Without You

Chronicles of the SEKIGAHARA

(AN ANIME CROSSOVER)

Nicholas Stone

Interlude Seven

Conference Room, Sekigahara;

The tall, feline like officer snapped a brisk salute to Happosai, departing the stateroom. Happosai sat quietly reading and rereading the portable message display on the conference desk, shaking his head ever so slightly. He was still in this position when Rear-Admiral Cologne, Commodore Masaki, and the rest of the staff arrived.

Cologne sensed that there was more bad news to come, hopping into her chair. The others took their seats and waited for Happosai to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been given some very disturbing news," he said, slowly looking up. Happosai pressed his fingers together, carefully choosing his next comments.

"High Command has just informed me that� Alpha Twelve has finally fallen to the Proximians."

Cologne drew in a low gasp; Yosho carefully pulling off his glasses, leaning back in his chair.

"A disaster," commented Zenigata.

"There�s more," continued Happosai. "The Proximians have also cut communications with Caperniconus as of this morning. Although it has not been confirmed, they fear it too has fallen."

Forlorn expressions appeared on the tired faces of the senior officers. This news was literally the death knell for all Federation activity in the outer Omega sectors.

Genma rapped a heavy fist on the tabletop and pushed his chair away from the table.

"With the Proximians in command of Alpha Twelve, they�ve have virtually blasted open the Federation�s entire forward defense before Alpha Prime," he said.

The silence from Happosai drew a stern look from Cologne. "What else, Happi?"

"High Command has ordered us to immediately withdraw from the Taurian system upon completion of repairs. The Omega Quadrants are to be vacated, and we are to withdraw to Alpha Nine at best speed."

"They�re kidding!" exclaimed Zenigata.

"We�ve only onloaded a third of the ground forces, and there are still a good number of civilians down there as well," added Soun.

"I know," replied Happosai. He closed his eyes, trying to accept the situation, but found only anger burning hot in his mind. Forcing it back, Happosai turned to Yosho.

"Yosho, how long before Homer completes repairs on our engines?"

"Last report from him was two weeks, Admiral."

Twoweeks.

Happosai pondered for a moment, rubbing the top of his head while calculating and theorizing plans in his mind.

"Increase the shuttles to the transports, Cologne. I�ve already ordered the Commo to keep this information secret."

"When do you plan to tell the rest of our people?" she asked him.

"After� after I return from my visit with General Goodchild."

"You�re going to Mago, Admiral?" said Zenigata in disbelief.

"He deserves to know what is going on."

That was true. Without the efforts of Goodchild and his ground units, Sekigahara might have already met up with a fate worse than the Tunis. Time was running out faster now, and Happosai had to take as many as he could carry and get them out before the Proximian pincers snapped shut.

"Genma, please ready my shuttle�."

"It was damaged, Admiral. No chance for repair."

"Hm. I guess we�ll be traveling by ground then."

Genma disliked the orders, but nodded. "I�ll make the proper arraignments."

"Good. Cologne, you have command. Do what is necessary to speed things up."

"I understand, Happi."

Happosai looked down at the message pad again, then turned it off.

"Let�s get started," he said�

* * * * *

Outer Perimeter, Dock 4,

He�erm Starport;

Night and day the repairs on the Sekigahara went on, engineers from the port and ships company feverishly trying to mend as best as possible the damage suffered in battle. No complaints were accepted or spoken, it was do or die and the determination of the beings scurrying around the carrier knew do was the watchword of the day.

Gunfire from the distant mountains and city echoed through the air, but so far Happosai�s deception appeared to be working. The Proximians had been fooled in thinking that the carrier remained in orbit above Mago, but the unusual landing that occurred several weeks ago, an occurrence that warranted closer observation, aroused their curiosity.

Across the rolling terrain a small swift object scuttled along on its mission into the heart of enemy controlled territory. Close to the size of a Terran Greyhound, the Proximian Reconoid had been one of several automated spies sent out to collect the intelligence their masters so desperately desired. It�s six cable like legs carried it along, the trio of oval shaped pods set low to the ground using the natural growth to hide its movements. The synthetic alloy of its makeup shifted in tones and hues with each change of scenery, shielding it from unwanted observation.

There had been many a close call, the witnessing of companions destroyed by enemy weapons during the journey, until it remained, alone, the sole survivor who in moments now would arrive at the edge of its objective.

Cresting the rise of road, the Reconoid halted, extending a sensor wire high into the air, checking its position and scouting the terrain ahead. It�s electronic vision made out the dim gray-white carbon concrete walls that formed the outer edge of the massive dock. Barely could it make out extending up over the top what appeared to be the spar of a warship, class unidentifiable.

The prime instructions required further penetration, closer observation into the dock and gather the required information. It shifted back down and resumed its approach, gliding through the tall golden brown grass with hardly a trace of movement. Another scan then the Reconoid touched the road allowing its surface to shift matching the dark gray color. It hugged the side, carefully moving in short sprints, checking for sensors, shifting and scanning with consummate skill.

Suddenly an alert! Rapid warnings flashed the alarm; sensors along its side detecting a signature associated with one of the enemies automated security units. Quickly it slid back into the growth, legs carefully burrowing into the warm earth, tensile appendages pulling the grass over its upper body. Light tremors vibrated off its sensor nodes, a low warble from the engine of a machine rising briefly, fading away as it traveled on by.

A sensor wire snaked up. The road was clear, the Federation security craft receding. The Reconoid waited until it was out of sight before pressing on. Finally the base of the wall was reached. Another short scan, a shift of camouflage and the unit scuttled up the side like a large ant, crawling over the top and quickly found cover behind the run of a metallic pipe.

More sensor tendrils snaked out, panning around. The structure associated with the top spar of of a warship loomed ever so large, and barely, above the inner rim of the suspension belt, parts of the hull could be seen.

Closer, closer, ran the programming of the Reconoid. It retracted it�s probes and slithered out along the conduit, crawling up until it reached a high partition that blocked its way. The risk of being discovered increased, a good twelve to fifteen millicrons of exposure would result if it moved across the top.

The instructions repeated itself through the computer core; closer, closer. All else was unacceptable, the prime directive forcing the decision. Shifting camouflage, up went the Reconoid at a rapid pace, dropping down into the pit of an open bay and immediately stopped as it�s primary sensor picked out the sprawling mass of the warship before it.

Data files flashed identifying it as a Federation �Battle� class carrier. Impossible! Here on the surface of the planet? Closer, closer, more information needed to be gathered. Already the transmitting module was syncing up, preparing to send out it�s burst of vital information back to homebase. Sensor tendrils recorded as much information as possible, the primary module translating the odd lettering of Federian glyph etched along the side of the superstructure.

SE-KI-GA-HA-RA__8-8

Energy bolts slammed suddenly into the Reconoid�s central module, pitching it back against the wall. Internal alerts indicated critical damage, mobility reduced, sensors failing. There would only be time for one transmission as more shots bracketed it. The Reconoid tipped it�s shattered body over, dragging itself out of the direct line of fire. Around the top of the lead module, a ring of flat fins extended forming a dish to direct the beam that would report its discovery back to base. Another bolt shattered more of its legs and modules, what power remaining being rerouted to the transmitting core.

One pulse went out, then two pulses, quickly followed by another. The frequency increased, a dim acknowledging signal verifying connection. The transmission commenced, information bursting forth in a series of frantic packets.

The urgency of the information could not be anymore enhanced, discovery of the Federian carrier sure to bring**********.

Around the stardock, alarms rang out as soon as the first shot were heard. Moving carefully towards the now smoldering remains, the lead soldier; an Amorian marine sergeant, held his rifle at the ready. His dark eyes stared at the spot for a moment, and then he looked back at the marines accompanying him pointing to the nearest two, waving them forward.

A young Terran crawled up to the edge, the mantis-like Veldan behind him ready to fire at the first sign of movement. A quick peek around the side drew no response and the soldier stepped out. He prodded the buckled remains then turned to his sergeant.

"Looks like we got it, sarge."

The rest of the team stood up and gathered around the thing, staring in silent wonder. The Veldan slung its rifle and knelt down to examine what remained.

[Reconnaissance unit,] clicked the translator. [Possibly hot.]

[Transmissions?] replied the sergeant.

The Veldan�s head rocked slightly from side to side. [We�ll need technical examination to verify.]

An angry snap of the mandibles conveyed the sergeant�s frustrations. He switched up to the tacnet and reported their findings.

<Ops�s, Patrol Three. Better notify the Admiral we found a Snoopy in the wire�>

* * * * *

Cologne sat with her head in her hands greatly disturbed by the recent news just passed to her. Across the desk, Yosho and Soun sat waiting for her to recover from the shock.

"Yosho� tell me, tell me this is not true," she finally said, looking up at them.

"I�m afraid it is, Admiral," he replied.

"And it got off a transmission. We�re sure of this?"

"Intel verified it about five minutes ago."

"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, hopping out of her chair.

Cologne paced angrily back and forth before the viewport, hands running back through her hair as she fought to hold back her fury.

"No, no, no!" she cried out as she shook her fist up into the air. "Why now?"

"Admiral," called Soun. "We�ve been knocking these things out in droves for the past few weeks. It was only a matter of time before one of them infiltrated our security grid.

The end of Cologne�s staff slammed down on the deck. "I would think, Captain, that our security could manage to keep out intruders like this."

"It was one of their best models," commented Yosho.

"It doesn�t matter," she replied, cutting a sharp glare over at him. Cologne bounded back up into her chair. "Well, now this is it."

Yosho arched a brow. "Admiral?" he said.

"Like Genma said, once the Proximian�s find out about us, we can expect some serious attention."

"I�ve already instructed Kasumi to set additional CAP over the base," Soun told her.

She nodded, wondering if it would be enough. Sadly, Cologne leaned back and let out a tired sigh. "Has Happi been informed of this?"

"The Admiral has not been notified as of yet," answered Yosho.

