<span style="font-style: italic">Edwin, I believe we are to head back to the ship.</span>Underdog’s voice came in loud in clear after the message had already been sent.<br/><br/>Edwin let out a sigh, “I know… I heard the message.”  The message had been a huge relief for him, his heart still pounding from adrenaline, sweat on his brow, he was not sure how much he or his mech could take out here. “Underdog… will we be able to make it back in out condition?” Silently, he was hoping and praying that they would make it back in one piece. It was like he had been thrown into hell, and a feeling in his gut told him it was about to get worse. With all of this excitement it was difficult to tell where the hell he was. It was just like the last battle. The more he killed, the more seemed to pop up; it was like there was no end to them. He was unaware of it at the time, but soon he might not even have to worry about the Children.<br/><br/>Soon everyone might not have to worry.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">It is possible. However, I would advise avoiding any confrontation. Phoenix might only be able to survive a few more hits.</span><br/><br/>“Fuck.” Edwin lowered his head slightly and took in a deep breath. The decision was beginning to become regrettable; he knew he shouldn’t have launched out here. On the other hand, if he had not come out here, he would have felt like he meant nothing to this crew. Fighting was the better option in his end, for if he did not fight then who else would. He didn’t care how selfish that could possibly sound. He was proud to fight and would willingly die if it meant that Mankind would be saved in the end.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Would you like some reassuring news?</span><br/><br/>“No, no. I’m fine… I… I’m just thinking. That’s all.”<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Edwin, don’t worry… we will make it.</span><br/><br/>“Of course we will.” Edwin smiled a little. He still had a bit of doubt in his mind, but he had to think positive. “Now let’s go!”<br/><br/>For what it was worth, he pushed Phoenix to head back to the Eylandra. He concentrated. All of his focus was placed into getting out of here alive. Maybe he would not be in once piece but at least he would live to fight another day. Dodging through enemy fire was not as easy as he wanted. At one point, when a fragment of an enemy met flew near him, he thought he was done for. He paused, shaking, trying to catch his breath. Once he recovered he continued on as if nothing had happened, ignoring Underdog’s remarks but acknowledging any warning that it presented to him. If it were not for the slight change in their pattern, he might not have made it back at all.<br/><br/>The ship had jumped right when Edwin managed to get to the hangar. He was one of the last ones back. Everything looked full and the bay seemed chaotic as people scrambled to make sure everything had made it back alright. Maybe everyone did make it back…<br/><br/>Edwin didn’t dwell on the thought too much, not wanting to think about how many, if any, were lost. He wasted no time getting out of his mech to assess the damage. The first thing he did, before anything else, was take a look at himself. He really felt like shit. His head was spinning and it took a moment for him to find his balance, it was almost like he had been hit by a train, his arm felt numb, and he had a bloody nose. Nothing he would not be able to recover from. From what he could tell, nothing was broken. His mech on the other hand, definitely looked like it would need some more time to recover. It looks like it had been completely torn apart and the only reason it was functional was because some miracle reached out to him. Whatever that miracle might have been, he was grateful.<br/><br/>“Hey, captain wants everyone in the bridge. So move your ass.” One of the engineers, who apparently did not feel like being friendly at the moment, shouted, taking him out of his thoughts.<br/><br/>“Alright, fine. Just one thing--” Edwin didn’t even have time to ask any questions about his mech. The guy had practically shoved Edwin, not the slightest hint of politeness anywhere, out of the way and began working on Phoenix. He didn’t need this shit right now but he said nothing, this was no time for anything heated, it was pointless and he had other things to worry about right now. To be honest he really did not blame the guy for being so grouchy anyway. With everything going on right now, there was surely a lot that needed to get done; this was no time to smile. They couldn’t just sit around and shoot the breeze. Something was obviously about to go down, something important. Well, the only way to find out was to get his ass moving to the bridge, he thought to himself.<br/><br/>Running a hand through his hair, he left the hangar, not wanting to keep the captain waiting. He was a little nervous, having only spoken to the captain in person maybe a few times, if that, and wondered what she had to say. Everything in the ship seemed so tense right now and it had him a little worried as well. This much tension was never a good sign, especially after a fight like that, however, he tried to ignore it. While he walked, he tried to keep his stride as confident as he could, keeping a cool head, even though there was not much to be proud of. He was fighting for a good cause but it was at the cost of so many lives. Killing, having blood on his hands, was never anything to be proud of no matter how much he blocks it out or tells himself otherwise.<br/><br/>He decided to stop at the bathroom and clean up a little, and splashing water on his face would help. He was shaking. Partly from anxiety and partly from the adrenaline that was still in his veins. He took a deep breath to calm down.<br/><br/>Upon entering the bridge, he stood as straight and attentive as he could, prepared to hear whatever the captain had to say.