Disclaimer 1: I do NOT own Zoids.
Disclaimer 2: The characters Vega and Dia belong to me! Please do not use them without my permission!
Disclaimer 3: The Gorgon DiFang belong to ShadowRebirth37 as well as any concepts for the M.O.S.A. experiments. Do not use them without her permission!
Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm sorry for the late update! I've been pretty busy with work lately, and it doesn't help then when I get home I just want to play my new game Anyways, in the last chapter Van and co. came across our two hurt Imperials and decided to take them into custody to be tried for their crimes. Just how will this play out for them? You'll just have to read and find out!
Thanks to those of you that Reviewed!
§ Herman's Decision §
The morning soon came, not that Vega noticed, Shadow's wing effectively blocking out the sun that wanted to wake him. He wasn't the only one that was still asleep though, the only one up being Irvine, as he kept watch over the two Imperials and kept glancing over to the Dark Spiner. Irvine looked at the odd scene in front of him, scowling slightly. Shadow was treating Vega like she did Raven, and yet Raven had said he'd only recently been paired with Vega. Something was wrong with this picture...
Eventually Vega started to wake up, his internal workings telling him that it's time to get up. He shifted slightly and Shadow let him up, knowing that he wouldn't be going back to sleep anytime soon, but didn't want to wake Raven up.
Irvine narrowed his eyes slightly at Vega. "...why in Eve's name does Shadow trust ya so much, kid?" he asked, knowing he wouldn't get in 'trouble' with both Moonbay and Raven asleep.
Vega looked over to Irvine sleepily, since he was still trying to 'wake' up. "...don't know...she just does... ...she worries about me for some reason..." he replied through a yawn.
Irvine narrowed his eyes slightly. "...'worries'...?" he scoffed, "... she'd rather eat someone like you than worry about 'em. There's gotta be some reason for it..."
Vega chuckled at Irvine's comment. "She thinks that I'm 'broken', but now I really am. And she's not so bad...a bit overprotective, but not so bad."
Irvine just stared at them. "... I doubt that..." he growled slightly. Shadow opened her eyes and lifted her head, growling back at Irvine.
Vega chuckled again. "I'd watch what you say. Shadow just might hurt you if you seem to be threatening us. Right Shadow?" the blond said as he scratched under her chin with his good hand.
Shadow purred loudly and leaned into his touch, wagging the tip of her tail. Irvine just stared at them. "...what the hell's wrong with you, boy? That's Shadow; I've seen her kill people twice as strong as you before."
"Nothing's wrong with me. She just likes a good scratch every now and then," the blond replied, not caring about Irvine's claims.
Irvine just shook his head slightly. "... and what goin' on with your eyes, kid?" he asked, seeing his eye color clearly for the first time.
Vega looked over to him again. "Nothing's going on with my eyes," he replied, though he already knew just what he was getting at.
Irvine narrowed his eyes. "...pale pink isn't a normal eye color, ya know..."
Vega scowled slightly. "I can say that violet and lavender aren't normal eye colors as well," he retorted.
Irvine sighed. "They might not be 'normal', but they happen... I've never seen someone with eyes like yours before, besides Fiona and Regent Prozen... but Fiona's an Ancient Zoidian and Prozen is albino."
Vega shrugged. "Then perhaps I got a recessive gene or something," he replied.
"Well, what color eyes did yer parent's have?" Irvine questioned.
"And you expect me to remember just who my parents were if I can't even remember how I ended up at the Imperial Palace?" Vega asked, though he knew that he didn't really have parents.
Irvine sighed. "I forgot just calm down," he snapped back. He didn't need a Private from the enemy army being sarcastic with him.
Vega glowered slightly. "Well what do you expect? I'm tired, hurt, irritable and don't want to deal with people who keep thinking I'm the enemy."
Irvine narrowed his eye slightly. "...with that attitude I'd almost say yer related to Raven..." he muttered.
Vega shook his head slightly. "Not possible. Unless you think I'm his 'evil light twin'." The blond laughed. He laughed harder when he saw Irvine's expression.
Irvine just stared at him with a bit of horror before sighing loudly. "...the last thing we need is another Raven running around causing havoc..." he muttered, shaking his head.
Vega eventually quieted down before he woke anyone else up. "Then, consider yourselves lucky that Prozen did what he did. Otherwise, you'd have just that."
Irvine's eye widened. "... that would've been bad... you're too like Raven fer my tastes..."
Vega shrugged slightly. "Oh well. I'm not gonna change 'cuz you don't like it."
Irvine narrowed his eyes. "No, but you are going to change, and Raven too, unless you both want to end up on death row," he shot back.
This time Vega glared. "You're gonna put someone who hasn't done a thing yet on Death Row 'cuz you don't like my personality?"
Irvine shook his head. "No. It's because if you act up like Raven, then you're just as bad as him. You two act too much alike... so there's a decent chance that you'll end up bein' a trouble-maker like him."
Vega brushed that comment off. "Oh please. Spare me the lecture. You don't even know either of us to know what we're really like."
Irvine narrowed his eye. "Really now? Raven there murdered my Command Wolf and nearly me. That says enough in my books."
"Oh...I see now... You're not gonna get past your old hatred of him, even if he were to never pilot again. And in my books, that means that you're purposefully goin' to try to get him into fights. Did I read you right?" The blond smirked, knowing that he had Irvine pegged pretty damn close.
Irvine's eye widened, staring at the blond pilot in shock. He quickly shook it over and looked off to the side at a rock that was suddenly quite interesting. "... lucky guess..." he muttered unhappily.
Vega chuckled at him. "Of course it was. But know this. I'd watch it if I were you. Not only will Shadow be on your ass if you tried something like that, but I would too. And if you think that Raven's hard to deal with, then just you wait until you make me mad," he threatened.
Irvine scoffed. "Shadow wouldn't stand much of a chance against Zeke, kid, and the moment Raven even thinks of doin' something like that he'd be executed. And as for you? A punk like you doesn't scare me," he shot back.
"Ah, but Raven wouldn't be the one that ordered anything. Shadow would act by herself. And I don't scare you? We'll see how long that lasts when you get on my bad side. As for Zeke? Well...I don't think he'd do anything either." The blond said as he stood up gingerly, trying not to put too much pressure on his bad leg.
