The sun rose over the green planet shinning on the orbiting OMEGA Station. The light sliced through the vacuum of space and the darkness of space covering the station giving it a radiant glow. Illuminating the large glass dome at the top indicating to its occupants it was morning but none of them looked up to greet the sun. Instead, they sat hunched over, huddled together and ignoring everyone and everything around them as if each person was projecting an invisible wall around themselves. Further, in the back in the most desolate corner sat a single guy at a table. Surrounded by empty bottles scattered across the floor, he reaches for a half-empty one on the table to pour himself another drink. Unable to find his cup, he took a swig from the bottle and let out a deep sigh. Unlike, the other patrons who were silent while drinking he was a bit rowdier as he slammed the bottle back on the table. He did not put up any walls or care about breaking the death-like silence in the room. However, he did emit an aura of dread and sadness as he continued to drink away his sorrows. Keeping to himself, not wanting any company, he wanted to forget, a way to numb away his pain. Reaching into his pocket he pulled a pair of miniature silver boxing mitts. Staring intently at them with steely and distant eyes he clasps them while gritting his teeth. Clenching his hand into a fist he punched the table almost splitting it into two, his eyes were no longer cold. A fire in them, a flame of fury and agony burning in his soul wanting to be unleashed. Breathing heavily, he bit down on his lip to suppress his urge to scream out his anguish. The pain seeped in causing flashbacks of images he wanted to forget then followed by sweet elusive memories he did not want to let go. Picking up the bottle once more he tried to drown these emotions and bury these thoughts. Tossing the empty bottle aside, he sat there staring at the empty space in front of him.
A sudden whoosh took most of the room by surprised forcing them to raise their heads. They looked in the direction from which the sound had come. The doors were now open and out stepped a large man dressed in a blue military suit. His officer’s uniform and large ceremonial hat were a light blue and his chest was adorned with medals and pins signifying his importance and accomplishments to the Unitary Solar Empire. He stood in front of the door before them, his body erect, proud and commanding.
“I am looking for Teddy Dukes.”
His voice was deep and resonated through the dome cutting through the deafening silence. The patrons have begun to raise their heads and look around for the one he was calling. The man who was being called ignored his summons or rather did not know he was being called. Instead, he sat there in a drunken stupor oblivious of what was happening. His consciousness started to fade and so did the will to fight the torrent of memories stirring. His thoughts were drifting and sporadic images flooded his mind of his brother and his life on Typhus.
These tangled memories and emotions tugged at him, clutched at his heart, there was one image, one moment, which was stronger and more captivating than the others. Teddy opened his hand to see the glimmering silver he was holding onto. He could not forget that day, the day he lost everything.
A warm fall breeze brushed by Teddy’s long black hair as he stood over a man. The man was well-built and once towered over Teddy as a giant, laid there sprawled in a puddle of his own drool. Someone grabbed Teddy’s arm and raised it up high. Looking up the sun blinded him for a moment and then he saw a crowd surrounding him cheering and jeering at him. The sounds were muffled he could not make out the shouts only the faces in the crowd.
The world slowed for him, his head was hazy he could not recall what he was doing as if he had lost a gap in time. Teddy gazed out in the crowd looking for any familiar faces he could pick out that could help him and explain what was going on.
He saw his fellow dock workers with huge smiles celebrating with each other and the outsiders who were giving him obscene gestures and there was a little boy, the ghost. A phantom who haunted him for almost a decade from his past who would always show up during these moments. It was his brother Lu who left Teddy for a better life. It has been over ten years since he last saw him. He never heard one word about him or received a message. Shaking his head to clear the fog the little boy disappeared. He cracked a smile and remember what he was doing, he was fighting. Living in the moment he let out a victorious roar announcing to everyone that he was the clear victor.
The referee lowered his hand and slapped a stack of money in it. Looking over to make sure it was all there Teddy picked up his shirt on the ground and left the ring. He swung his shirt over his shoulder as he jumped into the roaring crowd. He was welcomed with high fives and pats on the back. Completely relaxed and radiating under the pulsing sun it looked like he was glowing. He was the victor, the champion of this ring and he just went six rounds with his toughest opponent. An overgrown jarhead who running his mouth while waiting for the shuttle off-world. He just happened to pick a fight with the wrong dock worker.
Making his way out of the crowd Teddy was standing next to his hauler, a truck. A hooptie covered in bumps and faded paint. Adjusting the side mirror to check the damage from the last fight. Bruises and small lacerations covered most of his well-toned body. Opening the passenger door he pulled out a first aid kite and started to bandage his wounds. Searing pains shot through him as he poured alcohol on the cuts and his body begun to ache. Frantically, he tried to recall what happened to him. Had the fight against the jarhead been that difficult? His memory seemed hazy and sluggish, he couldn’t remember his last fight was before that.
Two men in blue military uniforms with their fancy hats showed up behind Teddy. Shit, what did I do this time? Are they buddies with that fellow I knocked out? Glancing over at his glove compartment to see a pile of dusty automobile magazines. There was a slight lump in the middle making the stack uneven and tilted. Inside that was his Glock, his protection from sore losers who wanted to take it out on him. It wouldn’t be the first time and hopefully, the last that he would be shaken down for his winnings.
