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Chapter Text

Main System : Activating Combat Mode...

Standing on one of the tallest buildings in the colony ship Xylem, Raven gazed on at cosmic space-scape before him.  Despite the monumental burden that weighed on his shoulders, he cannot deny the subtle sublime that is this moment as he stands before the boundless universe.

The Xylem slowly reentering the atmosphere, the massive Vascular Plant towering in the distance, and the curveted horizon of the planet Rubicon III, the home world of the Coral, of the Rubiconians, the home world of Raven and Ayre, the ones who saved it.

And now there is only one thing left to do.

"There's the ramjet engines, Raven."

Said the disembodied yet distinctly close voice of Ayre.

"Please, destroy them."

Raven took a deep breath.  This was finally it, bringing down the Xylem will be the final nail in the coffin for The Overseers plan to burn the Coral and reigniting the Fires of Ibis.  He made this choice, he went against Walter's final wishes, and now it's time to take responsibility, and finish the job.  Perhaps once the deed is done, that burden of choice will be lifted from him.

It took no less than a minute for him to destroy the Ramjets, and Walter's wish along with them.

He felt the Xylem descending, bound to crash land into Rubicon's oceans.  A cathartic end to the colony ship.

As his AC takes roost on the glass overhang both Raven and Ayre watched as the front end of the Xylem begins to burn through the atmosphere.

"The Xylem is beginning its descent."

Ayre sounded as if she too has had a burden lifted from her, and indeed his has too.  The job is done, they can go home now.  They can finally find some peace.

"The Coral is safe.  Rubicon is..."

Suddenly a massive beam of red light was fired up above and was rocketing towards them.  Raven barely had a second to react as he dodged right.  The laser sweeping ahead of him leaving a smoldering trial across the entirety of the mile long overhang.

Raven looks up, and true to his assumptions it is an AC.  but then to his horror...

"...621...is that, is that you?"

Said the slow, borderline exhausted voice of Handler Walter as he descended on the Xylem's glass overhang, his AC, a product of the infamous Ibis-series.  The heavy coral weapon he wielded hissed and steamed the energies signature red light.

"They...."

The AC the Handler is piloting, it was nothing like Raven has ever seen.  While still bipedal and possessing two arms, the weapons it held, the power that courses through them, he can feel it, and Ayre can most certainly feel it too, the unmatched potential of Coral energy.

"621...I have to..."

The Ibis series AC stood upright, the red paint glistening a fiery glow as the Xylem burned while reentering the atmosphere.

"...dispose of you."

Raven struggled to understand, how, what series of events lead to this?  Ayre was confounded just as well.

"Walter!?  But that AC..."

But Walter wasted not a moment, he gave no quarter as he surged forward at mach speed towards Raven, his coral rifle charging in hand.

"I'm picking up a Coral response, watch out!"

Raven was still reeling from the fact that his own Handler wants to kill him.  But in the split second moment Ayre finishes her sentence he sees the form of Walter's AC gaining ground.  He dodged left, the charged bolt of coral just skimming across his AC's right shoulder.  And not a second sooner, Walter closes the gap and strikes him with a Coral energy blade.

Ravens AC staggers, and Walter furthers his attack and kicks him away.

"The corporations orders...no...my friends mission."

Walter exasperatedly breathed out, firing yet more bolts of Coral.

"Eliminate all obstacles..."

Raven did his best to get his AC under control again.  He manages to, and quick makes his escape from Walters' advances.  But not without taking a few hits from that Coral rifle, nothing a repair kit can't fix.

"Whatever they did, you're in danger."

Ayre said, her voice laced with worry.

"We have to defend ourselves!"

She's right, he hesitated the moment Walter revealed himself and it nearly got him killed.  Whatever Arquebus' Re-education Program has done to Walter, it has stripped him down to this husk of a man.  He can't holdback, he must focus.

Walter then fired a Coral missile from the AC's right shoulder, the seemingly small ball of red light followed him slowly so it was easy to dodge.  He does this and tries to shoot Walter, but the enemy AC deploys a Coral forcefield that encompasses the entire mech.

Raven then tried missiles the give suppressive fire on the shield.  But when Walters Coral missile lands just behind Raven, it detonates into a massive red explosion, hitting Ravens' back with the force of direct grenade detonation.

Walter charges forwards, his Coral blade alit.  And Raven, despite being hit with such force, does the same.  Surging ahead with his pulse blade.  Both ACs smashed into each other on impact, sparks of red and green fly as their energy blades clashed against one another.

Raven fires his afterburners and gains the upper hand and shoves Walter away, and then fires both of his missile racks onto him.  Walter staggers, to which Raven then kicks him, forcing the Ibis-series AC to revitalize with a repair-kit.

Reeling from the kick, Walter then notices something, a voice near his once faithful hound.

"That voice...621...I...see it next to you."

Raven could've spoke, he would have told him everything, about Ayre, about the true nature of Coral.

"Yes...Kindling for the fire..."

But the fact that he can't speak to Walter hurt Raven more than any of the torturous procedures that Arquebus' re-education has done to him.

And even then, in the end, Walter wouldn't listen.

"Raven!  We are entering Rubicon's atmosphere!"  Ayre warned.  "There's no time, hurry!"

Raven acknowledges, he maybe fighting his former boss, but he is not willing to die here.

Soon enough the brutal exchange of bullets, lasers, and missiles continue to fly.  If Walter would hit him with a Coral shot, Raven would retaliate with a pulse blade.  And if Raven managed to dodge his Coral missile, Walter would close the gap with his oscillator.

Flames continue to dance from their trusters as they flew with the ferocity of birds of war.

Then by happen chance a full volley of missiles managed to stun lock Walter, an ample opportunity to put punishing damage onto him.  Ravens' pulse blade springs to life and he surges forwards, closing the gap between them.  But just as he was about to deliver the punishing blows, something, someone, managed to kick Raven away.

Ravens' AC skids across one of the glass overhangs metal beams till he stops near the very edge.  Who, who could have done that?  How could there be anyone else up here?  Why would they...

"Looks like you're having fun...Tourist."

......What?  No.

Raven manages to right his AC back up, and to his abject dismay, he sees the AC, FULL COURSE, piloted by R&D's leader, Cinder Carla.

How, how is this possible?!  She was killed.  He killed her!

"Walter told me, you know.  Looks like you made a friend of your own.  But it is good that you made your own choice...for once."

Carla then unleashed a firestorm of missiles that flew towards Raven at all sides.  Again his focus snapped back to reality as he frantically made quick dodges as the rockets fell like rain.

