A.I. War : Counterpoint

Prologue

Date: The distant future
Time: Noon
Location: T.E.A.M H.q.

War always has casualties. This war was no different. My corp. had been strong and competent, but that was not enough, with in a year Good Omens was nothing more then an empty ruined building. The surviving members had scattered, some formed a new corp., some had joined former friends in other corps and some like myself had been welcomed into T.E.A.M.

The war raged on, months turned to years and still the battles went on. Five years after the war started a truce was called between the corps., relations were tense and forced, may good people had been lost to the war and the past is hard to forget, but everyone tried to tolerate others who had previously been their enemies. For now there was a bigger threat, one that if not stopped would be the end of everything .

Shortly after the first hackers launched into space, the whole of Earth became a target. Weeks of research had led to the discovery of a way to land on new, alien worlds. Most were barren, a few held untapped resources and one them held a force. A force more powerful then the top corps, a force more powerful and deadly then even the Senate.

Thane, as the planet had been named, was located on the outer reaches of the galaxy. A small planet lush in vegetation, from space it looked void of life and this caused many hackers to go there for its untapped resources. At first all seem well, an uninhabited planet that was plentiful, but unknown to the hackers that ventured there, a race of aliens counted the planet as part of there territory. As you can imaging they didn't take kindly to having it striped bare of its resources.

The initial contact was made by a loner, all seemed well and a potential ally was found and soon hackers worldwide ventured to the new world, some setting up outposts there to more effectively tap the resources, some merely exploring and returning home once their cargo hold were full, either way the people of Earth benefited from the discovery of Thane. Over the next few months strange occurrences happened, hackers mysteriously vanishing, attacks on bases by unknown assailants, and the sudden appearance of large objects in skies. Observation of the objects had identified them an alien space crafts, in total seventeen had been sighted over the major cities, the largest was sitting miles above Washington, six medium sized crafts lay above London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Moscow, Toronto and Budapest, the smaller remaining ten lay scattered over the rest of the world.

In light of the global threat a council was formed. Its prime mission the ensure that Earth did not fall. Its first objective was to identify the exact nature of the threat, at this point the crafts could be anything from an invasion force to a diplomatic assembly. Were they hostile, who knows but the slightest error could cause the destruction of the Human race. Carefully each corp. chose its representatives, people with diplomatic and negotiation skills as well as other useful talents.

The reps. were debriefed and headed for their nearest crafts, worldwide the leaders of each and every corp. waited. Hours passed, then days. Fearing the worst some of the leaders began planning an attack. Hundreds of droids surrounded the craft above Moscow, slowly inching closer until they reached weapons range. Half charged the first droids were seconds away from opening fire when the craft opened and the first of the reps. returned. Over the next few hours all the reps. made their way back to their bases and debriefed their leaders and the council was convened. Chairing it was none other then Konrad the force behind the Senate.

Chapter 1

Location: Earth Council

Every single leader gathered in the large hall in which the council meeting was to take place, as they waited for the chairperson to arrive many exchanged the information on the aliens that their reps. had retrieved. After waiting for more then an hour the chairperson walked in to the room, with a sudden silence everyone looked to see who it was. The look of surprise on the row of faces said it all. Konrad was not known for his public appearance, this had to be important.

Konrad sat down and called the meeting into session, he began by relaying the Senates encounter with the aliens.

"The aliens have identified themselves as a race called the Krioq and they are part of an alliance of races. Since the first day we discovered the ability to venture into space they have been watching us, studying us. The disappearances and the attacks were part of their experiments."

A murmur filled the hall.

"Let me finish, they said they needed to know what we were like, so far they are impressed and if we can prove ourselves they will accept us into there alliance. This is a great opportunity to expand our knowledge."

The noise level in the room grew as everyone began talking about what this would mean. At the back of the hall one person stood up and coughed loudly to get the attention of everyone else.

"I have a question."

Everyone turned to look at the women.

"Very well go ahead, err...."

Konrad replied, pausing to allow the women to identify herself.