"Hm. Code up a message and send it to General Goodchild�s headquarters. I hate to send over more bad news, but this will surely change things around the front."

* * * * *

Underground Headquarters of

BGEN Goodchild, Taurian Army Command;

Mago�s once glorious skyline lay shattered beneath the shelling from Proximian guns, missiles, and relentless air strikes. A heavy veil of smoke obscured much of the lower portions of the city, what remained of the towering skyscrapers, pyramid shaped constructions, and other spires now bore gaping holes potmarking their surfaces.

It was here that what remained of the Taurian society huddled, fighting for what would be their final grasp at existence in the know galaxy. Proxima�s invasion came as a complete surprise, and now with the enemy mere kilometers from the outskirts of the city, it appeared that there would be no hope of staving off the inevitable despite the rapid assistance from their allies. Still, the armed forces fought on, buying time for the Federation to evacuate those civilians they could, giving ground meter by bloody meter, making the invaders pay for every grain of soil taken.

In the lower levels of an underground mall, Brigadier General Trevor Goodchild�s headquarters was alive with activity as reports came in over the circuits tracking the progress of operations across the front. Three massive electronic displays projected the current frontlines across the southern continent, the defense lines covering the approaches to their remaining cities, and the airspace above them.

A long deep rumble shook the walls, but Vice-Admiral Happosai remained calm as he stared up at the display from the upper levels overlooking operations. Behind him, a tall, wiry man sat comfortably in his chair, feet propped up on his desk reading several reports. Trevor Goodchild�s crisp blue eyes would occasionally cut over at the displays, drawing in new information before returning to another report. Finally, he sat up and ran a hand through his short blond hair. The narrow features of his face hid the intensity of his determination to defend his homeworld, but Happosai could sense Goodchild�s intentions even after being informed about High Commands decision to abandon Tauri to the Proximians.

"So, Admiral. I only have a two weeks you say?" said Trevor in his ever-calm voice.

Happosai turned around. "If that," he answered.

"Hm. High Command must surely be hard pressed to stem the assault on Alpha Prime. Regrettable."

"Yes it is, Trevor. Tactically, they are the centerpiece of the organization. A Proximian victory means everything we have build and fought for would be destroyed."

Goodchild arched a brow. "A New Dark Age, I believe you Terrans have said?"

Happosai shuddered. Taking the chair across from him, he drew out his pipe and lit the buds in the bowl. "I�m still not comfortable about leaving Taurian space."

"It appears to me, Admiral, that it is the only viable recourse we have."

Happosai paused in mid breath, frowning at him.

Trevor continued. "We Taurians realize how important it is to delay as many Proximians as possible. The fewer amount of Proximians faced at Alpha, the better our chances for victory."

"To commit suicide, Trevor?" countered Happosai, letting out a puff.

Goodchild smiled and glanced over at the far door as if in anticipation. He looked at Happosai again. "I do not consider it suicide, Admiral. More of a� necessity."

Another rumble shook the walls, both men looking over at the tactical displays.

"High velocity rounds," commented Trevor. "The Prox must be preparing for a protracted assault."

"Can you hold?" asked Happosai.

"Depends on where they strike, how hard, and what is available to counter it."

Happosai�s puffs of smoke increased as he digested the information.

"I see."

Another glance over at the far door sparked the little Admiral�s curiosity. He asked if there was someone he was expecting and Trevor laughed.

"My exec," he replied. "She went out to inspect the eastern perimeter, but she should have been back by now."

"Do you want to go and contact her?"

"No, no. She�ll turn up soon I�m sure. That�s her nature."

Another rumble passed.

"I�ll get a strike on those guns immediately," commented Happosai.

An army officer appeared from the lower platform. Snapping a brisk salute, he handed General Goodchild a report. He took it, dismissing the man and looked it over.

"Tch, tch, tch. The Proximians have taken Apos Township." Goodchild reached over and highlighted a small section north of Mago, enlarging the view on the screen.

"That puts them dangerously close to the main concourse crossing the lj�Pak River."

The Federation positions could be clearly seen deployed along the run of the wide and powerful river. A network of bridges both major and minor made defending the line difficult, and Happi could see with the loss of this township situated so close to the main highway, that if they attacked in force and established a bridgehead, the Proximians could fan out and cut into the rear of the city, or worse move on He�rem and the coastal ports.

The door to the platform suddenly slammed open. In walked a helmeted woman clad in dark green fatigues and body armor, carrying a blaster in one arm. The barrel was still hot; ripples of heat could be seen rising up into the air. Without a word, she slammed it down on a table, doffing her helmet and shook free her tangled mass of jet-black hair.

"Admiral, my executive officer, Colonel Aeon Flux."

Flux barely paused to acknowledge his existence in the room, drawing out her canteen and took a long swallow from it. She sat down letting out a long breath.

"Uh, action, Aeon?" said Trevor.

Aeon looked sharply up at him. "Proximian Grav-recon squad hopped into the city. Fortunately we stumbled upon them before they could do any damage, but it was tough rooting them out."

"A grav-unit?" said Happosai.

"I didn�t know many of them remained after all of the heavy fighting we�ve done across the planet," Trevor said. "What sector?"

A few quick taps on a pad, Flux drew up a portion of the central section of Mago.

"They were snooping around Middle Street. I think they might have planted a few markers for that damned artillery. Engineers are sweeping the surrounding twenty blocks now."

Goodchild studied the display for a moment, zooming out to examine more of the surrounding city blocks. "They were probing for sure," he said. "I suspect to give their friends better intel on our situation."

He stood up and walked over to her. "Very risky, Aeon." Trevor handed her the communiqu� Happosai brought and Flux read it over.

"So, rumor is now fact," she said, handing it back.

"Lets not be so hard on H.C., Aeon. We�ve had this discussion before."

She shot to her feet. "But they�re abandoning us, Trevor!"

Trevor raised a finger, shooting Flux a stern gaze. "There is no other choice."

"And I assure you we will get as many of your forces off Tauri as we can," said Happosai.

Aeon looked sharply over at him. "With all due respects, Admiral, but you can�t even get your own ship off Tauri right now."

Happosai tensed, stunned by the barbed insult. Goodchild frowned at his exec.

"That was not like you, Colonel," he said.

It grew silent, and Aeon sat back down rubbing her face. "I�m apologize, Admiral," she said. "I�m just not ready to accept the loss of our planet."

"I understand and share your feelings, Colonel," Happosai replied. "We will save as many Taurians as we can."

A frantic knock came from the door, Trevor telling whomever to enter. A solider entered holding another communiqu� in his hands, handing it over to him. Goodchild read it and Happosai could see his eyes briefly widen. This was not something good, he mused.

Looking up at the main display, Trevor leaned close whispering something into Aeon�s ear. Her eyes too went wide but remained that way as she gazed up at him. He held up three fingers and pointed at the display and she was gone in a flash.

"What is it, Trevor?" asked Happosai.

Trevor returned back to his desk and sat down. "You say another two weeks, Admiral?" he said.

"About that."

"Hm. I suppose we can hold a static line along the lj�Pak for that long."

"Why, and what did that message say?"

Goodchild smiled again, regarding Happosai for a moment.

"The Proximians are reportedly shifting troops. They think they have changed their mind about assaulting Mago for the now."

"Has there been a penetration."

"Oh no, not yet. Something else has caught their attention."

Happosai drew his pipe from his mouth, dreading what Goodchild was hinting at.

"No," he gasped.

Trevor shrugged. "You�d better get back to your ship, Admiral. I�m afraid the Sekigahara has been found�"

* * * * *

Croskin Mining hamlet, lj�Pak River,

176km west northwest of Mago;

The churning waters of the wide lj�Pak river rushed along its meandering course, dark and clouded from the silt being pulled up by the currents. The once tempered and controlled waterway ran unchecked after retreating Federation units in an attempt to delay the Proximians, destroyed the primary reservoir. With nothing to temper the waters, crossing just short of graving would be fatal, and now every bridge no matter how big or small, became vital possessions to be captured.

Amidst the run of hills, a small mining station found itself the focus of Proximian interest. A metal spanwire bridge rocked and buckled as rounds detonated against it, small arms fire crisscrossing the deactivated grav-railway as Taurian and Federation troops exchanged fire with the Proximians pursuing them.

Much of the factory and processing station lay on the northern side of the river, and a brisk sharp battle resulted in a hurried retreat across the bridge into the dwellings on the other side. The flight had been so fast that the engineering teams did not complete laying demolition charges and as a result, the infantry and their meager collection of supporting armor were forced to make a stand to prevent the Proximians from crossing over.

They were being roughly handled as the attack pressed forward. The Proximians realized this could be a chance they�d not get again and committed what armored groups they could into the fight to tip the odds in their favor. It was working, the smaller Taurian tanks hardly a match for the immense Proximian machines, and what support from a near-by Federation platoon had been neatly chopped up and sent scurrying for cover.

A Scorpion I medium and three Taurian light tanks burned fiercely along the banks, two surviving Scorpions hunkering back along the railway laying down as much covering fire as they could from behind the buildings around them. Their single pulse energy cannons flashed repeatedly, scoring hits that the Proximian tanks took without pause. Federation soldiers dug in and braved the torrent of fire. Geysers of dirt, water and mud rose into the air, the cries of dying troops carrying above the din of the battle, buildings and homes collapsing all around them.

Finally, the bridge was cleared of resistance. Two Proximian heavy tanks lumbered up, hulking monsters of metal and fury whining in unison as they rolled forwards. Their triple tube barrels spoke with a sharp hiss, sending searing bolts of plasma into the defending force beyond. Halfway across, one of the tanks suddenly exploded, its side ripped open from a missile fired by a Taurian anti-tank squad hidden in the trees along the shoreline. A resounding cheer went up, quickly suppressed as several Proximian medium tanks took positions along their side of the river, punishing the troops with murderous fire.

