-CHAPTER 20-
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
A couple of days later, within the Black Block, Chairwoman Francoise is now having an audience with the other three Confederation leaders within the command room. They sit at a large circular table, to which as they sit, both Ginnette and Cassandra are shown to be visually upset behind the papers in their hands. They hold them close to their faces, to which Ginnette then speaks first-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...Hmph...so, Perle went and nearly destroyed the Tyranny ErotiCake while we were busy these past couple of days...and after we just invested so much of our nations' resources into its repairs...
Ginnette says, clearly upset about this loss. She will also indicate that Cassandra helped in this endeavor, to which Chairwoman Francoise replies-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
That is correct, Ginnette-but as I've already said, I have taken it upon myself to already go and have it fully repaired by now. With its repairs complete, all that remains are the final touches for the Liberty ErotiCake Mk-II, which will be complete later today...
Chairwoman Francoise says, trying to appease to Ginnette by also indicating that the Tyranny ErotiCake is repaired and all that's left is the completion of the Liberty ErotiCake Mk-II. Ginnette replies with-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
Ginnette will be silent, indicating that she might accept this outcome. Cassandra then says-
Cassandra ?
...Who was the one that Perle and Sabrina went up against?
Chairwoman Francoise will say-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Rhapsody Luisant. She is Bijou's mother and was the original pilot of the Liberty ErotiCake.
Cassandra ?
!...I see. She was a highly skilled swordswoman back when the DIC was around.
Cassandra says-already knowing who Rhapsody is from her time back in the Confederation. Chairwoman Francoise then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Yes-and she still is, even today. In fact, Howard and Stanley were once her students, which should explain to you why Perle and Sabrina got the Tyranny ErotiCake so damaged.
Chairwoman Francoise says, to which Cassandra replies with-
Cassandra ?
...
Faced with this, Chairwoman Francoise then finishes this conversation with-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Despite this bad experience, I believe that both Perle and Sabrina should not be taken off piloting the Tyranny.
Ginnette Pinnacle
!
Now, Ginnette will reply with-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Francoise? Do you actually believe that strongly for those two to remain the Tyranny ErotiCakes' pilots...even after this colossal failure?
Ginnette asks, honestly, to which Chairwoman Francoise then replies with the same wording that she told Perle the other day-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Absolutely, Ginnette. Need I remind you two how much a hassle it would be for me to go and find new pilots at this stage-who would have to have just as much experience as those two at the moment.
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
Cassandra ?
...
Both Ginnette and Cassandra as silent, as Chairwoman Francoise continues-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Also, these two new pilots would then have to become familiar with Divitiya-whom is also currently developing her own relationship with Oliver Crossback. He is the third brother of Albert and Thomas, who are soon to become husbands with Perle and Sabrina.
Ginnette Pinnacle
...!
Cassandra ?
...!
Chairwoman Francoise then finishes up with-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
So, I just figured it would be wise to keep both Perle and Sabrina piloting the Tyranny ErotiCake moving forward. It would be too much of a hassle to find replacements this late in the game-and it's not like our enemies would even give us the chance to do so anyway.
Faced with these facts, both Ginnette and Cassandra will back down-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...Alright, then. I'll let this slide, as they are under your nation's jurisdiction, after all.
Cassandra ?
I'll trust your decision on this one as well, Francoise.
With that resolved, Rohais then switches gears to discuss-
Rohais Luisant
Now that we have this issue decided on, I think we should start talking about our fast approach to the first of the four AA Space Fortresses that are in our way...
Ginnette Pinnacle
!...Indeed. That is more important than this, anyway.
Cassandra ?
Rohais? Will you elaborate for us, please?
