-CHAPTER 21 - Part 1-
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
Within Mainland, at the former abandoned military base, Bijou is seen to still be holding her brothers in her arms outside the detention center next to the hanger. Sebastion and Cesario look content holding their little sister that they have not seen in over 18 years in their arms, and then, the gradually begin to let each other go. As they look at each other, Bijou then speaks to them with a smile and blush on her face-
Bijou Luisant
...My dear brothers...I thought you two had...ended up just like father and the rest of our family...
Bijou says, relieved that she's finally gotten the chance to reunite with her brothers after all this time. Sebastion then replies to her.
Sebastion Luisant
Likewise, Bijou...it's good to see you again and in good health after all these years...
Sebastion says, also relieved to reunite with his little sister. Cesario smiles, and he then looks around to see Perle and Sabrina standing close by to the three of them-along with Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais. Chairwoman Francoise then speaks up-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
It's good to see you boys in good health, too. How are you two feeling?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, while Rohais smiles kindly with her eyes closed. Cesario then speaks-
Cesario Luisant
Never been better...especially now that I see we have two...uniquely dressed quests here with us.
Perle Luisant
!
Sabrina Madison
!
Cesario says this rather seductively, which gets Perle and Sabrina to jolt slightly. With a slight blush on their faces, both Perle and Sabrina then speak timidly.
Perle Luisant
Oh, umm...hello, Mr. Cesario and Mr. Sebastion...my name is Perle...Luisant...
Sabrina Madison
And...my name is...Sabrina Madison...
Both Perle and Sabrina introduce themselves rather nervously, indicating that they are a little unsure of how to react towards Cesario and Sebastion at the moment. Cesario then replies with-
Cesario Luisant
Please, ladies. Neither of you need to be so formal towards us.
Perle Luisant
Huh?
Sabrina Madison
Eh?
Cesario continues-
Cesario Luisant
I can easily tell that you are a part of the Luisant family, Perle, so you can act normally when around us, as we are family after all. And for you, Sabrina...your mother and father must be Chole and Isaac, right?
Sabrina replies, still nervous-
Sabrina Madison
Y-yes! Those are my parents names...
Cesario finishes speaking with-
Cesario Luisant
Unlike the Pinnacle family, which only accepted purebloods in the past, we in the Luisant family have always welcomed any friend into our family with open arms. We would be honored to have you accept our friendship...
Cesario says, kindly extending his hand out to Sabrina. He's close enough for Sabrina to reach out with her hand to gently grab his, to which he holds gently and then proceeds to kiss her hand-like a prince.
Cesario Luisant
..."Kiss"
Sabrina Madison
!
The sudden kiss from Cesario makes Sabrina blush a little, to which his brother Sebastion then speaks to Bijou-
Sebastion Luisant
Hmhmhm...Cesario is still the smooth talker, it seems...!
"PAT!"
Bijou Luisant
!
Now, Sebastion gives Bijou a friendly pat to the back of her shoulder, which gets her attention. He continues to speak, saying-
Sebastion Luisant
Frankly, I'm quite amazed that you would have a child before us, Bijou...
Sebastion says, poking some fun at Bijou for having a child before either himself or Cesario. Bijou then replies with a sly smile on her face-
Bijou Luisant
Well...I always was the one with all the free time in the world, Sebastion. Naturally, it stands that I would be the first to get married and have a child...before either of you.
Bijou says, somewhat proudly, as she will give her oldest brother back the same provocation that he's giving her right now. It's all in good fun, as Sebastion then smiles and says-
Sebastion Luisant
Hmph...we'll have to do something about catching up to you, it seems.
Sabastion says, hinting that maybe he'll look for a girlfriend, to which even Cesario hears him and smiles while looking back at him. Perle sees all of this and feels the familiarity between her mother's brothers, which makes her smile and think to herself-
Perle Luisant
"Smiles"...*Wow...getting to see Mother smile so much was so rare before now. I can't wait to get to know Sebastion and Cesario better as time goes on.*
Sabrina also thinks to herself-
Sabrina Madison
*...Perle's family is getting bigger as time goes on. And it's even better that I'll get to be apart of it all...*
After this reunion and light fun between siblings, Rohais then speaks up-
Rohais Luisant
Now that we have our reunion underway, how about you all head back to the Black Block for some rest. I'll come back there after I've finished working on things here, so you can enjoy some of my cooking later on.
