A/N: I have watched the Italian dub (don't know Italian) and American adaptation of this film (over 1/2 hour was cut, and probably a few edits to dialogue). I can still tell the terrible pacing the original film is plagued with. So, I with to right wrongs (or rewrite wrongs in this case) and see how this story line could actually be engaging. I'll be mixing some of what is said in the American version, scenes from the original, and my own hunches and flourishes. So, please enjoy. THis is an exercise for me of putting together a very long piece and see if I can weave it all together. Give a review if you can, I enjoy feedback.
Disclaimer: Cyborg 009 belongs to Shotaro Ishinomori
Cyborg 009: The Legend of the Super Galaxy belongs to Toei Inc.
Defenders of the Vortex belongs to Celebrity Home Entertainment
Part 1
Green ribbons of energy danced upward, only to be swallowed by a pale yellow swatch, sparkling, dancing, living plasma. The blackness creeped again, overtaking this waltz. The energy swirled and bubbled, coming forth and defeating the blackness with a bold green strike.
Joe Shimamura and Chang Chang-ko were intrigued by the film, Professor Gilmore was a little bored, this was the fourth time he had to watch this video. He glanced at Ivan, who dozed next to him. Dr. Cosmo ignored his oldest and youngest spectators, and worked on the other's excitement.
"Quite impressive video, wouldn't you say, and amazingly we captured it here on Earth." The two asians nodded, keeping their eyes on the stunning visuals. "Our latest radio telescope is 8 times more powerful and can capture images back to the start of the universe." Dr. Cosmo spoke faster as his excitement grew. "This allows us unprecedented study of how our universe works and grows. It allows us to look into the latest theories of our existence." He paused and looked at the screen at a blurry, white, pinkish shape. "One theory the Big Bang left energy at the center of the explosion, still churning with that same power... unlimited power, from the beginning of time."
"Since it is the birthplace of all galaxies, I have tentatively named it the Super Galaxy in my research papers. Our tests of this phenomenon have been inconclusive, but we've adjusted our settings, and sending our new pulses this past month, to target in on what this energy is doing."
"If our research can figure out a way to harness this power, humans will never suffer energy shortages ever again! No more wars over resources or minerals, power will be free to all!"
Joe spoke first. "That would be amazing Doctor."
The doctor continued with the praise. "It is truly inspiring work! We have 3 separate teams working non-stop to comb through the fields of information, it is exhausting, but rewarding work."
"Sounds like you are very busy Doctor, I hope we aren't taking you away from your work." Dr. Cosmo shook his head.
"Of course not! Sharing our findings with others is part of my work as well. I am just so glad Dr. Gilmore invited you to visit him today."
"Uh yes, but let's not indulge too much Doctor, you won't have anything new to talk about."
Dr. Cosmo, not getting the subtle verbal cue, continued. "Oh don't worry Dr. Gilmore! I could talk for days on the amount of data and our analysis. Our theories could take another 2 in conferences."
Even though he was not interested, Dr. Gilmore was drawn into a two-person conversation with the researcher. Chang took the opportunity to ask his Japanese friend a question. "So, when I read the news, saw you won the gran prix in Singapore. Sounds like you are doing well."
Joe smiled nervously, not used to the fanfare of his business with friends. "Oh, yeah. It was quite the race, but with my pit crew and team we pulled it off."
"Is Jet still on your team?"
"No, he quit about six months ago. I think he was going to try some world cup yacht racing."
Chang laughed. "My! That boy never stops does he. Well, who else have you heard from? Oh! How is Françoise doing?"
Joe's eyes grew wide at the unexpected question. "U-uh-uh-uhhh, well, she was in good spirits, last time I talked to her. She was excited to be the prima dona in her latest production, I think it was Giselle." Chang frowned.
"The production of Giselle? I thought GB told me that ended two months ago."
"Uh, well, yeeeeaaah..." Joe's voice got softer, "it's been a while, since, I've had a chance... to call her." Joe thought he saw a puff of smoke come out of Chang's nostril.
"You WHAT!?" The scientists looked in their direction, puzzled at the outburst. The cook roughly grabbed the boy by the ear and tugged them into a more private corner. Which wasn't very private, considering it was a lounge for Dr. Cosmo's fellow scientists. "I don't mean to pry in your personal affairs, but you really shouldn't be putting her on anymore like you did back when the team was together! That was 5 years ago!" Joe tried to speak, but was overrun. Chang check off each point with a finger. "You should be calling her twice a day, writing her a letter once a day, and flowers once a week! If she is too tired to talk, send her chocolates and a letter! My goodness, you are such a successful man, but you still act like a hapless teenager half the time!"
