Star Slayers Episode Two: The Ancient Shadow
Chapter Seven ~ A Painful Reminder
~ Lina
"Albert, great to see you again," Lina says cheerfully from the Slayers helm. "Hope I haven't caught you at a bad time."
The man she is addressing smiles warmly, pleased to see her, which annoys Lina to no end. She's never had a man so obviously leer at her before, but this man has no problems doing so without restraint. To keep herself from lashing out she imagines him burning to a crisp in a Dragon Slave spell and roasting marshmallows over his flaming corpse.
"Not at all," Albert replies. "Have you reconsidered my offer?"
"Actually . . . yeah," Lina shrugs. "Ya see, the other guy isn't paying enough to put up with a nuisance like you. And at the end of the day I'd rather be alive than rich and dead."
"I'm glad you've come to see reason," Albert beams. "Bring me the weapons you have in person. I'm currently stationed at the Gabriev home on Elmekia."
"I'd rather you came to see me," Lina says, her politeness cracking. "I'm even willing to go into the Red Rose Galaxy, but I'm not about to risk fighting an army on Elmekia." Going to the Red Rose Galaxy would be suicide since the district is under Rezo's authority, but the young captain wants to show the conceited Albert that she means business. She also wants to be the one who decides how and where she dies.
"Either you come here to Elmekia or I'll hunt you down with this army you think I have," Albert replies, showing off his impressive white teeth in a daring grin.
This man's arrogance rivals her own. There is only one reason Albert would be at the Gabriev estate and that's to take advantage of their army of mercenaries. What his connection is to the Gabriev family she may never know, but she isn't about to assume he has nothing to do with them. "How do I know you'll hold up you're end of the bargain?" Lina asks with a raised brow.
"You don't," he answers smoothly, causing Lina to imagine more creative ways to kill him. "But that isn't going to stop you is it?" The large man leans forward with his gaze narrowed in malevolent glee. "We'll see which of us deserves to wield my master's dying legacy." With that the call is terminated and Lina is left grinding her teeth.
"Well that could have gone better," Zelgadis grumbles.
"I'm proud of you Miss Lina," Amelia gushes. "You didn't lose your temper once."
Is that all they have to say!?
"That piece of slime! How dare he talk to me like that!" Lina screams and proceeds to go on a rant using choice words that are best not repeated. Punching a fist into her other hand she vows revenge. "He is going to pay! Are you guy's ready to kill that bastard!"
With a cheer from her crew, varying between each individual in excitement, they prepare for battle.
~Xellos
When they reach the planet, the Dragon Slayer quickly descends, leaving Lina and her team in various locations along the territory's dry landscape. As soon as they are grounded the ship returns to orbit and cloaks herself as best she can. With Albert's level of technology it is difficult to discern whether it will do any good, but Lina is counting on the fact that the supposed servant of Dark Star Dugradigdu is more interested in the weapons of light than their ship. Xellos would imagine Albert showing more interest in the Dragon Slayer if he knew the nanites were on board.
Lucky for him Albert is ignorant of their existence and it is in his best interest it stays that way.
"So your master wants Albert dead huh?" Lina asks after a prolonged silence. She is in her mecha suit, flying fairly low to the ground with Xellos just beside her in his own. A large case is bolted to her hip, which holds the Dark Star Weapons they will be trading.
The planet is a barren place and the Gabriev facility just so happens to be located in a golden grass valley. It is the perfect terrain for training Giant Robot soldiers, but has very little economic purpose. Most of the planet is military operated, with the Gabriev family being the most prominent aside from the government facilities of the Empire.
"My master wants him out of the way," Xellos easily answers without concern. "He doesn't have the Ancients best interests at heart."
"Why do the Ancients even care?" Lina says disgruntled by his simple answer.
"You're a smart girl I'm sure you can figure it out." He wants to know what the young captain thinks since it will let him know where he stands and what his next plan should be. Right now his mission is clear, but the problems surrounding the nanite project continues to evade him. Since he assumes the nanites cannot be duplicated he needs to learn if they will pose a threat to the Ancients and the balance of power they hold over the galaxy.
