"Sir, I'm picking up the Bismarck's identification signal," a soldier says as he scans the console before him, several Cavalry Command dignitaries behind him.
"Very good. See if you can connect and find out if the mission was successful," a stout commander standing behind him says, the others giving a nod in agreement.
"Yes sir," the soldier replies then hits a button, "Yuma command to Bismarck, do you read?"
"Loud and clear, Yuma," April replies cheerfully. "We have Commander Eagle and would like clearance to land. Our ETA is approximately sixty minutes."
"Roger that, Bismarck," the soldier replies. "You may land at dock SW7. Several people will be waiting."
"10-4 Yuma. Bismarck out."
"I don't know how they did it, but they did it," a taller commander says to the other two beside him.
"King Jared had faith in this team. He sent them out against our wishes, but I am glad he did," the stout commander replies.
The other man nods. "He has seen them in real life and death scenarios, so he felt they deserved the chance, despite how they performed in the sims."
"Indeed. They also had a more personal investment in getting the Commander back. I'm not sure any other team would've survived this mission."
"I can't believe it. I was captured by the Outriders and should have died…but instead I have learned. I have learned that perhaps we were too quick to judge. Like us, there are good and bad. They cannot be grouped as one. Without the kindness I was shown, I would not have survived. I now have the chance to repay their kindness," Commander Eagle thinks to himself as he stares out into the vastness of space as the Bismarck continues towards Yuma.
"Hey Shinji, whattaya say after we drop off the Commander, we go back and finish off the Outriders?" Colt asks turning to his friend.
"Sounds good to me, Cowboy," Shinji replies. "Let's blow them out of the galaxy before they can attack again."
"I cannot authorize such a mission," Commander Eagle replies.
"What?" Shinji replies in disbelief.
"Huh?" Colt, Saber, and April reply turning towards the commander.
"This endless cycle of they attack, we retaliate…it gets us nowhere. We have to change."
"Look, I get that there might be a few good Outriders," Colt replies. "but most of 'em have been trying to destroy us. I don't see that changing' anytime soon."
"We do ourselves no favors by continuing to fight, Mr. Wilcox. We will only continue to lose more human lives. If we can finally make peace, we need to. The wasting of the lives of our people and theirs accomplishes nothing."
"Their people? They aren't people, they aren't like us, they only want death and destruction," Shinji counters.
"Regardless of their past transgressions, we must move past it and lead the way to peace," the commander replies firmly.
"We're about to reenter the atmosphere. Strap in, Daddy," April states.
The commander nods an acknowledgement and complies as the others put their helmets back on.
The exterior of the ship begins to heat up as they pass through various layers of the atmosphere.
They land and are met by rows of soldiers and awaiting dignitaries. The commander disembarks ahead of the others and is immediately met by the stout commander. They shake hands and exchange greetings before the small group heads for a boardroom, leaving the crew to disembark after him.
"You know, I think maybe they brainwashed your father during his captivity, April," Shinji says as they walk down the ramp of the ship.
"I'm not sure what got into him," April replies defensively.
"Don't look now ya'll, but King Jared's heading our way," Colt says with a hint of shock.
"Your highness," Shinji says by way of greeting as he reaches the bottom of the ramp.
"Shinji, I am glad to hear you all succeeded in your mission. Thank you for bringing him back."
"We did what we had to do, your highness."
The Commander is met with rounds of applause as he approaches the head of a large table. "Thank you. I am grateful to be back, but we have much to discuss. Some of which will likely be a great shock to you, so please, everyone be seated so we can begin." Several people take seats around the table, several others standing along the sides of the room, awaiting his next words. "After I was captured, I managed to escape their prison cells on their base world. I managed to avoid recapture thanks to the help of many Outriders." Collective gasps of disbelief are heard, but the commander presses on, pulling up a hologram of the Outrider world. "This is their world…and base," he begins, "It was once in what we would call a parallel dimension. Recently, they somehow brought it into ours."
"But why?" someone asks.
"To what end?" another asks.
"Because their world is dying. Those in power have exhausted all of the world's resources. They are weak and unable to sustain themselves much longer."
"That's great news."
"Let's attack now. Send in everything we've got."
Commander Eagle sighs, "Yes, it is a prime time to attack," he concedes. "But it is also our best shot at making peace with them."
"Peace?!" one of the commanders asks in shock. "Why? They've been nothing but hostile towards us."
