09/24/20
Welcome to Part Three everyone, the final part of XCM. I wrote the final two chapters of this story a long time ago and from this moment on, it's all about bridging that gap. I don't know how long it will take but its going to be a journey. This is going to be very different from any way I've written before, it'll be tough but I hope to not suffer any walls that halt momentum too much. I hope you all enjoy the final leg of this story.
Chapter Thirty Four
Speech - (Noun) The expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds.
"It's alright. I promise you, she's cool!"
Aeon called out, crossing his arms and tapping his foot. Next to him, Elma couldn't fight off a smile.
"Am I cool?"
"I told them that you are. I don't blame them if they didn't believe me though."
Elma rolled her eyes.
"So I'm not cool?"
"It's debatable."
The siblings stood in a dense forest, the trees towering over them, the foliage in all directions was overwhelming. Aeon continued to tap his foot, he prepared to call out once more when he heard a voice.
A large man emerged from the trees, given the bulk of his massive body it was clear he was battle hardened, a defender.
Aeon stepped towards the man he identified as Brunus and spoke in an odd voice, poorly practiced but it seemed as if Brunus understood him to a degree.
The large man looked to Elma.
"Family?"
She nodded.
"Yes. Aeon is my younger brother...you must be the Qlurian High Priest's Guardian. Brunus."
He nodded but said nothing more as Aeon waved Elma over.
"Come on, the Capital isn't too far."
"I still don't think this is a good idea. Both of us here?"
"Humanity can deal without you for a week, right? I just want to clear any doubts you might have about the Qlurians and the level of aid they wish to give us."
Elma wasn't sure how confident she should be in this visit but Aeon was visibly excited. Introducing his sister to his Qlurian...friends? Apparently it was the best thing he could ask for.
As they continued following the massive and silent Brunus, Elma moved closer to Aeon.
"Be honest with me, Aeon."
"I always am."
Elma's eyes searched the endless sea of trees around them.
"You can barely communicate with them, how have you been able to convince them to lend any aid?"
Aeon smiled wide and bright.
"It's true that we don't share a spoken language...but we all share one unmistakable truth that anyone can understand no matter the language they speak."
Aeon looked to Elma, expectantly. The three broke through the wall of trees to see a massive and beautiful ivory palace built within a lovely clearing. The trees acting as idyllic decorations to this artificial wonder.
Elma's eyes found dozens of Qlurians near the palace grounds and even more were stationed along the walls. One saw Aeon and Elma approaching and quickly disappeared, no doubt to tell High Priest Rufus of their arrival.
Aeon tapped Elma's shoulder and pointed towards a group of young Qlurians playing together under the watchful eyes of their guardians.
Elma looked back at Aeon.
"The language of life. Is that what you're trying to tell me? Aeon that-"
"The Qlurians are no strangers to the Ganglion. They may not actively antagonize them but all their protection and security is to ensure that they live free lives. They understand the struggle we're currently going through and they can see through me how much we want humanity to live."
The pair came to a stop at the palace gates as Brunus called out to the watch.
"Besides, isn't the language of life one reason you wanted to save humanity? The idea of them being snuffed out never sat well with you. Seems some of the Qlurians feel the same."
Elma couldn't deny it, she simply nodded earning a smile from Aeon.
"I suppose I could stand to be a bit more...optimistic."
"Just wait till you meet Rufus. You'll have no more doubts."
Brunus turned to the siblings and gestured before continuing on. Aeon gave Elma a wink and followed the Qlurian.
Elma turned around once more to the children playing. One of which caught her eyes and offered a small wave. Elma felt a smile tug at her lips as she waved back.
"The language of life…"
September 12th, 2060
Elma wasn't sure how much time had passed before she was able to feel her body once more. Exhaling a long and satisfying breath, she worked to stand back up. Her legs still felt a bit numb but she'd have to make do with it. She had to.
Approaching the spear she gave it another once over. Firebird's armor was used to construct it and a circuit was fitted within to power the signal or perhaps to boost it and fuel the thruster haphazardly attached to the top or rather, the bottom.
Elma took a deep breath before continuing to analyze the object. It must've been launched like a rocket, perhaps Jaynix figured the signal strength was far too weak to reach where it needed to go so she found a way to send it closer.
Looking down at the edge buried in the ground, Elma could see it was tilting towards the east, which meant it most likely impaled itself from that direction.
Turning towards her Ares, she knew that she'd have to extract it from the ground to better analyze a possible origin for the spear, this one object gave her more information than she's had all across these four years.
