Vandread GA: The Second Stage
Disclaimer: I don't own Vandread, or anything that references other anime, manga, movies, video games, and comics; they all belong to their respective owners and creators including Gonzo. I do own the things I created; enough said.
Chapter 11: Where the Home is
June 17th 3818 AD; 5:30 am (0530 hours)
The Nirvana after the unexpected stop on the deserted planet home to the strange, but helpful telepathic people, was cruising through space. Vandread Jura was busy shielding the Nirvana through the Magnetic storm that separated Tarak and Mejere from the rest of space while the Archangel Fujin Gundam was near it just in case.
After the Terrain Prime Gundam flew past the machine, Hibiki in Vandread Jura reflected on how he wanted to change and emerge from the darkness when he got back to work and spoke to Jura near him.
"Man, the surely have improved and enhanced things quite a bit. I'm very surefire sure that we'll be able to withstand an electromagnetic storm or two including the super electromagnetic storm with this."
Just then while they were busy flying in the cosmic storm, Jura recording the progress in the cockpit spoke to her fellow comrades with a message. The blonde Mejere woman was striking an optimistic tone with her teammates.
"Hello everyone, are all of you watching? The improved Vandread Jura along with the Archangel Fujin Gundam will take us all the way to Mejere so, be very thankful everyone!"
Inside the café, everyone was excited to be getting closer to their home of Mejere which many began to converse about the matter including a few members of the Starfires.
"Wow now, she's so reliable, isn't she?" Amy said with a smile.
Everyone across the ship got a look at how much father they were to Mejere which wasn't far and how much distance Terrain Prime was from the café to the Register which Barnette watched with the Register staff.
Down in the bowels of the Nirvana's Engineering bay on the other hand, Parfet had the same thought as many of her fellow Mejere women of the Nirvana on the final leg of the journey.
"Soon we will be home again…."
Misty on the other hand stood away from everyone looking despondent which contrasted the mood of everyone near her. Meanwhile in the Medical bay, Duero sat at his station and spoke his thoughts out loud.
"It was a very long and hard trip, but it'll be over very soon."
"All right then, we're going to go straight through the Magnetic storm like this!" Hibiki said in Vandread Jura back out in space.
"If we stay focused and not get thunderstruck, we'll all make it through intact so, stay focused you two." Arthur said nearby.
Normally he'd have his fellow Vanguard pilots helping, but he decided to give them the day off because they earned it along with Brian and Julian doing the same as well. Back inside the café, Dita held a doll of Hibiki and made a prayer.
"Please, let me be with Mr. Alien even after we get to Mejere and beyond including Terrain Prime." Dita said to herself mentally.
On the bridge, Magno and Buzam continued to monitor the progress of the ship's journey through the storm while mentally thinking about one thing; what will happen when they reunited with the 1st fleet of Terrain Prime? Will Brian and Arthur return to the Solar Eagles or would the stay?
Down in the café, Brian had the same thought in mind because he was conflicted; would he return to Terrain Prime along with Arthur or stay with the Nirvana. The war would need both, but where would they go after it was all said and done was still up in the air.
"We're nearly there everyone." Dita said with joy.
"I'm so happy right now Dita." Paiway said a second later.
The mood took a swift and unpleastant southern, downward turn when Misty of all people had the bull testicles to dare to say a snotty, dick remark from the peanut gallery.
"Why are all of you so happy? Are you all dumb and stupid? Even if we get to Mejere, all of you folks from Mejere might all get harvested! And what about Terrain Prime? Some of those snobs still have distrust with Mejere women! All of you are so naïve!"
"That's so mean and offensive bitch!" Zoe shouted.
"How dare you say that!?" Celtic shouted while wearing a leopard bikini.
Brian sitting at a table near the commotion got very annoyed and angered by the comment by the Pluto teen girl got up and walked up to Misty to reprimand her when she opened her trap again.
"I'm sorry, but I don't give an F about Mejere or Terrain Prime that's all."
As Brian got up and went to go and confront Misty about her remarks, a few crew members of the Nirvana were deeply disgusted with Misty's lack of empathy that a few voices their displeasure.
"How annoying!" Amy shouted.
"She thinks this doesn't matter to her!" Celtic shouted seconds later.
Misty didn't get the chance to leave the café when Brian blocked her path and then looked at her with disgust and spoke to her in a very stern, reprimanding tone to her which everyone heard.
"Misty, you think you can say things and not have truth to them? One day, you'll learn that the choices you make can have consequences that can be devastating and can get people injured or killed. The words you say can gain allies or enemies who you would be responsible. Mejere may not be your home, but that's not an excuse to act like a complete jackass to those from Mejere or Terrain Prime. You think you can't make mistakes, but one day that belief will cause problems that you will not be able to resolve. There is greatness in you, but not an ounce of respect for those who have a home which we'll try to see if Terrain Prime will take you in. Next time watch your mouth or Magno will have you clean every single Dread and Vanguard until we get to Mejere okay."
"Okay, Brother Brian…" Misty said.
Brian nodded and had her apologize for her remark towards the rest of the crew that she made before she left while Brian decided to follow her and talk. it was then that Misty decided to ask Brian about his parents.
"Is it true your parents are gone? Couldn't they have made it to an escape shelter and are alive? Also, how will I be accepted into Terrain Prime society?" Misty asked.
"Well, their bodies were recovered which unlike yours which was not likely and-"
Brian didn't get to finish Misty's question to him regarding his parents as right then and there, he was cut off by a loud noise that rattled the ship. Both of them were wondering what was the cause of the noise.
"What was that?" Misty asked.
