Returned to Void

Successive Formation

Standard Disclaimer: You should know this by now! Dang it, I'm poor okay. So don't sue. Vandread is enslaved to Gonzo kay (meaning all rights belong to them)! We all have to face the truth. 

SPOILS OF PLOT, SPOILS OF PLOT, I SHUT UP NOW…

…Nirvana…

            Human language generalizes Nirvana as a state which a person has achieved full objective wisdom and compassion. Others may state it as the ideal place of stability, harmony, and joy. In the human condition, nirvana takes many forms. Some find contentment in material possessions. Although, this contentment carries only so far, as far as the material can carry… Some people find nirvana in usage of life time achievements. The realization of one's dream can be characterized as nirvana. However, most people who attained love contend they fall into a nirvana. The person they love is Nirvana for them. In short nirvana can be anything a person wants it to be… For three women it takes the form of a Hibiki Tokai…

            The ship Nirvana is a schizophrenic. Sometimes it is gentle as a spring breeze. Other instances, it chatters like a five year old discussing about their day. On special occurrences, it becomes a wild breast fighting for existence. The habitants of the ship find it as home. For them, it is where they work, play, and be human. Lately though, the Nirvana took on another façade. It became a gender midway point for two planets. Most of the primary tenants still reside with the magnanimous vessel. They chose live there due to familiarity and relationships. However, the Nirvana is about to embark on a journey again…

==Vandread==

In the command tactical room of the asteroid based for the Nirvana; at this hour three individuals are conducting an annual meeting. Most of these discussions are about the security and cross colonization progress of Mejeiru and Tarraku. Nonetheless, the topic is about the security issues concerning the boarder areas of Mejeiru and Tarraku space.

"The Meranas have reported debris in their quadrants." verbalize the whip yielding sub-commander, alias Buzam A. Calessa (B.C.)

"What type of debris?" inquired the chief of the Nirvana's registry or Gascogne Rheingau not to be confused with Gasco.      

"The metal compounds match those of the Earth forces." replies B.C. while fixing into the holographic consul.

"So they are on the move again." The Boss or Maguno sighs.

Continuing with "her" report, "This not the only instance where the Earth forces have been sighted. We have intelligence placing them in the Mission area and our bounder lying colonies."

"Although they were destroyed when the scouts found them right?" injects Gasconge.

"Yes." B.C. answers blatantly. 

"What do you think Boss?" questions Gasconge.

"It seems our old friend is on the move again." genially responds while hiding behind her folded hands.

"Could they be attacking us?" asks Gasconge.

"I highly doubt that, the pattern of the sightings suggest they are chasing something?" B.C. pauses briefly, "and the pattern of the timing and locations point to that conclusion."

"So they are not after us then." Gasconge lightly preaches, as she leans against the wall and gape through the porthole.

"It is apparent their intent is not us anymore, rather it is something." B.C. replies a while later.

"Ah yes, the pirate life again." Magno wistfully comments.

==Vandread==

            Bart Garsus is one tried man. Why do you ask? Simple, he is the solitary pilot for operating the Nirvana. Without him, the ship does not move or combat according to human will. The cross colonization process to Bart means maneuvering between the Mejeiru, Tarraku home planets and its outlying colonies. Thus he is constantly in the navigation post navigating the ship. Picking up "immigrants" or technology and then bringing them to outlying colonies in the solar system. Other ships are doing these tasks; however, the speed of the Nirvana still outmatches the most technologically advanced vessels to this day. These last two years, Bart has been a captain in training. He has become the surrogate skipper of the Nirvana. Due to the administrative matters, both the Boss and B.C. are not available for command. Thus they have entrusted the responsibility to Bart. The initial reaction of the women crew was reluctance. They find it discouraging to take orders from a man especially for one of Bart's background. Bart though has changed. He too was immensely affected by Hibiki's departure. The loss of Hibiki invoked innate directive capabilities from Bart. Over time he gained the respect and loyalty of the women crew. This new change surprised B.C. the most. "She" did not expect such change to happen within the young man in a short time. Although for the Boss, she first saw his talent during the Anpatos affair. That was the primary reason why she entrusted the Nirvana to him. The operators: Ezra Vieil, Belvedere Coco (blond), Celtic Midori (costume wearing), and Amarone Slaintheav (East Indian appearance) were the first to recognize Bart for his new change. Particularly for Belvedere…

            Belvedere Coco's role was that of a minor character. Generally, she operated one of the consuls that monitored the ship. Daily directions and reporting placed her closely to working with Bart. Her attraction for the blonde man matured over the years. His change to her eyes was one of a positive manner. She also uncovered a side of Bart that he does not reveal frequently. A gentle nature component. He first showed this during altered Pexis plagma planet episode. She came to know his actions towards Shirley. His exaggerated stories and reluctance to leave her side touched Belvedere heart to no end. In time she has grown to respect and eventually be infatuated with the young man. As to the reason why she is in his quarters at the moment is another manner.