Her mind was ablaze with possibilities and theories, she had to stop herself from thinking, patience was key.
Taking a step back from the spear, Elma inhaled as deep a breath as she could manage. Holding the breath in for a few seconds, she cleared her mind and allowed herself to exhale. A calm sensation filled her thoughts as she opened her eyes. One step at a time. She would get there, she had to and she could not afford tripping herself up.
Returning to the cockpit of the Prog Ares, Elma activated the Skell and began approaching the spear when she noticed something on radar. Turning her Skell around, she looked off into the distance.
The chain of islands continued until they reached the mainland. Countless trees dotted the rising landscape ending in those distant mountains and volcanoes. Was someone here? Was it Jaynix? Someone else?
Elma crossed her arms and closed her eyes. If someone else was here, natives, they may have seen the spear. They could give her a second opinion on her current theories and conclusions. Anything to help solidify what her next move should be.
It would take a bit of time, perhaps the rest of the day but if it ended with her knowing exactly where Jaynix should be, then that made it worth it. After over four years of wanting to see Jaynix again, she could give one day to ensure that dream would come true.
Stepping out of the Prog Ares, Elma retrieved her weapons. She did not want to project a hostile aura but she had no idea what kind of Indigens lurked around the area and the last thing she needed was to be caught unaware. That said, she also took the Prog Ares' remote control with her.
She doubted that she'd need the Ares' firepower but if the situation called for it, she'd rather have all her cards on hand.
The chain of islands were close enough that Elma could rely on her Mimeosome to jump the distances and avoid swimming. Coming to a brief pause she looked up at the fading orange sky and the coming night. Hopefully she wasn't mistaken for a raider or looter of some kind. Taking a deep breath, she began making her way towards the mainland.
"I know we've done a lot of...incredible things since you've arrived. Aeon. But the Qlurians...it's…"
Mira Torres shook her head.
"It's absolutely unbelievable."
Aeon smiled, crossing his arms.
"Isn't it? They're highly advanced yet live as one with nature. Their home is beautiful and their technology? Incomparable."
Mira nodded.
"The information you've provided from this High Priest about the Trion Barrier is...well it changes a lot about our plans for Project Exodus."
The pair turned as an older man cleared his throat.
"Are you having doubts, President Reeve?"
Aeon asked to which the man shook his head.
"Not at all...maybe a little...I'm worried is all."
Mira laughed.
"You always are."
"If I may ask…"
Those gathered within the Coalition's Hearing Chambers turned towards a man on the far end. Councilman Ethos.
"...you've spoken about their incredible arms and technology yet all they could afford to part with are the plans for a shield? I trust you were clear with the full extent of the coming threat, yes?"
Aeon shrugged.
"Maybe?"
Before Ethos could say anything more, Nagi's voice cut in.
"We are imposing a lot on the Qlurians. The fact that they gave us anything should not be ignored."
Ethos sat down and fell silent as Nagi gestured towards the President.
"I imagine your concerns involve how we will incorporate the Trion Barrier into our plans given how far along construction is, yes?"
President Reeve nodded.
"It's alien technology. Unknown to us. Do we have the infrastructure to implement it, Aeon?"
The man tilted his head.
"Using the Trion Barrier technology to protect the entirety of our Arks is...too much. We'd cut down on our production of other Exodus essential equipment by...30%?"
"30%? Be honest Aeon."
Mira called out to which the man chuckled.
"Was the waver in my voice that clear?"
"50%. Is that right?"
Mira countered to which Aeon nodded.
"Perhaps more...the goal is to save as many people as possible so I've spent the return trip figuring out what the best use for the Trion Barrier is…"
"I assume you have an answer?"
Aeon turned once more to Maurice Chausson and gave the older man a thumbs up.
"Indeed I do! Within all of our Arks is the one precious and irreplaceable collective of humanity's will to live. The Lifehold Cores."
President Reeve nodded.
"You think we can implement Trion Barrier technology to protect the Cores? Our pipeline won't buckle under that pressure?"
Aeon tapped his foot, thinking.
"No. It won't. Well...it will, but not by 50%. Getting started is the hard part but once the tech is out there and we've got people used to it, it'll become easier. It's just a matter of making sure the curve is steep in our favor. One, two, six."
The gathered Coalition officials fell silent, thinking over the information before Mira Torres stood up.
"Every second is precious. I vote to do it. Now."
Nagi and Chausson glanced at each other before echoing Mira's statement. Ethos let out a long and heavy sigh, finishing it off with a single nod.