“Wha can I do for you fellahs?” his words were a bit slurred. He just remembered he took a monster of a left hook right in the kisser. Now his lips were swollen and the corners were very far forward and were colored black and blue as a result.
“One hell of a fight there. I can say I haven’t seen too many David versus Goliath fights in person.”
“Ya, well, got lucky y’kno.”
Teddy was notoriously leery of outsiders, everyone who worked did not trust them. Acting calmly he turns to his hauler to put back the first aid kite and to confirm that his Glock was still there. He was now leaning on his hauler trying to act relax and collected but was on guard if things turned south real fast.
The tall one step forward, taking off his hat showing his ugly mug to Teddy. He was a clean-shaven middle age man with a bald head but the feature that stood out most was his right eye. It was not normal it was mechanically and had an infrared red dot as a pupil. Teddy was not surprised, cybernetic enhance was common these days if you had the cash.
“What’s your name?”
“Whoose askin?”
“A mutual friend of ours. Just wanted to confirm that’s all.”
“A mutuwah fren, huh?”
Teddy paused for a moment, unsure how to answer. What do these guys want? He took an instinctive dislike to this guy, noting the man’s soft hands and cocky demeanor. This guy never worked a day in his life, everything had been handed to him on a platter. Taking a deep breath, he decided to go along with it. He was quite famous on these docks. Anyone who was anyone here would be able to ID him.
“Teddy.”
“Teddy, what?”
“Teddy Dukes.”
“Teddy Dukes, huh. What kind of name is Teddy Dukes?”
“Check out deez mittz”
Teddy raised his hands, they were wrapped in a torn white bandages and were covered with bruises and blood. Without thinking, Teddy put his hands up and took a fighting stance, his signature shtick. The bald man was confused on the comment and stood there looking at Teddy’s hands. The other man behind him stepped up and grab him by the shoulder.
“He doesn’t mean the fists. Look a little lower.”
From his right was a glimmer of silver dangled in midair. It was a single silver mini boxing mitt attached to a silver chain.
“Ah, I get it now.”
The man behind started laughing as his comrade finally caught on what Teddy was trying to do.
“Somethin funny, chuckles?”
A bit offended that this whole ruse might be a way for this military man to kill time by mocking him. All of these army men are the same, doing stupid shit all the time while there no one to shoot.
“Hehe, you haven’t changed one bit, Bear.”
“O, you askin for ah beatin now, huh?”
Teddy stretched out his hands and rolled his neck. He was getting ready for a fight. He would need to throw these guys a beating.
He might get in trouble or thrown in jail but he was not going let anyone call him bear. His old nickname from when he was a goon in the slums trying to get by. It was all of his shitty memories and experience in life rolled up in one word. He would not take this laying down. He was going to knock chuckles out in one punch.
Before Teddy could throw the first punch he was stopped right in his tracks. Not by someone but by something chuckles pulled out. Teddy’s body was trembling, his knees were shaking and could barely stand. This was worse than any punch he had taken, he had no way of fighting back these emotions that were building up in him.
A silver flash swayed in front of the mysterious person, it was the missing half of Teddy’s chain. The identical boxing mitt could only mean one thing.
“Lu, is that you?”
Teddy barely managed to get out the words. He had to know, after all this time he must know. Taking off the hat long gold hair dropped down to his shoulders and Teddy knew right away it was him. Teddy mind went blank, his long-lost brother was now in front of him.
Out of nowhere Teddy clenches his fist and punch Lu across the face. Like a whip cracking it spun Lu around once before he fell to the ground. A fire like no other burned in Teddy’s eyes, a fire of rage and joy. He was pissed that the one person who mattered most to him would show up out of the blue like this. He heard laughing again, it was coming from Lu who was lying face down on the ground.
“Yep, never changed.”
Lu rolled over and now was facing the sky, he stuck his hand out expecting someone to take it. Teddy took his hand pulled him up to his feet and gave him a hug. Teddy felt a rush of excitement sweep through his body. He breathed in deeply and took in the moment, his brother returned.
“I missed you Lu. I thought… never mind, you’re here now.”
“You have always been a teddy bear.”
“Heh, you’re the only one who can get away with dat. What are you doin here?”
Lu slightly pushed Teddy away making him release his grip and ending the sentimental part of their reunion. Lu looked Teddy straight in the eye and took a breath. Teddy knew he was serious now and would not mess around with him anymore.
“I need your help.”
“Anythin. You kno I will do anythin for you. You didn’t get a girl knocked up? Did you? Cause I ain’t helpin with dat.”
“Noooo! I need you to haul something!”
A bit flustered and embarrassed, Lu looked over his shoulder to see his comrade giving him a strange and confused look.
“O good. Cause y’kno, ten years off world. Knowin you…”
“Ahhhh! I am an officer of the Unitary Solar Empire. I would never engage in such unsavory conduct. Ahem, Captain, I leave it to you.”
Lu retreated a few steps back, hastily withdrawing from the conversation leaving only Teddy and the bald man.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. Mr. Dukes, I need you to carry a certain package. From here to Loggervile. You would be escorted by me and my men. Of course, you would be paid at the premium rate.”
