Disclaimer: I don't own Xenosaga I-III
'Thoughts'
"Words"
Xenosaga III: Es last Sich Nicht Lesen
Also Sprach Menschheit
Thus Spoke Humanity
By: Nim Maj
Prologue
The worst heart of the world... perhaps it is but one of the great mercies of God that 'es lasst sich nicht lessen,' it does not permit itself to be read. One could continue in bliss, ignorant of the depth of darkness, the depravities that one is capable of committing. When staring into the abyss, one must remember that it stares back.
Perhaps it is another mercy, that ignorant of this potential one can develop in another direction, and a more productive one at that. Such may be the case for one member of the Kuno clan, one Kuno Katsuyori. Like members of his family, he could have been insane, or a genius, depending on your definition. He was an excellent example of one who blurs that fine line. Perhaps he was just an uncommon mind in a sea of complacency. It was he, after all, who spurred some technological developments in directions never before conceived.
Such was the person U-DO chose to disrupt the activation of yet another Zarathustra. In that, he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. A single pebble thrown into a pond causes ripples that create more and so on, growing wider, its' effect evident. In this case, the "pond" was a star cluster inhabited by a humanity on the brink of annihilation.
Who new, that when the dust settled from this conflict, that humanity could bravely venture out and reclaim lost space before the Gnosis attack? Who new, that powers would be thrown down, the Gnosis routed, and humanity's fate, decided by humanity itself, and not hidden manipulators?
This was the potential of Katsuyori Kuno. And perhaps it was best he passed when he did. What more could he have done?
When historians took a second look at the life and works of one Katsuyori Kuno, what they saw caused them to blink hard. Personal army? Check. Financial backing of 2 of the richest and most influential corporations in the galaxy? Check. Popular with the masses? Check. On good terms with the navy? Check. Enemies and rivals cast down? Double checked. Their conclusion? He was building an empire (or what could be construed as one)! He was the only visible leader, the others having earned disrepute in the war against the Gnosis and Ormus. He was charismatic, earnest, influential, rich, and loyal. He was visionary, possessed with a certain mystique, and his methods visible to the public eye. He built a reputation of honesty and of concern for the average man. Should he have lived, he could have seized the entire star cluster, and all done with the established government's approval and resources! The people could have made him a tyrant, and they would cheer.
This was the kind of person that the historians discovered. Alas, that Katsu's friends had benefitted greatly from him, and his successor was the victor. And History, is written by the victors.
Che, what do historians know? At least he died a hero.
- Albert "Albedo" Kukai, formerly Albedo Piazzola
Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
"Erde Kaiser Solomon you are cleared for take off."
"EK Solomon, launching."
The Cortana's bridge was a hive of activity. Final preparations were taking place for the new weapons demonstrations being held on Fifth Jerusalem, the Federation capital. Taking part in this are several joint projects of the Kukai Foundation and the Vector Corporation. One of which is the Erde Kaiser Project. By equipping an Ein Sof chassis with an Erde Kaiser reactor, the resulting mecha was hoped to be a mass-produced rival to the rare and powerful Ein Sof's. The prototypes, named after Earth rulers were designed to meet ES's on equal terms alone, but overcome them in numbers and veterancy, capitalizing on the ES's picky nature when concerning pilots, and their limited number. One of the prototypes, is Katsu's personal favorite, the Erde Kaiser Solomon.
"Solomon, beginning exercises."
"Roger Solomon, good hunting."
The observers looked on, Katsu having difficulty standing still due to the nearing culminating point of this scheme of his. He was wearing the purple Federation government official's uniform. Distracting himself by turning to his neighbor, "So Chief, did you talk to Shion?"
"Sigh. I tried, but she wasn't there so I left a message." said a down Allen Ridgeley. He still wore the standard tan Vector uniform with a green stripe. "I hope she comes." he said not feeling up to conversation.
Shaking his head, "Man oh man. You should have told her how you feel already. At least then you would know where you stand."
"But what if she rejects me!? I don't think I could stand the heartbreak…"
"Then tell her if you can't be lovers you can still be friends."
"I can't do that!" said Allen with a horrified look. "I have to take this slow. I don't want to pressure her. I'm not confident like you or Solomon."
Rolling his eyes Katsu replied after some consideration. "Fine. Take all the time you want. But I have to ask… do you know how old I am?"
"Huh? Uhm, seventeen I think?"
"Seventeen going on eighteen. But how old is this body?"
