Characters involved are: Bart (RED), Khiea (ORANGE), Brin (GREEN), Margie (BLUE), Citan (INDIGO),
Logged by Brin
The Path to Nisan, South
This is the start of a long, dusty, and winding path to the grand town of Nisan. Winding its way through tall grassland and under crystal blue sky, all seems rather tranquil and peaceful as you make your way down this pathway. To the <south> this path leads to the free grasslands outside the town limits, and to the <north> the path continues towards Nisan. To the <west> the path fades away to simple grasslands.
Contents:
Ashtoreth (Gear)
Dark Angel (Gear)
Duvel (Gear)
Vierzehn
Renmazuo (Gear) has arrived.
Renmazuo (Gear) (OOC) sighs and pants, but better late than never.
Brin stares up at all the gears above him. "Hmm...".
Ashtoreth (Gear) (OOC) exclaims, "All right, are we all ready to go then? Let's!"
Ashtoreth (Gear) (OOC) exclaims, "Absolutely!"
Ashtoreth (Gear) (OOC) says, "I'm the smuggling in force! Wanna get in Big Bus Ashtoreth? ^_^"
Soft irony it almost seems to be: titled of and after the Divine Ashtoreth, of the Astarte, Goddess Fair and true, of heavens high and innocent charms, dubbed and cursed by other as a Demon's purest guise. Of the once-young, once-innocent rider one may catch a memory, although besides such bizarre titling, this is, to all extends, a normal, albeit unique Gear. Small in frame and size, it almost looks frail, bound in a human form only softly hinting at a meeker, calmer poise. Framed at joints in brilliant silver, crowned in a brilliant pearl-silver, it seems too decorative to be a Gear of battle. Holding no weapon, small and almost graceful in its metallic form, it looks rather useless, weak. Still, although such an assumption may pull at your mind, it seems oddly wrong to think as you look upon it... ((??E/??F/??A))
Contains:
Margie
Khiea
Jessie
Bart
Citan
Dark Angel (Gear) (OOC) listens to clubbed to death, it just seems...fitting
Ashtoreth (Gear) (OOC) says, "Enter ash."
Ashtoreth (Gear)
The inside of the Gear is as ancient and ornate as the outside, being a fine bit of a Gear but... Strangely designed. It seems as if this tiny little Gear's controls are held in a foreign language of symbols and scrawls of a sort.. And it seems all in design for one.. Single.. Person. Who, however.. You may not know. One can <exit> this Gear as well.
Contents:
Margie
Khiea
Jessie
Bart
Citan
Outside> Renmazuo (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) comes in hugging the treetops of the forest near the jasper. The gear is moving low and fast. It's black form barefuly visible in the night. It doesn't pause for one moment.
"Khiea..." Already half-asleep and struggling to remain awake, Citan sits on the floor of the Gear next to Khiea with his back curled against the side of the chair. He does not need to see with his own eyes. No. He does. For a book is in his hands, and it no longer shows a story. Rather, there are numbers there instead... letters and codes and raw information that signifies data upon data upon data. Passcodes? Easily done, and he does not even need to enter the stages of programming for that. But let that be given the credit for clearance, instead of the truth of things. And Citan nods as the book chimes back at him in the songs of birds--a tale for Khiea is a tale for him.
(Outside:)Dark Angel (Gear) comes in hugging the treetops of the forest near the jasper. The gear is moving low and fast. It's black form barefuly visible in the night. It doesn't pause for one moment.
Bart watches the viewscreen, "...geez, all this planning and stuff...i'm actually pretty nervous, though," he looks at everyone. "I hope this works as planned...and Khiea, thanks ok? I really am glad you're helping us like this, instead of...you know," he sweatdrops. "Well, yeah," he shrugs, looking at Margie. "I'm also sorry we had to involve you in this too," he shrugs slowly. Geez, this is so exciting. The most excitement he's had since the invasion of Aveh to save Margie! He looks at Citan and blinks at the book, staying silent, cause he's got no idea how that thing works or what he does will affect it...
Brin stays absoloutely silent, and tries as well as he can to stay out fo the way, having to his 6'5" frame almost double to do this. One could almost wonder....what he was doing here.