“What’s the cargo?”
“Classified. Will that be a problem?”
“No hauler on these docks will haul cargo without knowin whats in it.”
“Not even for your brother?”
Teddy was stunned. Was the military using Lu to get to him? Looking over at Lu who was pretending not to be listening to Teddy sighed in resignation.
“I don’t kno you. But I do kno Lu. I accept.”
“Excellent. Meet us with your hauler at the South exit in one hour.”
The Captain turned around to lieutenant and gave him a few parting words of advice.
“You got five minutes, Lieutenant Lucas. Make them count.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Leaving the brothers to their reunion the Captain headed over to one of the hangars. Lu put his arm around Teddy and whisper something in his ear.
“Walk with me.”
Not seeing a reason to refuse, Teddy went along with Lu as they made their way to a hangar. Detaching himself from Teddy, Lu took a few steps forward and was now leading the way.
“I know you must have like a million questions but I am afraid you going to have to hold them for now. But I am going to give you a quick note version and debrief. Ok?”
“Ya shureee. Why wouldn I want to kno what my brotha was doin for ten years.”
A bit disappointed and reluctant that this job would get in between their reunion but he would let it go since Lu was back.
“How long you been servin? Can I ask dat?”
“About three years. After I left Typhus, I was a gun for hire. After all, that’s what we were good at, surviving and fighting the odds.”
Teddy could feel Lu’s words rang true but beneath it, a deep buried pain and sorrow. Lu paused for a moment as if something was on his mind. Teddy knew his brother all too well, something was bothering him. His back felt so distant to him. What happened in those ten years? Before he could ask, they reached the hangar and Lu stopped right before the doors. He took out a small remote and the hangar door was slowly opening. Lu still had his back towards Teddy and was giving off a strange aura.
“During my last days as being a merc. I got into an accident. Lu from Typhus died during it and Lieutenant Lucas was born. Let’s just say I didn’t initially join by choice but a necessity.”
Teddy did not know what to make of those words. Was his brother trapped? Was he being forced to serve? Mix feelings brew inside of him as he was in the dark about everything. Could he trust Lu now?
Lu glanced over his shoulder, their eyes met, and in their depths, Teddy saw agony and exhaustion and an unspoken plea. Then in instances, they shifted to a predator sizing up their prey, deciding on where to strike. Teddy did not back down if something shady was going on he would save his brother.
The conviction in Teddy’s eyes was more than enough to convince Lu that he could indeed trust his brother. Lu put his hands on the side and proceeded to lift his shirt. Teddy was at a loss for words, he did not understand what he was looking at and was more confused than ever. A red chrome color like rod rode up Lu’s spine and coil around the back of his neck. His back was completely burnt black with red bulging veins coming out of the rod.
“I did die that day. Most of my body was burnt and shredded but with modern medicine and technology, it was not over. I was saved by MI CYC and now I serve to pay back my second chance at life. I am one of a few chosen pilots in the empire.”
The hangar doors finished opening and Teddy shifted his eyes just for a second and could not look back. A black metal armored hundred foot giant was kneeling and looking down right at them. Teddy’s jaw dropped and he took a few steps back. This was a day full of surprises when will it end?
“This is my Gear, Khaos the Rising Phoenix.”
“Gear?” Teddy barely managed to get the word out, he was still in shock.
“Gallenetics, Exoskeleton, Armored, Robot or G.E.A.R, Gear. A walking machine of death.”
Lu grabbed Teddy by the arm and pulled him into the hangar. The lights came on and Teddy could finally get a better look at Khaos. Its enormous dark spiky shoulder pads almost eclipse its head giving the impression the robot was really muscular. The gray spikes covered each shoulder and had a red ring at the bottom emitting a strange energy. The helmet in between had a y-shaped opening at the front with the same red glow giving it a menacing look. The rest of Khaos was heavily armored plates making him look a bit scrawny but not any less deadly. A pair of red wings were engraved on the front of the shoulders making Khaos a truly spectacular sight to behold.
Running his hands through his hair, Teddy needed a few minutes to process all of this. His brother almost died. Got brought back with spine enhancement surgery and now is serving in the military. On top of all of that, he is piloting this. It was a lot to take in and accept but it wasn’t. He looked over at Lu and was reminded, he was still Lu. He put his arm around Lu and was laughing cheerfully and told himself that none of that mattered.
“How can you just laugh this off? Does it not bother you?” Lu said a bit annoyed and angry to how lightly Teddy was taking this news.
“Heh, it does but you will always be my brotha. I will always have your back. How about we catch up after dis job?”
Lu looked away and was silent. In a very soft tone almost like a whisper, he responded.
“Ok.”
Something like joy shot through Teddy. He felt liberated. Lu was back, Teddy’s only brother who was lost to him for ten years had finally returned.
“So you pilot this monster?”
“Ya, and you gonna see four more during the escort. You know just wanted to give you a heads up. So you didn’t piss your pants or something.”