Moreover, they don't want another unknown variable.
Lina grows thoughtful, putting her mind to this task, no doubt having done it plenty of times before this point. "Can you give me a hint?" she asks, smiling sweetly.
"I've given you plenty of hints Miss Lina," Xellos nearly giggles, enjoying this little game.
As Lina ponders what she knows Xellos surveys the area and checks the progress of the other teams. When the two arrive at the coordinates agreed upon with Albert the two wait silently. He can see Albert's army in the distance heading towards them, but they are taking their sweet time.
"Does it have something to do with a coming war?" Lina asks.
"No," Xellos answers, not bothering to elaborate.
"Does it have to do with Dark Star Dugradigdu?"
"Yes," Xellos grins.
"Does it have something to do with Albert being Dark Star's old servant?"
"Depends on how you look at it."
"Xellos!"
"Lina~"
The woman who belongs to this name glares at the Regal even as Albert and his impressive armed force trek forward to meet them.
"Really Lina you're merely scratching the surface," he replies politely, acting the part of a gentleman while subtly questioning her intelligence.
It is only Albert's presence and the rows upon rows of Driver G units that keep Lina from attempting to murder Xellos right then and there. He is well aware of the hostility the young captain is projecting on him, but he is only amused by it.
"Did I interrupt something?" Albert calls from his unit.
"No, nothing at all," Lina answers swiftly from her own unit. "I've come with the weapons just like you asked." Patting her side and the case to show him where they are.
"Where is the rest of your crew?" Albert asks with amusement. "I'm sure you could do better than this? One Regal is hardly enough to act as an efficient escort."
"He's all I need," Lina replies confidently. "After all once I hand these over you'll be out of my hair as long as you keep your word. If you don't I'll order my crew on the Dragon Slayer to fire on this very spot."
With a gentle chuckle, Albert ushers a smaller and visibly unarmed unit forward who is expected to receive the weapons from Lina. "I'd doubt you, but I did witness the hazardous destruction you're commander demonstrated on Zentel," Albert shares. "Blowing off the roof of the very building you happened to be in."
"We've had our ups and downs, but he's proven his usefulness, just like my good Regal friend here," unlatching the case from her hip, Lina hands it to Xellos who steps forward.
Evidently frightened, the man Albert has chosen actually stops walking and looks back at his commander. This is not an ideal situation for him and Xellos cannot blame the human. Regal's are still thought of as myth by those in Elmekia and they have only recently become aware of their presence in the last four months of so.
"You keep strange company," Albert admits, signaling the man to continue forward. "I'm admittedly surprised that you keep company with the very Regal who got you tangled up in this mess."
Xellos doesn't show his irritation and wonders how much the Dark Star servant will divulge. As can be expected, the mysterious Regal would rather be the one divulging information to the Slayers crew. It's always a bother when a secret is revealed from the mouth of his enemy.
Curiosity perked, but not about to let it show, Lina places a hand on her metallic hip and leans to one side. "I'm looking at the cause of my troubles," she announces. "Don't act like you've done nothing wrong."
"I'm only looking out for you," Albert assures her silkily. "Least I can do after you've proven to be so compliant. Never trust a Regal, he'll only use you in the end."
"Doesn't that also apply to you," Xellos challenges snidely finding this to be the perfect opportunity to attempt changing the conversations direction.
By this time the unfortunate soldier has reached him with his hands outstretched. Enjoying the man's visible terror, the Regal turns the case around and opens it for the soldier so that he might verify the contents. The man inspects the Dark Star weapon hilts and nods his head, closing the case and turning away from the object of his discomfort.
Everything is going as planned much to Xellos's slight dissatisfaction. It would be far more interesting if something went awry, something chaotic, that way he can act outside Lina's parameters and ensure the success of his personal goals. Namely destroying Dark Stars spawn comfortably nestled in his giant robot unit.
When an explosion unexpectedly rocks the earth and sky, Xellos smiles gleefully. Today is turning out to be interesting after all.