He did not expect however a skillful charged shot from Walter's Coral rifle, hitting Ravens' AC dead in the chest and instantly staggering him.  Thus the rest of the dozens of Carla's rockets that hadn't been avoided fell on him like a tidal wave of fire.  Raven could have swore the heat from the numerous explosions hitting him could have melted him then and there.

There goes another repair kit.

"To think...all it took was just one Walter's dogs.  One.  Mangy.  Little dog...To ruin everything, with a choice.  And the thought that you, a dog, thinks that it can make their own choice...Heh, it makes me laugh! "

"It was a job...621...all of it.  Including you..."

Walter, Carla, their words, they cut into Raven like a hot knife laced with venom.  But he knows it's true, to the Overseers he was supposed to fulfill one job, his one and only purpose in life, to burn the Coral and die along with everyone caught in its flames.  But that is not what he wants, that is not what he should...!

Just then a grenade struck his back and Raven was sent hurtling forwards till his front side skids to a halt.  He looks up and perceives another AC landing next to him.  Its build assembly looked identical to his own, but that head piece...no...NIGHTFALL?

"It seems that even with earned wings, you still can't ever fly."

Said the condescending voice the original Raven's operator.

"I guess a dog is never meant to fly."

Ravens mind raced with a thousand thoughts.  This cannot be happening!  Is he seeing ghosts!?  Some sort of Coral-based hallucinations?  Maybe the Arquebus re-education is inducing some-

And not a second too soon yet another AC slammed into him from above.  The sheer force of the impact smashed Raven through the thick glass of the overhang and sent him plummeting to the streets below.  Dust and concrete exploded everywhere, leaving the heavily damaged AC lying in a crater.

"Filthy mutt.  You thought you could challenge me?  Challenge Arquebus!?"

Raven sees through damaged optics the bulky semblance of yet another AC, descending through the very hole he was smashed through.  This time, it was the ever insufferable VII. Snail.

"You just don't know when to roll over and die, don't you you filthy animal?"

Yet more questions, yet no answers.  Raven's mind is deliriously plagued with so many more thoughts that it is becoming painful to think.  Everything hurts.  Everything burns.

Just when things couldn't get any worse, yet again another AC flies in.  But instead of hitting him, this AC picked him up and then began to drag Raven across the Xylem's streets and then up and smashing through the buildings.  Leaving many skyscrapers with AC sized holes in their wake.  Till finally the new enemy AC lets go and sends him crashing down in an open area of the Xylem's cityscape.

"I've been waiting for this freelancer..."

Oh God, not him again.

Raven could barely move his AC, but he wills it to happen.  He looks and sure enough the former RedGun, Iguazu, lands in front of him.

"You always thought you were better than me, better than anyone!  Didn't you!?  Well now I'm gonna show you just how insignificant you really are!"

Raven got himself back up again, he can hear the creaking grinding of actuators and limb joints and smell the electrical discharge of cut wires.  He uses his last repair kit, and even then it still doesn't fix the torn armor or douse the burning components.

He can see all around him, the ACs of all the enemies he made as they land and circle him.  Walter, Carla, Nightfall, Snail, Iguazu, he can see past their optics, the burning red glint of hatred within their bitter gazes.

He rights himself back on his two feet.  He leans back and gazes into the night sky, obscured by the Xylem's flames.  He is tired, hurt, broken in every measure.  But yet here he stands, weapons in hand.

...

Fine.

If it's a fight they want.  It is a war they'll get.

Here and now, he'll make his last stand within these scorched skies.

Bullets flied, thrusters burned, missiles screamed, and a orchestra of metal banged, crushed, and smashed echoed throughout the Xylem's empty roads.

A symphony to a Raven's last flight.

...

Till at last, in the end, Raven, The Liberator of Rubicon, is down on his knees.  His AC torn to near pieces, his arms ripped from their sockets, and fire danced around him melting the AC inside and out.

He struggles to get his AC to look up.  He can see Walter standing in front of him, and the others gathered around him.  He can't completely hear them through the damaged radio, but through the muffled static he can feel them shout and scream bitter slanders and hate-fueled curses onto him.

He is fine with it.  He is content.  Let them curse.  The deed is done, the Xylem has fallen.  The Coral is safe.  Rubicon is safe.

Ayre, his true friend, is safe.

...

Wait... something's not right.

Why doesn't he feel the Xylem descending anymore?

Raven looks up.  And to his absolute horror.  The Xylem isn't descending, it's rising!

And is still heading straight for the Vascular Plant.

What?  No.  NO!!  HOW DID THEY!?

And with not a thought more, Nightfall, coming from behind him, then stabs their pile bunker into Raven's back.  And directly into the Core.

Raven did not need to look down to see the tip of the pile sticking out through his human chest, and the warm trickle of fresh blood streaming down in his suit.

He slumped down in his pilot's seat, defeated, and can hear the roar of cheerful glee from his enemies round about like a pack of demons.

Waves of despair washing over him, this truly is it, his final moment.  He reaches out to Ayre, if this is how they die, then he wanted nothing more than to die alongside her.  Ayre, his best friend.

But the further he reached out, the more he yearned to hear he lovely voice one last time.  All he was met with, is silence.

Ayre?  Ayre, where are you?

...

She's gone.

He's all alone now.

Raven can see the Vascular Plant fast approaching.

The Xylem's bow comes crashing into the plant, its bow imbedding itself deep into the metal.  Streams of Coral began gushing out and sparking all around.  Raven can feel the explosive tension within the Coral, just ready to ignite.

"621..."

The callus voice of Walter said.

"That's it...for this job..."

And suddenly, everything turned to white.

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

"Raven!  RAVEN!"

He awoke with a start, harshly flinging himself forward till he's sitting upright on his bed.  Breathing erratically, and cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Raven!  You had me worried!  Your heart rate peaked at 120 bpm, I thought you were about to have a heart attack!"

Raven however said nothing, he simply kept staring out in space in his living quarters.  His breath decreasing till he manages to bring his thumping heart back to normal pace.

"Raven?"

Ayre's voice, oh how he misses it.  She may not know it, but her calm voice soothed his heart and pushed away the dark thoughts clouding his mind like the cool wind against a storm.

"....Did...did you experience a nightmare?  I may not have such experiences yet, but, I know how harmful they can be...do, you want to talk about it?"

In truth, he doesn't.  Not to be stubborn or anything, he just isn't willing to get Ayre worried over him.  He looks to his left on his bolted down metal cabinet, that also serves as a nightstand, and picks up the only means Raven has with communicating to the world around him.  His type-pad.

"No.  I am fine."  He typed.

He can hear Ayre audibly sigh.

