Phantasy Star: Mechanical Error Chapter 1
Written by Sarah Schoenlaub
Motavia loomed through Laurie's telescope. Its brown landscape and blue oceans clearly visible. Laurie saw a small rainstorm on the edge of the coast near Piata, ready to send a wonderful shower of rain upon the people. "They must be causing rain in Climate Control," she muttered to herself.
The evening cold of Dezolis whooshed through the Esper Mansion, making Laurie shiver. She pulled her white robe tightly around her. She knew she's have to light the fireplace and make sure she had enough heavy blankets for the night. She reached into her dark blue hair and removed a small clip, letting the strands it held fall back into place on her shoulders.
She leaned forward on her chair, peering again through the telescope. She wished that she could see Rykros. She knew it was there, brought back to Algo on its elliptical orbit. It came to Algo every thousand years, waiting to protect the solar system from the threat of the Profound Darkness. Of course, that didn't matter anymore. The Profound Darkness had been defeated, 990 years ago. Algo would be safe from it forever.
Oddly, Laurie still felt uneasy. She was glad that she hadn't been one of the heroes that defeated the Profound Darkness. She couldn't imagine how frightening that would be.
"Laurie!" Laurie looked up, hearing her mother's voice calling through the serene silence of the mansion. The woman appeared in the doorway, smiling as she saw her daughter. "Hello Laurie. I just wanted to make sure you had enough blankets."
"I'll be alright, mother. Thank you."
"Why, your fireplace isn't even lit! You must be freezing." Laurie's mother, Sheryl shook her head, walking to the large fireplace and pulling back the screen. "Flaeli!" She waved her hands in a quick gesture, sending a fireball from them to the wood. She nodded in approval. "There."
"Thank you, mother."
"You sleep well now, dear. Don't be up too late." Sheryl kissed her gently on the forehead, then left, closing the door softly.
Laurie sighed as Sheryl left. She never got along well with her mother. To the average person it would look like they got along, but it simply wasn't true. Laurie felt like Sheryl didn't understand her. Sheryl discouraged Laurie's scientific studies, and tried to prevent Laurie from sending her application to Piata Academy. Sheryl always told Laurie to "try to act more like a normal esper girl" and "stop trying to be a genius."
Laurie wished her father was still alive. He was a scientist himself, and he taught Laurie how to fix androids. He gave Laurie many books about different areas of science. He bought her telescope, test tubes, chemicals, and machine parts. He understood. Sheryl didn't. Even Laurie's brother, Kyle, was supportive of her. He stood by Laurie and defended her from Sheryl's unkind words. Kyle was more focused on magic and an esper life, but he still supported Laurie.
As night came over the mansion and the empty halls grew colder, Laurie fell asleep, wondering as usual what the next day would bring.
* * *
"Laurie!"
"Yes?" Laurie looked up from her blueprint, a bit startled. She hated being disturbed, especially when she was working on a new project. She saw that it was Kyle in the doorway, holding an envelope. "What is that, Kyle?"
"It's for you. It's from the Academy. I had a feeling you'd want to read it." Kyle grinned, waving the envelope at her.
"Did you read it?" Laurie got up quickly and walked to the door.
"No, I thought I would let you do that." Kyle handed Laurie the envelope, and she eagerly tore it open. She unfolded the letter, hesitated, and handed it to Kyle.
"I can't read it. What if they said I couldn't get in? Mother would only make things worse."
"Laurie, don't be a wimp. I bet you got in. Read it!"
Laurie closed her eyes for a second and finally started reading.
Dear Ms. Johnson, Thank you for applying to be educated by Piata Academy. All of our
brilliant professors enjoy seeing eager students in their classrooms. Here
at the Academy, we carefully review each application and essay to see which
students qualify. It is a very high standard, and we cannot accept everyone. After your application was reviewed and passed by our fine review
board, it was sent to me for a final review. I read it and studied it
thoroughly. After my careful review, I decided that your application indeed
shows that you meet the Academy's standards. Please feel free to come and see the campus any time you are ready.
Your classes will not begin for a few weeks, but until then you can settle
in and get to know your professors. I look forward to seeing you. Sincerely, The Principal
Laurie's eyes went wide and she almost shouted. Kyle had been reading over her shoulder, and he was just as excited. "I told you! Congratulations, sis!" They hugged.
"Wow... I want to go there right now! Oh, I'm so excited! Maybe mother will think differently when she sees this. She has to understand!" Laurie dashed out of her room, with Kyle close behind. This was incredible news.
