Chapter One: Jehuty and L.U.N.A.
Spike stood frozen in terror as he relived the horrendous scene in his mind over and over. As the pool of blood flowing from under the LEV grew, so did his fear of death.
“H-h-hey…” he finally managed to say. “This is all just a bad joke, right? You three aren’t…”
No response. The juvenile dragon simply stood there as the severity of what he just witnessed started to sink in. He was too wrapped up in his own dismal thoughts that he didn’t notice the approaching automaton, the very same one that brought the LEV down on his peers. The machine’s eye stalk focused intently on the dragon, targeting him and readying its shot…
Just then, the frame was crushed under the weight of another mech. The resulting vibration was enough to snap Spike out of his trance, being knocked onto the ground as well. As he stood and steadied himself, he looked at what was his savior.
The machine resembled a black mare with cerulean lines accenting most of its figure. The Celestium-powered propulsion system resembled green-tinted, insect-like wings. These wings gave it the appearance of similar to that of an alicorn, one of the creatures of legend said to have ruled ponykind in the olden days, albeit more sinister than the tales described.
The pilot of the mech looked on at the scrapped automaton at the feet of her machine, sighing angrily. “Fucking Raptors. Their awareness program needs a serious tune-up.” She surveyed the surrounding area, noticing several mangled Raptors and the LEV that failed earlier. “I have to admit, even with aging tech like LEVs, they won’t go down without a fight.”
“Life signs detected in the vicinity”, said the insect-like AI of the pilot’s frame. “Thirty meters west.”
“Bring it up on video.” The pilot’s cockpit screen showed a young dragon, still a child judging from its height, terrified. The mech turned to face him, the accents on it starting to glow, seemingly responding to his presence.
Spike took a step back as the frame looked in his general direction. The piercing green eyes of the mech stared at him, eager to hunt just for sport. He tried to run, but his legs wouldn’t respond. The mech’s eyes started to glow as if readying itself for the assault, which caused Spike to lose it, bolting away and trying to put distance between him and the frame.
“Runner, please confirm next course of action.” Chrysalis paused for a few moments. The dragon child was already making his escape, but she dismissed the issue.
“Forget about it. I’m not about to waste ammo on one civilian.” She closed the visual feed and turned her mech away from Spike. “H.I.V.E., search for any Celestium reactions from all non-BAHRAM frames. Prioritize Target Bravo once it has been located, and keep a close eye on enemy movements.”
“Understood.”
Spike continued to run in terror, not stopping even to catch his breath. In his panic, he narrowly avoided becoming just another casualty of conflict several times: a crashing mech here, an exploding building there, a skirmish just around the next corner.
“What are these things?” he asked himself as he ran for his life. “Why are they attacking us? Why can’t the LEVs fight them effectively?
As he’s lost in his own thoughts, a conflict between an auto mech and a LEV resulted in an explosive end for the manned machine. The explosion startled Spike and caused him to search a nearby building for an entrance, if only to avoid meeting the same fate.
“There! An entrance!” Spike ducked into the warehouse not a few seconds before a second explosion sent him flying into the building, causing him to land at the top of a flight of stairs. Dazed, he stood and grabbed the handrail and guided himself down the steps. He staggered onto the walkway and made his way forward.
He bumped into something cold and metallic once he reached the end. Still in a confused state, he assumed it was a door on the other side of the warehouse. Placing his claws on it, he searched the surface for a handle.
Once he regained his senses, however, he knew it wasn’t a door.
The metal on his hands clearly wasn’t standard for a door. In fact, it wasn’t one at all. Craning his neck upward, his eyes gazed upon a remarkable machine.
“Wow…” he responded. The machine looked similar to the ones leading the assault on his home, yet it was strangely different as well. The head was more akin to canines rather than horses, while the rest of the body resembled a bipedal creature. A folded blade was attached to the right arm of the mech, possibly able to extend itself for close combat. Its blueish hue served to calm Spike down despite the sounds of battle still raging outside the warehouse walls.
