Planetside 2: The Vanu's Hidden Gem
Part 1:
“Command this is Shadowstrike 1-95! Where under heavy fire at the Western Watchtower on Indar! requesting assistance!"
I looked up from the pile of battle reports and cheek ins I was reading and picked up the radio, "Shadowstrike, this is Jet Sunstrider at command, say again, what forces are attacking?"
"Jet, thank the gods! Heavy alien forces are surrounding us! Requesting airstrike and reinforcements!"
"Roger that, I'll get a squad to you ASAP, command out" I heaved a great sigh. Ever since the TR and NC made their agreement/treaty some 200 years back, I was elected leader for the New Republic. And let me tell ya, Command channel has not changed... at all! Regardless, I picked the radio back up...
"Indar command, this is Jet Sunstrider, get me a line with AxxMURDER of the Terran MURDER Squad ASAP" I said. I remember before the NR was formed, I was an officer of the Terran Republic's very own Terran MURDER Squad. And despite the gruff the NR gave them, stayed true to the old TR ways. AxxMURDER, the leader, is one hell of a soldier and a loyal comrade. It only made sense to elect him as my 2nd in command and let Axx be the main assault force, or “first responders” if you will.
"Hello? You're through to AxxMURDER, what the hell do you what now?" He sighed. He always hated Command.
"Yeah, watch it. It's your boss" I joked "Rangle up the men, time to get MURDERING" I added.
“Jet… It's been awhile since I last heard from you, hows the army holding up?” Axx asked.
“Oh you know, same war different team names. Hows the outfit holding up?” I replied.
“Eh, we're holding our own. Anyway, what you got for us?” He asked.
“Well, Western watchtower is under heavy fire from the Vanu, and are asking for reinforcements. Thinking you could get some gunships and ground vehicles over there? I recommend at least 3 fully loaded, anti armor libs and a small convoy of prowers. Maybe 3 tanks and 2 sundi’s. One ammo, one repair.” I explained the situation Shadowstrike got themselves into.
“Alright, alright, we got it. Tell this, Shadowstrike well be right over there. Axx out” Axx replied. I pressed a few buttons on the radio to get ahold of Shadowstrike again.
“Shadowstrike this is Jet Sunstrider, the Terran Murder Squad is on the way with 3 Lids fully loaded for anti-armor as well as a convoy of prowers, how copy?”
*Gunfire and explosions in backround* “Solid copy, command! HAY ALPHA WATCH THE LEFT FLANK! We will be here, ain't much else to do! LOOK OUT! WE GOT MAGRIDERS COMING UP THE MAIN ROAD! GET SOME AT TURRETS IN THERE!” I set down the radio, I prayed, if there even is such a thing on Aruix, that AXX would be there in time. It has been a long and exhausting war, and I wish it would end. But as a friend once said, “Human nature, it's to finish one war to start another”.
Part 2:
“We lost a whole 200 men last night! We can’t afford another loss like that! The Vanu are only gonna get more powerful! Who knows those alien savages got in store!” Shadowstrike leader “Fire” Westbrook was saying. He was the acting commander of the defending force at Western Watchtower the other night, and boy was it a tough one. All I could remember is reading the battle report Cap. Mich Rain of Terran Murder Squad wrote up last night. we lost 200 men, like Fire said, and lost over 2k natie resources in tanks and gunships as well. We lost a lot of good fighters, but we also saved many more with that hard earned defence.
“ Calm down, commander, we still defended the base. We did lose a lot of men, but remember, its what we train for. we are not supposed to fear death.” Pvt. Dawnhammer replied. He was always a calm, patient man. He always remained focus in a fight. Hard to believe he was a NC commander before the NR was formed.
“Kid has a point, Fire. Where soldiers, Born to fight, born to die, all for the good of mankind.” I added. “Regardless, Fire still has a point, lads. We need to find any evidence of new weapons and or other tech. the Vanu may be building. Mich, take a small stealth ATV squad and scout out the hidden caves of Hossion.”
“Yessir!” Mich replied. She quickly made her way down to the Axx barracks to squad up and head out.
“Good, BlackDevil, take a gunship squad and scout out Esimer. cheek every inch of that bloody blizzard-fest.”
“On it!” Black replied and rushed down to the barracks as well.
