It was distorted, but Alan saw it.
An explosion.
Then another.
His eyes widened as he stared at his holo-watch. Seeing the live feed play on the news. A fighter craft had been attacking a U.G.G base on Para V. Union forces stationed have been deployed and have been scattered trying to take down the one ship. One of the first things Alan noticed as he watched was how fast and nimble that ship was. Zipping past several buildings to avoid oncoming fire. In fact, it looked like that ship hadn't even taken a scratch. A few mechs soon came into view of the feed.
Sentry's
They wouldn't stand a chance...
"Is everything alright sir?" Hans asked. Stepping beside him to see the holo-feed playing from Alan's watch. The walk home was peaceful at first. It had begun to rain in the enormous city. A crackle of thunder was heard in the distance. Hans held an umbrella over the two. A series of taps crashing on the umbrella as the two watched. After a few more minutes of silence between the two, Alan cut off the feed. Closing his eyes as a sigh came out of him. Hans stared at his master intently.
"Sir?"
"...That ship...It's for Kane Lons... Isn't it?"
"...I...I would believe so sir."
Alan's eyes eventually opened, turning to Hans. Hans froze as their eyes locked. A gulp was made as his peripherals noticed Alan's mechanical arm. Its fingers wiggled before gripping into a fist. Alan's attention then turned to the ships flying above them, past the umbrella. Through the thick, grey clouds a mix of civilian and military craft flew above the vast city. Adding small specks of light in the dark sky. Hans soon joined him.
"What are you planning to do sir?"
"I think it's time I meet Kane in person," Alan answered plainly, continuing to stare up at the seemingly endless number of ships. Watching as both lanes of ships either entered or exited the atmosphere of the planet. While others were flying around the city.
"Then perhaps we should head back a little sooner." Hans offered, using his holo-watch to call in a ride. Alan kept quiet, bringing his head down to view the many people that were walking along the streets as well. A few would have recognized him. Usually getting excited to actually meet the galactic leader in person. Though Alan kept it casual by offering a smile, easy small talk and then ending it with either a handshake or even a hug. When he'd watch the person he interacted with would leave, he couldn't help but feel his smile become more...genuine.
Within twenty minutes a black Hover-Limousine stopped by Alan's home. Stepping out, Alan began to walk inside, Hans was close behind. The same pair of guards as before gave Alan a swift salute. Alan then stopped in front of the two before shaking one with a strong and confident handshake.
"Take the rest of the night off you two. You've done well today." He said the two took a second to look at each other. A smile shown on their faces, the one who was shaking Alan's hand nodded his head.
"Thank you, sir, we'll see you in the morning." He replied with a gruff voice. His hand departing from the handshake.
"That you will, take care, Jacob." With that, Alan began to enter further in his home while the guards began to leave.
At his office, Alan had prepared his communication terminal to speak with General Corgan, a rather impressive hellion. Alan sat back as he waited for the transmission to be answered. Corgan was one of the first non-human generals to oversee such an important world under the U.G.G. Especially after his bold tactics against the Bruticus Syndicate. A growing band of hellions and humans banding together to create the "2nd Wave." Alan could almost feel the headache returning as he recalled the event. The 2nd Wave was an event that was believed by the Bruticus Syndicate. The 2nd Wave would essentially wipe out all intelligent life within the galaxy. When it came to how and when the answer became very vague and inconsistent. Though, that didn't change the surprisingly strong faith they had for the 2nd Wave. In fact, due to the size of the U.G.G the leaders of the Bruticus Syndicate, the Chosen Hands had targeted Harmony as the cause of the 2nd Wave. At first, the U.G.G hardly saw the religious faction as a threat. However, as their numbers grew, the religion strengthened and with a sizable number of planets under their banner. People began to notice the Bruticus Syndicate as something more than a few crazy fanatics. Especially when they became the 6th largest faction. Just under the Forged Union.
Then there was the attack on Paris Prime. One of the farthest worlds of the U.G.G, a large mining world that was discovered in between the borders of the U.G.G and the Bruticus Syndicate. It held minerals and ores used for an impressive amount of vehicles and ships. Tension grew as the U.G.G practically rushed in a colony ship to claim the planet. At first, when the order was given by the G.L of the time, Ben Geo. He had hoped to make it a smooth transition, have the colony ship place the U.G.G banner to claim the world before the Bruticus Syndicate would have any idea the planet even existed. Unfortunately, when reports came in that the Bruticus Syndicate already had a ship in descent when the colony ship jumped into the system. Ben gave the order to discreetly take the ship out. Hoping to make it seem like the ship was destroyed by an accident. Since no matter how advanced your ships were, the risks of space were always there. Though the operation was a success, the colony ships weapons were able to take down the Bruticus colony ship. It turned out one of the Hand's sons was part of the crew. He was enraged, followed many of the people in the Bruticus Syndicate. Saying both on the planet and in the media that the U.G.G were bloody murderers, who were willing to take down innocent and holy lives for their own greed. Although part of that was true, the U.G.G had done an excellent job hiding the truth of the event to not just it's people but their allies as well.
Within the span of a few days after the U.G.G officially claimed Paris Prime and began mining operations. Bruticus Syndicate ships had jumped into the system. A huge fleet, consisting of mainly Carriers was sent to destroy the very operations and make an example of the people working on them. At the time, all there was to defend the world was a handful of corvettes and destroyers alongside the union station. Though Admiral Janne fought to the best of her abilities, giving the warning to General Corgan and his troops for the incoming invasion. Her ships were only able to stop so many of the hundreds of dropships and Carriers flying towards the planet. Corgan's situation was just as poor as the admirals, if not worse. Under his command, he had a fair amount of infantry consisting of roughly two battalions to defend the colony and the main factory. Though, in terms of mechs and vehicles, it was next to nothing. There were a handful of Dune APC's which were armed with a few light machine guns and an anti-missile battery but wouldn't help much with an entire invasion force. Other than that he had the colonies automated turrets to assist with taking down incoming dropships. Before the union station was destroyed, Admiral Janne was able to send out an S.O.S to the U.G.G. Giving hope to the forces below as the battle soon got to the ground. General Corgan barely got an hour to assemble his troops before the ships were spotted! From there, a constant battle for the survival of the colony had begun...