“I still need to find someplace to hide.” He pressed himself against the cockpit of the mech. “As much as I’d like to stay and admire--” Almost as if on cue, the cockpit’s shield dematerialized, causing the young dragon to fall headfirst into it. Once he righted himself, the shield had closed again, trapping him inside.
The onboard computer came to life, lighting up and displaying various parameters on several screens. Not wanting to be found out, Spike started pushing random buttons on the console to try and open the shield again. “Come on, come on! One of these has got to open this thing.”
The console began running its startup program, doing checks and scanning for any nearby threats before giving a positive readout on the screen. The name “L.U.N.A.” appeared on the screen, the name of the A.I. inhabiting the frame.
“Good morning”, said a computerized female voice. “Ready for combat operation.”
Outside of the building, a lone unmanned mech picked up a strong Celestium reaction coming from indoors. As per its programming, the mech started blasting and slashing its way through the roof. After a few seconds of persistent damage, the mech breaks through and stops just a few meters from the floor. The mech’s eye stalk scans the inside of the warehouse before locking onto an energy source coming from a rather large machine. The mech readies a pair of energy sabers and adopts a fighting stance.
“I detect a serious threat in the vicinity of this frame. Runner, please prepare for combat.”
“Combat!? I just want to--” Before the dragon could finish his plea, the crane holding the frame started to release its grip on the machine. The rest of the mech started to power up, managing to stay afloat once it dropped to the unmanned mech’s level. “Forget it, I’ll just have to fight.” Spike grabbed the controls. The onboard A.I. senses his will to fight and begins running combat protocols. “Let’s do this!”
Spike slams the controls forward toward the autonomous mech, the frame responding to his input. The combat A.I. follows up on his plan by blasting a barrage of energy blasts from the wrist-mounted blade. Once it closes the distance, the blade extends automatically and crosses with the auton’s sabers.
“Passive scan complete. Unmanned orbital frame, ‘Raptor’. Judging from the runner’s skill level, it is advised to take caution.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Spike pulls away from the Raptor just before it blasts him in return with its own energy cannon. He circles it, watching its next move. Before he can get a good study on his opponent, it lunges toward him swinging both sabers. Spike manages to avoid being struck by them and blocks the last strike. Seeing an opportunity to counter, the dragon staggers the mech and lands a blow of his own. The Raptor, too damaged to respond in time, succumbs to repeated slashes from the dragon’s mech.
Spike sat bewildered after his first encounter with the enemy. He shakily removed hands from the controls, letting the frame float in midair. After a few minutes of silence, he voiced his bemusement.
“Did...did I win?”
“Affirmative”, responded the A.I. “I have confirmed that the target has ceased all functions.”
“Who are you?”
“I am L.U.N.A., an advanced combat artificial intelligence inhabiting the orbital frame Jehuty.” The console beeped and lit up red once the A.I. introduced itself. “I detect that you are not the frame runner scheduled to pilot this orbital frame.”
“I’m not! I just ran in here to escape the fighting going on outside!” Several explosions interrupted Spike from explaining his situation further. The frame’s console displayed a warning message, followed by L.U.N.A.’s input.
“I have detected the presence of enemy frames outside of this facility. Unable to determine the exact number from this position. Please move outside to confirm the enemy’s numbers.”
Spike was lost in his own thoughts yet again. “Those explosions sounded pretty close. If I leave the frame now…” He grabbed the controls and attempted to move Jehuty just as before. However, his movement was very staggered, as if the controls suddenly became harder to manipulate. “Come on, move! Why won’t it listen?”
“Due to the inexperience of the frame runner, I have assisted the runner against the target.”
“You mean I wasn’t the one who pulled all of those sweet moves and bested that thing?”
“Affirmative. I am programmed to instruct a first-time runner on basic controls. Do you request control instructions?”
“Yes, please.”
L.U.N.A. brought up several informational screens, detailing a range of controls. “We shall begin with simple movement.”