Outside> Ashtoreth (Gear) ...flees? It is a strange thing, to see the slender, small frame of Ashtoreth, a Gear designed for, apparently, nothing more than the looks of a fickle princess, to be soaring across the skies at such -speed-. And yet the Gear does not seem to be ready to attack- god forbid, the thing looks like it would shatter in a few hits anyway. It looks like it is fleeing, soaring in a panic that Khiea never takes to such in her flying. She runs, it seems. Ahead of the strange dark Gear, and soaring towards Jasper. For, by the very means of its speed.. It seems that the princess who controls it is in some panic.
Khiea merely smiles, trying for all of the distractions about, to fly the Gear in something manageable of a convincing flight, "Not a problem at all!" And it is odd to see Khiea in such a moderately good mood, as she flies her Gear on, focus blurred from now to then as she tries to not flit her focus over to what Citan is doing. Flying is important. Flying. And praise, too, apparently, "I'm just glad I could help... Am I doing a good job?" Er, Khi, this isn't the time to go fishing for compliments.
Outside> Cobalt Wing Soldier has arrived.
And the Holy Mother, looking rather out of place in a Gear full of busied people preparing for means of battle, merely shakes her head in response to Bart's words. And yet there is nothing of his enthusiasm in her expressions- hers hold nothing more than a brilliance of worry in those sapphire eyes, held over a sort of awkward, fretful expression. "Its all right..." It seems that such is all that Margie can manage, such light words, between those biting thoughts of wonder on if.. Shall this all go well? What if... No. Let us not consider what could go -wrong-. Just hope. And hope that you can be of some use in all this complex plotting as well.
Outside> Krelian has arrived.
Jessie is all smiles as he gives his carbine one last check before this fight Citan has brought him into, goes down. He puts the last few days in the dreamscape out of his mind. The thoughts of Prim and 'Uncle Stone' ploting against him are the last things on his mind. He has a job to do now and any personal thoughts must be filed away. However, new questions come to his head. What is Citan doing, and why Jasper? In any case, his old friend and teammate asked him to help him out. With a loud snap of a clip being put into its slot, Jessie manages a smile and a quiet "It's show time."
Outside> Lukev has arrived.
Brin stares over Khiea's shoulder, this being his first time a gear, since he was very young, back on the thames. None of those gears could rival even this one, however, as he observes the flight. Seeing Jessie preparing his gun, he thinks to do the same again, but thinks better of it. He should not, and unless it is to defend himself, or an innocent, he will not.
"Wonderfully," is the reply, spoken with distraction as well. For attention must be kept sharply apart from itself. No, Citan, do not fly... you must work, and work quickly. For Fort Jasper will realize the issue soon enough. And Citan but bites his lip in distraction and immedietely turns to his work again. They must be in, and then past the doors without a fuss. It is time for them all to be on their best. Silence is what they need, and silence is what they will have.
Outside> Renmazuo (Gear) is but another soaring force among the dark treess below. For the Dark Angel is apparenlty not the only force below that stalks towards the Fort, behind the fleeing form of Ashtoreth. The Renmazuo follows closely behind, paler a shade to the world, but still at all speeds. Intentions? Let them be assumed, for all it is worth. For Billy's sleek Gear seems just as determined to travel on towards the Fort, without as much as distracted pause.
Bart nods slowly at Khiea, "You're doing great!" he smirks. He wishes he could say, 'Well you can back out if you want to' to Margie...but it's just a BIT late for that. "Ah...well, alright then," he says to her for lack of anything else to say. He then looks at Jessie, Brin, then diverts his gaze back tolooking at the viewscreen, hoping things turn out well.
Khiea has disconnected.
Khiea has connected.
Bart nods slowly at Khiea, "You're doing great!" he smirks. He wishes he could say, 'Well you can back out if you want to' to Margie...but it's just a BIT late for that. "Ah...well, alright then," he says to her for lack of anything else to say. He then looks at Jessie, Brin, then diverts his gaze back to looking at the viewscreen, hoping things turn out well.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Judah (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Ozma (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) descends from the sky. No weapons are ready, and it is presently scanning the area.
Outside> Pilgrim "Aziel" has arrived.