“Right, Axx, we still need defence. Take a platoon down to the southwest flank and defend. Report any Vanu presence stright to me, got it?” I told Axx himself.
“Sounds like a plan, I’ll report anything I see.” He replied.
“Right! Everyone, good luck. Strength in Unity, Loyal till death. For the New Republic!” I shouted, everyone following suit.
Part 3:
“Hay Jet, it’s Mich on Hossion. You might what to get down here, like NOW!” Mich said over the radio. She sounded really tence, like she’s just seen a ghost.
“Cory that Mich, I’ll pod in. Where are you?” I replied.
“Where a little north from Aukra Amp-Station. Where at point E-12 NW of the map. Might wanna hurry, sir!” Her stress in her words grew. I could tell something was up.
“Copy that, ETA 2 Min. Out” I pressed more buttons and got hold of Hossion command. “Hossion command this is Jet Sunstrider, I’ll be arriving in about 1 Min to join my Flash squad, how copy?” I spoke, hoping command wasn't taking a nap again.
“Solid copy, do you have transportation pre-planned? Or do you need a vehicle?” They asked.
“Just have a pod ready to land at E-12 NW of Aukra Amp. Sunstrider out” I replied, turning the radio off.
I arrived on Hossion about 30 sec. early. Hoping that command was not slacking off again, but they were ready, thank the lord. I reached to the pod launch at the back of the warpgate, the shield emitting a relaxing hum before the trip I was about to take. They were 3 engis applying some last minute maintenance when I saw them. As I approached, they all stood up and greeted me with a classic Canadian salute. Surprisingly, I’m the first ever leader of any army on Aurix to be Canadian. Weird right?
Regardless, I repeated the salute. “At ease, men. Is the pod ready?” I asked.
“Yes sir! The pod is programed to drop at E-12 NW. Aukta Amp, correct?”. One replied.
“Good. Are we cleared for launch?” I asked.
“Whenever you are, sir.” The other replied.
I took a deep breath, Drop Pods were always…. uneasy for me.. “Lets get started” I said.
I strapped in, one engie checking everything was secure. He patted me on the back and said: “Good luck, sir. Hope you find something useful” He excited the pod. Leaving me alone.
“Ready for launching in 5…” The countdown started.
“4!”
“3!” I took a deep breath, I haven't been in a Pod for 3 months now. I hope the rations I had befor stays down, if you know what I mean.
“2!”
“1!” Here goes.
“Launching!” The radio tower operator yelled.
Well, If you have ever been in a Drop-Pod before, you’ll know the feeling. It is like having your entire body being sucked together on the way up, then there's the fun, re-stretch on the way down. Really, really relaxing, ya know?gonna explode then.... then…
SLAM! you're grounded.
The Pod doors hissed open in a thick puff of smoke and steam. I stumbles out, like a drunk during happy hour. Ripping off my helmet, almost taking my ears with it, I held my aching head. Ears ringing, I searched for Mich and the ATV squad.
“Jet!” A filmler voice yelled. “Jet! Whoa, rough landing?” Mich asked, helping me to my feat.
“Naw, I just haven't used a Pod is 3 months. Ow! My head… owwww! I hope what you found was worth it,, or… or… OW!” My head felt like a time boom.
“I think you’ll be fine, come on, it's just in this cave over here!” Mich said, leading the way.
Getting over my Pod-Lag, I followed Mich to the cave. There were 3 infiltrators guarding the entrance. They saluted, but all I could do was nod. When Mich led me in the care, I almost thought I damaged my Brain in the landing.
“What in all things Earthly…” I said, to shell shocked to even care to think that what I said was kinda crazy.
Part 4:
Inside was like a military hangar. Y'know, for air fighters and tanks. It looked like it was straight from WW2, ripped right from Earth itself and dragged through the wormhole and re-built here. The one thing that crossed my mind, is that how the frack is it in a CAVE?!?!?!?! What also surprised, and even scared me a bit was the huge, 15 foot (ish) tall purple Mech-Suit that was standing there. A little rusted, but still looked in good shape. I looked like it hasn't been touched for a while, but I remember before the invention of Nainte Vehicles, the soldiers fighting on Aurix sometimes used huge Mech-Suits, like this one. If the Vanu were trying to repurpose it for military use, then who knows what real, non-copied metal could do to naintes.