            Her visits to his lodgings first were a surprise for Bart. However, time proved to be an excellent fertilizer for cultivating relationships. Her/his presence became a comfort for both them. Their relationship started out as little chitchats. It all began during a loading and unloading of a "delivery" and the crew of the Nirvana had some time to relax. During these relaxation periods, the operators generally vacate themselves into the cafeteria for refreshments.  Although Belvedere decided to remain at her post to do some checks upon the ship rather then join them. This is where their chitchats began. Their conversions were generally about their upbringing. Bart would narrate his life story while she countered with hers. They revealed an assortment of aspirations and aspects to each other. As time past, they became friendly and sometimes came to depend with each other's presence for consolation. The crew of the Nirvana was not surprise to this event. Some are too experiencing this phenomenon called man and woman relationship. A prototype of it occurred when one man and three women decided to trust in each other. For Bart and Belvedere, theirs has just begun…

"Wake up baldy" she coos softly while nudging his stomach through the covers and exploring his sleepy features.

"No, leave alone Bel, I'm still tried." Bart murmurs beneath his favorite pillow. His tries to dig deeper into his bed.

"No can do, the Boss wants to talk you about something." she knew he needed his sleep; however, the Boss's calls are usually important and never to be delayed in response.

"Ahhhhhhh, okay." Finally relenting. But for our blonde baldy, he decided to stand up at the wrong instance. For you see, most males have an unconscious reaction after sleep. Their anatomical part becomes "alert". Having only slept in his boxers, Belvedere is given a first hand experience to the male condition.

"Ahhh, anta baka hentai." she screams in an ear splitting tone with a cherry face to boot. 

Moments later, Bart is acquainted with "Bel's" right fist. Moments later after that moment, Bart decides to delve onto his floor and examine it for structural integrity. 'The floor is working fine' he notes before losing conscious. Thus a fist induce nap betakes our blonde baldy.

==Vandread==

One of the sacred places within the Nirvana is considered to be the navigation posts. Only one person has access to this "temple". From this area Bart has firm control of the ship. In addition, he can access various communications devices. Opening a communication channel to home base, he prepares himself. 

"What's up obasan?" Brat cheerfully remarks, while rubbing his cheek.

"What happened to you?" she asks with a peculiar stare.

"Oh nothing, just slipped and hit a wall."

Giving him one last odd look, she continues, "anyways, I want you to return the Nirvana back to base." Reverting back to serious tone.

"Understood, but I have some more deliveries to make." Copying her tone.

"I had B.C. shift the deliveries to others, we are about to embark on an important mission."

"What type of a mission?" he eagerly raises.

"I'll brief the rest of the crew and you when the Nirvana returns."

"Understood."

He opens another communication channel.

"Belvedere"

"Yes." she notices his serious attitude and she too reverts to a professional manner.

"How is the unloading progress coming along."

"It will be done in 40 minutes."

"Good, prepare the ship for a voyage back to base."

"Why?" she inquiries oddly.

"The Boss just said to return back and prepare for a special mission." he returns.

"Roger." she conveys. 'A special mission'

==Vandread==

Tip…tap…tip…tap…tock…

            In an ill-illuminated room, a lone figure crafts a psychological evaluation of a few individuals. Within this report he categorizes the symptoms of his "patients". 'Patient "D" suffers emotional withdrawal and showing early signs rejection to environmental stimuli. The patient offers very little emotional expression physically.' He continues to stare into light beryl holographic consul while dictating his thoughts. 'Patient "J" exhibits vast amounts of aggression and hostility towards individuals outside of the patient peer familiarity range.' He takes a moment and decides to test the flexibility of his chair. It seems the chair is able to withstand a person pushing back and stretching their arms in the air. The short live break concluded, he returns to "assessing" his patients. 'Patient "M" is opposite of patient "D". This patient shows vast amounts of energy through tasks. However, the work load being performed is dangerously above the level a normal individual can function. Recent physical assessments points to the deduction of the health deteriorating. Fatigue and imbalance nutrition are the leading factors.'