Rohais says with a smile on her face, which makes both Sebastion and Cesario smile-but both men then speak up about something more serious-
Sebastion Luisant
We'd appreciate that, Rohais-however...there was something that me and my brother actually had to discuss with either of you as soon as possible. It's in regards to this detention center and how the RF had tampered with the entryways that lead into space while we were held here.
Rohais Luisant
!
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Oh?
Intrigued, Chairwoman Francoise will speak up, to which Rohais will then speak for Chairwoman Francoise-
Rohais Luisant
That sounds very important, Sebastion. We are actually on alert status right now here in Mainland, so any information you two can provide me will be beneficial.
Cesario Luisant
Of course...
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...!
Just before Cesario can speak, it then happens-
"EXPLOUSION!"
Everyone
?!
As an explosion occurs, it happens within the base, to which several more explosions then occur in a sequence.
"EXPLOUSION!" "EXPLOUSION!" "EXPLOUSION!" "EXPLOUSION!"
Sabrina then cries out-
Sabrina Madison
Wha-What's going on?!
Sabrina screams, as she and everyone else are forced to kneel down at the sudden explosions within Mainland. Some of the explosions occur within the military base, while others occur elsewhere, to which as they begin to subside, the two soldiers from before then hastily come over to everyone and speak-
Soldier #1
...Chairwoman Francoise!
Soldier #2
Are you all alright?!
The Soldier asks, to which Chairwoman Francoise speaks to them-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Yes, we're fine. What's going on?
Chairwoman Francoise says this rather calmly, as she seemingly isn't that fazed by the sudden attack and subsequent explosions occurring within Mainland. Afterall, a leader needs to remain calm-even during a surprise attack. One of the soldiers who replies is offput by this-but still quickly replies with-
Soldier #1
Ah-we-I mean, I just heard that the RF and AA are attacking our forces outside Mainland!
Perle Luisant
What?!
Perle says this in disbelief. Bijou then asks-
Bijou Luisant
How did they even get this close to Mainland without anyone noticing?!
The other soldier then replies with-
Soldier #1
Our forces outside just noticed four distinct groups of enemies a few minutes ago, Ma'am, to which they immediately decided to engage them! One of the groups of enemies, a single ship that was leading a fleet of other ships, then quickly broke off from its support ships and is now currently heading toward the Engine Blocks as we speak!
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!
Chairwoman Francoise snaps to attention, as the soldier continues-
Soldier #2
There are also numerous reports coming in over the comm network of enemies within Mainland as well! Please, we need orders, now!
Rohais Luisant
...Just a moment, please.
Now, Rohais takes command of the situation by first saying this to Bijou, Perle and Sabrina-
Rohais Luisant
Bijou. Perle. Sabrina. Leave this situation to myself, Francoise and your brothers, while you three return back to the Blue Aphrodite at once. Have both Heaven and Phillip launch immediately, and stop that single enemy ship from harming the Engine Blocks with the Tyranny ErotiCake and the MK-II.
Bijou Luisant
!
Perle Luisant
!
Sabrina Madison
!
Upon hearing this, Bijou will ask-
Bijou Luisant
Are you sure you'll be alright?
Chairwoman Francoise now speaks up, by saying-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Yes, Bijou. I'll call for some of my other operatives under my wing to come and help us contain this situation with Rohais. Now, please get back to the Blue Aphrodite and prepare for battle with the enemy.
Chairwoman Francoise says this to put Bijou's concerns to rest, which works. Bijou then says with confidence-
Bijou Luisant
...Alright, Fran. Perle. Sabrina. Follow me back to the limo.
Perle Luisant
Ah...alright, mother...
Sabrina Madison
"nods"
As Bijou begins to run back to the limo with Sabrina, Perle takes a moment to look back at Sebastion and Cesario. They reply without a word, as they-
Sebastion Luisant
"Smiles"
Cesario Luisant
"Nods"
Perle Luisant
!
Now, the two men kindly smile at Perle, indicating that they will be fine. Perle then smiles back at them and then rushes after her mother and best friend, to which a scene transition then occurs.