"My call sign is Droidette, I'm one of the leaders of T.E.A.M"

Konrad cuts in.

"Very well you may continue Droidette."

"Our Representatives reported the same information."

Droidette looked to her fellow leaders then continued.

"My question is, how do the Krioq want us to prove ourselves?"

Konrad thought for a moment. Looking at the other members he nodded towards Webbed.

"If I may, the Krioq are impressed by the way we go about Wars. They are intrigued by our arenas and how the life loss is minimal.. compared to over races they have encountered."

Webbed took a control device, dimmed the lights and turned on the screen behind him.

"Based on our technology the Krioq are building a number of arenas similar to ours, they are also building droids, weapons, shields and scanners. There plan is to hold a number of battles to see how we fair in combat. They will continue to watch us until they are ready."

The screen flashed as information came up quicker then anyone could read. webbed held up a disc.

"The information behind me is every we know about the Krioq, the senate will release this along with the combined knowledge of those corps that cooperated with us."

Pausing for dramatic effect Webbed continued.

"Only those that cooperate will receive this information, what we, the Senate , want from you is to send one representative to these coordinates in two days at exactly 14:00 DAT"

At that point two four digit numbers appeared on the screen.

"The reps. will, one at a time insert a disc containing the information your corp. has, downloading into a huge database. This will take 2-3 hours depending on how many corps. agree to come. No weapons will be allowed so have no fear of other corps. stealing the knowledge. Once the process is complete a signal will simultaneously send the data to the main computers of all the corps. that participated. That way no one corp. will have the information sooner then any other."

Webbed turned to Konrad and nodded.

"Thank you, now you all know what we are asking is risking, the Senate will ensure that the information is share and that everyone who cooperates knows the same. Those that choose not to help, so be it."

Konrad stood up ready to leave.

"One final thing, the Krioq estimate completion time for their 'project' to be 3 months. so prepare yourselves, the fate of the world could depend on you."

With that he left the room followed by the rest of the Senate. Murmurs filled the hall, who would cooperate, who could be trusted, would we be able to prove ourselves, what would happen if we didn't. These and many other question flooded the minds of the leaders. slowly the leaders began to leave, they had a lot to discuss with the rest of their corp. member and decisions need to be made and 2 days would pass by quickly.

Chapter 2

Day: One
Time: 08:00 DAT
Location: T.E.A.M H.q. Leaders Suite

The leaders suite was a block of 4 offices connected by a reception area. Half an hour earlier Dette, Longlegs, Drak and Achernar had returned from the council, as soon as their droids had docked they had summoned me to the suite. I have arrived 5 minutes ago and was waiting . A short time later the Leaders walked.

"Take a seat Angel."

Drak indicated to one of the chairs. I sat down and listened.

"You probably already know what we are about to say, if you don't then we have the wrong person for the job."

I looked at their faces. They were right I did know why I was here, it was my job to know. When I had joined T.E.A.M five months ago they somehow knew nearly everything about me, nearly everything, they were good, but I was better. They had given me special training, intense briefings on how the corp. worked and had appointed me one of their representatives, in fact I had been the one they had sent to represent the corp. to the alien. At the time I thought it was just because I was expendable but now I Knew that it was just the first step in a grand plan. I thought for a moment, how much did I want to reveal and how much did they know.

"The Senate plan for a combination of resources so that we can prepare for the future battles with the Krioq better."

I began, I then stood up and walked around the room.

"You want me to take our information to the database, given my records list my skills as diplomacy and negotiation, I make a good candidate."

I paused.

"That and the fact that my 'secret files' list my addition skills as communication expert, espionage, chemical and explosive training as well as special training in search and rescue, retrieval and stealth and many of my skills not even my old corp. knew about. I wager that you want me to take our disc and to somehow get the combined data back to you before the Senate publicly release it."

I looked at the leaders faces and sat back down again.

