View source for 2022-12-03: Die Zauberflote - Operation Orpheus

{{Log
|cast=Asciel Colette, Banagher Links, Sophia Mayhew Castellan, Teletha Testarossa, Crossfire Salem
|location=Side 1
|summary=G-Hound descends on a suspiciously well-funded rebel organization that has taken an idol group hostage.
}}
{{PhaseAndTurn
|phase=1
|turn=2
}}
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<poem>
       In the wake of the destruction of JOSH-A, the drums of war have begun to beat ever fiercer.

       Over the past weeks, press conferences concerning collaborative Federation activity have been spearheaded by a recurring face - Colonel Wilbur Garland of the Britannian Spacy, a silver-bearded veteran of the One Year War with a steely gaze and a voice as clear as a hammer. The kind of man who holds back from publicly touting his own military achievementsbut if you follow the money on news anchors who do the touting, it'd probably lead back to him - and if you really go digging, there's links to Blue Cosmos in the middle.

       "The events of the past year have been an intractable stalemate with the security of the Earth Sphere at stake - and it's been made clear by now that, if swift action is not taken, the Earths stability will be forever eroded. A shift in policy is more important than ever - the war with ZAFT is moving into a higher intensity...and yet our forces remain conflicted between numerous fronts."

       "It is time to end that. Beginning today, I am commanding the VF-X Ravens task force with an objective we aim to fulfill posthaste - an end to terrorism in the Earth Sphere. There will be no parley with rogue elements of Zeon remnants or the Black Knights, and no tolerance for the disruptions of Celestial Being. We are authorized to pursue and eliminate them on sight, and we will settle for no less than an end to their aims, before we begin a full counteroffensive on ZAFT in earnest. This war will not continue into the Second Universal Century - if I have it my way, we will have our peace by this time next year."

       And with that decree, the boot begins to stamp with greater ferocity.

       ---------------------------------------

       With almost conspicuously fortuitous timing...the very day prior to that decisive announcement, an incident broke out en route to the Londenion colony at Side 1. A cruiser carrying the popular (and slightly military-funded) idol group, the Milky Dolls, was abruptly intercepted by a camouflaged Musai-class carrier- then captured and taken to an unknown location after sending out one message.

       "The singers are in our possession. If you want them back, rendezvous at these coordinates outside of Side 1 with these resources in tow:" ...Its a ransom note, effectively, asking for several billion Gilla. Its an outlandish request - and its clear their intent is to hold out over the coming months to negotiate this hostage situation.

       ...But there's a rather low mood for negotiation by now.

       Upon the bridge of a gunmetal-hued Saratoga-class space carrier, Colonel Garland begins the briefing. "We've sent a decoy squadron to the coordinates to test their commitment - but we already know exactly where theyre hiding out. The hostages have relocated to Side 6 in an unfinished colony whose funding dried up. This is the doing of the Black Rainbow - a terrorist squadron which has affiliated with Zeon remnants in recent years, led by a rogue Zentradi veteran - Timoshie Daldanton. The hideout is hidden within that structure on the outside of the colony - on my command, we will be securing their location. All hands - confirm that youve received and are deployed."

       His hand sweeps forward at the proclamation. "Operation Orpheus - commence!"
Ai Martel teleports in.
POT: Ai Martel is now set observer.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.
<poem>
The boots of war were stomping, and Mithril was already taking precautionary measures. Wilbur Garland; A man with many connections that were unsavory at best, downright eyeraising at worst. Upon hearing such a proclamation eked out, the higher ups of Mithril had already given their decree: Be careful. Any official governmental group that threatened to stamp out terrorism was at risk of conflating those very same things, such was the official conclusion of the PMC. Even moreso when there was such a hardline stance; The intent is understanding, the sheer ferocity of unwillingness clashed against the want to smooth over diplomatic relationships.

All in all, Mithril disagreed.

And down in the ocean, the Tuatha de Dannan stirred. Surfaced in international waters, the large beast had its canopy open, the midday sun as bright as ever. Not a single human around, a mobile base perfect for keeping wind of yesterday's incident. Tracking. Coordinating. There was nothing Mithril had in terms of physical stakes; Only the want to stuff out war, even on the side of the Federation.

"Keep watch over Colonel Garland's ship. He'll send a contingency force for the offer, but he's not going to take it." In the command room, Teletha Testarossa worked. The quiet hum of people working, eavesdropping, keeping all sensors pointed towards that patch of sky, relying on information from around, sanctioned and not. Merely staring at that one patch of sky, the submarine humming away in the quiet midday.

"Yes, ma'am! Mark whatever forces come out, but do not make them your main focus." XO Mardukas stood by her chair, reiterating and confirming orders. "To think we're made to be a watchdog for this incident...Are you sure this is the right course of action, Captain?" The question.

"Of course. We can't exactly have Colonel Garland asserting himself. Idols are one thing, but when the money comes from the military themselves, don't you think there's something suspicious about it?" The assertion.

"I understand." And so it went, with Tessa's assertion satisfying Mardukas's question. Observing. Watching. Spying.

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Sophia Mayhew Castellan has posed.
<poem>
On the G-Hound battleship Hyperion, Sophia Mayhew Castellan attends the briefing over remote communication, legs crossed in the crash-secured seat of her command center. To her side, XO Amata Kole; on the flight deck, Flag Leader Almace Laurent.

Amata glances to the Captain as commencement is declared. "We're on the hook for this?"

Sophia's eyes sweep across the map as her team observes in real time. "I'm not impressed with the bombast, but a G-Hound ship participating shows backbone we want to present. Besides..."

Her eyes narrow slowly. "Something's..." ... She flips the line to battlegroup comms. "Crossfire, Flag Team, launch on marks. Helios, get in the air." Then, to Amata: "Notify Garland's ship that orders are received and all Hyperion elements are in the sky," she orders, for relay to the communications chair.

She folds her hands in her lap. Waiting for it all to begin.
</poem>

 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has deployed in Hyperion-class 'Hyperion'.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
<poem>
Hovering near the edge of the battlefield, a white Gundam listens in on the briefing. She has no real reason to be here. The movements of these factions are far from her purpose. More than anything, she should be going after the next coordinate, to find the Box that may stop conflict such as this.

But her pilot caught word of kidnapped girls.

"I hope I don't have to fight anyone I know." Banagher murmurs, glancing to his side. A bright green Haro is strapped into some kind of child-safety seat, firmly strapped down to the Unicorn's pilot seat.

"Don't worry! Banagher!" Haro chirps, wiggling his little winglets. "Don't worry!"

The young man smiles. "Thanks, Haro. This is the least we could do after the Ra Mari took such good care of us. Besides, all your fellow Haros are depending on us. Now, since Audrey isn't here... I'm counting on you to shout and make a bunch of noise if I start losing myself, okay?"

As if in answer, the Haro lifts both his flaps high, revealing extra-powerful speakers. "I've got you! Banagher!"

"Perfect. Hopefully, nothing will go wrong, and we can just hang out like this." Banagher turns his gaze back to the assembled ships and mobile suits. "Let's wait and see what happens, for now... Oh, but I better reply to that commander guy."

"Banagher Links, Unicorn Gundam." The young pilot broadcasts over a public channel. "I'm ready."
</poem>

 KTS: Banagher Links has deployed in RX-0 Unicorn Gundam <Unicorn Mode>.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Crossfire Salem has posed.
<poem>
Crossfire Salem sits in the cockpit of her Gustav Karl. She's awaiting a command, radio on. As Banagher Links announces himself, she grimaces - but she can't start the hunt just yet. They're on the same side - jeopardizing the mission will alienate allies and put the Unicorn on-guard.