"Scene Transition"
Elsewhere, outside of Mainland, a battle is seen to be occurring between the Confederation military ships and the AA/RF military ships. As the two sides battle, the Confederation ships have to be careful as to where they aim, as both sides are so close to each other that they are in the direct path of many of the Saviour Ships-with most of them being caught in the crossfire. Thankfully, most within the Confederation fleet are able to direct their attacks solely at the attacking RF and AA fleets, while both the RF and AA fleets also do their best to avoid damaging the Saviour Ships. Within the battle, the Tenebris Root is then reveled, as is the Calamity Jane, Raider Tremble and the Forbidden Hand leading their own fleets. The Tenebris Root is now seen to be flying towards a group of Confederation Next-Dreadnoughts, to which as the scene then transitions to show the bridge of the Tenebris Root, Captain Irena and Advisor Raul are seen-along with Howard. As an explosion rattles the side of their ship, Advisor Raul groans-
"BOOOOOOM!"
Advisor Rusty Impulse
Grk!
Advisor Rusty braces himself, as several attacks from the upcoming Confederation Next-Dreadnoughts outside forces him to support himself against a monitor and stand near him. Captain Irena is concentrating on moving her ship away from this action, as she is now shown to move her ships with incredible skill-
Captain Irena Requiem
...Hm!
Now, Captain Irena displays her amazing talent by evading the incoming attacks from 5 Confederation Next-Dreadnoughts-all the while saying-
Captain Irena Requiem
Everyone! Fire on these locations...NOW!
Bridge Staff
Yes, Captain Irena!
A moment later, the Tenebris Root is seen to fire at all five of the attacking Confederation Next-Dreadnoughts at very precise locations. The attacks from the Tenebris Root hit each of the attacking areas, damaging where the Superior Weapons and weapons of each of the ships were-destroying the guns and leaving the Superior Weapons retreating back into the ships for repairs. With all five Confederation Next-Dreadnoughts disabled in one fell swoop, Captain Irena now has the perfect opportunity to fire at them to destroy them. However, Captain Irena pauses while having all five ships directly in her line of sight-
Captain Irena Requiem
...
Instead of firing, Captain Irena simple moves her ship to bypass around the five crippled Confederation Next-Dreadnoughts and continue on it's way to the back of Mainland. As it goes, back on the bridge Howard now approaches Captain Irena-slightly displeased at her sudden move to not destroy the 5 ships back there. Once he's close enough, he says-
Howard Pinnacle
...I must say, Irena, that was some very impressive maneuvering you preformed back there. However...you should've taken the shot and destroyed those 5 Confederation ships back there.
Howard asks Irena coldly, to which she looks at him and says-
Captain Irena Requiem
I disagree, Howard. Our mission today isn't to destroy the Confederation's military-nor is it to kill any of the Confederation' civilians. The Two Queens gave me specific orders to destroy at least 2 of Mainland's Engine Blocks, as that would result in the eventual destruction of Mainland, which would in turn keep the pressure up against the Confederation by forcing their civilians back into the tight confines of these Savior Ships.
Captain Irena Requiem
While destroying some of their ships might aid in that endeavor, I don't see the point-especially when they aren't even my real enemies-whom are coming up ahead.
Captain Irena's reply sounds very by-the-book at the moment, but she does display some form of honor by saying this. Howard then replies with-
Howard Pinnacle
Well said...however, you must be aware that those who you defeat today and then choose to spare will come back to return the favor tomorrow-possibly even more stronger and more wiser to your strategies, correct?
Howard asks, implying how Irena's actions today could lead to her downfall tomorrow. Captain Irena then replies by saying-
Captain Irena Requiem
That's exactly why it's important for me as a Captain to keep improving my mind above everything else, so that I don't fall tomorrow-even if my enemies come back stronger than ever due to me showing them mercy today. That is how one becomes stronger, after all.
Howard Pinnacle
..."Smiles"
Now, behind Howard's mask, he is seen to smile at Irena's answer, as he sees that she is strong enough to realize the faults in her own morals-yet still yearn to become stronger as a result. He then speaks in a highly praising tone towards Irena-
Howard Pinnacle
I'm glad to see taking you and your brother under my wing didn't go to waste all those years ago.
Howard says, complementing Irena for her answer to him, as he is now visually impressed. Advisor Raul remains quiet, as Captain Irena replies with-
Captain Irena Requiem
I appreciate the praise, Howard.
Howard Pinnacle
...!
After Irena says this, Howard is then shown to look out at the side of Mainland, as the Tenebris Root flies along the hull. As the enormous ship goes, several Saviour Ships are seen, but as they don't have any weapons, they do not retaliate and can only let the Tenebris Root continue on its way. A moment later, Howard then speaks-
Howard Pinnacle
...Alright, Irena. I'll be taking my leave now, so be careful from here on.