Cassandra asks politely, to which Rohais then starts her presentation. Rohais will now bring up a hologram of the TRAPPIST-1 Solar system in front of everyone from the middle of the table, to which Rohais then zooms in on the three planets of interest, being Gleen, Grissom and Schirra. Three of the four AA Space Fortresses will be seen further away from the planet Grissom, but they are not the focus at the moment, as the area that Rohais will focus on will be the Space Fortress that is closest to the Confederation fleet-being the AA Space Fortress named "Neith". This AA Space Fortress is currently stationed in between the planets Gleen and Grissom, to which the Confederation fleet, along with Mainland and the Saviour ships, will be almost 3/4ths the way to getting to the planet Grissom and this AA Space Fortress. Rohais then continues-
Rohais Luisant
With us now being back on schedule to investigate at the comet on time thanks to the added thrust of the Saviour Ships and Mainland's conventional thrusters, one of the few obstacles in our path is this AA Space Fortress, dubbed "Neith".
Rohais says, as Ginnette, Francoise and Cassandra watch intently at the hologram in front of them-
Francoise Luisant
...
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
Cassandra ?
...
Rohais continues-
Rohais Luisant
Based on information detailed by my operatives, we have confirmed that each of these Fortresses boasts a reasonable number of AA Superior Weapons and outer defenses on their hull-when compared to our current forces that we have now. Everything about these fortresses has been designed with Superior Weapons in mind, so should we engage in hand-to-hand combat with them we'll have an equal footing, at the very least.
Cassandra now speaks up-
Cassandra ?
That probably won't be necessary, Rohais, as our current goal is to investigate the incoming comet to secure the needed resources of the "Infinite-SEED", while also securing Schirra for our civilians-not engaging in needless battles against either the AA or RF. While the RF's efforts are futile at best, the Ascension in particular are quickly realizing that we are not spoiling for a fight with them like they initially believed-which is based on some of their comms chatter that my own operatives have overheard from them recently.
Ginnette will also speak up now, saying-
Ginnette Pinnacle
I can also confirm those comm mentions, Cassandra, as a lot of my own operatives have brought that to my attention as well. The RF are certainly trying to become the real puppeteers behind the scenes, not the Ascension...a fact that we might be able to exploit to possibly turn the Ascension against the RF sometime in the future...
Ginnette says, slyly. Chairwoman Francoise is silent-but her face indicates that she is open to this possibility and in a favorable way-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...I would be open to that idea...but, we'd need to first resolve our current crisis at the moment, I'm afraid.
Rohais will then get back on topic, saying-
Rohais Luisant
Agreed. Once we've gotten to Schirra and have it terraformed with the Neo-SEED, we can then more easily deal with the RF-who are becoming more and more power hungry, while the Ascension are quickly losing all interests in fighting on behalf of their "Two Queens".
Rohais Luisant
Should the RF continue to expand their military mindset over the Ascension, that will force them to seek peace-which is when we could then welcome them into our arms-and then decide upon how to handle their punishments for the destruction of the DIC
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...
Everyone looks conflicted about this idea, as it's a very hard thing to decide upon. Chairwoman Francoise then speaks with-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Are we still...in agreement that the main individuals who helped in the destruction of the DIC 18 years ago are to be executed?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, innocently enough, to which her mother tells her-
Rohais Luisant
Of course, my child. The actions of Howard and Stanley in particular are the reason why the DIC is no more. They are also the reason why...Sacha and his parents aren't here with us right now, along with Rebecca, Georges, Oberon and so many members of the Pinnacle family as well.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!...
Now reminded about the deaths of her brother and other members of her family, Chairwoman Francoise will quiet down from trying to justify pardoning Howard and Stanley. Ginnette will also look saddened, due to being reminded about all of the Pinnacle family individuals who were killed when the DIC was destroyed. Cassandra then speaks up-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
Cassandra ?
...What shall we do about Rhapsody, then? She helped the Ascension just as much by giving them the earlier notes of Operation Seed, after all...?
Cassandra asks, to which Rohais then answers by putting her hands over her lips, as she then says-
Rohais Luisant
Rhapsody...her punishment in having a hand in the destruction of the DIC...is something that not even I can imagine at the moment. This is why this decision is so difficult, as when it involves family...not even we have the answer on how to properly handle this...
