Original Concept : GῖΦ™
Writer : Kate
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Chapter Two
After the meeting with Captain Bojack, Clarity headed down to the mecha bay to speak with Gohan, their master mecha mechanic. He was worried when she mentioned it had been cycles since any of them had donned their humanoid mecha suits for combat.
« I know, » Gohan grumbled, not looking up from the servo actuator he was repairing. « New orders from top brass – mecha are to remain in reserve until actual Vinnegain engagements. »
Clarity frowned. « That’s ridiculous. How are we supposed to keep our skills sharp? These machines are the only thing that can go toe-to-toe with Vinnegain walker units. »
« Preaching to the choir, » Gohan replied. « But the command wants to conserve plasma cores and prevent any unnecessary losses. Mecha are our ace in the hole now. »
Clarity knew he was right. Since the Vinnegains had decimated their home world, humanity relied on scattered resources. The bipedal mech suits were incredibly advanced machines capable of incredible firepower and destruction. But they came at a great manufacturing cost.
Still, she hated being grounded like this. Clarity yearned for the exhilaration of rocketing through space in her sleek mecha, feeling unstoppable. She missed the adrenaline rush of combat maneuvers and the groan of metal as her suit unleashed a barrage of firepower.
But orders were orders. « Guess we’ll have to make do with the basics for now, » Clarity conceded.
« Chin up, » Gohan said. « Someday we’ll rain hellfire on those Vinnie in our mechs. I’ll keep ’em primed and ready. Now get outta here and blow off some steam. »
Clarity smiled and clasped his shoulder gratefully before turning to go. She decided to take his advice and clear her head at one of the new civilian cocktail lounges that had opened up. Slipping into an off-duty jumpsuit, she took a shuttle across the islands to the neon-bathed establishment glowing warmly against the night sky.
Inside, Clarity settled on a stool at the bar. The band in the corner played something upbeat and syncopated. She ordered a Bright Nova cocktail from the amiable Quarren bartender and gazed out through the panoramic windows at the moonlit sea and stars beyond.
« Not from around here, are you? » came a voice next to her. She turned to see a dark blue haired man, in a flight suit smirking at her. His name patch read ‘Xaden.’
« What makes you say that? » Clarity replied coyly, taking a sip from her fluorescent drink.
« I’ve got a good memory for faces, » he said. « I’d remember yours. » His bravado was charming, if a bit much. His bright eyes sparkled when he said « faces. »
« Cute, » Clarity said with a wry smile. « You must not get out much. I’m stationed here, same as you. »
« Not the same as me, » he said. « Judging by the suit, I’d say…salvage pilot? Freelance shipper? »
« Close, » Clarity conceded. « Military salvage and recon. Clarity Jones. » She extended a hand.
« Xaden Ralter, » he replied, shaking firmly. « Elite mecha combat squadron, Varangian Guard. »
Clarity’s eyes lit up. « Mecha pilot? No wonder I didn’t recognize you, they rarely let you wear suits off base. »
Xaden laughed. « Too right. We only sortie for critical missions. Spend most days training simulations. » He took a swig of his luminescent cocktail. « Not exactly as fun as real combat. »
« You’re telling me, » Clarity agreed ruefully. « I miss my old mecha days. »
« Maybe you just need a reminder of the thrill, » Xaden said, eyes glinting mischievously.
Moments later they were slipping unnoticed into the restricted mecha hangar on Xaden’s base. Clarity’s heart pounded as they climbed into an idle simulator mecha, sealing the hatch. Xaden powered up the bipedal machine.
« Trust me, we won’t get in trouble, » he said roguishly. « I outrank most of the paper-pushers here. »
Clarity grinned as she gripped the familiar controls. « Let’s see what these things can really do. »
What followed was an exhilarating mock combat sequence as they tested the sim mecha’s limits, unleashing every bit of firepower and maneuvering capability. Clarity felt that long absent rush of adrenaline singing in her veins as Xaden and her moved in perfect synchronicity, unleashing their arsenal against hordes of virtual Vinnegain walkers.
Afterwards, they sat on a crate together catching their breath, flushed with excitement. « We make a good team, » Xaden remarked. Clarity smiled coyly.
« Want to grab a drink somewhere more…private? » he asked roguishly. Clarity considered it – this brash pilot was intriguing, but something held her back. Her duties awaited.
« I should really get back to my squad, » she deferred.
Xaden looked slightly disappointed but nodded in understanding. « Well, if you ever get grounded here again, come find me. We pilots have to stick together. »
They parted ways and Clarity returned to base, feeling reinvigorated. Her talk with Xaden had lit a fire in her. She wanted to bring that kind of daring spirit to her own team. The time had come to take their destiny into their own hands.
Early the next cycle, Clarity gathered her squad mates. « I’m going to submit our request for reassignment. We’ve been cooped up here long enough while the Council sits and waits. It’s time we get back out there and take the fight to the Vinnegains. »
Her team voiced spirited agreement and approval. These were fighters, thirsty for action.
Clarity’s request was denied, of course. But she expected as much. Phase two of her plan was already underway.
Under the cover of night, Clarity’s squad commandeered one of the newer battle-ready cruisers docked at the base. They left behind an apologetic note, explaining that they were tired of inaction. The Vinnegain threat was growing, and they would fight in their own way.
Soon the rogue ship was blasting up out of the atmosphere, setting a course for the lawless outer systems. Clarity sat confidently in the pilot seat, finally seizing control of her destiny. Around her, her loyal team manned consoles and prepped weapons systems.
« Feels good to be back in the open sky, » Johan remarked from the co-pilot seat.
Clarity smiled and gripped the thruster controls. « The Council can keep their decrees. We’re flying where the fight is. »
This wasn’t the life they had chosen, but the one they had been forced into. No more waiting on the sidelines. Clarity and her squad were taking their fate into their own hands. And wherever the Vinnegain threat lurked, they would soon find out that humanity was not as defeated as they believed.
The fight had only just begun.
To Be Continued…