"Loran! LORAN! Snap out of it! You needn't let it control you! Please! Let it go and come back to us!" The Reaper in the rider's chamber laughed at that pathetic girl's voice, then it turned and looked directly at Morain. His distorted voice cracked out. "Loran Kelley is dead you silly girl, and you will be joining him soon." Just then all the rebel FRAMEs, mechas and ships near the flagship turned and surrounded the Reaper as it paused for a moment. Every weapon in the nearby pointed itself at the Reaper, as all close quarters mecha rushed the floating FRAME. One of the victims cried out. "Look! It's only one FRAME! If we work together, we can beat it!" Another distorted laugh filled the comms channel, echoing in every ship. "No one can beat death." With that the Reaper sliced apart three entire units of swordsmen at once, with three strokes of the scythe cut them all apart before the first laser shot or rail gun projectile reached his original point. Then the FRAME blasted off at the nearest ship. Pausing in front of the frigate, the Reaper aimed down the ship line, targeting as many ships at once as possible. Then it reeled back its right arm, and chucked the blade of the scythe with the force that exceeded that of the most powerful rail gun present in the battle at the front of the closest ship with mechanical precision that can only come from running hundreds, if not thousands of calculations at once. Then the FRAME charged forward. The spinning blade cut straight through the first ship, and richocheted using its back end off a floating piece of metal into another. Then another. Then another. Until an entire line of ships were nothing more than burning and exploding wrecks. The Reaper appeared at the end of the line and the blade came flying at it. The FRAME raised one hand and caught the blade before reattaching it back on to the whip sword. Just like that half the rebel fleet was gone. Seeing several ships jump out of the system and others attempting to do the same, the Reaper turned. "No one can escape death." It blasted off at the retreating fleet, and soon a series of shining orbs of flames appeared where the rebel ships were fleeing off to. The rebel communications channels were all filled with screams, then silence. As the Knight-Errant approached, the Reaper turned and smile. Even had the fool rider not switched off his detonation connection, it wouldn't have used it anyways. It would make the death too easy, impersonal, and so the Reaper readily its scythe and lined up a charge at Ioren Kilat's FRAME in the distance. OOC: RESULTS: 3/4 rebel fleet destroyed along with mechas, rest routed from the sector. The Reaper preparing a charge against Kilat now (@BadDo9 all yours )
"Crow what the hell Just happened?" Sentinel said as she looked to the other Frame she suddenly felt her FRAME shift as suddenly targeting wen't down. Foster yelled into her ear. "SNAP OUT OF IT INCOMING BOGY SWORD FRAME TARGETING SYSTEMS DOWN I WILL GET ON IT! BUT WE NEED TO LEAVE!" Foster yelled to sentinel. She snapped out of it from fosters yell and brought her Claw around as the Other Frame Got a hit. Her rader Began starting to dim as Splinter forces fell near the Rebel capital ship wen't down Being sliced apart By what ever the hell took out the rebel Capital ship. "Crow were leaving to Regroup with the StarRunner Lets see If they need some a Few new hands on board. Besides I don't think we will be able to get back up with the ride that took us here." Sentinel said Remembering the Assist they gave the the UTC on the ground of Mars to get up here. As the Enemey FRAME closed in on her her own frame Rolled to the side. "I have your back Crow lets get moving." She said as Crow and her began moving to link Up with the Star runners forces She Looked to the Frame engaging her with a smile. As her other arm came up and she fired in move Autocannon rounds spiting out of the Cannon It Spun, as it did Spitting Mass reactive rounds at the Frame engaging her hoping if they land a hit would enter then explode. Her other arm began getting ready for the FRAME to get close and attempt to tear of one one of the Frames arm. Foster Did his work on the sinde Tiny Nano machines began attempting repair as Various systems began Trying to get the targeting systems on and repairing hull breaches. Results Backpedaling with Crow towards the star runner Also Firing upon enemy frame and attempting to rip its arm off it gets close.