President Reeve stood up, the gathered officials doing the same.
"I shall speak with the other World Leaders and let them know about our new plans. Thank you, Aeon."
The man smiled and bowed his head as the officials began to disperse. Aeon turned to see Elma standing in the shadows, hidden from view of the council. However her gaze was on the departing President. Aeon followed her line of sight to see Reeve's Secretary Eleonora appear and whisper something in his ear. The man's steps quickened as he left the room.
He turned back to his sister just as she began walking towards him.
"Y'know Elma. I don't like this whole public display of my achievements pushing you aside."
"It could not be avoided. Several of the leaders here are not aware of my...true self. They were not scheduled to attend this meeting but…"
Elma fell silent, her gaze moving past Aeon. The man turned to see Mira approaching them and clapping her hands.
"A fine thank you for your efforts. Both of you. Elma, I hope you don't take any of the proceedings personally."
Elma shook her head.
"Of course not Mira...why was Ethos here exactly? Or the rest of the council?"
Mira sighed.
"He began to notice the vacancies in the President's schedule and somehow figured out that there were secret council meetings between him, myself and Nagi. He demanded to sit in and we couldn't risk spurring his curiosity by denying him."
Elma shook her head as Aeon spoke up.
"He's not trustworthy?"
"Like you both said when you first arrived. You know that humanity isn't all just. If I discovered new technology, Ethos is the last man I'd give it to. However his resources are necessary for Exodus so we keep him at arm's length."
Elma noted the expression on Aeon's face.
"I imagine you're glad you spend a lot of time away from this place aren't you?"
"Not really. I'm more concerned about you having to be around his sorts."
Elma laughed.
"I can protect myself, brother. Far better than you can for me."
Aeon shrugged.
"I won't deny that."
"You better not, Aeon. The week without Elma was worrying. It all worked out and you pulled off another trip all on your own. Let's have this be the last time you take her away from us, alright?"
Aeon smirked.
"That's possible. Maybe. For a kiss?"
Mira laughed, shaking her head before resuming her serious and straightforward posture and expression.
"No."
"Noted."
Mira then pulled out a datapad and handed it to Elma.
"We've gotten several new reports from the assorted engineering teams. I suggest reading through Alpha Wolf's first. It's been an eventful month."
Elma took the device and smiled.
"Let's hope for many more."
Mira returned the smile before departing. Elma and Aeon stood alone in the council room. Elma sighed before looking to her brother once more.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. Just worried about Ethos.
"You heard Mira. We're handling it."
Elma stated, earning a nod from Aeon.
"I know. Everyone else here seems to be all about the language of life. I'd rather keep it like that."
"Please stop saying that aloud or I'll have to start denying that you are my brother."
Aeon tilted his head.
"Saying what?"
Elma could only shake her head before departing, Aeon saluting after her.
"Will do, Colonel...maybe."
Stepping onto the mainland, Elma began heading towards a dense gathering of trees. Memories of her one visit to Qlu were prevalent. The trees here were nowhere near as massive, even the ones in Rendaelum didn't come close to what she saw on Qlu.
Shaking her head, she continued her approach. she hoped that the coming night would spark whoever was out here to turn on a light or two so she would know where they were. It wasn't so much that she wanted to be ready in case things went wrong but that she wanted to approach in as non-confrontational a way as possible.
Passing through the trees, Elma found her thoughts returning to the exciting notion of finding Jaynix, soon. The idea continually interrupted her thought process and as much as she enjoyed it, she needed to stay focused on her surroundings.
The trees provided excellent cover, coming to a stop, Elma decided to think of what to do if she found someone. The answer presented itself almost immediately.
Mira acted as a universal translator, as far away as she was from the familiar, she had no doubts that it still functioned. With the expectation of Errdia within the Eternal Tempest, nothing could possibly interfere with whatever it was that allowed everyone on this planet to understand one another.
Taking a deep breath she decided to call out and see if anyone was around.
"Hello! I'm a traveler! I mean no harm!"
Elma continued moving.
"I'm looking for someone!"
She thought she heard someone depart quickly and turned, barely making something out in the distance.
"There's a spear on an island not too far from here! Did anyone see where it came from? Or when?"
Elma came to a stop, waiting to see if anyone responded to anything she said but she was met with silence. Aeon's belief in the Language of Life was somewhat silly but she couldn't deny that everyone no matter who they were, wanted to live.
No one should welcome death or the prospect of losing their lives to something dark or unfair. It was at that point, Elma recalled the darkness that plagued Jaynix for much of her adult life and her self destructive tendencies.
