Chapter 25: Path to Old Miltia

When Albedo released the seal, the lost path to Old Miltia was reopened once again. In response to this incident, the Federation government and the Immigrant Fleet both began their invasion into Miltian space. Their objective was to gain control over the original Zohar, which was still sleeping on Miltia. However, the Immigrant Fleet has anticipated this incident and successfully broke through the Federation's blockade. The Immigrant Fleet begin their descent into Old Miltia. In its confusion, the Federation government's response was slow and disorganized. Though they deployed ships to try and secure the region, the Federation's unable to stop the Immigrant Fleet's advance...

In a cathedral like area of the Immigrant Fleet leading ship, the Patriarch stood in front of an altar where the communication hologram of Margulis appeared nearby. "I see that Miltia and the Subcommittee have begun to take action. And there's news that Vector is taking part, as well. Can you handle them?" the old man asked. "Leave it to me. I have already dispatched the Inquisitors. The disheveled Federation will be no match for us," the burgandy haired man responded. A small pause went between them.

"Margulis."

"Yes, Holiness?"

"I have faith in you. Not as an Inquisitor, but as a comrade who shares the same goals. I want you to show me the strength of your devotion. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Meanwhile, after receiving orders to appear before Vector, Allen and myself returned to the Dämmerung stationed in Miltian space. In response to the Immigrant Fleet offensive, Representative Helmer dispatched Miltia's standing forces to support the Federation. Helmer also planned out a covert operation to acquire the original Zohar on Miltia. This mission was secretly supported by Vector and the Contact Subcommittee and would be carried out by the Kukai Foundation. Upon receiving Helmer's request, Jr. and the others made preparations to descend into Old Miltia in the newly restored Elsa. In addition, to ensure the absolute success of this mission, several new members also joined their ranks. Also, after the seal was opened, Shane had collapsed due to the second persona, Rukia, a female U.R.T.V.

chaos sat beside Shane as she slept in the custom-made bedroom Captain Matthews had installed on the Elsa. He wiped the sweat from her head. "...Wake up soon, Shane...you're needed once more." He took hold of her hand and held it in both of his hands.

--

Back at the U.M.N. Control Center, Juli sat at a console with MOMO behind her. "Judging by the situation, it seems the journey to Old Miltia needs to happen as soon as possible," she told her. "Yes." The dark-haired woman looked back at the Realian. "According to Representative Helmer, if they use your 100-Series prototype special navigational skills, they could potentially travel to Old Miltia undetected." MOMO nodded in response.

"It'll be very dangerous. But I can't put the entire star cluster at risk because of my personal feelings."

"Mommy…" The pink-haired moved closer to her mother. "It feels strange to me now. For some reason, I don't want to let you go," Juli said sadly as MOMO stood next to her. "Mommy!" "It's just like he…like Ziggurat said… You and Sakura are two completely different people. The Sakura that Rubedo described to me was a carefree tomboy. But you… You're a thoughtful, dependable young woman. That's why I want to get to know you better. It's going to be a difficult mission. But make sure you come back. I'll be waiting."

"Yes!"

Chapter 25: End

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Yes, VERY short chapter. Made it pretty obvious that chaos DOES like Shane, in a way. :3 R&R.