< @Vulpas > "Agreed, Sentinel." Crow replied shortly. Unfortunately, the majority of Sentinel's Autocannon shell missed due to her scrambled targeting, those that did glanced off the edges of the FRAMEs armor. Of course, with the carnage that had just happened the Splinter pilot was desperate, and was not really paying attention. One arm was ripped off by the Hell Hound's claws, and as the enemy spun from the wound, it was blasted by Crow's plasma cannon, melting the entirety down to slag. "Riders Sentinel and Crow, Our hangars are open, please rendezvous. We will have a security team on standby to examine your credentials." Called Lieutenant Moren. < @Vikingvesk > "What that is... is unknown. Either way, it is not recommended to approach. Our hangars are open. A security team will be on station to examine your credentials" As Sergeant Gorgon led the way toward the StarRunner, he opened another comm to Vesk. "That... used to be one of my Riders, Loran Kelley. I don't know what has happened to him." < @WanderingJester > "Kelley! What's going on!?" Yelled Ioren as the reaper drove forward. When no response came, Ioren raised his tower shield, trying to block the scythe only for it to be cut clean in half. His arm was not exempt, being removed from the elbow. "Damnit! Kelley! What are you doing!?" He tried to appeal to the as-yet non-existent Kelley. As the scythe came down, Ioren dodged to the side, bringing his blade up for a slash... but Kelley was not there any more. In fact, Kelley was behind, cutting off the other arm before coming back about to look at the face of the Knight-Errant, opening a video line. Ioren was trembling. "Please, Kelley... don't do this. My sister..." He asked one last time as the scythe was raised, ready to bisect the young man ----------------------------------- "Loran's... dead? No... NO!!!!" Morain roared to herself, Verionica shocked into science by the whole situation. The elevator was almost there... Pinpoint Meteor grabbed its rifle, and waited for the door to open. As soon as it did she blasted towards him and Ioren. It was bad. Kelley was about to Execute Ioren! No time to truly think, Morain raised the rifle and focused all her power into it, the whole FRAME glowed orange as her rifle ate the power. "LORAN!" She roared, loosing a single 50x bolt at the reaper who had stolen Kelley from her. ------------------------------------ The reaper shrieked in anger as a powerful shot impacted Fate's Edge, right at the base of the spine. It wouldn't cripple him, but it caused enough rage for the reaper to turn its attentions towards the offender. A FRAME who's silhouette sparked somthing deep inside Kelley. "Loran! Fight it!" Yelled Morain through comms. "Damn persistent girl. Loran Kelley does not exist, and cannot hear you." Answered the Reaper, charging the woman and her FRAME "Loran! I know you're still in there! please listen! I was never happy. I always avoided people, only approaching those who I had to so as to complete my job. But then I saw you in that battle, and in person, and I felt something I never felt before. And then, Veronica became my sister. Remember?" The reaper was getting closer. "And then, remember all those things we did together? Remember how we played video games that day!? Remember those pictures Veronica sent you!?" It was upon her, the scythe cutting towards her pilot's chamber. She was going to die. But she refused to die without saying it once. "Loran Kelley! I LOVE YOU!" Morain roared, clamping her eyes shut as she awaited the final blow.
" My credentials are in perfect condition! I am the sole survivor of my squad. I will not tolerate any shitstorm you want to throw my way. I am happy that you have a spot for me. But I will not be subjected to any credential test. My word should be enough " When they flew towards the super-carrier he heard what the sergeant said. " I am .. unsure what to say Sergeant. I mean no disrespect but is that thing even human? How could a human have that power. Even in a frame. It is just not out of this world. That being said I am sorry for your loss Sir "
"I have them ready Frost start Transmitting our Credentials to them. And be ready to have weapons on stand by when we get in the hanger we could have Splinters try to Blast us when we are making out way inside. Crow whats our ETA on how long will where inside?" She asked crow over the coms As she fired her Auto cannon At any Splinter forces that dare get close to her and Crow. "Frost how long till our Targeting systems are online having to shoot with only might sights cane be a bit of a Problem when the your weapons on your arm when your Frame is blind firing." She said "Working on it Sentinel these things take time to fix damage!" Frost said as the he began Reconnecting cords in the FRAME and resetting the targeting system.