"Doesn't matter, if Raven starts makin' trouble again then he's a dead man. Doesn't matter who starts it." Irvine retorted, "And honestly, you're even younger than Van is. I've fought men twice your size and won easily, so a punk like you wouldn't be much of a fight."
Vega smirked. "Then you've never taken on someone who's actually skilled in fighting," he replied cheekily as he started to walk over to the Dark Spiner. Little did he know that both Irvine and Zeke were now up and coming toward him. Irvine was about to give the young Imperial pilot a piece of his mind, when Zeke suddenly growled and rushed past him. He ran over to Vega and growled at him, looking him over and sniffing him thoroughly. Something was... odd about his scent.
Vega turned to face the silver Organoid. He sighed slightly. "And what is it that you want, hmm?" he asked, holding out his good hand for Zeke to sniff at and to see that he wasn't going to harm him or anyone else. Zeke cocked his head and growled at him, before sniffing at his hand. He was even more confused by Vega's almost familiar scent. He eventually growled again, butting his nose against his hand and wagging his tail. Vega took that as he was allowed to pet the silver Organoid now. He patted his muzzle before continuing on his way to his Zoid so then he could check on its condition. He needed to make sure that it would be able to get him to the Guardian Force base. He didn't mind that Zeke had followed him over, but he was unaware of the 'look' that he was getting from Irvine.
Irvine stared wide-eyed and mouth agape. What on Zi was Zeke doing, warming up to the Imperial pilot so fast? I he hadn't been so shocked he would have called the silver Organoid back. Zeke bounded after him, wagging his tail. He stood directly behind Vega, looking overtop of him to watch what he was doing. His tail was still wagging; he seemed oddly happy for one reason or another. Vega didn't mind the Organoid so much, so long as he and Shadow didn't fight over him. That was the last thing that he needed to deal with. He sat down in the pilot's seat before pulling a console over to him to run a quick scan. When it was done did he look over the results to make sure that he would make it. "What do you think Zeke? Think the Spiner'll be able to make it?" he asked the Organoid. Zeke cocked his head and growled at him quietly, before he suddenly began to glow a bright blue-white. A moment later there was a loud 'whoosh' as he fused to the damaged Dark Spiner.
"H-Hey! I didn't ask for you to do that!" The blond cried, more than surprised that the silver Organoid would fuse with his Zoid. Zeke growled at him through the controls and speakers, the Dark Spiner beginning to glow a faint blue. Irvine, needless to say, about fell over when he saw that, what in Eve's name was that Organoid thinking? Vega huffed, but couldn't do anything about what Zeke did. It's not like he could tell him to stop since he was nearly done with his Zoid anyways...
Zeke remained fused to the Dark Spiner for the next half-hour, healing the damaged Zoid to the point that it wouldn't be as difficult to pilot and be able to make the journey back to the Guardian Force base. Once that was finished, Zeke unfused, landing beside the black Zoid. Vega got up off of pilot's seat when Zeke unfused from his Zoid and sighed at him. He petted his muzzle before speaking to him. "Now why'd you go and do something like that? You aimin' to get me in trouble?" he teased slightly, still unaware of Irvine. At least no one else was awake yet since it was only seven thirty in the morning. Zeke growled at him quietly before flopping onto his back, wagging his tail and demanding a belly rub. Irvine's jaw dropped when he saw that. He turned and kicked Van sharply, waking him up. He had to see this.
Vega sighed. "What? You too? What's with you Organoids and wanting belly rubs?" the blond asked as he knelt down and gave Zeke a belly rub, knowing that he'd have to give Shadow one too so then she wouldn't get jealous...
Van yelped when Irvine kicked him. "Irvine...why'd you kick me...?" The spiky haired piloted asked sleepily.
Irvine glared at Van slightly. "Shut yer mouth and see for yourself!" he answered, pointing to Vega and Zeke. The silver Organoid growled happily when Vega started rubbing his belly, kicking at the air slightly and wagging his tail back and forth. He clearly enjoyed it very much. Vega was still rubbing Zeke's belly, not minding it so much by the time that Van sat up. He was grumbling about pesky 'bandits' and how they should just let people sleep, but his jaw dropped too when he saw his Organoid fraternizing with the enemy!
Zeke didn't notice that he was being watched; too busy getting his belly rubbed. Shadow eventually woke back up, and glanced over at them. She whined loudly when she saw Zeke getting all the attention and withdrew her wing, getting to her feet. Raven fell back onto the sand, waking him up instantly. "Damnit!" he yelped, sitting up immediately. When he saw Irvine and Van looking at him did he brush off and straighten his uniform, trying to regain a little of his dignity.
Vega glanced back to Raven when he heard him and saw Shadow coming over to him for some attention as well. "Good morning to you too Raven," he teased slightly as he withdrew his hand from Zeke to pet Shadow when she lied down beside him. The two Organoids didn't even growl at each other...
Raven rolled his eyes. "Shut it 'Neuzu," he growled slightly, shaking his head to get the sand out of his hair. Shadow purred happily when Vega started petting her, closing her eyes and wagging her tail happily. Zeke rolled onto his belly when Vega stopped rubbing him, whining and nosing his shoulder.
Vega sighed. "Sorry Zeke, but I only have one arm at the moment. The other one's broken, and I don't want to mess it up any more. You'll just have to wait your turn, alright?" Zeke huffed loudly and seemed to pout. Shadow couldn't stop herself and smirked at the silver male, sticking her tongue out at him and making an almost teasing-sounding growl.
"Hey now, if you two are gonna argue and fight with each other, you can just forget about belly rubs and pats. At least until you apologize to the other. And believe me; I'll know if you haven't." The blond said, making sure that they knew his 'conditions'. He really didn't need the two Organoids fighting for his attention. He still wasn't paying attention to the others watching him in shock, though Raven was a little more use to it. Shadow looked at him and whined. She did not want to apologize to a whiny, stuck-up Organoid like Zeke. But then again, 'serious things' were at stake. The black Organoid glanced at Zeke before sighing loudly, arching her neck over and lightly nosing his muzzle before looking over at Vega as if to say 'happy now'?
Vega smiled. "Good. So long as you two don't fight then I'll happily give you belly rubs," he replied as he patted Zeke, since it was his 'turn'.