"Let's see, 15 years ago Albedo was around 12 so… around 27? Why?"
"Shion is?"
"23 (1)"
'That was fast, crazy stalker…' was the shared thought held by the crew of the Cortana.
"Well, after this war, which I am trying to bring to an end, I intend to court Shion earnestly."
"Wh-what?!" said a clearly shocked Allen.
"Yes. Until then, you can pursue her without my interference."
"But, but…"
"Which is why you should make a valiant effort in winning her heart. Do your best, Chief!" said a grinning Katsu as he slapped Allen in the back before scowling as he remembered something. "And you really should have more confidence. Solomon is simply what you could be, if you were more logical and stopped limiting yourself. He's practically your clone (2)!"
Turning back to the displays, Katsu continued to stand impatiently, confident he had motivated Allen to more earnestly pursue Shion. 'Better hurry, or I might just carry out my warning.'
Later, in Katsu's quarters on the Cortana…
"Alright Kat, are there any other outstanding issues I need to know about?"
"Cecilia will soon arrive with updated reports and a communication from the Little Master. She reported receiving the latest news from Bastion and other significant events in the Federation." answered Katarina, one of Katsu's secretary Realians. "All other lesser encrypted reports are at your desk."
Katarina was a dark-blue haired Realian with long hair reaching her waist. Like all Realians, she had golden eyes. Her body was formed to look like a teenager. She wore a white version of the uniforms the 100-series' onboard the Durandal wore. Like her green-haired "sister," she was a high performance, multi-role Realian. This meant that they could perform a larger number of jobs more efficiently than their more specialized counterparts. For example, Cecilia and Katarina were Katsu's bodyguards as much as his secretaries. This included the ability to pilot the Erde Kaisers.
"Thank you. You can go now and get some rest. I'll work on some of these reports while waiting for your sister." Katsu said as he turned his attention to the files in front of him.
"Very well, sir." with that she turned and left.
Inspecting the headings of the files, Katsu couldn't help but sweat drop. 'Is Jr doing any work? Or is he just shoving it all on me? Is Albedo helping at all???'
A short while after he started Cecilia arrived, wearing a white uniform similar to Kat's. "Master, I have the updates."
"Go ahead."
"The Little Master and the Young Master are taking the Elsa to investigate a mysterious landmass that appeared in the Gedalya region, after being requested by Committee member Juli Mizrahi and Representative Helmer. MOMO, Jin, and Ziggy are accompanying him. The Durandal is standing by just in case. They wish you success with the demonstrations on Fifth Jerusalem, should they be unable to make it." Cecilia reported while she handed him the datapad in her hand.
"Hmmm, that's good. Keep me posted on their progress, should you be able to obtain information from them. What of Bastion?" Katsu asked as he perused the file.
"All is quiet on that front. The results of the elections will be known within the month. I believe you will be able to step down from the position of Governor General."
"That's a relief." Katsu commented as he turned to look at the hyperspace walls outside of the window while he contemplated the file on hand. "Hmmm. Contact Bastion and tell them to increase the alert. It seems that an Ormus fleet is approaching Gedalya. Gedalya is within striking distance of both Bastion and Second Miltia. I want reinforcements to be ready to move just in case. But we'll have to wait and see what the Andras Fleet's response is to this. Be ready to support them."
"As you wish."
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Master Gaignun Representative Helmer, and President Wilhelm would like to see you at your earliest convenience upon your arrival on Fifth Jerusalem. Three different meetings sir."
"I see. Very well, please arrange an appropriate time and contact them. Then update me. Thank you." Taking that as a dismissal, Cecilia left Katsu to his thoughts.
'First Michtam, now Gedalya. Its no longer a stalemate. We need to win soon to build up momentum. Events… are finally happening.' After a few more moments of quiet introspection, 'Things will come to a head at Fifth Jerusalem. The beginning of the end.' Katsu grinned evily. 'I can't wait!'
A/N
1 – An estimate. She should be going on 24.
2 – More on who/what Solomon is later. It's not just an Erde Kaiser.
And here is my second story! This story will conclude Es Lasst Sich Nicht Lesen. Look forward to it!
The Missing Year Timeline (Abridged)
1 week after the appearance of Abel's Ark (After Abel):
After an inquiry, Shion Uzuki is fired. The Kukai Foundation hires her for her connection to E.S. Dinah and to help maintan the Realians. Allen Ridgeley is put on probation and reduced pay before resuming duties as the new head of Vector's 1st R&D Division. Construction begins on the 2nd Durandal-class starship primarily tasked with being a science vessel, to be named the Cortana. Jin and Shion Uzuki begin training Katsu in the basics of Uzuki-ryu.