The scythe froze, the tip of the laser blade pausing a foot away from the rider's chamber's doors of the Pinpoint Meteor. Kelley's eyes widened under the blackness that surrounded his helmet. The Reaper screamed. "Why aren't you moving? KILL HER!" The Reaper looked like it was putting a lot of effort in pushing the scythe forward, but it wouldn't budge. She-she loves me? Some feeling was returning to Kelley's arms. "I am death! I cannot be stopped! Now swing that scythe!" But, wasn't Kelley just another soldier? Who could love a soldier? Then suddenly memories with Morain flooded his mind. Their first meeting, her crying in the elevator, watching her get shot, waking up to her crying by his bed with a pile of sandwiches, seeing her in the infirmary again and getting her food, how they played video games and laughed together, how he held her as she cried time and time again from her memories, right to the point where she screamed. He blinked. When she screamed I love you. "I COMMAND YOU TO KILL HER! I OWN YOU!" Kelley's eyes flared up, and a fire appeared in those blue eyes. No. Instantly blue flames appeared on his rider's armor, burning away all of the ragged robes that surrounded him. The hood over his helmet caught fire at once, and in the midst of the blue inferno that burned away the blackness the skull screamed as it was melted from the helmet's visor, revealing two shining blue orbs that formed in its place. The entire rider's chamber, originally covered with red light, was washed away in a flood of blue flames that turned the entire chamber into a bright room. Outside, the Reaper had held both its hands to its face as the internal transformation ripped out the Reaper from the inside. The laser sword detached itself from the whip sword and reattached itself to the left arm, both weapons deactivating. The FRAME looked like it was suffering something terribly damaging internally as it flail from side to side. Just before the Reaper was completely destroyed, Kelley looked at it and said one thing. "You're wrong, my name is Loren Kelley and I BELONG TO NO ONE EXCEPT FOR MORAIN!" The last words were roared out, so Morain, Ioren and Veronica all heard him over comms. Kelley ripped both his arms away from his face and to his side (think the going super saiyan position, similar to that but not exactly), and in turn his FRAME did the same thing. Armor began to separate as hidden systems activated and sections of the FRAME parted, revealing bright blue light from the gaps that shone out. The extra systems that didn't activate before revealed themselves now and their related stats appearing on screen for Kelley to see. Both swords revealed themselves, both were redesigned. The laser sword was now two parallel beam swords that were blue, the whip sword had a blue light running along side the central cord and into each ripper piece, and when it connected it looked as though veins of blue energy surged throughout the weapon. A screen activated with the follow words in front of Kelley. PANDORA stabilizers activated, increased functions unlocked. Welcome Loren Kelley. Suddenly a rebel destroyer that had bid its time amongst the wreckage came out and headed straight for Earth. It wasn't near the power of the Angel of Faith but still had enough firepower to kill a lot of people. Kelley turned and looked at the Morain through the comms. His eyes kind and warm. "Morain, please don't worry about me. Will you take Ioren back to Starrunner? I'll be right back, I promise." With that the new FRAME blasted off at the destroyer. Before the captain of that ship could order to fire, Kelley had overcharged his sword and stabbed it into the side of the ship, and cut his way into the reactor, before cutting it, then blasting off again to reappear on the other side, as the ship exploded. Kelley's eyes flickered at his biometrics, still on screen from before the laser blast. It never rose above his resting level. OOC: RESULTS: Last rebel destroyer destroyed. What happened to those of us that are visual people: Fate's Edge is a combo of this shape (without all the gaps between pieces) with this texture (on the armor): and this happened (with neon blue lights instead):