Van and Irvine just stood there, completely dumbfounded. "... I-I must still be asleep..." Van eventually mumbled, sitting down heavily and putting his hand to his head. Raven just glanced over at the two Organoids and his younger 'partner', shaking his head and smirking slightly. Vega certainly knew how to make things interesting.
Vega paid attention to the two Organoids for a few more minutes before speaking to Zeke again. "I have a favor to ask of you Zeke. You don't have to take it, but I'd just like to ask. Will you help me make sure that Van and Irvine don't pick any fights with Raven or me?" he asked, petting his muzzle before waiting for his 'answer'. Little did he know was that all three of them could hear what he had asked of the silver Organoid. Zeke cocked his head, as if in thought for a moment, before growling back. It wasn't an answer, but 'conditions'.
Vega sighed, but smirked anyways. "I guess I could give you more belly rubs for a 'reward'." He replied, knowing what the Organoid's 'conditions' were. Zeke growled and nodded slightly, agreeing to the 'arrangement'. Shadow was still sitting beside Vega, getting quickly bored. She leaned over and nosed Vega's shoulder, before licking his face.
Vega sighed before going back to petting Shadow. "You two are gonna kill my arms by the time we get to the base," he sighed. Shadow's answer was purring, thumping her tail against the sand when Vega started petting her again. She didn't hear what he said, and she didn't care now that she was getting rubs.
Vega just sighed. "Alright you two, we should get back to the group before they faint on us or something," he teased as he let Shadow help him up due to his leg. Zeke got up and trotted back over to Van, looking at him oddly once he saw his partner's expression. Shadow, meanwhile, stayed next to Vega, letting him lean on her whenever his leg hurt too much.
Vega finally made it back over to where Raven was and sat down. "Thanks Shadow." He said, giving her a final pat as she lied down behind him and Raven. Shadow purred loudly, nosing him before lying back down.
Raven looked over at the blond pilot and smirked. "Seems you've had a busy morning, 'Neuzu." he teased.
"Well...for your information, I have. What with Irvine 'interrogating/threatening' me and with Zeke fixing the Spiner without my asking, yeah, you can say it's been a pretty busy morning."
Raven blinked, looking over at Irvine. "...'threatening'...?" he questioned, narrowing his eyes at the older man.
"...What he would usually say to you," Vega clarified; making sure that Raven didn't do anything to get himself in trouble.
Raven glanced over at Vega, before looking back to Irvine. "Are you trying to start a fight, Irvine?" he growled slightly, "There's no need for you to start threatening us."
Vega frowned. "Now will you cut it out? I've already told him off, you don't need to as well."
Raven looked over at Vega and sighed loudly. "...alright..."
"Good. And see? You were too concerned with what I said about Irvine to hear the rest of my morning."
Raven blinked. "... well... how was the rest of your morning then?"
"It went good. And if you had been listening, you would have heard me say that Zeke fixed the Dark Spiner for me this morning without me asking him to," the blond said, indicating the mostly repaired Zoid.
Raven stared at him. "Why the Helkat would Zeke do something like that?"
Vega shrugged slightly. I don't know... He acted like Shadow did when she first met me... Growled and acted like he was gonna attack me and then just stopped and started smelling me over before turning totally docile… I ran a scan on the Spiner, asked what he thought about the Spiner being able to get to the base and then he just...fused to it..."
Raven blinked, before he sighed and shook his head slightly. "... Organoids just seem to love you..." he teased, smirking slightly.
Vega sighed. "So it would seem. But at least the two aren't going to fight any more."
Raven nodded. "Yeah, the last thing I need to do is pry to Organoids hell-bent on eating the other off one another..." he muttered. Vega nodded, not caring about the looks that Van and Irvine were giving them. They were just waiting for Moonbay to wake up so then they could get on their way to the Guardian Force base.
After another hour of quiet talking and the occasional bickering between Vega and Raven did Moonbay woke up. When she figured out the time did she have everyone pick up before shooing them to their Zoids; they needed to leave now if they were going to make it back to base before nightfall. Raven once again was in the Gustav, but this time Shadow joined him inside. Vega was back in the Dark Spiner, having to hook himself up so then he could pilot. He was not looking forward to the 'welcoming' that he and Raven would be receiving.
Raven was once again reading the Zoidian book, Shadow curled up next to his seat on the floor and Setzen sleeping on his chest. This was definitely not the Raven that Van was used to seeing or 'thought' he knew. Van knew better than to say anything, not wanting to make Moonbay mad and end up riding on the trailer the rest of the way. He was still trying to get over Zeke's odd behavior toward that young Imperial pilot. Zeke hadn't really warmed up to someone like that for a very long time...
"... Organoids seem to be drawn to Vega. Shadow reacted the same way the first time he got close," Raven said, able to tell what the spiky-haired pilot was thinking. He never once glanced up from his book.
"But why? It's not like he's done anything... And I never thought that Shadow would like anyone besides you... Not to mention actually listen to anyone else..."
Raven rolled his eyes slightly. "I'm not sure why he seems to have such an odd effect over them. Even Setzen acted the same way towards him."
Van nodded slightly. "And I don't know why Zeke would listen to him either... ...He only listens to me and Fiona...but I think that's because she's connected to Zeke somehow..." The spiky haired pilot sighed.
Raven glanced over at Van blankly. "Well... you did find Zeke with Fiona, right?" he asked.
"Yeah..." Van replied.
"Well, that means that Zeke is her Organoid, genius," Raven replied sarcastically, "Of course she has a bond with him. Shadow and I have the same thing."
Van groaned, not wanting to argue and be sent out to the trailer. "Alright then; but it still doesn't explain why both Shadow and Zeke listen to him as if he were you or Fiona!"
Raven shrugged. "I don't know," he answered, "... I think they just like him..."
"Well that's a lot of help," Van huffed as he turned back around to look outside.
Raven rolled his eyes. "Hey, you started it," he muttered.
"So? I was just wondering why Zeke would listen to him..."
"... maybe it's just because your Organoid is a pushover that'll do anything for a quick scratch..." Raven teased, smirking slightly though not look up from his book.
"Hey! Shadow was acting the same way with him!" Van defended.
