Chapter 43: Beginning of a legend (Part 1)

All the Mechs stood still as if they were statues. The crew up in the battleship was stunned as they watched the highly sophisticated work of science was rendered useless.

" How is this possible, how can such an advanced device be on this planet. Launch the backup squad. Can we get the mechs on the surface operational again." Melina was initially shocked but quickly regained her wit as she tried to find a way to help the pilots in the stunned mechs on the ground.

But, just as she issued the command something happened in the battlefield. Dust started to fly up as a new group of mechs started to rise up from the grounds through some doors that opened in the ground. They quickly surrounded the now stunned Mechs.

Some of them broke formations and ran towards the captain and vice-captains of the stranded squad. Five each for the three of them. The mech carried special restraining devices which they used on the three of them, While the rest of the 200 new mechs held their weapon aimed at the stunned mechs.

" Damn it, we walked right into their trap. This is not some run of the mill enemy we are facing. Can anyone give me a scan of the mechs. And also give me a report of the condition of the mechs and the pilots." Melina asked hastily as she too had began to feel a sliver of fear creep into her heart.

" Ma'am, Our mechs have already back online from the emp strike, but the pilots are out cold. The emp wave's frequency was especially made to tamper with the mind link between the mechs and their pilots. The Ace pilots would be able to wake up in a minute and even Magnus could wake up, but their mechs are already restrained. They are defenseless hostages now." Melina's assistant gave her a quick report.

And just as the officer completed the report, a notification popped up on to the main screen.

" Transmission link establishment request, It is from the surface most probably from the criminals."

" Give the clearance but make sure to monitor the transmissions. we don't them to make a mess of our systems."

" Yes, ma'am", the officer hurriedly began to complete the order given to her by the admiral.

" Tell the fleet to surround the planet. The planet's space must be completely under our control we shouldn't let them run", Melina was making sure that her none of her officer's would be lost.

" Ma'am the link has been established, we should be able to communicate with them."

Just after the officer informed Melina another notification was heard.

" Start the call," Melina said after reading the notification.

" Hello, I Believe I am speaking to Admiral Melina, Am I not?", A coarse voice was heard. Race was stunned after hearing this voice. It is a voice that he had only heard a few times but, each time this voice had spoken his life used to become harder and harder.

" Something is not right. How can it be him", Race couldn't help but say it out loudly.

" You know him?", Melina was surprised as to how Race came across such a nefarious individual.

" Yeah, his name is Potte garland. He used to be a civil officer. But he was nothing more than a corrupt bully. He escaped after his attempt to kill me failed. But this is strange. There is no way that this guy will have access to such resources. Someone is just making him take the stage to fulfill their agenda. And most probably this whole thing was a setup to get to me".

" And why would they do that, It is not like that you have something of value that can entice someone. but you maybe right about him being used as scapegoat. The Entire Scenario was preplanned including the information leak. If you are the target then we will know it pretty quick", Melina did not completely believe Race's conjecture but still chose to keep an open mind.

" I think Race has already told you who I am Melina. So let me get straight to the point. You see I am currently employed by a bigshot and he wants Race Smyth. I don't know what for but bringing him back is the only option I have. You see madam Melina, I have a son, and he is being kept hostage by my employer. He will only be released if I bring Race to him," Potte's voice voice was rough but had a frighteningly calm.

" Now you might be confused as to why I am telling you all this. It is quite simple actually. I said all this to make you know that I will do anything absolutely anything to get back my son. So don't try anything funny or you will see your son suffer pains that you never thought possible. You are a parent, you should know what I feel, you are feeling it right now. So I hope you give Race to me. Lets say in about 10 minutes or I will let Magnus experience hell".