They were both laughing as they joke around with each other. This feeling, this moment was something Teddy would never forget. After things settled down a bit, Lu gave Teddy a brief debriefing on what his job would be. Teddy was going to use the arm clamps on his hauler to tow a container to Loggervile. Lu and his team would provide a G.E.A.R escort as they travel the back roads. Teddy would be the transporter and guide for the best route to reach there. Sounded like an easy enough job but why all the secrecy and Gear escort.
Letting it go for now Teddy departed the hangar to ready his hauler. Driving her over to his pit, he equipped her with arm clamps and set off to the South gate. He was stopped by a military checkpoint before entering the area. He was cleared and granted access to go to the South gate but it was empty. This gate was always bustling with traffic and filled with haulers and crates waiting to be moved. Now it was a vacant lot with not a single soul for a mile.
It wasn’t long before multiple black SUVs came swarming around Teddy creating a giant circle. The sounds of heavy metallic footsteps were quickly approaching him. Five Gears dressed in ghillie suits with large rifles on their backs were towing a large freight container on a hovering platform which could have easily weigh two tons.
Picking up on the queue, Teddy put his hands in the gel-like orbs to operate the arm clamps on his hauler. When the platform was in range he clamps down on it establishing a firm grip on it. He stuck his hand out giving a thumbs up indicating that the cargo was secure.
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“Hey, Teddy you will follow the three Gears in front and two will bring up the rear. You will be in the middle. Ok?”
Lu’s voice was coming out from his CB radio on his dashboard.
“Roger.”
Just like Lu said three of the Gears lead the way and Teddy followed. The black SUVs form a wall on the sides preventing anyone or anything from getting in. The whole security detail made Teddy a bit nervous, he was not used to hauling with an armed escort. The escort was almost to the exit of the South gate.
“From here we maintain radio silence. So turn off everything including your phone and don’t say anything unless you have to. Okay?”
“Roger.”
Teddy turned off his radio and his phone and gave the thumbs up again. The gates open and the convoy was on its way. The black SUVs did not follow outside the gate, it was just Teddy and the Gears. After a few hundred feet they turn onto a dirt road and the long haul to Loggervile through the backroads had begun.
Hours later, on the back country roads, the convoy was nearing its final destination. Feeling somewhat unhinged by how dull and boring this job tuned out to be. He thought he could use this time to catch up with Lu and get to know the people who worked with him. That was not the case, he could not listen to tunes, chat or even enjoy the scenery. The Gears in their ghillie suits made them look like walking trees. They totally stood out but maybe from a distance, it would be hard to spot. Who knew? This drive was probably the worst and most boring trip Teddy had taken in a long time.
The only silver lining was that after this he would be able to have a proper talk with Lu. The long drive did give him ample time to think and plan out which restaurant they would visit. He settled on an out of a way pizza joint and bar that made great spicy ribs he used frequently back in the day. Next chance they git to talk he will suggest it. Lu’s coworkers were also welcomed to come it would be a good time.
The light up ahead indicated the end of the back road route. There were no problems at all, maybe a few bumps but nothing serious. As the convoy exited the clearing they proceed to make their way onto the main road. The second they got on the road they were greeted by fire and smoke. Multiple pile-ups of wrecked cars were blocking their path. The lead Gear immediately froze raising his hand to order a halt. Then it opened the hand causing the Gears behind it to scatter taking up a defensive position around Teddy and the cargo. Their rifles at the ready each covering each other’s back, their line of sights covered all three hundred sixty degrees. They stayed like this for a few minutes ready and waiting for anything to happen. Then the lead Gear turns to Teddy and puts its hand over its ear signaling Teddy that he wanted to talk. Following orders, Teddy turned on his CB radio.
“This is Captain Hyperion. Anyone have anything?”
“This is Khaos. I have nothing.”
“Negative.”
“All clear.”
“Nope, nothing.”
This was the first time Teddy heard the others talk despite the current situation he found it quite refreshing to hear someone’s voice. The report of nothing did not de-escalate or put the Gears at ease. In fact, there was a bit of tension being built. As if they were expecting this, an immediate attack on the convoy. Not wanting to waste the day or any more time on this dull job, Teddy spoke up.
“Hey, fellahs, we can’t stay here all day. I kno how dis looks but it may not be what you think.”
“What do you think it may be then? What is your assessment?”
The captain was talking, his voice was a bit cold and had no hint of emotion.
“Lousy driving.”
An awkward pause occurred, no one responded and the radio was silent for a good minute. The once built up tension dissipated in that instance. The captain finally lowered his rifle and responded to Teddy.
“Lousy driving?”
“Hey, I am just sayin folks from Loggervile, not the brightest. Most can’t even spell their own name let alone drive safely.”
Teddy’s honest opinion was brewing up a different type of atmosphere, one far from the battle ready one moments ago.
“Noted. But I agree we can’t stay here. Just to be safe, Nyx, go scout ahead. Ares, Khaos, Gaia maintain formation. Let’s hope this is just an accident by a few lousy drivers.”
“Roger.”
All of them answered at once confirming the orders. The Gear behind the captain ran ahead leaping over the piled cars. Teddy could tell the last part of the captain message was a bit forced and sarcastic. Looking through his windshield he could tell the remaining Gears even one down was covering one side. On the left side, Teddy could tell that was Khaos based off of how large the shoulders compared to the other Gears. Even with the ghillie suits all of them had all kinds of different shapes and sizes. If Teddy hadn’t seen Khaos before this he would have had no idea where Lu was at.