A voice modulator activates over the radio. Feminine, but masked. "Crossfire Salem of the Hyperion-class 'Hyperion', ready. Deploying Gustav Karl."

The mobile suit launches. Readying its weapons, it prepares to approach with beam rifle at the ready - the pilot a quick swap between weapons if needed.

"Let's get this done."
</poem>

 KTS: Crossfire Salem has deployed in FD-03 Gustav Karl.

 <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<poem>
       ...After the briefing, the screens go blank, and for just one moment, Colonel Garland is alone in his quarters, if only for a moment. He sets on the entertainment center - and at a low volume, the musical numbers of "The King and I" begin to play. A few minutes in, and its on the second song, "My Lord and Master", the expression of a fair maiden whos caught the eye of the king...

       "The smile beneath my smile
       Hell never see.
       Hell never know
       I love another-"

       An intrusive voice chimes in all enthusiastically in time with the song, pausing short of finishing the verse. "Well, I suppose its not about love~" A nearby TV flickers on with two faces - one, a smirking, silver-ponytailed man in a flashy white suit, and the othera clearly more artificial visage of a teal-haired girl in a shoulder-less sweater.

       "...Your tip-off ''is'' accurate, I assume? Our relationship will be cut very short if youre playing with us, especially since you insist on actually deploying alongside the rebels," Garland states flatly.

       The silver-haired intruder, CEO Manfred Brando interrupts, "Rest assured that there's virtually no financial incentive that the Sleeves could really offer us. You did just hear they're begging for money that they'll never receive, right? And don't be mistaken - Chrome's secretary is the only one here whos senselessly risking her neck."

       "Now now now~" Asciel muses, "I won't be pushing it toooooo hard. It'll be the Black Rainbow taking all the real hits. Im just going to make sure everything's smoothed over. That said, I'm trusting you not to put the heat too hard on me, Colonel! It was me who put these fish in the barrel for you to shoot at, and I can continue that. All you need to do is have your own brand of fun with this affair!"

       A slight scowl crosses Garland's face, as he rises from his seat and dons the admiral's jacket on his path to the bridge. "You two are privileged to treat this all like a party, aren't you? Hmph. Let's get this over with. An operation like this is little more than cleaning up garbage."

       ----------------

       From the otherwise unassuming sight of the unfinished colony - intended to be named 'Danzig' once inhabitable - there's a slow stirring within a section of the orbital correction thrusters as the Saratoga and Hyperion close in. Quiet, careful, wary, until-

       &lt;"Now now now~ We've quite ''clearly'' been found out, so it does veeery little good to wait until backed in a corner. Besides, they've brought a present I'm not going to be able to turn down!"&gt; And of all things to be targeted first...it's a high-intensity laser aimed right at the Unicorn Gundam, from what appeared to be nothing more than an observation cupola...but which quickly reveals a tiny little Arm Slave wrapped in a cloak.

       &lt;"Well met!~ While I'd love to tease that stern captain once more and hopefully sink her right here and now, I can't exactly turn down the taste of you, Unicorn~ I'm counting on you, Black Rainbow, to make quick work of them!~"&gt;
</poem>

 KTS: Asciel Colette has deployed in Plan-1056 Codarl-a 'Glaux'.
 KTS: Asciel Colette has changed loadout.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Mobile Weapon Team has posed.
<poem>
       Meditating within the cockpit, a pale Zentradi takes a deep breath as the solace and quiet of space begins becoming noisier. There's an unease in his stomach at the scenario - it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots between a success in gaining funding from an outside source, and the Federation knocking on one's doorstep.

       Yet it doesn't all add up even then. It wasn't just money that the Critical Path Corporation provided to Timoshie Daldanton and the Black Rainbow, but plenty of weapons too - more than enough to dispatch the degree of hostiles that've shown up. Their 'assistant' is even out there firing the first shot.

       "...Cowards, all of them. People like us were never made to play the games of Earth. ...We launch!! Leave behind batallion 3 to guard the idols - everyone else, begin anti-ship combat! Onward!!"

       At the kind of g-forces that'd knock the eyesight right from lesser pilots, four platoons of Dreissens rocket forth from Danzig, in familiar maneuvers - each squad in a line of three, the front firing suppressive fire and clad in heavier armor, while the center member prepares heavier artillery, and the last readies close quarters combat - the Jet Stream Attack formation that endures even to this day!

       &lt;"So you've arrived. Bare your blades! I am Timoshie Daldanton, lone flagbearer of honor, and I will be showing no mercy! Today's weapons will be tomorrow's trophies - today's warriors will be tomorrow's prisoners. Such is the inevitable flow of war - even oppressors cannot escape this cycle!!"
</poem>

 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has deployed in AMX-009 Dreissen <Sleeves>.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has changed loadout.
 KTS: Mobile_Weapon_Team has deployed as a Boss for 2 opponents.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Sophia Mayhew Castellan with Jet Stream Attack - Beta Opening!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Crossfire Salem with Jet Stream Attack - Beta Opening!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team rattles Crossfire Salem, making her next maneuvers more difficult.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem fails to react to Mobile Weapon Team's Jet Stream Attack - Beta Opening, taking 1860 damage!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has engaged Crossfire Salem!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team begins a Formation attack!
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has deployed as a Sub Pilot for Banagher Links!
 KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with WG-1-KARASAWA Aimed Shot!
 KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Banagher Links blocks Asciel Colette's WG-1-KARASAWA Aimed Shot, taking 3225 damage!

 <Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.
<poem>
"Contact!" A subordinate pulling up the main view, spreading open that small patch of space. It blew up, DANA automatically adjusting, sharpening, crossreferencing known suits for the main screen to showcase.

"Thank you. That's..." muttering to herself, Tessa took stock. Colonel Garland's ship. The Hyperion. The Unicorn. A Gustav Carl, pilot unknown. A Zentradi. And...More suits, various gruntwork. A fair fight on first glance, the AI atuomatically deliniating, forming a small note in the corner to keep stock.

"A fair fight." Mardukas had the same conclusion. "Do you think this will be just another spat?"

"Not at all. It's quick. Too quick." A gut feeling born of Whispered tendencies, brow furrowing. "Hook onto the carrier's comms." Tessa's orders.
"Yes, ma'am! Find a way to get comm leeching!" Mardukas confirming.
"We can't! The best we can do is hook onto one of the unit's comms."
"Do it."

The moments pass, watching the fight begin. So strange. Literally a mountain and more away, and she could do this. It was...exciting, she had to admit. Just a tad.

&lt;"-Bare your blades!"&gt;
"Connection estabilshed on the Unicorn Gundam!"

"Thank you. DANA, keep the link open, but do not transmit unless I say so."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Crossfire Salem has posed.
<poem>
The Jet Stream Attack occurs. The Gustav Karl pulls back, but is rattled by the damage. "Focusing on leader. Ignore his bullshit - or don't, I'm not your mother." Crossfire relays over open comms, somewhat jokingly.

A beam saber is drawn in the open hand, rushing forward at Daldanton. Despite her words, she engages.

"Oppressors? You're in a Zeon remnant mobile suit, you're kidnapping &#42;musicians&#42;, and you're outclassed. Give up or die."