"Shadow wasn't like that immediately, though, Flyheight," Raven defended.
"...B-But she's acting like that now!" Van pointed out, but before either of them could continue did Moonbay speak up.
"If I have to stop this Gustav you're both gonna regret it!"
Raven looked over at Moonbay. "He started it! Again!" he defended, pointing at the spiky-haired pilot.
"And I'll finish it if I have to! I don't mind stopping to switch you for Vega! He might listen to me!"
Raven blinked. "...but... I can't pilot the Dark Spiner and frankly he'll be worse than me with Van..."
"I'm sure he would be able to put it on auto pilot. And I don't think he'll be worse than you. He'll probably sleep the rest of the way there." Raven sighed quietly but didn't press it, not wanting to get evicted to the Dark Spiner. He picked his book out and kept reading, making sure the photograph of his family didn't slip out. Eventually the base came into view. It was late afternoon by now, since they didn't stop for lunch, even though Van whined about it.
Raven immediately put his book into his pocket, making sure it stayed safe. Shadow glided out of the cockpit once Moonbay stopped the Zoids and opened the cover, landing beside the Gustav. Raven got up next, sighing loudly before hesitantly jumping out of the cockpit. He knew entering a base full of Republicans would draw a lot of attention from said soldiers. Setzen flew out of the cockpit, circling the Dark Spiner as it stopped, and waiting for Vega.
The Dark Spiner stopped next to the Gustav and the cockpit opened after minute. Vega got out carefully, not minding it when Setzen landed on his good shoulder. Raven waited for Moonbay and the others, knowing that heading off on his own was not a good idea. He didn't want to get into a fight before he was in the base less than five minutes. Van, Irvine and Moonbay all went over to where the two ex-Imperials were standing. Van had radioed ahead for Herman and now they were waiting for him to meet them before taking the two to the base.
Raven leaned back against the Gustav, crossing his arms over his chest and lowering his head, resting his eyes. Shadow stayed standing behind him, sensing his apprehension and unease. Eventually he began to repeat a verse from the Zoidian book in 'Serrin', muttering it quietly to himself to try and keep himself calm. Vega was standing next to Raven as they waited for Herman to come and meet them. He could hear Raven speaking in what he assumed was 'Serrin', since that was the only language he had mentioned. He left him alone, knowing that he was nervous. The blond couldn't blame him. He was a little nervous too, but he had the feeling that Herman just might listen to them...hopefully...
Another fifteen minutes passed before Herman's Shield Liger appeared on the horizon. He made his way over to the small grouping of Zoids, immediately noticing a black Zoid unknown to him and another hidden under a tarp. He figured this had to be what Moonbay wanted to speak to him about. He jumped out of the cockpit, before walking over to the small cluster of people. "Sorry I'm late, but something urg-" he stopped and froze, seeing both Raven and Shadow, and a pilot he didn't know, among the familiar grouping of pilots. He had not expected that.
Vega wisely kept his mouth shut this time, knowing that right now, his 'fate' was in Herman's hands. And if Herman found out what he was then...well...at least his incredibly short life hadn't been dull... "Sorry Major Herman. But we didn't tell you that we had...uh...'company' so then you could hear them out without the rest of the base heckling them and you," Moonbay said.
Herman looked over at Moonbay. "Moonbay what is the meaning of this? You have the biggest threat to the Helic Republic, in custody, and didn't tell me?" he nearly shouted.
Moonbay sighed. "He's not the biggest threat to the Republic any more Major. Prozen tried to get rid of him and his partner for some reason. He had the entire Imperial Guard after them after they escaped from the Incinerator that he had thrown them into," she replied, finding it better to explain everything at once rather than in pieces so then Herman wouldn't be able to side step his way around her reasoning.
Herman blinked. "... Regent Prozen tried to kill him?" he asked, unsure if he had heard that right. Why would the Regent try to kill the Imperial Army's greatest weapon?
Moonbay nodded. "From my understanding that's what happened. The blond has two broken limbs from the fall, but Raven's injuries weren't as bad. But his Zoid can't even move at the moment," she sighed.
"...well, I don't know his reasoning with trying to kill the blond one..." Herman muttered, "... but it seems Prozen finally wised-up and decided to try and 'do something' about Raven..." he almost growled.
Moonbay shook her head at Herman. "Now you listen here Herman! These two know all about the inner workings of the Empire and just what Prozen's after. I can assure you that the blond won't answer any of your questions if you decide to execute Raven. These two deserve a second chance just like every one, despite what they've done or haven't done. And don't you tell me that you don't need that information!" Moonbay said a little hotly as she poked Herman's chest with her finger to emphasize her point.
Herman blinked, not having expected such a fiery reaction from the Transporter. "Of course I want that information, but that doesn't change the fact that Raven's a war criminal responsible for the death of hundreds of soldiers and countless Zoids!"
Moonbay's eyes narrowed slightly. "You can't place all the deaths on him! Other Imperial soldiers have killed, and so has the Republican side. So don't you dare place all the blame on him Herman. He was just a solider following orders too."
"...following orders I can deal with, Moonbay, but he enjoyed killing people..." Herman spat back. Raven couldn't help but cringe slightly, able to hear Herman nearly screaming for his death over his muttering. His shoulders slumped slightly, knowing he was basically a dead man now.
Moonbay's eyes were still narrowed. "Now you listen here Herman. You can talk and threaten all you like, but would you seriously deny someone a second chance if they were willing to change and help?" She asked, trying to pound it into another male's thick head that Raven wasn't going to be causing them any more trouble.
Herman narrowed his eyes slightly, but eventually sighed. "...unfortunately... I can't have him executed immediately..." he muttered, "... but you know as well as I do that there are orders out for all Republican soldiers to 'execute him on sight'," he reminded.
"I know Herman. But they can't even fight back if they wanted to. And just think; their own side betrayed them Herman. Prozen has to have a reason for it and they know that reason."
Herman looked over at the both of them and sighed loudly. "... the blond one I have no problem with... it's Raven that's the issue..." he said, "... Raven still hasn't shown me any proof that he can be...'trusted'..." he spoke with disdain, as if the very word left a foul taste in his mouth.
"Then give him that chance now! Before you just decide to have him executed!" Moonbay said.
