Prologue: "If you can name the highest number."
Clay Cliff Fortran stared at a computer screen, displaying names, numbers, and statistics of various Pilots. He swept a lock of golden-brown hair from his face; caramel eyes scanned the screen; he clicked on a thumbnail of one Pilot.
~ZENOAH #1 Name: Rei (Zero) Enna Age: 18 Eyes: Blue Hair: Dark Brown Height: 170 cm Weight: 85 kg Blood Type: EO Atmic: None Partner: Kizna Towryk Parents: Mother (deceased); Father (unknown) Pilot: Ernn-Laties Ascension: 25 January 4212
Zenoah #1 is impulsive, but possesses great instincts in flight and combat. Initial gravity sicknesses overcome thanks to his Partner. His EX involves great speed, which causes time to stand still. He is also adept at martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, and fencing. Learns best in hands-on situations; can adapt others' techniques with relative ease. His interpersonal skills are adequate, if somewhat underdeveloped. ~
"Zero," Clay whispered, "VICTIM is closing in. The mothership is approaching quickly. There is no one who can bring this to a close but you. You're the last warrior. You can't fail." His gaze hardened, and his tone cooled. "I will not allow you to fail."
He hit "Back" with the cursor, opening the file on another Pilot.
~ZENOAH #2 Name: Hiead Gner Age: 18 Eyes: Ruby Hair: Silver-white Height: 183 cm Weight: 92 kg Blood Type: EO Atmic: None Partner: Ikhny Allecto Parents: Status Unknown Pilot: Eeva-Leena Ascension: 25 January 4212
Zenoah #2 possesses fighting skills that are nearly unsurpassable. He studies people and their traits, and can formulate a battle plan with ease. Highly competitive, often volatile in temperament. Has been known to use physical violence. He is antisocial, and more often than not, avoids interacting with others, regardless of circumstance. Shares the same EX as Zenoah #1; has joined EX with the aforementioned, creating a bond despite their ongoing rivalry. Although no longer hostile toward Zenoah #1, their relationship points to a mutual fascination, possibly a form of folie a deux. Separation advised. ~
Clay sighed as he read through Hiead's dossier. I see no other course. Otherwise the war will not end in our lifetime.
He heard a knock at the door. "Come in, Saki," he said. Saki Mimori walked into the room, wearing a blue jumpsuit with the GIS logo. "I'm just looking over some information here."
She looked over his shoulder at the file, frowning. "So, still going through with Omega?"
"Omega would happen with or without us. You know this. We're just here for destiny."
Saki laughed, a mirthless chime without a tonal point. "Just here for destiny? Do you really believe that, Clay, or are you trying to convince yourself?"
He turned to look at his partner. She had grown taller and curvier since he'd first met her at GOA. When the two left for GIS, she cut her fiery hair to shoulder length, and often wore it braided. She smiled and shook her head. "You're looking for an outcome, a conclusion. But tell me, what happens next?"
"We secure safety for Zion and the outlying colonies," Clay replied, adjusting his glasses.
"And after that?"
"The human race learns how to live at peace."
"Meaning?"
"Nobody has to worry about attack from VICTIM. We can focus on improving quality of life."
"But what follows?"
"We live longer. We don't have to worry about infant mortality, famine, poverty, or exploitation. We can explore space, repopulate our planet, ensure safety, and create a general atmosphere of harmony."
"And what happens when, no if, these things come to pass?"
"Why all the questions? You know this is part of the Directive. I can neither prevent nor change it." "Yet you're willing to sacrifice a Pilot's life. Doesn't that violate the Directive?"
"Pilots fight. They die. This is part and parcel of war. Think of the thousands of soldiers who went into battle, knowing that they might not return alive. And so many of these men and women embraced their fate without hesitation."
"But not all, Clay. And what you have in mind involves a Pilot who does not know that he's been marked for slaughter, and marked by his own."
"Better one than hundreds of thousands more, Saki."
"For whom is it better?" Clay's eyes began to glow, a silver-green light suffusing the room.