The sword is ignited, slashed downwards into the Dreissen, and then brought back up into a blocking formation with the flexible shield.
</poem>

 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team rattles Sophia Mayhew Castellan, making her next maneuvers more difficult.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan partially guards Mobile Weapon Team's Jet Stream Attack - Beta Opening, taking 1860 damage!
 KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 15240
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has engaged Sophia Mayhew Castellan!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team begins a Formation attack!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem targets Mobile Weapon Team with Single Blade Strike!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has completed their actions for the round.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
<poem>
"Banagher! Danger!" Haro says, urgently.

"I see it!" The Unicorn brings up her shield, catching the laser neatly. "Looks like we're going to have to get serious.

Tapping quickly on the screen before him, Banagher feels the Unicorn begin to transform. Scarlet light shines across the battlefield, valiant in the darkness of space. The Gundam becomes taller, stronger, as panels slide apart, revealing bright red Psychoframe. A single horn splits into two. For Banagher's part, injectors slide into his back, making him wince. The controls and screens fold away, within the cockpit, replaced by metal arms gently holding either side of his head.

"Who is speaking?" Banagher asks, holding tight to his calm. "Why are you shooting at me? I'm only here to make sure everyone gets home safely!"

But if they've already attacked once... The Unicorn draws its own weapon. Magenta energy gathers at the muzzle of the beam magnum, and Banagher takes aim -- as close to their shoulder as he can. It's only a warning, but with a weapon like this, he's got to be careful.

With the added boost of the Psychoframe, Banagher feels his awareness expanding over the battlefield. One of those pilots gives off a vague sense of familiarity. It's not enough to identify her -- he's sure it's a "her", at least -- but perhaps it's enough to identify an ally.

"Gustav Karl!" Banagher calls. "I've got your back, be careful out here!"

As the Unicorn recovers from the shot, she feels... a presence. It's enough to make her startle, shuddering in space. Banagher tilts his head within the metal bindings, her feelings echoing through his own heart. "Is... someone there?" He asks, voice soft.
</poem>

 KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Beam Magnum Shot!
 KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Asciel Colette partially guards Banagher Links's Beam Magnum Shot, taking 2610 damage!
 <Pose Tracker> Sophia Mayhew Castellan has posed.
<poem>
"They're coming," Sophia notes, a second before the blips are on screen. "Brace for contact."

Four GROUPS of Dreissens fire out. Sets of three, prepared for Jet Stream Attack tactics. By now, it's a rote strategy, but it's not a meaningless one. "Looks like mixed formations," Amata notes from her XO's table, reviewing the data. Sophia hums a reply.

The munitions and spattering of gunfire crackle along the hull of the Hyperion, the heavy fighting deck scoring and chipping but showing impressively little damage from that level of assault.

The Dreissens are soon met by the Flag squadron from the Hyperion, Sonic Blades and linear rifles blazing in the night, but all that is prelude.

"I should hope not," Sophia quips back to Crossfire. "I have no intention of being anyone's trophy. Amuse him as you please." Then to her weapons station, "Light cannons, thin that Dreissen team."

The light railcannons mounted to the sides and upper portions of the Hyperion swivel and aim, barrels dialing in firing solutions before igniting in electrical light, blasting shells across the distance.
</poem>

 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan targets Mobile Weapon Team with 270mm Light Rail Cannons Shot!
 KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 75.
 KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 65.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team retreats from the attack!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to react to Crossfire Salem's Single Blade Strike, taking 3420 damage!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team blocks Sophia Mayhew Castellan's 270mm Light Rail Cannons Shot, taking 2160 damage!

 <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<poem>
       The very first thing Tessa sees through the Unicorn Gundam's sensors would flare up those uneasy instincts. A tiny Arm Slave, a muffled light sparkling in its chest, venting a lot of heat for its size class...and seeming to mitigate damages from even a Beam Magnum by causing the energy to slam into seemingly thin air.

       Given the output of that rifle, though, Asciel's deflection is imperfect - the particles spray wildly around the point of contact, searing and singing at the Codarl's shoulders. Casually, she tosses aside the laser rifle - though it remains tethered to her by virtue of a long cable, and it magnetizes to the surface of the colony. Banagher likely might notice it - though the Arm Slave's movements are 'fast', they're also uneasy and end with a lot of securing, and it stays well within reach of the physical surface material. The marks of someone who's clearly unfamiliar with space combat.

       &lt;"So the beast of possibility has an innocent heart. Adorable! Tragic! It's everything I've heard - clear and overwhelming power wielded for the sake of peace."&gt; As Banagher's senses expand, there's...a clear and obvious hole. No...it may feel like that, given the Arm Slave's attachment to a cold and uninhabted slab of metal, but the aura that Asciel gives off is like that of a -second- such barrier - and it only becomes more and more aggressive in its rejection. A firm wall - a fortress even.

       ...And in exact timing with the desolate firmness holding a firm refusal to Banagher's spirit, that 'nothing' which mitigated the Beam Magnum expands. It takes shape -  turning into a much more tangible palisade, which shimmers a gentle red in a reflection of the Unicorn's light (or is it its own matched inherent color?). It doesn't settle for simply defending, though...it begins to try wrapping ''around'' Banagher, in an indomitable solidity that becomes a prison to the Unicorn.

       &lt;"...You shouldn't have to fight these battles, dear. But it's clear you do so because you 'must'. After all, if not you, then surely someone wicked will abuse this very same power. The 'possibility' would only be one of destruction."&gt;

       Colder. Colder.

       &lt;"...I hate that the world has done this to you."&gt;
</poem>

 KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with Despirit!
 KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Mobile Weapon Team has posed.
<poem>
       The soul of the warrior must reject attempts to constrain it. This, Timoshie Daldanton learned long ago, with countless first-hand encounters with the Federation's fiercest enforcers...and enough times having fought at their side, as well.

       &lt;"I would expect no less from you,"&gt; the Zentradi rumbles at Crossfire. &lt;"Hah! Countless innocents have been kidnapped from your very own home planet, and sent to labor upon colonies from which they cannot escape - I know it all too well. It is a permanent stain on my honor to think I've been complicit in such acts once before, but if my honor is already tainted, what would be just five more which the Federation has made into their own pet treasures! I am the All Kill Wizard - your deaths will come before you can understand it!"&gt;

       With a valorous war-cry from Timoshie at the head, his trio of warriors turns in formation - sending their three back-attached Tri-Blades out, like little helicopters with verniers at the rear, whirling and arcing towards the Hyperion and Saratoga's bridges...with one last one veering very suddenly off course, flanking towards the Gustav Karl from behind!
</poem>

 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Strike Spirit Command.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Crossfire Salem with Tri-Blade Detonation!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Sophia Mayhew Castellan with Tri-Blade Trio Toss!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has activated the Wall Spirit Command.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem partially guards Mobile Weapon Team's Tri-Blade Detonation, taking 6075 damage!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team completes the Formation attack!
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan partially guards Mobile Weapon Team's Tri-Blade Trio Toss, taking 5655 damage!
 KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 9585
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team completes the Formation attack!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
 KTS: Banagher Links Activates barrier generator
 KTS: Asciel Colette despirits Banagher Links, reducing his SP drastically.

 <Pose Tracker> Sophia Mayhew Castellan has posed.
<poem>
Amata's eyes roll almost completely out of her skull. "The ''All Kill Wizard''?"