~Zelgadis
Some time before the explosion goes off, as Lina and Xellos are on their way towards the meeting place, Zelgadis and Gourry are sneaking into the Gabriev base of operations. Entering the gate isn't extremely difficult since they merely use Gourry's Driver G with a reinstated code the Corp. acknowledges to gain admittance.
The only thing that might get them in trouble is the absence of the Gabriev Corp. emblem on the units shoulder. Since the first two access points are automated, they pass through the outer gates without issue, but when they near the bulky engineering and commutation buildings, with less robot units present, they are forced to stop and walk the rest of the way to avoid unwanted attention.
Gourry is wearing his old blue uniform while Zelgadis synthesizes clothing that matches a typical engineer's jumper. The cloth is whiter than it should be and perhaps a little shiny but no one seems to care. Like a typical large company everyone is busy trying to get their jobs done or at least appear busy to avoid being called out. Just in case though, Zelgadis has also included a hood since most men don't have cybernetic lines snaking over their skin with a complexion that is nearly blue.
Someone noticing that would ruin his day.
Every security door opens without complaint under Zelgadis's special touch. He is using a tool that looks like a generic data stick, but is a tiny computer of his own design. Something he invented when he was only twelve. He is almost irritated by how easy it is to hack into the buildings, appalled that the Empire values this mercenary team so highly with equipment like this. Even when they come to retina scanners or body scanners the computer is easily fooled thanks to him instating them as veteran Gabriev employees.
In all honesty he is probably being too judgmental of their security, but Zelgadis has always had unrealistically high standards after working for Rezo.
It's when they reach the final door to the main control room that they are stopped for an inconvenient items check. "Place everything in your pockets here," the guard says as he lazily slides a tray in front of them.
Gourry peeks at Zelgadis, who casually puts his data stick on the tray along with his high clearance data card. The guard appears surprised. "This is all you have sir?" he asks.
Zelgadis doesn't answer and simply glares at the guard. "Do I need anything else?" he asks.
Without questioning the brusque engineer, the guard shoves the tray through the machine and scans Zelgadis's body. When the system declares him clean, he moves forward and Gourry proceeds to empty his pockets.
The blond man follows Zelgadis's example and drops his data card on the tray along with the Sword of Light. Zelgadis holds his breath as the guard blinks twice and stares at the unique hilt. If the nanite man could sweat he would as he waits stiffly and watches to see how the guard will react.
Gourry is doing his best to appear unfazed but even he shows some concern as the guard continues to study his prized sword.
"Hey Antony check this out, he's got a replica!" the guard says enthusiastically.
"No way really!" the second guard who is manning the scanner rushes to his side and inspects the sword. "Wow, it really is! So you're one of the lucky three huh?" Antony looks up at Gourry in fascination.
Zelgadis's eyes narrow, so apparently there are three replica's that have been distributed. If they can retrieve them before they leave, it will mean less trouble for them in the future.
"Uh yeah, I didn't think I'd ever get it," Gourry says, scratching his head and laughing sheepishly. Funny to think that the dim witted blond is actually telling the truth.
"You wouldn't happen to be related to the Gabriev family would you?" the first guard asks suspiciously.
"He's a distant relative," Zelgadis answers for Gourry. They didn't take very many measures to disguise Gourry, but Sylphiel did manage to dye his hair using some things from the kitchen. It's a puckish brown color and is just enough to keep the guards from suspecting that he's actually the wanted Gourry Gabriev. It also helps that he doesn't have his hair braided in the typical family fashion. "They wanted to be sure the sword would work so they scouted someone from the Gabriev family line."
"Ah, that makes sense," Antony nods his head. "They've been having a lot of trouble finding candidates."
"We're trying to see if there is a way to modify the device so anyone can use it, but for now we need to reach the communications room," Zelgadis explains, tapping his foot and evidently losing his patience. "It would be nice if we got there sooner rather than later since we're already running late, I would appreciate if you did you're jobs so we could do ours."