"Well Moonbay, what do you suggest I have him do?" the Major demanded.
"You could have him live at the base Herman! Not only could you watch him like a hawk, but if he doesn't start any problems then it shows that he's not our enemy!"
Herman narrowed his eyes at her, before glancing over at Raven. He gritted his teeth before sighing loudly. "...fine..." he growled, "... there's a mandatory three-day wait before executions can be carried out, anyway..."
Moonbay nodded. It would have to do for now. "I know you can't stop everything Herman. But you can't get him executed when one of the other Republican soldiers try to rile him up. I know that you don't like it, and were probably looking for that as a scapegoat, but don't you dare use that. I can assure you bad things will happen if you do so," she warned, knowing that not only would Shadow go ballistic, but Vega would as well.
Herman nodded slightly. "Yes, I know. But I'm not the person in charge of executions, Moonbay. The Madam President is, and of course Raven would need to be pardoned by Emperor Rudolf as well to stop from being executed by his own country."
Moonbay nodded. "I'm sure he knows that. But first, one step at a time, if we were to call on Emperor Rudolf and let them tell him what Prozen's been doing, then that we might be able to stall what it is that Prozen's trying to do. Or at least be prepared for it. It's obvious to me that the Emperor doesn't know what his Minister is planning.
Herman nodded slightly. "...fine... but if Emperor Rudolf or Madam President rejects the pardon, then he's a dead man." he warned.
"Even if Emperor Rudolf pardons him and would be willing to take him back to the Palace?" Moonbay asked.
Herman nodded. "Yes, because he's in Republican custody now and therefore is under our jurisdiction," he said, "If Madam President says he's to be executed, even if the Emperor pardons him, he will be tried and then executed for his crimes."
Moonbay sighed. "Alright... I know I can't change how the military works, but you should at least give him a chance to prove that he's not our enemy any more."
Herman glanced over at Raven, before back to Moonbay. "...ONE chance. If he so much as makes one misstep, one screw-up, one reason to make me think he's against us, then he'll be executed immediately, without trial."
Moonbay sighed. "Alright, but now, you should talk to them and let them know," she said, indicating the two ex-Imperials that were waiting quietly and nervously for either Herman to explode or give them a chance. Herman nodded slightly, before looking over at the soldiers. He started over towards them, having to stop himself from reaching for his pistol out of reflex. Raven glanced up when he heard Herman coming towards them, extremely worried about his and Vega's 'fate'. Vega watched as Herman came over to him. Well...at least he wasn't calling for backup or pulling his pistol on them to kill them himself. This was a good sign...right...?
Herman walked over to them, looking at them both critically. Raven immediately stood up straight and lowered his arms to his sides. "... Major..." he said quietly, knowing he was probably expecting to be greeted formally.
Vega couldn't stand as straight as he would have liked to, instead having to reply on the Gustav's trailer for support. Herman inclined his head slightly. "...Raven..." He replied, a little sternly, but that was to be expected. He didn't acknowledge Vega yet, wanting to get it through Raven that he only had one chance and that was it.
Raven wasn't entirely sure what to do. He didn't want to say the wrong thing and seal his 'fate'. "... congrats on being promoted..." he eventually said, knowing he had only recently become a Major.
Herman blinked, more than a little shocked that Raven knew about that, let alone would congratulate him. He quickly schooled his expression though it didn't go un-noticed by the blond. "Thank you. However, I am not here for that. I'm here to tell you what I've decided."
Raven paled slightly, having the sinking feeling he wasn't going to be around much longer. "...w-what was your decision...sir...?"
"You and your partner will be living on the base until your trial with the Madam President. If she pardons you then you won't be executed. We're also going to contact Emperor Rudolf and see what he will do. However, even if the Emperor does pardon you, but the Madam President does not, then you will still be executed since you're under our custody and jurisdiction. And if I find any reason to believe that we can't trust you, you'll be executed immediately without trial. You'll only have one chance to prove yourself until your trial with the Madam President in three days time," Herman explained.
Raven took a moment to take all that in, before nodding slightly. "...and...what about Vega...?" he asked quietly, unsure of what the younger pilot's fate was.
"He's under observation for now. He technically hasn't done anything that would warrant being executed, but if he messes up or is seen to be a threat then he will be executed too," Herman replied, looking over to the blond pilot.
Raven blinked. "...why would he be executed? He's only been on a few non-combat missions with me... and one combat mission, but that was just getting rid of bandits plaguing the joint trade-route..."
"He's an unknown, but an Imperial. He could be trying to infiltrate us under orders, despite Prozen having thrown the both of you into the incinerator and sending the Imperial Army after you. A spy would do anything to complete a mission. I'll not leave anything to chance."
Raven sighed loudly. "...regardless...even Prozen wouldn't send someone as injured as Vega to spy... besides... he has machines to do that now..."
Herman narrowed his eyes slightly. "What do you mean by that Raven?" he asked. Before Raven could answer Vega stopped him, basically telling him to wait until they had gotten inside and were able to discuss this with every one present, instead of having to repeat themselves.
Raven sighed. "Vega's right, this isn't the time or place for that. Wouldn't you rather be back at base where you could be able to write this stuff down?"
Herman scowled but agreed. "I'll have to make sure my troops know not to shoot you or your partner. So wait here until I radio Moonbay." Raven nodded slightly, definitely not wanting to get shot after surviving the whole ordeal he had just gone through. Besides, he knew Shadow would raze the base until there wasn't a single brick left standing if that happened. Herman turned and walked back to where Moonbay, Van and Irvine were; telling them what was going on. He left shortly after that to tell his troops and to alert the Madam President of what was going on.
Raven was still a tad shaken, having well and truly believed he was going to be executed. He knew he still possibly could, but at least know he had a fighting chance. He hoped.
Vega sighed. "Raven...calm down... We're gonna be okay..." he tired to reassure.
Raven shook his head slightly. "... you don't understand, Vega... the Madam President and I... we aren't on good terms... I've tried to kill her son... several times..."
Vega sighed. "...I don't think she'll let the past cloud her judgment Raven. She has a country to rule...she can't just out people on death row just because she doesn't like them... She has to give people chances too..."