Outside> Judah (Gear) launches from the Ezekiel, leaving a stream of blue behind it as it makes it's decent towards the Ft. Jasper.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) throttles up it's thrusters in it's pursuit on Ashtoreth. The menacing black gear still stays just above the treetops as it pursues it's target. Inside the cockpit Xeero peers about keeping his eyes and sensors peeled for the first signs of Solarian activity. Sure enough he spots Nirvana and Judah. He winces. o O (Great...well time to see just how long I can last....heh...)
Fly the Gear, Khiea, just focus on flying the Gear.... And yet Khiea, for all she smiles at all of the praise, that expression is not long lasting. "Come on.. Let me land, let me laaand..." Its almost a whine, as the little childish Khiea shifts uneasily where she sits, trying to fly the Gear at the same time, "And all of these Gears!" She frowns a bit, trying to confine her fretting to something quieter. But, well, she's not succeeding very well, taking she's the one piloting here, "This is getting.. Complex...."
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) crosses it's arms but doesn't change it's position. Apparently it's yet to recieve combat orders.
Outside> Ashtoreth (Gear) flies on, a smear of silver and violet against the skies, ever approaching the Fort, despite the rather nonexistant replies she's gotten by radio. It does not -matter-, it seems, to the Gear that flies on at such speeds that it is but short of being frantic. For the Ashtoreth flees, it seems, these Gears which pursue so closely, despite how the Ashtoreth shifts midair... From those two Gears. And it has only one place to flee -to-. Let it be oblivious to anything else.
Outside> Judah (Gear) flies above the Solarian forces and off towards Bledavik. He radios as he departs, "You have my orders, see them out."
Outside> Renmazuo (Gear) merely follows, merely rises farther up into pursuit of the Ashtoreth Gear. But.. Other Gears? There is the merest hesitation in the Renmazuo's flight at the notice of such, slight as it is, before the Gear continues on. Barely noticeable, that pause.. But this was unexpected, to have such a.. Numerous number face off two gears in follow of a single one. But continue on in chasing that Gear, right beside the Dark Angel. And hope that the situation works out in one's favor.
Outside> Gyrfalcon has arrived.
"Complex?" The Holy Mother looks more than a shade more uneased at such. For Gears swarm about the sensors outside, and the Fort, and such things echo across the radio of this very Gear... Hearing that things are becoming 'Complex', among all of this visual and audio chaos, is the last thing that Margie needs in this moment. And watch her fret, quietly in all but her expressions, and calm her conversation that little word. Of all things now, she least needs to be a distraction as well.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) nods to Ozma's direction.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) look Gyrfalcon
This is the time soldiers either love or hate. There is no in between. The time in transport before a battle is either the most exciting time, or the most dreaded. The way Jessie's life has been turned upsidedown lately, he can't wait for this fight to start. He can't shoot anyone in the dream so he'll shoot up some Solarian soldiers... Jessie shakes his head. "I can't be thinking like that.", he grumbles to no one in particular. "Focus Jesiah, focus on what we need to do, not what I want to do." He takes a deep breath to clear his thoughts as the moment draws near. However, his attention is drawn to the screen in the small compartment. "Damn," he says flatly "with that crew here, it will certianly make things more difficult."
Bart narrows his eyes, "Great, just what we needed," he groans...and thinks a moment. "Hey, could any of our techniques be helpful and/or be amplified by the gear if you're not the pilot? I never tested that," he looks at Citan. "You'd know if anyone, wouldn't you?" he has an idea, obviously. Oh god, abandon gear!
Brin stares about at all this, and still maintains his silence. Thinking to himself, he gently pulls a small pouch from inside his robe, to hang on the belt outside it. He draws his six-shooter, and spins the barrel, verifying it to be fully loaded. He sighs deeply, and waits...
Setting the book aside, Citan chooses to answer by closing his eyes. Let Khiea have the world now. For computers have only gone so far... and now, there is another part to this feint. Khiea? There is the vast ocean of minds. There is that which Citan has built so carefully and draws upon now. It is all yours. Now take it.
Outside> Gyrfalcon emerges from the Ezekiel's shutttle bay, then immediately rockets toward the trio of gears, matching the Ashtoreth's speed and pulling ahead of it. As it does so, the Cobalt Wing Shuttlecraft opens its hangar bay doors, as if gesturing to the gear that it is safe inside.