In the Navigational Well, Bart felt the impact as well due to his neuro linkage to the ship itself giving him a bit of pain. Quickly, he asked Hibiki, Jura, and Arthur a question right away.
"What the hell was that? Are three sure we will get to Mejere like this!?"
"Don't worry and don't get scared Bart at this! We will for sure go back there and I'm going to see our future with my own two eyes. What the future will be." Hibiki said firmly.
Jura then spoke to Hibiki first, "Well know that's real mature. Did something come over you or Arthur?"
Down in the Engineering bay, Parfet noticed the Paksis had now stabilized after that brief scare. Back in the café, everyone noticed as well including Dita and Paiway. Brian on the other hand resumed his talk with Misty.
"As I was saying, my parent's bodies were found though I didn't identify them and as for you becoming a member of Terrain Prime society, we'll just have to find out…" Brian said.
Misty nodded after hearing the answer to her question about Brian's parents and left desiring to be alone for a reason. While that happened, Dita spoke to Paiway about the sudden calmness that happened just seconds earlier.
"The ship stopped shaking."
"That was close-kero..." Paiway said calmly a second later.
"That must mean both Mr. Alien and Mr. Angel Alien are working harder than before!" Dita shouted in excitement.
Dita quickly contacted Vandread Jura along with the Archangel Fujin Gundam. First and foremost, the spunky red-head Mejere woman spoke to Hibiki in excitement and joy to Hibiki.
"Oh Mr. Alien!"
"What is it?" Hibiki asked.
"You and Mr. Angel Alien are doing so very well! I'll be sure to make good yummy stuff when you get back, so let's have a party when we get there okay!" Dita shouted in joy.
Hibiki nodded and spoke, "Sounds good..."
"Oh really? Only you two are having fun? What about me?" Jura asked while holding a purple paper fan.
Barnette contacted the Vandread and spoke to Jura, "Don't worry, I'll cook a bit of your portion while letting Arthur cook the rest so not only can he cook, but he can cook a meal and show proof he's not a bad cook."
"Barnette, seriously why are you mocking my cooking skills? I've improved during the voyage thanks to Dita and Misty with you helping a bit. Trust me, my cousin Harold's dad Richard "Roger" Hanson is a worse cook than me that I recall one time he took my Harold, my sister, a few of my cousins, and I to a Dinner because he burnt the holiday Turkey no offense because my folks were busy with Christmas preparations. That was one odd Christmas if I remember right as when my parents came home, my dad gave my uncle a odd look when he saw his burnt left hand while my mom was in stitches...she was laughing at him basically by asking if the Turkey beat him in combat..." Arthur said.
"Why couldn't he cook? And what was up with your mother?" Hibiki asked.
"He was a Lighting Spetsnaz officer and is used to simple, quick meals. As for my mother Hibiki, for the record...she has a screwed up sense of humor...and my father loves it for some reason...I come from some strange folks Hibiki.." Arthur said with a deadpanned expression.
It was then that Jura spoke up not about the meal or even Arthur's mother, but rather something else on mind and made sure Arthur heard it as well. Even though she no longer dated him, she still felt the need to bring it up.
"You know you two, there is one thing that is that is unclear."
"What is that?"
Jura spoke to Hibiki first, "I know this is odd, but um…. even if you and Dita hook up, which you can because you're a man after all. You won't even be allowed on Mejere. Same can be said for Arthur even though we're not dating anymore..."
"So what? We have bigger things to worry about like the Harvesters right know..." Hibiki said sternly.
"That's true Jura! I'll be fighting with Mr. Alien!" Dita shouted.
"Same here Jura, we got bigger fish to fry as winning against them will be glorious." Arthur said a second later.
After seeing their determination to fight and seeing that Arthur was focused on the war effort and such, Jura decided to embarrass Hibiki by bringing up a certain subject and spoke about it.
"Why don't you and Dita go and make babies then?"
"Jura knock it off and focus on the task at hand please..." Arthur said sternly.
"Yeah, stop saying strange stuff and focus on your work!" Hibiki shouted.
Jura looked away and grumbled one thing, "He's not being honest enough."
"You could say that again, the kid does have feelings, but refuses to admit them..." Arthur said.
In the Medical bay on the other hand while the trio was busy keeping the ship safe, Duero was busy with work. He was so engrossed at work he didn't notice Parfet walk in and speak to him.
"Duero, how's everything going?"
"Not too bad..." Duero said calmly.
"I've realized that something, the tone of your voice goes down when you're happy doc. Typically it's the other way around..." Parfet said happily.
Duero turned around and spoke, "Should I say I'm happy that you were observing?"
Parfet chuckled a bit before replying, "Are you nervous or what? That scared me a little."
"Do I need to examine you?" Duero asked playfully.
"N-n-n no, I'm all right doc..." Parfet said while blushing a bit.
Misty stood nearby outside of the Medical bay and left in a huff. She wandered into the area which had a walkway overlooking the Paksis reactor core. Misty was confused as on the outside, she appeared to be okay, but on the inside she knew herself she was insecure.
"Those idiots even those augmented idiots are all morons. I don't get why they're so happy right now and behaving like naïve children. Oh well, I'm just an outsider after all right Q-chan?" Misty said to herself.
Q-chan just looked at Misty a bit before the holographic blob made some sounds which directed Misty's attention to the Paksis core glowing strangely. Misty looked and wondered what was going on with it as she wasn't as skilled in engineering as Parfet was.
"Huh? What's wrong with the Paksis?" Misty asked to herself.
It was then that Misty's thoughts were interrupted by a certain Navi-Robot. Pyoro suddenly came in shouting while waving a piece of paper in the air. Due to his accidental ignorance, he didn't see Misty was unhappy.
