A Nation's Demise : Reboot » Places

         

Immediately after the first shot made impact, Naomi scanned the area, checking to see if her ingenious plan had worked. Most of the opponent's front line forces were annihilated, as expected while some machines near the Vigilanti itself were badly damaged. "Not too shabby, considering they have the technological advantage. One-eye, when can you fire the next shot?"

"I'll need another five minutes before I can fire again." Kalia responded as Unit 06 closed its mouth to recharge.

"That's too long, I'll need another shot soon."

"Hey! This isn't like your useless Vulcans that can fire anytime you like!" Kalia protested. "Besides, if we use up all our shots now, you'll be rendering this unit unoperable."

"Relax." Naomi urges Kalia to calm down. "Concentrate on the recharge and defenses. In the meantime, we'll use the Viper's long-ranged weapons to compensate. This is Naomi Shironoa speaking. I'm also taking command of the Viper's firing instructions. In order to take full advantage of the automatons, we'll need to distract the people inside with repeated attacks. Load all launchers with hi-speed rounds."

"Oi! Something's heading our way!" Naomi looked up at what Kalia meant and realized that their enemy ship fired their own Plasma Cannon at their direction.

"All hands brace for impact! Kalia, put up your E-shield around the bridge!" Immediately upon giving the order, Naomi fired both of her smokescreens at the incoming beam. The graphite within the screen caused interference to the beam's trajectory and composition, reducing it to several isolated shots that rained down on the ship, causing fragments to fall off. "Status?"

"Armor of the ship seems to have been compromised by 30%. No damage to our weapon's firing mechanism. Combat is still possible. Oh, and 06's fine as well--thanks to you. However, some of our retreating forces were destroyed."

"That was close though. Have the Viper steer 35 degrees to port and aim all hi-speed launchers and right mounted missile tubes at the Vigilanti. Fire off graphite shots first before switching to hi-speed solid rounds. Fire it through our primary weapon turrets. Anti-air, prepare for interception. Naomi made a quick circle around their maneuvering battleship, to check if there are anomalies brought by the dispersed plasma damage. "After all this--I think I might demand a promotion. Set graphite shot timers to detonate after 30 seconds. Fire!"

The Viper's missile launchers blared, sending out graphite shots as planned. The shots that had been intercepted blew up early but most were able to detonate on-schedule, covering a large portion of the sector into a radar-dead, smoky field that can interfere with plasma and beam weapons. "We'll need to compensate... Naomi thought as their solid shots came after, firing projectiles traveling faster than the speed of sound. "Use a higher caliber round on our primary turret. Target is the Vigilanti's primary engine gear." After the Viper had fired on her command, Naomi issues another order. "Viper will ascend 200 meters. Adjust our weapon angles accordingly. 06, status of the Convergent Particle Cannon?"

"Three more minutes. But, something's headed right at the Drastanian fleet." Kalia sent her visuals showing a beaten up machine headed to the Nightengale, its Inukaitu armor almost covering the entire machine.

"Well we can't let him have that now, can we?" Naomi conjures up another maneuver. "All battle-worthy forces are to re-position themselves at our two flanks relative to the Viper. Right-hand flank, take up a wedge formation and arm yourselves with solid heat rounds. Fire at that damaged machine in intervals of 10 seconds. If it gets too close, push it away with a missile set to detonate after 30 seconds.

"Regular weapons don't have much of an effect remember? Send 06 in. My Laser Blades might be able to--!"

"No. 06 is to remain anchored to its position. Prepare to fire the Convergent Particle Cannon again. As you still have sufficient energy, a sweep should be possible."

"Theoretically. But that maneuver's never been tested in real combat--!"

"Well now's our chance. Anyway--" Once her allies are in position, Naomi ascends higher, keeping the stealth system on as she tilted her machine at an angle facing the damaged Kiritine machine (Edward's). "All weapons fire!" The right flank, coupled with Naomi's Howitzer Cannons fired off in intervals, maintaining a constant volley towards the Inukaitu machine (Edward's).

"Inukaitu, being the metallic-based organisms they are, serve as a great conductor of heat. Sure, its armor can take it but, it's going to be one scorching inferno inside that cockpit. Though, I suppose you could try dispersing the heat to your other body parts but--with that state, I wonder how long will it be before your components overheat and explode? Also, you chose a very bad time to leave your ship's side..."

As Naomi's established formation continued their barrage, the Viper continued with its volley, pinning down both the enemy ship and its captain. Kalia watched the scene from inside her own cockpit. "This woman--just, who the hell is she?"