2 weeks AA:
The Erde Kaiser Project is begun. Its' goal is to create prototypes for Ein Sof equivalent AMWS for the Federation to be mass produced later. Members include the Professor, Assistant Scott, and other members of the Robot Academy and representatives from all of Vector's R&D Divisions. Founding of the Kukai Konstruction Krew (K4), the Kukai Foundation's construction company. They begin work on expanding 2nd Miltia's shipyards to allow for larger ships to be built as part of Vector's "outsourcing" project. It would eventually start producing more Rhinemaiden-class battleships.
3 weeks AA:
To deal with the rising amount of paperwork, Katsu purchases 2 high-performance, multi-role Realians. He names them Cecilia and Katarina, after Cecily and Cathe.
2 months AA:
The Cortana is completed and begins its maiden voyage. The Erde Kaiser Project is moved to the Cortana and Shion Uzuki is assigned there as well. KOSMOS is also moved to the Cortana pending transport to Fifth Jerusalem.
3 months AA:
The Cortana, still on its maiden voyage, is attacked by the Gnosis while in the Beta system. The crew aids in the evacuation of the civilians, covers for the retreating Federation garrison fleet's survivors and escorts them to neighboring 2nd Miltia.
3 months and 1 week AA:
A joint strike force consisting of the Durandal, the Cortana, the Lorelei, some of 2nd Miltia's standing forces, and the Federation Beta System garrison's remnant retakes the Beta system. The Lorelei, a Rhinemaiden-class battleship, destroys a Gnosis Cathedral ship. Several E.S.'s were fielded as well (Asher, Dinah, Simeon, Zebulun)
3 months and 2 weeks AA:
Katsu is promoted to Governor General (1) of the Beta system, to oversee its fortifications and rebuilding, pending an election by the new colonists of the Beta system. Beta system refugees return to rebuild their lives. 2nd Miltia and citizens of the Kukai Foundation also join in the rebuilding effort. The Kukai Konstruction Krew is called in to help rebuild. For their aid, the Vector Corporation is given several land grants for investment, tax free. Vector invests heavily on factories for commercial products. The Federation commander is promoted to colonel and tasked with defending the Beta system. The Lorelei is tasked to the front against the Gnosis.
4 months AA:
Fortifications mostly completed, including an anti-Gnosis Rhinemaiden array. Katsu orders the construction of shipyards, both civilian and military, as well as a drydock for repairs. Construction begins on Bastion, a space fortress conceived by Katsu that rivals Proto Merkabah in size and power (same function too, but without the Song of Nephilim part). Also, to the delight of Mary and Shelley, Katsu orders the secret construction of a ringworld, the Kukai Foundation's newest attraction, using K4's construction nanites.
5 months AA:
The Dark Professor joins the Erde Kaiser Project after some persuasion, appeals to vanity, begging, and finally a lot of bragging and snide comments by the Professor. This leads to a bit of problems initially.
6 months AA:
The Gnosis Terrorism(2). Shion starts actively liaising with Scientia. Albedo regains some of his powers and starts training Katsu and Jr. A comfortable pattern sets in for our heroes.
7 months AA:
Katsu conceives of Project Bleached, an anti-Gnosis weapon project based on KOSMOS' data and using underutilized technologies.
10 months AA:
With the war continuing still with no end in sight, construction begins on the Joyeuse, a starship dedicated to ending the war. It is classed as a true Durandal-class dreadnought.
12 months AA:
Shion, Miyuki, Canaan, and Doctus of Scientia raid Vector's S-Line Division.
1 - The title Governor General was dug up for use on Katsu. He was thoroughly surprised when they sprung it on him. In this universe, it is actually a dual military/civil role but Katsu generally stuck with the civil side of things and left the military side to the Colonel. The office of Governor General in antiquity left him in charge of both civil and military affairs. Here, Governor General actually coordinates the two sides during a time of unrest but is capable of stepping in should one side need to be replaced. The retaking of the Beta system was actually Helmer's test for Katsu which led to his promotion. It also expanded Second Miltia's influence and security.
2 - I don't know much about the Gnosis Terrorism. I just read on Wikipedia that it happened. You can go there and check. Originally it did involve Jin and Shion.