“Whoa, this is amazing! I remember reading about these in the barracks, but to see one is crazy! This is the last non-copied metal vehicle left on Aurix!” Mich was saying, awe in her eyes. “If it still works, we can take it back to the warpgate and build more! We could be the best, tech-advanced army on Aurix!” She added.
“Way ahead of ya,” I replied, alderley running towards the massive monster. “You two, set up that ladder so I can get up there!” I pointed to two of Mich’s men.
Mich rolled her eyes. “Always gets the cool crap.” She mumbled.
I climbed into the cockpit and stared at the all the buttons. “How do I turn this on?” I talked to noone in mind. I pressed a bunch of buttons until I heard something like a power grid turning on. The screen flared purple as the bubble around the cockpit closed. Suddenly, a voice I recognized as the old VS annoncer from before they were all massacred. Sadly, some Vanu survived and are now fighting back, alongside the so called “long gone” Vanu Alien race. (Thanks alot, Science Team).
“Greetings follower of Vanu” It said, I made a weird face, knowing that the voice commands on this thing well denfilnty have to be changed once we get back to the warpgate. If this even worked, at least. “This is the Prototype MAXIMUS 3-700 Mech-Suit. It is designed for heavy combat and passing through rough terrain on Aurix.” Well, I now know where our current Max suites come from, at least. “This basic tutorial will explain the basics of controlling and fighting with the Maximus Suite. Please, equipe the Nano-Gloves that should be located on either side of you.” As if on cue, 2 gloves sprouted from the sides of the cockpit. I slid them on and made fists, breaking them in. But to my surprise, when I made a fist, the Mech did as well. I alderley understood. The gloves send a single to the Mech’s arms and legs and the Mech responds to my every move. “Notice how the Mech’s arms now follow your every move. Now, stand up and equip the Nano-Boots.” The…. thing said. Regardless, I stood up, and the chair collapsed into a sorta storage area. Just then, a shelf sprouted with a pair of boots that match the Gloves. I grabbed them and slipped them on. I lifted my feet up, one at a time and the Mech followed, just like I thought. The shelf disappeared and the voice commands started talking again. “The boots seem to be in working order. Please take a step back as the Treadmill pad activates.” It commanded. Treadmill pad? Ok, now I just looked plain confused. Nethertheless, I took a step back, and the floor of the cockpit opened into a conveyor belt like pad. “Please step on the pad to begin traval test.” The command thing said. I stood on the pad and took a step forward, the Mech sensed my movement and the belt moved. In turn, the Mech also took a step forward, almost flattening Mich into Republican Pancake.
“Yekies!” Mich yelled. “Watch where you're walking in that thing!” She yelled over comms.
“Its my first time useing this! Don’t expect me to be perfect!” I yelled back.
“Travel systems seem to be in working order. Move to the left side wall to begin weapons testing.” The system told me. I stumbled toward the back wall. Just getting over the shock that I’m controlling a Mech with practically a Treadmill and motion sensing tech. I pressed a big red button on the wall and a side-door opened into an armory containing the biggest weapons I’ve ever seen. I walked the Mech in. Mich and the rest of the squad were standing behind me by the door in shock.
“Please recive any weapon to begin weapons activation and testing.” I alderley had my eyes on a modern style LMG. IT had a powercore loading system, like all Vanu weapons do, but it looked so much like a NS-15M2 LMG.I tried to grab it, but my hand-eye coordination was kinda off, so the huge mech hands kept missing.
“Problems, Jet?” Mich teased me through comms. I turned around to see her and the squad leaning against the wall, laughing and enjoying the show. I rolled my eyes and went back to the weapons.
After a couple more “Air Jordans” The mech hands finally grasped the huge weapon. Just then, a hologram of the same weapon appeared in the cockpit. Then it turned into a solid model gun floating in midair.
“Please grab the modal gun to begin testing.” The system told me. I reached the gun, and the mech adjusted itself to match my grip. I waved the gun around a bit, the mech did the same. “all systems nonmail. ending training program. Good Luck, soldier.” and with that, the training ended. I was now fully informed on how to use a giant metal super-soldier.
“That's it for the training programs, Mich. we should get back to the warpgate now. Tell command what we found.” I told Mich.
“Copy that, my squad will take the ATV’s back. Good luck with that thing. Try NOT to blow up, or get stuck, eh?” She replied.