"Very good, you do know your job well. Your almost right, your mission brief has been downloaded to your work station. We had under estimated your talent, we knew you would find those file, but had no idea you would find them so soon. We are in fact sending Blade to make the exchange, you will arrive earlier and hack into the database that way we will receive the information as it is downloaded, a head start on even on the Senate."

A grin crossed my face as Achernar said that.

"I had not thought of that, a good plan."

I look at the clock. 08:43 DAT.

"I will make my plans and report back in 5 hours."

With that I got up and headed for the door.

"One more thing, this is a classified mission, your on your own. Get caught and we deny you are even part of this corp."

Longlegs said just as I was about to open the door. I turned round and nodded.

"Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself. You'll get you information."

I opened the door and left. My work station was the other side of the base, I had plenty of time to get there, my 5 hour deadline had been greatly exaggerated, I could have a report completed in under 2, if they knew they didn't let on. For now I was more concerned by the fact that they expected me to find their files on me, did this mean they had more. A short detour to the main computer and a 3 hour investigation would answer that question.

Chapter 3

Day: One
Time: 17:30
Location: Droid Pen

My search of the main computers had brought no new information, I didn't know whether to be relieved, that my secrets were safe or concerned that I wasn't as good as I thought I was. I had completed my plans and made my report to the leaders, I would set out on my mission in 24 hours, until then I had the same grueling task that the leaders had set everybody else.

Previously that day
Time: 12:00

"Attention all corp. members, report to the conference room at once."

Pyro, our Comm. Sup. announced over the base radio. I cursed to myself, just as I was about to start working on my mission. I shut down my computer and headed for the conference room. As usual I was last to arrive, I liked it that way, everyone would be busy talking until the meeting started so I could sneak in an observe them and no one would pay any attention to me.

"In 26 hours Blade will take this disc..."

Dette held up a small blue disc as she spoke.

"On it contains all the information we have on the Krioq. Also on it is a hidden virus, that when downloaded will slowly attack the main computers of the other corps. slowing their processing speed, deleting random files and transferring encrypted files to a remote computer."

Dette sat down and let Longlegs take over.

"we plan to be the only corp. with the complete file on the Krioq, we are also taking the opportunity to gather some intelligence on those corps. as well as disrupt their day to day base operations. There is still a war going on, this truce wont last for ever and we need to be ready for when it collapses."

Drak was next to speak.

"Until we know fully what we are up against everybody, and I mean everybody will be expected to enter as many arenas as possible in the next few day. Once we have the combined data on the Krioq analyzed we will then begin developing and testing weapons, shields, scanners etc.. We will also go over new strategies and tactics and test them. The next few months will be long and hard and we expect everyone to play their part."

Achernar dismissed the room.

"It will be tough but the reward if we are successful should more then make up for it. Now you all know what we expect from you. Dismissed."

Complaints could be heard as everyone left the room, I held back waiting to be last to leave. Just as I got up to leave Dette called me over.

"How are your plans coming?"

From the tone in her voice I could help but wonder if she knew that I hadn't started yet.

"Fine, they should be complete in a couple of hours. I let you know when."

Before she could reply I left, I didn't want to give her a chance to see through my lie

Back in the present
Time: 17:41

After reporting to the leader, I had be sent to the first open arena. Joined by four other members we had returned triumphant. Out of the 15 other droids in the arena we had clocked up a massive 9 kills and the doll. We chalked up the result and I check the rooster to see who was available. There were twelve other member from the same level group as me, more then enough to fill the 2 arenas open to us. I could haven taken the opportunity and gone to my quarters to sleep and prepare for my mission, but with the exception of the last hour when I had been busy battling, I had thought of nothing else but the mission. With the way my mind was working overtime, sleep would be the last thing I would be able to do, at least fighting in arenas would keep me alert.

Chapter 4

Day: Two
Time: 10:34
Location Infirmary

After three straight victories I had begun to think I was unstoppable. with four hours until I would set of on my mission, I had decided to enter one final arena. I had two team mate with me and we were up against four other droids, 1 loner, 1 droid from another corp. on its own and a pair of droids from another. An easy victory or so I thought.