"...Raven.  You can't lie to me.  You are not fine."

"It is not a big deal."

"Well it is a big deal if you are hurting!"

Raven said nothing however, he hung his head, a bit ashamed to admit it, but he still doesn't want Ayre to worry.  It was a simple nightmare, nothing more, nothing less.

"...Alright then.  I'll leave it be then."

Raven feels Ayre's presence begin to fade.

"But I want you to know, I'm always here still.  If you ever need someone to talk to, just let me know.  And as always, I'll support you."

His vision then returns to normal as the the signature red hue that glazes across his vision dims from view and the ringing of Coral presence dies down to silence.  It is now just Raven, sitting on his bed with nothing else better to do.

Though he is curious about one thing.  He then takes a look back down on his pad to check the date.  Day 47/ Third-Fourth Quadrant of Rubiconian Orbit.  Huh, a week, so that is how it's been long since he saved the world.

A week since Walter's death.

He wondered what string of event could have happened to bring Walter to such a fate, and what could have been done to avoid it.

But in the end what it really boiled down to was his mission, his mission to burn the Coral.  One that he dedicated the fifty years of his life to fulfilling.  If only could have turned back the time to tell him.  How the Coral is not only alive, but self aware.  How there is an entire race of individualistic beings hidden just within the surface of that red mass.

He would have even told Carla too.  Despite her, sociopathic tendencies, he knows she has a good heart.

But even then, would it matter?  Would it change their minds?   Or would they still stick with the plan.  The plan that Raven denounced.

He knows that the Coral is dangerous, only Walter and Carla knew better than him.  But the idea of starting yet another Fire of Ibis, an apocalyptic plan that didn't even work the first time, a fire that saw the end of billions of lives.  The notion that a repeated genocide is better than the slightest potential for extinction is not only pointless.  But it is to him, in every aspect just simply WRONG.

Though it is for naught now, for what is done is done.  And Raven is content that he has made the right choice.

He can feel his stomach rumbling.  He checks the time and it is in fact the morning.  He would mind as well find something to eat.

Raven then grabs ahold of the metal rungs that bar each side of his bed and lifts himself up, almost struggling due the limp dead weight of his crippled legs, and manages to get himself seated on his motorized wheelchair.  He wonders if the weather outside is pleasant enough to wheel around in.

Maybe today just might be a little brighter after all.

Chapter Text

Today does not look any brighter.

While he doesn't mind sitting on a wheelchair, he has grown quite used to it by now since his augmentation procedure, the world outside on the other hand, well, if there is one word that best describes the scenery, then it would be depression.

While the typical factories and megastructures of the grid stretch as far as the eye could see, laden throughout the hills and plains of this industrialized dystopia laid the remains of countless MT's and decimated AC's.  All of them strewn in piles and heaps.  The result of a massive battle that happened before the Fires of Ibis.

And in great quantities there is a white powder laden heavily on the machine corpses, but this wasn't snow, for the temperature while cold is nowhere near freezing.  No, this powder that covered all throughout the ancient battlefield is all ash, layers upon layers of ash that laid thick enough to engulf a man whole.

The reason for all the ash was because, as according to what Handler Walter aforementioned in a talk with Carla, this is near the very epicenter of the fires ignition.

All this ash is the remnants of entire forests, cities, mountains, lives.  All laid across the land like the snow in a freezing winter.

And to think all this happened because of the Coral, the very thing that propelled mankind even further through the stars.  And for those left behind and spared in the fires, this serves a grim reminder of humanity's near limitless potential, both for good or evil.

And the perfect place to lay low in a nook in one of the damaged grid-structures and stay out of any prying eyes, away from any would be attackers who would wish to stalk him.

Raven sat there in his wheelchair letting these memories give him company amidst this gloom.  Contemplating if it is best if he'd just remained inside his mobile base instead.  On one hand is a steaming cup of coffee, which is really just boiled water mixed with additives to give it some flavor, and the other a beef flavored ration bar.

He decided it's probably best to stay inside, the cool air is starting to send chills up his spine.

He turns his wheelchair around and heads back to his home, also known as a Heavy Autonomous Mobile AC Transport, or HAMAT.

Many, if not all independent mercenaries use such machines to bring themselves and their ACs around, but for Walter he believed in keeping his hounds in such units not only as a mode of transportation but also as homes for them, so they can be ready at a moments notice.

Raven observed the flying machine with a bit of sentimentality.  Despite not designed to be lived in at all it is still home, and it was installed with basic necessities such as a bedroom and bathroom.

Speaking of which, though the day has just reached its noon, all this grey scenery made his eyes feel heavy and tiresome.  Thanks to his newest nightmare he had last night, and it doesn't help that his 'coffee' didn't really help much to wake him.  A quick nap seems nice about now.

He heads inside, the vast cylinder shaped space of metal looking more dimmer than outside even with the florescent lights on.  He wheels on down the catwalk, but even though his room is on the other side of the machine it took a full minute to travel there because of how immense the HAMAT is.  Maybe Walter should have installed one of those conveyor belt-like-walkways that some of those airports have.  But then again he is in a wheelchair so why should he complain.

Taking a look at his side, Raven sees his AC, LOADER 4.  The very craft that has carried him through trials and tribulations here on Rubicon.  Still kept mostly the same with its frame made of RaD parts, but with some major adjustments to its internal systems such as its generator and FCS made it a bit more effective.

The biggest change were the LOADER 4's weapons.  Equipped with a Balam TURNER assault rifle and a Pulse Blade BU-TT/A for his primary weapons, and a PO3MLT-06 missile launcher and a MORLEY Spread Bazooka for his shoulders.  He even equipped the Assault Armor expansion to give it something extra on top.

He stares admirably at the intricacies of the AC mechanics, still this is just considered a simple standard AC build.  But Raven knew what really makes the AC isn't the parts, it's the pilot.  Pilots make all the difference in ACs combat effectiveness.

And despite himself being an older Generation 4 augmented human, the Coral, the energy that courses through his nerves, his blood, down to his very neurons, has allowed him to make split-second reactions that many other pilots can only dream about.  

But this new blessing comes with a high cost...

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

"...So this is why you brought me out all this way?"  Said the gruff and stern voice of Handler Walter, who is standing in front of what could've been his newest hound, laid on an operating table and wrapped in plastic sheet filament. Along with a doctor who is standing on the other side.  "To see some random augmented human?  I told you, just send me any that is good enough and just ship them to me."

