Chapter 6:
"Spaceians." The term was spoken with outmost hatred. Tensions rose between the two sides.
As the opposing sides glared at one another, weapons now held at the ready, yet none were raised. The term Spaceians came about during the time when mankind had begun colonizing and terraforming the other planet in the solar system. Indicating those that lived on outer world colonists and planets other than the Homeworld.
Originally just a term to categories those living off Earth then soon it then became a slang against those colonies. As sentiments began to boil in the colonies of independence, and superiority complex. Originating from a man who now calls himself Archduke Dalam IV. Soon these radical thoughts overtook numerous colonists, becoming the second superpower in the system. The Grand Duchy of Elysia: the now established break-away faction, from the United States Empire, also commonly known as the Grand Duchy. A militaristic fascist totalitarian theocracy seceded from the Earth's influence. Becoming the archenemy of the United States Empire. Controlling the outer rim planets such as Saturn and the ice giants Uranus and Neptune while also holding some territories on Jupiter.
Due to this many Earth-Born look upon those born outside of the homeworld. With looks of disdain and distrust as its no secret even among the inner colonies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Held the same viewpoints and beliefs as those of Archduke Dalam IV, supplementing the already growing distrust between the two nationalities. Even more so than that of nations in the homeworld, having the effect of unifying the varied cultures on earth against the space born.
Admis the glares and tightening knuckles, one soul step forwards in between the two groups.
"Okay enough of this shit we need to get ourselves inside before any of those fuckers find us!" that soul was Jiahao, stepping forward bringing down the tension. Or at least attempting to. Turning his head to face each group in turn as he continued.
"We don't have time for these silly squabbles. This situation doesn't care if we're Earthians or Spaceians, we're all still on the same side here."
Saying his piece he stepped towards the doorway. Some of the Spaceians moved as if they were intending to impend in Jiahao's path. In response he simply scowled and continued his way. Brushing past them as he snarled at them.
"Do you guys have knots for eyes. We're not the enemy here. Now move before the true enemy finds us here." He then gestured the rest of his party to do the same. Slowly but surely each of them made their way through
With no other choice, they were allowed passage into the hanger beyond the portal. The crowd of boys hurriedly rushed inside. Clamoring into the space without order or direction. Many of whom lingered around the doorway. Jiahao however strolled onward through.
There within the bay was their goal. Held suspended in place were two rows holding a dozen large humanoid figures of harden steel muscles and steely sinew. The kings of the modern battlefield, or the warrior gods of the new age, the Aegises Frame.
Before him stood Numerous Type 56 units stood at attention in their hangers, he also saw equally numbered amounts of Type 90 Frames along with another sight caught Jiahao immediate attention.
"Is that a Type 95 Frame I wasn't aware that the academy had one." Jiahao marveled at the one unique figure that stood out admis the towering steel giants.
The Type 95 Frame stood out like that of a true humanoid giant among its peers. While its lesser like the Type 56 looked more akin to headless skeleton baby carrier, with its integrated standard armament, two 30mm rapid-fire cannons one attached to each of its "arms," However, these can be swapped out for heavy more powerful weapons and were usually supplemented by several secondary weapon systems fitted to its body and shoulders.
The Type 90s has an enclosed cockpit with military grade ballistic glass yet still headless. It was more versatile than its philosophy. Unlike its older, more exotic military suit designs, in which weapons systems were integrated into the limbs, the Type 90 suit is a multi-purpose machine, able to mimic all the abilities of an infantry soldier. Thus, allowing a wider range of functions, including the ability to operate a variety of weapons systems.
The Type 95 resembled more of a proper humanoid form, follows the same principal philosophy that the Type 90s had. Striving to Improve upon the flaws before. The ballistic glass design was done away. Replace with a fully encased cockpit design with no visible ports to the outside. This also was revolutionary design concept that most if not all future Aegises Frame followed this concept.
"They didn't, that was a custom special order it just came in about two weeks ago we just finished assembling the damn thing." One of the Spaceians boys spoke up walking up behind Jiahao. Turning his head slightly to the side. Jiahao recognized the boy to be the lead figure of the Spaceians faction.
"That's an interesting sword model you got there. I don't recognize it though. Never seen one of that design before." The boy said eyeing the secondary blade that hung from Jiahao's hip.