The remaining heavy tank rolled on, bolts deflecting off its thick sides and screens. Nothing seemed to affect it and a wave of panic started to flow though the defenders, but before anyone could abandon their positions, there came a sharp crash and a hole appeared briefly on the front side of the tank. It exploded, flames shooting out from all sides stopping the behemoth dead in its tracks.

Several of the Proximian tanks on the far side of the river were also taking fire and the infantry could see, hull down along the crest of a hill overlooking the hamlet, the turrets of four Federation heavy tanks.

A rumble shook the ground, four more appeared taking positions amid the rubble. They were Scorpion II�s, twice the size of their two story cousins. Sleek and riding low to the ground, slopped side armor protected the all-terrain tracks that carried them along; a hexagonal shaped turret housed two up-gunned, multipurpose cannons capable of firing a wide assortment of munitions. The hum from the Scorpion�s powerful engines drew several unintelligible curses from the Proximian commanders, knowing the fight just turned against them.

Another platoon of Scorpions appeared down the road, their supporting group of Bumblebee AA/M tanks veering off to find covering positions against the sudden appearances of Proximian aircraft. The lead tank stopped and from her command cupola, Captain Leona Ozaki looked over the battlefield on her tactical display.

<Yon, keep up the fire on that bank. Pak, you cover the bridge. Al, deploy on the right flank and knock off those APC�s harassing our grunts. Habana, Asada back up Pak, Dek-lo you�re with me. Move!>

Scorpions spread out on their assignments, Leona�s tank; Bonaparte, rolled out into an open road screeching to a halt. Proximian shells landed around them, but she paid it no mind searching for critical targets.

[Uni! Tank, Ten o�clock, One tube, SABOT!] she barked down at her gunner.

Corporal Uni Puma cycled the cylinder of the main guns, loading a solid round into the chamber of number one cannon. The neural sensors followed her eyes as she found the target locking the fire controls on it while the turret slewed around.

[Loaded! Locked!] she called out.

[Fire!]

A sharp kick followed, the hiss of heavy-gas shocks easing the barrel back from its recoil for the next shot. Leona watched the round slam into the hull of the Proximian tank, penetrating the armor with a loud roar.

[Hit. Destroyed!] she told Uni. The Humanoid female let out a cheer, meowing victoriously.

[Knock off that caterwauling!] shouted Leona down into the turret.

[Aw, Cap�n, it�s m�battlecry,] said Uni.

Private Anna Puma, seated behind the controls of the Bonaparte, came up on their intercom. [Forget it, sis,] she said. [Cap�n doesn�t like all that stuff. You know, straight and proper.]

Wha� straight and proper? thought Leona. [Both of you two shut up! We�re in the middle of a firefight and your wailing is distracting!]

More rounds detonated in the ground amplifying her order. Leona slewed her sights, making out another tank moving along the far roadway.

"Target! Shifting, Ten O�clock, Two O�clock, Plasma, both barrels!"

Uni found her mark, waiting for the energy rounds to build up. The ready light beeped and she reported ready.

[Fire!] shouted Leona, and both barrels spoke. The shots were right on target, but the first detonated against the Proximian�s defensive hull screens, the second resonating through just enough to stun the crew.

[Hit! Scorched!] said Uni.

[Repeat!]

Two more energy bolts slammed into the tank and it erupted in a mass of flames.

[Nice shooting, Uni,] said Anna.

[Natch, natch,] answered Uni.

[Quit that bragging down there,] growled Ozaki.

The building off to their right suddenly exploded sending chunks of rubble bouncing off the side of Bonaparte. Leona grimaced, instinctively flinching from the impact. She could here the reply from her supporting tank and decided to shift positions and review the platoons situation.

<Dek, stay here. I�m going to drop back for a sec.>

<Yes, sah!>

"I wish they would stop calling me sir," muttered Leona. [Anna, reverse track two clicks.]

[You mean back us out?]

[DO IT!]

Bonaparte lurched into reverse, pulling them out if the line of fire for the moment. Once they were clear, Leona opened the cupola�s hatch and stood up. Thick smoke drifted heavy above the rooftops, the sharp report of gunfire echoing around the buildings.

<Yon, what�s your status?>

First Sergeant Yon pulled back from his scanner sights to make his report. <It�s a turkey-shoot right now, Cap�n,> he answered. <We dished three HL-1�s and the Prox dropped for cover. They�re fighting back but we�ve got�em pretty well suppressed for the moment.>

<Good, keep them that way. Pak, report.>

The sound of a canon firing briefly came over the circuit then Sergeant Pak made his report.

Along the right flank of their positions, First Lieutenant Al Du Soult and his squad of tanks engaged the large formation of Proximian armored personnel carriers formed up ready to assault the bridge and support their troops. Pyre after pyre of flames shot high into the air from destroyed carriers, Al laughing hysterically.

<Leona, I don�t think the Proximian�s understand when they�re licked!> came his reply.

Leona giggled. Oh yes, another great encounter for 1^st platoon, A company, 177^thbattalion! Tanker�s heaven!

<Leona,> called Field Sergeant Habana. <If I can break you from your bliss for a moment, I think the Prox are upping the ante. Check your tac.>

Huh? wondered Leona. She dropped back down into her tank looking at her tac display. Habana fed her a live scan of the battlefield from his position and Leona frowned. More enemy tanks were moving up to the edge of the riverbank, large tanks sporting the familiar tri-barreled cluster cannons from their main turrets.

<Ho! HL-2�s> said Yon.

<Yep, got a pack of them moving up to engage us,> Al said. <They must really want this crossing.>

<Well they�re not getting it!> shouted Leona. <Pour it into them!>

She closed her hatch as the gunfire increased. [Anna�.]

[We get to go bang-bang again, Cap�n, sirmaamsirmaam?] asked Uni.

[Don�t interrupt me you automated airhead! Anna, traverse right. Find us a clear spot next to T-12.]

[Yes, sah!]

[Knock it off!]

Bonaparte rumbled down the road, Proximian stray shots detonating around them. Anna increased speed, slinging the Scorpion around, bursting through a low plastiment embankment out into an open roadway near the bend of the river. From their position they had a clear view of the bridge all the way to the next turn.

[Excellent!] shouted Leona. Then she noticed how exposed they were, and heard the alert coming from the ESM panel. [Uh, maybe not,] she continued realizing that they sat almost in clear view of every Proximian on the other side.

The reaction was not long in coming, and soon rounds of every type were landing around them.

[GAAAH! Anna, you chucklehead!]

[But you said a clear spot?]

[Not as free game. Back us out of here!]

The tracks dug in sending a spurt of dirt and mud into the air as Bonaparte peeled out back into cover. A bright flash lit the front, all three women letting out cries as a plasma round detonated off their hull screens. Fortunately it was the only one, but the flow of resonate energy coursed through the tank.

Ozaki shuddered, her body one brief moment of pain. The effects of the blast passed and Leona slumped forward, resting against the controls of her chain-gun.

[You okay, Cap�n?] Uni called up to her.

She drew in several breaths, shaking her head to clear the dizziness out. [No!]

[She�s okay,] commented Anna. [Still got her shouting voice.]

[That�s good,] said Uni. [Or is it?]

[Shut up!]

[So do we reposition again, maamsirmaam?] asked Uni.

[Not a chance! No Prox scorches my ass and gets away with it! Anna! Pull up to the edge again!]

They moved up until they could see the far bank of the river. Leona peered though her sights searching for a viable target.

[Uni, HL-2, two o�clock, SABOT, both tubes!]

[Acquired!]

[Fire!]

Bonaparte�s main guns spoke with fury sending the rounds neatly into the side of a Proximian tank. Another target was selected sending a third tank hustling for the safety of the rear.

All along the banks of the lj�Pak the battle raged with relentless fury. Clearly the advantage belonged to the Federians dug-in into the town. The number of burning tanks on the Proximian side of the river would surely convince them that this fight was drawn, thought Leona. They can�t be that determined.

The answer to her question came in the loud roar and burst from a gun somewhere amid the burnt out factory. Too her horror, one of Pak�s Scorpions was lifted high into the air crashing down a mangled wreck at the water�s edge. A following warbled sound preceded the explosion that tore open another of his tanks.

<HOLY SHIT!> he cried as the rest of the squads withdrew for safety.

The roar sounded again, and this time part of the facing hill where Yon�s squad was erupted sending a Scorpion sliding down into the freshly made gully.

<YO! We got a Monster out here!> he shouted.

�Monster� was the Federation identifier for an immense Proximian tank destroyer that could wipeout entire squads single-handedly. Any sign of one made it top priority on the kill list.

<Find it!> replied Leona.

Al slewed his cupola slowly along the river until his scanners detected a brief form moving behind the far factory walls.

<Think I got it!> he reported to the rest of the platoon.

<Are you sure?> asked Habana.

Another round fired from the Monster decimated one of the buildings and roadway behind him.

The onboard computer attempted to trace the target Al was looking at, but it too could not lock down enough for a proper fix.

[Gunner, potshot, nine-thirty, plasma, doubles, both tubes!]

The hiss from Al�s guns carried through the air, four rounds of plasma energy streaking across the river towards the target. Immediately, they were taken under fire forcing Al to retreat but his efforts were not in vain.

Yon�s eyes went wide as the shadowy form of the dreaded tank loomed up out of the smoke.

[It�s Christmas time!] he exclaimed brightly. [Gunner, prep the packages!]

Two SABOT rounds slammed into the chambers.

[Wrapped and signed!]

[Fire!]

A large chunk of armor sailed up into the air where the two solid rounds hit. The enemy tank beat a hasty retreat, crashing through anything in its path as it fled.

<Cap�n. We drove that bastard off but he�s walking wounded now.>

Al started to agree until he spotted a brief flash moving across the surface downriver. Slewing around, he increased magnification and quickly called out the alarm.

<Hello! Hopper alert!>

Eight of the low skimming Grav-Tanks were braving the waves in a mad dash to flank their position. Leona let out a curse, slapping a hand against her knee.

