Chrono looked at his tea that his mother had poured for him. To his displeasure it was rippling slightly from his shaking hand. Putting it down, he clasped his hands together and kept them in his lap. There was a quiet tock as her sozu filled with water. Chrono to\\\\\\ok a second to look around the garden where they were meeting. Lindy had insisted that she handle Chrono's debriefing
"This mission was a disaster," Chrono said, keeping his gaze locked to Lindy's.
"How so?" She asked, mildly, taking a sip of her tea.
"We lost an entire city. We only managed to save a few thousand people, barely a percent of Fuyuki's total population. My own ground crews took heavy casualties, with nearly thirty percent of my men being either wounded or KIA. Not to mention Nanoha and Fate are both in critical condition. Our civilian helpers; Shirou, Illya, and Sakura, are all needing medical treatment as well. And we failed to capture Avenger, so we have no way of knowing if we actually got him, or if he's still running around somewhere," Chrono said, through gritted teeth.
"Regarding that last point, it seems highly unlikely that Avenger could still be running around. Preliminary reports about Lancer and what Illya has told us, is that Servants are exponentially more difficult to maintain without the Grail. He's likely faded away by now," Lindy said, kindly.
"Great, that'll help me sleep at night," Chrono said, sarcastically. Lindy gave him a sad smile.
"I'm sorry your first mission in command was such a...mess. But it was a victory, even if it wasn't a clean one. The Lost Logia known as the Holy Grail was successfully neutralized, the planet Earth was saved, and while casualties were severe, they won't have a wider impact on either the TSAB or the government of Japan. We can't always say that," Lindy said, reaching across the table to wipe tears from Chrono's eyes. "I know this is hard. Losing people always is. But it's part of the job, and it's our job as leaders to stay strong for our men."
"Thank you Mother," Chrono said, bowing his head.
"You're welcome," Lindy said. They sat in silence, and Chrono drank his tea as the sozu tocked.
"So why did you want to have this meeting here?" Chrono asked. "We could've had a debriefing anywhere, even if I do appreciate the privacy."
"I wanted to get some use out of it before I'm forced to leave," Lindy said, sighing.
"What do you mean, why would you have to leave?" Chrono asked, shocked.
"This incident is too big to cover up. We'll have to talk to this 'Mage's Association' and until we formalize an agreement with them, the TSAB won't want any of our agents on planet," Lindy explained. "And speaking of the Mage's Association, what are you doing with Rin Tohsaka?"
"Nothing yet. Her interrogation is on my docket for today now that her wounds have been healed," Chrono said, scowling. "I'll forward you the transcript of our interview later."
"When you do, make sure you tell her this:" Lindy said, leaning forward and smiling wickedly.
/*/
Chrono entered the interrogation room and glared at Rin Tohsaka, who was sitting calmly in her seat. The room itself was cold steel, painted a sterile white, with the only furniture in the room being the similarly white steel table and chairs. Chrono pulled the chair on the other side of the table out and sat down in it.
"Before we begin you need to make a choice," Chrono said, keeping his voice calm and resisting the urge to sneer.
"What would that be?" Rin asked, formally.
"As you are not a citizen of the TSAB, and are a member of the organization known as the Mage's Association, you may choose to be handed over to them and have them render judgment instead," Chrono said, coolly. "We will naturally forward all the evidence of your crimes we have gathered to them, and allow them to pass their judgment unimpeded if that is your decision." Rin went pale.
"Ahem, that won't be necessary. I would prefer to be face trial under the laws of STAB, I mean, the TSAB," Rin corrected quickly, clearing her throat.
"Very well. Here is the form stating as much," Chrono said, a digital screen appearing in front of Rin. "Just use your finger to move the screen down to keep reading and to sign your agreement," he added, seeing Rin's confusion on how to use the device.
"Thank you," Rin said, before getting to reading. After a few minutes of careful reading, Rin signed the form.
"Good. Now than, you stand accused of reckless activation of a Lost Logia, assault against a officer of the law, resisting arrest, attempted murder, abuse of a familiar, and compliance in a plot to commit global genocide," Chrono said, reading from a list. "How do you plead?"