Howard says, as he then turns to leave the bridge. As he does, Captain Irena says-
Captain Irena Requiem
Of course, Howard. Once you've had your talk with your mother in Mainland, I'll have dealt with the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, along with destroying at least 2 of Mainland's Engine Blocks. At that time, we'll swing around to pick you up to return back to Neith with everyone else, just as planned.
Captain Irena says this as she continues to look at Howard as he leaves her bridge, indicating that she has respect for Howard-to the point that she'll pick him up after his mission is over. Now, behind his mask, he is shown to smile kindly once more, as being treated like a trustworthy person makes even someone like Howard happy deep down. He then says-
Howard Pinnacle
"Smiles"...Thank you, Irena.
Howard says, satisfied that Irena has his back. As Howard then leaves the bridge, the doors close behind him, to which Captain Irena then looks back at the monitors in front of her, as she returns to controlling her ship. As she does this, on her monitor, a "transformation" sequence is shown, indicating that the Tenebris Root can transform itself into a humanoid fighting machine, to which the scene then transitions...
As Howard walks through the halls of the Tenebris Root, he goes in complete silence. As he walks in silence, he passes by many Ascension military personal, to which they react to him in awe. They are heard-
Ascension Military Individual #1
Ah...It's Howard!
Ascension Military Individual #2
He's the one who saved us from the DIC 18 years ago!
Ascension Military Individual #3
Thank you so much, Howard! You are our hero!
Howard Pinnacle
...
Now, many Ascension individuals will look at Howard with the highest amount of respect, as they see him as one of heroes who saved them from the DIC. Howard will react by waving his hands without any emotion-
Howard Pinnacle
"Waves"
Howard continues to wave his hands without any emotion, forming his hands into either a "thumbs up" sign or a "peace sign". The Ascension who see this continue to complement and congratulate him, as he continues to walk in silence. Behind his mask, Howard's face is seen to be wretched in self-hate-
Howard Pinnacle
...Grk...
As this scene continues, many more Ascension and even some RF personal react to Howard in a similar fashion-all the way until he gets to one of the many hangers. Howard has to pass through an elevator and then walk some more, to which as he gets to the hanger in question, he enters to see-
Howard Pinnacle
!
Now entering into one of the many hangers within the Tenebris Root, Howard sees much of the same that he's always seen-many pilots bustling about the area. They prepare to get into their Superior Weapons, as several Superior AndroIs and E-AndroIs also prep for launch. However, while this scene is shown to be of some interest, what interests Howard is the fact that Commander Idris is standing close by to his personal Superior Weapon-a new Divide called the D3. As Commander Idris notices Howard entering the hanger, he approaches and then speaks-
Commander Idris Requiem
Ah, Howard. I've been waiting for you to arrive...
Howard Pinnacle
Idris...
Howard says this somewhat coldly, to which Commander Idris ignores as he gets closer to Howard. Howard then speaks first-
Howard Pinnacle
...Are those two still hiding in their Superior Weapons away from me?
Howard asks, in regards to both Faith and Grace. Commander Idris then replies-
Commander Idris Requiem
Yeah. They've been in there ever since you've come onto the Tenebris Root, after all. They've also refused to come out until the start of this mission...but that's fine, as it means that I can offer you my thanks...
Howard Pinnacle
...Your thanks?
Howard asks Idris, questioningly toward Commander Idris. Commander Idris explains-
Commander Idris Requiem
Yeah. I'm sure that you get this a lot, but I really must tell you how much I appreciate what your actions did for the Ascension 18 years ago. Without you and Emperor Stanley helping us back then, we wouldn't be here, fighting against the might of the Confederation with all of our power...it really is something, don't you think?
Howard Pinnacle
...Go on. Speak your mind, Idris.
Howard says this in a more comfortable tone, to which Commander Idris continues-
Commander Idris Requiem
Well, 18 years ago, the Ascension were at the mercy of the DIC, whom according to the Two Queens had an entire war planned out from the beginning-along with their defeat. However, thanks to you and Emperor Stanley intervening, now we have the means to wage a war against the Confederation, which is a country that was on the same level as the DIC.
Commander Idris Requiem
Just thinking about how far we've come and how far we will continue to go is all due to yourself and Emperor Stanley...the heroes who saved the Ascension from the DIC.