"You haven't the power to terminate Omega. I've consulted with Teela and Kuro, and they have given their approval. The stage has been set. The players are in place. We wait now for the final act."
"Tell me, what's the final number?" Clay's reaction ended, his eyes returning to normal.
"What do you mean by that?"
Saki walked toward the door, and said, "When you name the final number, you can name the final battle. Simple, no?" She paused, and then added, "Life has a way of defying destiny. And, for that matter, so does love. I suggest you keep that in mind."
The door clicked shut as she left the room. Clay returned to the computer screen, closing Hiead's dossier. He returned to GIS' main page, typing in a password. Upon confirmation, a file came up on the screen.
~Project Omega
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS HIGHLY CLASSIFIED. STRICTEST SECRECY REQUIRED.
Upon 27 January 4212 the following decisions were made regarding the imminent arrival of the main fleet of VICTIM:
That all measures must be taken to secure Zion; That the least amount of damage be suffered by GOA and GIS; and That all force and craft necessary be used to ensure victory.
Reports confirm that the mothership is arriving within the next few months. The Top Candidates from GOA, both Zenoahs, have ascended to Pilot status. It is the decision of the Observers that the First Pilot, Rei Enna, must strike the mothership at full power. The Second Pilot, Hiead Gner, will provide a needed distraction during this battle. Prior to battle, lines of communication will be blocked between Eeva-Leena and the other Ingrids. The Pilot's Repairer, Iknhy Allecto, has received instructions to implement blockage and selective rewiring of the Ingrid. She has agreed to fulfill her instructions upon command. The changes will impair the Pilot's ability to maneuver, to signal for help, and to dodge attack from VICTIM. In addition, a homing signal will be added, in order to draw maximum firepower to the Pilot.
Neither the First nor Second Pilot is to know of this operation. Only the Observers, and their partners, know what must transpire.
END OF MISSIVE~
Clay closed the file, and then went to VIEW FILES. He selected two, and then clicked on DELETE.
"Are you sure?" the file manager asked.
Click. "Yes." The file names vanished.
Twelve hours to Omega. I'm sorry, Hiead. The many take precedence.
Clay Cliff Fortran stared at a computer screen, displaying names, numbers, and statistics of various Pilots. He swept a lock of golden-brown hair from his face; caramel eyes scanned the screen; he clicked on a thumbnail of one Pilot.
~ZENOAH #1 Name: Rei (Zero) Enna Age: 18 Eyes: Blue Hair: Dark Brown Height: 170 cm Weight: 85 kg Blood Type: EO Atmic: None Partner: Kizna Towryk Parents: Mother (deceased); Father (unknown) Pilot: Ernn-Laties Ascension: 25 January 4212
Zenoah #1 is impulsive, but possesses great instincts in flight and combat. Initial gravity sicknesses overcome thanks to his Partner. His EX involves great speed, which causes time to stand still. He is also adept at martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, and fencing. Learns best in hands-on situations; can adapt others' techniques with relative ease. His interpersonal skills are adequate, if somewhat underdeveloped. ~
"Zero," Clay whispered, "VICTIM is closing in. The mothership is approaching quickly. There is no one who can bring this to a close but you. You're the last warrior. You can't fail." His gaze hardened, and his tone cooled. "I will not allow you to fail."
He hit "Back" with the cursor, opening the file on another Pilot.
~ZENOAH #2 Name: Hiead Gner Age: 18 Eyes: Ruby Hair: Silver-white Height: 183 cm Weight: 92 kg Blood Type: EO Atmic: None Partner: Ikhny Allecto Parents: Status Unknown Pilot: Eeva-Leena Ascension: 25 January 4212
Zenoah #2 possesses fighting skills that are nearly unsurpassable. He studies people and their traits, and can formulate a battle plan with ease. Highly competitive, often volatile in temperament. Has been known to use physical violence. He is antisocial, and more often than not, avoids interacting with others, regardless of circumstance. Shares the same EX as Zenoah #1; has joined EX with the aforementioned, creating a bond despite their ongoing rivalry. Although no longer hostile toward Zenoah #1, their relationship points to a mutual fascination, possibly a form of folie a deux. Separation advised. ~
Clay sighed as he read through Hiead's dossier. I see no other course. Otherwise the war will not end in our lifetime.