As much as Jaynix improved through the years to the state she was in aboard the White Whale, the idea that she fell back to what was familiar and painful while all alone was too strong. She needed to find her.
Night fell as Elma broke through the heavy tree line, the forest became less dense and through the gaps in the trees she could see what looked like huts or homes made of stone. People were here. Natives.
She picked up her pace and prepared to yell something out when she heard it, the familiar pull and release of a drawstring.
Quickly her hand flew to her Tandem Blade, the weapon ignited. The bright ether lit up the night around her as she turned and swung, slicing an arrow clean in two.
Bending her knees, her eyes searched the tree line.
"Whoever is there! I mean no harm! I just want to talk!"
Silence greeted her as she continued to scan the trees, something moved when she heard several more pulls followed by arrows emerging from the darkness.
Gripping her blade tightly, Elma flipped through the air, slicing through every projectile before landing, knees bent just as another arrow fired.
With hardly any effort she cut through it as well, maintaining her stance and noting the silence that fell around her once again.
"Whoever is out there! I need help! That's all! I didn't come here to fight!"
Elma then felt it, the earth moved beneath her. Activating Overdrive she leapt back as the earth exploded and something tore free, the familiar glint of a metal weapon flashing in the darkness as it tried to cut through her.
The attack missed as Elma continued her retreat, the stranger stepping closer and into the moonlight.
Elma hadn't expected to see what she was seeing, the hulking creature was bipedal and scaled. Long spikes trailed down the back of its head and down the length of its spine.
The face was long, reptilian, a tongue quickly escaped its lips while its wild and bright yellow eyes focused squarely on Elma.
The lizard Xenoform was cloaked in metal armor with a long and serrated blade in one hand, it dropped into a combat stance, eyes maintaining their focus on Elma. Unmoving.
"I'm not here to fight. I just-"
The Xenoform shot forward, blade flashing with practiced speed but after all the combat Elma has seen facing the Ganglion, especially the lightning fast blades of Milsaadi and Wrothians, this creature was slow.
Elma deftly avoided each strike, refusing to counterattack as the Xenoform continued to pressure her. She felt it once more, the ground burst right behind her as another lizard emerged, this one's scales shone with a sickly yellow color as opposed to the vibrant green of its comrade.
Gripping her blade tightly, Elma swung around, deflecting the second weapon with as much might as she could muster. The force of her blow caused the Xenoform to stumble away.
Quickly spinning about, Elma struck the next Xenoform's weapon, pushing it aside. Elma jumped away once more, waiting and watching as the Xenoforms realized that Elma's blades had seared through theirs, leaving them in two pieces.
"Listen to me! I mean you no harm!"
Loud metal banging erupted from behind her, drowning out the sounds of drawstrings. Leaping aside she began evading the coming arrows, relying on Overdrive to keep her one step ahead of each strike.
She maintained the surge of power constantly, clearing her mind and sharpening her senses as the Xenoforms relied on the darkness and distracting sounds.
Locating the source of the metal banging, Elma spotted a line of three Xenoforms armed with swords and shields, slamming the weapons together.
"I'm sorry about this."
Swapping to her Tandem Pistol, as opposed to charging the weapon with Ether, Elma used the mechanisms to charge a sound wave. The attack threw all three Xenoforms off their feet, carrying them through the air and knocking them into trees. Two fell still while one struggled to stand, clearly dazed by the debilitating attack.
Arrows continued to rain on Elma from the darkness forcing her to retreat towards the collection of huts, seeking cover behind one, listening to the projectiles collide harmlessly with the fortified stone.
"Cease fire! I only want to talk! I'm looking for someone!"
Elma turned to a nearby hut as a massive and bulky lizard emerged carrying a warhammer. It's tongue lashed out before it charged Elma. Jumping onto the hut, Elma kicked off it, leaping clear over the Xenoform as it smashed the hut to pieces with its massive weapon.
Flipping through the air she landed once more as the ground began to shake, more Xenoforms emerging from below as well as another large one stepping out of a hut.
Elma moved towards the hulking Xenoform slowly as its grip on its warhammer tightened.
If they didn't respond to her language then maybe they would respond to her strength.
The Xenoform charged, hammer raised high. Elma waited till the last moment, before moving aside, the weapon smashing into the ground. With one step, Elma surged forward, her Tandem Blade's ether shell deactivated leaving the blunt edge of the weapon to strike the Xenoform's armor chest. Elma's might caused the metal to buckle and the Xenoform to stumble back, releasing its weapon.