"I have seen many that are far more like us, than those who wish us harm," Commander Eagle replies simply.
"But they don't even have the same makeup as humans." another counters.
"Ah, but we are more alike than you know. We share a common history. At one point we coexisted. Their bodies adapted to their new environment, such is the way of evolution. The Moai heads are on both our worlds. Our link to our common heritage."
"Charles, you can't be serious?!" King Jared says, rising from his seat. "I've been your friend a long time, and I am willing to listen, but this…this is so implausible."
"He's right Commander. Maybe the trauma has messed with your head. Maybe they showed you what you wanted to see."
"If they truly wanted peace, they should have taken the offer sixteen years ago to coexist! I offered to share my lands. They reply by trying to decimate us time and again," the king says becoming more agitated.
"He's right Commander, they are trying to-" another officer goes to speak when an alert sounds.
"Sir!" a soldier says popping up on the com screen. "The Outriders are trying to hack our com line."
"See Commander? They-"
"Don't assume negativity. Let's see what they have to say," Commander Eagle says, cutting off the other's protest. "Patch them through."
"Aye sir," the com soldier replies hesitantly.
The large screen activates and Commander Eagle turns to face it just as an Outrider officer appears, causing several in the room to gasp in shock,
"Good Day, Commander. I do hope you have fond memories of your time with us," the officer states snidely.
"What do you want?" the commander replies, forcing agitation from his voice.
"The Chancellor Nemesis wishes to speak to you, Commander," he replies.
"Very well, put him on."
The screen blanks out momentarily before showing Nemesis' large imposing visage on the screen, causing gasps of shock and fear throughout the room.
"Nemesis," the commander mutters in disbelief. "What is the purpose of this call?" he asks.
"Simple. I wish for our people to stop fighting," Nemesis replies coolly.
"You destroyed my planet!" one officer says as he stands up.
"Mine too," says another.
"And mine! With no thought of the innocents you slaughtered!"
"Enough!" Commander Eagle says, holding his arm out and turning to his men for emphasis. "Just what is your point?" he asks, turning to face Nemesis once more.
"My point is that I have drafted a peace treaty."
"Very well. Send it to us and we'll review it. If your terms are reasonable, we will sign it and go from there."
"I will send it with my most trusted officer, Corporal Jesse Blue."
Several gasps are heard.
"That monster killed my-"
"That is in the past," Eagle says forcefully. "We will lose even more people if we don't try for peace."
"It's a trick!" another calls out.
"You may be right. But if we don't at least make an effort, we could lose our only chance at achieving peace. Blue is to be considered an Emissary and treated as such. Are we clear?"
Several sit back down, obviously displeased, but unwilling to continue the argument.
Turning back to the screen, the commander faces Nemesis once more, "Send your man. He will be treated appropriately."
"Very good, Commander. He shall arrive shortly," Nemesis replies then the screen goes black.
Commander suddenly looks worn out and plops heavily into his chair.
"Sir? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Just a bit run down. I meant what I said. I want us to find a way to make this work. Yes, they are running out of energy, so we need to help settle them. If by giving them a place to live, we spare more lives, then it's worth it."
"I'm still not sure about this."
"Nor am I. You can't trust anything they say."
"I agree," says King Jared. "Are we honoring those we've lost by doing this? What would Shinjiro say? Or Marcus? Or Natalia?"
Commander Eagle looks to the king at the mention of his late wife's name, "I feel they would want us to spare lives by attempting peace," he says obviously fatigued. "I just pray this is the right thing to do."
"You understand your Mission, Corporal?" Nemesis asks his subordinate.
"I do. Get the humans to agree with your terms. Be humble enough they believe me. Watch for weak spots. I got it," Jesse replies. "Make sure they comply with dismantling that ship."
"What if they refuse?" the second officer asks. "What then?"
"Then they break their own terms and we destroy them until none are left," Nemesis replies. "Now go, Jesse."
"Yes sir," he replies and heads off the bridge.
"They've been in there for hours," April says obviously concerned as she and Shinji share a bench outside the meeting chambers, Colt and Saber leaning against the wall nearby.
"They have a lot to talk about if your father is telling them what he told us," Shinji replies.
The door slides open and King Jared comes out and is rushed by a horde of reporters before he can speak to the crew. Shoving his way past the reporters, he cast a brief glance to the crew of the Bismarck before leaving the reporters and Bismarck crew behind.