"No, no, its okay... Its okay..." Is it? Khiea looks to be -fretting- there in her seat, in the light twitching of her hands to the darting glances she gives the swirling world full of Gears outside... But there is Citan's calm, at least. There is Citan's calm. And let her claim that in all of her unease, if just to make her fly that gear -straight- while panicking in the face of a half dozen Solarian Gears. "My Gear, Mister Bart, is designed to amplify Ether. Anyone's, pretty much..." A pause, as she flies the Gear on, trying to keep up the look of panic while keeping actual panic from her nervous hands, "That's why this Gear is so weak. That's all it can -do-..." And she grits her teeth weakly as her attention snaps to the carrier ship offering her in, "Oh goodness, what should I -do-, though? I can't attack... And I doubt I can sleep them from here...."
Outside> Lukev whips through the sky...just unprocted human flesh and Ether. A sig here, a zag there...all designed to take him to one place...near the Astereth. Lukev transmits from his headset, and veers near the Gyrfalcon.
Ashtoreth Radio (Since I'm a silly meanie and am publicizing the radio you can hear!) Lukev pages, "(IC Radio Transmission) Khiea? It's me, Lukev." to you.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) glances over to Ozma then activates its flight thrusters persuing the persuers. He's not too interested in this mission, or living, for that matter, but it was Krelian's orders.
Ashtoreth Radio:Lukev pages, "Poor Thing..., please, just follow me into the Gyrfalcons gear bay. You'll be safe in there." to you.
Outside> Ozma (Gear) launches from the Ezekiel gearbay, the wings spread like a giant black eagle, leaving trails of blue streaming from between each razored feather. Inside the pilot curses, setting the channels open to send and receive signals from within this range. "...To the gears in pursuit: Stand down. We are not looking for a fight...warrant peace, and return to the surface." cold tones, though smooth enough to lack insult.
Outside> Pilgrim "Aziel" has arrived.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) Xeero doesn't like how this is turning out. he grimaces a little as he sees the Gyrfalcon get in the way, he knew full well who was in there. o O (Have to take it down without killing anybody...) Dark angel whips it'sright arm forwards as it accelerates some to bring it closer to Ashtoreth. The gear opens fire on the Gyrfalcon's engines, the twin GAU-8s spewing massive amounts of superdense and super destuctive depleted uranium. The gear is positioned to make it look like it's trying to actually hit the Ashtoreth though.
Outside> Ashtoreth (Gear) is presented with a little problem now, as the Gear, fleeing at a way, way too fast and awkard speed, is given haven that is not in teh form of the Fort. Well, lovely. For the first time in all of this, the Ashtoreth slows a bit, looking more than fully, than honestly unsure of what to do. Towards the Fort more or towards the Gyrfalcon.. Thanfully, that decision is solved rather promptly for her as the Dark Angel attacks on the Gyr, and, with a small yelp of surprise over the radio, the Ashtoreth soars back up in resumed panicked flight from the attack. What else is she to do? Her Gear looks not to be the build to take any attack head on. And now they are attacking the ship she was offered to dock on. Indecisive, she hovers rather back towards the Fort, backing ever away from the Dark Angel.
(My Radio to Lukev) You page, "(Radio) "But Mister Lukev!" Panic rises in that voice, as much of frustration as of anything else, strangely enough, "I don't know what to do! They're attacking that and... Oh... Why wont you all let me land at the Jasper? Even for a moment, even just an instant! They're going to -kill- me!"" to Lukev.
(Radio to Me) (Radio Transmisson) Muffled curses can be heard as the Dark Angel attacks the Gyrfalcon. "No, Khiea, they won't. And I want to let you into the Jasper...but Krelian won't let us. I'm sorry....start flying the other way...I...I'll try to stop the bastards...."
Outside> Renmazuo (Gear) merely follows after Dark Angel in all swiftness, a catch of brightness of a Gear in contrast to the one he follows, in constrast to the one he pursues. And this is indeed an issue, with this carrier offering haven to Khiea and these swiftly collecting Gears. But be -set- in what mission you have at hand, young priest. And thus the Renmazuo follows suit, drawing up its guns to add its attack against the Gyrfalcon and its engines, crowding the skies as it flies up besides it, giving even less room for consideration on the Ashtoreth's part. Hassle the girl? There is no other choice. And, for all of this, her dodging but barely takes her out of the rain of firing.
<Radio Transmission> The Gyrfalcons ok, Khiea...you'll be safe in there...please, go in...I don't what you to get hurt." to you.
