Stranded with a Red Dragon

Disclamer: No,I don't own Xenosaga, or any of their characters. I'd like to, but I don't, so don't sue me.

Chapter 1

Helmer's Request

Shelly's face appeared on a screen in front of Gaignan. "Master Gaignan? There's an incoming transmission coming from Representative Helmer. Would you like me to patch it through?"

"Yes, thank you Shelly." Gaignan put down the papers he was working on.

"Gaignan! How are things going at the Foundation?" Helmer greeted happily.

"Fine! Just fine! Tell me... to what do I owe this visit?"

"Well..." Helmer looked down for a moment, hesitating. "I need for you to go somewhere for me."

Gaignan nodded. "Go on..."

"There has been somewhat of a secession in the Federation. Representative Jonus from Ataria has left the Federation. He refuses to talk with any other Representatives, but we want to see if they would agree to a peace treaty. We don't know if they would go so far as to go on a full out rebellion and attack the Federation, but we're hoping the treaty could stop it."

"I see. But why are you asking me? Couldn't you have sent another man? An agent from the Federation?"

"He said he won't have anyone from the Federation, and he knows who is from the Federation and who isn't. He worked with recruiting members. Anyways, we choose you because Ataria is on the outer edge of the star cluster... and the Durandel just so happens to be near there."

"I see... well, ok then Helmer. I'll do it. Anything else?"

"I'd like for you to take the Elsa, not the Durandel. No offense or anything but a big ship will attract some attention. And there is a Gnosis-infested planet that you would have to get by. I'm sure you'd be much safer with Jr. and his friends. Besides, if a rebellion does break out while you're negotiating they should prove useful."

"Understood. I'll leave for Atartia as soon as possible."

"Thanks old friend." Helmer's happiness came out again. "I owe you one."

"Actually you owe me 312 ones... no wait, this is 313. But yeah... you owe me."

Chuckling, Helmer's face disappeared from Gaignan's desk.

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A/N All right, my 1st chapter of my first fanfic ever to be posted here... R&R plz!