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((Please, please, PLEASE do NOT post here unless given permission to do so by a team member of Team Chronos. Thank you ^____^))




::As the blue and yellow zoid drifted effortlessly across the barren wastes of the desert, Ryojin Toyotomi's emerald gems glanced nonchalantly out of the command deck's large glass window over the gloomy expanse of sand. Sighing the team's captain leaned back into the comfortable seat, twisting off the cap of his bottled water to take a sip. The Hover Cargo was en route to the large metropolis found on the other side of the extremely barren and harsh desert. Team Chronos who consisted of Ven Reiger, pilot of the Rainbow Jerk, Devi pilot of a Shield Liger, and Ryo the pilot of the newly repaired and painted Shadow Fox. All three zoids were in safe keeping inside of the cargo, while the pilots leasurly roamed among the command deck and their quarters, which consisted of a bed, a closet, a desk, and a dresser each fitted out with their own lighting.::

::As Ryo flipped a few switches and grabbed the controls of the Hover Cargo, he smirked. It was nothing like his Shadow Fox. The controls were very lucid and somewhat lethargic in response, not anything like the sharp and agressive maneuvering of the Fox. Nonetheless, the team did not need a death machine to transport their zoids from town to town all they needed was something sturdy and dependable. While the team could have chosen a Whale King, it was simply overkill. There was no way they would be able to use the zoid's ability to carry 25 of its smaller brethren. The Hover Cargo was perfect.::

::Leaning back into his seat he glanced over to the radar as it audibly panged twice every few seconds. Noticing no disturbances there, he smiled to hismelf confidently. Flipping the autopilot back on, he stood up and roamed away from the command deck of the zoid, glancing down the hall where his teammates presumably were. He stood there momentarily and pursed his lips. Turning back around, water bottle in hand he sat back down in the middle of the two seats of the command deck. Glancing down once again at the radar of the Hover Cargo. This time however there was a small dot. Narrowing his emerald eyes, he grabbed the mic and switched it over to the intercom of the zoid. Sighing, he pushed the button to activate the mic and began speaking in a very informative and authoritative tone, in total sarcasm.::

This is your captain speaking, I would just like to inform the crew that there is some activity on the board. It seems that we have some company. It would be wonderful if my team members would join me on the deck. Thank you.

::Chuckling he ended the transmission and sat back sipping the water, pondering on the approaching dot on the radar. Shrugging he'd wait til his teammates popped in before making any decisive actions. In the end it would probably be nothing but another transport zoid. If so, at most all he could expect would be a small skirmish. Smiling he nodded satisfied. He was ready for another fight. After ending the fight with Ven, he was on edge. Even though he had held himself back from using the strike laser claw on Ven's Jerk, he still had the urge to use it on someone else. Grinning he bit his lip deviously taking another swig of the water.::

::Smiling as he swiveled in his seat he stood up walking over to Devi. He looked at the closing in blip and put his hands on his waist. Ryo had never been one to really be on a team, but he never obliged to it. He knew very well that to survive and progress in the modern world, you needed a team. The responsiblity of being the team captain never really donned on him. He assumed the position after the battle with Ven, and Ven didn't seem to mind. Chuckling he gazed at the blip for a lingering moment, noticing its closing distance between the two.::

Well we do kind of need to keep the zoids somewhere right? Might as well go for the full nine yards. Now wheres that Jerk pilot of ours.

::If Ven had been around, he would have probably sent him on a scouting trip to see what in fact was gaining on the team. Clenching his jaw he'd have to wait it out. If something did happen, it'd just be him and Devi. Which would work, but most likely they'd be outnumbered, as teams consisted of usually at least three. Sighing he crossed his arms as he leaned against the thick glass of the command deck's full window. Nothing but dust and sand surrounded them as far as his eyes could see, all they landed upon were the biege dunes. Glancing back over to Devi he made a wry smile.::

Well I suppose we could just wait it out. My plan was to get Ven to scout it out. But since he isn't present at the moment I'm afraid our only option is to wait.

::Sighing he glanced back outisde when his dazing was interupted by an alarming bell, sounding from the comlink. Turning towards Devi he gave her a look of curiosity before shrugging and turning the device on. A sinister voice poured out from the command deck's speakers.::

Attention passengers of the Hover Cargo. This is Lietenant Ninai of the Backdraft Group. Stop your zoid at once and allow us to inspect your transport. Any resistance will result in attack. I repeat...

::The lieutenant began his sentence but Ryo flipped off the comlink chuckling. Now he knew what his options were. Sighing he made a few coordinate changes and the Hover Cargo pulled over slightly, the dot on the radar moving further left. The transport zoid slowed down and finally stopped. Flipping a few more switches a door just off to the left opened up and the entrance to the zoids hanger opened. Grinning at Devi his eyes gleamed with passion.::

Inspection my a**. You ready?

::He laughed for a moment as he shook his head playfully while toying with a few controls. A moment later, an audible thud was heard and the Hover Cargo shook for a moment. The engagement of the anchors would ensure that the thing stayed in place. Just in case. Smirking his emerald eyes gleamed brightly as he walked over to the girl patting her on the back.::

What do you think I am? Crazy? Of course I'm coming with you. I wouldn't pass up a chance like this. I take all opportunities to obliterate members of the Backdraft Group.