"Big news! Big news! We're almost to Mejere and there will be a celebration party for it!"
Upon hearing it, Misty didn't like the idea for a party at a time like this for personal reasons. Upon calming down, the Navi-Robot noticed Misty not happy at all and spoke in concern.
"What are you angry-about?"
"I'm not angry!" Misty shouted in anger.
"Are you lonely then-pyoro?" Pyoro asked.
Misty then spoke, "Lonely? What do you mean lonely? I don't get lonely!"
"Ha ha! I knew it-pyoro! I got it right perfectly-pyoro!" Pyoro shouted.
Misty just huffed at the thought before the Paksis started to glow unusually than normal. Seconds later, Pyoro began to act very strange or very weirdly and spoke as if he was possessed.
"One…. solitude…anxiety…"
W-what's going on with you?" Misty asked.
"Anxiety from having no home or nowhere to go back to. Loneliness from being out of place..." Pyoro/Paksis said.
"What are you talking about? I'm fine all by myself! It's better than hanging around with all of those kids!" Misty shouted in sorrow.
Misty calmed down and then looked at the Paksis and asked out loud something. For her, could the Paksis be more than just a power source? Could it be in reality a living or semi-living thing?
"Wait…does it have something to do with the Paksis?"
Outside of the Nirvana, Vandread Jura kept the shield up while the Archangel Fujin Gundam flew near it in case of troubles. While Arthur was trying to figure out how to be in a relationship, Jura on the other hand decided to ask something.
"What do you guys think about the fact that men and women can and are supposed to make babies together?"
"What are you talking about?" Hibiki asked in confusion.
"Why don't you try it on me? Or despite us being no longer together, why don't you Arthur try it on me?" Jura asked with a smirk.
This stunned both men greatly more so for Arthur as far as he knew, they broke up because of this question in one way. The other being his unhealthy commitment to Terrain Prime's war efforts. For Hibiki, it was due to him being raised in an all-male planet even after being given the "Talk" by Arthur himself. Naturally Arthur responded first.
"Jura! Now's not the time for thinking of such non-sense!"
"Yeah, what non-sense are you talking about? I don't even know how to make one anyway!" Hibiki shouted a second later.
Jura slumped down and replied, "What? Then what's the point Hibiki of helping to deliver Ezra's baby?"
"It was complicated, and I didn't have much choice in that situation!" Hibiki shouted.
"Then neither you nor Arthur could become a good Ohma like that." Jura said.
This puzzled Hibiki though Arthur had a clear idea of what Jura was talking about for a good reason and when Arthur realized something, he blushed a shade of red promoting Hibiki to speak up.
"Sir? You okay?"
Jura then spoke, "Arthur? You okay? Why so red?"
"One time, I gave Hibiki here along with Duero and Bart the talk or how biological males and biological females could have kids. In other words, I gave them the answer a lot of kids on Terrain Prime ask their parents or guardians which is where do babies come from. Gah, I feel so dirty about it and I think I might have to do it again when we get to our destination." Arthur said.
"Where did you learn that? Care to tell me?" Jura asked.
"I got the lecture from my parents when I um...heh..heh...walked in on them when my sister along with my cousin Harold and I wanted to give them breakfast in bed on their anniversary two years ago. Almost dropped the TV Tray with the food on it. On top of that, I got Sex Education during the my time at the Zeus Air Force Academy."
Hibiki then spoke, "Oh come on now, I don't think it was bad."
"DUDE! It's one thing to read about it and see it in film, it's another level if you see your parents doing it. For some reason, my cousin Harold thought my dad was winning...while Victoria was horrified." Arthur said with a glare.
"Care to tell me more? In case one day I have to say it myself as a parent?" Jura asked.
"A parent? I don't see yourself as one as being a parent is a lot work and responsibility and such." Arthur said.
Hibiki spoke first, "A parent? I wonder what I would give my child if I became a parent."
"You Hibiki are still a kid yourself along with Arthur a bit as well..." Jura said calmly.
"I guess it does me no good to say that. If I want to say something about it, I guessed I'd better do something great first..." Hibiki said.
Jura leaned a bit forward and spoke, "I really think you've changed Hibiki along with Arthur."
"For me, I have changed myself and that I think about it, if I did become a dad, I'd want to ensure they got a good upbringing unlike my sister and I." Arthur said with a cynical tone.
"How?" Jura asked.
Arthur just signed and spoke, "Growing up, my dad Roy Hanson seemed to like work more than being a dad so, his younger brother Richard or Roger Hanson took up the bulk of being the dad in my life. My sister Victoria wasn't exactly his biggest fan nor was I no matter how hard we did in school and our chores right as Victoria seemed to get the raw end of it most of the time. Basically, he's cold, methodical, calculating, stubborn, arrogant to a fault, stoic nearly all the time and top of that, he barely tells us he loves us. He wasn't thrilled when we both joined the Air Force much less when Harold joined the Navy as well even though his dad was okay with it. He was unhappy and wanted us to reconsider after we accepted the offer to join the JROTC before we both were bumped up to prime positions. This is coming from a boy who the happiest day of his dad's life was when he shipped my ass, my cousin Harold's ass, and my sister's ass off to Olympus Academy."
"Are you sure?" Jura asked.
Arthur paused and spoke, "Yeah, I'm pretty as if you think my sister and I look forward to shore leave, you're mistaken as we're barely home at our parent's home and spend more time with our ships or the air/space bases mostly because my sister and father can't have a decent conversation without one of them turning into a pointless argument. Hell, their relationship is almost not there even though she's his daughter. Our mom is a bit better though with that said as she'll love me being home alive after all of this."
