Chapter Two: Astra-X Awakens

The three mechs had only been advance units. The true threat was descending from orbit. The belly of the scout ship opened, and more black points poured down. Defense Command issued a hopeless order. "All units retreat! Repeat, all units retreat! We cannot withstand orbital-class fire!" On Leon's tactical map, all of District Seven turned red. Astra-X spoke in a low tone. "Enemy main cannon charging. Estimated discharge in ninety seconds. If it hits, the city will be destroyed." "Can we reach it?" "Current armament insufficient." "Then we fly up." "Propulsion system has not fully recovered." Leon smiled. It was not easy humor. It was the expression of someone pushed to the edge of a cliff and finally seeing a road he could smash open.