Since the all-too-brief encounter with the escaping Evacuation Fleet, the SOL Squad had been laying low, uncharacteristically walking towards the border as they sought to evade the Japanese patrols that roamed Western Canada. The Tallgeese looked up at the sky, briefly scanning for enemy contacts. They had already run into one patrol, a half-dozen Dopps, which had led to a battle intense enough for the three to use most of their fuel and ammunition. Even the Tallgeese's powerful new beam cannon wasn't much help, having not been fully charged when it was delivered.

"Report status," he ordered, feeding only enough power into his radio to reach to his squadmates.

"I'm at 33% fuel," Gypsy reported. "I've only got eight missiles total and half of my chainrifle's clip."

"40% fuel, two missiles, and a tenth of my rifle's clip," Crow reported.

Nelson had far less fuel thanks to the greedy-but-powerful thrusters. He suspected one of his fuel lines may have been hit as well, but that was a minor concern next to his near-depleted beam cannon.

"We're doing well enough then," Nelson said, trying to force some enthusiasm into his voice.

Things weren't going well for them at the moment. As far as Nelson could tell, most of the American forces had withdrawn from the area, leaving the SOL Squad mostly alone. Since the Evacuation Fleet had escaped, chatter on American frequencies was limited. He continued to monitor them however, hoping for a fleet or a heavy task force to rendezvous with them.

"To any American Union forces in this region, please respond," someone said over the frequency. "This is SST-117, requesting assistance. We are under attack by Japanese fighters!"

Nelson paused, trying to determine where the signal had come from. The two Aries noticed his pause and turned towards the Tallgeese.

"Did either of you hear that message?" Nelson asked. "That distress signal?"

"I'd almost say it's too risky for us," Gypsy said. "A lone transport just happens to come under fire when most of our troops have pulled out?"

"What do we have to lose though?" Crow asked. "No way we're gonna make it out of here without some supplies."

"Let's go then," Nelson decided. "Unfortunately, we can't afford not to help and there's nobody else who can do it anyway."

The thrusters of the three suits slowly came to life, lifting them into the air. Snow was whipped into a flurry around them, giving any patrols a clear sign of activity, but none descended upon them.

"SST-117, this is Private Nelson Robinson with the SOL Team," Nelson broadcast. "Please advise as to your location."

"Sure thing, Robinson," SST-117 acknowledged, sending coordinates.

"Alright, squad, move in!" Nelson ordered.

The three suits flew quickly to the scene of the battle, maintain formation to conserve the Tallgeese's fuel as long as possible. The blue plane quickly turned in their direction with a small swarm of Dopps in its wake. The fighters assailed the transport with their guns, but the American pilot managed to avoid the worst of it, firing back with the plane's lasers. The Dopps scattered around the shot and began to rebuild their formation when Nelson fired. The Dopps were caught by surprise, losing one of their number to the powerful beam as they split their formation to attack the new targets. The two Aries each fired a pair of missiles, scattering the Dopps further as another of their group fell. Nelson drew a beam saber when his cannon refused to fire, quickly plowing through a Dopp as its vulcans perforated his shield.

When the SOL Team had arrived, the Dopps were twelve strong and eager to hound an undefended transport. With five of their number now lost to the three suits' desperate attack, their courage wavered slightly. The fighters began to turn away in pairs and alone as they decided it was a battle they didn't want to win badly enough.

"SST-117, what is your status?" Nelson asked, easing up on his thrusters.

"Got a few holes in the fuselage, but we're green," SST-117 reported. "How's your status?"

"Low on fuel and ammunition," Nelson reported.

"Feel free to board then," the pilot offered, slowing the transport down. "We got separated from our escort earlier after evacuating JOSH-A. We've got plenty of what you need too."

"Thanks for the ride," Nelson said, accepting. "Team, we're boarding the transport."

The three mobile suits boarded as quickly as their damaged parts and empty fuel tanks would allow, shutting down once its hangar door was shut. Several mechanics immediately began pumping fuel into the suits, having been advised by the transport pilot.

"Welcome aboard," one of the mechanics said as Nelson exited the Tallgeese. "Need anything?"

"Just take care of my suit," Nelson said wearily. "It's been a long day."

"Yeah, it's been a piece of shit for everyone lately," the mechanic agreed. "We're understaffed at the moment or I'd show you to a bunk or the lounge, so you'll have to find your own accommodations."

Nelson nodded and walked off, leaning on the wall for support. The other members of his squad were waiting for him at the hangar entrance, both showing signs of fatigue. The last few hours had taken a toll on them, but they'd made it through.

"Debriefing can wait unless either of you has a big question," Nelson said. "Otherwise I'm getting some rack time."

"Nah, I'm good," Crow answered with a shrug.

"Same here," Gypsy agreed. "A few hours and I'll be good enough to fly again."

"Dismissed then," Nelson said, heading to claim some quarters for a few hours.