Cassandra ?
...
Ginnette then says-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Well...we don't have to decide on this right now, anyways, as we still have to actually get our hands on them in the first place.
Ginnette says, eager to put a wedge into the conversation. It works, as Rohais then says-
Rohais Luisant
...You are correct, Ginnette. We can decide on all of these things...at a later time.
Cassandra then hastily asks this-
Cassandra ?
Just real quickly...how will we handle the Ascension after all of this is over?
Rohais Luisant
...
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
Just as they were about to change the subject, Cassandra asks a question that drags out the conversation just a little longer. Rohais explains, in a slightly rougher tone-
Rohais Luisant
...Well, Cassanda...we do need them to believe that we have noble intentions for welcoming them into the Confederation so that we may peacefully harvest some of their DNA to implant into our bodies, yes?
Rohais says, slightly angry at Cassandra. Obvious to her tone, Cassandra says this-slowly-
Cassandra ?
Y...yes...
Rohais continues to spell this out for Cassandra-
Rohais Luisant
That means that we'll have to exclude the Ascension from the destruction of the DIC completely, as we'll have to shift everything onto the RF instead-should we want the peace talks between us and them to succeed. While most RF members were good people who had the interests of the Ascension at heart in the beginning, we believe most of their members are now in the same mindset as Howard and Stanley-but we'll investigate that more once we've made it to Schirra.
Rohais says, indicating that the Confederation WILL NOT just outright destroy the RF, as they will actually take the time to investigate each member of the RF to determine their mindsets and judge them base on what they find. However, this will not occur until much later, so Cassandra then says-
Cassandra ?
Ah...I see now. Thanks for clearing that up for me...
Though slightly realizing that she had to be given a baby-version explanation, Cassandra will still be grateful of the information provided by Rohais. She will then say this in a more calm tone now-
Rohais Luisant
Don't mention it.
After this, Rohais will shift the dialogue back to their previous discussion, saying-
Rohais Luisant
...Moving back to my original topic about the capabilities of the AA Space Fortresses, I should also point out that each Fortress has several "super lasers", which are capable of firing across space at an astonishing distance. Observe...!
Now, the view on the hologram shows off an example of the AA Space Fortresses firepower. The demonstration shows that at it's current distance, the AA could have their Space Fortress attack and potentially destroy Mainland, which surprises everyone in the room-but they do their best to conceal their surprise-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!...
Ginnette Pinnacle
!...
Cassandra ?
!...
After the demonstration, Rohais then speaks-
Rohais Luisant
...Based on this little example, I suggest that we remain on high alert status, as even at this distance the AA could hit us with one of these super lasers-causing the destruction of a Saviour Ship...
Rohais suggests, worried about such an occurrence, to which Ginnette and Cassandra then immediately say-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Agreed. Such a threat to our all of our ships should naturally be given top priority.
Cassandra ?
Of course. I'll be sure to give the alert status as soon as we are done here.
With that also decided upon, Chairwoman Francoise will now speak up-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...How is our own investigation going, in regards to Mainland's OS?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, to which Cassandra replies with-
Cassandra ?
Ah, yes...that investigation is something that we should discuss further, in fact, as we have all noticed that over the past few weeks there have been several "odd" circumstances that back up the idea that the RF have done something to Mainland's OS.
Cassandra comments, as Ginnette speaks-
Ginnette Pinnacle
I second that notion as well-and many within my own operatives can also confirm that it's more than just a simple glitch in the system. The RF and Ascension are clearly operating within Mainland, but due to the influx of people from the Saviour Ships we lack the means to determine exactly who their operatives are-let alone what they are planning.
Ginnette says, unsure of how to proceed as well. Chairwoman Francoise then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...How is...the radar of Mainland at this time, Ginnette?
Ginnette will reply to Chairwoman Francoise's question with-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Well...it's functioning normally, as far as I've been told. It's range is greater than any of our military ships, so we are relying on that at the moment to detect any threats that may come from the direction of the Neith Space Fortress.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...