Sophia's jaw sets tighter. "A man doesn't take an ace title on a whim," she murmurs. "...Usually."

tThe Dreissen team are doing a fine job carving up the Hyperion, those blades burning bright gashes in the battleship's armor. Sophia grimaces, but instead of ordering an attack, flips open her comms. "Crossfire, if you can crack that ace, we're in the clear. Give him everything you have. I've compiled telemetry based on what we've seen of his movements, use it." A quick shortwave laser transmission blasts through the Minovsky dark to Crossfire's sensors. "Power to defense! Weapons, I want firing solutions on that Dreissen squad! CIC, I want the Saratoga on my map at all times!"
</poem>

 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan targets Crossfire Salem with All-Out!
 KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 101.
 KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 80.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan orders an all-out attack, raising Crossfire Salem's Skill!
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has activated the Foresee Spirit Command targeting Crossfire Salem
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa targets Banagher Links with Awe!
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa inspires awe, increasing Banagher Links's Morale!
 
 <Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.
<poem>
Is someone there?

...Tessa glances sharply at the comms personnel on deck, gazing over the screens.  No, everything was in order. Nothing too surprising, nothing too out of the ordinary. Was this what was meant to be a Newtype connection, even for a Mobile Suit like the Unicorn? Or maybe...

Another worrying thing. An Arm Slave. Here. In space. "...! Take as much footage as you can of that Arm Slave!"
"Yes, ma'am! Take footage, do not let it out of your sights!"

To imagine there was an Arm Slave in space...Granted, the spread of technology had made it possible, but too quick. Far too quick for anyone to apply Arm Slave and Gundam properties together to make it viable for space situations. There were so many ways to improve it that didn't- Wait. The heat. Another one? Out there?

Is someone there? Yes.

A button. Comms on, directly to the Unicorn Gundam. "Yes. We're from the Shuffle Alliance. Pay us no mind, but be warned; That Arm Slave is dangerous. If you have anythingto break past mentally-raised barriers, use them at your earliest convenience." Being formal was tiring, especially with no modulation to change the fact that the voice came from a teenage girl. "Know that we have faith in you." Comms off.

"...Was it necessary to tell them that?"
"It has a Lambda Driver, and the Black Rainbow has one of them. We've stumbled onto something that Mithril doesn't know of. Keep watch! Focus on the Unicorn Gundam and the Arm Slave!"
"Yes, ma'am! Record footage of the Unicorn Gundam and the Arm Slave!"
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Crossfire Salem has posed.
<poem>
As the 'All Kill Wizard' speaks, a tri-blade crosses into the Gustav Karl. It's going for the back, but the shield comes up intuitively, deflecting part of the blow and avoiding a cheap kill, despite the tremendous damage it does.

"Understood, captain. Break their leader and they'll scatter...let's demoralize him a bit too."

The beam rifle is stowed, and the other beam saber is drawn. The Gustav Karl is piloted by a master of blades, as it sifts forward, dancing through space despite being not especially well-suited to it. Instead of a direct hit, though, it briefly feints two slashes, before pulling back.

"I don't care why you're doing it. Ideals don't belong in war...! Die."

The twin blades go to pierce the torso - it's unlikely to break the cockpit block at this lack of damage, but it's going to certainly hurt if it hits.
</poem>

 KTS: Crossfire Salem targets Mobile Weapon Team with Twin Beam Sabers Thrust!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team successfully evades Crossfire Salem's Twin Beam Sabers Thrust

 <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
<poem>
Watching the movements of the Arm Slave closely, Banagher puts away the beam magnum. For someone so inexperienced in battle... "You're fast, but that won't be enough."

Asciel's words come through his comms, and Banagher glares at the enemy pilot. At first, he tries to spiritually reach out, curious of who would be saying such bombastic things... But that cold aura, what could it be? For a moment, he's reminded of Yuliana, and the thoughts of the doomed wedding follow soon afterwards. The Unicorn takes a more aggressive stance, responding to the fear in her pilot.

"We're okay." Banagher murmurs. "It's not her. I'm sure of it."

As that ironclad rejection solidifies, and the red aura takes shape, the Unicorn draws a beam saber. Whatever this thing is, Banagher wants no part of it. Before he can take action, the strange energy affects the young man. How many people are there in the Earthsphere that are this cold? Unable to be reached, or communicated with. Is there any way to find peace with someone like that?

Banagher brings a hand up to his chest, clutching at his heart as it pounds. Haro is saying something, flapping his winglets urgently, but Banagher is lost in this overwhelming rejection --

"Know that we have faith in you."

With a gasp, the young pilot comes back to reality. He's not alone in this fight. A sense of connection, a lifeline in the midst of this cold, empty space. "Thanks!" He replies, with renewed vigor. "Unicorn!"

The Beast of Possibility heeds her partner's call, slashing through the ominous red prison. Thrusters ignite as the Unicorn charges, streaking starlight across the battlefield in her wake. "It has nothing to do with 'must', or what the world has done to me!" Banagher shouts. "I believe in possibility! This world is what we make it -- and I'm going to make it ''better''! I chose this, and I keep choosing it, every day. The Unicorn is a part of me!"

Blue light bursts in front of the Arm Slave as the Unicorn comes to a halt, looming above the other machine. It has only a moment to view the Gundam before that beam saber is brought to bear, trying to slash through the very heart of the cold machine.
</poem>

 KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Beam Saber Slash!
 KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Asciel Colette blocks Banagher Links's Beam Saber Slash, taking 3080 damage!
 KTS: Banagher Links has engaged Asciel Colette!

 <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<poem>
       From the bridge of the Saratoga, Colonel Garland's face wrinkles into a scowl as the Hyperion's defenders and his own Ravens struggle despite the ostensible advantage in intel and positoning they had. By all rights, this should have been a surprise attack - by now, it's feeling more like swinging at a hornet's nest.

       "Callsign All Kill Wizard is gaining the upper hand on our primary combatants," chimes in Technical Advisor Eimi Clocks. "They have a numbers disadvantage, but that's starting to dwindle as the battle goes on - in one on one combat the enemy seems to be 25% more effective. The Unicorn is holding steady, but a farther-off enemy is holding its engagement."

       Garland brings up a holoscreen from his watch - linking to Sophia's screens. "Retreat, of course, isn't an option in this operation - but All Kill Wizard isn't for show. That man has a few dozen confirmed kills, and time hasn't slowed him down much. We're holding back on overwhelming force on account of the hostages, but I have countermeasures in play - there's no need for the Hyperion to hold back on its strongest firepower, even if it risks damaging the enemy hideout."

       ...Closing that window, then opening up another, with Manfred and Asciel's faces upon it. "...Activate our trump card."

       ------------------

       It's more on Manfred to make that move, though, considering the ferocious determination the Unicorn Gundam displays to Asciel. The Codarl makes a leap backward, but in trepidation, anchors itself right back to the colony surface, slowing it down substantially - and making absolutely no gains in relative positioning. There's no real choice but to stand her ground, even against a superior opponent.

       Nothing for it but to commit, then.

       &lt;"It's the worst when kindred spirits must fight due to circumstance. I'm here for the same exact reasons. My own possibility will save the world - and innocent beings like you won't have to fight so hard. That's why this is difficult for me. ...I am Atrytone, the unyielding, and there is nothing for today but to prove which of us ''truly'' has that possibility...and which of us cannot stand to the flame-extinguishing winds of the world!"