Howard Pinnacle
!
Now, something within Howard snaps, as he then speaks to Idris in a more serious tone-
Howard Pinnacle
A "hero"...you say? Idris...may I ask you...what do you think a "hero" is?
Commander Idris Requiem
...Wha?
Surprised by Howard's sudden question, Howard will ask again-this time leaning in closer to Idris-
Howard Pinnacle
Tell me. What is your definition of a "hero"?
Howard is serious, to which Commander Idris notices his tone and then replies, meekly-
Commander Idris Requiem
Well...a hero to me is someone who is willing to put their life on the line for others to live on and survive. A hero should be someone who, despite facing many hardships and oppositions, is willing to overcome all of those things and do what he or she feels is right.
Commander Idris Requiem
...I feel...that kind of person is exactly what you and Emperor Stanley represent.
Howard Pinnacle
...
After hearing Commander Idris's reply, Howard is shown behind his mask to be...disappointed. While Idris means well in what he says, Howard will still feel guilt over what he had to do in order to ensure that the Ascension survived the war with the DIC 18 years ago. He now relates some of his pain onto Commander Idris-
Howard Pinnacle
...What you said...is true in context. However, have you ever once considered the burden that a "hero" has to carry AFTER he's done what you just said?
Commander Idris Requiem
Ah...um...
Now, Commander Idris will look down, as Howard continues speaking to him-
Howard Pinnacle
Idris...this burden that I have to carry in the face of saving the Ascension back then is...it is tearing me apart inside, as while people here call me a hero, I...can't see myself as one...
Commander Idris Requiem
...Is it because...of what Azalea and Media said about your family?
Howard Pinnacle
...Yes.
Now, Howard has several flashes in his mind, as several unknown individuals are shown to be within the unaffected Umbrellas of the DIC-back during the war 18 years ago. They were destroyed before they could flee, to which after they are shown briefly, Howard then speaks-
Howard Pinnacle
My actions back then cost the lives of almost my entire family back then. I haven't heard exactly who remains yet, but very few pureblooded Pinnacle's remain today, which is due in part to my actions back then. My choice...to secure the Ascension over my own family-even the very people who brought me into this world...has led to me feeling this conflict within me.
Commander Idris Requiem
...Howard...
Commander Idris now starts to understand the burden that Howard has to carry on his shoulders. Howard then finishes the conversation by saying-while leaning in as close to Idris as he can. He is so close that his mask is right next to Idris's ear, as he whispers-
Howard Pinnacle
Just remember one thing for me, Idris. Being a hero sometimes means that you'll have to get your hands dirty. And when your hands are stained with the blood of your own family...that mark on you never goes away-no matter how much you cry or beg for forgiveness.
Howard Pinnacle
...That's probably the real reason why we in the RF fight against the Confederation with all of our power.
Commander Idris Requiem
!
After saying this, Howard then moves away from Commander Idris, to which he then silently climbs into his D3 Divide that is behind Commander Idris. Commander Idris is shown to be visually off-put by what Howard just told him, but he doesn't have much time to think of this, as on the intercoms in the area, Captain Irena then speaks to everyone within the Tenebris Root-
Captain Irena Requiem (Intercoms)
...Attention all personal. This is Captain Irena speaking.
Everyone
!
Commander Idris Requiem
!
As everyone pays attention, Howard in his new D3 Divide moves away from the area that Commander Idris is standing in. However, Commander Idris also moves away and heads back to another part of the hanger, as Captain Irena speaks-
Captain Irena Requiem (Intercoms)
We are now currently approaching the back of Mainland and will make contact with the Engine Blocks in 5 minutes. The Confederation will naturally send out two ships-the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, to attempt to stop us, so in retaliation, I'll be transforming the Tenebris Root into it's battle mode during this battle. As such, all personal are to prepare for transformation immediately, as we are about to make contact!
Everyone
!
As everyone prepares for launch within the hanger, in several other areas many people are seen to hurry to their designated locations. Captain Irena then finishes by saying-
Captain Irena Requiem
Superior Weapon teams! Prepare for launch as well!
After Captain says this, the scene will then transition to the backside of Mainland.