<Don�t these guys know when to quit!> she shouted. <Al, get on�em!>

<Shit! Yon�.>

Leona clutched the sides of her head in frustration. What is this? she wondered reviewing her options. Pak was out, and so was Habana now that Pak�s squad was short two tanks. The Hoppers were halfway across and she realized that it was left up to her to cut them off.

<Dek, stay with Pak. One of you flak-jockeys break off and support us. Al, cover me I�m sweeping around!>

Anna backed Bonaparte from their position out into the road. As fast as their twin fusion engines could move them, Bonaparte sped off down the road, a move not missed by the Proximians. They fired at every opportunity, but Al and his squad counter-fired, drawing their attention away.

Finally, Leona could clearly see the Hoppers and she locked her chain-gun�s sights on them.

[Uni, you�ve got freeplay here. Take�em out!]

Uni�s annoying cat cry filled the tank. She slewed the turret around and began firing. Hoppers started dipping and weaving but Uni was on target knocking three into the river in rapid succession. Bonaparte passed behind a cluster of trees, breaking up over a rise then down again just before an enemy round set the trees on fire. Again, Uni picked up where she left off; Leona adding her fire to the fight.

Another Hopper disappeared beneath the waves, the last four veering off heading for a small loading dock and station with Bonaparte hot on their heels. Uni cackled with delight, hedging her shots until the last moment. Two more dropped away, then a strong explosion shook the Scorpion.

[Did we get hit?] asked Leona.

[Near miss!] replied Anna.

No time to see who was shooting at them, the remaining two Hoppers were just about at the landing. Leona ordered Anna to take them around the station buildings. Bonaparte rumbled down the main thoroughfare just as the Hoppers pulled up onto shore. Uni slammed a plasma round into one, locking down her sights on the other as they came to a stop. An odd standoff ensued, the Proximian grav-tank with its light twin guns easily no match for the behemoth blocking the way.

[Heh, heh, heh, heh. Get your silly ass back out of here,] Leona said.

Uni fired launching the Hopper end over end into the river.

"YRROOWWWW" exclaimed the Puma sisters, and even Leona let out a cheer.

[Cap�n, sirmaamsir, can we do that again? Please, please, please, pleeeeease!] Uni begged of her commander.

[Not on your Eveready life,] Leona told her. [For that matter, Uni when did you start getting slow?]

[Slow!]

[Yes, slow. I watched you miss three times.]

[I wasn�t slow! I was merely playing. You know like a cat!]

[Bad time for you to be playing, Uni!]

[Uh, �scuse me, sirmaammaamsirmaam,] said Anna.

[Hold on, Anna. Can�t you see I�m flamb�ing your slow shooting sister here?]

[But, maam�.]

[I am not slow!]

[Three easy shots, Uni. Three, count�em!]

[Well if you�d have chosen a smoother route, I might not have missed� sir!]

[Don�t you take that tone with me!]

[Uh, Cap�n,] said Anna.

[WHAT?]

[Uh, I really think you guys should look at this Monster tank across the river.]

Leona and Anna both looked up at their screens in mortal shock. There, across the river lumbered the largest tank they�d ever seen in the current Proximian arsenal. It was a turretless beast with a sloped front housing a short-barreled main gun. Part of the front armor was peeled back where Yon�s previous shots penetrated, light smoke trails billowing up into the air. Leona could see down the maw of the barrel at the glowing round held in the magnetic field holding it back. She knew it would not stay there for long.

[AHHH! ANNA, EVASIVE! UNI, FIRE! FIRE, FIRE, FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!]

Bonaparte retreated, zigzagging as it opened the distance. Just seconds before they could swerve around the docking station for cover, the Monster�s main gun spoke, unleashing a glob of energy that destroyed the structure. The Scorpion spun several times coming to a stop in the middle of the road. Dust and debris rained down on them, and Leona moaned as she tried to regain her faculties.

[Anybody hurt?] she said weakly.

[That was kind�a fun,] answered Uni.

Leona sat straight up in her seat. [Fun? You eggplant-headed electro-bimbo! We almost got fried.]

[� still was kind�a fun.]

[Wha�, Anna!]

[All systems up!]

[Good. Let�s get out off�.] Leona paused, a cold feeling rushed through her body as through the dissipating dust she could see the Monster pivoting around for another shot.

[Uni, Monster, nine-o�clock, both barrels. Hit that hole!]

Uni quickly complied, snapping off bolt after bolt of energy into the Monster�s side. Bright flashed dotted the air around it as the shots worked their way through the hull screens, disrupting the crew inside. Finally, a bolt penetrated followed by another and a visible shudder could be seen passing along the length of the tank. A long jet of flame shot out from the barrel then the Monster shook from an internal explosion blowing off hatches and parts of its armor.

[We got it!] exclaimed Leona.

[So am I still slow, Cap�n?] asked Uni.

[Yes!]

[Humph! Such a meany you are.]

The ESM alarms around the tank suddenly went off. Leona watched as a cluster of missiles erupted from the rear of the dying tank across the river.

[Damn it, he was piggy-backing!] cried Anna.

[Harpies inbound!] shouted Uni.

[Anna get us out of here!] ordered Leona.

Bonaparte retreated again. Leona�s set her chain-gun�s tracking system to anti-air, opening a stream of fire up at the approaching missiles. One by one, the Harpies disappeared from the sky, then suddenly an abrupt stop lurched Leona face first into her screen. A loud crash came from behind and she pulled herself back.

[Anna, what the hell is going on?]

[We ran into the side of a building, sirmaamsir! I�m sorry!]

[We�re going to be sorry if you don�t get us out of here!]

Anna shifted into forward thrust, but Bonaparte�s engines whined in rebellion.

[Uh-oh, I think we�re stuck.] said Uni.

[Something�s caught in the track well, Cap�n!] added Anna.

This is not the time, thought Leona. The remaining Harpies rushed in for the kill only to be caught up by a flurry of blaster fire coming from up the road.

As Leona uncurled, one of the Bumblebee tanks rolled into view. It stopped and the tank commander stuck her head out from the turret�s upper hatch.

<You guys okay?> she asked.

<Uh, uh yeah we are,> answered Leona. <Thanks, Makina.>

The Bumblebee rolled off up the road. Leona let out a deep sigh, thanking her stars for being spared death this go round. She wondered how many more chances they would get, or will that certain round finally snuff out her life for good.

[Anna, get Bonaparte clear of this mess. Uni keep your eyes peeled for enemy units.] She switched up to the tacnet.

<Al, what�s happening at your end?>

<Great. I�ll be there in a moment.>

Her comms panel beeped and she switched circuits.

<Leona!> called Major Brenten, A Company�s commander.

[Ooo, Ooo, it�s the meaner boss man,] said Anna.

[Hush!] snapped Leona. <Ozaki here.>

<What�s your status, girl?>

<There�s several Taurian units here waiting to finish demolitions.>

<Good. What�s your casualties?>

<Okay. Got new orders for you. We�ve just received word that the Prox have pushed across the highway bridges about forty-eight clicks east of you. The 177^th has been ordered to go and close�em down.>

Leona could not believe it. <Another fight? Major, most of my tanks need a reload on hard munitions.>

<Can�t be helped. Blow that bridge and get your butts moving before this leak turns into a flood.>

Bonaparte lurched startling Leona for a moment as Anna finally freed the heavy tank from the debris.

<You let me worry about air support!> replied Brenten. <Blast that bridge and get moving!>

Leona�s body shook with anger, but she acknowledged the orders given.

<Al, detail Pak to stay here with those ground units. Once they�ve blown that bridge up, have him grab everyone he can carry and catch up with us.>

<Wow� that�s not going to be a easy fight.>

<Yeah, I know. Form up the squads and meet me here, pronto!>

<Yes, sah!>

Ooo, I wish they would stop that! mused Leona angrily.

Bonaparte rolled onto the road and waited until the rest of 1^st platoon arrived. She peered up into the open sky watching the crisscrossing contrails from highflying aircraft engaged in battle. So many, Leona thought. A look at the horizon found her dreading what lay ahead. The sounds of battle could be heard and she knew things would not be getting better anytime soon.

Ozaki cut her eyes skywards again and shook her head briefly before climbing back down. With a lurch, Bonaparte led the rest of 1^st platoon forward�

Episode Eight

Without You

(Ranma 1/2)

Skewing across the sky above the hills west of Mago, Lieutenant Commander Tatewaki Kuno pitched his Stingray fighter sharply around in pursuit of a Proximian Hammerhead fighter. His sights locked down on the elusive aircraft, and he fired chopping up the broad right wing with blaster fire. It pitched over in an uncontrolled spiral, but Tatewaki did not have time to watch the decent as two more fighters rolled up to engage him.

Will this never end? he thought while going evasive. Through out the morning and early part of the afternoon, the Wild Horses had been up engaging enemy air strikes all along the front. What respite they received, and those were few and far between, from what he could make out over the tacnets the Proximian�s were hitting everyone hard this day.

So on it went, engage, regroup, rearm, new tasking, another dogfight in this continuous battle raging around the city. Tatewaki�s ESM alert�s screamed for attention and he banked sharply right avoiding a missile that sped by into open space. A hard kick with the thrusters brought his fighter up in a roll, blaster fire from the Hammerheads on his rear barely missing. Suddenly one of the fighters exploded and its partner broke away. On his scanner, Tatewaki made out Lieutenant Nabiki Tendo�s ID pip move up and he looked out to his right spotting her fly up.

<Thanks, Nabiki,> he said.

<(Hehehehe, no problem, Tatewaki,> she replied.

Tatewaki frowned, stung by the giggling Nabiki was making. He climbed up out of the current fray to check their position.

Again she giggled, agreeing with his comment.

<Okay, I�ll play. What is so funny, or are you enjoying the fact that I was having a hard time evading those two Hammerheads?>

<Huh? Oh no, no, no, Tatewaki,> replied Nabiki. <I�m listening to the �Ranma/Akane� show right now.>

<Who�s show?>

<(He, he, he)� switch over to HorseNet 14.>

Tatewaki punched up the net and was greeted by a heated argument raging between two of his pilots.