"That's the thing, sir."  Said the doctor while pulling up a video feed of the operation in process.  "While the operation was well underway, the applicant was beginning to experience a high pulse rate once the Coral infusion was taking place.  We took note of it but continued with the infusion process.  Shortly then after, the subject experienced cardiac arrest, and all vital signs flatlined."

The doctor then pulled out some papers from within the clipboard he is carrying.  "We diagnosed this one as another failure, we even signed the cremation papers as soon as it was done."

Walter then looked down at the patient before him.  "So they're dead."

"Look at it yourself."  The doctor said.

And so Walter did, at first he couldn't tell what the doctor was referring to, that is until he noticed something.  A slight yet distinguishable rise and fall of the augmented human's chest.  "They're...breathing?"

"Yes."

"And you said they were dead?"

"Yes."

"How?"

The doctor then fast forwarded the video feed till it reaches a certain point in time after the paper were fully signed.  "By now the body's nervous system should be considered dead and would then begin the process of decay.  But look closer."

Walter leaned in, taking in the visage of the patient with intricate detail.  And after but one moment, Walter's brows scrunched together and his mouth slightly agape as he watched the augmented human begin to move.

"See how they grip the table frame?"  The doctor said.  "And how they try to move despite the wrappings and sedatives that should be impeding them?  It's as if it is trying to force themselves awake, to breathe, endure.  And sure enough as soon as we bothered to take notice.  Vitals immediately started to return, and resume their normal function."

The doctor then cut the feed and said in finality.  "I may be a man of science sir, but this, either this is a one in a million chance, or this one has strong will.  A very strong will."

Walter then slowly turns to human on the table.  "What is their designation and history?"

"Um, let's see here..."  He said looking through his papers.  "C4-621, sir.  Sex, male.  Age, 27.  No relations to speak of and no criminal record.  But despite this rather, remarkable comeback, I doubt you would want him.  He's barely hanging on as it is.  At best he'll function at the most basic level with no-"

Walter then raises a hand, silencing the scientist.  He takes one good look at the human, his decision has never been more clear.

"I'll take him."

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

...The cost of his use of his legs was a high one.  But it almost hurt him when he was told he has lost the ability to speak as well.  His brain was fried they said, and he'll never speak or walk ever again.  Unless he takes a different augmention procedure, one of the latest versions.  As long as he has enough credits to pay the bills off.

But Raven knew what it would mean.   He would have the Coral removed from his system, but that would mean Ayre wouldn't be able to make contact with him anymore, and the very thing that made him special would be gone.

Such things made the desire to speak and walk again have become almost trivial to him.

So, he felt it is best that he excepted his new limitations.  He is content with where he is now.

"Raven..."

A reddish-pink haze filled Raven's peripheral vision and the reconizable high-pitch ring filled his his mind.  He welcomed this, for he knew Ayre is near.

"You've been mostly quiet this morning.  Would you like to talk about anything?"

Raven then took out his type-pad and didn't hesitate to respond.

"Well, I don't really know what there is to talk about.  But what would you like to say?"

"Hmm...well, I was hoping that you would tell me what that dream was troubling you about, if you were feeling up to it.  But since you don't want to talk about it, I'll let it pass.  Do you have any ideas?"

"Not that I know of."

Raven can hear Ayre sigh, he can feel a slight melancholy in it.

"You know Raven...I am glad we have all this time together...But I didn't think things will become boring so quickly.  I guess with all those missions and events that took place we didn't have an idea what to do beyond them."

"There isn't much to do on Rubicon except survive and fight it seems."

"Maybe...or maybe not.  Rubicon is now free.  We are now free.  And to be honest Raven, I'm actually excited to see what the future holds for us."

The optimism Ayre radiates couldn't help but make Raven smile.

"Me too Ayre.  Me too."

".....Wanna take the AC for a flight?"

".....Sure."

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

A Few Hours Later...

Out of all the locals for Raven to take flight, for some reason he enjoys venturing around the frigid lands of the Southern Belius region.  Wether it be for nostalgic reasons, or perhaps the quiet ambiance whenever he stops to witness the snowfall.  Either way, he came here to take his mind off of recent events, and just simply explore.

No missions.  No objectives.  Just leisurely enjoying the view as he soars across the free skies of Rubicon.

"I know this place is just a shadow of what it once was...but I sometimes like hearing the wind while watching the snow."

Ayre commented as Raven casually lets the afterburners do most of the flying for him.

Even though most of this area is contaminated with trace amounts of Coral, it didn't matter whilst he's inside his AC.  He unfortunately can't say the same for the old city below, left to ruin by both corporations and natives due to high traces of Coral present there.

The buildings either left crumbling to the test of time, or even fell over entirely.  And the roads, which must have been bustling highways at one point, are cracked and broken.  Even after all these years nobody bothered to wonder what this city is even called.

And as for the grid structures, the towering megastructures that dominate over the mountainous landscape like massive trees in a forrest, they too are effected by abandonment and long misuse.  But to this day Raven couldn't figure out just what is the purpose of the grid is even for.  Ayre suggested factories, which would make sense, but then why build them in such a way?

If he didn't know any better, he would have thought that all of the grid structures are some massive project to cover the entirety of this world's surface in an artificial one and seal Rubicon in a suffocating steel coffin condemned to eternal darkness.

Overbearingly oppressive, yes.

In the corporations nature, absolutely.

After soaring above and around a few buildings Raven figured a lofty view would be a great place to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.  Perhaps on one of the grid's many terminals?  And as soon as that thought entered his head Raven knew exactly where he should go.

Then after a few more lifts and a couple more flights later, he reaches the near summit of Grid 135, and decides to land on one particular rail track platform, one near a catapult AC launcher.

"So this is where you took your first look at Rubicon?"

Ayre asked inquisitively while Raven types away on his type-pad.

"Yes.  And just behind us is where I first landed here."

"Behind us, in the grid structure?  I take it it wasn't a smooth landing?"

"No.  I was nearly vaporized by the PCA's orbital closure satellite...So I ended up crash landing."

"Hm...well at least you managed and the rest of the journey became easier afterwards."

"…And then five minutes later I was attacked by a PCA HC Helicopter."

".....Oh."

Raven may have a sense of humor, but he wished his vocal cords still worked so he could laugh properly.  Oh well.

Both pilot and Coral being, gazed from their sky bound vantage point down to the Rubicon mountain range below.  They can also see the Contaminated City, nestled in the plains between the mountainous ridges.  

It is peaceful and quiet, the only sound to be heard is the soft whistling of the wind as it carried fresh snow to the earth.  And the snow itself blanketed the mountains in a new coat that brightened the landscape with a white glow.  Gone were the apathetic greyscales of corporate influence, it instead is now replaced by the chill embrace of powdered snow.