"... I know Vega but... even though I was born in the Republic I'm far from 'welcomed'... and... I'm not the kind of person that's easy to give a 'second chance' too..." Raven said quietly.
Vega sighed. "If my body wasn't so 'broken' I'd knock some sense into you. Now, you listen and listen good. You're going to do just fine. I'll be right there to help you. I won't let you get into trouble. Got it?" he asked, leveling Raven with a glare that said; 'You better agree or I will hurt you myself.' Raven just looked at Vega and shook his head. He wasn't very 'threatening', especially considering how injured he was. He was just hoping the Republican soldiers would behave themselves, even though he knew they wouldn't.
Vega sighed. "Just don't worry yourself too much alright?" he asked, as they waited for Moonbay to tell them that it was alright for them to go to the base.
Raven just shook his head again. Vega apparently didn't know just all he had done. After a few more minutes Moonbay approached them. "Alright you two, we can go to the base now." Vega nodded and with some help managed to get back into the Dark Spiner. He hooked up to it and waited to be lead back into the base. Raven got back into the Gustav, followed by Shadow and Setzen. He hadn't said anything yet, and just wanted this to be over with.
Vega followed beside the Gustav and they eventually made it to the base. Herman instructed him on where to house his Zoid so he did that. Thankfully, Herman had told the personnel to not touch either his Zoid or Raven's Zoid. When he had it in its stall did he unhook himself and lower the Zoid so then he could get out. He was very much aware of all the people watching him as he got out of the unknown Zoid and waited for some type of instruction. Raven jumped out of the Gustav, followed by Shadow. Setzen immediately went to Vega, perching on his uninjured shoulder. Needless to say the soldiers were 'surprised' to see Raven, unrestrained, in their base. When they got no further instruction, as they had to wait for Herman, did Vega carefully walk over to where the others were. He didn't like being separated, especially in such a hostile place.
Raven looked over at Vega. "You alright...?" he asked quietly, unsure if his arm and leg were doing better or worse.
"I'm alright... ...A little paranoid and a little uncomfortable, but alright..." the A.I. replied, glancing around at all the Republicans that were watching them closely. They didn't even care that he was an unknown. He was an Imperial and with Raven and that was a good enough reason to hate him.
They waited a good while for Herman to show up, and when he didn't Moonbay got impatient. "Alright Van, take Raven and Vega to get patched up. I'll wait here for Herman," she said, looking over at the spiky-haired pilot.
"What! Why do I have to?" the spiky haired pilot whined.
Moonbay smacked Van upside the head for that. "Van, you're a member of the Guardian Force for Eve's sake! You can man-up and take Raven and Vega to the medical bay!" Van rubbed the back of his head where Moonbay had hit him. He sighed before grudgingly decided to lead the two Imperials to the medical bay.
Raven was reluctant as well, but Vega's wounds were more important. He helped Vega to the medical bay, despite his protests about it. "... you gotta seem 'normal', 'Neuzu..." he growled at him just loudly enough for him to hear, not wanting the A.I. to get found out.
"...I know... But they don't have to stare," the blond growled out, trying not to look at anything or one but the floor.
Raven sighed. "Just don't worry about it..." he tried to reassure. The medical bay was just down the hall, but with Vega's leg it was slow going. Shadow was walking near them, growling and snapping at any soldiers that got too close. Eventually they reached the medical wing and Van lead them inside. As much as he wanted to just leave them there, he couldn't for the doctors came and ordered the two Imperials to take seats on two of the beds and for Van to stay. So then he could keep other soldiers out should they attempt to get in. Raven kept his eyes on Vega, knowing he was hurt worse. He also knew that if they took x-rays of him then things would end badly, very badly.
When the doctors came over and asked just what was wrong, Vega told them of his injuries. He was also praying that they wouldn't have to give him an x-ray. Even though he told them just what was wrong and broken, they still needed to take x-rays so then they could accurately patch him up. Before either of them could protest he was carted away by his doctor. He just hoped that the head scientist had known what he was doing when creating him, and made his inner structure look and 'read' more like natural bone instead of some sort of modified metal.
Raven, meanwhile, was getting his wounds tended to. They weren't as bad as he had originally thought, but had cut through several veins and arteries. Thankfully they'd closed up and he hadn't bled to death. Once his wounds were wrapped up in fresh bandages, he got up, despite the doctor's protests, and waiting for Vega to come back out. Vega remained in the other section of the medical bay for at least an hour. That meant that he was either still being treated or they were keeping him because of his...results... Eventually though, did the door open and Vega walked out with the doctor by his side. His right arm was in a sling, only set with gauze instead of a cast. His left leg had a bit of a heavier wrapping on it and he had a crutch as well so then he wouldn't have to keep depending on Raven. But other than that, he seemed to be in once piece and alright.
Raven got back to his feet, walking over to Vega. "...well, what'd they said?" he asked, unsure if the doctor had done anything else besides just patch him up.
Vega sighed. "That I need to rest as much as possible and eat three good meals a day to keep my strength up; nothing that I didn't already know," he replied.
Raven nodded and sat down, making sure Vega sat down as well beside him. They weren't 'allowed' to leave yet. "... the doctor that treated me, she said we have to get blood-work done to make sure we're healthy and all that..." he sighed quietly.
Vega blinked. "...o-oh... ...well...I guess it's better to not make a fuss at the moment..." he said quietly.
Raven looked at him oddly. "...is something wrong?" he asked quietly, a bit worried now.
Vega shook his head 'no' slightly. "...I have blood if that's what you're worried about... ...only problem is...I have no idea just whose DNA created it..." he replied quietly so then the doctors couldn't hear him.
Raven blinked. "...that... could be a problem..." he sighed quietly, "... I've got a bad feeling about this..."
"...me too...but...it's not like we can stop them... And...I know that I won't be able to lie to the Madam President and Emperor Rudolf when we go and meet them..." He replied.
Raven sighed quietly. Eventually the female doctor that had treated him came back, with supplies to draw their blood. Raven paled slightly; he never liked needles, not after Prozen had all those tests run on him shortly after being 'enlisted'. Vega wasn't as bothered. Considering that he had been poked and prodded and 'invaded' multiple times over, he was use to it. He waited patiently for the doctor to take blood samples, only hoping that it wasn't too out of the ordinary.
