The first evacuation convoy rolls into corridor one, guide lights chasing across its armored roof. Above the junction, a command gantry unfolds from the smoke.
Arfoire descends onto it in a heavily armed pirate combat frame, a tall black machine with crimson optics, layered shoulder cannons, and hooked energy blades along both forearms.
Arfoire
Purple Heart. Noire. You are the obstacles delaying my operation. I will remove you, then take this junction.
Her frame raises one hand. Remote commands seize the fuel-cell cranes, wrenching their suspended loads sideways toward the remaining transport gates as warning klaxons erupt.
Noire
I will hold the western heavies. Do not let her reach the evacuation network.
Noire charges into the western approach, disciplined energy fire hammering the advancing mechs away from the gates. The battered defense mech pivots toward Arfoire’s signal.
the battered defense mech
Control signal fragmented across twelve relays. Isolation attempt ongoing. Purple Heart, Arfoire’s command frame remains exposed on the gantry.
✓ Quest Accepted
Break Arfoire's control of the cranes
✓ Quest Accepted
Defeat Arfoire
“I ask Noire to hold off Arfoire while I cut through the crane control signal before its loads hit the gates.”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +2)
Purple Heart
Noire, hold Arfoire off while I cut through the crane control signal.
Noire
Understood. I will keep her frame away from the gates.
Noire breaks from the western approach and intercepts Arfoire on the gantry. Energy fire clashes with hooked blades as the two combat frames lock the command platform in a shower of sparks.
Purple Heart launches toward the crane relay tower, High Tech Wing burning violet through falling warning lights. A redirected load swings across her path, forcing a hard aerial correction that scorches one wing panel.
She reaches the relay housing and drives her weapon into its exposed interface. Encrypted command lines fracture, then collapse as her systems sever all twelve remote control paths.
the battered defense mech
Control signal terminated. Crane loads stabilized above the gates. Civilian evacuation route remains clear.
Arfoire
You severed my network and damaged your own flight system. Enjoy that victory while it lasts, Purple Heart.
Quest Complete
Break Arfoire's control of the cranes
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Good→Great