Chapter Two: Astra-X Awakens

"Astra-X, did you choose me because I am compatible, or because I am insane enough?" The ancient mech answered, "Because you can decide while afraid." "Then listen to me." Astra-X rose. Its phase wings unfolded layer by layer, as if a steel giant had put on the galaxy. Ground troops, academy cadets, slum survivors, and command officers all watched through their screens as the machine from another age raised its head toward the sky. Leon poured all available power into propulsion. Alarms detonated inside the cockpit. "Reactor load one hundred twenty percent." "One hundred forty." "One hundred sixty." "Structural risk extreme." Leon whispered, "Father, if you can see this." He closed his hands as if gripping the whole sky.