            The automatic door reverberate a hissing noise; although, the young man is oblivious to this at the moment. With elbows on the consul and his fingers intertwined, he bores deep into the holographic projection before him. Another figure creeps behind him by tiptoeing in a silent manner. The gleaming of her oval glasses and widening smile presents an eerie mood. This scene is similar to that of a lioness stalking a buck. The gauging of the prey, closing into the prey, and finally the capturing of the prey. Chief engineer Parfet Balblair, the lioness, has mastered the art of stealthy surprises. The prey, medical physician Duero Mcfile, is totally caught in surprised. She trapped her prey by placing her claws on the shoulder area. Thus we have one befuddled man and a giggling woman in well-lit room now. Catching her breath, she begins a familiar routine.

"What are you doing Duero-kun?" she jests.

"Just writing some medical files." he returns while closing the holographic consul.

"Oh." she replies lightly. Removing her hands from his shoulders; she retreats a few steps back. Offering him space to turn around.

"What can I do for you Parfet-chan?" Swinging around his chair to face her.

"Oh nothing, I'm just here to inform you that we are going back to base."

"For what reason?"

"Dunno, I just heard Amarone announce it."

"Hmm…" Placing his right hand on his chin.

            Duero Mcfile the elitist male from Tarraku. Characterized as cool, canny, and systematic. The first doctor of the Nirvana. He attends and conducts the medical procedures of the crew. If a person fell sick or injured, he was the first to administer medical attention. Overall a warden of human well fare. As a person, his quiet demeanor and observant nature are his prominent features along with his half masked faced.

            Parfet Balblair the jubilant female from Mejeiru. Described as warm, straightforward, and resolute. The chief engineer and care taker of the Blue Pexis Plagma. Her role on the ship ranges from maintenance of the dreads, monitoring the Pexis, creation/manipulation of the weaponry, and various mechanical applications. Generally, a curator of machines. As an individual, her sociable appearance and inquisitive characteristics complement her rotund spectacles.

Polar in personalities, yet an attraction intimately bridges them. Their relationship on the Nirvana began very early. During the initial merging of Ikazuchi and Maguno pirate ship, Duero was employed under Parfet to resolve the Pexis impurities. As time wore on, their relationship flourished due to the Pexis. As Parfet explained, the Pexis is a source of energy that has a personality of its own. Nirvana. Thus it was categorizes as a mechanical living creature. Both had a duty to the maintenance of the Pexis Plagma.

            She repairs, as he heals it.

'You always say interesting things'

"What is it Duero-kun." she asks. The physician jolts slightly in his chair.

"Oh nothing." Leaving his personal thought space and returning to reality.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you are available tonight?" she whispers quietly and closely examining the tips of her French braid locks.

"Ah, umm well." The composed façade breaks like expensive China when a bull enters the store.

"I was wondering if we can continue our 'lessons'?" she continues on.

"Oh the lessons." proclaims in high pitch school boy tone. "Yes, I believe we can continue our 'lessons'." he tones down a few decibels as the lapels of his coat are construed.

"So same place, same time then."

"Yes that would be excellent."

"Great then, Ja-ne." she waves as she backs out of the room. A hiss noise resonates.

Conclusively, in a well lit room, a flustered man mentally prepares for his usual 'lesson' that evening.

Author notes: Wow four chapters! E-gad, I got out to this far. First and foremost, I am grateful towards Violent Shinji. He was the first person to actually review my fan-fic. Thank you, Shinji-sama. However, also I would like to thank those who left a review. I was thinking at one or two people are going to review my fanfic. (As of writing this I got three yay!) But people are actually reading it. Thank the Gods!

This chapter is designed to lay out foundations for the whole story. As you could see, some foreshadowing is at foot. Most people can easily figure-out the story from this chapter. However, writing is about the why and most importantly the how. A "what" in literature is easily achieved. 'See Spot run' See, we have plot now. The essence of writing, in my opinion, is found in author's ability to express emotions that can relate back to the reader. To invoke experiences and emotions is a fantastic accomplishment.

            Oh yeah, a reviewer pointed out to me the usage of italics. When I wrote the first three chapters of Returned to Void; in my original format I placed italicized words. When I uploaded my stories, all of the formatting I did was changed. Such formats included centering of words, different placement of words, and italicization of words. Can someone throw me a bone on how to include formats done in Windows Word 2000? Arigato minna! Whew long author notes huh?

            Oh yeah, no hurries for the next chapter right.