"Abuse of a familiar? What's that about?" Rin asked.
"Your treatment of Archer would qualify as abuse," Chrono said. "Specifically, ordering him to kill you, his Master."
"Ah. I suppose that was cruel of me," Rin said, with a shaky laugh. "Not that it matters, I imagine. I do plead guilty to the rest, and I'm guessing that the punishment for those crimes will far outweigh the familiar abuse."
"You might be surprised," Chrono said. "As things stand, if you plead guilty and stay on your good behavior, you will probably get an offer from the TSAB after only a decade or so of prison time."
"An offer?" Rin asked, curious.
"Yes," Chrono said, reluctantly. "We police the entire multiverse, and are thus always short handed. A skilled mage isn't something we would just let molder in a prison for the rest of their life. Not if they've proven that they are genuinely repentant and had simply made some bad mistakes. In your case very bad, but still mistakes."
"Mistakes? I'm responsible for wiping out my entire city! I tried to kill Nanoha multiple times! How can those be brushed off as mistakes!" Rin yelled, slamming her hands against the table, tears in her eyes.
"I agree. However it could be argued that you never intended to wipe out your city, and while your attacks on Nanoha cannot be ignored, they were ultimately futile and she was never in any real danger from you. And as Archer proved to have the will to disobey you, you can't be held responsible for his attempts to kill Nanoha," Chrono explained. "I don't like it, but your lawyer will make that case on your behalf. Unless you want to spend life in prison?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, no. It just seems...wrong. I feel like I'm getting away with it, even if I'm still getting punished," Rin said, sitting back down.
"The legal system does have its share of quirks and flaws," Chrono said, shrugging. "I mean, I don't think it's fair that Sakura gets punished for her part in the incident, but there you go."
"What? What did Sakura do?" Rin asked, leaning forward, her eyes wide and panicked.
"Well she did go insane and try and destroy the world. She also killed both Rider and Berserker. Or perhaps that would be considered mind control. Or perhaps corruption? Oh well, it's a matter for the lawyers," Chrono said, idly bringing up a screen showing a picture of Sakura in her corrupted form.
"But she wasn't in her right mind! She didn't mean to do any of that!" Rin yelled.
"True. She likely will only get a year or two of community service with the TSAB. Or however long it takes to prove she isn't going to go insane again," Chrono said.
"She didn't go insane, she was being mind controlled!" Rin yelled, glaring and standing back up.
"That would change things. Of course, she'd have to prove that, and well, the only way she could do that is to blame you, and prove that you were responsible. Even if she could do that, I get the feeling that she is too kind hearted to do that to you," Chrono said, folding his hands together and resting them on the table.
"And so you'll use this as an excuse to draft her into your army," Rin said, bitterly, sitting down once again.
"Some will. They'll argue that even if she is innocent, she'll gain valuable life skills, make close friends, and make enough money to be well off if she chooses to live as civilian at the ends of her service," Chrono said, keeping his voice in a monotone.
"Where she'll learn how to fight, bond with people in the military, and be tempted by a high wage to stay in the military," Rin countered, frowning.
"True. Unfortunately as I said, it's policy to not ignore a skilled mage. If it means sticking an otherwise innocent mage with a few exaggerated charges, they'll do it. If it means letting a scumbag like you off easy, they'll do it. I don't agree with it, but it is how the law is set up," Chrono said, shrugging and giving a small sigh.
"So is every mind control victim prosecuted and drafted?" Rin spat.
"No, not at all," Chrono said, mildly. "If Sakura was definitively a victim of mind control, than she wouldn't be punished. They are accusing her of temporary insanity due to exposure to a Lost Logia. A minor crime, whose punishment is more about ensuring that both the insanity and exposure was temporary."
"But she was being mind controlled!" Rin shouted.
"That isn't easy to prove," Chrono said, frowning slightly. "Of course, her lawyer will try to do so, but without someone they can point to and blame for her being mind controlled any investigation would falter."