Chairwoman Francoise now thinks to herself, to which she then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Now that we are starting to confirm isolated cases of odd circumstances within Mainland, I believe that the RF in particular...have tampered with Mainland's OS and will be using it against us in someway-based on information provided to me beforehand by both Cicienna and Harper.
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
Rohais Luisant
...
Cassandra ?
...
Chairwoman Francoise continues-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Thus, I believe that we shouldn't be...too reliant on Mainland's radar system, as it is connected to the OS in question, correct?
Ginnette then replies with-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Y-yes...that is true, Fran...
Then, Chairwoman Francoise says this-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
I also suggest that we order for all of our military ships to expand their own radar systems to scan for anything...organic...approaching Mainland. While the range will be much lesser than Mainlands' radar system, I believe that having more eyes and ears on any potential attack will at least give us more time to counterattack-should the enemy try anything during this time.
Chairwoman says, to which Cassandra then says-
Cassandra ?
...Alright, Francoise. I'll go ahead and tell my operatives as soon as we are finished talking to not rely on Mainlands' radar system as much as we were, and to keep their Next-AndroIs scanning for such threats outside of Mainland.
Ginnette Pinnacle
And I'll do the same thing as well.
Both Cassandra and Ginnette won't know about it at this time, but Chairwoman Francoise's decision right now will save many more lives-but they won't be fast enough to get this message out...
Chairwoman Francoise will then start to wrap things up by saying-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...And with that, I think we've covered just about everything we needed to say for now. ...SYSTEM-DESTINY? Could you come here?
Now, SYSTEM-DESTINY will come into the room, to which as she enters, she will have a new body. She is dressed in a metalic swimsuit, to which as she enters, she then asks-
SYSTEM-DESTINY Ver-II
Yes, Chairwoman Francoise? How may I be of service?
Chairwoman Francoise will then say-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Please help out both Cassandra and Ginnette by contacting all of those in the highest military positions and informing them to not rely as heavily on the radar system here in Mainland as they were doing. Tell them to instead use their own judgements when scanning for threats outside of Mainland and to report anything suspicious immediately-no matter how trivial.
Chairwoman Francoise will say, to which SYSTEM-DESTINY will reply with-
SYSTEM-DESTINY Ver-II
Of course, Chairwoman Francoise.
After saying that, Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais will then stand up, to which Chairwoman Francoise will then say-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
I guess we'll be off, then. Do try your best to keep things under control until we return.
Chairwoman Francoise will say, as she and her mother Rohais then leave. Behind them, Ginnette and Cassandra then say this-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Of course. There's no one who can get through our defenses...
Cassandra ?
...And give our apologies to those two for us. We are sorry that finding them took so much time...
While Ginnette will say this confidently, Cassandra will be more caring about both Sebastian and Cesario, as both Chairwoman Francoise and her mother Rohais then leave the area.
After a scene transition, the two will now appear to be walking outside of the Black Block. As they walk, they head a short ways to a small roadway-one that's used only for limos. As they walk, they speak-
Rohais Luisant
...I still can't believe that Sebastian and Cesario were kept just 5 blocks down the street from us all this time-and at the same military base the DIC used 18 years ago, too...
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Yeah...what a coincidence...
Rohais will say this with an indication that hints she knows of this vulnerability. Chairwoman Francoise will then say this-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Naturally, we should investigate this vulnerability while we are there, mother...
Now, Rohais will say-with confidence-
Rohais Luisant
I already am, my child. I haven't gotten that old as to grow forgetful of such possibilities...
Rohais says, grinning at her daughter. Chairwoman Francoise then replies with a similar grin-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
"grin" Hmph...that's my mother...
A moment later, the two then get to their destination, which is at the side of the roadway. Here, a limo is just pulling up, to which as the window rolls down, inside are Bijou, Perle and Sabrina. Bijou then speaks as the limo gets to Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais-
Bijou Luisant
...Hey there, Fran. Are you two ready to go see them now?
