Cross Ange: The Knight of Hilda

Chapter 27: Goodbye

"Attention all hands," Pamela broadcast over the P.A. "Aurora will breach the surface in less than five minutes. All riders to your machines." Throughout the hanger and launch deck, Armorers finished final preparations for launch before hurrying out of the way. Mounting her Glaive, Hilda plugged in her plebium cord as she and the others were taxied into position. Beside her, Rio pulled up in Susano'o. Both of its thrusters had been replaced with a custom set Mei had cobbled together with parts from three of Villkiss's spare engines. To give him a much needed agility boost, Mei had also equipped the engines with lateral vents to better angle the propulsion. Behind her, Vivian and Rosalie pulled up in their units while across the launch deck, elevators brought up Kamaitachi and Kat. Both carried the standard issue assault rifles though Kamaitachi's indigo Arquebus was also equipped with dual falchions while Kat's scarlet Razor carried a hatchet and submachine gun on its leg spurs. In the port stables; Tusk, Rhino, and Vulture waited atop their skyhooks for their turn to launch.

"Let's go over the plan one more time," Hilda said. "Me, Rio, Rosalie, Kamaitachi and Kat will fly in and engage the Ragna-mail over Misurugi. While they're distracted, Vivian, you circle around and pinpoint Ange."

"Got it," Vivian saluted.

"But how are you even going to find her?" Rosalie asked.

"Simple," Vivian grinned as she sniffed the air.

"Once you've located her," Hilda continued, "Tusk and the others will move in at ground level and grab Ange, then take her to retrieve Villkiss. Rookies, you'll hold back to provide cover fire for when we retreat."

"Yes Ma'am," the three younger girls said.

"I've armed the grenade launchers on the rookies' assault rifles with scrambler flares," Mei broadcast. "I've also equipped Nonna's Hauser with EMP shells. When the Ragna-mail get within range, just let 'em have it. And Rio, be careful with those engines. We can't spare anymore."

"Everything okay?" Rosalie asked the rookies.

"We're nervous Mistress Rosalie," Marika answered.

"Yeah," Mary agreed, "we've never flown into human territory."

"Neither have I," she assured them. "Just take a deep breath. Everything will be fine if we follow the plan. Just let us handle the worst of it." The assault squad had just taxied into position when a sudden lurch signaled that the Aurora had finally breached.

"Bay doors now opening," Pamela announced as sunlight flooded the launch deck.

"Let's do it," Hilda ordered. "Hilda squad, take off!"

Up on the bridge, Jasmine and Boss watched the forward monitor as the Aorora's new Commander and her assault team took flight. Though the transfer of power to Hilda hadn't gone without opposition, especially among the Norma still loyal to Jill, the truth regarding her past as well as desire for payback against the one responsible for all their suffering proved stronger than any lingering distrust. In the end, no one had opted to leave. Once the flight deck was clear, Tusk and his team got into position and prepared to blast off on their own mission. Off to the side, the little girl who had opted to stay on board stood alongside Mei. Rhino cast a glance in her direction and she saluted which Rhino returned before Pamela gave them the okay to launch.

"Off they go," Jasmine said. "You really think they have a chance?"

"It's a good strategy Hilda's come up with," Boss nodded. "Embryo protects the human world by himself so all they have to worry about are the Ragna-mail. In any case, our time is over. The future belongs to those kids. All we can do is try to help them along and hope they learn from our mistakes."