“Ha ha, just get back to the warpgate.” I said. With that, Mich and the squad drove off. Leaving me alone in a massive metal killing machine. I pressed a blue button on the wall and the hanger open up so I could get out. As I left, the outside closed again so it looked like a normal cave. ‘Boy, just wait till Axx hears about this.’ I told myself, starting the walk back to the warpgate.
Part 5:
Walking around in a huge Mech Suite using motion sensors and a treadmill, not easy. And it just had to be Hossion, too. Treas, rocks, vines, and bushes getting in the way. I’m still not getting used to walking on the spot in the cockpit, either. Once, I tripped over a fallen tree and, thanks to the motion sensors, made the entire mech fall over. I was starting to think that the whole “standing up to control the mech” is a bad thing. I might have the engineers come up with a new way. Regardless, I stood back up. I could see the warpgate a few 5-10 miles out. I was about to radio in, but I did not have to. I could see 3 odd shapes in the distance, as they came into view, I identified them as Rave-Flyers. When the NC and TR joined forces, the NR rebuilt new weapons and vehicles based on both empires weapons systems. When the engineers rebuilt the Mosquito with elements from the Rever, the result was a fast, medium armored attack fighter. The armor was refitted with extra, lightweight layers while the gun was resized and added heavier barrels for more damage.
Anyway, the Rave’s circled me, probably wondering what in hell I’m in. I guessed Mich did not make to the warpgate yet, or this would not be happening.
“Attention unknown Vehicle! This is Cap. Hichwing of the New Republican defence force! Identify yourself or we will open fire!” The Flight captain yelled. I almost dropped the radio when he talked. I trained the defence force nicely, be strict but still let the subject identifies him/herself. Regardless, I opened the cockpit and replied through the radio.
“Cap. Hichwing, this is Jet Sunstrider! Hold your fire! I came from a cave just NW of Akura Amp. Mich had a ATV squad there and we have found an enemy Mech-Suit, as you can see, I commandeered it so we might be able to copy it, make more, and advance our army’s strength.” I shouted back. The Rave’s slowed down, and hovered in front of me.
“Oh, shite. Sorry sir, just this... thing, we never seen anything like this befor. Mich is at the warpgate alderley. She told us what to look out for, but we never thought it would be this… huge!” He replied. “Quick, we'll escort you back to the warpgate.” He added.
Chap. 2: History is Made: The Mech is Reborn.
Part 1:
“Alright, men. We are about to make history. Bold, strong, and proud history. We all know these Mech Suites are made from real metal, not the copied naties we are all used to. Jet Sunstrider here we'll give a demonstration on how powerful these things really are. Then, we will start training. Take notes, men, would need all the information you can get on these massive monsters if your gonna use them right.” Mich was saying to a special, hand picked group of tank drivers who showed excellent skill, even by my standards, at driving and gunning. We chose skilled tank drivers because we thought ground troops would be the best for using a new ground based vehicles. We had to do training, well… because no matter how well you can control a tank, you still can’t control a huge mech on your first try. I learn from experience...
Anyway, AxxMURDER instituted me and Mich lead the training courses because we were the ones who found the Mech in the first place, made sense. But was still annoying training a bunch of rookies who never seen a Mech in their life. (Max’s don’t count). Regardless, Mich looked at me
“Take it away, Jet” She said.
“Right, Thanks Mich” I replied, stepping in to talk to the future Mech operators. “Alright lads. As Mich said, you boys are about to make History. You will be among the first soldiers to ever use a Mech in years. Take it you boys are from famous armor divisions, practically born to drive and gun tanks, you may think you all ‘got this’ or ‘this will be a piece of cake’. But guess what? in the world of Mech’s, your all rookies. Yeah, controlling a mec is way different then a tank. Its much larger, different controls, and of course, IT IS A MECH! No real way to put it then that.” I eyed every single soldier here. Scanning the looks on their faces. Stress, ambition, the works. Yeah, I rallied them up now. One soldier stood up, I recognized him as tank Com. “Ace” Anderson. Got his nickname from his sheer skill as a gunner/loader. His fellow crew of the 144-Armor Division, a lone, famous tank nicknamed “Ice-Walker”. The tank itself is properly one of the oldest Prowers that has not ever been destroyed. The crew is famous for surviving countless battles on Esmer. The crew of the Ice-Walker said that with Ace around, they don’t need 2 people to play Gunner and Loader. He does both, easing through the seats. With insane speeds, he can shot and load up to 5 rounds a min. Even by my standards, because not to brag but I can single handedly drive a power with ease, Ace is one hell of a tank crewman. His commander recommend him for the course.