Back on the ship while that was all going on, Bart had just finished his shift steering the Nirvana and exited the Navigational Well while speaking in a rather happy, joyful mood.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome back..." Buzam said in a monotone voice.
After that introduction, Bart heard noises which he looked and saw the party was getting underway much to his dismay. The Tarak male wanted to be part of it as soon as he was done with his work.
"Wh…what's that? Ahh! They've started partying already without me?" Bart asked.
Down in the Bio-garden, the party was underway as Duero was being led by Parfet through the area. Brian was in the area as well talking to a few of his fellow Starfire comrades.
"It's really festive!" Parfet said while being excited.
"I don't usually like being in a crowd though Parfet..." Duero said with a snark.
Parfet looked at Duero and spoke, "Then stick with me if you're uncomfortable doc."
The spunky engineer then grabbed Duero's wrists and pulled him along to check out the party although Duero was still a bit uncomfortable much to Brian's amusement as he watched nearby and decided to get Bart so the helmsman wouldn't be alone. On the bridge, Bart noticed Parfet dragging Duero along and was puzzled.
"What? Duero and Parfet had that kind of relationship going on?" Bart asked.
Bart looked around and noticed Buzam was by herself doing work like usual which Brian appeared at the same time next to Bart which Bart didn't see Brian because he was looking at Buzam.
"The sub-commander is alone…could this be my chance?" Bart asked to himself.
"Dude, Buzam is out of your league and aren't you developing a crush on Bella and looking like you're expressing lust rather than love...to Buzam..." Brian said with a sigh.
Bart nodded and spoke, "You're right…as what I was just doing isn't what a noble man in a society should do. I'd better act in a more dignified matter."
Bart then snuck away initially like an inch worm much to Brian's amusement before Buzam looked to see what happened before going back to her work. Brian decided to make sure Bart didn't make a complete fool of himself as his dad told him a thing or two about dating shortly before his and his wife's deaths.
While the festivities were going on, Misty on the other hand was having a conversation with the Paksis while using Pyoro as a mouthpiece to talk to the Pluto native and spoke to it.
"Are you lonely as well?"
"I'm analyzing the emotions of human beings. Originally, the Paksis splits in two through mitosis. I split into two when I entered this world and we're now isolated..." Pyoro/Paksis.
Misty then spoke, "Why is that?"
"When we encountered an investigation spaceship from Earth, there was an accident, so we went to help it..." Pyoro/Paksis said calmly.
Misty wanted answers and asked, "What do you mean by isolated? Where is the other half?"
While Misty was trying to solve mysteries of the Paksis, Bart on the other hand was trying the best way to ask Buzam to the party while Brian just stood nearby not knowing what to do about the guy.
He knew that blonde Tarak male had a crush on Bella because of Bart telling him in the showers of "Morning Wood" he kept waking up to. In one episode, Bart told him a dream where she looked like an angel while he was dressed like an ancient warrior.
It was obvious to Brian: Bart was in love with Bella which was further evidenced by a picture of her he secretly kept which had them and Julian performing at the Christmas party half a year ago.
"Everyone is enjoying themselves at the party, but I'm here all alone. I, as the first son of the Garsus family should ask the sub-commander out according to tradition..." Bart said while holding a book.
Brian just stood shaking his head while Bart read a book muttering tradition three times before getting an idea and started to write something which Brian hoped it wouldn't make him an idiot or a dumbass.
While that was going on with Brian ready to cool Bart down if he got badly burned by Buzam, Misty continued to talk to the Paksis which she asked a question to the semi-sentient or sentient core.
"Do you miss your other half?" Misty asked.
Initially, nothing was said by the power source of the Nirvana for a period of about a few minutes before the Paksis spoke. It still spoke through Pyoro since it lacked a mouth to speak.
"We're still in contact with each other, but it seems as if the other half is collaborating with the Earth."
Misty then spoke, "Collaborating with the Earth?"
"The subconscious doubt that the Earthlings feel are forming to a being of negative thoughts and emotions..." Pyoro/Paksis said.
"Then…Are you saying that you're actually fighting with your friend?" Misty asked in confusion.
Misty just stood where she was for sometime contemplating what she had just learned from her conversation with the Paksis core of the Nirvana before she spoke to it calmly.
"You seek each other out, but you have to fight each other."
Misty then realized that the Paksis was not much different from her. Both were alone in their own ways: Paksis was alone because the other half of it was separated from it by the Earthlings aka the Harvesters. Misty on the other hand was alone because she was the last survivor of her home world. Then, she hugged Pyoro and spoke again.
"I guess you really are alone like me."
On the bridge on the other hand, Buzam saw a progress on how much further the Nirvana was from getting through the electromagnetic storm while the party was going on.
"Captain, we'll pass through the electromagnetic storm in five more minutes..." Buzam said.
Hibiki then spoke, "Then we're going straight through!"
Everyone in the ship including the those in the Bio-Garden where the party was going on cheered at the good news so far. The first one to speak up was Belvedere Coco herself.
"Finally at last."
"We'll all be home soon!" Ezra said happily while holding her daughter.
"You've all worked really hard including those three kids out there..." Magno said.
At the same time on the bridge, Buzam smiled at the progress and continued to work when a cough got her attention which was Bart with his hands behind his back for some reason. She couldn't see Brian, but she suspected he was nearby observing.
"Vice or sub-commander, I know this is a bit rude and sudden, but I've been thinking about this for some time and I've put my feelings in a letter or invite." Bart said suddenly.
