Chapter 222: Becoming a Space Pirate, Part 1
After spending a week touring the Mars Chryse Autonomous Region, Tolle reluctantly departed under the wistful gazes of the Griffon twins, returning with Lynn Minmay and the others to the Spark assault armor battleship.
Coco and Miranda, too, were reluctant to part with the sisters and promised that they would all visit the Mars Chryse Autonomous Region together again next time.
Upon returning to the Spark, Tolle unloaded from his storage space all the vegetables and various foods he had purchased on Mars, allowing the crew to enjoy a much-improved meal. The supplies were enough to last them for several months.
The next few days passed peacefully—until about a month after their arrival in this world.
On the Spark's radar, several heat signatures from Gjallarhorn battleships suddenly appeared.
"Captain, we've detected multiple battleship heat signatures. The targets have been confirmed—they're Gjallarhorn military vessels," the radar operator reported to Tolle.
"Oh? Finally, some action." Sitting in the captain's chair, Tolle turned to Zola beside him and said, "Zola, let's go play space pirate for a bit. We can give Gjallarhorn a headache—and rob them while we're at it."
Zola immediately turned around and sat on Tolle's lap, planting a deep French kiss on him before issuing an order to the crew through the ship's intercom: "Listen up, my little ones! Fight bravely for your master—we're going to raid the Gjallarhorn fleet!"
Although the pirate crew aboard the Spark had been brainwashed, their nature hadn't changed; they'd been itching for action after being cooped up for so long.
The moment they heard they were setting out to plunder, cheers erupted across the ship. Even the young "Human Debris" boys shouted excitedly from the sidelines.
They had all put on some weight recently—no longer skin and bones—and looked far healthier than before.
Especially Masahiro—after over a month of recovery and training, his body was muscular and beginning to resemble his older brother, Akihiro.
Having finally found a better life, they were eager to prove their worth to Tolle and show that they could contribute.
With Nami's help, they had also adjusted the Alaya-Vijnana System on Gusion Gundam, using the neural link feature of Zola's Phantom Kai's pilot suit to reduce the system's burden on its user.
In addition, several Man Rodi units had been equipped with Ahab Reactors, allowing them to utilize nano-armor coatings.
Their Alaya-Vijnana Systems had likewise been improved—after all, it would be a waste not to make full use of these enhanced Human Debris pilots.
Tolle looked them over and said to Masahiro, now the leader of their small team, "Masahiro, you'll lead the Alaya-Vijnana squad. You'll be joining me in battle—test the improved system and see if there are any negative effects. If something feels wrong, shut it off immediately and report after the fight."
Masahiro straightened up and replied solemnly, "Yes, Captain! Masahiro Altland will complete the mission!"
Tolle nodded and headed to the hangar with Zola and the others. He piloted the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam, while Zola took her Phantom Kai.
Masahiro climbed into his Gusion Gundam, and the other four boarded their Man Rodis. Together, they charged straight toward the Gjallarhorn warships.
The Gjallarhorn fleet consisted of three battleships, which quickly detected the Spark and Tolle's team. They immediately launched all fifteen of their Graze units to intercept.
Tolle, piloting the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam, took the lead and rushed forward—but before he could attack, Zola opened a comm channel and said:
"My master, just sit back and watch from the sidelines, alright? There are only a few of them—it wouldn't be fair if you hogged all the fun. If you step in now, there'll be nothing left for us to play with."
Tolle scratched his helmet sheepishly. "Alright, then how about I just take one? I want to test my new machine too—just one target, I promise I won't steal your kills after that."
"Fine. One. And that's it—no stealing mine unless the others call for help."
She then turned to the Human Debris pilots and said, "You guys too—if you can't handle it, call for the captain. He'll come save you."
"Understood, Vice-Captain!" ×5
Satisfied with the title, Zola swiftly dove into the enemy formation, transforming into her destroyer mode. Her solid-ammo machine cannons opened fire on the Grazes.
Masahiro and his squad followed right behind, opening fire with their machine guns at the approaching enemy units.
The fifteen Grazes retaliated, firing back with their own machine cannons and assault rifles.
Only Tolle hung back, leisurely tailing behind the formation, carefully selecting his opponent—the strongest among the fifteen Graze pilots.
However, the Gjallarhorn assault battleships didn't fight fair—they unleashed volleys of missiles and main cannon shells directly at Zola's group.
To Tolle, though, that was perfect. Finally, he had something to do.
Activating the Alaya-Vijnana System, Tolle maneuvered the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam forward, raising the twin Gatling guns in its hands and unleashing a storm of fire.
Missiles and cannon rounds were intercepted in an instant. Tolle could feel the exhilarating synchronization of the Alaya-Vijnana System—his mind and body were one with the Gundam.
It felt as if the Gundam's limbs were his own. The sensation was intoxicating—just like the high-mobility psycommu Zaku from Thunderbolt Sector, granting an unparalleled sense of freedom.
No wonder Mikazuki was so addicted to this system.
However, as the Gjallarhorn battleships kept up their fierce bombardment, Tolle discovered a downside: when the mobile suit sustained serious damage, the Alaya-Vijnana System transmitted nerve pain directly to the pilot's body.
If not for that flaw, the system would've been absolutely perfect.
Fortunately, the Heavy Firepower-Type Bael Gundam was equipped with PS armor, so even when a solid shell struck it, all Tolle felt was like a strand of hair brushing against him.
———
Graze
Class: C-grade Mobile Suit
Terrain Adaptability:
Space Type: Sea–Land–Air–Space A
Ground Type: Sea C / Land A / Air–Space —
Fixed Armament: Machine Gun; Solid Combat Sword
Optional Armament: Assault Rifle; Solid Combat Axe