* * *
"No, absolutely not. I told you from the beginning that the answer was no. Why did you even apply without my permission?"
"Mother, please. This is my dream."
"And I won't accept it!" Sheryl pounded a tabletop, shaking the objects on it. "Why do you have to be so stubborn? Why can't you be like a normal esper?"
"Because I'm not. I'm half Palman. I don't like magic as much as science. I'm sorry it disappoints you." Laurie frowned. This wasn't fair.
"I don't care. You might as well send your apologies to the Academy, because you are not going."
Kyle finally spoke up. "Now mother, don't you think it's unreasonable? Everyone here says that Laurie is brilliant. This is a great chance for her!"
"Now don't you go taking her side, Kyle!" Sheryl snapped. "Science is what killed your father. It's not going to be Laurie's career. I will not send her all the way to Motavia when her life is just fine here."
"Maybe you won't send me, but I will go."
"No you won't. Not without my permission. You may be nearly an adult, but you won't break esper rules by undermining my authority."
"Yes I will. I'm tired of your stupid rules. I'm leaving." Laurie went to the door. "Goodbye, mother. It's a shame that you want to be so controlling. You're almost like Mother Brain was." Sheryl grew furious, but Laurie was down the hall before she could say a word. She went right in her room and began packing, with Kyle behind her.
"I'm sorry, Laurie," Kyle said, helping her fold one of her heavy robes. "I wish mother would understand."
"She never did and never will. I don't ever want to see her again."
"Watch what you say, Laurie. It might happen."
Laurie slipped a small gun in the large pocket of her robe. "I wouldn't care if it did."
Kyle sighed. "Well..." His voice caught in his throat as he fought back tears. "Do you have enough money for everything you need?"
"Yeah. I paid for tuition, and I have a lot of money with me. I'm sorry, Kyle."
Kyle hugged his little sister tightly. "Be careful out there, Laurie. It's a scary world."
"I will be careful. I promise."
* * *
Laurie made good time walking through the layer of soft snow on Dezolis. She was glad to be outside, breathing the fresh air. She saw a few Dezo owls perched in trees, some gazing at her curiously. Most people didn't walk to get around anymore. They would travel in vehicles like Land Rovers or Ice Diggers, or they would use Ryuka to get to a town quickly.
Laurie wanted to use Ryuka, but she needed time to walk, relax, and think. It was a major thing for her to be leaving home like this. She was a little afraid, not knowing what to expect in Motavia, but mostly she was glad to be free. She could already see Zosa up ahead. It was time for a break.
She entered the little Dezorian town, feeling the warmth of torches scattered about. A few Dezolis penguins toddled around, followed by eager Dezorian men ready to gather their eggs. The Dezolis penguin was an adorable creature, a genetic change from the Dezo owl.
Laurie went to the café for a bite to eat, listening to a couple of old men talking, their green faces wrinkling as they laughed. "Did you see those Alpharens yesterday? They kept falling in the snow…" The two laughed loudly.
"Oh, those silly dolls just couldn't get anywhere! The powdered snow made them slip!"
Laurie smiled as the old men chatted and laughed. Dezorians were interesting folks with good senses of humor, though some of their jokes were quite lame. Many of them were priests, and very religious. Some Dezorians marched long miles through snowstorms to visit the great Gumbious Temple, where they would worship. Espers were also religious, believing that the ultimate goal was to serve Lutz and try to be like him. He was the example for all of them.
Laurie then went to the inn to rest. She still had a long walk ahead.
* * *
After a short nap, Laurie used Ryuka to get to Tyler. She would have normally walked, but it was snowing when she left Zosa. It was already thick, and Laurie knew that walking through thick snow would be miserable. It was nighttime when she finished her walk and reached the Dezolis Spaceport.
A late-model Alpharen greeted her warmly as she entered. "Welcome to the Dezolis Spaceport! Please state your name and destination and we will work to serve you."
"My name is Laurie Johnson, and I am on my way to Motavia."
"Laurie Johnson? Are you going to the Academy?"
Laurie's eyes widened. "Why, yes. How did you know?"
"The principal told us to expect you soon. Our next flight to Motavia won't leave till morning, so you are welcome to stay here in our sleeping area. We have food as well." The Alpharen opened a small metal door and revealed a few nice beds and a door leading to a kitchen.
"Wonderful!" Laurie pulled a pouch of meseta out of her bag. "How much will it cost?"
