Fury, in full Torch mode, falls from the ship like a hot meteor. Redline flails, red hot.
Thruster>>Armor: I’ve got Fury. You take Redline.
I pinpoint our approaching CSP transport as a possible drop-off. Landing in the dunes from such a height is not something I want any Brother to have to endure. I signal Lance and Hydra of our ship for a drop.
Armor>>Thruster: Patrol on approach.
Thruster guides me toward Redline, then releases me to catch Fury. He can take the heat. But so can I.
I fold my wings back and dive after Redline.
Armor>>Redline: On my way, Brother.
Redline>>Armor: Skysprinter on our six. Request landing for snipe.
I glance at the Solcruean fighter that was trailing their Skysprinter and dive lower. Redline preps his rifle even as he falls. Opening my wings just underneath him, I create a platform. Redline lands hard and hot on my back, moves into position, and releases a string of bullets up at the passing fighter.
He tags a fuel cell. I know by the rain of flaming green and gold pieces of honeycomb material. The fighter descends with an engine throwing sparks and trailing smoke. It bashes into the ground, slinging up a wave of sand and parts.
Thruster and Fury land on the patrol ship just before us. Redline hops down.
Catalyst>>Local: Charge available.
He crawls out of the roof hatch and jogs to us.
Thruster, Redline, and I pull charge cables from our chests and clip into Catalyst’s body. Hot power fills me, making me more alert and eager to continue.
Catalyst>>Armor: You almost got a Black Death. I’ve been trying to reach you for fifteen minutes.
Armor>>Catalyst: Esthi’s going after Scythe.
His green eyes dart out at a ship in the distant battle. “It’s here for us, isn’t it?”
“Has to be.”
“Armor!” Thruster grabs me by the arm and relays what he’s seeing over our neural network. Another acquired vessel is getting pummeled by Venom squadron. We simultaneously agree to engage.
It’s rare, in battle, to have much time to decide what risks to take. There is a certain element of willingness to figure it out when premade tactics have to be changed up because the situation, combatants, or resources experience alterations.
Armor>>Thruster: Defend and Destroy Program Active. Jump in two.
Thruster>>Armor: Defend and Destroy Program Active. Roger.
We sprint along the patrol ship’s hull to the edge and jump off. Thruster’s engines ignite gold all over his body as I open my wings. Together, we race toward the transport housing five members of the jailbreak crew: Commander Savage, Diesel, Rebel, Turbo, and Shifter.
Thruster>>Armor: Taking offense.
I don’t think he or any of the other jailbreak Titans know how thrilling it is to be among Brothers again. But I am grateful for this chance, even if it is my last day in operation.
Thruster banks toward the Venom ship painted pale purple with iridithatium. They’re wicked-looking, V-shaped, and have tapered ailerons make them easy to distinguish. The ship’s gun swells with green light and launches repeated acid shots. Thruster hides behind his shield as he dodges shots and sneaks a rifle barrel around the edge. I hope he makes it.
Armor>>Thruster: Shielding up.
I take a hit as I dart through the lacework of missile fire and venom shots to the gaping hole in the ship. The moment I land, I pull my wingtips together and stretch my shoulders into a massive plate of metal. Inside, Commander Savage peers out at me.
Savage>>Local: Ship cannot be salvaged. On our last run with this one.
Diesel charges up Rebel, Turbo, and Shifter inside the adjoining cargo hangar. Two human females lie dead on the floor, badly burned. Not far from them is a darkened unit.