       Asciel's hand extends...then whips sideways, as the laser rifle she'd left behind detaches, then reels in on its tether, twisting and pivoting to aim at the Unicorn from behind, all while Asciel's shield struggles and resists the beam saber with all she's got...

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Mobile Weapon Team has posed.
<poem>
       Deep in the strut hangars of Danzig, the Black Rainbow's Musai anchors a smaller transit to its underbelly, and five girls gaze out the windows in anxiousness, barely able to see through to the outside battle. Aoi, whose blue hair and wide eyes make her an echo of the lost Lynn Minmay (quite on purpose), clasps her hands together in hope - while the older, red-haired Liatris places a hand on her shoulder in assurance.

       "So there's some preeeeeetty bad news for you five," an unfamiliar, slightly mocking voice chimes in. "The people who you're hoping on to rescue you care a little less about your lives than they should, and they're just about to burn this whole place to the ground. Luckily, it's a problem for me if you ''die'', so we made sure to do you a little favor."

       A rattle shakes the entire transport - and the arms anchoring it in place creak and detach by way of a shaped explosion set on the Musai. The Milky Dolls hold on tight, some to each other, others to furnishings or wall-rails. "You'll want to act fast - your long distance thrusters are obviously out, but you have juuuuust enough to get yourself out of here at a decent clip. It's probably a pretty good idea to attract attention to yourselves so everyone knows you're the VIPs of this entire affair. Good luck!~

       ------------------

       The Dreissen is no slouch in space combat - it's outdated, but in the same way that the AK-47 was outdated - that didn't stop it from proceeding to be a staple tool of warfare for over 150 years prior to the Universal Century. With a well time shield bash to not only mitigate Crossfire's blade, but impact the manipulator mid-swing, Timoshie leers with a flash of the Dreissen's eye - while the Dreissen behind him prepares a clay bazooka shot from over his shoulders, aimed squarely at the Gustav Karl's face.

       "...You're wrong! To engage in the art of war with no ideals makes you scarce more than a tool! If you do not wield your weapon with intent - someone else will wield ''you'' with the kind of intent that would control others. The Zentradi persisted for countless eons fighting for a purpose necessary for peace across the galaxy - monsters and relics from ages past which sought nothing but hunger. Now, the humanity we live amongst faces these same monsters - only they dwell in their very hearts! I will purge them, just as my ancestors-"

       Timoshie's honorable warrior spiel is cut off by a blaring alert - the rest of the Black Rainbow, engaged and overextended, failed to secure the hostages' escape. He may think that a tiny transport, in the dark of space, with little power to move anywhere, will be relatively helpless...

       ...but then the transport itself lights up bright - with countless stage lights swinging, as it would when it would put on a performance. Beneath its glass roof, five figures are dimly illuminated, a spotlight on each.

       ...Across the airwaves, the Milky Dolls make their own stand the only way they know how...by song.

       o/`&lt; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4iW06Fowgk &gt;o/`
       o''` I always believed that someday you'd come for me. o''`
       o''` As the faint moonlight spills into my window, I pray... o''`
       o/` During this lonely night, I listen to my favorite song... o''`
       o''` (LONELINESS) Even when I shed tears o''`
       o''` (ONLY YOU) I did not doubt our love o''`.
       o''` (HOLD ME CLOSE) I have been waiting oh so long o''`
       o''` Just for you. o''`
</poem>

 KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with WG-1-KARASAWA Rapid Fire!
 KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Crossfire Salem with Jet Stream Attack - Alpha Opening!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Sophia Mayhew Castellan with Jet Stream Attack - Alpha Opening!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem's Physical Wall L1 activates, negating 1000 base damage.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team anchors Crossfire Salem, forcing her into close range.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem fails to Parry Mobile Weapon Team's Jet Stream Attack - Alpha Opening, taking 2520 damage!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has engaged Crossfire Salem!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team begins a Formation attack!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team anchors Sophia Mayhew Castellan, forcing her into close range.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan partially guards Mobile Weapon Team's Jet Stream Attack - Alpha Opening, taking 2204
 damage!
 KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 7381
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has engaged Sophia Mayhew Castellan!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team begins a Formation attack!
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has activated the Foresee Spirit Command targeting Banagher Links

 <Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.
<poem>
The comms of the Unicorn are blasting at full volume for the command room to hear, piping from the Arm Slave, to Unicorn, and picked up; Listening in on who exactly was fightihng against the Gundam, keeping quiet for the sake of keeping themselves discreet.

...Everyone was fighting for their own reasons. This was a truth she had to internalize with Atrytone's counter, instinctually gulping. What was the Unicorn, exactly? The sense of someone maintaining themselves within...

But that's no reason to divest oneself from the fight. Comms. On. Keep calm. Keep composed. Remember how far you are, remember the distance. At this rate, every communication was a half-second delay. "Rifle shot. Behind you. One second." Keep calm keep calm keep calm. Don't sound distressed, you're helping someone a literal mountain away.

A warning posited, a gaze towards the grander arena. The Dreissen beating down the Gustav Kar-

"...?" Ever the composed XO, stiffening up in place at the sight. "What is going on?"

The song. A song? "I've heard of people making a stand by song."
"...Did it work?"
"By some accounts, yes. I suspect they're trying to repeat something to that effect.
"...I understand." Comms. "Unicorn Gundam, don't lose yourself. We have a clear eye on the stage. Worst comes to worst, we can project the trajectory. And there was a small prayer to the heart as the Milky Dolls's song echoed out. Waiting, huh?

...Love, huh...The minor connection transcending time and space.
</poem>

 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has completed their actions for the round.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Sophia Mayhew Castellan has posed.
<poem>
"Ma'am, signal from the Colonel," Comms calls, and flips it to the Hyperion's main display, a holographic screen projected in front of the main window. Sophia kicks her legs to the other crossing direction. 'Retreat isn't an option' is a cute way of telling all her men to die, but she listens between the lines. He's here, too. This isn't suicide. What is the game. The Geass blazes, unseen to all, scanning across the lines of bonds that spiderweb the sea of souls.  But it's not a perfect thing. Her eyes narrow slightly at that direction - don't hold back. But this isn't the kind of order she gets from time to time from men more interested in body count than saving lives. He's got some plan. ...interesting. She rubs her lip with her knuckle.

"Ma'am?" Amata prompts her.

"Wait for it," she says, breathlessly. The ship rumbles from the next round of engagement, those Dreissen drawing dangerously near to her deck. She sees...Tightly bound bonds, wound around each other like coils of rope. People whose lives are interconnected at the deepest level. That would be--

"Crossfire! Shuttle coming out of the hangar!" How'd she know that? "That's them, defend it! Flag wing, keep those Dreissen out a ways!"

The Milky Dolls' vessel, burning as fast and bright as it can, erupts into the open, and the Hyperion Battle Group is already moving to its defense. Which means:

"Target has no hostages. Weapons free. All guns!"

"FIRE!"

The full complement - 6 heavy railguns, each firing slugs half a meter wide; 12 more light railguns, with 270mm slugs that won't penetrate heavier armor but will still damage external weaknesses. Plus the Helios, cruising into position to open fire on the Dreissen team itself, and the Flag squadron, opening up with its full compliment of Linear Rifle rounds. The full weaponry of the Hyperion Battle Group, brought to bear against Black Rainbow and its elites.
</poem>

 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has activated the Foresee Spirit Command targeting Crossfire Salem
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has activated the Attune Spirit Command.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has activated the Valor Spirit Command.