"Hey! That's not fair!" Joe retorted, he was not hapless.
"Is it?" The Chinese man punctuated his sentence by folding his arms. "Keeping her safe from a lifestyle maybe your choice, but it hurts those you try to protect as well," Joe searched for a defense, but unexpectedly, Gilmore came to his side.
"This has been truly delightful Dr. Cosmo, but it has been a long time since I've seen my family, we have so much to catch up on, please excuse us. I'll come by the lab again tomorrow if that's alright." Gilmore knowing full well he'd find an excuse tomorrow to not visit.
"Oh that is fine my friend. Feel free to stop by if more of your family visits." An alarm cut Dr. Cosmo short. He ran over to a panel. The former Black Ghost operatives wordlessly standing by to spy on the commotion.
The doctor pushed the communication button. "Radio Center, what is the cause of this alert?"
"Doctor Cosmo! O-Our radio signal has been blocked for the past 12 minutes, and we've identified the problem. An unidentified large object is hurtling towards Earth, in fact, we project its course to crash within a kilometer of the research facility!"
"What?!" The eavesdroppers gave audible gasps as well from the report. The doctor searched for a reply. "H-H-How? Are you sure that's what the instruments are saying?!"
Proof came in a more evident form, from teh floor to ceiling windows facing the sea. The sky glowed brightly, from an unnatural source. A far-off rumble reverberated in the building. The churning of the atmosphere intensified, making standing difficult. A white hot streak hurtled across the horizon the sea boiled around it, crashing through the surface. The ocean erupted. Furious waves crashed against the high cliffs the research lab rested. The cliffs, battered, kept the sea at bay.
Minutes pasted, no one spoke, except for researchers murmuring tirelessly for answers not available. The sea continued to bubble, and probably would for several more hours.
"Unbelievable." Chang broke the silence.
"Yea," was all Joe could add. The sky was angry from the alien object. A portion of a heli pad at the edge of the cliff was claimed by the waters. Smaller damages were reported from the base, a cracked wall here, shorted panels there, fortunately the rest was minor.
"This is useless!" Dr. Cosmo exclaimed. "Was that a meteor? A satellite? We don't know! Our main radios and instruments cannot gather data from the water!"
Joe turned and spoke. "Doctor, if we take some instruments out into the water, can you get some information then?"
"Well, yes. We have an array of scientific devices here, though not very powerful, we need to do direct observation for them to work."
"I can take the scanner out, so we can see what's going on."
"Joe!" exclaimed Chang. He knew what his friend was capable of, but still he worried. "We don't know what's down there."
"Never stopped us from trying to help before." He removed his shirt and revealed the familiar red and gold fabrics.
Chang chuckled. "Prepared as ever I see." Joe smirked.
"Force of habit."
They had moved from the comfortable den area the scientists used to socialize and relax down several levels to a smaller room, with computer systems up and running, and more importantly, access to the ocean outside. Dr. Cosmo handed over the instruments to Joe with operating instructions. "Don't worry too much, they are setup to feed the information here. We even have the camera operating so we can view whatever you point the front of the scanner at."
"Thank you Doctor," Joe spoke. He stepped into the airlock. Saltwater and bubbles rushed around him, the door released and into the depths.
One thousand meters was a distance he could cover in mere seconds on land if he chose to. Swimming was slower progress for him, though he could still give 008 underwater a good race with his accelerator. Running around and diving into all sorts of aquatic situations probably was not as fulfilling work as it used to be. Besides, Joe felt Pyunma enjoyed his time as a wildlife preserve officer. Joe though enjoyed the missions, the need in the world was so great, danger and injustice can be found if you poke around enough. That did not cover all their mission types, even just being helpful to someone in a pinch felt good. They all enjoyed it and found friendship in doing that with their team of cyborgs. But that portion of their life was over, they found occupations and paths to fulfill themselves in one way or another. He stumbled onto a racetrack and never looked back. He even invited Jet to join him. The guy had a natural instinct for competition of this sort, actually beat Joe a couple times. But Jet grew bored of the fast, yet grueling pace.
"A bit too much like jumping around for our missions back in the day. I think I'd like to keep my feet on the ground for a while." Jet smirked. It was funny to hear his flight-enabled friend say, but he could understand, being settled in body and mind can be a good thing.