Great, first Krel had to show up, now Asher has to decide that defending his base may be a good idea. Where has this great plan of yours unraveled Hyu? Jessie shakes his head. "Well, I've been in worse spots before, so this will be no differnent." Wait a sec... we are going into Asher's gear bay? When was this part of the plan? "Great, we have just gone from the dog house to the out house." Jessie stands up and offers some support for the young girl flying this gear. "You are doing great, just keep it straight and we'll be OK. My son and Xeero will keep those guys off of us until we reach Jasper." Jessie thinks to himself, 'That was a little close there Billy, I know you have to make it look good, but sheesh.'
Brin only...stares at what is outside, and re-holsters his gun, still aghast at everything that is going on.
Outside> Gyrfalcon veers upward the second weapons fire from the two gears is detected, the fire from Dark Angel coming several scant inches short as it reaches the space where the shuttle had been. As the Renmauzo fires, the Pilgrim defensive gear of the shuttle, Aziel, raises its shield, an ether field reinforcing the massive slab of metallic defense. The bullets ricochet off it harmlessly, several digging shallow holes in the steel. The Gyrfalcon banks to the right, attempting to guide the Ashtoreth back into its still-open hangar bay.
There. There it is. Too much power for a little girl--did it not risk tearing her apart before? But that is in the past--and his own, and with that he drags behind him like gossamer wings... all that he has immersed himself in. All the whispered stories that mothers speak to their children before bed. All the rumors and whispers of fairies in the woods, and elven folk who did not remember the red flames from above. Let it all be taken. Let all remember that precious sensation between fully waking and sleep, when one remembers that warm spot in the soul upon realizing that sleep can still extend for another hour. Or more. Here, Khiea. And through you, the Gear. Something to catch the mind in weariness, and then to coax it further... of mothers and bedtimes and hot chocolate.
Bart blinks slowly, "Hey, great! Then maybe I can help defend against any possible stuff with my cologne!" he smirks. He starts digging for the cologne in his pouch. "Geez. Where'd I put that stuff. I know it'd ruin the plan if I used any offensive ether. Hm....explosions...fire...fire...AH!" he smirks. "Fire!" he takes out a small red bottle, and starts focusing his power into it. If it works correctly, the gear will glow red for a moment, and be protected somewhat from any form of fire. "I hope this helps you out." Even now, he doesen't realize they're taking care of it at the moment, at least in the battle's confusion.
<Radio Transmition> The poor little girl seems to be hyperventalating now, for all its worth, "Safe? SAFE? They're SHOOTING at it, Mister Lukev! Oh, how can anyone be so cruel, to make me drive my Gear through a battle? I'm -scared-!"
<Radio Transmission> Khiea. I'm going to try something. It's up to you whether you trust me and dock with the Gyrfalcon or set down, or don't, and just run. But please...try to stay safly.
The book in Citan's hands stirs itself again, the pages lighting up once more. The numbers revive themselves in a glory of success... and faintly, there is the sound of a male's voice swearing unhappily and hitting things.
Outside> Lukev flys toward the Ashtoreth, red aura glowing. Radio transmission continue to fly around...
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) increases throttle output and charges towards Dark Angel, sword drawn. "Lower your weapons and surrender. Resist and we will attack immediately. Don't test me on this." A warning ether shot from one of the hand-mirrors aimed just to the left of the head hopes to get the pilot's attention.
"<Radio Transmission> Broken words now, between gasps of hyperventalation does the little child manage, in that sort of peaked edge of someone being goaded on and someone in a very honest panic. For what reasons? Let them be wondered, or obvious, "I'm scared, scared, scared! Mister Lukev...!" Oh, trail off there. Let Khiea sound as if she droned off to PANIC. For she is desperate enough to do something. Desperate enough to do too much." to Lukev.
<Radio Transmission> Khiea, Khiea don't worry. Everything is going to be ok. You have to go into the Gyrfalcon...you'll be safe in there. I want you to be safe, Khiea...so please, go into the Gyrfalcon..." to you.
<Radio from Asher> Khiea, do you hear me? This is Asher. Remember me? Luka's friend? just get into the shuttle, we'll keep you safe.