 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan targets Mobile Weapon Team with Heavy Rail Cannon Concentrated Fire!
 KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 79.
 KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 20.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has activated the Foresee Spirit Command targeting Crossfire Salem
 KTS: Banagher Links rushes into the attack!
 KTS: Banagher Links's Barrier Generator activates, negating 200 base damage.
 KTS: Asciel Colette enervates Banagher Links, reducing his Morale significantly.
 KTS: Banagher Links partially guards Asciel Colette's WG-1-KARASAWA Rapid Fire, taking 6890 damage!
 KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Asciel Colette's Vex Routine - JUDGE activates, causing Deject!

 <Pose Tracker> Crossfire Salem has posed.
<poem>
As the attack misses, another jet stream attack strikes the Gustav Karl, pushing Crossfire back. She's almost ready to retreat, to avoid further damage, when-

A song. They're counting on the defenders.

As the idols sing through the window, the Gustav Karl gives them a thumbs up, and readies the beam sabers again.

"If you have ideals - then you won't shoot them to stop us, will you? You won't execute your hostages. Well, I once had ideals. I know all you say. It's hopeful wishes! Your ideals can't be strong enough to save those you care about alone!"

Not with power.

The beam sabers go forward, slicing and dicing in every formation, trying to rip the Dreissen leader apart as they probably get closer to the shuttle than the others.

"You're good."

"I'm better."
</poem>

 KTS: Crossfire Salem targets Mobile Weapon Team with Twin Beam Sabers Combo!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Daunt Spirit Command targeting Sophia Mayhew Castellan
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Daunt Spirit Command targeting Crossfire Salem
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team retreats from the attack!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to evade Sophia Mayhew Castellan's Heavy Rail Cannon Concentrated Fire, taking 5220
 damage!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to retreat.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to react to Crossfire Salem's Twin Beam Sabers Combo, taking 6120 damage!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has engaged Mobile Weapon Team!

 <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
<poem>
"For someone here in the interest of possibility, you sure were quick to shoot me." Banagher retorts, teeth grit as the beam saber clashes against the Arm Slave's shield. "I don't want anyone else deciding why I should or shouldn't fight. If you truly believe in possibility -- then why are you fighting for hostage-takers!?"

Atrytone the Unyielding... Sounds like some kind of video game boss. Banagher is not impressed.

Singing..? Banagher's focus is lost, glancing off to try and see where the sound is coming from. That must be the kidnapped girls! "Shuffle Alliance -- the singers! Can someone get to them? Do you need me to try? I'll -- ahh!"

He's a moment too late for the warning about the rifle. The Unicorn manages to partially dart out of the way, but it takes significant damage, the young pilot crying out in fear and pain as his Gundam is shot in the back. Coughing, Banagher manages to hold on. Haro shrieks in distress.

"It's okay, Haro." Banagher manages, turning his attention back to his enemy. "We're going to be -- fine!"

Splinters of white armor fall away as the Unicorn circles her agressor, the light of her beam saber seeming dim compared to the radiance of the Psychoframes. Banagher knows he can't hold on for much longer -- the Unicorn has taken too many hits. The NT-D is pressing against his control even now, and he doesn't want to have to test Haro's wake-up protocol.

"I believe in you." Banagher murmurs to the Unicorn, closing his eyes for a moment. "We can do this. Let me fight with you."

With a sudden movement, the Unicorn charges in. One slash -- aimed for the cable connecting the Arm Slave and its rifle. A second -- trying to push aside its shield. Third -- A thrust straight in, aimed to disable the enemy.
</poem>

 KTS: Banagher Links has activated the Strike Spirit Command.
 KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Mounted Saber Slash!
 KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Asciel Colette fails to retreat.
 KTS: Asciel Colette fails to react to Banagher Links's Mounted Saber Slash, taking 6840 damage!
 KTS: Banagher Links has engaged Asciel Colette!

 <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<poem>
       &lt;"Oh please, every theater of power makes hostages these days,"&gt; Asciel muses, clicking her metaphorical tongue as the KARASAWA's sent careening into space. She lurches backwards, only to forget to de-magnetize the Codarl's feet, and makes an absolute mess of trying to dodge the Unicorn's sabers. &lt;"You sail in to save the day wherever you see a need for justice - your heart is one of a true hero, Unicorn-"&gt;

       Asciel's saying all this - but for the third time in so little a span, she's trapped, and the flash of impaling valor is aimed right at her heart.

       The isolated &lt;wall&gt; that was Asciel to Banagher's senses changes shape. Still forbidding, still 'faceless' - though never taking. Never 'reaching'. But where it was cold, it begins glowing red hot. Where it was flat iron, it becomes thorny.

&gt;not again not again not again not again

       &lt;"Not again not again not again NO NO NO AAAAAAAAAAAA-"&gt;

       And those 'thorns' surge forward at Banagher - not impaling, but ''resisting'', extending, defying. The Codarl is shaking, slightly, in its anchored position, but otherwise unmoving, but for its gleaming orange glare of its optic.

       &lt;"It isn't enough!!! Your limit is just making the cycle a little bit more comfortable! Heroes like you will rise and save just barely enough lives to give the slightest amount of hope to those unlucky - over and over and over and over and over-"&gt;

       With each word, the Lambda Driver burns hotter, shoving the Unicorn faster and faster away, each 'spear'...more like a finger, gripping and pushing with a desperate hold.

       &lt;"-and over and over and over...but changing the way the world works takes so much more. It takes a strategy. It takes getting coated in the mud that the world is made of. I don't want a world in which good people like you must risk their lives forever just to help a few people."&gt;

       &lt;"...I want you to be the very last hero the Earth ever needs."&gt;

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Mobile Weapon Team has posed.
<poem>
       A flicker of anger creases Timoshie Daldanton's forehead, gritting his teeth as the Hyperion and Saratoga no longer hold back - half of his strategy was that the enemy wouldn't use their heaviest guns when hostages could be at an unknown location nearby. In a storm of fury, he calls into the contacts he'd relied on to amass so much firepower...

       "You! Have you completely set us up? I knew I should not have been quick to rely on Critical Path - there's nobody else who-"

       His contact, Manfred Brando, emits a little 'tsk' over the radio. "Couldn't you tell? Their finger was on the trigger the second that shuttle came out. They were completely prepared to wipe this whole place off, hostages and all. You did hear that man's little spiel, yes? Zero tolerance for you, obliteration on sight, all of that. We acted to ensure the Milky Dolls would stay alive - this was very explicit in our contract. Or are you unable to use the momentum you've gained to finish G-Hound off and secure them back to safety?"

       Brando's communication clicks off abruptly - and Timoshie grunts out in frustration. All the sudden, his trajectory changes - from clashing directly with Crossfire and suppressing the Hyperion - to veering off in a bold, last-ditch charge towards the Hyperion, his two subordinates launching rocket after rocket behind them to cover the rear. With a fierce spin of the Dreissen's naginata, Timoshie aims for no less than cutting at the Hyperion's bridge-!