<Look, Akane! Those Sharks almost dusted my ass because you slipped from your covering position!> shouted Lieutenant Ranma Saotome.

raged Lieutenant (j.g.) Akane Tendo. <You took a roll instead of a bank that allowed them to get between us!>

<Hey, don�t be knocking my tactics! I did the best thing I could seeing that I had to fend for myself!>

<Ahuh, and left me to clean out the flock you allowed to get past us!>

Frowning, Tatewaki looked down spotting the two engaged in a sharp donnybrook with several Proximian fighters. Ranma�s Stingray dipped hard right, banking up before his pursuer could lock down on him. The shots went wide, and then the enemy plane exploded; Akane�s Stingray appearing behind him.

<See, and if you wouldn�t be taking so many chances, you�d not have as many problems."

<I�m not having any problems! You�re just not watching my ass like you should be.>

Tatewaki switched back up to Nabiki. <Are they actually bickering in the middle of a dogfight?>

<Happens all the time,> answered Nabiki. <But don�t let it fool you. Nobodies as good as those two when it comes to picking up strikes.>

Looking down again, he could see what she was referring too. Flying low beneath the air battle, six Battleaxe strike craft moved in towards the entrenched ground troops below. <Ranma, leakers, three o�clock low.> he heard Akane say.

<Got�em,> replied Ranma.

They both rolled coming up behind the planes. Ranma immediately downed two, breaking up their approach.

<You see. Nothing wrong with my flying,> he told Akane. The ESM alarm on his panel went off. Three Hammerheads were moving up from behind he could see on his scanner, no doubt trying to drive them away from their cousins.

<Hey! I thought you were supposed to be covering our rear?>

<What? Are you waiting for them to shoot us down?>

<Ooo, Ranma! You are so irritating!>

Akane hit her reverse thrusters, going into a tight reverse spin that surprised the enemy pilots behind her. She steadied out, now on their tails, missiles sailing away from her wings. All three fighters exploded and Akane returned to her position off Ranma�s left quarter.

<What? Will you stop griping and finish off those Axes!>

Tatewaki could only stare in surprise at the two. <Amazing,> he finally said.

<Their quite a pair, aren�t they?> said Nabiki.

<Oh, hell no! You can�t recreate that charisma being generated by them.>

Nabiki noticed another flight of Battleaxes coming in from the far horizon. <Uh, Kuno, dear. I think duty calls,> she said, pointing in their direction.

He nodded, giving her a quick thumb up. <You lead,> said Tatewaki.

Nabiki banked around and for a moment Tatewaki paused giving Ranma and Akane one last look.

It would be a shame if one of them were to be killed, he thought. I wonder how the other would react to that�

* * * * *

Operations around the bridge of the Sekigahara were going at a frantic pace. Up in vultures row, Kasumi and her staff of air coordinators did the best they could to manage the ever-growing request for support from the ground forces, counter the air raids striking airfields and the ships in orbit above the planet. Meanwhile, below in the pit, the scanner teams fed information to the outlying sites, relaying information to Admiral Happosai and the rest of the senior officers on the command platform.

Commodore Masaki monitored a growing formation of Proximian planes marshalling out to the west just past the lj�Pak River. This looked like impending trouble to him, ordering Kasumi to reassign several of their CAP stations to greet the threat. Happosai and Cologne scanned over the tactical screens with growing concern.

"The Proximian�s are hitting us all over the front, Happi," said Cologne.

"Yes. They�ve decided that the Sekigahara is ripe for the taking," added Captain Soun, pointing to the displays. "Look at the drives they�re pushing along the river."

An alert went off overhead; red icons appeared moving quickly towards their position.

"We�ve got a flight of missiles inbound!" reported Ensign Ryooko Mendou.

"All anti-air batteries around the base have been alerted," said Ensign Sasami, filing the temporarily vacant position of Deck Officer.

Tense moments passed as they watched their defenses engage the missiles. One by one the red icons disappeared, the last impacting not far from the docks shaking the ship.

"That was close," said Captain Genma Saotome.

"Too close," replied Happosai. "Yosho, have we been able to locate that missile site?"

"Not yet, Admiral. Intel suspects the Prox are shooting blind."

"Hoping for a lucky shot that will disable us," suggested Cologne.

Sasami suddenly called up to Happosai. "Sir, incoming signal from Brigadier General Godchild."

Happosai pointed up to one of the side screens and Goodchild�s image appeared.

"Admiral. Rough weather we�re having right now," he said.

"A storm of hurricane proportions, General. What can I do for you?"

"I�ve got a serious penetration along the Highway Ten crossings." The tac screen shifted to a magnified view of the area. "The Proximian�s have forced their way across the lj�Pak and are consolidating their position."

Happosai sneered, noting how much of a threat this was to the entire front. "How can we help?"

"I have several units moving to close it off, but it will be quite a few minutes before they arrive. Can I get a concentrated air strike on them before they push out?"

"Of course, Trevor, of course! We�ll get something over there right away!"

"Thank you, Admiral."

The screen went blank and both Happi and Cologne turned around looking up at Commander Kasumi Tendo up in vulture�s row.

"Kasumi, we need�, Kasumi what�s wrong?" asked Cologne.

Kasumi stood eyes wide, staring down at the duo. "We don�t have anything available, Admiral."

"What!" exclaimed Cologne.

"Our last ready strike group just launched fifteen minutes ago, and they�re currently engaged."

"Oh no," gasped Genma.

Happosai quickly pivoted around and looked up at the tactical screen again. "We�ve got to have someone close by to hit that hole," he said, searching the display. He found one blue icon amidst a cluster of red just south of the area.

"Who is that?" he said, pointing.

Ryooko called up the ID tag. "VF288, the Wild Horses, sir."

"Stingrays, Admiral," Soun pointed out to him.

"They can be configured to carry ground ordinance."

"But where in such a short time?" asked Yosho.

Cologne peered at a white icon denoting one of their outer airbases. "Send them to Gosunkugi," she ordered. "I believe his station is handling Swallowtail squadrons so they should have the ordinance needed."

As the orders went out, Happosai leaned his tired body against the railing, sighing deeply.

"Are you alright, Happi?" asked Cologne.

He held his head in his hands. "We�re stretched like a balloon, Cologne. Anymore and things are going to just pop with dire consequences."

"Let�s hope not, Happi," she replied.

* * * * *

The intensity of the air battle raged with full force around the skies of the Wild Horses. The pilots fought like madmen, giving no quarter to drive back the Proximians pressing them. Tatewaki and Nabiki had just bounced several fighters when they were suddenly called on the tacnet.

Pulling out of the battle, Tatewaki went into an orbit with Nabiki covering him.

<Acknowledged, out.>

He returned to their squadron�s common circuit.

<Horses, break it off! Follow me.>

The remaining Stingrays of VF288 reluctantly disengaged from the dogfight forming up on Tatewaki as he headed off on the new course.

<Yo, Boss,> said Lieutenant Ryoga Hibiki. <What�s up?>

<Doesn�t look like we�ve got a tail,> reported Lieutenant (j.g.) Mousse. <Why are we going so fast?>

A quick tap had Tatewaki up on circuit ten. <Sierra Six, this is Horse Leader, over.>

<Horse Leader, this is Sierra Six,> came the reply. Kuno recognized Lieutenant (j.g.) Murasaki Suminawa�s voice. <Murasaki, can you fill me in on what we�re doing?>

<Roger.> He switched back to his squadron. <Whatever it is, it must be bad. >

<Oh, great. This will be interesting, > commented Nabiki.

The Wild Horses made the last final turn, spotting the four landing ways for the makeshift base. They could see service vehicles and other carriers at the far end only adding to their curiosity.

<Wow, an actual runway. Are we rolling in, Commander? > asked Ranma.

<Negative. Grav Touchdown, everyone.> answered Tatewaki.

The Stingrays made a final approach extending their landing gear while hovering down onto the tarmac.

<Stay in your planes! > Murasaki called before anyone could pop their canopies. <Repeat, stay in your planes! >

Lieutenant (j.g.) Ukyo Kuonji let out a huff. <Damn it, and I wanted to stretch my legs too. >

<Dogs up in the tower have it good,> complained Lieutenant (j.g.) Kodachi Kuno. <Don�t they ever think about our comfort? >

<Okay, can it,> ordered Tatewaki.

In the interim, the service vehicles were swiftly pulled around the planes. Their crews scrambled out and began working on the Stingrays. Ordinance racks were changed, power cells connected to charging trucks. A communications van�s team pulled out several hardwire connections, attaching the probes to each of the Stingray�s data ports. Murasaki told them to activate secure links and in milliseconds their tac screens changed.

<Ah, it Gruesome! > said Lieutenant (j.g.) Shampoo.

<Oh this is really bad now, > said Nabiki.

[Horses, this a quick combat brief,] said Lieutenant Hikaru Gosunkugi.

Ryoga cycled through his displays. <Hey, this is a Warhammer loadout we�re getting! What�s going on, Gos?>

<You know what that means,> Lieutenant (j.g.) Tsubasa Kurenai said.

<Ground Support,> Nabiki and Ukyo chimed together.

<All right, knock it off! > shouted Tatewaki. [Go ahead, Gosunkugi.]

[We�ve got a breech along the lj�Pak. The Prox have taken the Highway Ten bridges and are concentrating for a push. Our ground units moving to plug the hole are about thirty minutes out, but we all know how fast the Prox can move.]

The screen shifted to a wireframe display of the river and the surrounding terrain.

[Orders are to delay the Proximians, and destroy those bridges.]

[Roger, we�re on it.]

[Good luck, guys.]

The connection was broken, leaving the pilots at a loss for words.

<Wow, > said Akane.

As the service crews finished their refit of the Stingrays, Tatewaki reviewed the target area again.

<Saotome, you and Akane have the bridges, > he said.