Bart after making his presence known to the XO of the Nirvana then made his way in a very awkward fashion to Buzam and spoke again. Brian nearby on the other hand watched the show.
"Please enjoy this letter with special Jiyougan."
Bart then gave Buzam the letter he had just recently written just now only a few moments ago. Then with Bart still nearby, Buzam then read the message on it which was basic but was a bit sloppy.
"Am….I wish to escort you to the dinner party. If you would accept, please tell me and I'll be at your service with no waste or hesitation."
Bart still near the XO of the Nirvana bent down near Buzam with his right hand raised towards her and spoke in a very awkward fashion as nearby, Brian kept watching with amusement.
"So, take my hand and place your hands in mine if you may."
Buzam to Bart's shocking surprise just merely smiled, let the work ring around her lift to allow her to leave the station she was at right now, and calmly left while speaking to him.
"Thanks Bart, but I guess I'll only accept your feeling which I won't because I'll be with the Captain and besides, your heart already belongs to someone else I presume?"
Buzam then left to either help Magno get to the celebration party or go do something else that warranted her attention right now. This action thus left Bart behind. Once out of sight, Bart just muttered one thing out loud.
"That means? That means what?"
"It means you've experienced your first heartbreak. A boy doesn't become a man until he's had his first heartbreak which is a clear message: Buzam clearly knows where your heart truly lies. It isn't the end of the road, but it's the beginning of another one." Brain said while walking up to Bart.
"I guess you're right..." Bart said bitterly.
On the other hand, the Nirvana finally cleared the electromagnetic storm with the Archangel Fujin Gundam guarding it while Vandread Jura covered it. The leg of the Nirvana's journey was finally over, but what would happen next was anybody's guess.
"We've finally escaped from the storm at last..." Amarone said.
"Yes indeed! We've finally arrived in the Mejere system." Belvedere said with joy seconds later.
Everyone was starting to celebrate and Magno begun it by speaking, "Everyone, let's have a toast! Cheers everyone!"
"Cheers!"
In the Vandread nearby out in space, Jura along with Hibiki and Arthur saw the celebrations going on which she felt a little unhappy at being left out while the guys just looked on.
"Hey now, don't forget to thank me….do you understand?" Jura said.
"Don't worry Jura, everyone thanks us not just you okay." Arthur said from his Gundam.
Hibiki and Arthur looked outwards towards the system of Tarak and Mejere which Arthur saw memories of the Ikazuchi Incident pop into his mind which he began to lose focus and drifted a bit which concerned Jura while Hibiki had other things on his mind.
"The place where I shall return and the people I shall protect," Hibiki thought mentally.
It was then that before Hibiki could think more, Dita contacted first Vandread Jura before doing the same with Arthur's Gundam. Moments later, the cheerful redhead then spoke.
"Mr. Alien, Mr. Angel Alien come back quickly! Quickly!"
"Sheesh don't be so annoying, we will okay!" Hibiki shouted.
After receiving the message from Dita and after Arthur regained his focus, Vandread Jura split apart. Jura went ahead of them as just before Hibiki headed in, Arthur stopped him with an idea.
"Hey Hibiki, want to play Chicken?" Arthur asked with a smirk.
"Why? Isn't that dangerous?" Hibiki said with confusion.
Arthur shook his head and replied, "Not if you do it right and between you and me, my mentor and his coworkers had us Gundam pilots do this stunt as a way to test us so, you in or not and besides, it'll be a good excuse to put on a show for the crew."
Everyone in the ship's Bio-garden who was busy partying looked up and saw the Archangel Fujin Gundam fly off out of sight and saw Hibiki's Vanguard change into its Gundam form before doing the same.
"What are Mr. Alien and Mr. Angel Alien doing?" Dita asked.
The answer came in the form of the two Gundams flying back into sight which looked like they were going to crash into each other, but then dodged each other at the very last second and flew away. While some cheered, a few didn't like that stunt including Magno herself.
"Those two hotshot flyboys are grounded BC," Magno said sternly while near Buzam.
"Roger that captain. That is completely reckless and irresponsible, and I'll have those two brought to you right away," Buzam said.
On the other hand nearby, Brian and Bart both saw the infamous stunt which Brian left shaking his head at his comrade's antics. This was while he was going to find Misty while he muttered one thing to himself quietly.
"I'm surrounded by idiots."
On the other hand while that was going on, Meia found Misty all by herself with Pyoro floating nearby in the main Paksis chamber. Moments later, the Dread Squad Leader got her attention.
"So that's where you've been hiding. I've been looking for you. We should head back to where everyone else is at."
Misty then spoke, "I'll stay here the Paksis is lonely Meia."
"I'll stay here with you then Misty if that's okay with you," Meia said softly.
"Big sister," Misty said while looking at Meia.
In the Bio-Garden on the other hand, Hibiki, Jura, and Arthur arrived in the Bio-garden to a cheerful crowd. Jura was soaking in the attention while Hibiki and Arthur stood off to the side since neither one of them like being in the center of attention like Jura was.
"Hey everyone, I'm back!" Jura shouted.
"Welcome back you three," said Dita.
"Well done Jura. Hibiki and Arthur, Magno would like to have a word with both of you now," said Barnette sternly.
Magno then walked up to the duo with a stern expression on her face. Once near the duo, she then to their surprise slapped them both for their infamous Chicken stunt they had just done before. Then, she sternly spoke to them.
"What the hell is wrong with you two hotshots?! That's a dangerous stunt and I consider it to be reckless and irresponsible."
"Captain, we were celebrating us coming this far and we were trying to inspire the crew like how we have you inspired Hibiki and I. Also, my mentor and his coworkers did this as a final test when it came to the training for my other comrades and I to piloting our Gundams," Arthur said trying to justifying the stunt.
