Star Ocean: Wrath of Heaven
Reap the Whirlwind
Upon arriving at Federation Station 5, the two Klausian explorers had discovered what they had not quite expected. By all initial accounts of the disaster, they had anticipated Moonbase to be in ruins, however, though a great degree of damage had been done to the interior of the base, the overall integrity of the structure itself remained in tact.
Despite the relative gutting of the interior, the two-member search team remained deathly silent, choosing to reserve opinions until their investigation was complete. It seemed almost eerie however, that despite the damage the Executioners had inflicted upon the base during their attack, it was of no comparison to the damage that now had turned the once lively port into a mere shell.
"Cliff, over here," Mirage called, as the large Klausian turned his body to face his partner through the visor of his environmental suit. With little effort, he navigated his way around the remaining debris and came to her side, immediately catching the meaning of her summons. A large stain of dried blood painted the polished floor in a sickly, blackish hue, while just above; an enormous hole within the once solid steel wall penetrated the haul of the station like an open window to the yawning abyss of space.
"Well, that explains why our initial sensor scans read a depletion in oxygen levels," the large man said, shaking his head as he stared at the stained floor before moving his eyes to examine the hole in the station haul. "What could have done this?" His question wasn't directed at his partner per se, but rather a means to help his mind wrap itself around the situation to better understand what led to the tragedy.
"Well," his partner chimed, tracing her finger around the circumference of the puncture while inspecting the information given by her portable scanner. "The haul is about four feet of Neutrian Steel. Even without shields, it would take an energy output of approximately .034 Creation Energy to penetrate the walls of this station."
"Yeah, but burn marks around the depression show that whatever caused this was fired from inside of the base." Shaking his head in disbelief, Cliff removed his own scanner from his belt to confirm the readings. "I mean, first of all, there's no portable weapon registered in the old Federation Database or listed in our black market hot sheets that can generate the kind of energy output to blast a hole through the wall of a space station. And secondly, even in protective gear, no living thing could withstand the energy backlash that would come from a weapon like that. It's physically impossible."
"Hmm…two words I never thought I'd hear come from your lips Cliff," Mirage said, eyeing her partner from around the curve of her helmet before turning her attention back to the scanner. "This is strange."
"What is it now?" the large man asked, placing his own scanner back against the magnetic link of his belt before moving to the woman's side to examine the readings she just obtained.
"According to this, there are traces of Quadratic Energy present."
"An Expellian weapon?" Cliff asked, crossing his arms as he looked once more at the damage to the base. "This makes even less sense. Why would Expel attack their allies?"
"Maybe we'll find out if we discover what they were after," Mirage reasoned, returning her own scanner to her belt before moving deeper into the interior of the ruined Moonbase. Cliff took a moment to scrutinize the damage once more before following his friend. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but shake the dreadful feeling that this was just all wrong.
-
At one point during their quest to save the universe, Fayt had found himself courted by the idea of being an adventurer. Of course, what young man hadn't, at one time, dreamed of saving lives and protecting humanity? Certainly, some would say saving the universe qualified, but that was just the problem. The idea of protecting others was becoming more and more addicting, like a drug that pumped through his veins and gave him the thrill of leaping into dangerous situations for the purpose of saving complete strangers.
He wondered, perhaps, if it wasn't even ingrained within the genetic coding his father had given him, to put himself in harms way to protect others. It would make a sensible safeguard should the power have driven him mad. Regardless, it seemed he was not the only one blessed and cursed with the same need to save others. Why else would Maria have become leader of Quark and fight to protect others against the bullying tactics of the Earth Federation?
A small laugh escaped the young man's lips at the thought. When had his opinions changed so dramatically? Considering the Earth Federation as bullies went against everything he believed up until a few months ago. But perhaps, seeing life through a different perspective gave him insight he had not expected to find. Conceivably, despite the tragedy the war brought about, the destruction of the Earth Federation may have better served the universe than their continued existence.
Regardless of the how's and why's, the fact remained that the war with the Executions had left a vacancy in power, and it was the Vendeeni that sought to fill that void by whatever means necessary. That was, at least in his opinion, the purpose of his meeting with Maria, to discuss how best to battle the Vendeeni. Why she would need his input was beyond him however, as she was a far better tactician than he was.
His suspicions were accurate, as upon entering the Conference Room, he saw a number of charts and maps laid about the large table, with Maria and Steeg studying the various charts and plotting their route. Upon his entry however, the two raised their eyes at acknowledge of his presence before addressing the situation.
"Thanks for coming," Maria said simply as she positioned herself in front of a large flexi page and traced her finger across the surface, outlining the line of navigation on the paper thin imaging screen. "Here's what we've planned so far. Of the known worlds, and those that are without a means to protect themselves, we've concluded, at least the three most likely we should begin recruiting to help stand against the Vendeeni."
"Yeah," Steeg replied, handing the list to Fayt. "Expel was pretty much a given. I mean, after being upgraded from an underdeveloped planet, they've had nearly all the technological advancements over the last hundred years. So that was a no-brainer. We also thought Tetragene was the next best choice. Not only are they a warrior planet, but they're the best marksmen in the galaxy."
"So why pick Elicoor II?" Fayt asked, looking over the list and wondering the logic behind including the underdeveloped planet into revised Federation. "I mean, they haven't even developed space travel yet. And if you're thinking of providing them with the technology to do so, then it'd be pushing them too far, too fast."