EPISODE II - REST AFTER THE RACE < EVERYONE > The battle was over. The UTC had defended Terra, but at a terrible cost. Eventually, all FRAMEs and Riders were accounted for on the Bridge of the StarRunner as she worked her way towards the Orbital Station Helios. Commander Yilli spoke up on their way. "First, I would have you welcome some new additions to our crew. Riders Veskander, Sentinel and Crow have been permanently reassigned to our vessel. < @Vikingvesk > Vesk had been escorted to the bridge by a Veteran Trooper named Malai Jiriko. It wasn't that he had to be escorted, per se, it was more that she followed him there. She had brilliant scarlet hair and Jade-Green eyes that watched his every move intently. < @WanderingJester > Morain was absent from the bridge. She had shut herself inside her quarters, not even taking messages from Veronica in the hours since the battle. < @Xanxas > Yalei stood next to Kyras, holding is hand tightly with her own, as if she was afraid that he would disappear if she let go. < EVERYBODY > "On that note, we have been allowed some shore leave by virtue of Exceptional Service. Two weeks have been allotted before we ship out again. Once we dock, you are free to leave and enjoy yourselves. < @Vulpas > Crow quickly glanced over at Sentinel before glancing away, a very slight flush appearing on his face. < @Vikingvesk > Vesk would notice the trooper casually looking him over, before walking away, slipping a note into his hand. *Meet me in the Mess once we dock.* [ Ok guys, here's the deal. This is a big downtime. Everyone (Except possibly @WanderingJester ) can get 1 BIG upgrade and 1 Normal Upgrade PM me with your ideas.] [There are three areas that you can explore. You can stay in the StarRunner, move to the Helios or take a shuttle to the Megatropolis by the UTC Mega-Facility. You can also move between areas. Probably a good idea to spend time with your love interest/ get to know them.]
Kelley buzzed on Morain's door. He had had long and hard conversation with Veronica first, as soon as he had gotten back on board the Starrunner. He eventually finished it with calming her down and promising to never do something like that again, even though the conversation was frequently interrupted with a barrage of hardlight hugs. Now that he's convinced her to go and get some rest by shutting off for a bit, he made his report, and amazingly no one seemed to be court martialing him at the moment. So the rider went to Chief Mechanic Hushion, lifted the ban on personnel on Holding Bay 03 and briefed him on the status and makeup of his FRAME, during which he got more than a few wide eyed stares from the audience, and those were the polite stares. He finished, thanked the mechanic and went to where he was now, standing outside of Morain's quarters. "Morain, it's Loren. May I come in?"
Kyras squeezed her hand back. It had been a costly battle, and not just for those nearby. Sure, the starunner and UTC forces in orbit had lost many good men, but the deathtoll on the planet...Kyras sighed. He really wished things were simpler. But that's just how things go I guess. To think the rebellion had gotten so powerful over the last few months...it scared him. To think of what was ahead, to see what was in front of him. But enough of that for now. He sat with Yalei, arm around her shoulder viewing the stars, while a pair of Wraiths just watched, guarding the two as they spent what time they had together. Later, after Yalei fell asleep, he took a shuttle down to the Megatropolis accompanied by two Wraiths, a Spyder and some SCARABs. He brought Fredrick two of course. He never went anywhere without the little bug.
< @Xanxas > Of course, shore leave was the perfect time to spend time with lovers, so Yalei had sent a message to Kyras as she got on the shuttle after him. *I know this great little restaurant in the city, would you like to go with me?* < @WanderingJester > Silence answered Kelley's question... at least until the door buzzed and opened, allowing Kelley to walk inside. Morain was there, sitting on her couch. She seemed deep in thought as she turned to look at Kelley. "L...Loren. Please... I want to know how you feel about me. I love you, and I..." She trailed off, looking back away as those words left her mouth again.
