"Master Bernard, now's not the right time to interrupt your brother." Wren stated.
"This is an emergency. I'll let myself in." Bernard replied as he opened the doors to the meeting hall.
The people in the hall paused and looked over to Bernard. Bernard walked into the hall and ignored all the high ranking officers seated across the table.
"Arthur, we need to mobilize the Gunderhild fleet." Bernard stated before kneeling down on one leg and bowing.
"And what would you need the Gunderhild fleet for?" Arthur asked coldly as he remained seated.
"The inspection line is under attack by the Alliance's Titan Fleet. The garrison troops stationed there are currently holding their ground to slow down the enemy fleet." Bernard replied.
The officers in the room gasped and began mumbling to each other after hearing Bernard's news.
"General, if the Titan fleet is indeed attacking, we must form a defensive line to protect Mars." An officer suggested.
Arthur drew a sigh before standing up and wearing his coat. He walked over to the female soldier standing by the corner of the room who gave him his gloves.
"Mobilize all available fleets to form a perimeter around Mars. Bernard, you are to return to the inspection line and relieve the garrison troops. My fleet will cover your retreat." Arthur ordered as he wore his gloves and walked towards the door.
Everyone in the hall hurriedly followed behind Arthur while making calls and issuing orders to deploy. Bernard was the last to leave the hall and Wren followed behind him.
"Master Bernard, was what I heard true?" Wren worriedly asked.
"Yes, tell Aunt Linda and the others back at the mansion. Tell father as well." Bernard ordered.
"I'll be praying for your and your brothers' safety. We'll be leaving the faith of XenoMars to you all." Wren replied before bowing.
"I'll carry your hopes and wishes with me to battle." Bernard said before smiling.
Back at the inspection line, Gerard and the forces under his command has completed the evacuation of the remaining civilian ships. The Titan fleet would send small waves of fighters every now and then so they were on edge with every second of silence that passes.
"Commander, we've received a transmission from Captain Hilt!" Lucy shouted as she pushed herself off the wall towards Gerard.
Gerard turned around and caught Lucy in his arms. Lucy quickly pushed herself off and apologized.
"What did the transmission say?" Gerard asked.
"The Captain asked us to wait just a little longer. The Gunderhild fleet is on its way here to hold off the enemy fleet so we can retreat." Lucy replied.
"I'm estimating four hours at most before they get here. Since they're just sending a few squadrons at a time, I think we'll be able to hold out until then." Gerard added before placing the ice pack against his shoulder.
"Are you alright, sir? Should I get you a first aid kit?" Lucy worriedly asked.
"No, others need it more than I do. It doesn't really hurt anyway." Gerard replied before putting the ice pack down and zipping up his normal suit.
"I'll go and help around where I'm needed. Please be careful whenever you sortie." Lucy added before heading on her way.
Gerard picked up his helmet and went inside his XM-3 when the alarm system suddenly sounded throughout the hangar bay. A voice announced a large incoming beam approaching from the enemy's direction. Gerard hurriedly flew out of the hangar and saw as the beam hit their left flank and punched a hole through the line.
"That was everything Asterion had. I'll need to recharge my particles for now." Kjēl stated.
"Don't worry, we'll take care of the rest from here." Veronica replied as she zoomed past Asterion.
"Don't fall behind you guys!" Brook exclaimed as he and a few others followed behind Veronica.
"It's been a while since we've rode out into a fight, partner." Veronica mumbled as she licked her lips.
"The XM-2 would be a better machine to fit your skills. You should really upgrade to one soon." Klaus commented.
"I'm not sure, I don't want to replace this baby yet. She also holds a lot of sentimental value to me so it'll be so hard to let go." Veronica replied in a frustrated tone.
"When it starts holding you back, you'll realize everything I said was right." Klaus added, talking casually as they engaged the defending forces.
"Guys, could you please talk less and fight more?" Brook asked as he had a hard time dodging the enemy fighters.
"I don't know about you but I'm doing just fine even though I'm talking a lot." Veronica replied as she destroyed the fighter tailing Brook.
Damien watched the battle from the distance, inside the bridge of Admiral Flint's flagship. He checked the sensors and the monitors before drawing a deep sigh.
"So, how are things going?" Flint asked as he entered the bridge.
"Still nothing from the sensors we scattered behind them. It's the same from the visuals too. It seems like they've abandoned these men here." Damien replied.
"It's too early to reach a conclusion. Let's wait and see what they'll do." Flint ordered.
"I'll keep Asterion on standby then. I'll tell them to keep the long range weapons equipped." Damien added as he contacted the crew of White Whale.
"Sir, the sensors are picking something up! Several large objects moving at high speed along the inspection line!" one of the crew exclaimed.
"We don't have any visuals, they're using the inspection line for cover. I'll send their relative location to Asterion's tracking system." Damien stated.
"Using it as cover. They're playing smart. Could it be them already?" Flint mumbled to himself.
Gerard receives an update that Bernard and the others have returned. He quickly ordered all his units to fire smoke rounds and retreat. From the distance, he watched as the Titan fleet deployed all it's fighters. It was too late, no matter how big their numbers are the Gunderhild fleet is far more experienced in combat.
"Gerard, escort your men. Leave them to me." Arthur stated as his ship flew past Gerard.
"Arthur? What are you doing? You're not supposed to join combat! You're a general!" Gerard exclaimed.
"I can't let Bernard hog all the limelight. My piloting skills would also be a waste if I don't sortie." Arthur replied as he charged towards the enemy squadrons.
"General! Please wait for us!". A soldier exclaimed as he followed behind along with several others.
Brook spotted the approaching ship and it sent shivers down his spine. He called the attention of Veronica and Klaus and showed them what he saw.
"Eh? They also have a Red Baron in their fleet!?" Veronica exclaimed.
"That doesn't mean anything, it must be an officer piloting that. Makes it much more satisfying to take out." Klaus commented before charging towards the red XM-3.
"Oh, you're approaching me?" Arthur asked as he starts shooting at Klaus.
Klaus evaded all the shots and quickly turned the tables and began chasing the red XM-3. Arthur's guards saw this and immediately went to assist him but Veronica and Brook interrupted them.
"That's the Red Baroness!" A soldier shakily exclaimed.
"She's merely an impostor! The General is the only one deserving to carry those colors into combat!" Another shouted before getting shot by Veronica.
"I can't believe they totally copied my look. I'm really disappointed, I wasn't expecting they were this petty." Veronica mumbled as she pouted.
Arthur spun his ship and performed dangerous acrobatics, similar to those that Bernard would do. Klaus tried to chase after Arthur but his XM-2 couldn't keep up with Arthur's custom XM-3. Arthur quickly outmaneuvered Klaus and got behind him before shooting and disabling Klaus' thrusters.
"This is getting boring. When are they sending out the black one?" Arthur mumbled to himself.