors and Cyclopes are seen flying out of Deimos base. TESS has Eclipse lock onto several Cyclopes before speaking in a tired tone.

"Neo BAHRAM sure won't give up, will they?"

"Nope."

Eclipse fires off another volley of missiles at the Cyclopes, destroying each one. Debris from the destroyed Cyclopes crash into several Raptors, also destroying them. Eclipse switches to Phalanx and fires off a barrage of energy bolts at the horde of unmanned Orbital Frames, making sure to stick with the first strike group.

"Just keep holding 'em off, guys! They got large numbers, but they're not infinite!"

 

[Ishi123]

Just then, six Neo BAHRAM warships appeared from space, approaching quickly from a distance. They were unmanned models, used to provide heavy fire support for the bigger manned ships.

"Ah, there they are..." Brand said. "All stations, get ready."

"This is the Arserus." An operator said from Brand's ship. "We've got enemy warships entering the battlefield."

"Zack, we're going to need that Orbital Frame of yours for this." Brand said over comms. "We'll provide support fire, go and disable those ships however you can."

 

[Raptordude115]

Zack had just finished clawing a Raptor in half as he received Brand's orders. Eclipse turns to face the approaching Neo BAHRAM warships before switching to Homing Missiles.

"Roger that, sir!"

Eclipse boosts forward, flying in a diagonal pattern to avoid the ships' gunfire.

"Zack, I recommend taking out the ship's turrets before attacking the main cannon."

"Right!"

Eclipse boosts towards the nearest Neo BAHRAM ship, still boosting from side to side as it launches a barrage of homing missiles directly at the ship's small side turrets.

Meanwhile, Adalia smirks crazily as she sees the Neo BAHRAM ships arrive.

"Ma'am, reinforcements have arrived! They are engaging the Eclipse as we speak!"

"Very good! It's over for you, Zack! You'll pay for betraying Neo BAHRAM with your life!"

 

[Ishi123]

"Give the Orbital Frame support fire." Brand ordered. "Focus on the warship's weak points with the laser batteries. Take on any unmanned frames with missiles."

The Neo BAHRAM ships began to launch their assault, while at the same time sending their own unmanned frames out to meet Eclipse.

 

[Raptordude115]

Eclipse boosts to the left of the first Neo BAHRAM ship it engaged, having destroyed it's side turrets. Eclipse switched to it's Phalanx as it boosted up to the left side of the ship's main cannon. Just as he was about to fire a barrage of laser bolts into the cannon, however, a Mummyhead bashed into Eclipse, causing Zack to grunt in pain.

"Stop being such a damn pest!"

Eclipse switches to Wisp and boosts away, getting enough distance to grab the Mummyhead up. It proceeds to twirl around before launching the Mummyhead into the ship's cannon forcefully, damaging both. Eclipse then switches to Homing Missiles and launches five missiles at it, destroying both the Mummyhead and the ship's cannon into a large explosion. With the ship completely devoid of any means of long range attack, Eclipse quickly moves on to the next ship, firing Shots into incoming Raptors and slashing a Cyclops in half with it's Long Claws.

"One down, five to go!"

"I just hope the Space Force gets here soon..."