<Yes. I think the rest of us will be busy knocking off mechs. >

<Okay. >

The crews were clear and the Wild Horses got the signal for liftoff. Together, the squadron rose up into the air, flying away with engines blaring towards their target�

* * * * *

"The Wild Horses are enroute to target, Admiral," Sasami reported.

"That�s excellent, excellent!" replied Cologne, gazing up at the tactical screen. "Ryooko please put the Horse Common up on a speaker for me."

She did, listening as Tatewaki passed out final instructions to his squadron.

[Mousse, you will run cover for Ranma. Shampoo; suppress any battlefield scanners on our approach in. Remember we�re not here to stop them, but here to slow them down. No unnecessary risk, people.]

[What if we get bounced?] asked Ryoga.

[Then we counter appropriately.]

Cologne arched a weathered brow, cutting her eyes over to the large formation of enemy planes still forming behind the hills west of the highway. She turned to Happosai, but he anticipated her question.

"Yosho�s got a flight ready just in case, Cologne," he told her.

Cologne looked back up at the screen and continued to monitor the attack�

* * * * *

Passing over one of the ground columns moving to intercept the Proximian force, the Stingrays dropped in low taking up a chevron attack formation. Mousse and Shampoo immediately went to work, scanning the area, setting their jamming pods for the upcoming fight. Across the far plain the hills surrounding the Highway Ten Bridges loomed into view, and they got their first look at the Proximians.

<Consolidating my ass,> said Tsubasa. <That looks like an advance to me.>

<It certainly is,> answered Tatewaki.

<Hey, check out all those rolling flack bunkers,> added Ryoga.

The threatening shapes of multi-barrel tanks and missile units sent alarm through them all. Taking a mental count of the armored units rumbling down the highway, Tatewaki adjusted his plan.

<Ranma, break off and come in along the river from the west. There�s to many support units along the highway to chance you or Akane getting shot down.>

<Roger, we�re outt�a here.>

The pair banked away. ESM alerts went off in Tatewaki�s cotpit warning him of impending danger.

<Horses, spread out and be careful. The Prox have their eyes and ears on us.>

<Hmmf. Not long they don�t,> commented Shampoo. She commenced her electronic attack gaining a rapid response.

Solid rounds and bolts erupted from the tanks and mechanized carriers, missiles in-flight towards them. Counter missiles sped away from the two jamming planes then the rest of the squadron bore down on lead column. In seconds several tanks exploded scattering the columns. The fighters split up, banking away with flack nipping precariously around their wings.

<Ryoga, concentrate on that rear column, We�ll continue to slow up the rest.> ordered Tatewaki.

<Somebody�s going to get hit with all of this ground fire they�re throwing up at us.>

<Don�t be cursing us, Ryoga!> shouted Mousse. Several explosions rocked Mousse�s plane. <Uh, how long are we going to be here?>

<Don�t worry about it. Concentrate on the job at hand,> said Tatewaki.

<Right. Crossing my fingers.>

Tatewaki smirked, ignoring Mousse�s remark as he dove in for another attack�

* * * * *

By the sound of things coming from the speaker, the Wild Horse�s attack was going well. However, another threat began to raise its head and the senior officers were watching it with growing alarm.

"That is starting to look extremely ugly," commented Genma.

"The Proximian�s are about to attack in force and my suspicions are it�s this repair station that they are eyeing," said Yosho.

Happosai and Cologne came over also watching the impending raid.

"Goodness! Yosho, how many fighters do we have to meet that mess?" asked Cologne.

"Not very many, Admiral." A tap on a display called up the fighters flying on CAP stations between them and the Proximians. "Three squadrons in position, no reserves to counter leakers."

"Hardly the situation we want to be in," said Happosai. "Yosho, I am a firm believer that a good defense is a sound offense."

"In this situation I would have to agree," replied Yosho, activating his mic. [Kasumi, order CAP stations seven through twelve to engage that pending strike.]

Kasumi acknowledged, but before her orders were barely out the Proximians made their play, surging over the mountain range into Federation airspace.

"Damn! Just a bit too slow," grumbled Yosho.

What few blue and green icons rushing to intercept met the hordes of red triangles. It became obvious that they would need more help to stem this tide.

"We can strip the southwestern stations covering the departure fields," suggested Soun.

"Do it," replied Cologne. "And take the inner CAP stations over Mago as well!"

Happosai grimaced. "Cleaning out what cover Trevor has over the city, Cologne?" he questioned.

"The Marine squadrons can fill the gaps for now, Happi."

"We�re taking a big chance here, Cologne." Happosai clicked his tongue, head shaking faced with the fact there was really no other options.

"If you object, Happi�."

"No, no. Let�s do it."

Kasumi issued the orders, and they watched as more blue icons entered the fray.

Kasumi!" called Cologne.

"Yes, Admiral?"

Cologne did not answer at first, staring up at the tactical screen again. "Pull the Horses too."

"Ma�am?" said Kasumi, stunned by her order.

"Do it child before things get out of hand."

The firmness of her voice conveyed the urgency of their situation. Kasumi switched circuits�

* * * * *

The Proximians advance column crawled slowly along the highway, some of the armored units falling back for the safety of the hills. The Wild Horses pressed home their attack scattering more mechanized units into the open plains.

Tatewaki drew up from a run peering out beyond the lj�Pak River. He could see more Proximian ground units approaching, knowing that even if this delay lasted the numbers crossing would probably force their way through any opposition.

<Ranma!> he called.

<Yo.>

Flying along the run of the river, Akane and Ranma weaved through the narrow hills trying to keep from being discovered.

<Hey, we�re just about there, okay!>

Ranma smirked, switching back over to Akane�s net. She was currently singing another verse of �Just the Two of Us�.

<Okay, you can knock off that humor,> he told her.

<Don�t like my singing?>

<Nah, Tatewaki just chewed on my butt.>

<Why�d he do that? He�s the one who sent us out here in the first place.>

<There�s more Prox coming. Must�a heard the bridges are up.>

Ranma�s scanners picked up the three bridges ahead along with several targeting sensors. He drew in a breath, knowing this was going to be risky.

<Akane�.>

Akane�s Stingray moved up beside Ranma. They traded looks before making the final turn towards their targets. The three bridges came into view, long metal and steel constructions that loomed high over the raging river. More alerts went off, followed by the traces of blaster fire from the tanks on the northern shore.

Ranma�s targeting scanner continuously beeped as the computer searched for the best location to fire at. Finally it locked down on the nearest bridge, centering a red crosshair on his HUD display.

<I�m hot!> he told Akane.

<So am I,> she replied.

<Good, stay that way!>

<Creep!>

Guided bombs sped away from their wings following the feed coming from the planes. Some of them were spoofed by jamming, but several explosions registered across the first bridge.

<Yes!> cried Ranma as he and Akane shot over the top. They climbed, rolling around to set up for another run. Akane could see part of the bridge buckled in several places, tanks and infantry dashing for the safety of the land on either side.

<Ranma, were going to have to do better than that if we�re going to bring those down,> she said.

Ranma looked down. <Yeah, you�re right. Its going to take a lot more hits.>

<Right.> Ranma switched over to the common circuit, telling Akane to follow. <Mousse!>

<What, Ranma?>

Mousse perked up, pulling his fighter away from the current engagement. He searched the area picking up Ranma and Akane�s fighters rushing down the river towards the bridges.

<Oh-Ho! Lot of opposition I see there,> he said.

<Blanket, please Mousse,> replied Akane. <And maybe a few Mustangs with that.>

Mousse launched a flight of missiles from his pods, directing a blinding screen against the Proximian sensors. In flew Ranma and Akane resetting their targeting sights again. Flashes dotted the north bank as the Mustang anti-tank missiles found their mark.

<Roger.>

Akane dropped low center her sights, ready to fire when a hail of solid rounds detonated around her plane. She shrieked dipping lower to the river.

<Akane, break it off!> shouted Ranma.

<No way!> she shouted.

In a startling move, Akane turned her plane over until she flew upside down. Her missiles shot away arching up under the nearest bridge into the center of the middle one. Explosions shook the air, but Akane sped on flying under the expansions out the other side. Ranma delivered his package, joining her as she climbed back up into the air.

<What the hell was that!> he shouted at her.

<Creative improvising,> replied Akane.

<That was kind of neat, Akane,> said Mousse.

<Oh, pooh on you!>

Ranma held back his anger, surveying their latest attack. Thanks to Mousse�s support two of the three bridges were twisted masses of metal sagging down into the water. That left only the third, but the Proximian�s were determined to keep it up. Flack tanks were gathering along both sides of the banks daring them to try another attack.

<So, they want to play, eh?> he said. <Akane, let�s try something different.>

<Nope, but I can gen up some false targets on their scanners. Will that help?>

They turned away, arching over the hills back into the fight raging along the highway. The rest of the squadron heard Ranma�s plan and did their best to cover them as they came out along the road. Blaster fire followed them as they flew over, Ranma and Akane weaving around to disrupt their aim.

<Okay, do it now, Mousse!> called Ranma.

Mousse sent out a stream of false signals at the waiting Proximian tanks filling their screens with targets that confused their computers. Quickly, they tried to cut though the deception, but it was too late as the duo appeared with sights ready.

<We better make this good, Ranma,> said Akane, firing.

Their bombs and missiles sped away tearing into the last remaining bridge with a resounding roar. Ranma laughed.

<Yo, Commander. Mission accomplished!> he reported.

<Excellent! Get back across�.>

Tatewaki was interrupted by Kasumi.

He called up the location, arching a brow at the display. <Roger, Command. Okay, Horses we have new tasking.>

<Yeah we heard,> commented Nabiki. <Out of the Frying pan into the fryer.>

<We�re coming. Go ahead, we�ll catch up.>

Forming up on their leader, the squadron headed off towards their next assignment. Meanwhile Akane and Ranma made a wide circuit around the Proximian columns as they neared the lj�Pak River. A veil of smoke hung over the bridges, both of them pleased by the success of their mission.

<Creep?> Ranma suddenly said to Akane.