"There are several reasons," Maria continued. "First, because as you yourself saw, the Thunder Arrow was a weapon that was centuries beyond their technology. Yet they still managed to develop it, and more than that, make it work. What they lack in technological advancements, they make up for in ingenuity. Secondly, like Tetragene, it is a planet based on a society of conflict. I don't know about you, but we'd need all the support we could get in fighting this battle. Quark is not about war, but intervention. If we're going to fight the Vendeeni, we'll need the support of people who know about war."
"But you're talking about war with people who still use swords and arrows. How could their tactics help in a battle against star ships?"
"Its more than just star ships, its about positioning troops. If they know how to position battalions of troops, then star ships should be no different. It's simply a slightly different enemy and a slightly different field of battle, but the tactics are the same."
"Even if we accept that," Fayt said, addressing the two officers as he wracked his brain to understand the logic behind wanting the underdeveloped planet included into the war against the Vendeeni. "The evolution of the planet is roughly 17th Century Earth. Their tactics would be outdated."
"Exactly the point," Steeg said, smiling at the confused look on Fayt's face. "Just because something is outdated, doesn't mean it doesn't work. And what's more, if we use tactics that haven't been used in hundreds of years, then the Vendeeni would not know how to counter it."
"What's more, we already have contact with the ruling government of the planet, which makes it easier than trying to persuade one of the other worlds to join us," Maria concluded as she stared the blue-haired young man in the eye. "Besides, more important than that is the Sacred Orb. The OPA is a vital tool of balance, and we cannot allow the Vendeeni to get their hands on it."
The final piece of information was what finally allowed Fayt to accept the recommendation. Flashing a crooked smile at the captain, the young man nodded his head. "It was a nice planet, wasn't it? So, are you going to let me go on that journey?"
"Of course," Maria said, returning the smile. "Once we're in orbit, you and I will petition Aquaria and Airyglyph. It should be easier too, to gain the support of other worlds once we've shown that at least one world has put their trust in us."
For but a moment, all conversation had ceased in the room. The silence between Maria and Fayt however, seemed more to forge a growing link between the two biological weapons rather than cast the shadow of awkwardness from the silence that seemed to follow. It wasn't until Steeg purposefully cleared his throat that the two realized they were still staring at each other and quickly averted their eyes.
"You two keep that up, and my brother's going to have a fit when he returns from his mission with Lancar." The gunner teased, obviously amused at the hint of color that warmed the cheeks of the two solders.
"Steeg," the captain said, recovering quickly and addressing the gunner. "Give the order to Marietta to take us to Elicoor II."
Snapping to attention, the large man saluted before leaving the room to comply with the order. Turning her eyes to Fayt once more, this time shyly reserved, Maria nodded once to the young man before turning to leave the room as well, leaving him with the warm feeling the look they shared had given him.
-
"So is this what you're talking about?" Cliff asked, running his hand against large metal barrier that stood between him and the room beyond.
"That's it. According to the sensor readings, the room is completely pressurized. No haul breaches present." Mirage responded, returning the sensor once more to her belt. "Would you like to do the honors?"
Smiling at his partner, the large Klausian shook his head as he opened the door. The streaming oxygen that escaped the room verified the sensor readings, and made it all the more urgent for the two to enter the room quickly. Once inside and the door secured, Cliff monitored the atmosphere in his wrist sensor before removing his helmet.
"Looks like most of the equipment is still here," the blond-haired man said, scanning the room with his eyes and remember the journey to discover the secret to Maria and Fayt's origin. "So, where do you suppose the information the terrorists were after would be?"
"Not sure. But you said this is Dr. Leingod's lab, so it should be safe to assume its somewhere in the database."
"Alright, you start transferring the info to the Diplo from the computer. There was another room in back that I'll hook up and do the same."
"Roger," Mirage said, removing the vast circuitry from the large case and hooking it into the computer. As Cliff turned and entered the secondary lab, he felt the same, building feeling of dread as when he first entered the station. Either from a sixth sense or just a gut feeling, he wasn't sure, but something within the room left him with a feeling of foreboding.
Raking the chamber with his eyes quickly, the strong warrior would have missed it all together had he not noticed the motion coming from the far corner. Tentatively making his way towards the area his focused on, he let out a slight gasp of shock as his mind registered the magnitude of what his eyes had taken in.
"Mirage, get in here quick, we have a survivor."
In no time, the agile woman had entered the room and made her way to the man's side, scanning the vital signs before administering first aid. "That's Dr. Esteed," the blood woman said, bending to check his condition.
"Are you sure?"
"Unlike you Cliff, I happen to follow up on the Federations high ranking officer lists," the woman teased as she used her thumb and forefinger to peer into his eyes. "It looks like he's just in shock, but he should be okay."
"Well that's no surprise," Cliff said, turning from his find to scan the surrounding, "I mean, seeing the whole station collapse around you would probably shut anyone's mind down. Try to get him stabilized, will ya? We'll need to question him as to what attacked this place. Meanwhile, I'm going to contact the Diplo."
-
The small ship known only as the Vanshenoble, sped its way through the Gravitic Warp Fields on its way to Klaus IV, its crew fully intent on completing the mission given to them. At the controls, Lieber navigated the vessel with virtual ease as Lancar leaned back in his chair and read the most recent issue of his favorite journal.
"Well," Lieber said, adjusting his grip on the flight handles, "If all goes well, then we should be at Klaus IV in about a week. Discuss the need for more support and be back abort the Diplo in no time."
"You miss the captain that much?" Lancar teased, not bothering to turn his attention from the article he read as Lieber's face glowed with heat.
"Wh…what are you saying Lancar?"
"I'm not saying anything, just posing a general topic for discussion."
"Well in that case, butt out!" the gunner exclaimed, turning his attention back to the course before him. "I still can't figure out why you decided to bring me along. