Ayre watched as Raven loaded up yet another simulation. The day after their mission to the Hjalmar Mine and the arrival of the PCA suppression fleet, the mercenary support system ALLMIND had granted Raven access to a massive library of simulation data collected from all known ACs operating on Rubicon.

He'd spent most of his waking time since then studying and learning to fight their specific loadouts. There were no missions available that weren't as suicidal last stands against the superior PCA forces that were currently trying to squash the corporations.

In the meantime, Ayre had taken to trying to scrape what information she could from netboards regarding PCA hardware. Subject Guard MTs were fairly well known, being more mobile and better armed than BAWS' offerings, but still muscle tracers nonetheless.

Their Light Cavalry units, on the other hand, were mass produced machines that could go toe to toe with an AC. They'd seemed larger than OBSIDIAN WING during the sortie, but after reviewing the combat footage, Ayre was floored to find that the LC appeared to be almost twice the height of a standard AC, which stood at 10 meters. They encountered two types, one equipped with a long range laser cannon, while the other was up-armored with a missile launcher, a rifle with an under-slung grenade launcher, and carried a physical shield on the left arm.

If rumors were to be believed, there were numerous other permutations of the machines out there, including a model labeled "high mobility." If it needed a special designation for that, it would likely be a nightmare to fight against. There were also whispers that PCA was also preparing a heavier model.

Ayre began assembling an entire document with the information she'd found while her partner finished her latest combat sim. She needed to make sure Raven had as much info as possible on these unknown threats

...

The combat sim ended as 621 delivered a fatal blow, his simulated opponent bearing the loadout of V.I Freud. Over the past two weeks after they started to lay low it had drilled on the simulator data to learn the weapon loadouts and tactics of the skilled AC pilots on Rubicon.

Anyone not on the list was likely completely unremarkable and not worthy of special preparation for.

"Raven, I've been gathering information on the PCA." Ayre informed, "Take a look."

It could feel anticipation, and contentment. Ayre was proud of whatever it was she'd done.

621 opened the document, perusing over the loadout dossiers and combat footage analysis, along with estimates for internal component specifications based on available information. It was a report on the hardware the PCA enforcement squads fielded.

There was also a section on models not yet encountered, including a truly massive machine with the label "Heavy?" It was noted to have a laser weapon and a shield, possibly employing pulse weaponry and defenses.

<>

"I'm your Operator, it's my job to do this sort of thing. And..." Ayre paused, "I want to help keep you safe."

621 could feel the sensation of being embraced, a face resting against its head as it relaxed in the darkness of the AC cockpit.

<>

The COM system announcing that there was an incoming transmission disturbed them, Ayre losing her focus on 621 at the noise.

"Well, Raven, might as well see what it is." she suggested.

It was tagged as arriving from Arquebus' Vespers.

"Hey, Raven. It's me, Rusty, your old buddy from the Vespers." said Rusty, "Haven't talked since we climbed the Wall... I'd love to catch up, but I'll cut to the chase. The PCA has deployed its suppression fleet, and now it's laying down the law all over Rubicon. We've already lost several survey bases, and Balam's in a sorry state too. For their part, the Rubicon Liberation Front sees this as an opportunity."

A quick note about force estimates popped up; the Liberation Front wasn't far behind the corporations in terms of military power, but the PCA easily had the majority of the forces on-planet.

"If you ask me, they're counting their eggs before they're hatched." Rusty went on, "At this rate, the corps, the Rubiconists, and the independent mercs will go down together. I'm sending you a request from the Arquebus Group, we could use the Wallclimber's help."

...

A mission request from Balam was nothing new, but he'd also noticed that the hound had received a mission request directly from one of Arquebus' Vespers, V.IV, rather than their mercenary liaison.

Being well known meant there would be plenty of opportunities for more jobs, and a way to get priority missions as the endgame drew nearer. They needed to be the first ones on site when the convergence was found.

He'd let the hound know there was another mission available.

"I see you got a call from V.IV. I've been contacted as well, by the Balam group." he informed, "Seems both sides have been forced to halt the Coral survey. Check the briefings, 621."

...

It had been a rough few months for Middle Flatwell since the Wall was lost. The base commander had run an excellent operation, with over half of the garrison surviving.

Losing the JUGGERNAUT and access to the key transport routes had been hard to bear, but they'd not lost a single AC pilot to Arquebus.

Unfortunately, Balam had decided to attack the garrison as it retreated past the corp's territory in Southern Belius. Ziyi's machine had been destroyed, and while she ejected safely, the rest of the convoy was forced to flee and she was captured.

He'd raised her ever since she was found in the wreck of that ship, beside her dead parents.

Being an AC pilot wasn't something he'd wanted for her, but it was her choice. It was hard to resist organizing a raid, the urge to be in TSUBASA only tempered by his responsibility to the rest of his comrades.

One of the Commanders overseeing the Southern Belius region, Rainer, had contacted Raven to investigate the loss of contact from the second BAWS arsenal, and after the mercenary's success, had retained them for a rescue mission to target Balam's prison facility.

Rainer's report had described how G2 Nile arrived as the transport helicopter was leaving only to be destroyed by Raven. They'd managed to rescue Ziyi, as well as Dolmayan, but Messam had been killed by the corporate dogs before they arrived. They'd need every able body they could get, and Messam, while not an AC pilot, was more than good enough to stand up to the corporation's average AC pilots.

And now he'd received a message from someone named, "Ayre," claiming to be Raven's Operator, and providing valid identification to prove it.

Flatwell had been under the impression that Walter was the handler for the mercenary, but things had changed it seemed. Perhaps Raven was more than a corporate hound after all.

...

"...Raven. I know Walter has primarily been selling your services to the corporations; As your operator, I've reached out to the Liberation Front." said Ayre, "I was hoping you might learn more about the people who live on Rubicon."

Ayre desperately hoped that Raven would be willing to aid the Rubiconians in their fight. Her partner seemed directionless, preferring to just take jobs from the corporations or follow Walter's direction, but that could change.

<>

"Of course, Raven." replied Ayre, "We might as well take a look at the briefing V.IV sent you."

She hadn't been with Raven when she'd taken part in Operation Wallclimber, but reviewing the combat footage gave the impression that V.IV was not as stuck up as some of the other Vespers Ayre had seen speaking during briefings.

And when she'd mentioned the briefing, Raven seemed... almost eager? Perhaps he'd treasured the encounter more than she'd realized.

"Hey, buddy. This job comes from Schneider of the Arquebus Group." said V.IV Rusty, "Here's the rundown. They want you to attack the Jorgen Refueling base, a PCA foothold on Rubicon. The target is the energy refinery planet deep inside. Take that out, and... Well, it ought to slow down their suppression fleet at least."

A site map of the planet was displayed on screen, noting the only safe area to drop was near what was the base's front gate. The plant was much further in, defended by all sorts of static emplacements and garrison forces.

"Until recently, Jorgen was one of Balam's Coral survey bases. It only took a day for the PCA's suppression fleet to commandeer the base." Rusty further explained, "You'll also find a number of fuel storage tanks I've marked as pay targets. I want you to be a walking advertisement for opportunities in destruction."

Raven activated his AC, bringing it online in preparation for the drop, connecting to Walter's comms link once he confirmed mission start.

"A walking advertisement?" he asked.

The handler seemed almost irritated by what V.IV had said, but Ayre could tell it didn't bother Raven.

"You're not their mascot, 621." Walter scolded lightly, "Just focus on getting the job done."

He's more than just your hound. Ayre huffed silently.

The drop was smooth, and Raven was quick to skirt around the base, avoiding the static defenses near the gate in favor of sweeping around the side to target the fuel tanks. He spotted an LC stationed near the end of the first base section, keeping guard over the bridge.

"Raven, that LC is one of the shield models. Remember how resistant they are." Ayre advised, "We'll need to take it by surprise if we want to destroy it quickly."

OBSIDIAN WING used a section of piping near the cliff to remain hidden until he was just behind the enemy machine, a surprise swing from the laser sword, blasts from the machine gun, and a volley of missiles leaving it staggered before it could react. He triggered assault boost, charging the laser blade again and sliding along the ground to end up in touching distance.

He smashed the pile into the chest of the LC, crippling it and launching it back, the pilot still transmitting as they ejected from their machine.

"Sending... Code 78..." they said on the com.

"Raven, that LC managed to get off a transmission." Ayre notified, "There will be more PCA forces incoming soon. You need to hurry."

...

621 used the cover of the piping system in the valley to make it to the steam catapult on the other side without sustaining major damage, the gatling cannons defending the bridge completely ignored.

The garrison MTs were outclassed and provided no resistance to its steady advance through the base. A pair of LCs were stationed in the next valley with laser rifles, but they couldn't manage to land a shot on the incredibly mobile AC and were disposed of.

The refinery was dead ahead, and the surrounding PCA enforcement squad members radioed for backup as OBSIDIAN WING boosted through the complex, dispatching the missile launchers and MTs before crippling the refinery plant.

Walter was back on the line.

"Target destroyed. Our work here is done, 62-" he started.

...

The transport helicopter was still nearby, and its long range radar had been monitoring a pair of contacts that appeared shortly after they destroyed the first LC. They were almost certainly PCA forces en route to intercept.

Ayre clicked Walter's comms link off. She had to warn her pilot.

"...Raven, I'm picking up something in the stratosphere." she warned, "It's approaching fast!"

The contacts were now close enough to be resolved on OBSIDIAN WING's radar, and their radio communications could be intercepted.

"Code 23. Attending scene." said someone on the coms.

The machines were odd looking, hunched over and with rounded, sloped armor. Their visual sensors were located near a protruding armor plate at the front.

"The Watchpoint report checks out." they said again.

The closest machine set down on the opposite side of the area, the massive thruster pack on its back ejecting steam as it cooled off, the right hand charging what appeared to be an energy lance while its partner set down and readied a rifle.

"Callsign 'Raven'... Priority subject for termination, high on the list." said the first.

"Those are PCA SP... Special Forces!" said Walter with concern, "We can't afford to take chances 621, eliminate them!"

The lead machine launched forward, hurtling toward OBSIDIAN WING with the laser lance extended in front of it, dodging the volley of missiles before attempting to skewer her with it. The return volley of the machine gun fire was practically ignored, the gap of a hundred and twenty meters enough for the sloped armor of these machines to render the pellets worthless.

"Those are EKDROMOI, PCA SP machines." Ayre notified, "They're highly mobile executioners for priority targets, piloted by the PCA's elites."

Useful info please, Walter!

The second machine appeared in a burst of speed, kicking the ground as a quickboost pushed Raven out of the way and following the attempt with a shot from the rifle, the plasma splashing across Raven's armor and significantly weakening it.

A repair charge fixed the damage, but he'd need to destroy one of these machines quickly to stop them from overwhelming him.

Raven burned the entirety of his energy on a series of rapid quickboosts, gaining space from the two EKDROMOI. Another blast from the plasma rifle was easily dodged at this range, before the lead machine again tried to charge him. Raven met the charge with his laser blade, allowing the lance to gouge the armor on his left shoulder to score a direct hit in return, staggering it.

The laser blade delivered a charged blow, only for the machine to survive the impact, the armor on the side of its body severely dented but not damaged. The red optical visor glowed menacingly as it leapt backwards to a safe distance.

"You're a real troublemaker, Raven..." they said.

The transmission had originated from the machine wielding the lance. Raven burned another repair charge to fix the damage to his shoulder armor. Only one left now.

"I didn't expect this level of resistance, sir." said the enemy.

"We won't fail this time. The System gave its verdict, immediate termination." said the other.

This time?

"...Raven. Have you had an encounter with the PCA before?" asked Ayre.

Ayre could feel her pilot's confusion at their radio chatter.

"I guess not. We'll worry about that later." Ayre suggested, "For now, focus on making it out of this."

...

The enemy machines were much more cautious now, circling OBSIDIAN WING and wearing it down with ranged fire, preventing it from getting close.

If it did, they'd immediately try to kick it away, or pin it down while the lance wielding machine tried to skewer the AC. Finally, one of them made a mistake when 621 dodged the laser lance, the rifle-wielding mech trying to go for a kick when its partner was out of range.

621 charged the assault armor system, the pulse of energy discharging as the EKDROMOI tried desperately to slow itself down, finding no success before it was overloaded by the blast. 621 took careful aim, the pile bunker impacting below the chin and firing up through the face of the machine.

It stumbled backwards, energy arcing from the ruined front, the plasma rifle clattering to the ground, comms crackling.

"No one outruns... the EKDROMOI..." they groaned.

The circulating current generator in the machine exploded as 621 fired both dual missile launchers into the breached armor.

"Code 31A. The Chief Sergeant is down. Proceeding as planned..."

The remaining mech pursued 621, firing its machine gun from a distance, fearful of the pile bunker. It dodged another volley of missiles, the reverse joint legs giving it incredible leaping ability.

It knew 621 couldn't afford to get close when the laser lance was unoccupied, but it also couldn't close to melee range easily. Its boosters easily allowed it to evade an attempt at closing the distance, rocking it backwards while it pelted the AC, forcing it to expend the final repair charge.

With a sudden flare of energy the lance extended again, reaching far beyond the machine's front as it launched forward, using the energy blade to deflect the machine gun blasts. OBSIDIAN WING leapt into the air at the last second, taking the blow on the left leg as the right came up in a brutal kick, rattling the SP mech. The laser blade struck again on the same spot, this time piercing through the weakened armor to puncture the generator.

"One... helluva... merc..." they groaned.

The pilot's comms crackled and died as the EKDROMOI toppled backwards before going up in flames. 621 could feel the relief from Ayre.

"Both PCA SP craft destroyed." she notified.

"...I'm sure our paymasters planned for that too. They got their walking advertisement alright."

...

Ayre checked the briefing material again. They'd at least managed to complete all of the secondary objectives.

"We'll have earned plenty of extra pay at least." She said, "I think we've done enough to inspire other mercenaries to work for Arquebus."

She watched as Raven limped his machine away around the edge of the base, the left knee locked in an awkward position that made turning difficult and walking extremely slow. Ayre had already landed the transport helicopter a few klicks out, and when Raven arrived it took a few minutes to maneuver OBSIDIAN WING inside with the damaged leg.

The machinery immediately set about detaching the crippled leg. The internal frame, actuators, and armor were ruined, the leg only surviving because it was bulky enough to not be completely sheared off by the hit.

"Raven... I'm glad you're okay." said Ayre.

She could feel Raven's adrenaline fading as he climbed out of the cockpit. He'd not ended the synchronization, so they were still tightly enmeshed.

<>

Ayre immediately drew closer, embracing the presence of her partner.

"I won't, Raven." she comforted, "I'm always here for you."

...

621 was basking in the warmth as it came down off the adrenaline high, realizing how close it had come to dying earlier. About a month ago, it had seemed as inconsequential as sleep, just a sudden cessation of existence. Now, it had something to live for.

The comm system chimed, likely a transmission from Arquebus. 621 pulled it up, seeing it was just V.VIII. Not Rusty.

"Arquebus Group mercenary liaison, V.VIII Pater here." said Pater, "Impressive work on the refueling base assault. V.IV has left me a message addressed to you. If I may..."

The man coughed, before adopting a surprisingly good imitation of the other Vesper.

"'I knew you could do it... 'buddy.'" he paused, "I've got my eye on you."... That is all. We at the Arquebus Group expect much from you."

It could feel Ayre's amusement at the attempt.

"It wasn't half bad, was it Raven." said Ayre, "This Rusty character... Do you know him well?"

...

621 thought back to Operation Wallclimber, the last time it had seen Rusty.

<>

https://youtu.be/WEsibVKPNA0

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