“Strong Celestium reaction detected. Source is unknown.”
Chrysalis tossed aside a LEV she had disabled. Opening up a map of the surrounding area, she managed to find the location of the reaction. “H.I.V.E., what is this building?”
“It appears to be a large storage facility meant for large-scale cargo. The Celestium reaction has been traced to this location by a Raptor. The Raptor’s communication feed has ceased. Please investigate the source of the reaction.”
The runner lifted off and looked in the direction of the warehouse. “I want you to send a few units ahead of us, have them test the waters for us if you will.”
“Affirmative. Deploying two Raptor and two Mummyhead units to marked destination.”
As the units approached the warehouse, Spike emerged from the gap in the roof inside Jehuty. The frame immediately alerted the young dragon of approaching danger.
“Enemies detected fifty meters west, two waves of two.” The first two mechs to appear were the Raptors, already preparing themselves for a fight. “After practicing the basic functions of this frame, the runner has a seventy percent chance of surviving this conflict.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence”, Spike replied sarcastically.
Both Raptors rushed Jehuty and flew off toward separate points to throw off Spike’s sense of direction. Spike, on the other hand, gave chase to one of them while shooting at it from a distance. The energy blasts kept missing the target much to his frustration, while the second Raptor was hot on his trail.
“I’m never going to hit it at this rate. Time to give this a try.” Spike used the frame’s Dash function, activating Jehuty’s thrusters and quickly gaining on the Raptor ahead of him. “It’s still not enough. Here goes nothing!” Calculating Spike’s next move, L.U.N.A. locked onto the Raptor just as he pressed the fire button on the frame’s control console. A cluster of lasers homed in on the unmanned frame and struck it, damaging it enough to cause it to crash.
Quickly changing his course, Spike flew directly upward then stopped. The other Raptor was still behind him, adamant on capturing his frame.
“Alright, time to try this out.” He manipulated the controls just as L.U.N.A. had instructed him before, gathering Jehuty’s energy. As soon as the frame came within arms’ reach, Spike activated the blade and slashed the mech, causing his own to spin in place from the enhanced attack. The Raptor was sliced cleanly in half at the waist and was out of commission.
“Enemies approaching. Passive scan completed. Support orbital frame, ‘Mummyhead’. This unit is fitted with medium-range Halberd lasers, long-range Phalanx cannons, full frontal armor, and can repair damaged allied units, but lacks any close quarter combat capabilities. Approach with caution and dispatch with either long range blasts or close range melee.”
Just as L.U.N.A. concluded her explanation, the Mummyhead units fired on the dragon, landing a few clean hits. Jehuty’s cockpit rumbled as the enemy’s attacks landed, but Spike managed to stay in control. “I don’t think I can hurt those things enough as long as that armor’s in place. L.U.N.A., what should I do?”
“It is advised to strike a Mummyhead from behind, as the armor only protects the front of the unmanned frames. Use the Dash function to quickly maneuver and position Jehuty for a hind attack.”
“Got it!” Spike dashed toward the frames in a zig-zag pattern to avoid their Phalanx cannons. Apart from a few chance hits, he managed to get through their barrage relatively unscathed. Grabbing one of the units, he began swinging it around, gathering enough speed to turn it into a projectile.
His aim was a bit off, causing the Mummyhead to go flying off a short distance away from the other one. The remaining mech blasted Spike with its Halberd laser, sending Jehuty reeling backwards and crashing against a nearby apartment complex.
“Frame damage is exceeding fifty percent. Damage to colony residential area is increasing due to battle.”
“I’ve got this! Just let me know if and when other units are closing in.” Spike dashed straight toward the mech just as it was charging another laser shot. Instead of taking the blast head-on, the young dragon raised Jehuty’s energy shield and let it absorb most of the shock from the blast. Just as it was about to fail, the Mummyhead made itself vulnerable as it needed to recharge from two consecutive laserings in a row.