The doctor started with Vega first, since he was closest. She had Vega hold out his good arm, sticking the needle carefully into the middle part of his arm, where his 'veins' were visible. She only took a very small vile of blood, before removing the needle and putting a band aid over the small puncture. Vega scowled at the brightly colored band aid, but didn't remove it. He figured that the doctor though that he was a little too young to be in the military. And she wasn't that far off since he was only nine days old now.
Raven swallowed slightly, not wanting to get his blood drawn, but he knew he was on 'borrowed' time and didn't protest. He pulled up the sleeve on his left arm, unfortunately revealing several scars from what Prozen told him was 'medical testing'. The doctor frowned slightly when she saw those scars, for they were not made from Zoids battles. She first drew his blood, sticking a brightly colored band aid on him as well before asking him about them.
Raven groaned slightly in annoyance, more from the band aid than her questioning. "... 'medical testing' Prozen ordered on me when I was ten..." he sighed quietly.
"'Medical testing'? Just what kind of testing did he have done?" she asked, making sure to write all this down on her clip board.
"...lots of blood tests, tissue samples, injections of... I don't even know what... and surgeries that I know had no purpose..." Raven muttered somewhat, rubbing his scarred arm slightly at the thoughts.
The doctor's frown deepened. "Hmm... Anything else?" she asked.
Raven thought for a minute. "...he put me through lots of physical tests... stamina, pain tolerance, isolation... I don't what his reasoning was... I was only ten when he started... and he only stopped about one or two years ago..." Raven added.
The doctor nodded slightly, writing this all down before she spoke up again. "Even though you're an Imperial soldier that's done more than just a few terrible things, I don't believe that you should be given death when everyone else gets a second chance. I don't know if this will help, but I will make sure that the Madam President sees this, in confidence, of course," she replied.
Raven nodded slightly. "...thank you, miss..." he replied quietly, even though he was afraid the Madam President wouldn't see things from a neutral perspective.
"Alright you two, I'm going to take these samples to be tested. You're to stay here until I come back, even if Herman tells you to come with him. As of now, you're both my patients. Not his." Raven nodded slightly, not wanting to get into trouble after less than two hours in the Republican base. He eventually leaned back onto the bed they were sitting on, staring up at the ceiling and sighing heavily. He'd brought up long-repressed memories and was trying to sort them out. Vega was sitting on his bed, waiting for the doctor to come back or for Herman to try and usher them somewhere. He knew that talking about those things that Prozen had done to him caused bad memories to come up. He didn't want to talk before he was ready to.
Another half an hour passed, and Raven had eventually dozed off into an uneasy light sleep. Not long after Major Herman entered the medical bay and walked over to them. "Alright you two, on your feet, you're coming with me."
Vega looked over to him. "...the doctor said not to leave until she came back," he said, not knowing which would be worse: making Herman mad or the doctor.
Herman narrowed his eyes slightly. "I don't care what the doctor said, Vega, you two need to come with me. Now," he said sternly.
Vega scowled slightly. "I don't particularly enjoy making doctors mad. They have their own ways of getting 'revenge' on their disobeying patients," he replied.
Herman sighed. "Well, which doctor is treating you then?" he asked, going to go 'talk' with the doctor for giving them such orders. Vega looked behind Herman and pointed to the female doctor that was standing behind him, hands on her hips. She was glaring at the Major slightly for trying to take her patients away before she had deemed that they were healthy enough.
Herman blinked when he saw the doctor. "... it had to be Doctor Anders..." he muttered to himself, "... uhh... sorry Ms. Anders... I'll... let you get back to your patients..." he stuttered slightly, not wanting to cross the short-tempered female doctor.
The female doctor leveled him with a glare. "You can wait out in the sitting room until I clear them. You hear me?" she asked.
Herman groaned and rolled his eyes slightly. He was a Major in the Republican army, but in here she made the rules and he had to listen. "...fine..." he muttered, walking out into the other room to wait.
Doctor Anders watched as he left before going back to her patients. Raven was awake and sitting up by now, having watched the entire thing. She went over to them and handed them each a small orange container that held pain relievers. "These should only be taken once every six hours. I'll make sure the both of you take one before you leave. And I want to see the both of you back here in five days time, alright?" she asked.
Raven nodded slightly. "...if I haven't been executed by then..." he muttered to himself.
The doctor heard him and sighed. "Now, don't you go talking like that. I'm sure you'll do fine." She said as she helped Vega stand up and handed him his crutch. "I best send you two to Herman before he become too irritable."
Raven nodded slightly and got up as well. They both took one of the medicines she had given them before walking out into the other room. "...what did you want, Major?" the dark pilot asked, unsure of what he had wanted before being shooed off by Doctor Anders.
Herman stood up, muttering something that sounded like 'finally'. "Come on you two. You're coming with me." The Major said as he led them out of the medical wing.
Raven was starting to get nervous again, even with Vega and Shadow with him. He knew Herman wouldn't try anything, being too afraid of the black Organoid. "...where are you taking us?" he asked, making sure to keep an eye on Vega so he wouldn't lag behind.
"Your rooms," Herman replied shortly. Moonbay had made it clear that they get rooms and not cells while they were here. He had contacted the Madam President and she was contacting Emperor Rudolf about what to do exactly. Needless to say, the Emperor was rather curious as to what had happened. Raven was quiet as the Republican Major led him and Vega to their rooms. He was worried about his future and Vega's as well. The Republicans seemed to see him as being no better than him, even though that notion was completely unfounded.
After about five minutes did they reach two rooms that were opposite of each other, one being 5887 and the other being 5888. Herman stopped and turned to face them. "These will be your rooms until further notice. I made sure that they were well out of the way of the other soldiers," He said.
Raven turned and nodded, before opening the door to 5887, Shadow and Setzen immediately rushing in to check the room. "...thank you, Major." Raven thanked him, looking around the spacious room. It was worlds better than anything he had had before, even in the Imperial palace.
Herman just nodded slightly before addressing them again. "I'll have O'Connell come and get you two within an hour's time. Don't leave either of your rooms," The Major said as he made sure the blond was able to get into his room alright. Once that was done did he leave.