Before both Raven and Ayre would feel withdrawn and forlorn if they stared at the former greyscale for too long, but though while grey is still present, the brilliant white snowfall brought a sense of tranquility that felt lost to them for some time.

It felt fresh, new, pure.

Rubicon definitely needed this.

"Hm....Raven."

"Yes Ayre?"

"May I ask you something?"

"Yes of course."

".....Have you thought about joining the Liberation Front?"

"......No."

"Why not?"

"I prefer to be independent."

"Yes but, do you think...hm...things have been quiet for now, and, I think we should probably find more work soon."

There was something in Ayre's voice that suggested to Raven that she might be hiding something.

"Is there something I should know about?"

"What?  No.  I just thought that maybe you would..."

Raven frowned, signaling to Ayre that he is serious.

"Ayre.  Is there something I should know about?"

"..."

Ayre sighs.  Although she seemed a bit nervous.

"...Fine, there was a call from the Liberation Front this morning, and I thought maybe I should, well, tell you about it now."

"Ayre!  Why didn't you tell me about that?"

"You just had a nightmare last night and you think I should just shove a call in your face?"

"If it is Important.  Yes!"

"...Ok.  I just, didn't want to stress you out, alright?"

"I Did not mean to hurt your feelings.  I just don't want to miss something important."

"I know...sorry."

Just then audio files and data packets of voice clips appear within Raven's vision.  Because of the augmentations made in his body, his eyes have been cyberneticly enhanced to display various images and voice mails.  And one particular image caught Raven's eye.

"This is a voice message, from an old friend."

Ayre didn't even need to clarify, the insignia of the callsign is just enough for him to know.  And the image of the white and navy blue is enough bring a smile to his face.

"Hey buddy..."

Said the friendly and familiar voice of the Hero of Rubicon, Rusty.

"It's been awhile hasn't it?  Got some good news, the doctors say the wounds will heal over.  Buuut I can't say the same for my legs though..."

During the attack on Xylem, Rusty was helping to assist Raven in destroying the many generators keeping the colony ship afloat.  He was with him in the first half of the mission, and even helped to defeat the spare Smart Cleaner that was guarding the back up generators.  

Things were going well for the duo, that is until word of the massive fleet of heavy warships commandeered by Arquebus from the PCA was heading straight for them and the Liberation Front.  Leaving Rusty with no choice but to confront them himself, that left Raven with the task to destroy the rest of the generators, and eventually confronting the newly upgraded Arquebus Balteus, controlled by the narcissistic VII.Snail.

And when the job was done, it was said that Rusty was attacked from behind by the Institute AC Walter piloted.  It was a clean cut, straight across the Alba AC's torso and through the core.  The Coral blade thankfully missed Rusty's vitals, but his legs were ultimately lost.

"Thankfully though I got some tech geeks working on some new prosthetics, but for now, it seems we’re now wheelchair buddies.  Heh!"

Raven, though he couldn’t see his face past the emblem, knew that Rusty was calling him for something important.  For all their playful banter, everyone always talks to him whenever they need something.  Always had, always will.

And it seemed that Rusty knew that as well.  “*Sigh*….Look, I know you’ve done a lot already.  But, we need you buddy.  While Balam and Arquebus are gone, there is still a lot to take care of before Rubicon can settle, and we can really use the Liberator’s help.  So please, call back whenever you like.  I’ll be waiting.”

The voicemail then cuts, leaving them in silence.  Raven slumped back in his pilot seat, usually Walter does the mission choices for him, though from time to time he’ll let him pick himself.  But now, there is no one to tell him what to do.

”Hmm…you know, you did say there is nothing else to do…”

Raven knew where this is going.

”Why not find out?”

He grinned at Ayre’s suggestion.  Besides, who is he to turn down a friend?  It is high time to get back to work.

”Can you find Rusty’s number?”  Raven texted.

”He left it along with the voicemail.”

“Good.”

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

The intercom rings as the system connects between the two contacts.  On the left side of the screen displayed Raven’s emblem, a glitchy mockery of the original Raven.  Soon enough another emblem appeared, and a friendly voice followed.

”Buddy?”  Rusty said unsure yet hoping it was true.

”Hello.”  Raven replied by text.

”Well hey Buddy!  Ha!  About time you called back.”  Rusty answered ecstatically.  “So, how are you holding up?”

”Adequately.”  Raven responded.

”Good, good.”  Despite the rather blunt response, Rusty instinctively knew that it wasn’t too soulless like a machine.  “I’m guessing you received my message?”

”Yes.”

”And…”  Rusty paused.  “Are you feeling up to it?  Getting back in the field?”

There was a pause for a brief moment, putting a bit of tension between the two pilots.

”Yes.”

”Well alright!”  Rusty exclaimed excitedly.  Raven could just see the beaming smile from behind the voice.  “It’s good to have you back buddy!  Ok, let me give you the gist of what’s been going on.”

The screen then displays various sites of many locals and battlefields from across Rubicon.  He can even recognize a few, the contaminated city, Institute City, and even the RaD controlled grid.  “Ever since the battle of Xylem, the leaders in the RLF, including Father Dolmayan, have congregated together to discuss founding Rubicon’s new independent political system.  However, as Flatwell puts it, this discussion was held a bit late.  Without a new system of laws in place, the people have no order amongst themselves, and this could lead to some unforeseen consequences in the future.  Thankfully though, while Rubicon is free, there is still some opposition left from the corps, this could buy the leaders enough time to reform Rubicon while keeping the people unified and occupied in finishing the war.  And that’s where you come in.”

The screen the displays the Arquebus logo along with images of other war torn sites.  “The Arquebus corp has declared a full retreat off Rubicon, however they aren’t willing to leave empty handed.  There is also some trouble from the RaD controlled grids, without Carla, a massive power vacuum has formed within their gang system, triggering lots of infighting violent enough to affect the RLF.  I’ll have a friend of mine send you the mission details.”

The screen then clears leaving only the emblems of Raven and Rusty.  “While I would love nothing more than to get back to flying with ya, without an AC, or my legs, I’m grounded.  However I’ll do you a solid favor and speak a good word about you to the leaders.  They may even let you come visit the Ark.  I still owe you a drink remember?”

”Thank you.  I will get to work immediately.”  Raven replied.

“Glad to hear it.  And once again, it’s good to have you back Buddy.”

The line then cuts, leaving Raven alone with Ayre.  The red haze surrounding his vision returning.

”Raven, I just received the newest request from the RLF, just as Rusty said.  Shall we get to work?”