::He playfully pushed her as he walked by the girl trotting into the large hull of the Hover Cargo. To the left was the Shield Liger, and off to the right was his Shadow Fox. Both zoids lay dormant along with the Rainbow Jerk. Grinning he turned his head back to Devi and threw his head in the direction of the zoids. Climbing up to the cockpit of the Fox he punched in his passcode and the beast came to life. Lights and screens flickering in an electrical salutation. Grinning as the Fox gave a light yip. He flipped a few more switches and punched in a few more buttons. The Cargo released the zoid from its restraints. The floor underneath the zoid turned slowly, ending its rotation towards the magnetic launch rail. Grinning he gripped the controls. Giving a wave to Devi and the Shield Liger he shoved the controls forward. The G forces pushed him back into the seat as the Fox accelerated at an amazing rate, pushing it to its top speed of 290 kilometers per hour. The Fox shook and vibrated as its allow claws capable of charging dragged along the rail. The Fox was pushed off the rail, and it glided momentarily in the air before gravity took its toll. The Fox hit the desert sand running, barking loudly. Turning sharply, Ryo took notice of his surroundings the Hover Cargo a few kilometers off to his left and the approaching Whale King just in front of him. Pulling the controls back, the Fox came to a stop. Flipping some more switches over head in the cockpit, Ryo engaged the optical camoflage, his Fox dissapearing seamlessly into the desert as if a mirage. Gritting his teeth he had no clue of how many zoids or pilots were on that transport. Looking back off to his left he pursed his lips hoping that Devi would hurry up.::

::The Shadow Fox prowled the desert dunes in complete invisibility. The optical camoflage along with the recently enabled anti-detection scrubbers made him practically impossible to track. The emerald eyes of the pilot scanned each screen glancing from time to time out the main window at the advancing Whale King. Frowning he looked back to the multi-sensor and noticed three more incoming zoids, with the Whale King coming to a stop. A flash of blue caught his attention from the peripheral. Devi's Liger was in full glide, gracefully lingering in the air as gravity seemed to forget to take its hold on the zoid. Chuckling he watched the blue liger fall closer and closer to the desert floor. Turning his com-link on he addresed the approaching Devi on their private Chronos channel.::

Seems to me that we have 3 incoming zoids. See if you can distract them for a bit while I bring the Fox up from the back. From there its fire at will. Hope to see you and the Liger in good shape afterwards.

::Smiling from his concealed cokcpit, Ryo reared way off to the left of the Hover Cargo, attempting to get as far away from the other incoming zoids. Opening up the multi-sensor once again he listened in on the incoming pilots.::

...seems to me that we might get somethin' out of this one boys. Keep your wits about you nonetheless.

::No doubt it was Ninai from the transmission earlier. The other two voices seemed unfamiliar yet all the more unintelligent.::

...aye Lieutenant. Suppose what do you think if they fight back?

::The transmission crackled momentarily as a third pilot spoke up. This one a female.::

Don't be ridiculous even if they were pilots they are nothing compared to us.

Shut up the two of you. End your chatter and lets get back to bussiness.

::Ryo almost broke out laughing, but stifled his cries with some excellent will power. Subduing any thoughts of humor, he had his plan all worked out as long as Devi gave him enough time he could do this perfectly. The Backdraft pilots were inexperienced, their commanding officer was only a lietenant. He brought the Fox around and slowed his full sprint at 290 km/h to a fast trot of 200 km/h. He did not need to outrun the Black Rhimos in the lead. The two following zoids included a Gun Sniper as well as a Zeek Dober. This was going to be smooth as long as everything went as planned. Ryo was certain of that, as his wry smile turned into a sadistic grin as he closed in on the back of the three zoids.::

::Ryo's hands seemed moisten minute by minute as he continuosly dodged the morter fire from the Gun Snipe. The insignificant pilot had no merit to be battling Ryo. Grinning he slammed on the right hind leg anchor, causing the Fox to spin lightly in its tracks 180 degrees. Disengaging the useful tool, he began to sprint the Fox full speed at the still shelling Gun Sniper. Something out of the corner of his eye persuaded him to pull back once again. Ryo knew that color. That sickening blue indigio reminiscent of the Death Saurer. The particle blast was avoided mostly due to Ryo's ability to get the Shadow Fox directly behind the targeted Gun Sniper. However, the next dodge was just short of impossible. There stood Ryo's Fox, in seemingly slowed down time, with the hulking mass of the Gun Sniper flying towards him. Gritting his teeth, he engaged the strike laser claws, dodged to the side and managed to knock off the incoming tail, leaving the already mauled zoid even more destroyed. Glaring out in the direction of the attack his eyes widened. It was a hybrid. No doubt about that, it seemed to be a Crystal Saurer, Geno Breaker mix.::

Holy. Crap. Devi, I'd suggest taking care of that Black Rhimos ASAP. We have a new problem here...

::The hybrid zoid was flying down the dune in their direct direction. Ryo clasped the controls for dear life. He began starting out in the other direction, sprinting to his full 290 km/h, the Shadow Fox relatively unharmed at the moment. Clenching his teeth he engaged the optical camoflage, once again the Fox dissapearing in the biege sea of sand. Slamming on the leg anchors he hoped that the zoid would lose the Fox in the mirage of the desert, along with some help from the Fox's stealthy components.::