Joshua was now on his way to the World Council, the many Lions were boarding specialized platforms that made sure they didn't have to worry about their energy generator's output. Dove and Crow were unarmed, standing in front of the World Council HQ. It had 5 pillars that symbolized the objectives of the World Council, one that the many Lions lost faith in.

The court was not held inside but outside for all the Lion's to see. The entire world was having their cameras in position with the Lions in sight.

"There's... So many of them, they are gathered here? Look even the top three!" The cameras pointed to the Lions that sat next to the heads of their M-Frames, awaiting for the outcome and for the trial to begin.

"Today, we of the World Council are preparing the case... The Lions of Priderock against the former 5 Leaders of the World Council. The first witness shall be the two M-Frames of the Lion known as the Black Rose." Joshua raised his hand to the announcement of the bailiff.

"The 21st Lord of Thorns. Iacus, Donovan, Vizel, Krieg, Alec, Mitchell make yourselves known!" They watched as the Familiars that Joshua summoned stood before them.

"I will ask that Iacus to be my Prosecutor."

"Understood." Iacus was given the files where his armor transformed into a black suit with files in hand. Iacus's pressence before the court was able to unnerve some of the others that were present.

He began his opening speech by stating that the 21st Lord of Thorns, the Black Rose was the Lion who took on hard risky jobs because she believed in the World Council in her first few times as a lion but over the years that changed. As a result, that has caused a few things to shift greatly. Calling Dove and Crow to present the mission records and the details of the various missions that were deemed to be for the so called 'Greater Good' when in reality it was to eliminate any form of resistance ot the current World Council's Rule.

Showing the details of assassinations over NGO's that had doctored mission documents that stated that they were working with terrorists. The two of them presented evidence that was far and greater than anything else. Including mission records that led to her death, as well as the many transmissions that had been made. Reconstructed to their fullest by the many informations and even showed the World Council's secret human experimentations to a numbered few Lions who had been forced into debt to become guinea pigs in project warchild.

The world watched in horror to the many experiments that were done. The Project Warchild was to create specialized weapons that belonged to the World Council. A few of the Lions that had been in the World Council's ranks were part of this project and they attested the documents full nature and the evidence was their bodies. Surgeries that made them more robotic and subservient than humans.

Irrefutable evidence was made and the accused 5 leaders were in dismay as such until Dove played the recording after the death of their Lion.

"With this, we can keep those damned Lions in check. They are nothing but pawns for us to use.."

The whole war with Dove and Crow occurred as a result of them not being able to attain justice and that some of the AI machinery that went berserk was due to the fact that they were trying to create unmanned M-Frames to rival the Lions and stop them should the Lions ever get out of their grasps.

"With this the prosecution has made its case. Your Justices." Iacus said as he put the file aside, then kneeling before Joshua like the others.

The three Justices turned to the accused whose defenses were paper thin and left to be nothing worth of value.

"With this we have irrefutable answers... We sentence them to be guilty and as well will leave it to Pride Rock to decide their fate." The words of the Justices surprised them all.

Joshua turned to the other Lions that were waiting in anticipation of his words.

"Crow, Dove.. She was your Lion. I have brought them to justice but you both will determine the outcome." Joshua said where the two M-Frames stood up, beeping information to the others.

"What are they doing?"

"Sending information all over the world. Every machine is now hearing what they are saying." Joshua answered the confused reporter.

"Sure.. I like it." Prophecy spoke up first, where Mistral turned to question what it was.

"They want these 5 to be imprisoned in the same hangar where they killed their Lion. They will be staying there until they die." Headhunter answered.

"Sounds like a fair judgement." Joshua said, then looking at Fracture who nodded.

"As promised, Lord of Thorns. The two of us will be by your side. Now... About the world known as Rebellion of Humanity."

"Yeah, I know.. Thanks for reminding me Crow. Fracture, send full details of all the information you gathered. We've got another 5 days to prepare new weapon systems."

"Oh.. So aliens that plan to deploy their own form of M-Frame type units. Transformable types too. They don't have buster particles and their weapon systems are not that bad but there's a lot that we can do with this. Mitsuru, so much research can be done." The voice of Mitsuru's M-Frame, Great Wall said to her with joyous tone.