"I would be surprised if you did, I took it off some dead pretty boy that attacked us in the showers." Jiahao said in response now turning to face him. Tapping at the handle of the long rapier blade that hung loosely in its sheath.
This drew a look of surprise and disbelief on the opposing cadet's face. Not just him, the other Spaceians close by heard it, their faces contorted in an assortment of expressions.
"They made it that far in? How?"
Jiahao didn't have an answer. So, he simply shrugged before responding.
"I don't know, all I know we were just showering, then the tremor happened then suddenly there were these half naked ass dude in the showers with us. They had swords and shields, even some kind of energy shielding tech."
This drew a raised eyebrow on the young lad's face. As shock faded from his face and was replaced with looked like concern on his features.
"Is that so."
Yet before another comment could be made. A frantic banging came from the door. Drawing everyone's attention to the door. Rearming themselves, weapons at the ready. Crowbars and combat blades gripped tightly, while firearms pointed at the door. Finger hovering just slightly over the trigger.
"Hal! Hal its Albert hurry up and open the door!"
Through the door an urgent voice boomed through. The lead figure for the Spaceians faction quickly rushed towards the door. Pulling the door aside revealing more figures all wearing the uniform of the academy.
Like Jiahao's group before them. This group was no better in appearance and shape. Many if not all of them were bloodied and battered. It was hard to tell if the blood was theirs or not. Aside from the obvious wounds that most of them bear. Still leaking red crimson, the other patch stains upon their clothing. Having a notable darker coloration, the blood of the invaders.
The group was quickly tended to by their Spaceians brethren. Jiahao's group stayed back merely observing. None made a move to assist. Their questioning eyes keenly fixated upon the newcomers.
"Where is Marcus." Hal asked the lead boy of the new group. To this the boy's features harden, shaking his head side to side as he unveiled two articles from his uniform's breast pocket. One being a set of dog tags still slick with crimson blood, the other being a small device of sorts. The other Jiahao recognized as the activation key for one of the Aegises Frame.
Seeing those items the face of Hal shifted instantly. His eyes widened before it turned into a scowl, and he let out a huff or grunt through his nostrils.
"Did he die well?"
Was all Hal asked next. His eyes locked with the lad in front of him. The boy held his gaze but shook his head.
"He didn't even get a chance to defend himself."
As the duo soon fell into a deep silence. Other Spaceians close by them joined in their mini funeral session. Their heads bowed, no one said a word.
"This cannot go on." Jiahao's voice cut through the air. Breaking the tension in the air.
"We need to get out there." Jiahao spoke his voice full of fury and conviction as he continued. "Give us the activations keys." Seconds, those words left his lips. Shock and disbelief replaced the faces of mourning.
There soon were outburst and shouts. Instantly filling the air hostility and murderous intent.
"How dare you march in here and make demands of us! Who do you think you are?!"
Such were the words that were said. Towards Jiahao, along with the multitude of glares and cracking knuckles. Some even raised tools like makeshift weapons. Eager with the intent to strike.
This caused those among Jiahao's group to react. Many gripping tightly on their own articles of war. Though raised at the ready, not one had raised their firearms at their Spaceians counterparts, yet. The tension once again became heavy once. No one moved each side eyeing the other. Till finally one did break the tension. Someone from the Spaceians side.
"Alright." Hal finally relented. "There no point in hoarding them now, not when there's a war to be had." He turned to his Spaceians brethren as he barked out.
"Well, what are you sorry lots waiting for start them up already!"
At that command the others rushed around the hanger bay, each knew tier task. The bay became lively with voice and noise of machinery. Filling the air replacing the original stale, atmosphere of despair. With purpose and fury in their hearts. Hal and Jiahao stood where they remained looking about the now active room. Before Jiahao walked closer to Hal. Reaching for the Activation key in his hand which Hal had extended out to him.
Hal then retracted the activation key just as Jiahao's fingertip brushed against it. This drew an annoyed look from Jiahao as he locked eyes with Hal. 'What is his game now?' was the immediate thought that came to mind. Jiahao found himself bracing for the nonsense to come.
"Not before you promise me one thing." Hal said firmly holding up the activation key. To which Jiahao said nothing but gestured with his chin for Hal to continue.
"Hurt them." The words came out strong as though Hal was forcing those words out of his throat.
"Make sure you hurt them good."
"Was that not the plan?" Jiahao asked sarcastically. His eyes never left Hal. As if to prove his conviction to the lad.