She thought back a moment. <Yes, Creep!> she answered.

Akane could feel her cheeks flush. <Ah-ha, I assumed you were being lurid.>

<Oh� Disreguard!>

<No, no, no, no, no. I want to hear what you were thinking about�.>

Suddenly, every alarm went off in their cotpits, aft scanners locking on a flight of missiles streaming towards them. Both planes went evasive, popping flares and scramblers in their wake. Ranma evaded successfully, but the cry in his ears made his blood run cold.

<RANMA!> cried Akane as her Stingray was hit.

Ranma looked back and saw Akane�s fighter arcing away down towards the other side of the river trailing smoke and flames.

<Akane, AKANE!> he cried, but there came no reply.

<Ranma, what�s going on back there?> said Tatewaki.

Back at the Sekigahara, several sharp gasp cut the air. Soun rushed forwards, clutching the railing as he stared up at the screen in shock. Kasumi stood motionless, fearing for her sister�s life.

[I�m going back for her!] they heard Ranma say.

Cologne cut her eyes over at the current raid moving down towards them. She let out a growl and activated her mic.

<Commander, stay on your assignment!> she ordered Tatewaki.

Tatewaki sat stunned by Cologne�s command. <Did-you-copy, Horse Leader,> she said.

<Uh, yes� yes I did. Orders acknowledged.>

<What!> exclaimed Ryoga.

<We have our orders!> shouted Tatewaki. <Ranma, rejoin the formation.>

<Huh?>

Ranma looked frantically back and forth between them and Akane�s trail of smoke before turning away to rejoin his squadron.

<Tatewaki! We can�t just leave her like this!> shouted Ranma.

From his desperate plea, Tatewaki could tell the man was about to wig out on him. <Settle down, Saotome,> he replied. <We�ll get a Combat SAR in there to retrieve her.>

<CSAR!> exclaimed Mousse. <Commander, she�s behind enemy lines and it will take them forever to get out here.>

<Not to mention the Proximians probably saw her go down!> added Ranma.

Ranma�s grip on his control stick tightened, a long shudder racing though his body. He looked back again at the river but he was to far away to see it. The image of an injured Akane lying helpless at the feet of the Proximians loomed into mind, tears slowly forming in his eyes. The last desperate cries from Akane filled his ears and he drew in a tight breath.

"No," muttered Ranma, banking his fighter around.

<Saotome, get back here!> shouted Tatewaki.

Ryoga started to turn, but Tatewaki stopped him. <Everyone stay in formation!> he shouted.

<But he�ll be killed!> replied Ryoga.

<Stay-in-formation! Saotome get back here!>

But Ranma sped on ignoring the order.

Another voice came up, one he would have rather not heard.

<Saotome!> Cologne said angrily. <Get you ass back to your squadron, NOW!>

Ranma grit his teeth, refusing to reply.

Ranma reached over to the communications button. <I�m sorry,> he told them before shutting it off.

Cologne stood stunned, not believing what Ranma just did. She seethed with rage, slowly pulling her headset off. A tense silence formed, then Cologne sneered angrily up at the lone blue icon on the tac screen.

"I will have his head for that," she said.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Wild Horses flew up around Tatewaki. They all stared at him from their canopies with varied expressions.

<Commander we can�t let Ranma go back there alone,> said Ukyo.

<Tatewaki, it will be murder,> added Nabiki.

<We� we have our orders,> Tatewaki reluctantly told them.

<But its not right, Brother,> said Kodachi.

<Both of them are going to be killed, Commander,> Tsubasa said.

<We not let Ranma and Akane die, do we?> asked Shampoo.

Tatewaki could not answer, staring at the troubled face around him�

* * * * *

Dull pain throbbed through Akane�s head, her mind slowly returning to consciousness. Letting out a moan, she tapped the side of her helmet opening the visor to allow some fresh air into her lungs.

"Ooo, where the hell am I?" wondered Akane as she opened her eyes.

From what she could see, her Stingray had made an emergency automated landing on the side of a low hill. Akane could see the prow was slightly buried into the earth and she sighed.

"Damn, I got shot down," she said. "There goes my rating."

Making a quick check over her body, Akane did not find any thing broken or out of place. She knew she would be bruised up for several weeks, but at least she was alive. The emergency power systems still worked, Akane popping the canopy open. She undid her straps and stood up.

"Where the hell?" she thought again, then much to her horror she spotted the lj�Pak river a ways behind where she had crashed. It definitely was not the south side judging from the flashes of heavy gunfire along the horizon.

"I�m behind enemy lines!" Akane thought frantically.

Her training took over, Akane hopping out onto the right wing. From a panel behind her seat she pulled out the emergency survival pack opening it up. There were several packets of rations inside, thermal equipment for cold weather, but more importantly a combat rifle, which she rapidly put together. Beside the pistol at her side, this might be the only thing that would keep her alive until help arrived.

"Now how do I cross that river?" she wondered.

A low whine caught her ears and Akane went prone. Carefully, she crawled up to the edge of the plane and peered out across the open fields. Three wedge shaped Proximian personnel carriers made their way through the high grass towards the crash site. Akane moaned lightly, powering up her rifle as they came to a stop several kilometers away. From the back, Proximian soldiers emerged forming up into two skirmish lines in front of the APC�s.

"Ohh, now the Proximian Army�s coming to get me," whined Akane. She leveled her sights on them and prepared to fight for her life. At least hitting them would not be a problem, their 2.5 meters tall frames easy targets. A short wave by the officer in charge moved the two lines forward.

"This isn�t going to work, girl," Akane said to herself. "Better try and slow them up and run for it."

She picked a solider at random and fired hitting him in the chest. As he pitched back, Akane grabbed her pack and rolled down the hill, scrambling to her feet in a dash for the next one over. It was a wise move, blaster fire ripping into the fighter. Several burst from the guns on the APC�s hit and it burst into flames.

The gunfire ceased and cautiously the Proximians moved up. There was no sign of their quarry and they exchanged looks, gazing around. Suddenly there came the hiss of gunfire, two more soldiers falling to the ground. One of the Proximians called out the alarm pointing at the next hill and they proceeded to pour gunfire at it.

Akane was already on the move, hustling down the side. When she reached the bottom, she stopped realizing that there was a good distance between her and the next rise. No time to cry about it, she sprinted through the grass.

"STOP!" she heard in broken Federation English, but that only spurred her on. A shot zipped by her head and Akane dived for cover into an open shallow rift.

"Well, how fortunate," said Akane, trying to find some humor in this situation. The rift extended around to the side of the next hill and she followed it. A short scramble found her at the crest peering down at the figures beating the grass in search of her.

"Danm I�m good," she said firing into them. Their return fire drove her back and she rolled down to the base of the hill again. "Yeah, I�m real good."

Something landed in the grass next to her, a dark oblong object that made Akane squeal in fright. She dived away as the grenade exploded, launching her through the air. Hitting the ground, Akane rolled to a stop dazed for a second; fortunate that most of the concussion was deflected by her helmet.

"Now I�m in trouble," she said.

The voices from her pursuers could be heard and Akane snatched up her rifle hustling across another open field. Unexpectedly, one of the APC�s burst out into view around the far side, turning towards her. Akane let out a yell knowing there was no way she could evade it, and dropped to the ground. Something fast flew through the air above her, and then the APC exploded. A Stingray shot by, banking sharply around.

[Ranma?] called Akane over the helmets communications set.

[I�m here Akane,] he answered.

Akane stood up, excited by his appearance.

[Ranma, you came back for me.]

[Yeah, and I�m not leaving without you either! Get down!]

Akane went prone as Ranma fired into the Proximian soldiers cresting the hill behind her, driving them back. A scattered shot from the remaining APC�s streaked by, but he ignored it coming around once again.

[Akane, listen up! There�s a flat run just past the next rise ahead of you. I think it will be wide enough for me to get in there and pick you up.]

[But what about�.]

[There�s no but in this! I�m coming down to get you so start running your pretty little ass off and get out there!]

Akane grinned, cheered by Ranma�s concern for her. She began running as Ranma made another strafing run. The soldiers� attentions were now focused on him and they fired up at the Stingray hoping for a lucky hit. Ranma locked his sights down on one of the APC�s launching his last two remaining missiles at it. They hit square dead center and he rolled up into the sky, checking on Akane�s progress. She was just reaching the base of the last hill, scrambling with all of her might up the side.

"Climb your ass, Akane," he said then a sharp blast shuddered the fighter.

[We�ve been hit,] reported his computer. [Left vertical wing surface and mid thrusters damaged.]

Ranma looked back to see several flack tanks rolling across the fields along with more personnel carriers. Another blast exploded close by and his Stingray dipped towards the ground.

At the top of the hill, Akane stopped watching fearfully as Ranma headed down.

[Ranma!] she cried.

At the last moment, Ranma regained control, pulling his plane up. Light smoke streamed from his wings, the tail bent in to one side. She could see that controlling the Stingray would be difficult.

[Ranma, go home!] she said.

Ranma maintained a steady grip on the controls. [No, Akane,] he answered turning back around. [I�m not leaving without you!]

[You can�t keep flying like that. Go home, I can take care of myself!]

[No, Akane! Will you stop yapping and get down to that run!]

Akane smiled, admiring his stubbornness. It was a mistake to stop, and a costly one as a tight narrow beam of energy lanced her clean through the hips. She screamed from the burning pain, crumpled to the ground, rolling uncontrollably down the side of the hill.

Ranma heard Akane�s cry, coming around in search of her. "Akane," he gasped when he saw her lying inert in the grass. [Akane!]

[�go�go, Ranma,] she replied weakly over the circuit. [I�m hit, and I�m in so much pain!]

She began to cry and Ranma�s fury increased. He dived, letting go with a continuous burst of fire ripping into the Proximians. More flack bracketed his plane, another hit to the wing staggering the Stingray. He fought with everything he had to maintain control of the craft, but as he flew up his ESM alert went off. Somebody had him in their sights and there was no way he could avoid whatever they fired at him. He could see the tanks below tracking his plane, waited for the killing shots.