Leaping into the air, Elma delivered a savage kick to the lizard's face, throwing it to the ground unconscious. She then aimed her blade at the rest of the gathered Xenoforms.
"I'll knock you all out until one of you decides to speak with me or we could stop this. Right now."
The other massive Xenoform raised his hammer, the gathered lizards struck their shields with their swords before charging forward.
Elma's hand flew to her waist where she inputted a command before charging forward, dodging every blade that came at her, watching the massive Xenoform raise its hammer like its predictable comrade before it.
Overdrive surged in Elma's arms as she came to a halt, the hammer fell right on her. The Xenoforms watched in shock and awe as Elma held the hammer with her hands, no matter how the larger Xenoform flexed and pushed, the weapon refused to move.
Ripping the hammer out of the lizard's hands, Elma tossed it aside before surging forward and opening her palm. Letting out a mighty yell, she struck the lizard's chest. The Xenoform gagged before the blow sent it sailing through the air and crashing into a hut where it fell to the ground unconscious.
Elma turned towards the rest of the Xenoforms once more as several of the archers emerged from the darkness, weapons still trained on her.
"Give up!"
The closest lizard charged just as a light bathed the small village. The creatures looked up to see the Ares, confusion evident in their reptilian faces.
"Sound Cannon!"
The Ares' chest morphed into what looked like a stereo before it let loose a powerful reverberating shockwave. The Xenoforms were flattened by the weaponized sound and fell unconscious.
Elma turned from the dozen or so dazed Xenoforms to the five or six that still had their weapons on her.
"Just stop. I don't want to fight."
She saw one of the lizards step towards her, ready to strike and input another command. The Prog Ares aimed upwards and unleashed a furious torrent of Agni Gatling, the Xenoforms were disturbed by the show of force. Distracted, Elma seized the opportunity, her blunt weapon struck each of them with as much force as she could muster until one remained.
Stepping closer, she aimed her weapon at it, prepared to intimidate it into giving her an answer.
"I give up!"
Elma froze as the lizard threw its weapon to the ground and fell to the floor.
"I surrender."
Elma looked to the rest of its comrades before facing the one again.
"You can talk?"
The lizard nodded.
"You can understand me?"
Another nod.
"Then...why?"
Looking up, the Xenoform prepared to say something else when something caught its eye and it fell silent. Elma spun about quickly to see three more creatures.
Two massive guards held flags while the one in the middle, notably smaller and without a weapon placed a hand on its chin and watched Elma.
"Are you the leader?"
The creature tilted its head.
"I know you can talk!"
After a long silence, the Xenoform brought a finger to its lips. Elma narrowed her eyes as it turned and gestured towards a hut, walking in that direction. Elma noted that the guards were watching her but making no move to attack.
Sparing one last look at the Xenoform that surrendered, Elma sighed.
"I'm sorry. I really didn't want it to come to this...I didn't kill anyone. I promise."
The lizard looked up at her and said nothing as she sheathed her weapons and followed the leader.
"It's still a bummer that Albus and Furvus were on an important scouting mission…"
Elma placed a hand on her brother's shoulder.
"The Qlurians have their own things to worry about. I doubt it was personal."
Aeon laughed.
"I know but it was incredibly inconvenient timing. I wanted you to meet them."
Elma and Aeon stood on the roof of the ECP Apartment Complex, while Elma insisted that Aeon return to his room for a moment the man was still in his natural skin and out in the morning. It was risky.
"The ones I did see put me at ease, Aeon. I appreciated Rufus' caution and Sucidus seemed quite bright to say the least, their tech is in good hands with people like her."
The siblings fell silent, looking out over the city of Noah's Cradle.
"You sure you don't want to load up into your Mimeosome? At least for a day or two."
Aeon shrugged.
"Not really...though I guess it's not fair to introduce you to my friends yet avoid yours. Is it?"
Elma sighed, Aeon seemed to avoid interacting with humanity as much as he could beyond the council meetings. She had a theory as to why and while it caused no harm it did create a small divide.
"My team. Irina, Gwin, Boris and Danny are all good people."
"Guessing you still couldn't convince Doug to come back."
Elma nodded.
"He refuses to and as much as I could use him, I've got to honor his decision."
Aeon said nothing, his eyes scanning the human city, watching the vehicles in the distance and a handful of Skells in the skies above.
"Here I am, attached to humanity and yet you refuse to form those same attachments. It's strange given everything I know about you, Aeon."
The man laughed.
"Is it?"