"Screen Transition"
Here, a large hatch will open up to revel the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, which are just about to leave the backside of Mainland. Within the Blue Aphrodite, Perle and Sabrina are now reveled to be in their private hanger, rushing to get into the Tyranny ErotiCake. In front of the Tyranny ErotiCake, Divitiya is already waiting for the two-wearing a casual attire instead of her usual bodysuit, to which as Perle and Sabrina get to Divitiya, they are practically out of breath. Divitiya then speaks in irritation towards them-
Divitiya Iran
...You two are very late!
Divitiya says, clearly irritated at both Perle and Sabrina. They reply with-
Perle Luisant
"Hah".."Hah"..I know! We are...sorry!
Perle says, panting heavily. Sabrina then explains-
Sabrina Madison
We had...more trouble in getting here, as there were enemies within Mainland that tried to stop us getting back here!
Sabrina says, also heavily tired, as she explains to Divitiya that they encountered more trouble within Mainland before coming here. Divitiya then speaks-
Divitiya Iran
I see. In any event, at least you two and your parents are unharmed, as we'll need you to...!
Now, Divitiya notices that there is more to Perle and Sabrina's exhaustion, as they are now seen to be gripping their bodies-clearly in pain. Perle in particular is seen to be holding onto the left side of her back, to which Divitiya then speaks-
Divitiya Iran
...The wounds that you two got from Bijou's mother still haven't healed properly, have they? And with you two running back here as fast as you could, that surely didn't help things...
Perle Luisant
!..."Hah"...right as always, Divitiya...
Divitiya's assertion is correct, to which Sabrina replies with-
Sabrina Madison
Regardless, we need to get out there and stop the Ascension-or at the least help out until the Mk-II is complete...
Divitiya Iran
...!
Now, behind Divitiya, Bijou, Chole, Isaac and Callius are seen to be watching the near completion of the Mk-II. It's still being worked on by several hard working technicians, but it's still not yet ready at this time. Thus, Divitiya then looks back to Perle and Sabrina, saying-
Divitiya Iran
...Alright. C'mon.
Perle Luisant
Right...
Sabrina Madison
Let's do this...
Although both Perle and Sabrina are still weak from their running and wounds, they still manage to climb into the open cockpit of the Tyranny ErotiCake. As they get in and power up the Tyranny ErotiCake, Bijou then calls out to them from the right, saying-
Bijou Luisant
...Perle! Sabrina! Hold off the Ascension until our Mk-II is ready, alright?!
Bijou says, to which Perle replies through the intercoms-
Perle Luisant (Intercoms)
Alright, mother!
Sabrina Madison (Intercoms)
We'll do our best!
With that, Perle moves the Tyranny ErotiCake, to which as it gets to the launch platform, it then prepares for to take off. A screen that prevents the vacuum of space from dragging Bijou, her friends and the technicians is erected in between the Tyranny ErotiCake and the close-to-completion Mk-II, as Perle then speaks-
Perle Luisant
Tyranny ErotiCake! Launch!
Tyranny ErotiCake
"!"
Now, the Tyranny ErotiCake launches upwards, as it's Next-EffectPhase armor is activated. As it flies, it soon gets into space, just as many other thousands of Confederation Superior Weapons join them in space. As they launch, several other people are seen in their own Superior Weapons briefly-
Teresa Maverick
...
Terese Maverick
...
Cheese Crackers
...
Glitter Talent
...
As these people are introduced, behind the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, the doors that released them are then shown to close behind them. Now on the bridge, both Captain Heaven and Captain Phillip respond to the incoming Tenebris Root-
Captain Heaven Risingstar
...Damn! They've already gotten this far...!
One of Heaven's bridge staff speaks-
Bridge Staff #11
Captain Heaven! The enemy ship is launching it's Superior Weapons!
Captain Heaven Risingstar
!
Now, across the way from the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, the Tenebris Root is seen to launch hundreds of Superior AndroIs and Superior Weapons from it's hangers. As they fly out, they hold their position slightly away from the Tenebris Root, to which after the display, Captain Phillip will speak to Captain Heaven via comms-
Captain Phillip Kai (comms)
Hey, Heaven! We should prepare to transform our ships into battle mode.
Captain Heaven Risingstar
!...Right. Everyone! Prepare for transformation into battle mode!
Bridge Staff
Yes, Captain Heaven!
At Captain Heaven and Captain Phillip's direction, each of their ships' Bridge Staff now prepare for transformation. As this happens, one of Captain Heaven's Bridge Staffers then speaks up-
Bridge Staff #11 (Samuels)
Captain Heaven! We are receiving a contact from the enemy ship!
