Blide's confinement was getting to him, and more than once he shouted in rage at his jailors. David had left the ship to meet his contact on a colony and the rest of the crew was left to fend for themselves on the ship. A day passed, or perhaps a few hours, when Ciela unlocked the cell, “Come on, to the muster point. Commander David is back.” “When did you get so formal? You were rough and tumble in training, didn't take shit but gave out plenty. Where'd your balls go?” “I want to make something of myself you prick. If I had known you would try and get us all killed, I would have traded my badge with someone else. Move it.” Blide's hands were bound, but even he knew how to disarm someone holding him at gunpoint. Ciela was aware of that too and kept a good distance between them. The surviving members of the OSX-356 were gathered around David, “Ciela, good work. Come here for a moment.” She made sure Blide was sitting away from any guns and walked over to the commander, “You showed your worth out there, so I'm making you my second in command. Here.” He handed over a strange rifle. Brass finish, bottom cartridge ammunition, iron sights, and a dark wood stock, “The SBR-024. It's what the Bloody Legion scouts were using.” Ciela holstered her standard issue rifle and examined the new one. It was heavier, but felt durable. As accurate at a distance as it was deadly as a blunt instrument, “I'm not familiar with that type.” Blide wanted to make a snide comment, but he didn't know enough about the weapon to keep from sounding stupid, “It's a gun. You point and shoot.” Commander David sat down on a stool, “I believe it stands for 'Sere Burst Rifle' and the number is the attempt. She's the engineer on the Albatross, a member of Zero Unit and one of the reasons for their success. That gun's design was purchased by Bloody Legion from Dante. My contact didn't know why, but it's not looking good for us.” “Thank you Commander David, I'll do my best to make use of this weapon.” “What, none for the rest of us?” Blide spit on the floor, “So we're left with the shit weapons when fighting custom made death machines?” “I emptied out what little credits I had in my account for that one and had to tell a few secrets. Fallen Sky couldn't afford to outfit a unit, let alone its commanders, with that quality of weaponry. The only other thing I got was this pistol.” He pulled a matching pistol from his holster, “Quinn, this one is yours. It was designed for non-combat oriented positions. The SP-03.” The rabbit held the pistol, “This weighs enough to knock someone out, can I handle this? I wasn't all that great in firearms training.” “Rapid fire potential energy weapon with high magazine capacity and almost no kickback, you can handle it just fine.” “Alright, well, our next mission is in. It sounds dangerous, we're in investigate a landing point on an unoccupied planet. A probe was sending out a distress signal. Intel suggests that high ranking members of the Bloody Legion may be there, as well as the Albatross. We are not to engage.” “Makes sense, but...” David shook his head slowly, “Last chance to get off this ride.” “What makes you say that Commander?” Ciela was holstering her new rifle. “When you've fought as long as I have, you know. You know when the end is coming. I doubt we're going to survive. Hell, I checked the logs of the newly formed units. It's us and five others still in operation. Out of fifty? That's not good.” A sense of dread washed over the OSX-356, “Sir, we've only been on one mission. How many have the others-” “One. Sometimes they didn't even get to start.” David checked his personal sidearm, “Taken out in space or in the sky. This business with the Black Legion is taking us to the edge of it all. Stay armed, stay seated, and if you're lucky you'll live to see another sunrise. Quinn... let's go.” “Yes sir... but are you going to tell the others of the Xavier-99087 incident?” David nodded, “Might as well. Take off. The rest of you, pay attention.” He paused, trying to find the right words, “Spit it out, this isn't a time to be a damn coward!” Blide didn't like being ignored, and a part of him still believed he was supposed to be in charge. “On the planet Xavier-99087, three veteran units of Fallen Sky were sent to assist a team of Black Legion members that were investigating something. None survived. A team sent to figure out what happened found fifty soldiers, trained soldiers, cut in half. Thirty more suffered head wounds from a long range rifle. The Black Legion members were dead on arrival, body parts everywhere.” “You're hiding something. All you wannabes do that. Tell us who we're killing!” David was defeated, even more than usual, “Fine. Members of the former Zero Unit, the crew of the Albatross, were training independent captains and their crews in combat methods. Victoria, I met only once. Carries a sword as long as her body and knows how to use it. Chey is an explosives expert. Ratchet is the best damn sniper in the galaxy. They acted alone.” “A sword?!” Blide had to stifle his laughter, “A fucking sword?! You sure those were veterans?! Hell, all they had to do was shoot!” Ciela was one of the few paying attention to the details, “It was something Sere