Outside> Ozma (Gear) soars beyond most limits, the massive arm drawing the sword from it's sheath and begining to chanel ether into it. "Stand down. I repeat, Stand down. There is no battle needed here." the wings fold slightly, to allow a greater speed possibility, sweeping up beside the Remazuo.
The poor little Solarian princess looked -strained- there, trying to fly this Gear about in all means of flight, while holding rather elaborate conversations by radio, "Can you believe these people?" She snaps out, all of a sudden, bright and annoyed, the moment her radio is off. Although.. Does she look a bit smug? "At least I seem to be a Good Actress.... But." And she narrows her eyes, "Could you all... Brace yourselves, perhaps?"
<radio Transmission> Lukev's voice is very soft and gentle right now...but an underlying note of desperation can be heard. "Khiea...if you let me into the gear, I can help you land safly..."" to you.
Outside> Matama (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) doesn't even flinch as Nirvana fires on it. Xeeo shakes his head and mutters to himself. No time for screwing around. Dark angel responds to NIrvana's warning shot in kind, though instead when he fires his burst he aims at the opposing gear's head before kivking it's thrusters to 100% to start catching up with the Ashtoreth, and it's would be savious the Gyrfalcon.
Jessie squints his eyes as all of the shots fired at Asher either somehow miss, or get collected by the shield. "Either he's lucky or good. I'm betting lucky." Jessie grumbles at the radio transmissions, "Khiea, it might be better if you shut that off. It is getting us nowhere fast listening to those two try and get you to where you don't want to go." Good girl, thinking ahead of me and making the right decision. Hearing what she says, and seeing Billy and Citan channeling ether, Jessie decides to sit down, strap himself in, and wait for the results of what Khiea will do. "What ever you do Khiea, make it quick, I don't think we'll have a 2nd chance at this..."
Outside> Matama (Gear) has arrived.
Outside> Ashtoreth (Gear) suddenly slows in the empty air, high and awkward above the Gyrfalcon and the warring Gears below. Is.. She actually pausing to listen to all of those radios and turn back and dock like a nice little girl? For it stops in air, finally, and spins about to face them all. But she seems to have -no- intention of settling nicely. For Ether gathers at the Gears hands, silver bright of water upon water's strength, luminescance of swiftly, too swiftly, gathered power. And there is only one frantic shout from the Ashtoreth then, loud across the radios, "Keep -away- from me!!" To whom? Her pursuers, to all that wish to believe. For the Ether she casts is not -calm-, nor particularly controlled. For as the Gear draws its hands up and throws the Ether... It is misty, it is vast, glittering and penetrable. It is... Sleeping Ether? And it is targeted only vaguely at the battlers in full, despite that those are more the Solarians than her defenders.
Without a word, still, Brin attempts to hold onto the nearest strut, or fastened-down object, as he braces himself for whatever happens, still speechless at these proceedings, still only staring, not observing, but...petrified.
Excellent. And... who?... who is doing what? From where came that thought? Citan's mind is drawn up so entirely into his intent--focused and sharpened into a purpose which he offers gladly to... who? Someone. Them. Him. Her. It matters not. Take it all... in this sea of minds that rocks the dreamers and takes them away...
Outside> Renmazuo (Gear) is rather torn at this point, as the Gear flies on in strict adherance to plan, soaring beneath the Gyrfalcon, turning its guns towards the Gears. Not a moment for fighting, for all the Solarians claim, and yet... In the middle of all of this pandemonium, there is the Ether. And the Renmazuo backs away a bit in caution to that sudden burst of Ether, backing away before he throws himself into its range. For that.. Was a shade unexpected.
Bart laughs, "Oh yes! This is perfect!" he -thinks- he gets what Khiea's doing. Then he blinks, "Hey!" he nearly loses his footing, before grabbing onto something, ANYTHING! Luckily, an extension of the wall was enough to keep him from completely falling over. "Brace yourself, yeah," he says, clearing his throat.
And the Holy Mother was rather good in bracing herself when she was asked the first time, half cowered at the back of the Gear against the wall. For this is all getting to be -overwhelming-, all of this chaotic flying and desperate cries across the radio.. And now -spells-? This is far out of what was planned, and its getting so much more.. Chaotic. "What.. What is she doing?" Margie manages to speak, words light and weak from a gnawing fear that has become enough to draw a weakness to her voice.
Khiea has disconnected.