Attention quickly diverts back to the doors to the boardroom as several others from the meeting are rushed by a flurry of reporters and cameras, leaving the Bismarck crew watching the circus in awe.
A short time later, the four teammates are sitting in a small meeting room adjacent to Commander Eagle's office, he's facing out the window.
"You really think they'll hold up their part of it?" Shinji says in disbelief.
"Yes, I do. Shinji, your father and I both strongly felt that we could have peace with them. It's why he didn't follow orders to pull back."
"Yeah, and you know how THAT turned out," Shinji replies sarcastically.
"He's right, Daddy. We've been around them too. I just don't see this working," April concedes.
"People can change," the commander counters.
"They aren't people. They're Outriders. Aliens. Bringers of death," April retorts.
"April, you have all seen them through the eyes of a soldier. I have seen them in their homes and communities. The average Outrider just wants to survive, and live a peaceful existence, just as we do."
"I'm startin' to think they really did brainwash ya," Colt says firmly, placing his hand on the table and facing the commander head-on.
"My mind has never been sharper, Mr. Wilcox," the commander replies sternly. "This endless cycle of violence has to end. We've fought and fought for years. There's no real winner, just massive casualties and destruction for both sides."
"I see where all of you are coming from," Saber starts carefully, pondering his words. "Peace is our ultimate goal, but at what cost? What are their terms?"
"Peace is hard, war is easy. A hard cycle to break. As soon as I have the treaty, I'll let you know; but either way, I need your support."
"I can't believe this!" Colt says as he kicks a soda can on the ground into the air, causing it to hit a sign, as the four walk along a street passing various shops. "This is bullshit!" he swears just as a car goes flying past him, close enough to cause him to lose his balance. "Hey! You crazy-ass driver! You damned near ran me over!"
The car screeches to a halt and a blonde woman gets out and turns in their direction. "Bill?!" a blonde woman calls out, causing Colt to stop in his tracks.
"Huh?" he says dumbfounded as he looks the woman over. "R…Robin?"
"So you do remember me?" she asks amused.
"Of course I do!" Colt replies. "You…you remember Shinji, April, and Saber, don't ya?"
"Good to see you again," Robin replies with a smile.
"And you too, Robin," Shinji replies.
"Shinji and April were just on their way shopping, right, Shinji. Saber, didn't you say you had somewhere to be?" Colt says quickly.
"Do what?" Saber asks hesitantly.
"Yeah, come on Saber, remember, we told April we'd go shopping with her." Shinji says, indicating to go the other way.
"Um, sure." he replies with uncertainty as he and April make to cross the street.
Shinji stops and mutters lowly to Colt, "You owe me, Cowboy." Then smiling at Robin, "See you later. Nice to see you again!" he says before rushing to catch up with Saber and April.
"I'm glad you're here, Robin. I'd sure like to get to know ya better," Colt says as a waitress drops off a couple of drinks.
Robin smiles, "I heard on the news that they're making peace with the Outriders. Is it true?" she asks hopefully, her palms pressed together.
Colt nods slightly, "So they say," he replies sullenly.
"You don't look too happy. I thought you'd want the fighting to stop…"
"I do, but…"
"Josh asks about you. He asks if you're going to keep your promise to him, He's back at the hotel..." Robin says before trailing off, a blush on her cheeks, she suddenly finds her drink fascinating.
"I plan on keeping' my promise to both of you. I want to be with you, Robin. And I-"
"Sorry Colt, but you need to come back to base," Shinji says as he rushes into the café.
"I'm off duty," Colt replies without looking his direction.
"Jesse Blue is arriving momentarily. He's the Emissary for the Outriders and the treaty."
"Jesse?!" Colt asks dumbfounded.
Shinji nods.
"What the Hell kind of diplomat is he?!"
"Come on and see, Cowboy."
Colt turns his attention back to Robin, "Robin, I am truly sorry. Wait for me?" he asks pleadingly.
Robin nods. "Go do what you must. I'll be close by."
"Thank you. I love you," he replies as he grabs his hat. He then kisses two fingers, then places them gently to her lips before heading out the door.
Robin touches her lips and mumbles, "I love you too, Colt."
"Here he comes," Colt mutters with obvious disdain as the Outrider craft lands.