Yet Joe could not settle. Chang stirred his thoughts he thought he buried years ago. He couldn't say if he had anything feel like a return to a quiet pre-Cyborg life. Living in an orphanage and detention halls were anything but quiet, and not for anyone over legal age. Everyone floated back to an occupation they grew up with. Like Albert went to truck driving and Françoise studied ballet in Paris. He never had such a thing, so he found odd, dangerous jobs around Tokyo, like a firemen and deep-sea fishing. A friend of GB's got him a start in the F-1 circuit. The adrenaline rush offered on the race track was addictive, and success grew from it.
Everyone from the old team did keep in touch, but appeared to not crave that companionship over their original lives. Even the last time he saw Françoise in the fall, they once again gently stumbled through their awkwardness they had so many times before. He knew how happy dance made her, he did not want to take her away from that again.
A shape came into view as he entered the warming waters around the impact. He pushed aside thoughts of the past to concentrate on helping the current issue. He turned the underwater camera on, hydro scanner, and a couple other items that he couldn't recall the name.
He progress slowed, the shape was massive. "Let me know if you need anything 009, you can keep in contact through the com link." It had been a while since he heard a voice through his internal transmitter, a device that proved itself useful too many times.
"Thanks 006, I will."
The shape revealed more about the object, it was not a burnt or hulking metal shape like he expected. It was pristine and graceful, its surface shimmed like colored glass. A single structure in the front arched in a tender curve, reaching 20 meters from the base of the craft. The back of the object had a similar large pillar, a sleek form arcing and twisting around it, higher than the front arc. It was reminiscent of a flower's bloom. Rigid glass planks protruded from the stern, appearing like wings. It looked like it was designed to fly. The entire surface gleamed from the heat and current. It was massive, rivaling the Dolphin in size. There was no doubt, it was made by intelligent beings.
Joe slowly floated over the top of the form, examining the spires, eyeing his reflection as he swam by. He approached the main boom in the back, as there looked like there was more to it. As he closed in, part of it did not look as reflective, in fact, he could see through it. It glowed slightly actually. His heart beat quickened. They looked to be control panels within the space and even seats like on any normal ship. A control center?
"006, is everyone seeing this? Do they want a closer look at anything?"
"Y-yes 009." He said with nervous disbelief. "They're going over the data, just keep going over the ship as you are, I'll let you know if they want a second scan of an area. You're pulling some amazing numbers, they are struggling..."
009 wasn't paying attention to his transmitter anymore. He thought he saw something move. He his eyes darted back and forth. He glided closer to the window, peering into the lightly illuminated space.
A grey form stopped in front of him, its yellow eyes fixed on Joe.
"Aaaaa!" both Joe and Chang vocalized over the com line. Joe pushed back, reaching for his blaster, but hesitating pulling it. He drifted, gawking at the grey form, separated only by the transparent glass. They both held their positions. It was humanoid, though small, like Chang, only no where near as round. The eyes were black, its pupil's yellow. It even had a mouth, because the line curved what could be described as a small smile. The grey humanoid slowly placed his hand on the glass in a gentle manner. His expression looked, eager, hopeful.
Joe was drawn by the figure. The alien so desperately wanted a connection, Joe could relate. He glided closer. He freed his hand of the instrument, it fell around his neck. He placed his hand to mirror the other. The smile filled the face, as the eyes grew warm with their glance.
"I-I think it's alright Chang," Joe spoke, a smile expanding across his face.
The being entered a small craft to get over to the lab. He saw another humanoid with him, this one was the size of a fully-grown man, his features were more pronounced, with a small white beard. Was this one he met a child of the race? They entered the lab's airlock for submersibles, it docked on the side. Joe climbed out of the sea onto the deck, shaking the excess water away. Chang, Dr. Gilmore, cradling Ivan, and Dr. Cosmo where the only ones present to greet the special guests, probably to not alarm them with a big group. Chang had changed into his cyborg uniform. Joe walked towards them.
"I see you stay prepared as well."
Chang shrugged, "Habits as you say..." A metallic sound, came from the vessel, a hole opened in the top. A familiar grey man (or perhaps boy in this case?) popped through the top, he smiled when he made eye contact with Joe. He stood on top the small craft and helped out the fully grown figure.
Dr. Cosmo never attended an alien greeting seminar. He had no idea what to do. But, people where present so he needed to put on the airs that this was just another of his duties. He cleared his throat and quieted his nerves. He bowed to the visitors, his group stiffly following him. "Greetings from the inhabitants of Earth. We mean you no harm. We offer peace and hospitality and hope the bonds of friendship can grow between our people."