"Of course sir, our apologies," the first guard stiffly responds, not appreciating Zelgadis's tone. Said engineer doesn't care. As long as it stops the men from asking more questions he'll say whatever he needs too.
After processing Gourry, Antony waves them through and they continue on to the Gabriev hub of communications. The room is dimly lit, with hundreds of men working on dozens of screens for a variety of reasons. It reminds Zelgadis a little of the computing hub he worked in at the Galaxy Union, but it isn't nearly as sophisticated.
In his humble opinion.
If Gabriev Corp. was willing to spend just a little more money they could actually offer him a challenge. Stepping up to a vacant consol Zelgadis signs in and get's to work. No one even notices Gourry and Zelgadis, much too absorbed in their own work and for good reason. They're actually doing something exciting today that doesn't include family squabbles or training runs.
Everyone there is watching a tiny Lina and Xellos standing before a wall of large Driver G soldiers, with Albert in his Death Cloud replica unit front and center.
"How are they holding up?" Zelgadis whispers as he hooks in his minicomputer and hacks the Driver Unit's communication grid.
"They're just talking," Gourry whispers back.
"Lina's good at that," Zelgadis sighs.
Taking this as a great opportunity, Zelgadis cannot help hacking into their informational database while he waits for Lina's signal. What he finds doesn't surprise him much. He mostly finds money transactions and contracts for fighting pirates, private militias, or work for the Dil Empire. But with a little more digging he finds what he's really after. A certain transaction that took place over three months ago.
Clutching the metal consol in front of him, Zelgadis rigidly hunches forward trying to contain his fury.
"Zel what's wrong?" Gourry asks nervously. The worker beside them is glancing at them, for the first time realizing there is someone there and it isn't the person who normally occupies the space.
"That bastard," Zelgadis hisses.
"Is everything okay?" the man next to them asks suspiciously.
"No it's not," Zelgadis answers darkly and turns to Gourry. "Has she signaled yet?"
"Xellos is handing over the case now," Gourry replies. "Zel what's wrong?"
"Albert . . . and Xellos . . ." Zelgadis seethes, breaking off a piece of the consol he's leaning on. "Damn-it!"
Realizing that something is amiss the man beside them turns to alert the room but is stopped when the power cuts off and the emergency lights flash on. Two seconds later an explosion erupts in the complex's experimental wing when one of the energy converters mysteriously overheats. Somehow its safety controls have been re-programmed with the incorrect settings causing the device to malfunction with explosive results.
"We're leaving," Zelgadis turns without a second glance and Gourry follows directly beside him. "That bastard is going to pay for making a fool out of me."
~Sylphiel
"Thank you for meeting with me," Sylphiel politely greets Mrs. Gabriev in the family manor. She is standing in the parlor with Amelia right beside her. "I was hoping we could see each other during less difficult times."
"Nothing has been the same since Halden attacked the Galaxy Union," Mrs. Gabriev answers in a hushed tone. "Although, I must admit that I was surprised to hear from you. After you ran away with my son I assumed it would be the last I ever saw of you both." The older woman glances thoughtfully at Sylphiel as she leads them down a hall.
"I thought it was only right to help him," Sylphiel blushes.
"Is that the only reason," Mrs. Gabriev lifts a knowing eyebrow at the young woman, a smile tugging at the corner of her lip.
Easily reading into the question Mrs. Gabriev has addressed, Amelia clasps her hands to her front and her eyes sparkly as she looks at Sylphiel. "So I wasn't imagining it?" she whispers making Sylphiel feel even more flustered. "I always suspect that you were interested in Mister Gourry, but I assumed it was one sided."
"It is," Sylphiel sighs.
"Oh . . . I'm sorry Miss Sylphiel," Amelia apologies, the romantic light dimming in her eyes.
"While my son is observant of battle and danger he is not as conscious of the subtle advances of a woman," Mrs. Gabriev puts a sympathetic hand on Sylphiel's shoulder. "I was hopeful that when he ran off and you disappeared that you might have eloped, but it seems that was simply the ambitious dreams of a foolish mother."