"Hmpth cute." Hal then tossed the key into Jiahao's open palm.
Taking the key from Hal, Jiahao turned and strode towards the Type 95 Frame, Soon the bay was alive with movement, rapid footfalls and booming commands, vibrating through the air. Reaching the hanger of his destination he hopped onto the nearby platform and signaled the operator to activate it. Soon it came to life, as its gears screamed in protest like a beast forced out of its slumber. Riding on the elevation platform. Each second on that platform bringing him to the cockpit. Caused a swelling sensation in his chest. Not one of fear and anxiety no. It was a burning magma that coursed slowly through his body. First from the furnace of his heart and flowed into river stream of his veins. The heat boiled through every corner of his being.
Before long he was brought up to the cockpit. Its hatch open exposing its innards bare to the outdoor elements. Unlike the type 90 which exposed the pilot even if covered and protected with thick ballistic glass windshields. The Type 95 had no such limitations of such a flawed design. There were no ballistic glass shielding anywhere in the cockpit. Situating himself into the leaning seat below, placing him more in a standing position within the tight narrow cockpit.
He then began the process of powering up the machine god of war. The system upon registering the command awakened. The cockpit interior upon detecting an occupant began to shift. Like a ribcage it enclosed around Jiahao. Mechanism within shifted and adjusted around him, like a suit rib cage forming to protect the inner organs. His hands grasped at the control handles testing it, once the hatch had sealed him within, he was now locked within. The cockpit having no monitors or windshields leaving him in complete darkness. A near invisible laser beamed into his eyes, wherever his eyes turned it followed.
Soon as though he had just awakened from a dream. Or that of a blind man becoming able to see, the darkness was banished from his sights. His vision was not replaced with the hanger bay of the outside world. Turning left or right the sight didn't change, the laser projector having moved along with his head keeping the laser on his eyes. Usually, external images and data are transmitted to the pilot's helmet goggle, or if the pilot doffed the helmet. The sensorily data are beamed projected directly onto the pilot's retina. Everything the pilot sees and hears is strictly through external camera and sensory feeds directly into the pilot's nerves.
Additionally, various commands can be input via slight movements of the eyeballs and head
a high-speed data processing system that integrates data from sensors all over the machine's body into a panoramic holographic display, allowing for faster and more precise mobile suit control. This system kicked in the moment the machine was turned on. A jolt shot through Jiahao's nerval system, as a new feeling surged through him. Then came a new sensation, sensing the air through his new metallic skin.
"It's time we bring big guns out." Jiahao said our loud, though to no one in particular. Feeling the connection of his mortal self to his new mechanical shell, as the machine powered up its last sequence. A vigor sensation grew within him along with the Engines roaring, artificial muscles tightening and flexing, to his commands. Its lumen flaring bright, reflecting the inner mind that controls it, a burning fire that sought destruction.
Outside of the hanger bay. Section C School walkway.
A battle was sweeping through the corridor. Or rather a massacre was happening with one side dominating the other. The ground was litter in bodies and life fluids. The scene was dire for the residents of the academy. The horde of nudists rushed the dwindling lines of the defensive line of armed students. Laughing and roaring with elation. As they clashed against the thinning defensive line. Shield crashing together, blades and spears bashing against electric batons.
"$%&~,$&*$@^~! (Charge~! Run them down~! Kill them all!)"
&**%$*(#**##&& (Kill them all~! Leave none of these weaklings alive~!) the raging nudist shouted in their native tongue. Of course none of the retreating and dying students knew what was being said.
"Fall back! fall back~!" The lead armored figure of the defense force shouted his voice carried through the air through his helmet's external speakers. Raising his shield up to parry the incoming blow. From the other side of his shield. Clanged loud and heavy against it. Pushing him back just slightly.
Through the projection from the underbelly of the shield. Projecting what's in front back toward the handler. He could see the blood frenzy, crazed expression upon the nudist opponents' face.
'He's enjoying this.'
The realization caused a fire to stir in the defense student's heart.
The loud thudding vibrating through the ground and in the air. Causing a slight mimicry of an earthquake in the area. The tremor caused both sides to halt temperaitly. Ceasing all actions as head swilved around. Looking for the source of the interference. They would soon get their answer.