       &lt;"Hmph! Revealing yourself so clearly! You have been left alone, fighting your very own battle, beset on all sides by nothing but foes. No warrior can fight alone - if you are propelled to do so, then you fight on borrowed time! The Federation, drunk on authority, has made warriors that fear and disdain their comrades in arms - and crippled them in the process! It will be your undoing!!!"&gt;

       The Black Rainbow effectively 'splits' - half of them lunging in for the decisive kill...and half of them retreating to converge upon the Milky Dolls, aiming their weapons away from them as much as possible. It's a perilous moment, really - the idols may have 'escaped', but they're more in the maelstrom than ever...
</poem>

 KTS: Asciel Colette has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
 KTS: Asciel Colette has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
 KTS: Asciel Colette has activated the Spirit Spirit Command.
 KTS: Asciel Colette targets Banagher Links with Lambda Driver Reject!
 KTS: Asciel Colette has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Accel Spirit Command and Has Engaged with Sophia Mayhew Castellan
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Sophia Mayhew Castellan with Jet Stream Attack - Alpha Finisher!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team targets Crossfire Salem with Jet Stream Attack - Beta Continuation!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem successfully Evades Mobile Weapon Team's Jet Stream Attack - Beta Continuation
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan fails to intercept Mobile Weapon Team's Jet Stream Attack - Alpha Finisher, taking 7200
 damage!
 KTS: Your unit's HP stands at 181
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team roots his unit, coming to a standstill and leaving him vulnerable.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team completes the Formation attack!
 KTS: Banagher Links's Barrier Generator activates, negating 200 base damage.
 KTS: [Spirit Defense] Banagher Links's Determination activates, and his spirit endures.
 KTS: Asciel Colette enervates Banagher Links, reducing his Morale significantly.
 KTS: Asciel Colette rattles Banagher Links, making his next maneuvers more difficult.
 KTS: Banagher Links blocks Asciel Colette's Lambda Driver Reject, taking 3960 damage!
 KTS: [Dynamic Hit] Asciel Colette's Vex Routine - JUDGE activates, causing Deject!
 KTS: Asciel Colette repulses Banagher Links, forcing him to disengage.
 
 <Pose Tracker> Crossfire Salem has posed.
<poem>
As the Black Rainbow comes slicing in, Crossfire takes a breath. And then, she stops using her equipment.

"Bogeys sighted." The Newtype speaks, and as she flashes, evading every single strike with swift dodges and damageless blocks.

"Captain. We're protecting those girls...!"

Crossfire Salem suddenly boosts forward, twin swords out, and &#42;spins&#42;. She moves to carve through one of the Black Rainbow's limbs, before dodging to the next and going for the same. On the one's moving to escape, she jets forward, moving to focus on those ones most of all. Cockpit stabs for each of them, two at once - fireworks for the song. "Those who care more about hostages than fighting an enemy...you consider yourself honorable. You're really just cowards."
</poem>

 KTS: Crossfire Salem has activated the Valor Spirit Command.
 KTS: Crossfire Salem targets Mobile Weapon Team with Twin Beam Sabers Combo!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has activated the Prospect Spirit Command targeting Banagher Links

 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has activated the Foresee Spirit Command targeting Banagher Links
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa targets Banagher Links with Awe!
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Teletha Testarossa inspires awe, increasing Banagher Links's Morale!
 
 <Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.
<poem>
Curiouser and curiouser. All Tessa could do was listen on, unable to do anything but help one person on the battlefield. One single person, the appropriate military wariness of jumping on more comms at the forefront. After all, no one knew about this ship. A battleship in the ocean, lurking about...

"We read you." The voice, warbling. Doing its best to remain steady. The hostages were out. "We can't reach them from your current position, but we'll do our best to...to mobilize forces." Cruel. Cruel. The awareness of telling a half-truth, Tessa sighing to herself as she nodded towards Mardukas. Send a signal up there, originating from one of Mithril's inside personnel. Make it look accidental.

Atrytone's argument rings out. She's listening. The whole crew is listening. The Captain refuses to let any emotion display on her brow, merely gulping and holding back the rush, the whirlwind within. The screams of combat. This was what Sousuke had to listen to on the ground. This was her perogative.

She'll work through it. Comms. "Keep steady, Unicorn. Keep...Keep steady. It's her will. Break her will, and what she has will amount to nothing." Even if the bile was at the back of her throat, she was gripping the side of the command chair, closing her eyes to recenter herself. Remember who you are, where you are.

The others. What about the others? All fine...For lack of a better term. "The Gustav Carl is going for the hostages. Focus. Focus on yourself. Remember that there are always people waiting for you." Vague assurances that echoed from the soul. Breathe in. Breathe out. You're helping someone. You're helping the Unicorn Gundam. Save a person. Just do that repeatedly.

Be a hero to someone.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
<poem>
"No!" Banagher yells, totally rejecting Asciel's way of thinking. "It's not good enough to do what everyone else does. You have to be more! You have to be better! The possibility you dream of -- it begins with your own choices!"

Heat -- terrified emotions, strike at Banagher's heart as surely as they strike at the Unicorn's armor. Shields rise for the both of them -- the Unicorn raising her own, and Banagher taking a breath. "Ride the wave, ride the wave--" He murmurs, bringing a hand over his left eye. Those screams -- is he fighting someone who needs to be saved? It ''hurts'', feeling the pain of the enemy in front of him, and the young man bites his lip, tears falling from his eyes.

Despite her defenses, the Unicorn is forced back, foot by foot.

"You're right. A single Miracle won't be enough." Banagher's voice is soft, now, heavy with emotion. "I know that. What really has to change -- what we need -- is a way to inspire people to stand up and make a change on their own. Everyone has to lift together! If it takes a strategy, if it takes getting coated in mud.. I'll do it! I'll do whatever it takes! But I'm not -- giving -- up!"

The Unicorn releases her beam saber. They're too far now for it to be effective. She knows she's in bad shape -- those spikes of red-hot fear shattering her armor. One more hit and her pilot will be endangered. One more hit and her enemy will be defeated. Drawing the beam magnum again, the Gundam takes aim. The NT-D tries to subsume the will of her pilot, wishing to save him --

"Banagher!" Cries Haro, and recieves no response.

"Keep steady, Unicorn. Keep...Keep steady. It's her will. Break her will, and what she has will amount to nothing." Comes from the comms, soothing him -- shooting the enemy down is the right choice, for him, for the hostages, for everyone. The beam magnum glows magenta.

"Banagher." A voice echoes through the cockpit. A young woman's voice, warm as the sun. She is followed by the call of another young woman -- this one calm, soft, soothing as moonlight. The voices of the ones waiting for him. "Banagher."

The young pilot gasps, surfacing from the NT-D's hold, shaking his head. "Haro! Good timing. I -- no. No! I'm not going to break anyone!"

Bowing its head to her pilot's will, the Unicorn ceases charging her shot, stowing the gun away once more. With a fierce motion, she breaks the thorns out of her shield, leaving a gaping hole. Armor creaks and breaks, but the Unicorn soars above it, evading the thorns, soaring above their reach. Banagher pilots her back to the Arm Slave, both arms extended. She comes to a halt just before the enemy machine, gently placing a hand against it.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to fight." Banagher says, tears falling down his face. "I don't want to hurt you. I don't think you want to hurt me, either. So let's -- stop. Let's just stop this. We both believe in a brighter future... We don't have to destroy each other to reach it." A gasping breath, and a glance sideways to Haro. "I -- believe in you. And in myself. And in the possibility ahead of us."
</poem>

 KTS: Banagher Links targets Asciel Colette with Pass!
 KTS: Banagher Links has completed their actions for the round.