"Than I'll take the blame," Rin said, without hesitation. "Zouken was the one who actually did it, but I'm the one who got him involved in the first place. I'll say I did it, and that'll get Sakura off clear right?"
"Yes it would," Chrono said, hiding his surprise, "but are you aware what that would mean for you?"
"Well it's another crime to add to the list. I imagine that'll add another couple years to my sentence," Rin said, shrugging.
"Not quite," Chrono said. "By mind controlling Sakura you are claiming that her actions, and yours, were deliberate. That you meant to wipe out your city, or at least, considered the destruction of the city to be an acceptable loss in order to activate your Lost Logia."
"I...see," Rin said, slowly. She gulped. "But really, that's what I deserve, isn't it?"
"Are you sure?" Chrono asked, gently. "It would only be a year or two of service, and Sakura would be in the clear. And in a decade's time you could be a part of her life again. But if you do this, you'll spend the rest of your life in prison."
"I'm sure. I owe this much and more to her. She wants a peaceful life and has the opportunity to start fresh away from all the meddlesome mages seeking to use her for their own gain. I'm not going to let her get dragged into something she doesn't want," Rin said, fiercely.
"I understand," Chrono said, nodding stiffly. "You do know that we will make her an offer anyways, correct?"
"So long as she's not being forced into anything," Rin said, reluctantly.
"Very well than. I will add your confession to the official record. You can expect a lawyer to contact you soon to go over your case," Chrono said, standing up and moving to the door. He hesitated for a second, before walking out without saying anything.
/*/
"So how are you doing my dear sister-in-law?" Illya said, sweetly to Sakura. Chrono paused, just outside the door of their room.
"That's, I mean, I'm technically-" Sakura stammered.
"You married my brother, did you not?" Illya asked, her voice innocent.
"That wasn't a real ceremony though," Sakura murmured.
"Of course it was. You had a priest, were in, or rather, outside a temple, exchanged rings, said your vows, and it was before witnesses. Well witness," Illya said, teasingly.
"But I wasn't in my right mind. I was seeing and hearing things. How can I be sure that Shirou meant what he said? Or even said it in the first place?" Sakura asked, plaintively.
"He did say it, I can give you that at least," Illya said, dropping the teasing tone of voice. "Did he mean it? I think so. He didn't stutter or anything, and I don't think Onii-chan is a good enough liar to make that up on the spot." Having heard enough, Chrono knocked on the door, and getting permission, entered the room.
"Hello girls, I came by to give you some answers to your previous questions," Chrono said, politely. "First off, Sakura. It might be a week or two before a doctor will be able to see to your parasites. After that, you'll have to go through a trial to determine if you are in any way culpable for your actions at the Einzbern Castle and afterwards. I'm confident that you'll be found not guilty, so I wouldn't worry about that too much."
"And me?" Illya asked, pointing to herself.
"Your situation is a bit more difficult. It'll likely take multiple surgeries and research to fix the degradation your body is experiencing. However, what we learned from Project Fate and the development of Artificial Mages makes me confident that we'll find a solution to your problem before you can suffer any permanent damage," Chrono said.
"Wait, Project Fate? Does that have anything to do with Fate?" Sakura asked, looking up at Chrono.
"Yes. Fate is a clone, and an artificial mage. Anything more than that would be her story to tell. But the research that lead to her creation has certainly been a benefit to our medical technology, and certainly something we can apply to Miss Einzbern's case," Chrono explained.
"Thank you for the good news. Is there anything else?" Illya asked, formally.
"Yes. Shirou Emiya is expected to make a full recovery. You'll be able to visit him tomorrow if you'd like. You can also all expect to receive an offer from the TSAB in the coming days," Chrono said.
"What kind of offer?" Illya asked, suspiciously.
"An offer of employment," Chrono clarified. "The TSAB is always looking to hire more mages, and you all possess high levels of power or unique talents."
"What if we don't want to fight?" Sakura asked.