Bijou asks, politely. Chairwoman Francoise then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Yes, Bijou...
After Chairwoman Francoise says this, the driver then quickly comes over and opens the door for both Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais. After ensuring that the both of them are inside, he then closes the doors, to which as he heads back to the front, in the back, Chairwoman Francoise then sits next to Perle. Perle and Sabrina both have soda's with straws in them that they are holding onto in one hand, to which as Francoise sits, she slightly nudges Perle, to which Perle lets out a uncomfortable noise-which Chairwoman Francoise notices-
Perle Luisant
Guh!
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!
Noticing that Perle is in some pain, Chairwoman Francoise then speaks to her, as she comforts her by holding her with her right arm-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Perle...you and Sabrina should still be resting in bed, honestly...
Chairwoman Francoise will say out of concern to Perle. However, she'll reply with-
Perle Luisant
No...I'm fine, Fran. I wanted...to go see Sebastian and Cesario today with mother, so...I'll deal with this...
Perle says-clearly still reeling from the pain inflicted upon her by Rhapsody. Chairwoman Francoise will then look over to Sabrina, to which she is also in pain, but is fighting to act strong-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...
Sabrina Madison
Ah...I'm fine, too-"gk"...
Despite seeing both Sabrina and Perle in pain, Chairwoman Francoise will comply with their desires to see Bijou's older brothers-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Sigh...alright, you two.
Chairwoman then reaches for a phone next to her, to which as she picks it up, it connects to the front of the limo, where the driver is now waiting for his orders. She tells him-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Driver. Take us to the base down the street like we planned.
Driver (on the phone)
Yes, Ma'am.
As Chairwoman Francoise puts down the phone, a second later the driver then beings driving the five of them to their destination. Along the way, Perle and Sabrina then ask a few questions-that Bijou and Rohais will answer-
Perle Luisant
...Um...mother?
Perle starts off innocently enough, to which Bijou then replies to her-
Bijou Luisant
Yes, Perle? What is it?
Perle will then ask her question-
Perle Luisant
Could you...tell us another story about your brothers?
Perle will ask, to which her mother will reply with-
Bijou Luisant
Hmm...Well, I've already told you plenty of them by now...but, I guess there are a few other things about them that you still don't know...
Bijou has to put her finger to her lips on this one, as she has to think about more that she can tell Perle and Sabrina. Now, both Perle and Sarbina look at Bijou with smiles and needy eyes-
Perle Luisant
...
Sabrina Madison
...
Bijou Luisant
!
Thus, this prompts Bijou to hurry up and tell them something-
Bijou Luisant
!...Ok-I remember something new. When we were growing up, my brothers...would often bully me regularly as we grew up-which is why I'm so tough now, as I had to become this way in order to put up with their antics on a daily basis.
Bijou says this with a smile on her face, to which Sabrina then speaks-
Sabrina Madison
Ah...I guess that explains why you're so capable, Bijou.
Sabrina says, accepting Bijou's mentions, to which Bijou then replies with-
Bijou Luisant
Exactly...heh heh...
Bijou now looks slightly remorseful, as her tone shifts from eager and excited to reminiscent now. She says-
Bijou Luisant
...Honestly, things were so much more...simple...back then, as we used to wake up everyday; eat breakfast and then soon have lunch together; play-fight all day long before dinner came about and then get some sleep-only to do the same thing the next day...
Bijou says with a look of lose on her face, clearly reminiscing about the past. However, Chairwoman Francoise and her mother Rohais will then show a wry smile on their faces, as Chairwoman Francoise will then say-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Bijou? Are you certain you are remembering those events...correctly?
Bijou Luisant
Hm?
Now alerted to Chairwoman Francoise's comment, Bijou will be surprised slightly. Perle and Sabrina then look at Chairwoman Francoise, to which Perle will then ask-
Perle Luisant
Oh, um...is there more to mother's story, Fran?