"Get clear brothers!" Then like mythical titans remerging into modern history. Guided by pillars of fire, came several familiar figures of the school's Aegises Frame burst forth, form behind the nearest building complex. Their thrusters burning at full thrust, to elevate them to such heights. Like meteors they dropped down in front of the pursing crowd. To stand before those that were hunting their kin. Their weapons spewing fire and heated metal before their feet even reached the ground below them. Crashing down onto the ground, the land molded into spiraling spider webs decorating the grounds below them.
All students of the defense force immediately ducked to the ground at the same time, when the roar came. Barely ducking their heads in time, feeling massive round cut through the air just mere inches from them. The rounds scattered gore and blood around the pathway. The intruders body exploded from the collision from the massive rounds. Their meaty forms couldn't hope to contest the flying metal.
"All defense forces stand firm; all noncombatants get clear help back the wounded to dormitory E2C, everyone else whose still able to fight go grab a weapon~!"
The voice command blared through the air, coming from the Giant's external speakers. Paying no further heed to those fleeing bodies of the survivors. Focusing all his attention on the interlopers. Jiahao's eyes darted around. His eyes fed the live imagery of the surrounding from his suit's external camera and sensors.
Picking out his targets even before the system even registered them upon the holo feed. Releasing a spray of bullets into the opposing side. That was chasing his fellow kinsmen. With the sudden arrival of the Aegises Frame the tides changed instantly. Allowing those behind them to regroup and reorganize themselves. Admis the melee.
[Reload~!] A pilot in a Type 56 called out. Practically screaming it through the comms net. Blaring through the connected channels everyone was linked in.
["Acknowledge! On the way!"] A voice blared through comms in response.
[Covering~!] came an answering call from the nearest Type 56 Frame. Stepping forward in front of the one retreating as he moved backward to the rear of the line. Once far enough from the front lines he came to a halt. Docking his arms back into it holster racks. His suit then squatted down, getting into position. From behind a team of students came forth from behind the line. Two of which were pushing a chart device. Once behind the suit, situated themselves directly below the holster racks containing the twin 30mm rapid-fire cannons.
This vital but risky action undertaken by them was a necessity due to the Type 56's design. When ammo runs out the pilot needs to pack their cannons back into their suit's metallic version of a holster, allowing the belt fed to reattach automatically once the ammunition becomes available. This leaves them in a vulnerable position, as well as the resupply team. Thus, to mitigate this threat they moved away from the front lines to the rear lines.
The two that operated the carts then began their work. On the carts themselves there is a built-in crane that hefted the ammo boxes to the magazine hold on the Type 56's back. Then the cranes pushed the ammo boxes into the slots. Once locked in, before the rounds and machines even began to cycle through, they shouted out the words the pilot waited for.
"Reloaded~!"
With trained motion, along with a battle cry. Within the cockpit the pilot, without thinking moved his arms, whirling around back front. The larger steely limbs moved in perfect unison with his flesh ones. Less than a second redirected back towards the foe. His fingers squeezed the trigger. Fresh ammunition began cycling through the flexible belt feed. Not too long after the cannon spat fire and metal slugs the size of a half a man once again.
[Reload~!] Now it was Jiahao's turn his 75mm cannon had also run dry. Not long after crying out, he procced to the back of the line. Not too long after which a team came rushing towards him. As they set to work replace the magazine box on the Type 95's back.
The seconds passed by like years. As Jiahao's eyes scanning the scene before him. Keeping track of the ever-changing situation of the battlefield.
"Come on, come on~." Jiahao muttered under his breath to himself. His eyes darting between what's in front of him. Then to holo display of the progress of the reloading team.
[Reload~!] Another voice boomed through the comms. As another suit left the front line stepping back to the rear.
"Reloaded~!" Not long after hearing that Jiahao stood back up, heading back to the front. The round feeding through the mag links to the 75mm cannon.
[We fight to the gate, if we can retake and hold the main gate, we can cut off any reinforcements from getting in. That should allow the others to finish off the stragglers still within the academy grounds.]
Jiahao said through the net comms. His finger never letting off the trigger of his control handle for more than a second. He sighted down a target aimed and fired. Mist and derbies replace the spot. Paying no mind to it. He moved on to the next.
[Let's go!] The roaring cannon fire and the heavy stomping mechanical feet resumed. Along with the resounding roar of their comrades echoed in the air as the war party marched towards the next battle ground.