Jesse nimbly hops out of his vehicle, a long flowing cape behind him. He is immediately met by two of Commander Eagle's associates, shaking hands in greeting. He is escorted to a transport across the tarmac, disembarking not far from where the Bismarck team is standing, watching the show. "Hello, Star Sheriffs," Jesse says with amusement. "Bet you never thought this day would come."
"Just watch yourself, Blue. Cause we'll be watching you closely," Colt says in a tone that barely qualifies as civil.
Jesse smirks.
"This way Corporal Blue." his escort says and they head further into the center of Cavalry Command.
"It appears we're not welcome in the meetings, so let's hang close in case something happens," Shinji says as they walk away from the meeting area.
"All right gentlemen, let's get this discussion started," Jesse says arrogantly as he takes a seat.
"Very well, as Nemesis' emissary it is your duty to inform us of his terms," Commander Eagle states, causing all eyes to fall to Jesse.
"Very well," he says, pausing for effect before continuing. "We want you to completely scrap the Bismarck and disband its crew, for starters."
"What?!"
"No way!"
"Preposterous!"
"That sounds rather one sided," King Jared states.
"We of course would disband all our weapons as well. Sound a bit more fair?" Jesse counters, obviously enjoying himself. "Or, I can just leave now, tell Nemesis that you reject our offer and no one disarms and we keep on fighting until no one and no worlds are left."
"Fine, we will accept his terms," Commander Eagle says with a hint of uncertainty.
"But Commander, we can't just disband the team."
"We formed the team to help attain peace. If we must disband them to achieve it, so be it."
"Commander, this is not a decision to be made in haste. This group, this team, is one known to help others in time of need. Risking their lives not only to save you, but me and my people, and countless others. I beg of you to think this through, and not decide in haste," King Jared implores.
Several other officers make similar arguments.
"My own daughter is a member of the team. She wants peace as much as anyone."
"But sir…"
"My decision stands, with a few terms of my own," Commander Eagle states.
"And what are your terms, Commander?" Jesse asks.
"I want to see every Outrider weapon destroyed with my own eyes."
"Seems perfectly fair, so long as I get to witness the dismantling of the Bismarck personally."
"Agreed."
A bit later, Commander Eagle has called the Bismarck crew into his office, the four are standing in front of his desk.
"As part of the peace treaty, your crew is to be disbanded," he says looking to four members of his elite.
"Have ya completely lost your damned mind?!" Colt all but yells.
"He's right. You're just handing us to them on a silver platter," Shinji concurs a bit less forcefully.
"It is their requirement for peace," the commander replies.
"Disband and separate us so they can attack? Sounds like the perfect set-up to me," Colt adds harshly.
"We are disarming as a show of good faith. Think of this as a chance for a real vacation. No more war," the commander counters.
"What about the Bismarck?" April asks.
"As per our agreement, it will be scrapped. I will witness the destruction of their weapons personally, Blue will watch ours."
"I sure hope you're right about this," Saber adds, not bothering to disguise the doubt in his tone.
"This is bullshit! This is the end of humanity!" Colt says fiercely, plopping onto the couch.
"Watch it," Shinji cautions.
"We might as well nuke ourselves and save them the trouble!"
"I hope you're wrong, Mr. Wilcox, but I must request that you turn in your EBUs. Thank you all for you service. your final mission will be to deliver the Bismarck to the Alamo Moon scrapping facility.
Shinji, April and Saber all hesitantly set their EBUs down on the desk. Colt gets up and flings his down on the desk forcefully, then storms out the door.
"Colt!" Shinji calls.
"Let him go. He needs to cool off," the commander says.
"I just hope you're right and not him. If you're wrong, we're all screwed." Shinji says as he looks to the door Colt just passed through.
"So do I. Report back in one hour to transport the Bismarck to Alamo," the commander says standing up. "Make sure all four of you are present."
"Yes sir." the three reply and leave the office.
A couple hours later they are approaching Alamo Moon. Jesse Blue's fighter flies up alongside the Bismarck.
"I still say this is bullshit! " Colt mutters. "Especially being escorted by Jesse Blue!"
"I feel the same way, Colt," Shinji replies.
"I can't believe my father agreed to this," April says quietly.
"This leaves a bad feeling with me as well," Saber concedes.
"Then why didn't you speak up? He might have listened to you," Colt asks.
"Not now, Colt," Shinji says quietly.