"While there are non-combatant roles, those wouldn't be what they would want to hire you for," Chrono said. "However, we aren't going to just abandon you if you decide to say would be offered the same deal as the rest of the refugees from Fuyuki. Either we will relocate you to a different town in Japan and give you some aid in reestablishing yourselves, or you can apply for citizenship in any of the member planets of the TSAB. Miss Einzbern, in your case, I'd recommend the latter. Your condition may necessitate frequent treatments that require our technology."
"Thank you for the information. Now if you don't mind Captain Harlaown, we would like to discuss what we intend to do in private," Illya said, standing up and giving Chrono a curtsy.
"Of course, Miss Einzbern," Chrono said, bowing back. "Please, take as much time as you need. Have a good day, Miss Einzbern, Mrs. Emiya," he added, leaving the room and smirking as he heard Illya begin to cackle.
/*/
Chrono paused outside the door to the medical bay. This was the conversation he was dreading the most today and he was tempted to just put it off a little longer, perhaps even leave it for the ship's doctor to have instead. He walked in to see Nanoha reading a report while lying in bed, the screen hovering in front of her face as she controlled in with her voice, her hands completely covered in casts and bandages.
"Ah, Chrono! How's everyone doing?" she said, smiling cheerfully when she saw him.
"I see you're doing well," he said, dryly. "Now, what are you working on when you're supposed to be resting?"
"Nyhahaha," Nanoha laughed nervously. "Just doing some research into homes for the Fuyuki refugees. I think most of them will want to stay on Earth, so I'm focusing on Japan, but I'm checking a few of the TSAB's less advanced planets just to be safe."
"Less advanced? I'd think more advanced would help considering their lack of magic," Chrono asked, curious despite himself.
"Their lives might be easier, but on Midchilda people without magic are basically considered cripples. Sure they can work, and there is all sorts of social services in place to help them, but they'll never shake the stigma of being magicless," Nanoha explained. "On a less developed planet, people will value them more simply because there is more for them to do. And on Ruwella they prefer to use as little magic or technology as possible."
"I suppose that's one way of looking at it. However, I expect that most of them will prefer to stay on Earth," Chrono said, rubbing his chin.
"I imagine so. But I'm worried the Mage's Association will try and go after them," Nanoha said, frowning.
"Don't worry. No matter what they actually choose, as far as the Mage's Association is concerned there were no survivors of the Holy Grail War," Chrono said. "And they'll be far too busy negotiating with Mother to perform a proper investigation."
"That's good," Nanoha said, sighing with relief. "So how is everyone doing? You didn't answer me before," she asks.
"Well Lancer is in good health," Chrono said, bitterly.
"Chrono," Nanoha said, her glare undercut by the rising worry in her voice.
"First off, Miss Einzbern and Miss Matou are both fine. What injuries they took have been healed, and they don't seem to be suffering any long term effects from your spell. Miss Tohsaka is fine as well, at least physically. Mentally is another story, but she's got plenty of time to come to terms with what she did. Mr. Emiya is stable and recovering. We've purged the curses from his body, so now he's just recovering from the strain he put himself under," Chrono reported.
"And Fate?" Nanoha asked, trembling a little in her nervousness.
"She'll live," Chrono said, sighing. "But besides that? There isn't anything good I can say. She's in much the same condition you were after your 'incident'. So she's in a coma, her Linker Core has been overworked, and we've got no idea if she'll ever be able to use magic again. "
"I recovered, Fate can too," Nanoha said, bravely, her eyes watering. "And she's stronger than I am."
"Maybe," Chrono acknowledged, nodding. "But even if she does recover her magic like you did, her career as an Enforcer is over."
"But why? What else is wrong?" Nanoha cried.
"First off, I want to stress the fact that you saved Fate's life. Your healing spell certainly saved her life. But you didn't so much heal her as fill her injury with living tissue. It stopped the bleeding, and let her body work, but you didn't actually restore her missing organs, namely her stomach and most of her intestines," Chrono explained, speaking slowly but clearly. He cleared his throat. "Normally, this would be...well not simple to fix, but doable. We would need to keep Fate on an IV to make sure she didn't starve to death, and we'd have to wait for her body to process the magical energy that you used to heal her, before we'd cut out the flesh you added, and have Shamal regenerate her organs."