A few minutes passed and nothing changed. Needing some fresh air, Teddy rolled down his window. He didn’t want to ask for permission for every small thing. Also, he did not roll it down all the way just a little to feel a breeze hit the top of his head. With the wind blew a horrific stench, one that Teddy was familiar with and hated. It was the putrid smell of death, along with other foul odors that made Teddy gag in his mouth. It was clear in those wrecks were dead bodies, most likely from the drivers who did not survive the impact. There was another overpowering smell, one he was not familiar with but was similar to another smell. Oil? No, it was gasoline. There was a leaking and with those flames, there could be an explosion. He had to warn everyone of a possible explosion.
A sudden boom took him and the by convoy surprised. The impact forced Teddy back and onto the floor of his hauler. His ears were ringing as he laid there watching the ceiling of his hauler spin. He could tell nothing was broken or bleeding, he was just a bit shaken up. Suddenly there was a flurry of motion in his rearview mirror, accompanied by gunshots or cannon fire.
A shadow flashed through the mirror causing Teddy to get up. What was that thing? Looking out the window he saw all the Gears firing off in the distance then there it was. A large black metal insect-like creature tackled one of the Gears forcing it back. Its six insect legs looked like sickles piercing the ground creating mini potholes in its tracks. Its head had razor sharp pincers that look like it could slice through a foot of steel.
Horrible, high pitch screeches filled the air as more of those black bugs came swarming out of the wreckage. They attacked relentlessly without fear of dying or remorse. Their target was the Gears protecting the convoy. Teddy looked at Lu who was being overwhelmed by a dozen of those things. None of the other Gears could assist him they were already having a hard time holding their own.
Not wasting a moment Teddy got back in the driver seat and release the clamps on the cargo. He may not have a fancy robot death machine but he could fight. Operating the clamps as fists he grabs one of the attackers and punched it. It went limp, looked like it was dead. He then swung wide-sweeping the incoming wave, knocking them over flat. Khaos managed to shake off all of his attackers and regrouped with Teddy. Lu had a fighting chance now and with Teddy assisting him they could take on any number of those things.
However, something was different with Khaos, red smoke was venting from him. A raw fury exploded from him as Khaos recklessly charged at the enemies. He fell upon the hapless attackers ripping off their limbs with sheer power. Impaling them with their needle-like legs he was making quick work of the foe.
The skirmish was violent and costly for the enemy, but the attackers were repelled and now littered the ground. A few of them laid on their backs, six legs squirming violently before the hapless insect were impaled by the Gears causing them to curl up and die.
It was over, all of them survive the ambush but the Gears did not come out unscathed. Their ghillie suits were in tatters and a strange green glow limned their bodies. They were now investigating the corpses of the fallen and all nodded at once.
“It’s confirmed. These are mechazoids, ANT class.”
“Mecha wha?”
Teddy interrupted he was tired of being in the dark. He wanted answers and if he heard it was classified he will jump out of his hauler and punch someone.
“Not here. It’s not safe. We are moving ahead. “
The captain gave the order to move out and the convoy began to move again. Clearing the car wreckage for the hauler, the missing Gear rejoins the group. He reported that the way was clear but the possibility of ant colonies in the area was extremely high. Teddy wanted to laugh at him stating the obvious but refrain himself. They just had a fight to the death and he was not in a joking mood.
Once they got some distance between the ambush site and the city was now in sight the convoy stopped. The captain turns to address the group on what was going to happen next. They were going to take five minutes to repair whatever damage they could before entering the city. During that time the captain saw it fit to give Teddy some answers.
“What you saw back there was an animal metallic species from the neighboring solar system. They are creatures that live in the Mechaloid Empire a xenophobic race that hates nonmetal based species.”
“So metal like aliens are invadin Typhus?”
“We don’t know. Our orders were to deliver this package to a hidden bunker in this city. We were told we might encounter hostiles on the way.”
“Could have mention dat earlier. Like before at the docks.”
“I know and I apologize but now we have to get moving.”
The captain ordered the convoy to enter the city and head to the destination which was the statue in Central Square. As soon as they entered the city it was deserted. It was a ghost town not a single soul on the street. Vacant cars were scattered all over the place and the buildings were intact. A stillness was in the air, an uneasy and nerve-racking calmness which caused the convoy to speed up.
They reached their destination, Central Square looked untouched almost like no one visited it for years. Doing a quick sweep of the area, there was no evidence of ants or any other hostiles. Giving the green light, Teddy moved into position and unloaded the cargo at the foot of the statue.
With the package safely delivered. What was Teddy supposed to do now? Before he could radio in and ask that question an urgent alert flared on the radio.
“To anyone on any frequency. This is Crane 0-4-5 to any survivors. We are doing mandatory EVAC to anyone who can reach us at the ball stadium. We will be landing in ten minutes and lifting off in two. I repeat be there in ten minutes.”
“This is MI 1-7-4. To Crane 0-4-5. Expect civilian passenger at EVAC. I repeat we will be there in ten.”