"Yep. More research... I'm sure we can count on Ilusia and Raga for their energy weapon types. Let's try and make an energy propelled grenade launcher!"

"As agreed, from now on. Pride Rock is a nation of its own with the Lions free to operate as they see fit. The World Council will no keep the Lions limited. So if you wish to start intervening in the many wars that have been waged. You are free to do so. Lions are free spirits after all." The 5 members of the new World Council made the declaration to all.

The next 5 days were spent preparing for the war in Rebellion of Humanity, where they all had been briefed to the enemy ships, their tanks and helicopters. For now, only the 50 Lions were ready for this. Shilage and Mako needed to make sure that things run smoothly before this. They were the ones who've handled al ot of matters so it was fitting for them to handle it.

Joshua waited for the day when the Rebellion of Humanity's gates were opened.

Congratulations for completing the World of Lions.

Flawless Clear.

Freedom given to Fracture's development as an AI.

Restoring Crow and Dove to the right path.

Bringing justice to the Fallen Lord.

Pride Rock Mission Control can now be contacted and they can be brought to the various Worlds and Spires to operate as mission control and combat effectiveness is increased by having 50 of specialized M-Frame units that are unmanned to protect them under Dove's Command. They can be in danger but if it gets too dangerous they will be brought back to the Pride Rock for protection.

The Lions entry to Rebellion of Humanity will be via Launch System that has been constructed. They have also been made to be able to handle space battles and atmospheric combat. The launch system is currently present at Pride Rock HQ and various other states, complete with machinery to rebuild, repair and tune M-Frames before missions should there be damaged. Data has been sent to swap weapon system accordingly. Data collection system is active and the more exposure M-Frame units have over in other worlds will allow the companies to create weapon data.

Minerals and items made from other worlds may also be brought here for manufacturing and processing to increase the combat potential.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Presenting MARS technology to HDF will increase effectiveness of the various units and also creation of newer units.

Joshua took a deep breath as he looked at the current situations. Cascade, Moon Slayer, Prophecy, Vertex and others will be joining in. He was in the cockpit, where he looked at the change of space in the pilot seat.

"The changes were made to ensure that when your use of the armor will not hinder your piloting capabilities." Fracture said as they were waiting.

"Thanks Fracture. I'll need to head first. Be ready for my call." Joshua said as he got out. Then heading back to Mulligan where he looked at the Gate for Rebellion of Humanity opening up. Unlcoking it, he ran straight in without a thought.

"This is Jane 000. Overlord, sitrep?" Joshua called out as he stood by a building seeing the machines that were similar to M-Frames yet their structures were weaker than what he had initially anticipated. They even had aliens that were as tall as the mechs themselves to be fighting on the frontline.

"We're being attacked by all fronts. Enemy is deploying in full armored forces. Including those new mech types you talked about! The New HQ at the base you liberated housed many civilians. They went quiet for the past 10 days!"

"This is Jane 000, I copy. I've brought back-up." Joshua said as he signaled the Lions.

"This is Gates to Pride Rock. Lana are the Lions in position?"

"Lions are prepped for scramble. How's our entry?" Joshua looked for an entry point, then he looked up the sky. No enemy forces were patrolling it, merely small fighter planes from the other side and the Valiants.

"I'll open the gates via the sky, tell the Lions to brace for Impact. Overlord, give me a full location list of the bases that are being attacked! Send me images of the sky!"

"Sending details now. What are you going to do, Jane?" Joshua looked at them all, setting entry points accordingly.

"I brought back-up. The heavy kind. About 50 of them will be dropping on top of HQ including a Mission Control team. They'll be taking ownership of any aliens they shot down. Especially the mechs, anything else isn't on their list."

Meanwhile at Pride Rock HQ.

"All Lions bound for the mission. Prepare for launch! Launch vector is from sky portals. Prepare for air to ground combat. Enemy data has been sent to your M-Frames!" Black Jack, Mistral, Vertex and Ronin put on their helmets, listening in to the tunes as they readied themselves for the mission.