created, wasn't it?” “Yeah, a new sword utilizing her Angel Reflection technology. If you must know, over four hundred rounds of ammunition were spent on her, not a single blood sample matched hers.” Blide was getting energized. The Albatross was filled with challenges just waiting for him to stop by and kill them all. He was drooling at the thought, “I say we charge the Albatross and kill them all when they got their pants down, take their shit, then wipe out the Bloody Legion dumbasses!” The OSX-356 started moving, “You really know nothing, do you? “I know enough not to be a damn coward.” David opened a flask and took a long drink, “Ten years ago, a unit our size may have had a chance taking out one of Zero Unit's team. One. Now? A damn army couldn't stop them less than a year ago, what chance do you think you have? Dante alone would tear through us like we were made of paper. I watched him do it in enemy territory. He didn't even have the layout of the land or the number of enemies.” Ciela stepped in, “I've heard stories. Taking him on when he's on his own territory is suicide. Surrounded by his team he's unstoppable. I read he prefers an assault rifle and a pistol.” “Two pistols. His custom sidearm and Anima. As for the rifle, he still uses it, but the rumor was that he has another. One that took down a Fallen Sky scouting ship. He's also capable with any firearm there is. Equal to my sniping abilities and as violent as Titus with a shotgun. His melee abilities are also on par with Victoria.” “Are there any known weaknesses?” David just sat still for a full minute, then inhaled slowly, “None. He's only flesh and blood, but his combat potential is matched only by his strategic knowledge. So, in case any of you have other ideas, do. Not. Engage. If you see him, surrender immediately. Quinn! What's the ETA?” “One hour, Commander. No reports are coming in, we're landing blind.” “Shit. Everyone strap yourselves in to the landing chairs. This won't be good.” “We still got an hour, why the fear?” Blide was mocking David, “Knew you were weak.” “Commander, communications are down. Radar is dead. Orders?” “Continue on course, keep us updated. Secure yourself to your seat.” Blide was strapped into a chair as the entire crew panicked. That was the longest hour of many of their lives, but soon Quinn chimed in, “Entering the atmosphere.” The radio fizzled for a few seconds, “Radar still inac- incoming anti-air! Brace for impact!” The OSX-356 was rocked as two blasts hit the ship. The obvious damage was to an entire half of the ship, where ten more lost their lives immediately. Rapid decompression sucked out most of the ruined ship and body parts, though some sharp bits of metal and a few licks of flame were able to touch the survivors. The sudden drop in altitude didn't need an explanation. The engine was hit, “Everyone! Emergency crash positions!” …............................... Blide woke up on the floor with everyone remaining unconscious or dead. His hands had become untied, perhaps due to the shrapnel flying around. He was in a daze, bloody, and sore all over. Nothing was broken or severely damaged, so in his mind he was perfectly fine. His armor had taken a hit however and was now nothing more than a loose fitting decoration. In either case, he didn't care. He went to check on Quinn. The rabbit was lying on the floor, bloodied and in shock, “Get up.” She didn't move, “St-stay... away...” He kneeled over her and brushed her cheek, “I'm just trying to make you comfortable, that's all. We're all going to die anyway, why not die happy?” She glared in return, “We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. I'm fine with both.” He narrowed his eyes and bared his teeth. This is what he wanted, and since time was a factor he was going to get it. “Get away... or I'll...” Blide picked up her pistol, which was already too far out of her reach, “I don't think you will. But I know what you will be doing.” He eyed up her body, “Oh yes, I have plans.” A thunk echoed and Blide went down. Ciela was standing behind him with a piece of ship in her hand, “Quinn! Quinn are you able to move?!” She was limping, a chunk of ship was lodged into her thigh, “Fucking prick!” She fell to the ground near Quinn and started to untie her, “Why... did he...” “Don't ask...” She took a few labored breaths, “We need to get out of here, can you move?” Quinn was shaking in fear, Ciela knew that she wasn't fit for combat or emergencies. Blide's attempt on her didn't help matters. After a few seconds, Quinn was able to stand up on her own, “I don't think... anything is broken. Can you stand up?” “Heh... nothing... I can't handle...” She pulled herself up, but still needed to lean on the door frame of the bridge to keep standing, “Nice paycheck, nice bed... shoulda known better.” David finally entered the hall before the bridge, “Any survivors?” “Commander... just us. And this asshole.” Ciela spit onto Blide's unconscious body, “We should leave him here to rot.” David glanced at Blide, “Maybe, but we're better than him. Come on, I'm getting us to safety. Follow as closely as you can, I'll drag Blide. Whatever happens, don't draw your weapons.” They left through another massive hole in the