Khiea has connected.
Outside> Gyrfalcon sputters, the engines slowing to a crawl as the massive blue shuttle begins slowly diving towards the nearby forest. The pilot struggles valiantly to get out of the dive and land safely....the hangar bay shuts, engines sputter on and off, a dying bird struck by a stone, the gyrfalcon glides to an imminent and terrible landing in the trees. The Aziel tries to hold the shuttle aloft on its own, but finally abandons the dying craft, as it falls. The Aziel can do little more than watch in pain with the rest of Cobalt Wing as the near-inevitable happens.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) continues chasing after Dark Angel. While its flight patterns are a bit less graceful, as the pilot is drowsy, it is able to coordinate flight for now. The odd patterns dodged the incoming attack from Dark Angel, fortunately. This will only last for another moment, as its pilot is gradually losing control. Once in close enough proximity, Nirvana fires off a larger round of ether aimed at Dark Angel's torso.
Outside> Lukev REPOSE Ah...flight. A wonderful gift for man...but not when one is hit with sleeping Ether. Lukev's staff is an ether refractor...but it's not made to take on Gear levels of the stuff. With a sleeply smile in Khiea's direction, Lukev's eyes shut...and he ......falls.
Listeners on Public:
XenoTech
Krelian
Ryukumu
Saul
Jessie
Kelvena
Sirus
Kale
Lukev
Casske
Guest1
Maria
Brin
The Ashtoreth recovers rather gracelessly from the Ether, thrown back and a bit awkwardly by the force of its own Ether. But... Things considered... The Ashtoreth is doing far better than the other Gears, which are contently swerving in air, and..., "Mister LUKEV!" She yelps all of a sudden, eyes wide as she snaps out of her Ether spell. And it does not help that that spell was strong enough to set her shaking, to draw her face a bit too pale... For she is not -used- to using Ether that massive, not since she was released from Solaris. But for all she looks ill, she still is gawking in horror, forgetting to pilot the Gear for that moment in shock to watch everyone merely fall..., "What have I..."
Outside> Ozma (Gear) dives almost instantly, as always the agility turning to be a blessing. Inside, the pilot has little trouble staying awake, though not quiet perfectly alert. Her body holding little acceptance to ether in general, and the occasional blast of water in her face keeps her well enough to handle her gear at least. The body spirals downwards, catchung up with Lukev and extending the palm. The ozma shifts, trying to lessen the impact of Lukevs body to the metal hand before redirecting her course upwards again.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) snaps his gear into the vertical just as NIrvana's shot grazes past. He spots the gyrfalcon's and then Lukev's decent and grumbles to himself, "Oh come on! DOn't tell me I've gotta check on both," his eyelids start to get heavy as he spots Ozma catch Lukev. Before he totally passes out Xeero reaches into a small compartment next to his seat and pulls out a small syringe device and jabs it into his arm. SOmething in him hated the thought of stimulants even though til now he'd never touched them. As his vision begins to clear he maks a beeline back towards the gyrfalcon's crash site as he keys his comm to billy, "Stay after the Ashtoreth,"
The explosion of ether is a sight to behold. And quite the thump in the rear. Even though he was strapped in, the jolt was enough to slam Jessie's back against the seat. Looking up, he sees that the attacked worked as the Gyrfalcon and Aziel fall to the earth. However, Jessie sees Khiea's reaction to the attack and the fact she may not be able to pilot the gear without further assistance. The leader in him comes out as he quickly stands up and takes a position next to the now frightened girl. Addressing her calmly and almost parent-like Jessie says, "Now Khiea, I know you may not know what you have caused, but we still have a job to finish. All of us need you at this very moment to get us to Jasper." Hopefully that won't make her snap at him in her weakened state.
Outside> Ashtoreth (Gear) is, after such a blast, rather upset in where she hovers... For Khiea can not -take- large draws of Ether like that, even in amplification through her Gear. And while Khiea herself is shuddered to stunned by her own magic... There is that minute shock of seeing Lukev -fall-. And something short is choked off on the radio, silenced before it rises in panic, while the Ashtoreth hovers in the air in a short panic. But short it is, short it -must- be, as Khiea remembers what she -ought- to be doing, in some muddle within the Gear... And then the Ashtoreth resumes its flying, albeit uneasily now, in a speed as equal to her flight, towards the Fort Jasper. Flee, Khiea, as if to those Gears following you, or in the face of what your spell has done. But at least, if nothing else, after that panicked pause, she has resumed in.. Peculiar focus towards the Fort.