The reports of the battle on the ground were quite vague. However, all that mattered was that General Corgan managed to keep the enemy at bay till U.G.G reinforcements came. Within a day or so, the battle was won. The Bruticus Syndicate had sustained heavy losses at the end. While Corgan on the other hand... had managed to hardly use anyone. In fact, the reports claimed that he kept his losses under forty percent!
Corgan soon answered the call after a few more minutes of waiting. The tall dark blue hellion stood at attention, nearly instantly saluting at the sight of Alan!
"Good evening sir! How may I assist you?" He asked with his deep and gruff voice. Alan sat back in his chair.
"At ease, general. I called to ask about the situation with Kane." Putting his arm down, the hellion cleared his throat.
"I assume you've seen the news, sir?" He questioned, managing to keep any hint of fear unnoticeable. Alan only stared before replying quickly,
"Indeed I have, It's not every day I hear a prisoner managed to cause so much damage...even with help." He said sternly, getting right to the point.
A few pictures of the situation soon appeared beside Corgan, high-res 3d holo images that Alan used his fingers to get better angles of each one. All of which showed different shots of the base. A few even showing the ship that is attacking it. It was a Kret, a Lykoi hybrid of a fighter craft and a dropship. Kret's were fast, durable ships mainly used to drop shock troopers or special forces.
"This ship seems to have been pirated, we have yet to discover which band of pirates this has attacked us." Alan tapped his fingers along his desk. Continuing to swipe a finger along with an image of the battle. Plenty of fallen soldiers laid along with the compound. A few sentries were scattered within the exterior of the base. A mix of the mechs was still standing, regardless of the damage, they sustained they kept on fighting the craft while a few had been littered on the surface, destroyed.
"Are we certain these aren't rebels?" He asked. His eyes locked on Corgan's.
"There's a possibility sir. Though, I trust Admiral Scone from allowing rebels to pass the blockade. Especially in a world like Para-"
"He didn't stop Kane..." Alan retorted. "People can change sides in this conflict quite easily it seems." Alan got to his feet. "I want him taken alive, Corgan. If the reports I've been receiving are correct. Kane had assisted in supplying the operations held on Gwars." The hellion quickly brought up newly completed reports from the integration, projecting them to Alan's screen.
"From the time in interrogation he's been through. We managed to get practically nothing out of him. Claiming that he was innocent and had no idea about the rebel for-"
"I'm already aware of this Corgan." Alan interrupted again. Since the same reports have already been sent to him by those performing the interrogation. His hands became fists as he became further irritated. Before sitting back down with a heavy sigh. Lifting his eyes back to the general.
"Destroy the ship, take Kane alive. I'll be at Para V within twelve hours." General Corgan managed to give Alan another salute before Alan ended the transmission. The black screen reflected Alan's half mechanical face. Getting back to his feet, he walked out of his office.
Hans was standing at the deck, looking down at the thousands of people within the city. The sun shined brightly in the sky, a couple of reptile-like birds soared high above the house. Hover-cars flying throughout the roads, while groups of people of every race walked along the pathways. A soft breeze soon came on the deck, hitting the older man's face gently. A smile beamed off his face as he breathed in the fresh air.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Han's turned, to see Alan walk beside him. Placing his hands on the railing he took in a deep breath.
"Ahhh... Harmony is truly one of a kind isn't she?" He asked again, feeling the cool air brush against his face. Hans kept the smile on his face as he nodded,
"Indeed sir, Harmony was quite the lucky find." His face then softened.
"I wish you were able to see it more often." He sighed dolefully. Alan's smile also began to disappear from the comment.
"You heard that?" Hans kept his attention at the city.
"Didn't have too..." Alan brought his head to face the city as well.
"You think this conflict will be over soon? So we can actually enjoy some peace and quiet? At least...for a while." Hans asked. Spotting a group of kids. His smile returned as he watched them play at a park. A game of tag. A game that is so simple and yet so enjoyable. Especially to the young mind. Like many people, Hans missed being able to have that simple mindset. Of just having fun. Enjoying the day till the sun came down.
"Yeah, I do," Alan replied, staring up at the clear blue sky. Seeing a large Union Titan soar through the sky. The gigantic U.G.G Battleship nearly made the whole city black as it flew past during its patrol. Hans, however, kept on watching the children. Noticing the gwarian child stopping to look up at the massive ship in awe. Reading the "WOW!" from his lips. Pointing up at it and turning to grab her friends. Who all stopped in their tracks to join in to stand and watch the Titan flyby. A few waved up at the huge ship, others only stared in utter awe. Probably imagining themselves piloting such a ship.
"Please, sir. Just win this war. For them." Hans pleaded softly. There was even a croak in his voice. Alan looked at Hans, an expression filled with a mix of confusion and concern on his face. When he realized Hans wasn't looking back, Alan looked down, trying to find what he was talking about.
It was their smiles that grabbed him. Seeing the kids play together again once the Titan was out of sight. Alan swore he could hear the laughter from up there. The joy from that small group alone was inspiring to the cyborg. Reminding him of much simpler times.
"I promise Hans," He placed a hand on Hans's shoulder. Looking at him sternly.
"For the good of the U.G.G, its children especially, I will win this conflict." Hans then finally turned to Alan, his smile back on his face.
"Thank you, sir."