"Take it easy. You've been hurt."

As I woke I could feel the pain. My entire body ached. As I tried to get up I cringed as the pain shoot right through me. A hand gently pushed me back down.

"Lay back down, your going nowhere."

I focused my eyes on who was speaking. I could make out three people, Dette, DJ and a junior Medic.

"Your lucky, your droid is a write-off, you escape with quite minor injuries considering the explosion. Mostly cuts and bruises and that broken rib. We have canceled your mission, instead Blade will take a genuine copy of our data and we will have to trust the senate like all the other corps."

I tried to get up again, this time blocking the pain. As I sat up DJ and the medic tried to get me to lay down but I pushed them away.

"This mission is important to the corp. I can handle it."

I looked at the clock, I should have left 2 hours ago.

"I have a lot of time to catch up on."

In the corner of the room I saw the armor I had been wearing in the arena, shredded and full of holes it was no use. I got up and headed for the door. I turned back and nodded to Dette.

"Don't worry I wont fail you."

With that I headed for my quarters to get my spare armor and to contact the droid pen to have them prepare my spare frame. It wouldn't be as good as my normal one and there would be no time to refit it to the standard of my normal frame.

"Ma'am, your frame is ready."

One of the techs. said as I slowly walked into the room, from the look on there faces it was clear they knew how much pain I was in, but they also knew that I would not except any help so they just watched me as I climbed the ladder and got in to the ****pit. As I sat down and adjusted my seat, Pyro called in over the radio.

"In light of recent events Dette authorized the fitting of some experimental equipment. You have 3 hours until you reach you target, use that time wisely."

I looked around, sure enough new scanner, weapons, shields everything. I closed the hatch and departed the pen.

"Good luck Angel, see you in 2 days."

I acknowledged Dette's message and set off. The journey was uneventful and I had test many of the new features to my droid with my favorite being a cloaking device. Stealth being my favored approach to everything it would be invaluable. Upon reaching my target I radioed the base.

"Angel here, put me through to the leaders"

I demanded. Pyro obeyed. In light of my condition I had no idea how much information had be divulged to the rest of the corp. For now I had to have faith in the leaders and assume that no one had been told. Pyro's lack of questioning my demand made doubts pop into my head, but I shook them to the back of my mind.

"Yes."

Drak responded to my call.

"I have reached my target uneventfully. From now until my mission is complete I will maintain radio silence. I'm due to return in 17 hours if the mission is successful."

I paused not wanting to image what would happen if I wasn't.

"If I haven't reported back in 24 hours it will be safe to assume I have failed."

"Acknowledged, good luck."

With that the radio went dead. I was on my own now.

Chapter 5

Day: Two
Time: 23:07
Location: Coordinates 18 by 5338 ( 2 kilometers from Senate Remote Database)

Outside it was pitch black, just the way I liked it for this kind of mission. I reached under my seat and picked up my helmet, gloss black like the rest of my armor. I put it on and adjusted it to the night vision setting, take a few minutes shut down the main power of my droid, I turned on the auxiliary power an set my droid for remote commands.

Opening the hatch, I picked up a small pack containing my tools and my sidearm from under my seat and jumped out. On landing I swiftly dropped the pack and clutched at my chest, the adrenaline of the mission had made me total forget about my injuries. I stood for a few minutes catching my breath as the pain eased, I picked up my pack again, slung it over my shoulder and while still clutching my chest I gently ran in the direction of the database. Running through the forest was uneventful, occasionally I would stop to take bearings to make sure I was heading the right way and to check to see if any guards were posted. Thankfully no I had seen no guards, I was confident I could take them out, but the was the risk that they would alert the senate or that the information exchange would be jeopardized if a hacker was sighted before the given time.

After an hour I reached the database, I hide in the undergrowth a few meters away and surveyed the surroundings. Making some adjustments to my helmet, I scanned for infrared and UV signatures. With no sigh of guards there was a good chance that the database would be alarmed and sure enough a series of laser surrounded the computer core.