Spike grabbed the unit, but instead of tossing it like the previous one, he tore off the armor protecting it. L.U.N.A. chimed in with another notification.
“Mummyhead armor and cannons have been removed. Enemy reclassified: Raptor.”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Spike extended the wrist blade once again and plunged it into the Raptor’s eye stalk, effectively disabling it before letting it fall onto the warehouse like scrap. However, before his adrenaline rush could subside, L.U.N.A. interrupted once again.
“I have detected a type C orbital frame in front of our position. The unit is being piloted by a runner, so caution is advised before engaging.”
Chrysalis kept her eyes focused on the orbital frame in front of her. She smiled menacingly, knowing that she found exactly what she had been tasked to find. “Jehuty, Target Bravo. Hey, you! The one operating that frame! I’m going to need you to surrender it peacefully. Otherwise…” Her frame started glowing, the wings on its back buzzing in anticipation for a fight. “I’ll have to take it by force.”
Several diagnostics screens appeared in front of Spike. “Scanning enemy unit…” After a few seconds passed, the screens showed a diagram of the frame along with projected stats. “Designation: Doppleganger. Frame runner unknown.”
“What should I do?”
“It is advised to retreat for the time being. The enemy runner is experienced and would most likely win should you engage in combat.”
Spike sat there staring at Doppleganger. In those few moments, images of Diamond Tiara’s demise flashed through his mind along with the frame, as well as his fear when confronting it before. He gripped the controls tight and steeled his resolve.
“AHHH!!” The young dragon lunged straight at the enemy unit, hacking and slashing to no avail. Doppleganger managed to block his attacks one after the other, not a single strike finding its mark.
“Wait a minute, that voice.” With Jehuty coming straight at her, she had an opportunity to view the frame’s cockpit. In it, she saw a familiar face. “What? The runner is that child!”
Spike had no other thought in his mind other than one of revenge. Despite being a victim of their bullying for years, he now had the means to avenge them. Yelling at the top of his lungs, he continued to slash at the enemy, becoming more erratic with every passing second.
Several hits finally managed to hit their mark, causing Chrysalis to pull back and think cautiously. “Damn, I’m being far too careless. Child or not, he’s dangerous in this state.” Just as she was about to retaliate, her A.I. picked up a message from Chrysalis’s commanding officer.
“Urgent message from Colonel Sombra. Shall I patch it through?”
“Just connect me already, you stupid machine!”
The colonel’s face appeared on her screen. Something was different this time, however. He wasn’t paging her from his usual frame. “Chrysalis, evacuate now.”
“You must be joking. The runner is just a child. I can take him even without my weapons!”
“I won’t repeat myself, Chrysalis. Pull back now!”
She stopped in midair a fair distance away from Jehuty. The runner seems to have stopped moving as well. After some deliberation, she decided to follow the order and flew off. “Don’t think you’ve won, kid! I’ll be back for you, and that frame.”
It has been a while since Doppleganger left Spike alone inside Jehuty. The dragon was curled up in a fetal position in his seat, not moving a single muscle. L.U.N.A. has remained silent as well.
“The target has escaped beyond the range of my scanners. I can detect no other vital signs in the vicinity.”
“I don’t need you to tell me everyone is dead, alright?” Spike sat upright again, leaning back against his seat. “I already saw most of it for myself.” Tears started welling up in his eyes. In anger, he slammed his fists against L.U.N.A.’s console, prompting it to give off a few warning lights. He curled himself up again, shaking in fear and frustration as he began sobbing.
“Runner’s mental level has fallen to minus eight. Combat operation will suffer substantially unless medication is taken to stabilize your condition.” Spike said nothing and continued crying, choosing to ignore the cold and calculating A.I. “I repeat, runner’s mental condition is declining rapidly.”
Several minutes passed before L.U.N.A. spoke again. “There is a transmission being broadcast on a commercial frequency. Bringing it up on audio now.” Static was heard as she began playing the message. Once it has passed, the sound of a female voice came through the console’s speakers.