Khiea has disconnected.
Khiea has connected.
As the force of the ether blast jolts the gear back, Brin's head bumps against...something. He does not know, as he looks about, unhurt. Casting a look past Khiea, out into the sky, he sees the form of the Gyrfalcon beginning to plummet toward the trees below, and a cry of celebration almost passes his lips, as he checks himself. It would seem...improper somehow for him to do so. But he seems pleased nonetheless. Slowly getting up again, he joins Jessie at the cockpit, yet remains silent. Best to leave this to Jessie, for now. If that is sufficient.
Now. Quickly. For the sleep will last for now, but can be drawn elsewhere... draw it elsewhere. Place it upon Jasper. And travel -there-... not here, not where people can fall from the sky. See? Lukev is fine. And Jasper will be as well... are there not people who Khiea does not have to worry about there? Now. Quickly. Turn all distraction, all emotion, all -everything- into focus. For Citan's work in Jasper's databases will only last so long, and the effects of the sleeping ether to be directed elsewhere. Jesiah is right. Jesiah was the leader of the team... wait. No... yes. Either way.
Outside> Renmazuo (Gear) must, at least, keep up the guise and appearance of what he must. And thus, the Renmazuo, far enough back to only get a catching of the Sleep Ether, thankfully enough, takes off in soaring towards Ashtoreth. And it seems more than fully capable and ready, it seems, to shoot down the drowsy-piloted Gears in his way. And while.. Billy catches a bit of the late ether, enough to flinch and distract a moment... He seems better off, at least, than the Gears and people that are half falling from the sky.
Outside> Lukev has disconnected.
Outside> Gyrfalcon continues its dive, finally plunging into the forest. Trees and earth go flying into the air as the craft takes the landing head-on, severe damage being dealt to the craft as it careens through the woods in a desperate attempt to slow down. The Aziel watches. And turns. Its pilot looks at the enemy gears. It sees the Dark Angel, moving towards the Gyrfalcon's landing site. Him. It was the one who put the Major in the hospital the last time. He wouldn't escape again. The Aziel levels its Shotrifle at the Dark angel, radioing a similar order to the Cobalt Wing soldiers on the Jasper. "All units....for the Major.....OPEN FIRE!!!!!"
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) throttles over trying to intercept Ashtoreth, its pilot's coordination gradually failing him as he is inevitably getting tired. Fully realizing he has no chance of confronting it in battle-- how else could he get it away?-- the pilot attempts to deploy a rather odd tactic. Once on even elevation, Nirvana lunges forward at Ashtoreth in an attempt to tackle the Gear. Nirvana would then deactivate its thrusters, hoping Ashtoreth's thrusters couldn't support the weight of two Gears. This would only buy time, hopefully the Cobalt Wing members who weren't effected can finish the job.
Outside> Nirvana (Gear) falls asleep.
Outside> Ozma (Gear) flies for the Jasper at a slightly lessened speed, attempting to keep further damage to her partner to a minimum. "Get him to the sickbay! Now!" her words are ushered harshly as she leaves the little man with the med crew at the hatch before turning back. The gear, so solemn and cold...but a tool for war stands tall and agressive. "Lady Khiea, this is Ayame...I am under strict order not to allow you entrance to the Fort...my apoligies...but please, listen...I will protect you from them as best I can, if you'll simply comply. You must ground elsewhere. Everything will be alright..." The Ozma's wings grind momentarily as they spread to full length before pulling away from it's temporary perch, prepared to guard the fort and, as far as she's aware, Khiea, from the other gears.
Outside> Dark Angel (Gear) comes barreling down through the Aziel's fire. Even as some of the shot's pierce the armor the gear doesn't stop. It draws it's right arm up again and opens fire, draking it's shots to hit the aziel in it's head and weapon arm. "Out of my way!!" Xeero shouts at the gear even though he has the comm turned off. Dark Angel contiunes onwards to the gyrfalcon, he had one thing on his mind to make sure his friend and a man he almost considered his rival were alright.
Outside> The Ezekiel falls asleep.
Outside> Luka has arrived.