Captain Heaven Risingstar
! ...Phillip? Did you hear that?
Captain asks Phillip, to which he replies-
Captain Phillip Kai
Yes, Heaven. How about we see who it is?
Captain Heaven Risingstar
...Yeah. Samuels! Put the contact from that ship on my screen!
Slightly surprised, the Bridge Staff named Samuels will reply-
Bridge Staff #11 (Samuels)
Ah...yes, Captain.
As the Bridge Staff gets the contact going, both Captain Heaven and Captain Phillip are then seen. They are eager to see who it is who is approaching them, to which as the contact gets through, both Captain Heaven and Captain Phillip see Captain Irena for the first time-
Captain Irena Requiem (comms)
...Greetings, Confederation Captains. I'm happy that you've allowed for the chance for me to communicate with you before our battle today.
Captain Heaven Risingstar
!
Captain Phillip Kai
!
Now, Captain Irena introduces herself-
Captain Irena Requiem (comms)
Allow me to introduce myself. My full name is Irena Requiem, Captain of the Tenebris Root. It's a pleasure to meet you two, as I remember seeing your ships during our previous...engagement.
Captain Irena says, to which Captain Phillip and Captain Heaven then reply-
Captain Phillip Kai
...We are honored to meet your acquaintance, Captain Irena. My name is Phillip Kai...
Captain Phillip leaves himself off, so that Captain Heaven can speak. She follows by saying-
Captain Heaven Risingstar
...And my name is Heaven Risingstar. We both actually have the same title as yourself, as we are also Captains of the Confederation.
Now genuinely surprised, Captain Irena will speak-
Captain Irena Requiem (comms)
!...I deeply apologize, Captains. Please forgive my previous interpretation of yourselves.
Captain further demonstrates her misinterpretation by getting out of her captain's seat and showing both Captain Heaven and Captain Phillip a polite bow. The move surprises both Captain Heaven and Captain Phillip.
Captain Heaven Risingstar
!...
Captain Phillip Kai
!...
After the polite bow, Captain Irena then returns to her seat, as Captain Heaven speaks to her-
Captain Heaven Risingstar
...Captain Irena? Since you seem to be ready for a fight, I can assume that we can't talk you out of retreating right now, correct?
Captain Heaven says, at least trying to end things peacefully. However, Captain Irena replies with-
Captain Irena Requiem (comms)
I'm afraid so, Heaven. Afterall, I'm sure that our battle today will make up for how planned our previous engagement felt...right?
Captain Irena says, hinting that she knows how the previous battle between the AA/RF and Confederation felt staged. This makes Captain Heaven smile, as she then replies-
Captain Heaven Risingstar
Hmph...Indeed.
Now, Captain Phillip will say-
Captain Phillip Kai
Well then, let's have a good fight today...Captain Irena.
With that, the comms cut off between the three. A moment later, the Bridge Staff on Phillip's ship then speaks to him, saying-
Bridge Staff #15
Captain Phillip? The transformation sequence is ready now and all personal are in their designated locations.
Captain Phillip replies to her by saying-
Captain Phillip Kai
Good, Terry. Transforming NOW!
"Press"
Now, at the same time, both Captains Heaven and Phillip press a button on their consoles in front of them. Outside, the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon are then shown to transform, to which at the same time, Captain Irena also has her Tenebris Root transform as well-
Captain Irena Requiem
!...Transformation!
As the Tenebris Root transforms, it becomes a giant 500ft tall humanoid Superior Weapon in the form of a woman-dubbed "Enhanced Dreadnought Superior Weapon". It's thicker and bulkier than the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, which each transform into their own giant 400ft tall, dubbed "Next Dreadnought Superior Weapon". After their transformation, their revels are shown-
Next Dreadnought Blue Aphrodite
...
Next Dreadnought Hydra Noon
...
As both the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon are smaller than the Tenebris Root, they are their respective fleets of Superior Weapons are shown in the shadow of the Tenebris Root. Its revel is then shown-
Enhanced Dreadnought Tenebris Root
...
Now, each of the Captains say this exact line-
Captain Irena Requiem/Captain Heaven Risingstar/Captain Phillip Kai
All forces! Engage!
With the battle cry engaged, all three sides proceed to charge at each other, as the chapter then ends-
-CHAPTER END-