Onwards they fought their way through the walkways of the school grounds. Smiting any foe with fire and steel that dared to cross their path. Those at a distance they turned into mist, those that got too close, their massive 30mm cannons. Made good makeshift hammers to batter them in paste. Those they couldn't deal with, their kindred handled them. Covering them where their size didn't matter.
Through their trek more surviving brothers of the school joined their cause. Resulting in their numbers swelling twice over what they had initially. Sweeping through the few remanent stragglers that impended them. Turning the final bend, the war party soon found themselves in a massive walkway
[I see the main gate it still holds~!] Someone blared out admis the cacophony. To the distance the massive surrounding walls that surround the academy. What before was but a decorative border divide between the sections of the Module or rather specifically. Separating Battle School of New Phoenix, from the rest of the Module. Now serving as a lifeline defense structure. Shielding them form the new foreign outside world. The gates were open; swarms of figures mingled in between the opened portal.
[Brothers charge~! Secure the main gate!] Jiahao shouted through the coms net and through the external speakers projecting his voice to the outside world.
Without waiting for a reply, he moved his foot sending the signal to his suit's mechanical foot to stomp forward, slowly building up speed towards the goal.
[Defense team get clear~!] Jiahao shouted with all his might; the air left his lung from the act yet still he persistent. He cried out again as he stomped forward. The ground trembled as the wall of steel giants approached many of the figures, those that wore the distinct uniform of the defense. Shifted to the side barely avoiding the towering figure of the Jiahao's Type 95 barreling into the crowd of bodies before him. Shoulder checking into them, before swinging his metal arms in a wide arc.
Like a batter in a game, he swung and knocked several broken bodies into the air. Many of which cartoonishly cartwheeling in the air. Flying away like a home run in a shower of broken limps, life fluids spewing. Again and again, he continued to swing about each time, serval bodies flew into the air. Those that avoid these strikes, ducked and weaved. Barely just barely surviving just a moment longer. Those that Jihao failed to kill was meet with the swings 30mm cannon hands of the Type 56. Their carcass added to the fold like their comrades.
[Kill them all~!]
[Yeah, stomp them dead~!]
[Kill~!]
Were the resounding cries of his battle brother beside me answering Jihao's call.
Through it all, as Jihao waded through them a lone figure had slipped between his arms coming up to his legs. Without breaking stride with a slight nudge from his metal limb. The figure crashed against it falling backwards from the collision. Jihao then brought down his external mechanical foot down upon the hateful nudist below him. The motion was too fast, too close for there to be any retaliation. The foot slammed down upon the foe with upmost contempt. Gore and bodily fluid seeping out from the gap. The sight of which filled Jiahao's beating heart with utmost satisficing joy. He didn't linger on the kill for long there were others for him to hunt.
Though not before grinding his metallic foot a little more. Before stepping off, his autocannon roared through the metal frame of his. It was deafening, but Jiahao welcomed the sensation. Each shot he released claimed a life. First the figure of the foe was there, next they were but mist in the air. He hunted them, he ripped into the fleeing swarming of slithering rats. He was not alone, for others joined in on the purge. The forms of the Type 56s with their 30 mm cannons ripping further into the fleeting crowd before them.
Their battered kin cheered. Those that could still stand roused together those that were injured were pulled back by those that could still walk. While the others joined in on the killing. Their blades and fire adding to the killing tally. Only for those that evaded their larger kin. Supporting their brothers in dealing with the adversary that could be seen.
Admis the slaughter and the carnage that he was dishing out gleefully. Though not distracted enough to lose sight of his surroundings. Sensors were chiming, alarms were blaring. Something was coming and this was factional. He turned his head around the camera feeding the surrounding info to his optical nerves. Looking towards the sources of the disturbances. Yet hindered and blinded by the thick plumes of smoke and soot
Then the step echoes came about from the sensors. Before he had even felt the vibrations, He knew what these were before the system even registered what they were. The figure that appeared in his digital HUD was an unmistakable an Armored Titan; its form resembled a massive, armored plate humanoid knight twice the height of the Type 95. Wielding an equally massive sized weaponry, that being a sword from tip to hilt, the length of a school ferry. The ones that transport the students from one section of the academy to the next due to the school grounds size. Finished with a tower shield the same height as the armored giant. Concealing much of its armored form from Jiahao's view.
"Holy terra...they have their own mechs."