"Aliens huh?" Black Jack thought.

"It's just another battlefield. It'd be a good change of pace."

"Well, Ronin. I suppose we will get to see a more peaceful world later on. The Lord of Thorn's world is peaceful after all."

"We're getting ownership for any machine we destroy. So scraps of technology can be analyzed and the materials can be sold to the corperations. A much more stable form of income. It's good for you and me, Mistral."

"We are still mercenaries. So let's board up." Mistral stepped into Prophecy's core which popped out from the back to reveal the pilot seat. Mistral sat in it, then looking at the photo of his church. The kids that wanted his autograph and the nuns that were there. Even a photo of when they called Mistral the town hero. Well he's going to be a hero elsewhere too.

"Ready, Prophecy?"

"Of course, My Lion. I am ready to fight. Shall I leave you with manual controls and I handle the adjustments for aiming?"

"The usual. Having you by the controls when I need to sleep or become unconscious is good too."

"Launch controls are ready. Catapults on standby." The catapults hooked into the back of the M-Frames with the heat shield for the walls opening up.

"Pods 1 to 4. Diverting launch controls to Black Jack, Ronin, Mistral and Vertex." The mission control reported. The tunnels of the launcher lit up green.

"Launching!" The four of them simultaneously were launched into the portal. Where they looked down below seeing the enemy machines moving about including the larger alien species.

"Look at that! An all out buffet! Let's earn some money!" Vertex shouted as he fired his laser cannon. Piercing through the body an alien's head. Leaving them to fall to the ground motionless.

"Pride Rock Misison Control has arrived. We're at the HDF's HQ. Beginning mission support procedures. To all members of the HDF. This is Pride Rock Mission Control callsign Savannah. Updating all IFF systems. The ones dropping from above are all allies. All Lions begin the mission. Eliminate all enemy forces. Leave the infantry units to the HDF soldiers. Focus on eliminating Entente's armored units, tanks and others!"

"This is Shaoran in Black Widow. Beginning long range sniper support. HDF soldiers I am loaded with 120mm sniper rifles, 250mm sniper cannon and artillery cannons. Mark your targets for my artillery bombardment!"

"Gram in Pinch Beck, I can provide missile supports. 72 racks of missiles. Horizontal based launch system. Give me a target!"

"This is Xander 311.. I need bombardment. Multiple enemy mechs moving in our position. Laser designation on my target!"

"Black Widow, those are yours! Artillery is your strong suit!"

"Got it! Xander 311, it's going to be close so watch the shockwave!" Black Widow fired a few shots. They were lobbing to the targets, striking straight into the units. Blowing the aliens to pieces and the armored units until they were useless.

"Xander 311 confirming targets are down. Thanks... Wish we had you guys in this fight earlier."

Billy 156 was firing his rifle at a tank. Buying time for the HDF units to move away from the location.

"This is Billy 156, I've got tanks in my path! A dozen of them. Enemy machine on my 12 o'clock. I can't do anything!"

"This is Cascade to Billy 156. I'll take care of it. Go help those other people that need it." The rockets struck the tanks, blowing them up within seconds and Billy 156 ran to join the HDF soldiers.

"Thanks for the assist!"

"No prob. Besides I'm getting paid for the tech. But I have to say this is a hell lot more fun than anything else!" Cascade showed itself before Billy 156, seeing the massive machine just move faster than a Valiant was phenomenal, but its weapons were what caught his attention.

"We've got a group of civilians that are stuck in a building ma'am! Enemy units approaching our position. We don't have any cover!" A HDF soldier reported, standing with 5 other Gladiators that wielded their shields. Where a massive shadow began to loom over them. A digital camouflaged machine that landed softly to the ground. It's entire back was facing the enemy tanks and machines that were firing into it.

"Now you've got cover. Sit tight, soldier. Help is on the way." The shots struck but the Force Armor was able to stop it dead in its tracks. They aimed for the building as it was going to fall on top of it, only to watch the machine just hold the building up.