The pilot reclined in his seat, recalling all the times he received jobs from Walter.  Every assignment, every job goes directly through him.  There was nothing hidden from him.  But now he has no handler, Raven held no responsibility to anyone, or any cause.  But yet, that doesn’t mean that he has no capacity to do nothing for anyone anymore.  It felt good to be an independent mercenary again.

”Yeah, show me the briefing, Ayre.”

”Now what did I say about common curtesy?”

”……May I see the briefing, please?”

Ayre giggled at Raven’s slow response.  ”Let’s get to work, Raven.”

Chapter Text

The computer blares to life as many lines of code streak across the screen, securing a closed channel between two participants.  Raven sat with his back leaned against the cockpit chair as Ayre begins the briefing.

”This job comes from the Rubicon Liberation Front, lets check it out.”

The logo of the RLF then fades into view, the stars displayed beside the outstretched arm of the emblem’s depiction of a sailor sparkled brilliantly.

”Raven the Liberator, we have a mission we’ll like to offer.”  Said the soft spoken voice of the Front’s adjutant.  “Thanks to your efforts, Rubicon has rid itself of Corporate and PCA control and can finally declare itself a free planet-state.  However, we are far from solidifying ourselves securely.”

The screen then displays various images and recordings of Grid 102, a grid deep within RaD territory.  “This mission is towards the RaD sector.  Ever since Cinder Carla’s death, a massive power gap has formed within the Doser hierarchy.  It is because of this, all the rival factions within have engaged in a gang war, and it’s turning bloody.”

The clips then show many RaD built machines ranging from MTs to entire groups of ACs battling against each other.  Raven watched as one RaD AC tear an MT to shreds with its chainsaw melee weapon only to be kicked away and then melted to slag by a flamethrower.

”Now normally we would leave RaD to their own devices, but now their conflict is expanding further outward. Dangerously close to our civilian sectors.  It has become clear that things are getting out of hand, and we want you to deal with it.”

Two logos then flared into view, RaD gang emblems, one is a depiction of a black alligator consuming a whole nuclear warhead with its back scales lit aflame, and the other is a picture of a hyena/snake hybrid with its tail coiling around itself.

”According to our intelligence, the Hyenas and the Gators factions are preparing to engage in a turf war in Grid 104, it contains a rail network that connects with six other Grids in RaD territory, and two of which have civilian cities underneath them.  If we leave them to their battle it could cause incredible damage to the cities below, both short term and long term, given the fact that the winner of this grudge match will essentially be hanging over our people’s heads.”

The screen then shows a whole squad of Rubiconian MTs preparing to make an assault.  “We have sent an MT squad to suppress the gang members that are over our Grid.  Reach them, and eliminate any enemy you see.”

“That concludes the briefing.”  And then all the files on the screen then shut off.  “And, let me just say, it is great to have the Liberator back.  Coral, Abide with Rubicon!”

With the briefing out of the way, Raven can now focus on one of the most crucial part of any mission, the paperwork.  Raven always hated all the paperwork, but in order to finalize any contract he has to read it through and sign with authentication and all the other verifications.  Normally Walter would handle such stuff, all he had to do was just do the shooting.  But with him gone, he now has to all the work.

”No need to, Raven.”  Ayre said reassuringly.  ”I’ve already handled the contract.”

Raven nods approvingly, the engines of the LOADER 4 begins running as it is clamped down by the mounts, keeping the AC still as the Hamat transporter takes flight.

”You just do what you do best.”

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

“>Main system—Activating Combat Mode<“

Said the on board computer system as Raven was then dropped right into the outskirts of the combat zone.

The setting of Grid 102 is typical for its kind, high up in the ramparts of the grid, crisscrossed by dozens of rails and industrial complexes.  The civilian city below looked minuet from this altitude, though since it is dusk, the dozens of speckles of golden city lights gave the scenery below an elegant touch.

Would have been a perfect sight seeing trip were it not the explosions and gunfire taking place nearby.

It was just as true as the RLF said, the Hyenas and the Gators are warring directly above, along with RLF MTs fending them both off.  If this continues it wouldn’t be to far fetched if one of the multi-mile-long rails were to collapse directly on top of the city below.

”Commence mission.”  Ayre said acting as Raven’s operator.  ”The city below has already evacuated into the sewers, but I wouldn’t want to think what will happen if one of those bridges were to come falling down.  Let’s get to work, Raven.”

With engines alight, the LOADER 4 took flight and sped its way through the open air.  The flakes of frost whipping past him in turbulent currents.  Taking mere minutes to reach the rendezvous point, he gazes at the onslaught ahead of him.  He can see that while both junker parties are primarily engaged with each other, it was more of a chaotic mess then an actual battle.  The junker machines fired every missile and bullet that is within their weapons chambers as both Hyenas and Gators were practically mashing into each other in such a way that it was hard to tell which is which.  The only thing distinguishable within this mob of metal are the RaD built AC’s brawling within it.

When it comes to Junkers and Dosers, there is no rhyme or formation within fighting.

This didn’t matter to Raven, he’s here for the RLF forces, which funnily enough because of their tight formations of BAWS MTs at one of the far ends of the rail platforms, stuck out compared to the mass of carnage and twisted metal they are fending off.  However he can tell they they are being overwhelmed trying to control the gang war, hiding behind iron barriers and peeking out to fire any shots and mortars they could.

Raven deduced that start there with the RLF and then work his way up the rail, destroy all the RaD AC’s while thinning the herd of other mechs for the RLF to finish off.

As soon as he’d landed among the Rubiconian MTs the troops immediately took notice of his presence.

”Wait…is that-?”  One trooper said hopeful through the coms.

”Yes.  Yes it is!!”  Another said in sheer glee.  “It’s Raven!  The Liberator’s here!”

Soon enough the coms radio was flooded with the static roar of dozens of RLF shrieks and cheers.  It grew to such a loud level that it ended up hurting Raven’s ears, forcing Ayre to cut coms with the RLF for the time being.

”Seems like you still left an impression on them after the battle on Xylem.”  She said with a hint of pride.  ”Well, let’s not keep them waiting…”

And so firing his thrusters he boosted through the crowd of RLF MTs, the troops making way as if they are standing in the presence of a king.  Then with a smirk, the LOADER 4 leapt up in the air just as he passed the front line defense and fired a shot of his Morley bazooka.  The five shot mortar shells raining down on the unassuming Hyena and Gator machines, obliterating fifteen machines in one go.

The RLF forces cheered at the explosive sight.  “Push on!  Give Raven some cover!”  One soldier yelled as they all peaked around their barriers and opened fire.