Raven waited until Herman was long gone before leaving his room, walking over to Vega's quarters and knocking on the door. "Vega, let me in." he said, wanting to talk to the younger pilot. He was worried, and wanted to make sure Vega knew what was going to happen. Vega opened the door to let Raven in, knowing that he wanted to talk. Herman said not to leave their rooms. And they weren't. Raven was just 'visiting' him in his.
Raven sat down on one of the beds. Both his and Vega's rooms had two beds, which was good for Raven seeing that otherwise Shadow would try and hog the bed. "...you know what's going to happen... don't you?"
"...for the most part... ...I know that it has to be a meeting of some sort..." the A.I. replied, sitting on the opposite bed.
Raven sighed loudly, leaning back onto the bed to rest his back. His whole body was sore from the recent trauma, stress and emotional taxing, but he'd live, if the Republicans and Imperials allowed it. "... they're gonna question you and me...so, we better answer as truthfully as we can or else I won't be around much longer..."
Vega nodded. "...Even about...what I am...?" he questioned, having hoped to wait with that information until the Madam President or Emperor Rudolf spoke with them.
Raven sighed quietly. "...we should probably wait for that..." he answered.
Vega nodded. "...I just hope that they take it as well as you did..." he sighed.
"...the Madam President isn't one to discriminate..." Raven tried to reassure, sitting back up.
Vega nodded. "She might not but...what about the others?" he asked.
Raven sighed. "... I don't think the others will notice just yet, Vega..." he tried to assure.
Vega nodded. "Right now...I think I'm more worried about the blood test..."
Raven sighed quietly. "... me too..." he muttered quietly.
"I mean...what am I supposed to tell them when someone else's DNA comes up? And...how will they believe me..."
Raven sighed loudly. "...well... then I guess we'll just have to tell them then..." he sighed quietly, "... or we could try to ask Doctor Anders to not show the results until our audience with the Madam President."
Vega nodded. "I guess we could..." the blond replied, though he had a feeling that it wouldn't play out like they hoped that it would.
Raven sighed loudly, before grabbing one of the pillows and lightly throwing it at him. "Lighten up a bit, I don't think they'll put it together..." he tried to reassure.
Vega scowled slightly. "Don't make me have to hurt you," he replied, not throwing the pillow back.
Raven rolled his eyes. "... well someone's in a mood today..." he muttered sarcastically to himself.
Vega sighed. "I'm just a little tired and irritable okay? I may be patched up but I'm still tired."
Raven nodded slightly. "... I can tell..." he sighed, "... I'm tired too, so is Shadow..."
"...and it's not like we can really go to sleep right this moment..." Vega said as he noted the time on the clock.
Raven sighed quietly. "I know..." he said, before a scratching at the door drew his attention. He got up and looked through the peephole, and when he didn't see anyone opened it. Setzen came shooting into the room, having opened Raven's door to get into Vega's room. He sighed loudly. "...determined little thing, isn't he?"
Vega chuckled. "Yep, you'll have to make sure to lock the door or something when O'Connell comes to collect us. Don't need him causing trouble to the base before we get a chance to explain ourselves.
Raven sighed, walking out and shutting the door to his room before returning to Vega's room. "...this is gonna be a long three days..."
Vega nodded. "...but we'll get through it...somehow..." he replied, not wanting Raven to start acting like he had earlier.
Raven sighed loudly. "... I hope so..." he said a bit solemnly, sitting down on the free bed.
Vega just sighed quietly, having nothing else to say without repeating himself. They waited patiently for fifteen more minutes before O'Connell finally came to get them. Raven sat back up when he heard O'Connell at the door. He looked over at Vega and sighed. "... I know they won't allow Shadow and Setzen and will likely have me restrained, but just keep calm, okay?" he said, not wanting Vega to get too nervous. Vega nodded slightly. He got up and went over to the door to open it up for the turquoise haired Lt.
"... I assume Major Herman told you I was coming, right?" O'Connell asked, glancing in at Raven. Seeing the dark pilot in the Guardian Force base was odd to him, especially after their past encounters.
Vega nodded. "He did..." He replied, moving back slightly so then he didn't seem 'threatening' or rebellious.
O'Connell nodded slightly. "Alright then..." he said, entering the room and looking at Raven, "... Major Herman ordered you be in handcuffs for the hearing, just to reassure the attendees..." the Lieutenant added, holding out the restraining cuffs. Raven sighed loudly and got up, letting him put them on. He didn't want to refuse and ruin his chances, anyway. O'Connell then led the way out of the room and down several of the halls, heading towards a conference room where high-ranking Guardian Force officials were waiting.
Vega followed them as quickly as he could. His patience with his crutch was already wearing thin and he was this close to chucking it so then he could walk. However, the thought of being scolded by Dr. Anders kept him from doing anything. They soon reached the conference room and waited for O'Connell to take them in so then they could be interrogated. O'Connell told them to stay and went in first, addressing the Guardian Force members inside, though Raven and Vega couldn't make out what he said. Raven was nervous, shifting his weight slightly and muttering the verse again, trying to keep calm.
"...Raven...calm down... I know you're nervous, but that's not going to help us..." he said quietly.
Raven stopped his muttered and glanced up at him. "...you'd be nervous if you were in my position, Vega..."
Vega looked down. "...sorry Raven... ...I know you're nervous...but we'll do fine..."
Raven looked down to. "... I hope so..."
"Don't worry. They can't do anything to us right now. We haven't caused any trouble since we got here."
Raven sighed quietly. "... they could decide not to let me see Madam President and just execute me now..." he said quietly.
"...will you stop thinking like that...? We'll be fine." the A.I. said as the door opened up again and O'Connell called them in.
Raven just shook his head slightly, but followed Vega inside anyway. He kept quiet, not wanting to ruin his one chance at life. As O'Connell led them both to the front of the conference room he couldn't help but feel alienated by all the cold stares he was receiving from the Guardian Force officials. Vega felt uncomfortable as well, since he was receiving those stares as well, despite not having done anything to the Helic Republic. They sat down where O'Connell directed them too and waited for the others to start questioning them.
Author's Note: The poor guys! D: They're living on borrowed time now… Most of the Guardian Force doesn't want to give them a second chance, but at least they have a couple people on their side. Just what's going to happen in this interrogation is anyone's guess. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please Review! They make my day! :)