"So what went wrong? Why can't we do that?" Nanoha asked, quietly sobbing and wiping her tears away with the back of her sleeve.
"That damn Lancer screwed up is why," Chrono growled. "He used way too much power, and Fate was giving him unrestricted access to her mana. The drain on Fate's Linker Core caused a rare disorder called Linker Core Displacement. In order to try and handle the strain the Linker Core shifted, and ended up settling in the region of densest mana available to it, the freshly regenerated flesh in her stomach. And since the mass of magically charged flesh wasn't really set to anything, the Linker Core's presence began altering it."
"Altering it to what?" Nanoha asked, visibly confused.
"Into an area designed to absorb and process mana. Healing magic will never work on Fate's stomach again. Which means we can't restore her organs with magic. There are cybernetic replacements that will at least keep Fate alive, but she's going to need constant care in order to maintain them, and a special diet. And since Lancer," Chrono clenched his fists, "refuses to switch Masters, Fate will have to keep supporting an S-ranked familiar on top of it all. There's no way she'll be allowed to work off planet with all those conditions. She'll have to find a job in either headquarters, Chaldea, or stop working for the TSAB altogether," Chrono said, not looking at Nanoha.
"That's awful. And there's nothing else we could do? What about cloned organs?" Nanoha asked, her voice pleading.
"Maybe in a few years that'll be an option but Fate needs this surgery ASAP. Plus this isn't a minor surgery Nanoha. The recovery time from the operation will take months, if not longer. Fate might not be in any condition to undergo a second surgery even if we do one day clone organs capable of being implanted in her," Chrono explained, carefully. "Particularly considering she needs to recover from her surgery without magic.
"It's important to keep up hope though!" Nanoha countered, trying to force a smile. "Fate's going to be feeling pretty bad when she wakes up. So I've got to give her something to aim for!"
"So long as you are by her side, that'll be enough for her," Chrono said, giving Nanoha a reassuring smile. "Just don't push her okay? Let her recover at her own pace, and if she decides to retire, than make sure she knows that you still love her."
"Of course," Nanoha said, wiping her tears with the back of her sleeve.
"Good. Now get some rest. Fate will need you to be strong for her," Chrono said, waiting until Nanoha dismissed the video screen before leaving the room. Chrono sighed and looked up at the roof, cracking his neck before moving on. "Today's been a long day. And it's only the beginning of a long week. I'd better get some sleep," he muttered to himself, heading to his quarters and rubbing his eyes.
Author's Notes: And that's the main story. Now we get into the epilogues that show what happens with each character between basically now and the beginning of StrikerS. Each epilogue will be very short, likely only around a thousand words each (hopefully), but I expect to go through the TSAB/Lindy, Nanoha, Fate, Sakura, Shirou, Illya, Rin, and of course, Gilgamesh.
As for this chapter; well did anyone else find the TSAB's recruitment of Fate and Hayate to be super sketchy? Here's two young girls being forced to take responsibility for crimes that are far out of their control. Remember, Fate did have to go on trial, and Hayate was considered an ex-con by General Gaiz. Despite, you know, actively saving Earth. So yeah, I'm considering that to be deliberate on the TSAB's part. As good and shiny as they are, they also have a pretty vicious dark side.
So here Chrono, aware of how the TSAB will manipulate Rin and Sakura into working for them, decides to intervene and manipulates Rin into taking all the blame, ensuring that neither ends up working for the TSAB. It's also super shady, but Chrono considers it the lesser of two evils. Also he very much blames Rin for Nanoha's condition and partially Fate's, even if that isn't exactly fair.
As for Fate, well I wanted her to not just shake off a critical injury with no repercussions. So I made up this fancy disorder. I also wanted a suffering that was more day to day than the classic 'she can't use her powers anymore'. That's been done, and I had no desire to do it myself. I'd rather look at something much more mundane, the suffering of someone with a gastrointestinal disorder.