The initial attack was just the beginning for Raven, landing amidst the wreckage where his mortar shot hit he too opened fire on the RaD machines, his targeting systems locking onto six mechs ahead of him and firing off a volley of missiles, obliterating the target MTs in seconds.  The RLF troopers finishing off the dazed stragglers.

“Looks like the softies hired some muscle.”  One Hyena said once the rest of the enemy took notice of the rampaging AC.

”Send in the jokers!”  Another shouted.  “Let’s teach these pansies not to mess with the Hyenas!”

”Or the Gators!”  A member of the Gator faction yelled as he then sliced down on the unsuspecting Hyena.

Just then three Toybox mechs appeared, each one bearing the Hyena insignia.  They then unfurled from their shells and at once fired a buckshot volley at any enemy they can reach.

”The Rubiconians don’t have the necessary firepower to take those down.”  Ayre commented.  ”Let’s take care of them and then we’ll deal with the enemy AC’s.”

Raven acknowledges and at once flew straight towards them.  Picking the nearest Toybox mech he can reach, he kicks it forcing it to stagger before then mowing it down with his rifle.  The other two mechs saw this, and each opened fire on Raven, but he out maneuvered their assault with the superior speed of the AC.

Once he got close, he then picked one mech on his left side and went for it, his pulse blade igniting in a blaze of light-green energy before stabbing it in its chest cavity.  And then with one swift movement from his quick boosters, he tore the pulse blade through the mech’s chest, still alight, and then cut down the other Toybox mech at its center, the thin frame cutting half like a snapping twig.

With those machines done with, Raven then turned his attention to the approaching horde of Hyena and Gator MTs, but just has he was about to open fire a trio of mortars obliterated them where they stood.  He turned to look and he saw the RLF troops, smoke dissipating out the open holes of their mortar launchers.

”Raven, we got your six!”  One soldier shouted with triumphant trepidation.

Seeing that he now has MT support, he dashes ahead of them, flying above the gang war below and firing any mortars and missiles that he feels like would help the RLF.

”Raven, I’ve identified three RaD affiliated ACs up ahead.”  Ayre said.  ”They appear to be engaging each other in combat, sending location now…”

Just then a trio of digital pins markers appear in Raven’s sights, all three of them a few hundred meters away.  His thrusters alight, he rocketed over the battlefield in a trail of ignited fury.  The distance between the enemy ACs and himself closing quickly, and just as he reached the hundred meter mark, he spots the trio of ACs in combat.  All three of them built using a mix of RaD and BAWS frame-parts.

But as soon as he reached them one of them was obliterated by a quadruple shot of heavy explosive grenades.  And through the smoldering smoke stands an AC belonging to the Gator faction, its massive set of grenades cannons standing out like a walking artillery platform.  And staring it down on the other side of it is another AC, a Hyena equipped with heavy reverse joints and duel shotguns.

”Ayre.”  Raven said speaking through their contact.  “Can you identify and analyze these pilots and their ACs?”

”I’m on it…”  All it took was a couple seconds for Ayre to fully review them.  “Here’s the data.  The AC with the equipped with the grenade cannons is identified as “Dead Eye” Harry, sits only one rank above dead last due to the heavy firepower of his AC “DEMOMAN”, equipped duel Earshots and Dizzy’s with a San-Tai generator to power it all.  But the BASHO core, legs, and arms and Wreaker head have rendered it the most overburdened and slowest AC in the arena.”

She then continued with the other one.  “The heavy reverse-joint AC is piloted by “Cool Headed” Flanders, who’s AC “FAIR PLAY” is equipped with duel Zimmerman shotguns and duel Songbird cannons have earned him first in F-Rank, though while his AC is capable of reaching higher in the arena rankings, other mercenaries recount him as having a below-average skill with a recalcitrant attitude.”

Raven eyed the two with keen interest, while both of their threat levels are less next to nonexistent he’ll have to be careful with how he approached them.  Given they have strong weapons, one mistake will mean the end of him.  However he noticed he has plenty of time to plan since they seem to have not noticed him yet be more interested in each other.

”You are overburdened with quad heavy grenades?”  “Cool Headed” Flanders said with a bit of snark.  “Are you an idiot?  I have superior speed and agility along with a generator that has immense recharging capabilities!  This build is top of the line in AC combat!  There is no way you will defeat me!”

“Maybe if you’lla stop talkin, we’ll just find out yah?”  Harry said with his words slurred together in a tired tone.  “Now let’s do it!”

They both then readied themselves for a charge, priming their weapons an head on assault.  But it was then that Watson noticed the AC just standing off the side of them.  “Wait, who the hell is that?”

Raven figured it was about time that either of them will finally notice him.

”Aye, another of ya’s Hyene bogers.”  Harry said.

”I don’t know this asshole you idiot.”  Watson replied harshly before analyzing his identity.  “Wait…Raven?  Isn’t that the guy who…?  OH F**K!!”

Looks like Watson is matter than he seems, this definitely raises his threat level.  Raven decided start with him first now that the dreaded realization has hit him.  Charging at full speed, Raven closed the gap in between himself and Watson and gave him a hard kick, knocking FAIR PLAY away a dozen feet to which he followed up with a shot from his Morley shoulder cannon.  Stunning the enemy AC.

”Hey don’t start with me!”  Watson cried.  “I don’t have much experience!  This isn’t fair!!”  He whined as he charged forward and and shot both Zimmermans at once.

However Raven was quicker, and dodged out of the way of the incoming lead spread.  Watson did stop there though, he can’t complete his combo if the Zimmermans can’t do their job and stun their target.  But no matter how many times he reloaded and fired, he could not land the necessary shot.  He felt as if he being insulted.

”Why. Can’t. You. Hold. STILL!!”  Watson yelled as he was practically shooting everywhere.  But no shot, wether shotgun or grenade, could hit their intended target.

By now Raven has had enough of doing nothing but dodging and shooting, he then went for the killing blow.  Lighting up his Pulse Blade to full charge, he barreled forward and struck FAIR PLAY right across its core, stunning it instantly.  And then aiming the barrel of his Morley cannon directly into the core compartment, he fired the five-shot grenade point blank.

The AC exploded and flew backwards in a burning streak of destruction.  “F**k you, f**k you, f**k you, f**k you, F**K YOU!!  KshvishitvhaaaAAAAHHHHHH!!!!”  “Cool Headed” Watson shouted in maddening fury as he screamed curses in incoherent babble until static overcame it and his voice ceased to exist.

”AC FAIR PLAY destroyed…”  Ayre replied before giving a contemplative scoff.  ”Hmm, he certainly was a rather passionate pilot.”