“This is civilian transport ship Neptunus. To the runner piloting Jehuty, please respond if you can hear me.”
“I am the combat A.I. L.U.N.A. The pilot refuses to speak for the moment, but I can assure you I will record this conversation for future reference should the runner need to be reminded.”
“Very well”, responded the broadcaster. “I am Captain Mi Amore Cadenza.” Spike still refused to speak. “Listen, I know how you must feel. You’ve lost quite a lot in such a short amount of time, but I ask that you help us on a very important task. I saw everything that happened since you emerged from that warehouse, and I know you’ve caused a bit of destruction in your self-defense.”
“But...I didn’t have much of a choice,” Spike answered after a long silence. “It was either them or me, and I couldn’t let it be me. I was scared for my life, and I just want to go home.”
“You’re not in trouble, young dragon. I realize that what you’ve done wasn’t done of your own free will.” There was a short silence only interrupted by Spike’s sobbing. “I see that you are capable of running that frame you’re sitting in right now. The pilot designated to deliver it to us perished during the first few minutes of the attack, so I’m afraid to ask that you are now responsible for the safe delivery of Jehuty.”
“What?”
“As I’ve said, this is a civilian transport ship. The UNSF has tasked us to collect and deliver that orbital frame to Mars in order to help with the BAHRAM forces currently occupying the planet. I would be glad to send someone else, but we have no other option. Please, you must bring that frame here before the enemy gets their hands on it.”
“...No.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I said no! If those people are here because of this frame, then let them have it! The people living on this colony have lost enough for one day! I’m not going to be responsible for more loss!”
“Young dragon, I’m afraid that’s not an option. If BAHRAM manages to capture that frame, they will not leave this colony alive. Your best bet to save your friends and family is to bring that frame to us and get it out of here. If not, it may be the end of your colony. Perhaps even the end of civilization as we know it.”
Spike wiped the tears from his eyes, the information finally sinking into his mind. There was a chance to save his colony, but it’s not a sure thing. Yet from what he’s told, the enemy forces will decimate Antilia if they capture it while it’s still on the station.
“You won’t go without compensation, of course. We will make sure you are paid for this task, enough to live anywhere. Gaia, Ma-res, even enough to rebuild your life here.”
“My answer is still no.”
“But…!”
“Unless you agree to a couple conditions.” Captain Cadenza remained silent, prompting Spike to continue. “One: the moment you have Jehuty, you are to leave the colony immediately. If this frame is what they’re after, then they should follow you out of here.”
“I can agree to those terms.”
“Two: Before I hand it over to you, I’ll save everyone I can, no if ands or buts!”
“Very well, just as long as it gets here in one piece.” The captain asked him one last question before ending the transmission. “Tell me, what’s your name?”
“Spike.”
“Well, Spike. You can call me Cadence. We’ll be in touch.” The transmission ends with a moment of static, then silence.
“I shall explain our current main objectives.” L.U.N.A. opened a screen detailing the most important points of their conversation. “Our mission is to deliver the orbital frame Jehuty to the transport ship Neptunus, currently stationed in the colony’s freight hangar, and prepare it for battle on Ma-res. We shall encounter heavy enemy resistance along the way. Jehuty’s programming has only been installed recently, running on only basic combat protocols. Jehuty’s programming can be enhanced en route to our destination, either through programs found on the field or acquired from certain fallen enemy units.”
“Is it enough to get us all the way to the hangar?”
“While the enemy vastly outnumbers us, it should be enough to reach our destination, although the journey will be made difficult unless said programming is expanded.”
“In that case, we’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for these programs.”
“Correct. I also detect civilian vital signs along the various districts along the way. Heavy casualties will result if the runner does not take sufficient care to avoid civilians during evacuation.”
“You don’t need to tell me twice.”
“Shall I repeat anything you may have missed?”
“No, I can remember that. Let’s go, it’s a long way to the freight hangar from here.”