Bijou Luisant
!
Now, Bijou will show a look of shock, indicating that there is more to her story that she wasn't telling everyone. Chairwoman Francoise then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Indeed, children. Afterall, both myself and my mother would come to the DIC many times back then to see you three, so I'm certain we remember events slightly...differently...right, mother?
Rohais Luisant
Indeed...
Bijou Luisant
Grk...
As both Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais now start to speak up, Bijou irks a little-but she has a sly smile on her face, as this interaction is all in good fun. Sabrina then says-
Sarbina Madison
...Do tell.
With this, Chairwoman Francoise says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Well, I certainly recall the many times that both Sebastian and Cesario would ask for you to come play with them, Bijou. However, when you three would be left alone for more than five minutes unsupervised, you would always get upset and start shouting at the top of your lungs at them for not being treated fairly at the games that you were invited to play with them.
Bijou Luisant
...Mmn...
Bijou reluctantly looks away at this suggestion, with a look of embarrassment on her face. It's all fun and games, though, as Chairwoman Francoise then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Things would then quickly deteriorate from there, as foul language and the eventual "play-fights" that would last for hours would soon ensure-all of which YOU instigated...right?
Bijou Luisant
...Urk...is that how things happened back then...?
Bijou will grunt a little as she reluctantly admits this, indicating that Chairwoman Francoise is correct in her sayings. Rohais then backs up her daughter's claims by saying-
Rohais Luisant
Hmhmhm...I do believe those series of events were correct...and yet, someone was always there to keep your play sessions in check...
Bijou Luisant
...Mother...
Now, Bijou has a look of confusion and longing on her face, as she will miss her mother greatly-but she will be conflicted about what she did to Perle. Bijou will not hate her mother, as she will want to reunite with her more than anything at the moment-to which Perle then speaks-
Perle Luisant
Well...whatever happened back then, I'm sure that you are really looking forward to seeing your brothers again. Right, Mother?
Bijou Luisant
!
Slightly surprised, Bijou will then kindly reply to her daughter by saying-
Bijou Luisant
Yes, Perle...I...am really looking forward to seeing them...and introducing you to them as well today...
Perle Luisant
...
Bijou says, with a gently smile on her face, which makes Perle happy, as seeing her mother happy will make her happy as well. Both Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais will also both smile, leaving Sabrina to think about both Sebastian and Cesario.
Sabrina Madison
"Wow...based on that, I guess both Sebastian and Cesario are are even more interesting than I thought..."
As Bijou smiles, outside the limo then gets to the front entrance to the military base. As it gets there, the driver has to roll down his window to show an ID to a soldier who is present at the gate. This place will look as if it was just recently put into commission, as soldiers will be busy walking around the entire area with cargo and such-indicating even further that the entire base is just being put into service. After showing his ID, the soldier at the gate then lets him through, to which as the limo drives, it goes past a large hanger area that surrounded by metal gates. Here, the Confederation is shown to be in the middle of setting up several Blockades, Frontiers and Divides in this area, to which many pilots are shown in shadow. As the limo drives, Rohais notices them and then speaks-
Rohais Luisant
Hm...?
Rohais now looks out the left side of her window, to which she observes the situation at the hanger. Curious, Sabrina asks her-
Sabrina Madison
Um...Rohais? Is there something going on over there?
Sabrina asks, innocently enough. Rohais then replies with-
Rohais Luisant
Oh...don't mind me, Sabrina. I just was looking at some of the operatives that I have under my wing just over there...
Sabrina Madison
Ah...I see them over there.
Rohais continues-
Rohais Luisant
We'll need this base to become active as we stay within Mainland for the coming months-until we reach Schirra. Thus, I'll have to stay here after we reunite with both Sebastian and Cesario-just to make sure things get started as quickly as possible.
Sabrina Madison
Alright...