Regardless, he had a look of sheer confidence and determination on his face. He looked at me straight in the eye when he talked, not blinking once. “Sir, is it true you managed to control this best with only a 5 minute Vanu recording? That thing must be very strange to use.” He asked.
“Yes, rookie, this is true. As insane at it was, I managed to get the hang of it, kinda.” I replied. Ace nodded, and sat down again. “And trust me, it was not easy. The controlling systems were not thought out well. It used motion sensing, having the operator use nano-gloves and boots to walk and shot, but in order to walk you had to use a treadmill system and walk on the spot.” I told the class. “Thankfully, the engineers were able to recreate the system. allowing the operator to sit while controlling. Think of it like Titanfall.” I added. “Now, if there aren't anymore questions, I shall begin the demonstration.” I looked back at the engines “Is the best ready?” I called.
“Yessir! ready and waiting! we also got the practice targets ready as well!” One called back.
Part 2:
As soon as the targets were set up and the Mech was in position, I climbed inside and got ready. In the meantime, Mich was talking to the rockies about the how the different mechanics worked. The mech itself was completely re-designed. Instead of the old purple bs it had before, it is how painted in the colours of the New Republic: red, black, and white, just like the old Terran Republic. The interior cockpit was re-fitted with a seat to avoid insane confusion with controlling. Like I said to the rookies, it handles more like modern mec-suites, but instead of walking on the spot and falling every 3 feat, there is a pedal system. 2 petals, push the left one, left foot takes a step. Push the right one, right foot takes a step. Still a major learning curve, but way easier than the treadmill randomness the Vanu thought of.
The Mech groaned to life as the start-up systems kicked in. I checked the levers and pedicles and grabbed the giant T9-Carv, based on the normal Heavy Assault LMG, as moest Mech weapons are. The huge LMG appeared in the Mech's hand. I fit in a mag and locked and loaded. I was about to start when I looked at Mich.
“Anything to say before I wreck house?” I asked, a smile crawling on my face. The look on Mich’s face was ‘Oh boy, Jet’s got the DESTROY STUFF fase on again’.
Mich coughed “Well, you newbies remember that this Mech is not the natites we are all used to. This is real metal, more resilient to damage than weak multiplied natites are.” Therefor, it can damage our vehicles more fiercely, more than our Nano-Repair guns can handle. Regardless, enough talk. Time you guys see this for real.” She said, looked at me, then nodded. ‘DESTROY time’.
I looked down rage at the targets, it was a bunch of old lightings, set in a line. I was about to blow the first one clean of the planet, when Blackdevil ran toward us, he had his helmet and chest piece. If it was not for his look of fear on his face it would of been kinda funny watching a heavy run toward a training session in leg armor and a white muscle shirt.
“Guys...I..I...saw...wapgate…” He was gasping for breath. Guess what he tried to say was too important to get a Flash ATV.
“Bloody hell Devil, breath!” Mich said.
“But… vanu...outside…” Black tried.
“Oh my Vanu, just breath Soldier!” I echoed Mich, still in the mec suite. Black took a deep breath and reported his news:
“Guys, the Vanu.. they're here, right outside the warpgate! They have A LOT of stuff and are just waiting for their gate-busters to arrive! We don’t have much time!” His words were like acid. How can the Vanu have enough power to attack us aldery? No matter… we stopped them once, we can do it again.
“You should us just told us!” Ace shouted.
“Hay.. I tried…” Black replied.
“No matter!” I shouted with the booming mic of the mec. “If the Vanu what to charge us again, let them! We will not allow them to force us into slavery for their alien dogs! We will show them again, how strong we are! I shouted. “Mich, get the liberators up. Black, get the armor. Time for us to see what this mec can really do!” I grinned and got my ‘destroy face’ on again.
“FOR AURIX! FOR THE NEW REPUBLIC! FOR EARTH!” I yelled and the entire army of the New Republic charged out the warpgate at the army of Vanu staring us down. We were without fear. We are Born die, for the good of mankind. We…. are…
The New Republic.
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For the Terran MURDER Squad, One of the best outfits I Fought Alongside.
