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The hangar was unusually quiet that day. Quiet enough that one did not require a comms unit to converse with those around him. Clear enough that preparing a dropship for the upcoming mission did not require a path to be made through the massive complex. Same with the Titans.

Takeda had requested that he personally hand the briefing off to Fireteam Rapture's dropship pilot. He approached the craft, and noticed a human silhouette kneeling on the wing, with sparks flying in every direction from it. The silhouette was miniscule compared to the ship itself. Its form was long, wide, and angular, with twin massive turbines, one in each wing. The cockpit was barely noticeable near the nose.

"Jaimie!" he called. No answer. Again, "Hey, Jaimie, down here!" No answer. "Jaimy Vega. This is Scott Takeda demanding your attention." He adopted a joking tone. He shook his head, and noticed the ladder running up the side of the craft's hull. "Last chance, Jaimie..." he said, half-heartedly. Almost hoping she doesn't answer this time. Again, no answer. He smirked, and ascended the ladder one step at a time.

When he reached the top, Jaimie was still kneeling over an opened port in the wing. Sparks were still flying. Takeda tapped her shoulder once, and she whipped around, pointing the laser cutter straight at his face.

Takeda nearly leapt off the wing. "Friendly!" he shouted, throwing his hands straight up into the air. Jaimie took her finger off the trigger. She took her goggles off to reveal the twin hazel rings that had enchanted Takeda many timed before. Today was no exception.

"Dammit, Scott, you can't just sneak up on me like that!" she chuckled. "What do you want?"

"Oh, come on, Jaimie," Takeda chuckled. "is that any way to greet your favorite Archangel?"

She smiled, and shook her head. "Why are you here?"

"Just the most important mission of our lifetime."

She laughed, short and sharp. "Right."

"You laugh now, just wait until you read this." Takeda hands her the data pad.

Jaimie's eyes widened in surprise as she read the briefing. Then she smirked. "We're attacking them for once?"

Takeda nodded.

"Good." she declared. "About damn time. But what about you? Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Only one way to find out, I guess."

"Are they ready?" She pointed over her shoulder beyond the hangar. Referring to the Mechrion.

Takeda shrugged. "Last I checked, you can't surprise a robot."

Jaimie's smirk grew wider. She stepped towards Takeda, her hands lifting to her yellow scarf. "Well, then I guess I should give you a good-luck charm before you go." She untied her scarf, and draped it over Takeda's shoulders.

He immediately smiled, warmly. "Awe, thanks, Ja-" Jaimie cut him off, yanking him by the scarf towards her until their lips met. The suddenness of the action stole the breath from Takeda's lungs, but he did not resist. He lingered just a moment longer, and she gently pulled away.

"There's another waiting for you if you come back in one piece." she winked, and returned to her previous task. In more ways than one, sparks flew through Takeda's vision. He had no words.

'Did she really just do that?' he thought to himself. 'In the middle of the Titan Bay?'

He returned the way he came, and marched towards his Titan. The rest of Fireteam Rapture was already readying themselves for their new mission.

Each Archangel sank into the throne within their Titans. The technicians attached the uplink cord to a small implant in the back of each Archangel's head. Static filled their thoughts. Their cockpits closed, sealing them all inside. Michael was surrounded by darkness, until a neon red switch was flipped, and his machine roared to life. Subtle vibrations filled his seat, and a massive display in front of him lit up, showing him a forward view, delivered by interior screens. The static in his mind was replaced with an expanding awareness that extended to the rest of his Machine. He could feel where its arms and legs were, and could move them as if they were his own.

The others experienced the same sensation. "Thunderhead, online." said Michael. "Fireteam Rapture, sound off."

"Phalanx, online." said Lund.

"Kyudo, online." said Takeda.

"Paladin, online." said Jonathan.

"Safeties on?" asked Michael.

All three Archangels acknowledged. "Vega, are you prepped for takeoff?" asked Michael.

"Engines are hot, and itching to roar. Just waiting for you to load up, sir." 

"You heard the lady," said Takeda. "Time to kick some ass."

The back of the titanic dropship opened up, revealing a massive hold capable of containing all four Titans. Fireteam rapture moved inside, and turned around to face the door. As the hold closed them inside, hydraulic arms pressed down on the Titans' shoulders, holding them in place.

Once the Titans were secured, Vega eased the throttle of her dropship forward. Its engines roared, and the ceiling opened above them. Steadily, the Archangels rose above the Titan Bay, above the ceiling, and above Fortress. With a sudden jerk, the ship threw itself forward. A bright citrine flame washed over the wings as the engines turned horizontal, and pushed the craft along.

"Attention passengers," said Vega, over the comms, smugly. "This is your captain speaking. Skies are clear, and it's gonna be a nice two-and-a-half hour flight to our destination."

"Thanks, Jaimie." said Takeda.

"Just make sure you guys get back in one piece."

"You know we can't promise that." said Michael.