“Roger. MI 1-7-4.”
The captain issued a rescue for Teddy to be airlifted out of Loggervile. The captain turned to Khaos for his next order.
“Lieutenant, I want you to escort Teddy to EVAC and report back here.”
“Roger that, Captain.”
“No, I ain’t leavin. There’s no way in hell I am leavin Lu in this hellhole.”
Teddy refused to leave his brother especially now after all that they been through. After being apart for ten years. He was not going to lose him again.
“Teddy you’re a civilian. Your contract is complete. You delivered the package. Now it’s time to go.”
“Bullshit. You saw me fight back there. I can help.”
Teddy was adamant and stubborn he truly did not want to leave his brother in harm’s way.
“We can’t risk civilian lives. We cannot protect you and do our mission. Do you want to get your brother killed because you’re in the way? You will only be a burden. You can’t fight like us.”
No. He did not want that and he did not want to admit it but still, he cannot just leave. Seeing the hesitation from his brother, Lu decided to jump in.
“The captain will give you hazard pay and reimburse for the hauler. Right captain?”
Unsure of how to respond the captain went along with Lu’s plan.
“Of course, CYC always pays its debts.”
“Gas and miles as well?”
“Yeah, sure why not.”
Teddy knew what Lu was trying to do and it was sort of working. He wanted to hook him up and make it worth his while. Sighing Teddy resign to the fact he would be a burden if he stayed and decided to leave.
“Fine. Let’s go Lu. Time is running out.”
Not waiting for a reply from the captain, Teddy put his hauler into gear and drove north to the stadium. Lu followed behind him providing Gear escort. The drive over was a silent one, Teddy did not want to distract Lu with a meaningless conversation but there was something else. His own brother had to bribe him to leave. He understood he wouldn’t be much help but still, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
They arrived at the stadium early and Teddy hopped out of his hauler. Looking at the empty bleachers it felt quite eerier that such a huge place was so empty. They were alone no other survivors were coming and the dropship should be arriving in the next few minutes.
Teddy heard a loud thud as the Gear behind went to his knees. The cockpit opens up and Lu jumps out to join him.
“Remember our first time going to something like this?”
“Ya, the Torino and Yegg fight. Will never forget it. Yegg knocked out Torino in the sixth round with a left haymaker.”
“If I remember, it was the time we got these.”
Lu shows Teddy his silver boxing mitt and in return, Teddy took out his.
“It was all the money we had back then but we wanted something to remember the moment. That a no-name challenger from the slums knocked out the champ. That we could do it too.”
“Ya, I remember.”
“Say, Teddy, why don’t you join me? I mean the military.”
“You want me to become an army man?”
“You saw us back there. You had my back with a hauler with clamps. We fought our way out.”
“Ya.”
“So what do you say?”
Teddy paused for a moment, he wanted to say yes but it was not the right answer. He wanted to watch his brother back, he wanted to protect him. So why couldn’t he say he would join? Was it his pride? His dislike of the military? No, it was something far simpler than that.
“Y’kno for the longest time after you left, I would see your ghost watch me when I was fightin. Just like the old days when we grew up in the slums with nothin. We had to fight to survive to live each day. I guess after you left I nevah stopped.”
“That’s why you should join. It would be like the old days. Maybe, not exactly like the old days but still.”
“It’s not that. Every time I fight I lose myself. During those moments I forget and de world becomes clear to me. How simple life is and how shitty it can be. At the end, it was always you to pull me back. I can’t pilot a Gear. I can’t fight for a cause or listen to orders all day. It’s not me. I’m just a bum from de slums. I guess what I am tryin to say is, I been fighting too long to survive that I want to stop. I got what I got. Typhus is my home and bein a dock work and getting by is more than enough for me. And now with you being safe and on your path, I can’t be any happier. It’s enough.”
“I think… I get it. You found your peace after a life of misery. I don’t want to destroy that for you.”
Lu placed the other mitt in Teddy’s hand and gave him a big smile. It was a genuine smile from the heart, tears were in his eyes. Teddy face stretched into a grin. He was never happier than this moment here, the two of them conquering their own worlds, one step at a time.
“You going to need this if you stay on Typhus. It was always our good luck charm.”
“You sure? I’m not de one with a dangerous occupation.”
“Hehe, you mean living in the slums?”
They were both were laughing like they were back at the hangar back at the docks. Times like these were always joyous but sad for they never knew when or if there would be a next. The sounds of propellers could be heard in the distant. A dropship hovers above the stadium and slowly descended to the ground. The back opens up and a pilot waved over at Teddy to come onboard.
Taking one last moment to say their goodbye. They hugged and promised each other that they would catch up after this. To them, this was not their final goodbye it was seeing you soon.
“C’mon!”
The pilot yelled over to hurry along Teddy who reluctant to let go for a second time today, he could feel that Lu felt the same. If he wanted I am sure he would let me stay and fight with him but he couldn’t do that to him. Using all of his strength he barely managed to detach himself from him. Running to the dropship he boarded it. The passenger compartment was almost empty only a handful of women and children were strapped in their seats. They were huddled together in a corner, clinging to each other in fear. He could not blame them after what he saw he would be scared as well but he had to be brave for Lu.