The Alpharen held up a hand. "There's no cost, ma'am. The Academy will take care of all boarding and travel fees."
"Wow, they do treat their students well!"
"It's their purpose. Now, in the kitchen the chef will provide you a menu to order from. You may choose anything, and the cost is given to the Academy. You can then come here for a good night's sleep, or even spend some time in the café in Tyler. In the morning I will wake you when it is time for your flight." The Alpharen nodded, certain that he was finished explaining. "I'll take your bags and put them in the vault so they will be safe," he then said, taking Laurie's two small bags. "Please let me know if you need anything!" The Alpharen left, allowing Laurie to look at her new surroundings.
Spaceports were better than they had ever been. Before, only owners of spaceships could use them. Now, many people used space travel and it was extremely safe. Many spaceports had their own inns for travelers to stay in. Usually it all came at a high price, but Laurie's journey was being paid for by the Academy. It was wonderful!
Laurie went to the kitchen and resolved to go right to sleep after she ate. The next day would be interesting!
* * *
Morning came much too slowly. Laurie hardly slept at all, but she was still refreshed.
The flight was short. Laurie found herself in Motavia's spaceport quickly. As she left the spaceship, another late model Alpharen greeted her. "Laurie Johnson? I am Alpharen 55, and I was sent by the Academy to make sure you arrived safely. I will take you to the Academy, where you will receive your final test and you will meet the principal. Do you have any questions yet?"
"What about a final test? I didn't think there were any more. What if I don't pass it?"
"It's nothing to worry about, miss. The final test is to assure that you know enough. It is to test your skill level. I am certain that you will pass. If you do fail, the Academy will either pay your expenses back to your home or they will assist you in taking courses to help you increase your skills. They can also help you get a job here."
Laurie nodded. "Well, I guess I'm ready, then."
The Alpharen nodded. "Excellent. Follow me, please." He led Laurie to a land rover and helped her get in. "Please fasten your safety belt. This may be a bit bumpy. Motavia doesn't have very smooth terrain." Laurie obeyed, looking through the green-tinted windows at the dry dirt.
Laurie gasped as she saw Piata. It was a large town, with buildings towering over the city walls. "It's a lovely town, isn't it?" Alpharen 55 said, seeing her reaction. "There are a number of nice shops, and plenty of places for students to live." He helped her out of the land rover and led her into the Academy itself.
"The principal will be glad to talk to you, I'm sure." Alpharen 55 knocked on the wooden door of the principal's office.
A small screen flashed to life on the Alpharen's arm. Laurie recognized it immediately as an A/V telecomm. Most androids had them. A woman appeared on the screen. She looked like a secretary. "Ah, Alpharen 55. Is Laurie with you?"
"Yes, Miel, she is." Laurie was shocked as she heard the name. The woman was really a late Mieu-type android! Mieu-types were extremely lifelike, even more than a typical Demi-type.
"Good! The principal will see her now. Come in."
Laurie looked around the office as they entered. There were many diplomas and awards hanging on the wall. She looked at Miel and confirmed that she was indeed an android. Some types were amazing indeed!
The principal was a fairly old fellow, with graying hair and a little mustache. "Come in, come in," he said warmly in his deep voice. "Have a seat, please. It's a pleasure to have you here."
"It's a pleasure being here," Laurie replied.
The principal chuckled. "I always like the eager students! Now, down to business. Before you are a part of any classes, I have a small test for you. It isn't much and I'm certain it will be simple for you. You will test right back here," he explained, opening a door that led into a small room with a desk. "It's a simple written test, and you'll have all the time you need for it."
Laurie nodded. "Sounds simple enough."
The principal handed her a stack of paper. "There are plenty of pens in there. Pencils too, if you prefer them. There are also some cups and a tap so you can get water if you need it. Any questions?"
"No sir, I think I understand."
"Good."
Laurie entered the little room and sat, reading the first questions. It wasn't difficult at all. Just simple questions about android types and history, as well as other areas of science. Laurie almost laughed out loud. To think she had been so worried over a test that turned out so simple!
Laurie focused, trying hard to choose the best answers on the test. When she was finished, she handed the principal her test.
"Finished already?" The man looked at the clock. "Why, it's been only an hour!"
"It was pretty easy for me, I guess."
He nodded absently, deep in thought. "I'll get the score for this and I'll contact you. Thank you. Alpharen will take you to your room so you can settle in."
Laurie followed Alpharen, a bit nervous. What would that score mean?