"Because, as soldiers, it is our duty to follow orders," Saber replies simply.
"There it is," April says, pulling up the destination on the view screen.
"Almost done now..." Jesse says quietly to himself with a smirk as they approach, the moon in full view.
They land and disembark, the ship is then towed to the scrapping facility. The four friends follow in silence, stopping to watch at the edge of a deck.
Jesse walks up behind them.
"Just had to come rub it in, didn't you?" Shinji says curtly.
Jesse just chuckles.
"You son of a bi-" Colt says as he lunges towards Jesse.
"Colt, no!" Saber says forcefully, as he grabs him, barely holding him back.
Jesse just ignores them, watching in amusement as the dismantling begins.
"It's started," April says in disbelief.
The others turn to watch in silence.
"I can't watch this," Colt says coldly, then tips his hat and walks out, bumping into Jesse as he passes him.
As the ship is systematically torn apart, April, Shinji, and Saber watch in silence.
As a pair of turbo engines are being removed, Jesse calls out, "Wait! Those need to be scrapped."
"What?!" Saber, April, and Shinji say turning in his direction.
"Those are Engines, Corporal. Why? They could be used in times of peace," an engineer states.
"Our terms is that ALL of the Bismarck be destroyed. Are you going against those terms?"
"Those engines are used on more than just the Bismarck. Civilian transports have them as well."
"Again, I say since they were on the Bismarck, they are to be destroyed. Perhaps we should say all similar engines be destroyed as well, to prevent such weapons from being made so easily again."
"You're insane!" another engineer exclaims.
"That's senseless!"
"That is not part of the treaty, Corporal , I will concede we destroy this set of engines, as they are technically part of the Bismarck," the commander states, causing gasps of outrage from the three star sheriffs.
"You can't be serious?" another officer asks.
"Destroy those engines!" he calls to the man handling the crane.
"Sir, we don't have the proper equipment to melt them down here."
"I'll gladly do that for you," Jesse states smugly.
"What's up?" Colt says as he returns upon hearing protests.
"Jesse's melting down the Engines."
"Of course he is" Colt says with disgust as they turn to watch.
Jesse puts a blaster together and fires, keeping a steady beam on the engines until a puddle of metal is all that remains.
"Bullshit," Colt mutters as he watches the meltdown.
"I trust you are satisfied that we have met your terms, Corporal." the commander says with a salute.
"I am. I shall return to Nemesis and tell him you have fulfilled your end of our agreement," Jesse replies, returning the salute.
"I hope your people have done as well."
"To peace," Jesse says, saluting once more before boarding his ship and taking off.
"I hope we're not making a mistake," an offer states as Jesse ship flies away.
Colt hops in and flies after Jesse in his Bronco Buster, hanging back somewhat, but staying close enough to track him. "Now, let's see what you're really up to."
Jesse returns to the Outrider base and lands, heading down a set of corridors.
Colt lands shortly after, climbing out and following Jesse.
Jesse continues his trek to the center of the base, passing the main computer tower without stopping. He finally reaches a Moai statue, stopping and touching it briefly. The statue splits in two and he steps inside as it closes around him and he disappears.
Colt reaches the tower, Jesse in the distance, "Why is this still running?" he muses as he speeds up so as not to lose Jesse. Coming around a corner, Colt sees Jesse step inside the Moai statue and vanish. "What the?" he mutters as he cautiously approaches the statue. Mimicking Jesse actions, he touches the statue and it opens. Stepping inside, he is i\enclosed as it shuts after him and he is suddenly going down. His hand on his blaster, he steps off when it stops, the floor moving him forward. He sees light ahead and nearly screams when he sees endless rows of Outriders in capsules, encompassed in a liquid. Looking around, he spys Jesse kneeling in prayer before a capsule and walks over. "What the Hell is this place?" Colt asks with a mix of revulsion and dread.
"Our graveyard, Cowboy. Some are here just until we find a new home. Others are here as punishment and may never be awakened. This is our existence. This is why we want peace. When we can no longer feed a family, they are put in stasis. But now, we barely can maintain this. Soon all of them, all of us may die."
"I hope to God you're telling the truth," Colt says, looking around. "If not, I'll end you myself," he adds coldly before taking his leave.
Jesse watches him go, waiting some time before chuckling to himself. "Sometimes the best lies are made of partial truths," he says as he begins the sequence to thaw out the Outriders.