"It is. Though with all the trips you've been making into deep space it gives me one good guess as to why."
"And that is?"
Elma smiled.
"You know you'll get attached to them and not want to leave. You wanted me to form bonds despite my duty and yet you refuse to in order to uphold your duty. The irony in that is...well it's a bit ridiculous to be honest."
Aeon laughed once more.
"It is, isn't it...the more human comrades I have the more I would worry about...well everything. This whole situation is delicate, can you blame me?"
"At least you hang around with Javier. He's got his head on straight. No doubt keeps you in line when I'm not around."
Aeon raised an eyebrow.
"Who? Javi? Nah, he appreciates the chaos I cause and helps with it."
"I doubt Maurice Chausson's son has any patience for your attitude, Aeon. And that's why you two are such good friends."
Aeon smiled.
"I suppose it is...Javi's been working to get his old man to sign off on my next mission. He's wanted to accompany me into deep space for a while."
"If you need me to put a word in for it with Chausson, I will. I'd feel better if you weren't all alone on your trips."
Elma reached over and placed a hand on Aeon's shoulder.
"Company isn't all that bad…"
"Maybe next time you stop by you'll make some more friends."
Aeon shrugged which caused Elma to hold onto his shoulder tighter.
"That's an order."
With a heavy sigh, the man nodded.
"Yes, Colonel. Gosh I hate it when you pull rank."
"I'm the older sister, you've got to listen to me no matter what."
The pair shared a laugh before a comfortable silence filled the air and their gazes remained locked on Noah's Cradle and the Ark's construction platform.
Sitting in the stone hut near a fire with the Xenoform before her, Elma remained silent. Every time she made a move to speak, the lizard would place a finger on its lips.
Producing a bowl of liquid, the Xenoform held it towards Elma. She stared at it for a long while before locking eyes with the lizard. As much as she doubted the contents of the bowl, she knew that the longer she hesitated and the more time she spent here, the more time Jaynix was waiting. Four years was enough.
With a sigh, Elma took the bowl, watching as the lizard made the motion of drinking before holding up one finger. Nodding, Elma did as she was told and took a single gulp. She wasn't sure what to describe the liquid like...water, maybe but it had a distinct scent to it that wasn't too pleasant. Almost like alcohol. However, after having drunk from Frye's flask as long as she has, nothing was too strong.
She watched the lizard take a deep breath and did the same as it. The lizard took the bowl and tilted it back, taking a single gulp as well.
Elma waited as the Xenoform sighed before speaking, as opposed to the English of the younger Xenoform outside the sound was low, guttural and strange. Coming from a lizard like being it made sense.
However, despite it being a language Elma had never heard before she was somehow able to understand what was being said.
"Do you understand me?"
Elma opened her mouth to speak, and what came out wasn't English either but something immensely familiar to her. It was the Ein Dialect, the language of the Watchers. Her language.
"I do...and this is my language. How?"
The lizard gestured towards the bowl.
"This liquid interferes with the law of the land...it gives us back the right to speak as we see fit."
Elma raised an eyebrow.
"The young Xenoform who surrendered spoke. You all can speak."
"The law of the land takes the right to speech and language away from us...and translates our mother tongue to something...else."
Elma tilted her head.
"The Planet."
The lizard mimicked Elma's motion, tilting its head. Elma's eyes darted back and forth, taking this entire situation in before addressing the Xenoform.
"Are you not natives?"
The lizard shook its head before placing a hand on its chest.
"My name is Des Raiker. We are the beings of Olm."
Elma nodded slowly.
"How did you come to be here?"
Des sighed, thinking of how to speak.
"The liquid wears thin rather quickly...it's not a story even we understand. However, that is not why you are here, is it?"
As much as Elma wanted to dive into the mysteries of Mira and how it chose to call out to people and bring them here, Jaynix was still on her mind.
"You seek someone?"
"I do."
Elma turned and gestured in the direction of the island, the spear.
"Ah yes. My people have come to call it The Sign. Many believe it would lead someone or something here to kill us all."
Elma shook her head.
"It's a call for help. Not to raise arms."
Des Raiker tapped his chin, thinking this over as Elma spoke.
"Where did it come from?"
Elma waited, she wasn't sure for how long before Des pointed in a direction. North.
"When?"
Des shook his head.
"I do not believe we can translate our definitions of time accurately. Even in our native tongue unless you know what a Portion is or a Division."
Elma sighed.
"...do you know how many times the sun and moon have risen since it landed here?"
Des seemed to smile, a laugh escaped him before he apologized.