They never came, two of the tanks erupting in a bright explosion.

<Ranma! Get in there and get Akane!> Mousse said over the net.

<Mousse?>

<Don�t talk. Get down there!>

Another tank exploded, Shampoo�s plane running in strafing the scattering infantry. <We keep enemy soldiers away from you, now go!> she said.

It was a reprieve Ranma thanked the stars for giving him. He turned making a difficult approach towards the hard dirt surface, praying that his grav-panels were still in working order. The Stingray shook kicking up a flurry of dust as it set down, dipping unsteadily as he popped open his canopy. A round exploded not far away, the shooter swiftly silenced by a pass from Mousse.

Ranma hopped out and sprinted across the ground into the field. When he reached the spot where Akane lay, the bittersweet smell of burnt flesh greeted him. He found Akane lying face down and knelt taking her by the shoulders, fearing she was dead. Instinctively the woman began to fight thinking it was the enemy, but when she looked up their eyes met and Akane stopped. No words were needed the two trading relieved looks. Akane pulled herself up, hugging Ranma tight.

"This is going to hurt," he said, gently scooping her into his arms.

She grimaced, hugging him tighter, but held back her cries of pain. Every step Ranma took was agony to Akane as he ran back towards his fighter. Blaster fire ricocheted around them and he laid Akane on the wing pulling himself up, climbing swiftly back into the cotpit with her in his lap.

<Mousse, I got Akane! Give me some cover so I can get out of here!>

Mousse and Shampoo formed up, diving in to cover Ranma as he turned his fighter around. It was a tight fit, but Ranma managed to take the joystick and kicked the throttles wide open. The damaged Stingray whined in protest, shaking as it fought to gain altitude.

"Come on baby, you can do it," he said.

Finally, the fighter picked up speed shooting away leaving an angry mob of Proximians in its wake. Ranma guided the stricken craft across the lj�Pak River to safety. Mousse and Shampoo flew up on either side off him.

<Ranma, you going to make it back?> asked Mousse.

<Okay.>

Mousse flew up in front of Ranma.

<Shampoo, get on the net and have a med unit standing by. Akane�s hurt bad.>

<Roger.>

A light moan came from Akane and Ranma pulled her closer to him.

"Hold on, Akane. Please hold on," he said�

* * * * *

By nightfall most of the fighting died down with both sides pausing to regroup and lick their wounds. Ranma, Mousse, and Shampoo arrived back at their base before sunset exhausted after the days ordeal, but their troubles were not over yet. By midnight Cologne arrived and she was hopping mad.

In Tatewaki�s temporary office, he, Ranma, Shampoo and Mousse stood at ridged attention while Cologne balanced on the end of her staff with her face up in Ranma�s, yelling at the top of her lungs.

"How dare you, Lieutenant Ranma Saotome, how dare you disobey direct orders, MY DIRECT ORDERS!"

Swallowing, Ranma struggled for a response.

"I went back to rescue my wingmate, ma�am."

"Your wingmate! When it comes to battle, there is more to it than saving your wingmate!"

"Akane went�."

"I-did-not-ask-for-a-comment-Lieutenant!"

Ranma went rigid, enduring Cologne�s deadly glare.

"You, Lieutenant, are not the one to be making those decisions! That is my job and I say where and when you are to fly in this wing! Do you know that because of your jaunt the Wild Horses barely were able to cover the intercept I ordered them to?"

"Uh, no ma�am."

"You also stripped them, and our carrier mind you, of the support Shampoo and Mousse were supposed to provide!"

Ranma stared out into space, taking his ass-chewing as calmly as he could manage.

"I will not have your insubordinate hide running around blatantly disregarding orders and jeopardizing the lives of others! We have people whose sole job is to go and retrieve downed pilots. You have not only risked your life needlessly, but you also sustained damage to your plane, part of the weapons system for our defense!"

"Akane�s life was in danger, Admiral and I�."

"Don�t you interrupt me while I�m talking!"

Ranma went silent.

"Oh no, Lieutenant Saotome," continued Cologne, backing away from him. "You are not going to get out of this easy! Demotion is too good for you. I think a court-martial is in order here!"

Mousse and Shampoo both gasped, staring over at Cologne. Her eyes cut over to them and they snapped back to attention.

"And as for you two!" she said hopping over. "Stupidity must run rampant through the Wild Horses! Why in great gods name would you two disobey direct orders?"

"They did not disobey direct orders, Admiral," said Tatewaki.

"They didn�t?"

"No. They were following my orders."

Cologne reacted as if she�d just been stung by a bee. She was up on the end of her staff again in his face. "Your orders?" she said.

"Yes. My orders."

"I was listening to your circuit, Commander. I heard no such orders come from you."

"That�s because I gave them a hand signal, Admiral."

Cologne slid down to the floor with her mouth gaping open in mild surprise.

"Tatewaki, you would dare disobey orders� no, no don�t answer that. You will not like the response."

A tense silence followed, Cologne rubbing her chin in deep thought for a moment. She began pacing, muttering incoherently to herself then stopped. Ranma, Shampoo, and Mousse looked down, but her narrowed eyes cut over and they returned to attention. Finally, she spoke.

"In light of the fact that you managed to rescue Akane, Lieutenant Saotome, I will forgo court-martialing you."

Ranma breathed a light sigh of relief, but the end of her staff came up into his face.

"For now," she finished. "In the interim, you are restricted to your quarters. Is that clear?"

"Y-Yes ma�am."

The end of the staff shifted over towards Mousse and Shampoo.

"As for you two. Since you decided to join the lieutenant in his folly, you have now become his personal keepers."

"His what?" they both said.

"Silence!" shouted Cologne snapping them back to attention. "Outside of daily assignments and combat, there are only three places Saotome will be allowed to go. To eat, to clean up, and I don�t think I have to mention the last one. If I so much as get even a hint that Ranma is outside his quarters unauthorized, it will not be him suffering my wrath, it will be you two and I will not be merciful in any regard. Is that clear?"

"Yes, maam!"

Cologne lowed her staff walking back over to Tatewaki.

"You three are dismissed," she said. "Commander Kuno and I have several things to discuss."

The trio paused; casting worried looks at their commander.

"I said DISMISSED!" roared Cologne.

They immediately did an about face, exiting quickly out the door.

* * * * *

A short time later, Ranma and Mousse were heading back to their new quarters, now forced roommates. They carried what was left of Mousse�s gear in their arms, a somber silence between them. Reaching the door, Ranma stopped abruptly turning around.

"You know you guys did not have to come back for me," he said.

"Save it, Ranma. We wanted to, okay?"

Ranma smiled. "Thanks."

"You can thank me by opening that door. This stuff is starting to get heavy."

Ranma opened the door but before he could turn on the light, his desk lamp came on startling them. In his desk chair sat Captain Tendo, Kasumi standing just behind him.

"Uh-oh," muttered Mousse. "Another ass chewing."

Soun cleared his throat. "Mousse, will you excuse us for a moment."

Mousse placed his things on the table and gingerly stepped out, closing the door behind him. Ranma put down the bundle in his hands and came to attention.

"Sir, there�s not much of a backside left of me. The Admiral laid claim to it."

Soun chuckled then stood up.

"I�m not here to chew your ass, Ranma," he said.

"You�re not?"

"No. I really should not be here, but I had to come and thank you for saving my daughters life."

Ranma�s eyes blinked in disbelief.

"Why, thank you, sir."

"Don�t take it that I�m condoning your disobedience, Lieutenant." Soun paused, crossing his arms, drawing in a deep breath. "It would have been devastating to us if Akane had fallen into Proximian hands. I would not know what I would have done if that had happened."

"Have you seen Akane since I brought her back, sir?"

"Yes. She�s going to be fine." That drew relief from Ranma. "But she will not be flying for a long time."

Ranma wavered making his way over to a chair and sat down. "That bad?" he said.

"I�m sorry, son," answered Soun.

"That�s okay. At least she�s still alive."

Soun nodded. "So what did Admiral Cologne do to you?"

"She wants to court-martial me, but for right now I�ve been placed on restriction with Mousse and Shampoo as my watchdogs so to speak."

"Hm. I�ll talk to her and see what I can do."

"Thank you, sir."

"No, thank you Ranma," replied Soun. He placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze in gratitude. "Thank you for caring for Akane."

Soun headed for the door as Kasumi walked over. She knelt down and gave Ranma a firm hug, kissing him lightly on the lips before joining her father.

"One other question, Ranma," said Soun.

"Yes, sir?"

"If it had been somebody else, let�s say Ryoga or Kodachi, would you still have gone back?"

Ranma regarded him for a moment. "Yes, sir. I still would have gone."

Soun paused then walked out. Mousse came in looking back and forth in wonder.

"So I see you�re still alive," he said as he closed the door.

"They weren�t here to kill me, Mousse."

"That�s good to hear. Wouldn�t want you to miss out on the ready alert we both just picked up in the morning."

Ranma frowned. "Figures," he said.

Mousse pulled up a chair next to him "Hey, you even got a replacement fighter straight out of the repair shop."

"Wonderful."

Mousse could see Ranma�s mind was not there and that nothing he said or did would cheer him up. "I guess we should, ah, turn in then, eah?"

"I�m not tired right now. You go ahead."

"Now I can�t go and leave my new partner up all alone."

Ranma turned casting him a strange look. Mousse reached up into his top pocket and pulled out a deck of playing cards.

"Poker? Straight up, no wilds, and no antes," he said.

Thinking about the offer, Ranma chuckled. He pulled over the table in the room and flexed his hands.

"Deal�em," he said.

{This is a small note from me to all who read this story. I and my few previewers want to ask you a question?

Should Ranma be court-martialed by Cologne for is disobediance of her orders? It has grown from a small

grumble to a very large debate. Pending enough replies, I might just write a side story on it based on the inputs.

E-mail me with your thoughts about it.}

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