After this brief conversation, back outside, the limo will continue driving, to which a brief shot of all of the Superior Weapons behind the it will then drive away from the large hanger area and then arrive at the detention center. The detention center is actually right next to the hanger area-to the point that the only thing that separates the two buildings is a singular metal fence, to which as the limo gets to the front entrance of the detention center, two soldiers with guns are standing by waiting at the side of the curb for the limo.
When the limo gets close to these people, the right side window rolls down, to which Chairwoman Francoise then speaks to the soldiers-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Greetings, soldiers. What's the situation here?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, to which one of the soldiers then replies-
Soldier #1
Good day, Chairwoman Francoise! We still haven't actually gone inside this detention center yet, as most of the personal needed to get this base back into action are just showing up to get things started as we speak. This facility is automated, so as long as you use that card you should be able to get inside without any issues.
Says the soldier, to which Chairwoman then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Alright...we'll go inside now to see them, then...
Just after Chairwoman Francoise says this, the other soldier then quickly speaks-
Soldier #2
Ah, let me get that for you-
The soldier says, as he quickly opens the door of the limo for Chairwoman Francoise and the others. The limo door opens simply enough, to which Chairwoman Francoise smiles and then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Thank you, my friend...are you four ready to go see them?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, as she gets out of the limo. Bijou, Perle, Sabrina and Rohais then smile and nod, to which they then climb out of the limo. As they do, Rohais appears to have a few words with the soldiers, as the scene then transitions...
As the five then start walking to the front entrance, they leave behind the limo and the two soldiers, to which as they walk, Bijou walks next to Chairwoman Francoise. However, just before they get to the front entrance, the five then notices that there are two shapes coming from inside the front entrance to the detention center. Inside...
Sebastian Luisant
...Heh, breaking out of this place was much easier than I thought.
Sebastian says, as he mentions how their escape plan went. Cesario then says-
Cesario Luisant
Indeed. However, we should let someone in the Confederation know about what we found in here, as those within the RF have...hm?
Suddenly, Cesario stops in his tracks, as he walks in front of his brother Sebastian. Curious, he sees-
Sebastion Luisant
...Is that...?
Now, both men see beyond the glass of the front doors five people coming closer. Outside, Bijou and Chairwoman Francoise also notice the two and stop in their tracks-
Bijou Luisant
Ah...
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!...
Surprised by their unusual actions, Perle and Sabrina ask-
Perle Luisant
Uhhh...Mother?
Sabrina Madison
Is something wrong?
Bijou responds by saying-
Bijou Luisant
That's them...
Perle Luisant
What?
Bijou Luisant
...That's...Sebastion...And Cesario...my brothers...
Perle Luisant
Ah...
Sabrina Madison
!
Now, the two men emerge from the glass doors of the detention center. As they walk, they do so slowly, to which Bijou then starts to take a few steps foward. Chairwoman Francoise smiles, as she lets Bijou be the first one to reunite with her brothers-
Bijou Luisant
...
As if in a trance, Bijou walks with tears forming in her eyes. She smiles gently as she continues to approach her brothers-the men who for the past 18 years she believed were dead. Sebastion and Cesario also approach, with tears in their eyes, until the three are just a few feet away from each other. They then stop to look at each other-
Sebastion Luisant
...
Cesario Luisant
...
Bijou Luisant
...
A moment later, as the tears begin to fall from their faces, they raise their hands towards each other. As each brother holds one of Bijou's hands in their own, they then speak, as they then embrace each other warmly-
Bijou Luisant
Sebastion...Cesario...you're both alive...
Sebastion Luisant
Yes, Bijou...
Cesario Luisant
It's good to see you...after all this time...
Bijou Luisant
...
Bijou then hugs her brothers, to which they do the same, tightly holding their dear sister-the woman they haven't seen for the past 18 years. As the tears fall from their faces, Bijou's happy face is all that is seen in this tender reunion.
Bijou Luisant
Thank you...thank you so much...
Sebastion Luisant
...
Cesario Luisant
...
As the three continue to cry, the chapter then ends-
-CHAPTER END-