Taking a careful look round, I stepped out of the bushes and headed to the core. Once there I put my pack on the ground and pulled out my tools, acrefully removed the sid panel and set to work bypassing the security. After several hours I finally tapped into the core, I connected my remote computer up-link and began hacking, my first task, download the bases of the virus that would be placed by Blade. Next I had to conceal 2 transmitters, one that would tap all the computers that accessed the Database, the second would tap the main processor and transmit any downloaded information. Both transmitters were connected to a series of satellites that the signal would randomly loop through making it nearly impossible to trace the final destination.

Having completed both tasks I replaced the side panel, checking that I had every thing I gathered my thing. I picked up my pack and made one final examination of the sight before heading back to my droid. Looking round I could see it was nearly dawn, with the cover of darkness gone I had to keep to the tree line on my journey back, that slowed me down and at this point time was not on my side. The mission had taken longer then I had planned for, In a few hours the leaders would send Blade to these coordinates with one of two discs depending on the success of my mission, I picked up my pace, but lack of sleep and my wounds were wearing me down.

Day: Three
Time: 09:57 DAT
Location: T.E.A.M Comms. office

"Any sign of her?"

Dette quizzed Pyro.

"Still on radio silence. She was due to report in 2 hours ago, we have to assume she faced a bigger challenge then we anticipated."

Dette looked at the clock.

"Very well, inform of any changes, we need to send Blade in just over an hours. I'll be in conference with the others leaders."

With that she left and Pyro resumed monitoring the scanners.

Day: Three
Time: 10:43 DAT
Location: Not far from my droid.

With time running out, I pulled out my remote and activated my droid, I tapped the communication, thankfully I was in range to relay a message. With no time to encrypt or mask the signal I prayed that no one was watching me as I contacted the base.

"Angel to Base, come in.."

I wait for a reply.

"Yes Angel, receiving, but your signal is weak, is everything all right?"

In brief I relayed what I had accomplished to Pyro and the reason for the delay.

"OK. understood, I will inform the leaders that the plan is on. See you soon."

With the leaders informed, I felt less stressed, but I still need to be back at base before Blade reached the Database to set up the receivers. Quickening my pace I ran the last few yards to my droid. Scanning the surroundings I headed for the hatch and got in. Closing the hatch behind me I turned on the main computers and powered up. Setting the autopilot, I suddenly felt drained. The excitement had taken its toll, and with the adrenaline wearing off I was beginning to feel weak. I tapped in the final command telling my droid to head for base and collapsed with exhaustion.

Chapter 6

Day: Four
Time: 17:31
Location: Unknown

Drowsily I arose.

"Mmm.. Where am I ?"

I mumbled. As I sat slowly sat up, I looked around. I recognized this place. Scanning the room I suddenly remembered. I had been in my droid on some mission, I remembered the pain but the memories were hazy, pieces here and there.

"How... how did I get here?"

Talking to myself didn't help answer those question. Reaching for my clothes I stood up and dressed. Take a second to compose myself I headed for the door, my rib still caused me pain but not nearly as much as it had, how long had I been unconscious.
As I opened the door I saw a guard.

"What are you doing here?"

I questioned.

"I'm to escort you to the infirmary."

Was all he said, indicating for me to move we headed for the infirmary.

"What's this all about?"

I asked as I entered. The chief medic responded.

"When you failed to responded to Pyro’s radio call when you bot returned we knew something was wrong, so after it docked we had you brought here. If you hadn't left so quick we would have known sooner, it appears that your injuries were worse then we first thought. As well as your rib..."

I clutched at my rib when he said that, the throbbing pain, how could I forget.

"..was not the only injury you sustained, you also have a nasty head injury, which is why you collapsed."

The medic headed over to a console and pulled up a file.

"We analyzed your black box and discovered that you were hit by an experimental device added to some droids."

He pulled up some more files.

"The Fury device is used to target a specific droid in an arena. the device then uses the energy reserves from the bots shields and redirects them to a single weapons fire. In this case the shields were full causing immense damage to your frame. We have salvaged most of it and will use it ti modify your new frame."