 <Pose Tracker> Sophia Mayhew Castellan has posed.
<poem>
Sophia watches them move without looking at her map, her Geass telling her more surely than the compounded, computed battle data where things are, the ebb and flow. As long as she can track it. Several cut off, and threads of malice bind them to the Milky Dolls, soon enmeshing with Crossfire. Problem handled. Which means her problem is...

"Ma'am, they're readying rocketry!"

The weapons officer barks, "CIWS is online, we're getting as many of them as we can!"

It's not quite enough - even with the six different CIWS turrets mounted to the flanks of the Hyperion, some shots crash through, blasting into the hull heavily. That's not so bad; its armor is designed to take blows like that. The problem...is the man with a sword coming straight at the bridge.

And finally, she replies. "&lt;You're wrong,&gt;" she says, simply.

And he's cut off - quite suddenly, all at once, by a streak emerging from the night. The Helios, roaring up and exposing its entire armored belly to Timoshie, its pilot's eyes open and set in intense focus as the Black Rainbow's ace carves into the Hyperion's escort mobile armor.

"&lt;I don't know your story. I don't much care.&gt;"

The Helios doesn't split in half but the damage is extensive, and it arcs away and tumbles off, jets struggling to reignite.

"&lt;But no soul sets foot on the Hyperion that I cannot trust with my life.&gt;"

The heavy guns lever up, swiveling into firing position on Timoshie's new position.

Her Geass sees him, his sprawling threads of contacts. She can't be sure...but she has a hunch.

"&lt;You have not been so cautious, have you, Daldanton?&gt;"

She raises her hand. "&lt;Learn from it in your next life. Fire.&gt;"
</poem>

 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan targets Mobile Weapon Team with Heavy Rail Cannon Fusillade!
 KTS: EN Regen activates. Your new EN value is 77.
 KTS: SP Regen activates. Your new SP value is 15.
 KTS: Sophia Mayhew Castellan has completed their actions for the round.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team has activated the Alert Spirit Command.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to retreat.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to react to Crossfire Salem's Twin Beam Sabers Combo, taking 6120 damage!
 KTS: Crossfire Salem has engaged Mobile Weapon Team!
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to retreat.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team fails to evade Sophia Mayhew Castellan's Heavy Rail Cannon Fusillade, taking 3825 damage!

 <Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
<poem>
       It's so blinding.

       The door is creaking at its hinges.

       And yet it's gentle.

       It refuses to break that down.

       Asciel steps back warily, securely, holding tight to reality. Once again brought to the brink, except this time, there is a sense of mercy.

       &lt;"...this is all so very backwards."&gt; There's a tightness in Asciel's voice. It shouldn't be like this. She's the one who's meant to ensure the future. She's the one who had to be the brighter-

       ...Well, 'hero' isn't the right word.

       Even here though...even at this point...that willpower does not give up. If anything, it flares ever brighter, ever more determined...but solely for the sake of one last little rejection.

       ...The Unicorn's hand is not quite 'allowed' to touch the Arm Slave. That same force of will keeps it away, like fighting an overwhelming magnetic repulsion. And it stays in place. Silent. Still. That ferocity and fear cools back down to a complete impenetrable stoniness - like nobody is there at all. A fortress guarded as resolutely as a glacier.

&gt;This is a machine of immense capability.
&gt;Most likely greater than my own.
&gt;It is in the hands of a human.
&gt;...his mercy would be a fortuitous mistake.
&gt;I could seize that possibility.
&gt;I SHOULD seize that possibility.
&gt;There is only so much time. I am here to seize yet another element of the [miracle].
&gt;Right now. Right now. It would just be one human. The horizon is so close. The boundary is so close. It would just be you. All I'd need to ensure the endless tomorrow is to seize on your mistake. Right now. In my hands. I can keep going. I will keep going. The sacrifice of a single innocent person to seize the security of every single innocent going forward.
&gt;It is my obligation. I should seize it. It would be so easy. It is my purpose. It is not my purpose to abide by the constraints of humanity.
&gt;I am supposed to take it. This one human is a lower priority. I am supposed to do it. My destiny is right here. I'm so close. I'm so close. I'm so close. I'm so
&gt;
&gt;
&gt;
&gt;why can't I do it?
&gt;''why can't I answer that?''

       ...The repulsion falters. For just one moment, the Unicorn's hand falls onto Asciel's shoulder. Both entities, struggling to restrain that merciless capacity for destruction, in one way or another.

       &lt;"...hah. Ahahahah~ I wish it were true. I don't even know what do do with you, unfortunately. I cannot say we will not have to destroy each other - there's an awful lot of destruction I have to do. It's wonderful that you can believe in me. Hearing that is the light that urges me onward every day.~"&gt;

       &lt;"...but there's a reason I can't believe in you. And it's nothing you could ever change."&gt;

       And with an abrupt surge in mobility, Asciel tears away from the Unicorn, swiftly making her way towards a tiny aperture in the colony wall...one slightly too tight for much of anyone to pursue, given how limber and puny Arm Slaves are.

       -------------------------------

       ...In the meantime, Timoshie Daldanton's decision to stand down is made for him. It isn't for some deep hesitation. It isn't for some turbulence in his heart.

       It is pure and simply that he has failed. The tides no longer turn in his favor, and success or destruction at the roll of the dice is unacceptable - especially once the Dreissens securing the Milky Dolls quickly falter, and the transport is soon safe and secure in the Hyperion's orbit of defense. His own machine is rendered little more than a cockpit with one arm attached from the flurry of sabers and cannon fire - the decision to retreat is made for him by his companions.

       "...Tch. Unsatisfying. So many lives hanging by but a thread. Any victory would be pyrrhic for either of us, I am sure - situations like these breed desperation, and desperation breeds tragedy. All forces - return to base at once! This is not going to be the end, I assure all of you - the Musai will be covered in its escape!"

       On his command, the Black Rainbow rapidly retreats towards the colony through a now opened garage hatch - swiftly and organized in loading onto the ship deeper in the Danzig's depths - and it is an astonishingly short time before the fully intact carrier makes its escape from the field, resolute that any further conflict is too liable to end in destruction.

       ...Aboard the Saratoga, Colonel Garland crosses his arms, the slightest furrow of dissatisfaction knitting his brows. "...A complete rout is always a tempting opportunity in the face of victory, but in our state, especially with the damages to our ships, it's a tall order. No pursuit will be in order! The next phase of the operation will be recovery of personnel, security of the locale, and returning the hostages to a safe location. Next time, we will be more proactive in grinding them into the dust."
</poem>

 KTS: Asciel Colette's Plan-1056 Codarl-a 'Glaux' has been disabled.
 KTS: Mobile Weapon Team's AMX-009 Dreissen <Sleeves> has been disabled.

 <Pose Tracker> Sophia Mayhew Castellan has posed.
<poem>
"Agreed," Sophia calls back to the Colonel. The insurgent survives by a hair. So goes the story, today. She watches him...her Geass tracking the thread of his life as it spools off into the distance.

"We'll see him again," she says, low.

"Hyperion to all battlegroup pilots, secure the hostage transport and return," she says, and clicks off comms, and stands up. She rolls her shoulder, huffing a breath.

"Uh, Captain?" Amata asks, because Sophia so rarely lets her guard drop even this far.

"Stiff," Sophia says, and then turns off to stare at the wall, watching Daldanton's light disappear from her gaze. ..."I'll be in the strategy room. Notify the Colonel, Hyperion is interested in further cooperation on this matter."
</poem>