The fight wasn’t over yet though, there was still one other AC to deal with.

”Great show ladde!”  Harry said, simply standing off to the side witnessing the whole fight.  “But there’s still mae to deal with!”

Raven then reloaded his weapons and turned to face his newest opponent,  Both ACs stared each other down, anticipating reaching an all time high.

Harry then shouted.  “It’s on!  It’s on like-…oh wait!  One second.”

Raven paused and lowered his weapons just briefly, wondering and confused by what Harry could possibly be doing in a moment like this.  Is he preparing for some underhanded move?  Stalling to create a new strategy?  Whatever it is, he’ll be ready, if one of those grenades hit him then they’ll cause some sever damage so he must be on his toes.  He must be ready for anything.

But what happened next is something that Raven, in all the experiences he has had since he crash landed on Rubicon, was never prepared for.

While the AC, DEMOMAN, was standing still idly by there was a popping sound heard within Harry’s coms.  It sounded like a cork popping off of the rim of a bottle.  What followed was a heavy slurping sound along with a noise of swirling liquid.  Is Harry drinking something?

”Oh yeah!”  Harry said in a blissful slur.  “That’s some gooooood scrumpy!”  More drinking noises were heard.  “Aaah. Nice.”  Followed by more drinking.  “Blurp!”  Then more drinking.  “Ahhh mlyeahhh…”  And more drinking.

“OoohoOo yEaaH…”  Harry replied in a drunken stupor.  “NoW lEt’S gEt iN oN!”  He then started to fire his heavy cannons at Raven, but he didn’t even dodge.  The aim from DEMOMAN is so woefully inaccurate that he didn’t even bother moving.  “I’Ma GoNna kIlL yA aNd KeEP KilLIn Ya AnD GonNA KiLl BeCAuse yOu be dEaD…”  By now Harry was literally shooting in all directions, his ballistics going off in every random way his arms moved, the bombs exploding everywhere but the intended target.

Raven was literally at a loss of words, he didn’t even need to be mute to emphasize it.  ”Raven…”  Ayre said with a hint of disbelief.  ”I…I think Harry here is thoroughly intoxicated.”

”……This isn’t even a fight anymore.”  Raven thought aloud.  Oh well, he has a mission to fulfill, mind as well get it over with.

Then lighting his thrusters, he immediately rocketed towards the DEMOMAN then with the force of a heavyweight frigate train he kicks the AC away, the impact was strong enough to send Harry over the edge of the Grid’s rail bridge.  Raven then went to the edge and watched as the RaD Gator made his fall, the AC’s arms and legs swinging about as Harry kept mumbling in incoherent drunkenness.

” ‘Dead Eye’ Harry has…withdrawn…”  Ayre said with a bit of confused hesitance.  “Hm…let’s hope he somehow reaches for the ejector seat.”

<<<<<<<<<<~>>>>>>>>>>

The rest of the battle went on without much effort.  It felt like every other mission he’d ever been on.  Go in, shoot up a bunch of MTs, and that’s that.

However he kept his new comrades in mind, he knew that simply shooting random targets, though they are enemies, won’t entirely help them.  He instead went after any stronger MT units that isn't an AC and eliminated them.  Wether they be Heavy Tetrapods MTs or Toy-box mechs, he destroyed them all, leaving the rest of the enemy fodder to be finished off by the Rubiconians.

When the smoke settled, all that is left is just Raven, the RLF, and a battlefield strewn with hundreds of wreaked RaD machines.  It turns out that within the heat of the fight, the Gators and Hyenas all intended to fight to the last man, there was no thought of retreat to enter their mind.

Ayre realizes this too, and while she admires their determination, she ultimately found their willingness to die quite pointless.  ”Raven, is there ever going to be a Doser with any common sense?”  She asked.

”They are eccentric.”  Raven simply thought.

”Still though, maybe if they lay off on the narcotics and Coral, maybe they’ll have clearer heads…”

Now that the threat has been neutralized, they can finally catch a break.  While the Rubiconians could have handled this by themselves, thanks to their help the resulting risks of the collapsing bridge due to RaD’s reckless had been reduced to none.  That and along with the friendly casualties significantly reduced, this mission is a success.

Standing off a short distance away from the recuperating RLF troops, they waited for their HAMAT transport helicopter to make a landing.  There they’ll wait for their client to pay them and they’ll be on their way.

However, as they see their transport flying in from the distance, Raven heard something coming from behind him.  Tensing up, he immediately turned to the supposed threat, but was instead met with a group of Rubiconian MTs.  Usually whenever there is a troop surrounding you, especially for an independent like Raven, it is a sure fire sign that the client Corp. has betrayed you.  He learned that well from Arquebus.

He was just about to square off with them, until an odd looking heavy tetrapod stepped forward and spoke up.  “We are eternally grateful for your support, Liberator.”  He said cordially in his ultra blue heavy MT.  “As captain of this company, we thank you.”

Raven cannot deny he was taken back a little, it wasn’t often that he was genuinely thanked, let alone personally.  He then sent a typed message through to him so he’ll not be rude.

”Thank you.”  He replied.  ”Who are you?  I had never seen a machine decorated like yours.”

“I’ll admit, decorating our MTs is new amongst ourselves, especially compared to the Corps or the PCA.  Which is why there are some of us that are embracing our own individuality.  For we are neither of the corporations or of the PCA, but of Rubicon.  Hence now that we are free, it is time to embrace our freedom.  As for my name, you may call me Romulus.”

”You look cool.”

Romulus was taken back.  “Um…thank you!”

Just then the transport helicopter landed and its back hatch opening up.  “I hope to meet with you again someday.”  Romulus said as Raven then proceeded to enter the HAMAT and hook his AC in.

As the transport helicopter took off, he took one last look at the RLF troops below.  He can hear through their coms their cheers and triumphant roars.  It filled Raven with a newfound sense of accomplishment, as if this was what he was after the whole time.

”Perhaps Romulus was right about one thing…”  Ayre said.  ”Now that we are free, we should embrace it.  Maybe we should follow his example and get this AC a new look, Raven.”

”But it looks fine.”  Raven protested through his thoughts.

”Oh come on Raven!”  She said.  ”Aren’t you getting tired of appearing so…ordinary?”

”This Armored Core is perfect the way it is.  I don’t need to look good to be good.  So until this machine is blown to pieces, I will not change my mind.”

”So you’re telling me there is a chance?”  Ayre replied with a hint of optimistic sass.

Then for just the briefest moment, a corner of his frozen lips began to curl upwards.

”Maybe…”

”……How do you feel about deep red paint?”

”…I’ll like that.”