A soft smile graces Sylphiel's lips as she glances at the floor. Pulling a strand of hair behind her ear the young priestess stops when she realizes that she hasn't introduced Mrs. Gabriev and Amelia. "Oh, how could I forget, Mrs. Gabriev this is my friend Amelia, she's been helping Gourry dear and I on our travels," she is careful to exclude Amelia's last name. Even if she personally trusts the mother, she isn't about to put that kind of pressure on the captain or Amelia. "Amelia this is Mrs. Vallitina Gabriev. One of the heads of the Gabriev Corp."
"And Gourry's proud mother," Vallitina adds. "Really I wish all of my sons turned out as noble as him." Stopping in front of a door, she invites them inside. "We'll need to be careful when we leave, the guards should be plenty busy with the weapon exchange, but I don't wish to take any chances."
"Pardon my asking but where is Sir Gabriev? I thought he would be meeting us as well," Sylphiel asks with mild trepidation.
The strong woman doesn't immediately answer as she locks the door. Fiddling with the tresses of her slit skirt Mrs. Gabriev looks forlornly at her hand. "He's . . . he isn't with us anymore," her voice catches in her tight throat but she defiantly glances up. While her eyes glisten she doesn't shed a tear. "A lot has changed in the Gabriev home since Gourry left . . . it's safe to come out children."
From a small panel in the wall the three youngest Gabriev's scurry out. The youngest boy is being held by the older sister while the second youngest holds their weapons.
Eyes widening, Amelia stifles a gasp at the news and sight of the youngest children. Sylphiel is in shock. She would have never guessed it was this bad by the appearance of Mrs. Gabriev and the home. "Where are the others?" Sylphiel asks.
"When they aren't fighting each other, they are working in service to Albert and Halden," Mrs. Gabriev answers, visibly keeping her emotions in check.
"Even Falor? He's only twelve," Sylphiel gasps.
All of the Gabriev's, even the youngest, look at Sylphiel with cold certainty.
"That's awful," Amelia says. "I'm so sorry."
A harsh smile creases Mrs. Gabriev's lips. "Albert can try and take everything from me, but I will not be cowed," she promises. Despite the visible lines under her eyes and the weariness of her children there is a deep rooted pride and tenacity burning inside them.
"I'm glad you're still here," Sylphiel says doing her best to focus on the positive. If she thinks about it too much she won't be able to help anyone. She doesn't want to freeze up now. Not with people depending on her. "Although I wish we could have come here sooner."
"You had no way of knowing what Albert was up to, not with this Dark Star weapon business plaguing us," Mrs. Gabriev replies.
"If you don't mind my asking Mrs. Gabriev, how did Mister Albert take control of Gabriev Corp. to begin with," Amelia asks.
"I can't say I fully understand it all myself," Mrs. Gabriev admits. "But it started with my eldest son Halden. You see we were approached by Albert Stargazer who claimed to be a great scientist. He asked us to destroy one of Ambassador Rezo's facilities, the Galaxy Union, which as you know is dedicated to human medicine and science. He claimed that the great man stole valuable research from him and that it was dangerous to the universe. My husband and I declined the offer knowing full well that Master Rezo is a kind and holy man, but not one week later we were approached by a Mystic Regent with the same exact request."
The two young women glance sidelong at each other easily remembering the mysteries still surrounding the Galaxy Unions destruction. "But the facility was still attacked," Amelia recalls solemnly.
"Yes, by my eldest son Halden," Mrs. Gabriev continues. "Without our knowing he made a deal with both Albert and the Mystic. When the Empire found out what we'd done they panicked not wishing to instigate a universal war with the other systems, namely the Alliance. Rezo is beloved in every system no matter their allegiance, so you can understand the Empires fear."
Pressing her lips together Sylphiel finds it difficult not to reveal that Rezo isn't entirely the holy man many think he is. Sadly the only people who know this are the Dragon Slayer crew and the Regal's, possibly Albert as well.
In other words their enemies.