"Yeah besides, it was fun and scary at the same time and besides, most men on Tarak wouldn't think of doing this stunt unless it was justified," Hibiki said quickly right after Arthur.
Jura on the other hand took a break from socializing and hugging Barnette to add her two bits. On one hand, she was okay with the stupid stunt, but on the other hand, she thought it was reckless. The blonde woman then spoke up.
"That's complete and utter bullshit from you two guys. That stunt you and Hibiki did make you and that boy both dumbasses."
"But on the other hand, it's very good and justified bullshit you two," Julian said while walking up to the group.
Parfet with Duero nearby then spoke, "Hey, where's Misty?"
"I don't know, maybe there's no place for her," Hibiki said coldly.
In the Paksis reactor chamber, Misty was conversing with Meia while Pyoro sat nearby which Brian then arrived a second later. He decided to observe and let Meia and Misty talk it out seeing as Meia got a handle on this matter.
"I tried not to think that I was lonely because if I started to feel that way, I would end up beginning to worry about why I was here in the first place. But the truth is, I'm really scared of being alone right now," Misty said somberly.
Meia got near Misty and spoke, "That's completely ironic Misty. You know, back then I felt the same as you as I too desired loneliness along with Brian after his parents died. I once believed that if I didn't trust anyone, then I'd never be betrayed, and I also once thought that could never get hurt if I didn't get close to anyone. I really hated myself at that time, but not anymore because I've began to think that I would be reborn again if I'm reincarnated. Also, I want to be with everyone else."
This was enough to get Misty to feel better and she stood up just as Dita arrived on the scene. Seeing that everyone was okay, Brian lead the three females and the Navi-robot back to the party with pride.
"Come on Misty let's go, everyone's waiting for you out there," Dita said while near Misty.
Near the entrance to the Bio-Garden, Dita and Misty got ahead of Brian because Meia pulled Brian back and gave him a kiss on the lips. Brian returned the kiss which turned into a make out session.
A tapping of Misty's foot broke the kiss up which the couple looked and saw Misty looking a bit impatient while Dita saw it with a happy expression along with Pyoro. The group then arrived at the party. Dita led Misty in one direction while Brian and Meia snuck to a private part of the garden to continue their make out session.
"I guess it's a bit scary to start living in a new place Misty, but that's okay because you're never alone as long as we're by your side always," said Dita.
"Indeed, Brian himself felt alone after his parents died, but as long as they were in his heart, he'd never be alone no matter what," said Arthur.
Dita nodded and spoke to Misty, "All of these people here ensure you're never alone and Oh yeah, once we get there I hope you'll share a room with me if you don't mind. I've got lots of toys I wish to show you Misty."
Misty scoffed the idea and replied, "Hey now not so fast, I'm not planning on becoming a UFO nutcase."
Dita just smiled and led Misty to the party while Hibiki just watched along with Duero, Parfet, Paiway, Jura, and Arthur who left to find Bart to see if he'd still join them anyway. He found the cadet sobbing like a baby near the navigational well.
"Shot through the heart? We're you to blame? Buzam giving love a bad name?" Arthur asked.
"What was supposed to mean anyway? This is strange, a man from Tarak feeling broken hearted after getting dumped by a woman," Bart said in sadness.
"I know that for starters, Buzam wasn't meant for you for another reason aside from the very obvious fact that you have huge crush on Bella to the point I found one of my pictures of the 1st SMSS Solar Eagles on your bed," Arthur said with a cocked left eyebrow.
Bart just looked confused and shouted, "Then why I'm I so sad then huh!?"
Before Arthur could explain, the ship's alarms began to ring out across the ship. Outside, the Nirvana was approaching a mine field that had mines in the thousands along with dozens of turrets. Brian and Meia stopped their make out session and joined everyone in the party wondering what was going on.
Amarone, Belvedere, Ezra, and Celtic got to the bridge quickly just seconds after Bart jumped into the Navigational Well. Images of the mine field appeared seconds later showing the zone of protection for Tarak.
"We're in a mine zone. They're deployed across a wide zone," Amarone said cautiously.
"The floating mines are Tarak's first line of defense," Ezra said calmly.
Magno just grumbled one thing, "That's Tarak's?"
"There is a message captain," Ezra said with fear.
It was just now that an audio message played for the Nirvana to hear and it wasn't good. Instead of a normal human speaking, it was a pre-recorded male voice that spoke:
"Attention, this is a message from the Tarak Territory Automatic Defense Grid System. Provide Identification or be designated an enemy and be destroyed."
Just seconds after the automatic message was spoken, Hibiki then appeared in his Vanguard/Gundam's cockpit suited up and ready to go. A quick second or two later, he then spoke.
"What are you waiting for? I'm ready to go out there anytime."
"NO! That grid is key to slowing down the Harvester forces so, don't move young man!" Magno shouted sternly.
"Hibiki, stand down now and get out of the cockpit of your mobile suit or I'll force you out as I didn't give you an order to launch nor did Magno did. You'll be destroyed in seconds from those mines and like Magno said, they're key to fighting the Harvesters and I will not hesitate to punish you if you disobey Magno, Buzam, Meia, or my orders not to launch I'm I clear?" Arthur said sternly right after Magno.
Hibiki grumbled and got out of the cockpit of his mobile suit which Arthur made a mental note to have Hibiki scrub the Jacuzzi's baths for this stunt while wondering how the heck did he get down there and suited up so fast.