Teddy took a seat near the window and strapped himself in. He felt the dropship lift off from the ground and could see Khaos moving away from the stadium. I guess I was the only to be picked up from here. The dropship was in full throttle forward, heading towards West. Teddy mind wandered as he looked out the window. He was tired driving the whole day and fighting really took it out of him. He was kind of glad he had a ride back home.
The dropship slightly elevated and then it was heading almost straight up into the sky. The intercom beep and the pilot spoke.
“Attention passengers, we confirmed multiple foreign objects are entering Typhus’s atmosphere. They are heading down on Loggervile. Cyone Station confirmed that they were ANT colonies. The empire has ordered an emergency evacuation of Typhus. We have been redirected to Cyone station. “
Hearing that update made Teddy a bit worried. What was going on? Were those metal bugs really that much of a problem, that they had to abandon the planet? Does Lu know? Will he be left behind? His mind was racing with these questions and he was not going to risk it. Unbuckling himself Teddy made his way to the head of the dropship. Opening the cockpit door, he saw the two pilots turn around to see who entered.
“Hey fellahs, we gotta turn back. My brother is back there.”
“Why wasn’t he at the drop? We can’t go back now. Sorry.”
This asshole of a pilot did not even look at Teddy when he said all of that. Teddy clenches his fist, he was not going to take no for an answer.
“It will only take a few minutes. I kno where he’s at. I don’t kno if he knos about the invasion.”
“Go back to your seat.”
Something snapped inside of him. The cold and brutal words woke a monster that shouldn’t have been disturbed. The bear inside of him which was dormant was now awake and he was mad.
“Listen. If you don’t turn around. I am going to hit you.”
The pilot paused for a moment and then got up and turned around to face Teddy.
“Listen. Here. Do I have to sit you back dow…”
Out of nowhere at lighting speed, Teddy threw a whip-like right hook. The contact made a cracking sound as it connected with the pilot’s jaw and helmet. The pilot spun around twice and then fell face first to the floor. Stepping over him Teddy took his sit and shot a quick glance at the remaining pilot.
“We won’t be havin any problems. Right?”
“Do you even know how to fly this bird?”
“Just like drivin a hauler.”
Flipping a few switches and taking the joystick, the Crane turned itself around and now was heading back to Loggervile. He pushed the throttle all the way forward causing the Crane to really pick up speed. At this pace, they would reach Central Square in under five minutes. The copilot looked at Teddy in amazement, he was actually flying this bird.
The sky changed, it was not the dreary cloudy day like it was earlier. The once gray ashy skies had a mix of purple and gold in it. The boom of thunder and the flash of lighting could be seen and felt as they were approaching the city. Lighting was rapidly striking the outside of the city and almost hit the Crane a few times. He had to hurry, some shit was going down and Lu was right in the middle of it.
“Look over there!”
The copilot pointed towards the east, the ground was moving and something was falling from the sky. Double tapping the dashboard brought up a zoomed in the image. Large black mountains were falling from the sky and were being swallowed up by the earth forming a tidal wave heading towards the city.
“We are heading into that?”
“Got a problem?”
“That’s just fine. Let’s make this fast.”
Shaking his head a little, Teddy cracked a smile he was amused. He found someone just as crazy as him. They reached the outskirts of the city and were coming upon the skyscrapers that Central Square. A tremendous tremor shook the Crane forcing everyone to cling to dear life to something. Pulling up to avoid a head-on collision with a tower, a rapture appeared in the sky. A golden star shining in the sky grew brighter and bigger as it cleared away all the clouds. The Crane shook once more but unlike last time this was not turbulence. It felt like the Crane was moving on its own, towards the star as it climbed higher.
Using all of his might and rerouting all remaining power to the thrusters, Teddy managed to break free of the fall upwards. Circling the Crane on the edge of the city to get some distance away from the star. An eerie horn was blown, a sound that no one would forget, it came from the sky and sounded off three times. After the third, an uneasy silence took place and then the air split. A massive object came crashing into the ground completely destroying the city.
Massive shockwaves and dust clouds came forward pushing back everything in a ten-mile radius. The Crane was flung backward spinning helplessly in the dust storm. If it wasn’t for the fact that this was a military transport it would have been shredded within seconds. In those seconds between life and death, images of Lu flooded Teddy’s mind. Was this the end? Like hell it is. Pulling hard on the stick Teddy was not going to give up not on him, not ever.
The ground could be seen and was quickly approaching. Manic, raging, screaming, he pulled on the stick trying to stabilize. The crane was slowing down but the ground was getting closer. Will he make it? Or would they crash land and be stranded here? Not caring, either way, he was not going to leave his brother here. The Crane managed to slow down to a stop and now was hovering a few dozen feet above the ground. Letting a satisfactory cheer, Teddy laid back in his seat and look straight ahead. He couldn’t believe it. For a long moment, he simply stared, dumbfounded, at something not of human origin.
A colossal size golden spear reaching up into sky pierced Typhus. Golden dust fills the air around it creating clouds attempting to blanket the spear. Large alien marks were etched on the side were glowing purple. The gold purple like an aura of power was palpably radiating, swirling around it, heady and intense.