"They tried to cover it up and were prepared to take control of the Gabriev Corporation, but then Gourry ran off with the sword of light, we were able to pin the blame on a man who was not at fault," Mrs. Gabriev's face tightens and she swallows thickly. "We were in the process of disowning our son when Albert offered us an out."
"But why?" Sylphiel asks, her slim brows crossed in concern. "Why go through all this trouble? What does Albert have to gain by taking control of your family and business?"
"Even I don't know the answer to that dear," Mrs. Gabriev says remorsefully.
Before Sylphiel can say more a strong pressure change from outside rattles the windows and makes their ears pop. Seconds later the power goes out with the afternoon sun acting as their only source of light blazing through the narrow windows.
"Is this a part of your' captain's plan?" Mrs. Gabriev asks.
"No, it isn't," Sylphiel answers as the emergency lights kick on. "We were to wait for Lina's signal. Dragon Slayer what's happening," she asks through the communications link pinned to her vest.
"My father has reprogrammed several of the safety protocols for various large devices in the base causing them to explode," the Dragon Slayer explains quickly. "Don't worry he hasn't touched anything in the mansion, I'm on my way to pick you up."
The Lieutenants mind is momentarily stuck on the word 'father' but quickly pushes it aside to address the main issue. "What happened to disabling the Driver G units," Sylphiel asks. If at all possible they were hoping to keep Gabriev Corp. intact and simply remove Albert from power.
Given what she's learned from Mrs. Gabriev, it sounds like they may need to apprehend Halden as well.
"He did that too," the Dragon Slayer answers. "There are soldiers heading your way."
Pulling out her beeping portable pod, Amelia brings up the map and see's dozens of dots surrounding the front door of the room they are in. Before Amelia can tell the others what she sees there is a rough pounding on the door. "Mistress Vallitina Gabriev, open the door immediately, by order of Halden Gabriev," the guard barks.
"They shouldn't have known," Mrs. Gabriev places herself in front of her children and unclasps an energy sword from her hip. "Take the children and leave."
"No," Sylphiel says stepping hesitantly forward with Amelia at her side. The princess fastens two armor gloves onto her hands which will help convert her element more easily and amplify it. Instead of bringing her entire mecha suit she only brought the gloves. Likewise Sylphiel has her short priestess staff which is connected to a unit on her belt.
"We'll be leaving together. Isn't that right Miss Sylphiel?" Amelia encourages.
"Right," Sylphiel nods with a glowing smile.
As soon as the door bursts open, Sylphiel constructs a shield around them. The soldier's laser fire and swords bounce off the powerful shield, doing nothing more than slapping against the domed structure like a pesky fly swatter. Under her breath Amelia recites the code for a sleeping spell and casts it on nearly half the mansion. One by one the men and women drop to the floor snoring without a care in the world. Among those who have fallen asleep is one of the Gabriev boys, Balthazar who Mrs. Gabriev takes under her arm with surprising ease.
"Let's go," Sylphiel leads the way through the dark mansion mildly aware that she may never step through these halls or pass these magnificent mecha statues ever again.
Everything is going well until she hears a sickening announcement overhead that makes her blood run cold.
Authors Note: Now everything is beginning to come full circle. One of the mysteries of episode one was why the Galaxy Union was attacked by Gourry's older brother. For the purpose of that episode it got Gourry out of the Gabriev home to find a new life and turned Zelgadis into a nanite freak, but everything else dropped off the radar concerning the Gabriev family.
When I re-read episode one (after I planned on scrapping the episode two I'd already written) I found myself wondering what happened to Gourry's family. One of the main plot points for the original draft of episode two was the Dark Star weapons, like this version, but it was missing the connection to the Gabriev family. So this version was born when I decided to investigate what that might look like and boy do I enjoy the can of worms it dumped on me.
I think it's important for a writer to be willing the scrap a story if it means coming up with something so much better . . . Even if it means scrapping over thirty thousand words.
(To Guest) How do I handle plot points . . . I re-read my stuff a lot and hope I don't miss something. xD