"Must have been due to the Paksis I guess. I mean, it did copy the genetic BS crap and the Lighting Commando Augmentations which were given to him, Dita, Meia, and Jura though Brian, Bella, and I received minor enhancements..." Arthur thought mentally.
"The defense system is powering up!" Belvedere shouted in fear.
Everyone tensed up as the Nirvana continued to approach not only Tarak, but the very defensive system created to protect the all-male planet from intruders. Tarak Defense System as the automatic male voice spoke again.
"Since you've provided no identification or password, we'll consider your ship as an enemy of Tarak and enter attack status now."
"Dammit! This isn't good," Buzam said bitterly.
Hoping for a way out, Magno then spoke to the three Tarak men with any ideas to get past the grid. She assumed since Duero, Bart and Hibiki were from Tarak, they would have something like that. The pirate leader then spoke up.
"Tarak recognition codes do any of you three Tarak kids have any?"
Bart appeared and spoke, "I don't have one or any because it's only for senior officers of Tarak like a General or Admiral in that particular matter. Duero and I are just cadets."
"I regretfully don't have one myself sadly," Duero said seconds later.
"Dammit, same for me as well," Hibiki said from the Hanger bay.
The Tarak Defense system powered up, primed its mines, and aimed its cannons at the rapidly approaching Nirvana. The crew knew that unless someone had Tarak Recognition Codes, they'd be dead.
"The defense system has adjusted its level to the Nirvana. The countdown has begun and we have only 2 ½ minutes until it fires on us!" Ezra shouted in fear to Magno.
"Never thought we'd get hit by Tarak like this," said Barnette in the Bio-garden.
Dita shook her head and spoke, "No way! We can't fight against them, we shouldn't! Not at this point where there is so much at stake."
"We finally returned back to Mejere and I thought I could finally go home not get blasted into cosmic dust!" Paiway shouted.
Paiway then felt a hand on her left shoulder and saw Meia looking at her with a reassuring look to the frighted young nurse. She then spoke up seconds later to calm her down.
"Don't worry Paiway, we'll all go back together with everyone."
The young nurse then looked at Misty who said nothing. On the Nirvana's bridge at the same time, Belvedere kept monitoring the growing problem of the situation the ship was now in. She then spoke up.
"The countdown won't stop. We have 120 seconds or two minutes until the attack begins on the Nirvana."
Magno on the other hand just glared on wards at the countdown which was reaching the one-minute mark. It went past the critical mark as Ezra spoke while Buzam just stood still.
"Three mines are approaching the Nirvana!"
Back in the Bio-Garden, Parfet came up with an idea to try to stop or at least slow down the mines from the Tarak Defense System. Brian on the other hand left to join Arthur on the bridge.
"All right then, why don't we try to destroy or at least cripple only the defense system?" Parfet said to herself.
"Hang on…let me come with you because you helped me a while ago," Duero said while near her.
The medic and engineering duo then left to try the attempt. At the same time Duero and Parfat left, Ezra on the other hand while at the bridge reported the remaining time left and it wasn't good.
"60 seconds left!"
"Dammit! I should've asked grandpa about this if I knew this was going to happen!" Bart shouted while in the Navigational well.
Magno saw Buzam tense up her left hand a bit while down in the very same room that deployed the three message pods nearly a year ago, Duero and Parfet were working on a solution on saving the Nirvana just as Belvedere's voice echoed across the ship.
"There's less than 30 seconds left now!" Belvedere shouted.
Meanwhile on the other hand, after looking at the designs of the space mines used to defend Tarak from enemies, Parfet looked at Duero and spoke of something to the Tarak medic.
"We better call it off first rather than destroy it."
"Strange, I'm not usually as worried when I'm with you," Duero said.
"I like it when you're like that doc," Parfat said while looking at Duero.
In the Bio-Garden, everyone was tensed up including Jura of what would happen again. Parfet and Duero continued to try to find a solution, Pyoro held baby Miranda close, Hibiki stood in the Hanger bay ready to abandon ship, and everyone on the bridge tensed up at the final countdown from Belvedere.
"10….."
"9…"
"8…"
"7…"
"6…"
"5… "
"4…"
"3…"
"2…"
Then at the last second, Buzam reached up and pressed the necklace choker which the color turned from green to red. What came next would shock the crew as a male voice echoed from Buzam.
"My name is Tenmei Uragasumi from the Tarak Empire. Section: special intelligence, my rank is Commander in Chief. The attestation password is Kanoe 0031 Attestation begins..."
After that was uttered, a few tense seconds passed before things turned around for the bittersweet way. On one hand, everyone wasn't going to be space dust, but it showed Buzam wasn't what she appeared to be. Then, the automatic male voice spoke to Buzam.
"Attestation complete. Password and recognition complete. We look forward to seeing your good work sir."
The Nirvana then passed through peacefully having the proper codes and identification given. On the other hand, everyone just looked at Buzam or Tenmei Uragasumi with confusion while Brian and Arthur were itching to pull out their pistols to shoot the traitor.
"Ezra, leave a marker at this place," Tenmei said bitterly.
"Okay," Ezra said quietly.
Tenmei or Buzam then spoke, "We're now seizing a spy and taking him into custody as so he can be thrown into the brig. Send two security members over here to accompany."
"Wh-Who are you?" Ezra asked.
"I'm sorry, but there was no other way that we could've made it through that Defense System grid," Magno said.
Tenmei then spoke, "So you knew?"
Magno nodded just as Arthur spoke, "Give Brian and me one reason we shouldn't put a pair of bullets through that traitorous skull of yours."
"Though I've the days of dishonesty and deception, one truth remained. Magno is truly a wonderful person along you, Brian, and the rest of the Nirvana's crew. Even though it wasn't long, I've been proud to have worked under Magno and fought alongside you Arthur and your comrades including the crew of the Nirvana," Tenmei said.