Putting his hand on the throttle, Teddy was preparing himself to dive right into that. Getting ready to punch it and charge headfirst into that he was stopped. The copilot puts their hand on Teddy’s hand prevent him from going.
“Please wait.”
Holding back for a second to see what the holdup was, the pilot turned to Teddy and remove her helmet. The pilot was a young attractive woman in her twenties with short blonde hair. Her hand was trembling, her eyes were wavering and stricken with fear.
“If you want to rescue your brother. Can you tell me? Without a doubt that you can save him?”
Her voice was shaky and low. Her body was quivering with fear and she could barely get the words out. Then she looked at the back of the ship at the passengers. Teddy followed her gaze and frowned, he saw the women and children frozen. They were all looking to the front, at him, at the spear with glazed over eyes. Their brief encounter with death left them in shock and awe. Teddy’s very next words may seal their fate if he decided to charge right in. He was willing to die for this but could he risk others? The bear inside of him was roaring in rage, it did not want to think, it wanted to act.
The words of the captain rang in his head, questioning if he could actually do anything. Would he just be a burden? Seeing the hesitation in Teddy and unsure what to say the woman pilot spoke up again.
“If you cannot answer. Then you know your answer. I will personally fly you back if you want. But we don’t have enough power to land and take off. I cannot risk anyone else’s life but my own. I hope you understand.”
Moving her hand away, she took control of the Crane and begun to fly upwards to space. Teddy stared at the golden spear as it got further and further away. For the briefest of moments he let fear overwhelm him, it crippled his resolve. His heart was conflicted, a part of him was afraid. It accepted that his brother was dead, it wanted to run away and hide. For him, it was the first time feeling such despair.
A groan from behind brought him back and realized he could not stay here. Getting up from the chair and stepping over the pilot who was waking up.
“Sorry, that I hit you.”
After apologizing to the once knocked out cocky pilot, Teddy took his seat. He took out his good luck charm and stared at it blankly. The intercom came up again. Maybe, it was the pilot telling them they were heading to a safe place.
“This is your Holy Empire Alexander Charles the Tenth. Today is the most grievance of days.”
His voice smooth, cultured and charismatic filled with power and determination.
“This day, the Mechaloid Empire has invaded the planet Typhus for unknown reasons. This unprovoked aggression is an act of war. As of right now, an immediate evacuation has been issued but I fear it may be too late. To our brother and sisters on Typhus, I swear to you now this heinous act will not be tolerated. You will not be forgotten and you will be avenged. I swear it.”
Teddy closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. He was completely drained, he just wanted to sleep and pray that this was all just a dream.
Staring at his good luck charm, he regains some consciousness. He dozes off for a moment dreaming about that day. The sound of footsteps was approaching him from behind but he did not get up to turn around.
“Are you Teddy Dukes?”
For the briefest of moments, he considered doing his signature shtick with his name and introduction.
“Ya.”
“I am Vice Admiral Gorefield of the USE Navy. I have a letter for you from Captain Hyperion.”
“Huh?”
A jolt of joy shot through him and for a second, he believed that Lu and his team were alive. Turning around and snatching the letter from the vice-admiral hand. Teddy ripped open the letter and scan the contents of it. After reading it, he put it down and let out a disappointed sigh. For the first time in his life, he was not happy that he got paid.
“Civilian Teddy Dukes. On behalf of the Unitary Solar Empire government, we thank you for your outstanding service and valiant courage to go beyond the call of duty. Again, thank you for your bravery.”
The vice admiral stood up proud and saluted Teddy. Strong and powerful words used to justify the moment and Teddy’s actions. What a joke. He wanted to correct and tell the Vice Admiral outright what really happened.
His words made him sick. What bravery? What courage? He left his brother for dead and he ran away. It was the truth and the facts of the matter. He was weak, a burden to the one who mattered the most to him. He should have stayed and fought. It would have been better if they both died together fighting to their last breath. Instead, he was here alive, getting smashed trying to forget. Seeing no response from Teddy, the vice admiral gave a slight bow and left him to his drinking.
Picking up the letter again, he peeked at the check that he earned for his work. This was more than enough to cover what he lost. It was a small fortune that he could start over anywhere. He could almost retire off of this if he played his cards right but was it right? Should he just accept Lu was dead and was not coming back this time? Should he just mourn him and move on? With this check, he now had more than enough money to rebuild his life. His head was too hazy he could not think rationale on these matters. Maybe, that was his problem he was thinking too much.
For the longest time, he had to work his ass off to get by but now he didn’t have to anymore. This was his shot, a second chance. He could go to one of the safer interior worlds and live a decent life. No more fighting, no more danger, just a peaceful life. Still, it did not sit right with him, it was not the right type of peace he wanted. He didn’t want his old peaceful life, not anymore. He wouldn’t be able to rest or live out his days if he took that path. He was a fighter, a survivor, he could not let Lu go. He would never forgive himself if he didn’t settle the score over Lu death. Looking at his good luck charm he gave a decisive snort, he knew what he had to do.
I don’t want a second chance, I want to see this to the end.
He got up and called out to the vice admiral.
“Hey, Admiral. Where do I enlist?”