Archcore: Children of War

[26]-[Solus 3]

The day after Luka and the others departed for the Solus, Leah stood outside of the main building of Amaryllis, Ina at her side, "I think they'll be arriving to the colony this afternoon, ma'am." Ina said with a smile. Leah nodded, "Yes, and I trust that Luka will lead them all to a victory."

"So, about that other thing, they should be back in time for it, but is it really a smart move to make?"

Leah brushed her hair to the side, "If it isn't, I'll take full responsibility. Luka knows if we hope to expand more, we'll need to make other deals too. He's a smart guy, he should know this as well."

At the hangar, Mel carried a few boxes, but stopped as she took notice of Leah and Ina looking to the sky, "Mel, you okay?" Yuri asked as she took the box from Mel.

Mel nodded as she turned away, picking up another box, "Yeah, but I can't help but feel a little worried. Leah has faith in those that went to Solus, but she won't look away from the sky. Do you think they'll come back?" With a rather confident look, Yuri nodded, "Of course they'll come back. I don't really talk about it much, but I was there during the trip to Earth, it only made the rest of us stronger. Plus, with Luka leading the Chrysanthemum, the chances of coming back are pretty good if you ask me. That big idiot Yusuke too, he definitely has to come back too, he promised."

Mel smiled to Yuri as they set the crates down with others, "If you think that way, then I guess I'll do the same."

* * * * * *

In space, both the Chrysanthemum and Tento made their way towards the Solus 3 Colonies with the Chrysanthemum leading the way, "This is so cool, being able to float around like this." Mash said, "Lubbock, check it out." Lubbock stop his work and looked up to the Sentinel that stood over them. One of the three new Jesta Units, they received. Though due to having no pilot, it was stored in the back with the other three, "A Jesta-II up close." Lubbock said to himself as he smiled, "I'm going to pilot one of those some day."

"Hey, I'm heading to the bridge, don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." Grace said as she left the hangar, "Who does she think she is? Bossing us around like that." Mash asked.

Lubbock didn't respond as he floated across the hangar until he came across the new Sentoria, his eyes going wide in awe, "So that's it then, Akira's Sentinel."

On the bridge, Luka met with Grace, Izumi, Krista, Rebecca, Louis and Dante.

"We'll be reaching the colony within another five hours. Once there, waste no time getting preparations complete." Luka said. Krista walked to Luka's side and activated the map over the table, "The fleet of Black Hand has four ships moving in for the colony. It's likely they're aware of us as well. So I doubt there's any chance for surprises against them."

"In total, we have ten Sentinels." Luka said, "They'll no doubt have more than us too. Regardless, don't let the numbers put you down."

"Ali Guzman was the only one to escape from Anchorage two years ago. After a defeat like that, he'd want to see our defeat personally." Dante added.

"So it's just speculation that he's here?" Rebecca asked, "Yes." Luka answered, "But being a pirate, he'll want to redeem himself after such a humiliation. I'm confident he'll be there. If possible, we'll need the bastard alive."

"Keep in mind, while he's a pirate. Ali is cunning. It's possible he has an escape plan for himself even." Dante said.

"On the return to your ship, Rebecca, make sure that lazy dumbass knows we're in charge of this operation. If he has a problem, have him get off his lazy ass and tell it to my face." Rebecca nodded, "Of course, Luka."