Pause to make sure I had taken in everything he was say, he then continued.

"Any way the impact had been directly on the ****pit. We treated the major injuries and if you hadn't rushed off we would have treated you head injury sooner. For now your on light duties, which means no arenas and no exploring. You were lucky that you weren't attacked while you were out, next could be a different story."

I frowned, light duties, how boring, but the pounding in my head made me reluctantly agree.

"Now the leaders wish to see you."

I nodded, bid farewell and headed to the leaders suite. Upon getting there I knocked on the door and waited.

"Enter."

Walking in I saw Drak, Achernar and Dette. Drak indicated to a chair, so I sat down.

"Both yours and Blades mission were successful and we are receiving regular transmissions"

I smiled, have your work recognized was always good.

"For now until you are cleared by the chief medic, your light duties will consist of analyzing and logging the transmission."

I sighed.

"Is that all?"

I asked.

"Almost, you are to rest for the remainder of the day, a guard will escort you to your quarters and will remain until tomorrow to make sure you do."

Achernar finished. As I got up to leave Dette added a final few words.

"We know you so you had better do as you are told."

She smiled as she said that. Leaving I closed the door behind me, a guard followed so I headed for my quarters as I had been told, a few hours rest would do me good. Reaching my door, I bid goodnight to the guard and headed in. As I entered I realized I wasn't tired and knew there was not much point in trying to sleep so I headed to my computer terminal, turning it on I decided to log a few transmission. After scanning a few I found nothing interesting and as every muscle in my body was aching I decided to soak in the bath, I set the computer to scanner for key words that could pull up some interesting information then started to run the bath.

As the water filled the tub I took one quick look at my monitor, still nothing, so I undressed and lay in the tub. As the warm water eased my aches, I drifted to sleep only to be woken a few minutes later by a series of beeps. Jumping out and wrapping a towel around myself I dashed to the computer. It had found some of the key words I had set in a recent transmission. I began to scan the text.

"Very interesting."

I thought to myself. The leaders would want to see this, but as I was meant to be resting I decided it had best wait until the morning. I logged and saved the file. I was about to return to my bath but realized the water would be cold by now, so instead I dressed and headed to bed.

Chapter 7

Day: Five
Time: 08:00 DAT
Location: Conference centre.

I had just returned from delivering the information, that I had found the previous night, to the leaders, when the entire senior staff had been called to the conference centre. Luckily I had anticipated the leaders reaction and was already there, unlike most time this was one occasion that I wanted to be first. My recent battle and mission had taken its toll on me, but I wanted to show every one that I was still in top form.

One by One the senior staff entered, I got a few odd looks, that was mostly due to the fact that they weren't used to seeing me, I'm a solitary person and usually keep to the shadows, ideal in my line of work. Most seem pleased to see that I was fine and some even came to talk to me until the meeting started. As would be expected in a case like this the leaders were last to arrive, prompting silence in the room.

"Firstly, we wish to praise Angel and everyone involved on the success of there recent mission. The information we have already received is being used to benefit our fight for the future."

Dette, Drak and Achernar took their places at the head of the conference table, while Longlegs remained standing.

"Next, the point off this meeting."

Longlegs paused as he turned on a monitor at the back of the room and everyone turned to see what he was showing.

"Here you will see the detailed plans of a new frame that we acquired from the Senate."

Dozens of eyes lite up as the images flashed on the screen.

"They are already in production and information gathered from other corps indicated that numerous strike will be made to gather these frame."

Longlegs brought up another file on the monitor.

"However with these plans and a few modification made by our technicians, we can avoid the fighting and have completed frames made by the time the smoke clears."

Longlegs handed the control to Drak and took a seat.

"These are everyone's missions briefs for the next few weeks. We need these frames made and tested before any of the other corps find out what we know."

Achernar interrupted.

"Security has already been doubled and new passwords will be allocated as soon as possible."

Ach. sat down and let Drak continue.