"You are desperate. I'm sorry but...no. We do not track that. All we can tell you is that the spear landed in our forest a long time ago."
Elma raised an eyebrow.
"Forest?"
"Some of the more...concerned of my people had it moved. They placed it somewhere and waited for when someone would arrive. They kept watch on it and should someone appear, they would prepare the defenses."
Des laughed once more.
"So many Portions spent on their battle plan and it all fell apart in moments. You are powerful."
"Elma. My name is Elma."
Des nodded.
"Elma. You are stronger than anything I've ever witnessed in all my Divisions. I thank you for knocking some sense into my people. I only wish I could help you further."
Elma tapped her fingers along her leg.
"Where exactly did it land?"
Des stood up.
"I can take you there...however, the liquid's effect will expire and we cannot partake for another Portion lest we risk the full loss of our Speech."
Elma stood up as well.
"You would rather speak once a Portion than...obey the law of the land?"
Des nodded.
"It's our way."
Elma watched the Xenoform, he wore a faint wistful smile across his reptilian face. To be robbed of your mother tongue is one thing but to actively avoid using it to preserve its origin? That was something Elma could not understand. Yet if that is how they chose to live, she could do nothing more than respect it.
"Bring the item and follow me."
Elma prepared to speak when she felt something strange in her throat, shaking her head, she coughed.
"What was that?"
English. She looked to the Des who simply nodded and walked out of the hut.
"I don't talk about my brother a lot, do I?"
Hearing Elma's voice, Jaynix looked over to her. The pair was lying on the ground watching the stars above. Jaynix had been walking by when she saw Elma lying on the ground alone and decided to offer her some company. Elma had been silent since then only to randomly ask this question when Jaynix least expected it.
"Not really, all you've really said is that he's away on constant work and he's a bit of a dork. Though I could tell that from all the figures in his room."
Elma chuckled.
"It's quite the impression to have of him...I'm sure that would all change if you met him."
"When is he coming back?"
Elma sighed.
"I wish I knew...he should've been back already."
Elma's gaze locked onto the stars above, her thoughts on where Aeon was and why he hadn't returned began swirling. His trips were long but it's been two years since he last left and he'd made no attempt to contact them. Part of Elma feared for him but she knew he was capable. She knew that she could trust him to survive whatever situation he found himself in.
"I live apart from my younger sister most of the time now. It took me a long time to get used to it."
Elma smiled.
"You speak of her with so much love in your voice."
Jaynix nodded.
"She's precious to me. She and Lyla are the most important things in my life and I'd do anything for them."
Hearing how resolute Jaynix sounded, Elma knew it to be true.
"They're both lucky to have you, Jaynix."
The Corporal smirked.
"You're also pretty important to me Elma. Probably my number four."
Elma laughed.
"Number three is General Kumon isn't it?"
"It is."
"Fair enough."
The pair continued to stare up at the stars when another question left Elma's lips.
"Do you believe in the language of life?"
Jaynix raised an eyebrow.
"The what?"
"It's something my brother says...all people inherently understand the desire to live regardless of what language they speak. The barriers don't matter. Life does."
Jaynix remained silent for a long time, prompting Elma to turn towards her.
"Jaynix?"
There was a faint shadow in Jaynix's eye. She turned to face Elma and spoke.
"No. I don't."
Elma stood in the forest clearing with Des at her side. The Prog Ares lowered itself into the clearing and held the spear at the ready. Elma turned to Des who walked into the clearing and pointed at a spot on the ground. Nodding, Elma commanded her Ares to stick the spear into the ground that the Xenoform had indicated. She stood and watched as he motioned with his hands the direction to tilt the object. Once he was satisfied, he nodded and stepped away, gesturing towards the sky.
The Ares took a knee and deactivated as Elma approached Des who traced an arc in the sky descending from the northern end of the region. There were so many things Elma wanted to ask about it, specifics but she did not want to push these people to do something they did not want to.
Glancing at her Ares, she knew the mechanisms she had at the ready should be able to create a projected flight path and point her in the right direction.
Taking a deep breath, she turned towards Des.
"Thank you so much...I…"
The Xenoform shook his head, a faint smile on his lips.
"You truly have no idea how much your help means to me...I wish there was something I could do…"
Des held up a hand, his smile still evident. Elma wanted to say more, to thank him more but she could tell he required none and asked for even less.
Turning back towards the small village she chuckled.
"I really am sorry for what I did to your people. I didn't mean to and...I hope everyone feels better soon."