Tenmei then bowed and left the bridge while everyone just stood still where they were at while at the same time Hibiki left the Hanger bay seeking answers to this revelation while Bart just sat in the Navigational Well flabbergasted.
"The sub-commander was a man!?" Bart asked to himself.
In another part of the ship, Hibiki eventually ran into Buzam or Tenmei with a pair of female security guards on him/her. Hibiki was conflicted and followed the group which he was joined shortly afterwards by Duero seeking the same answers.
Eventually, the two security female guards brought Tenmei to the men's quarters/prison block. After stepping inside one cell, Tenmei was wondering why the guards were hesitating.
"What are you doing? Hurry up and seal this cell," Tenmei muttered bitterly.
The guards did what was asked of them after they briefly hesitated for a second before Tenmei ordered them to seal the cell. Tenmei just stood where he/she was at for the time being.
"Don't worry, I won't be able to escape now," Tenmei muttered quietly.
Hibiki and Duero then arrived right after Tenmei was imprisoned which Hibiki muttered why and ran up the cell where Tenmei was held so he could demand answers to why this was coming to light only now.
"Why….why do the rulers of Tarak had to stoop this low like what that woman from Terrain Prime did!?" Hibiki asked in disbelief.
"Because that's how bad relations between Tarak and Mejere have gotten. Terrain Prime getting involved was pure accidental, they were never meant to get involve and the fact that upon discovering Terrain Prime's human genetic engineering program along with men and women coexisting, both worlds became afraid of what that nation could become; the dominant Human world along with ending the Tarak-Mejere War. I fear with them weakened, takeover of that nation will be easy as pie," Tenmei said with a hint of fear.
Duero then spoke after walking over to the cell, "But on the other hand, if you're not a man I wonder if we would still be currently alive right now. While serving on this ship, I've discovered that my past education I received from Tarak is not entirely completed. I've also have discovered that you could change yourself according to your own free will. The truth is still in this ship right sub-commander?"
Tenmei just said nothing as he stood in the cell while in the Navigational Well on the other hand, Bart was just curled up in a ball trying to wrap around the thought that Buzam was a man in disguised all this time.
"I don't know whether I should feel proud or disgusted. I mean my invite was right according to Brian, but I'm just confused," Bart muttered in shock
While Bart was trying to wrap his mind around Buzam's true gender, Amarone on the other hand discovered a Tarak fleet. It was approaching fast and she alerted Magno quickly.
"Captain! There is a Tarak fleet right surrounding us!"
More images appeared that showed the Tarak fleet which included improved Tarak Vanguards that were vastly different than the ones nearly a year ago, but to Arthur and Brian's eyes were eerily similar to the Vanguards the Nirvana had and the Knight Vansword mobile suits to a certain degree.
"No, it's not just Tarak, but a Mejere fleet as well!" Belvedere shouted seconds later.
Another image showed the Mejere fleet approaching the Nirvana along with the Tarak fleet which Hibiki who was standing with Duero and two Mejere security officers wondered what was going on.
"What….what does this entirely mean?" Hibiki asked.
No one said anything as the Nirvana approached the Tarak-Mejere system while the two fleets one from each world got closer to the Nirvana to box it so it wouldn't escape from the two fleets.
On the other hand, far away from the scene of what was happening to the Nirvana and its crew, the mobile suit known as the Triad Izanagi Gundam wearing the Stealth backpack observed the scene.
"Crap, the Nirvana's been caught. I'd better contact the 1st fleet and the Tier 1 fleet about this because if Brian and Arthur are caught by Tarak, the Lighting Commando secrets will be thoroughly analyzed and Tarak will finally be able to create its own breed of super soldiers along with Mejere if the females get the formula as well," muttered Steve St. James.
Recently promoted to an officer ranking which was 2nd Lieutenant along with the rest of the Gundam pilots from Terrain Prime with different new ranks along with others, Steve accepted the new leader Bella and the new teammate Robert.
After contacting both fleets, he left the scene without alerting his presence. The crew of the Nirvana has come to an unwelcome home greeting and unless everything was straightened out quickly, things would be dark for Humanity.
A/N: This one is a chapter I took ques from a few movies like Into Darkness like the talk Brian had with Misty. Think Brian as Admiral Pike from Star Trek Into Darkness while Misty is a bit like Kirk from that same movie sorta of mainly from one of the trailers specifically.
Well know this one is done and we're only one chapter away from the huge battle awaiting and I assure you that there will be no Lemons because that's how I roll baby.
The Triad Izanagi Gundam or the XXZX-XV10 Triad Izanagi Gundam is the upgraded Izanagi which it can be equipped with more gear and is more versatile than ever before. It has the head (minus the face mask), torso, and waist of the Strike Gundam from Gundam Seed though more futuristic, the legs and feet of the Impulse Gundam from Gundam Seed Destiny, and the arms, shoulders (minus the spikes), and hands of the Strike E Gundam from the Gundam Seed side stories.
The Chicken stunt and aftermath is loosely based on the stunt from Pearl Harbor which is still at the beginning. I enjoy making fun of Michael Bay's crap movie on an infamous attack and I'll do so with other works because it's fun.
Next chapter is the imprisonment of the crew, the escape, and a couple of battles because an escape doesn't come easy. Also, be warned cross-dressing is going to happen so be warned. Also, a brief mention of male nudity which there will be no genitals shown.
R & R to tell me what you think, no flames, and have a wonderful winter despite the shit going on in Minnesota.
Bye now everybody….