"Intense training in the piloting of these frame will be needed as well as weapon developing and testing. You mission brief can be found in detail on your personal computers, read them carefully and then get to work immediately, we don't have a lot of time to accomplish this task."

Dette dismissed us with a few words of good luck and then the leaders left. After a few minutes of discussion between everyone the rest began to leave. I sat back and watched everyone's reactions, Most kept their composure and remained the professionals they were, other discussed the situation and a few looked intrigued and full of anticipation as they headed to their quarters. With the room clear I sat thinking to myself for a few minutes and the slowly rose from my seat. The pain from my battle some days ago now was subsiding, but I was still stiff and ached all over. So I would need to undergo some intense physical training to get back into shape and I knew that after that I would ache even more. I sighed and headed for my quarters.

Reaching my quarters I hit the side panel control and entered. As the door closed behind me I sat down at my computer and accessed my brief.

Chapter 8

Day: Twelve
Time: 12:00 DAT
Location: Arena Waiting area

Three days after the meeting the medics had declared me fit for active duty, much to my relief. With a few days intense physical exercise I had been allowed to resume full duties, similar to most other senior members my mission brief largely consisted of keeping up arena appearances and to test our new weapons as and when required.

This being my first arena in over a week, I sat anxiously in my droid. My frame gleamed in the beating sun and with its recent upgrades, I was looking forward to putting it through its paces.

"Attention all competitors. Please make your way to your allocated starting location, the battle will begin in ten minutes."

A voice over the arena speakers announced each droid my hacker call sign and frame name as they entered the arena. Last to enter were the four frames belonging to T.E.A.M. Myself and the other three took up our places, scanning the arena we set our targets and waited for the gong.

"Competitors, standby...... and go."

The battle began.

Splitting up the T.E.A.M. member headed in two direction towards their targets.
Avoiding the numerous mine the first target was sighted and as we got in range we opened fire. The loner stood no chance as we swiftly took it out. The next targets a pair of Blackwings. Both pair of T.E.A.M. members targeted a single Blackwing and as we drove them together the also fell to are tactics.

We scanned the arena for the next target, a loner Mammoth. all four of us headed for it and drew to a line of mine to weaken it. As we battled away the other frames fell in other skirmishes. With the Mammoth down along with one T.E.A.M. member we headed for the remaining frames.

"You two take the flanks, I'll take the centre."

I radioed my plan, with no time to question my idea they swiftly agree and split to the sides. As I headed on forward I sighted a familiar frame.

"That one's mine."

I shouted down the radio. It was the frame that had furied me in my last arena. As it neared I opened fire, quickly I backed off the limit range of my weapon. I suspected that given the chance it would fury me again and this was one arena I planned to survive. Leading the frame in circles around the arena I left the last three enemies to my team mates and focused on eliminating this opponent.

Dodging left and right my stalker was more agile then the enermy. With my new upgrades I was more successfully able to target the droid while moving then it was and after a few rounds of exchanged fire I finally hit its critical systems shuting it down. Smiling to myself I savered the moment, then remembered the battle. As I headed across the arena I check to see how it was fairing. one more T.E.A.M. had fallen, but so had two of the enermy. I radioed ahead to get a status report. Petman, the remaining T.E.A.M. member was holding his ground but was weaker then the enermy and 'politely' requested my assistance. I obliged and between us we pounded the frame. With no more opponents the gong sounded. We were victorious. Between us T.E.A.M had taken out seven of the sixteen opponents, aid our fallen comrades we head back to base to celebrate.

Docking our frames we headed to the briefing room to report our battle. As we entered Achernar greeted us.

“Congratulation a victory for T.E.A.M., well done.”

We reported our black box logs, Achernar looked over them.

“Very good, take these to the labs for analyze and take a few hours rest while your frames are repaired.”

We nodded and filed out of the room. I had spent enough time in my quarters these last few days so decide to take my rest in the mess hall, so headed down the corridor. Once there I got myself a cool drink and sat in the corner and watched everyone else as the went about their day.

Written by "Archangel"