"Headhunter here. I've got a small team of soldiers and roughly a dozen civilians. Currently holding a building up and using my Force Armor to keep them safe. Could use a hand here."

"Don't mind if I do!" Sniper fire came from above, silencing the tanks and enemy machines before.

"I'll split it with ya. So don't worry Vertex."

"Thanks, Sky Girl."

"Much obliged, Sky Girl." Headhunter spoke where Sky Girl gave a salute.

"Think nothing of it. Now I'm going to clear the air of these rascals!"

"Overlord to Savannah, the HDF teams are all scattered can we mount a rescue?"

"Savannah copies. Prophecy, Moon Slayer. Head to the location on the designated point. Wreak havoc to the enemy base and destroy enough enemy units to cause them to divert away from the rescue team. Cascade, Vertex. Join them when it's done."

"This is Alice 051. Helicopter crash, I'm marking my position. My laser designator isn't working. I've got survivors we need a medevac!"

"Pinch Beck to Alice 051. Confirming that no other ally is in viccinity?"

"Yes!"

"Got it. Switching to sniper cannon. Providing long range sniper fire. Watch the fragments and rubble." Sniper cannons roared as the bullets pierced through the buildings. Piercing through the enemy machines and the aliens alike.

"Enemy units are now making their way to the base. Dove, I need unmanned units to help protect the rescue helicopters!"

"Got it. Diverting units now." Overlord looked at the large white machine's lenses beeping orders to the other M-Frames, they went flying to help with the rescue effort.

"Lord of Thorns to my Familiars. Begin your rescue! Every single member of the HDF must be brought back for help!"

"Yes, Lord!" The Suicide Division made their move with Commander 151 leading the charge with his sword, slashing a Four Eyes down and firing pistols to the Reptile Soldiers near them.

Joshua observed the chaos before him. The superior firepower of the Lions were the bigger trump card. The Entente's units were backing off, moving away from the fight.

"Our fronts are secure... Thank you, Jane 000 and to the Savannah's Team."

"Don't thank us yet... We're mercenaries. So we are going to keep the scrap of any alien tech we find and destroy. Well, since we're in the all clear. Let's land nearby." Headhunter landed near the base where the soldiers and civilians he rescued were seen.

"You guys alright?"

"Yeah... Thanks to you." One of the Gladiators said, where Vertex looked at Headhunter.

"Headhunter, stay on standby."

"Yes, Lion."

"It talks?"

"He's an AI. Think of him as the voice of my partner. Sorry about making you hold a building, Headhunter."

"I would have wanted to do it anyway. I know how much you hate civilians being forced into a fight. Yet our enemies see humans as food. It is tough."

"How's the joints?"

"Right arm hydraulics and motors need a bit of tuning. There's more that needs to be fixed but..."

"M-Frame detected. Confirming Rank 7, Headhunter. This is maintenance unit 015. I will be conducting minor repairs." The M-Frame landed it did not have a weapon aside from the pistol and beam saber tucked to its arm.

"Thank you." Vertex said.

"Thank you for your hard work, Headhunter." Maintenance Unit 015 said to them.

"Overlord to Savannah. We'll have recovery units to help out with the items to get what you guys shot down."

"Thanks. We've already received kill markers from each M-Frame's kill. S owe know who's selling what and who did what."

"Savannah to Overlord. We're setting schematics to make M-Frames based on the combatants that you have. We'll also provide your pilots with the training needed to become M-Frame pilots. However, your designation will be different than ours. The Lions are proud mercenaries. We don't allow people to become part of our creed. I hope you understand."

"We'll call the M-Frames you give us Vanguards. The pilots will be Vanguard Riders. This may turn the tide of the battles ahead of us... We're... In your debt. I wish we could pay you directly."

"We're proud mercenaries. We'll handle payment in the form of technology. The corperations of our world would be able to buy it from us for money and reengineer the technology." Black Jack said on the radio.

"Where's Jane 000?"

"At another base. Just destroyed another research facility. Fracture, Crow and Dove have dealt with the base. Cleaning up everything correctly.." Joshua reported.

"We'll be staying here for a while, Gates. Don't worry about it."