He heard a knock at the door. "Come in, Saki," he said. Saki Mimori walked into the room, wearing a blue jumpsuit with the GIS logo. "I'm just looking over some information here."
She looked over his shoulder at the file, frowning. "So, still going through with Omega?"
"Omega would happen with or without us. You know this. We're just here for destiny."
Saki laughed, a mirthless chime without a tonal point. "Just here for destiny? Do you really believe that, Clay, or are you trying to convince yourself?"
He turned to look at his partner. She had grown taller and curvier since he'd first met her at GOA. When the two left for GIS, she cut her fiery hair to shoulder length, and often wore it braided. She smiled and shook her head. "You're looking for an outcome, a conclusion. But tell me, what happens next?"
"We secure safety for Zion and the outlying colonies," Clay replied, adjusting his glasses.
"And after that?"
"The human race learns how to live at peace."
"Meaning?"
"Nobody has to worry about attack from VICTIM. We can focus on improving quality of life."
"But what follows?"
"We live longer. We don't have to worry about infant mortality, famine, poverty, or exploitation. We can explore space, repopulate our planet, ensure safety, and create a general atmosphere of harmony."
"And what happens when, no if, these things come to pass?"
"Why all the questions? You know this is part of the Directive. I can neither prevent nor change it." "Yet you're willing to sacrifice a Pilot's life. Doesn't that violate the Directive?"
"Pilots fight. They die. This is part and parcel of war. Think of the thousands of soldiers who went into battle, knowing that they might not return alive. And so many of these men and women embraced their fate without hesitation."
"But not all, Clay. And what you have in mind involves a Pilot who does not know that he's been marked for slaughter, and marked by his own."
"Better one than hundreds of thousands more, Saki."
"For whom is it better?" Clay's eyes began to glow, a silver-green light suffusing the room.
"You haven't the power to terminate Omega. I've consulted with Teela and Kuro, and they have given their approval. The stage has been set. The players are in place. We wait now for the final act."
"Tell me, what's the final number?" Clay's reaction ended, his eyes returning to normal.
"What do you mean by that?"
Saki walked toward the door, and said, "When you name the final number, you can name the final battle. Simple, no?" She paused, and then added, "Life has a way of defying destiny. And, for that matter, so does love. I suggest you keep that in mind."
The door clicked shut as she left the room. Clay returned to the computer screen, closing Hiead's dossier. He returned to GIS' main page, typing in a password. Upon confirmation, a file came up on the screen.
~Project Omega
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS HIGHLY CLASSIFIED. STRICTEST SECRECY REQUIRED.
Upon 27 January 4212 the following decisions were made regarding the imminent arrival of the main fleet of VICTIM:
That all measures must be taken to secure Zion; That the least amount of damage be suffered by GOA and GIS; and That all force and craft necessary be used to ensure victory.
Reports confirm that the mothership is arriving within the next few months. The Top Candidates from GOA, both Zenoahs, have ascended to Pilot status. It is the decision of the Observers that the First Pilot, Rei Enna, must strike the mothership at full power. The Second Pilot, Hiead Gner, will provide a needed distraction during this battle. Prior to battle, lines of communication will be blocked between Eeva-Leena and the other Ingrids. The Pilot's Repairer, Iknhy Allecto, has received instructions to implement blockage and selective rewiring of the Ingrid. She has agreed to fulfill her instructions upon command. The changes will impair the Pilot's ability to maneuver, to signal for help, and to dodge attack from VICTIM. In addition, a homing signal will be added, in order to draw maximum firepower to the Pilot.
Neither the First nor Second Pilot is to know of this operation. Only the Observers, and their partners, know what must transpire.
END OF MISSIVE~
Clay closed the file, and then went to VIEW FILES. He selected two, and then clicked on DELETE.
"Are you sure?" the file manager asked.
Click. "Yes." The file names vanished.
Twelve hours to Omega. I'm sorry, Hiead. The many take precedence.