Des chuckled before stepping forward and taking one of Elma's hands into his own. Bowing his head and shaking her hand. Elma could only bow her head in return before the Xenoform moved away and headed back towards his village.
They were strange and unique people. But she supposed that was true about everyone. Turning her attention to the spear, she took a deep breath. The hour was incredibly late but it didn't matter, the task needed to be done.
Entering the Prog Ares, she moved towards the spear and began analyzing its components, specifically the output of the thruster attached to the spear. How much fuel could it carry? How strong was it? The spear was definitely aerodynamic, while the craftsmanship was clunky the design was made with one primary goal in mind. Distance.
Based on the angle of the tilt and Des Raiker's gesture of the spear's arc of travel, a holographic display began to form, reenacting the events of the spear's arrival.
If it came in too fast, it buried itself far deeper into the ground than it was and if it wasn't fast enough, it failed to bite into the earth deep enough and fell over flat. Neither outcome was what happened in the end so Elma continued to tinker with the schematics and the proposed power of the propulsion.
September 13th, 2060
The sun rose signifying the new day, yet Elma remained seated in the Prog Ares as it continued to run calculations and display various possible trips for the spear.
Elma had watched the numbers, the various figures and the arcs of travel more times than she could count and right now she couldn't make anything out. Her eyelids definitely felt heavy but she refused to give in. She was close. She could feel it.
Elma went for Frye's flask only to find it empty, with a heavy sigh she put it away and closed her eyes. At least for a moment.
"Elma. Do you believe she's still alive?"
"Is she? Still alive that is?"
"Are you sure she's not dead?"
"How could she survive?"
"No one else survived."
"That was two years ago."
"It's been three years.
"We should hold a proper funeral. Everyone else has had their rights except her."
"Why do you doubt the outcome so much, Colonel?"
"You cared for her? That I understand...but there isn't a single sign of her presence. No hints. Nothing. She's gone."
"Elma."
"Elma!"
"Colonel."
Opening her eyes, Elma saw Nagi standing right in front of her. A sad look on his face as he gestured towards the Monolith in the park.
"You need to start healing, Elma. You need to put this behind you. Please."
"...I always thought of you as a man of faith, Nagi."
"It's one thing to hold onto this belief yourself, Elma. But for the others. For her. For Jaynix herself...perhaps it's time to let her rest."
Elma shook her head.
"She's not dead. Why are you giving up on her, Nagi? You of all people."
Nagi closed his eyes, a heavy sigh escaping.
"I've been witness to the deaths of so many close friends. People I thought for certain would outlive me. John Reeve. Doug Barret. Sonja and Maxwell Copeland. Hideo Kumon. They're gone. I carry that with me. At all times. It's painful but it gives me strength. I don't move forward for just myself anymore. They help me."
Nagi opened his eyes and gestured to the memorial Monolith.
"Ever since the end of our battle with Luxaar and especially after the final victory against the Remnants...you've been on a downward spiral. You've dedicated yourself to this task and it's hurting you greatly, Elma."
"It's not just me. The rest of the team is helping."
Nagi nodded.
"I know...have you noticed how ragged they are? Exhausted? Irina passed out on a mission the other day just as they were headed into combat. The mission was cancelled and she had to report to the MMC. L got sick during a recent trip to Cauldros with you and has been laid up since. Kruse's productivity is suffering greatly. Have you noticed this?"
Elma looked away.
"It needs to stop...I don't want to be the bad guy, you know me Elma. I respect you. I care for you. I love you. Because of this I'm telling you...to let it rest. Not for anyone else...but for yourself."
Elma dared not recall what she shouted at Nagi after that moment, she did not want to relive the expressions on his face. No anger. No rage. Nothing but a man who cared so much. The wounds her words inflicted, she's regretted ever since.
Yet after all that.
After all that pain. That hate.
She approached the Monolith and took one more look at Jaynix's file before making the edit.
From Missing In Action.
To Killed In Action.
Elma's eyes shot open, she felt the familiar sensation of tears along her cheeks. Then she heard the rapid beeping and looked to the completed simulation, pinpointing within 99.7% accuracy the spear's path of travel.
This was it.
Shaking her head and shrugging off the memories, Elma took hold of the spear and pushed the Ares well past its limit, shooting off across the sky.
Her destination was set.
Jaynix was waiting for her.
Not a moment longer.
Des Raiker and his people stood in the village, watching as the strange machine disappeared into the sky. The villagers returned to their daily activities but Des kept his eyes on the clouds.
Bringing a hand to his chest, he offered the woman whatever belief he could in her cause.