OSX-356 and began the long march through the dark fields of flowing grass. Night was an ideal time to move unseen, but if they could hit their ship so perfectly at a distance, they couldn't consider themselves to be in a safe place, “Where are we going Commander David?” Quinn had calmed down some, though supporting Ciela was proving to be a challenge. The white tiger was much larger than the small rabbit. “Dante is having a meeting with Liasteri just over that ridge. I can get you two to safety in exchange for my imprisonment.” “Commander! Don't do that! There has to be another way! A distress signal, or something!” Ciela regretted the outburst as it reminded her of the pain. David shot a flare into the sky, “This is my decision, and you will follow orders.” He made sure it went high enough, “I am Commander David of the OSX-356! I request that you take these two war refugees in exchange for myself!” No voices in return, no signals, no nothing, “Commander, are you sure that-” “Is that Good David? Let him up.” A gruff voice, if not a tired one. Light signals flashed to each other at the far ends of the ridge. Snipers were on them the entire time, “Come on, move steady. We don't want to keep them waiting.” Ciela and Quinn limped up a narrow path to the top while David had no trouble dragging Blide up. His experience in combat was the likely reason for his lack of injury. Up top, the Albatross, a beautiful ship with a chrome exterior, was sitting opposite of the Bloody Storm, the ship of Liasteri. Dante, a dragon, and a white mink were standing opposite of a scantily clad rabbit and ten armed soldiers, “So you were the latest to try and spy on us.” Dante rubbed the back of his neck, “Should have retired when you had the chance Good David.” David dropped Blide, who was just starting to wake up, “I come here for the reason I stated. Those two are refugees at this point, I won't have them come to harm for no reason. As Commander of the OSX-356 and a ranking member of Fallen Sky, I offer myself as compensation.” “A small prize, wouldn't you say Dante?” The one eyed human shrugged, “He's a good shot at least. I recognize the rabbit, not the tiger. Good David, you're not as valuable as you think. Fallen Sky is terrible at hiding its intentions.” “Commander, why does he call you 'Good David'?” Quinn was curious, and while this wasn't the best time to ask, it was likely the only time. Liasteri chuckled, “Oh, what a dear. You know her Dante? Ah well.” She cleared her throat, “Because another man named David was causing problems. If you haven't noticed, last names aren't commonly used in mercenary groups. This was a way to keep the two organized.” Dante noticed the wolf on the ground, “What about that?” Ciela chimed in, “This prick... got two men killed for no reason... tried to rape Quinn... he deserves to die.” Blide jumped up and charged at Dante, “I'm not going out without a fight!” The wolf was foaming at the mouth and bound once again at the wrists. He attempted to tackle the human, but to his surprise Dante simply rotated out of the way and Blide dove head-first into the ground, “You asshole! Fight me!” “Not worth my time. Liasteri, you want to execute him or should I?” The rabbit rubbed her chin and pondered the question, “I don't think he should have the satisfaction of one of use doing it. Soldier, get the newest crew member. Time for him to earn his stripes.” “Alright Good David, you know the drill. Weapons down, hands up, all of that. Titus, escort him to the cell. Jill, Jean, show our refugees to a room. Both of you, weapons down and all that.” A cat and another mink came from the Albatross just as a young man exited the Bloody Storm. Dante grabbed Blide by the shoulders and set him on his knees, “Depressing, isn't it? You're going to be killed by someone who just passed firearms training. Serves you right you punk.” Dante pulled a lollipop from his pocket, “This is for me, not you. I've had to deal with this kind of bullshit constantly this past week.” The young man presented his rifle to Liasteri, who nodded and returned it, “Nothing like a little ceremony, am I right?” Dante was holding the dazed Blide in place, “Yeah, yeah, let's hurry this up and finish our business. We still have a lot to talk about.” The young man took position about ten yards from Blide, then slowly took aim, “Come on, new meat. You can't hurt me! I'm a fucking GOD compared to you!” “Hey, kid. Take a breath, remove all outside distractions. This is your only objective.” Dante was calming the young executioner, “He's no god, he's a punk that imagines himself to be better than everyone else. One shot, straight to the head will do. I'd shoot him in the gut a few times, but you're not me. Inhale, finish your aim, set your finger tightly on the trigger, and pull on the exhale.” Blide couldn't think of a way to intimidate someone for the first time in a long time. The young soldier was completely at ease after just a few words. Blide needed to know who Dante was and how he was able to have such a power over people. He needed to excel past the human and take his rightful place at the top. He needed to raise an army of his own. He needed a lot. The bullet through his brain ended all of that.