The two figures climbed down from the craft. They imitated the stiff bow. "Thank you for the warm greeting." Everyones' eyes went wide. It was a little stilted, but they could speak their language. "My people monitor planets that sustain life and we learned your customs and languages that way. I am Corba, and this is my son Saba."
Saba gave an additional bow at his name. "It is a pleasure to meet you." He looked up and smiled at Joe. Joe waved in return. Saba mimicked this motion as well.
"We have journeyed thousands of light years to your planet. It is not the first time my people have been here, an expeditionary force was sent many eons ago. It is exciting to learn how your technology has advanced." The earthlings continued their silence, unsure what to say next, Corba continued. "We followed your signal you broadcast towards the Absolute Zero Vortex, or what you call the Super Galaxy. It is comforting to know others study this phenomenon as well."
Dr. Cosmo's excitement he held shortly ago crept back. "Y-You study the Super Galaxy as well?"
"Yes, myself and a group of scientists have studied it for years from our home planet of Gabadar. Unfortunately, that is what made us a target of a maniacal tyrant. It put my family and people in a desperate, dangerous situation. We need help, others need help before more civilizations die."
Dr. Gilmore could tell his associate was ready to launch into a discussion about his project. He jumped in with the next question instead. "You must be exhausted from your travels. We can offer a place for you to rest or replenish you if you desire."
Corba shook his head. "We do not require rest periods in the fashion your species does, though we appreciate your hospitality."
"At least let me bring you some tea," Chang offered. "I have some delicious Oolong that is perfect for this situation." Chang hurried out before they could reply. He wasn't as comfortable with formal talks like that. He'd let the brains handle this and he would help with the human condition. Or would it be alien condition? He didn't know, he just hoped acts of kindness were universal.
"Though we do not tire in the same way, our journey has been arduous. My planet was invaded by ruthless forces, for no other reason than power. Their leader, the beast Zoa, found out about my research and came after me and my family. My wife perished." He paused. "Though Saba and I escaped on this refugee ship. Zoa was right on our heels, our guidance systems damaged. We were trying to repair it, we came across your strong microwave signals. We followed it here, hoping to find help." The scientist paused, "I realize the request I make, it maybe too much, but we have lost so much, anything would be too kind."
Joe was enraged by their story, as he always did whenever faced with an injustice. He was surprised, but saddened that power grabs and war mongering were not Earth-bound problems. He looked at Saba, a child, who only wanted to grow and share with the world and learn their place. Learn from his mother, now he was unable to do that. Was life itself cursed with such atrocities? The boy stared at the floor as the scientists shared and learned of their tale. Joe had no desire to jump in, he had no idea what to say. Though he knew what he wanted them to know. He placed his hand on Saba's shoulder. It felt no different from anyone else. He smiled. "Don't worry Saba, we will find a way to help you."
Chang entered the bay again, with steam rising from a teapot and six cups, the distinctive tea calmed Joe some. "Now everyone, please take a whiff and a sip, I guarantee aches and worries to subside with one cup every four to six hours." Everyone took a cup, Chang raised his cup and didn't think long for profound words, just words. "To new interstellar friendships!" Dr. Gilmore and Joe had pained looks on their faces as they sipped. Corba and Saba took cues from them and sipped their tea with contorted expressions.
"An interesting liquid. It reminds me of the water grass imported from-" a crash cut him short, Chang's and Joe's arms shook, Ivan's eyes glowing fiercely.
Joe and Chang grabbed their heads to contain the growing sharp pain, wilting to their knees. They gasped for air as 001's voice boomed in their minds. ''Everyone! There is an emergency!" His broadcast was intense, for it needed to reach six other cyborgs around the globe.
Pyunma's tranquilizer dart missed the cheetah mother, as he grabbed his head.
GB started awake and ungracefully fell from the greenroom couch.
G Junior inhaled sharply as he sat up in the darkened bedroom.
Albert dropped his skis onto the snowy Alp slope.
Françoise bent over the railing, breaking her early morning practice.
Jet broke his embrace with the Mexican beauty, gasping.
They all heard and saw what 001 broadcasted. The strange craft, resting on the sea floor. A large vessel entering Earth's orbit, with smaller ships breaking off. The research lab which will become a battleground between these forces. "Please, come quickly, the Earth is in danger. We cannot fight this alone!" as quickly as it started, the pain subsided, 001 relaxed in Gilmore's arms. Chang and Joe rose and turned to Ivan and Dr. Gilmore.
"I-Ivan. S-so, that vessel in space, is planning to attack?"
"Yes."
"Zoa," Saba whispered.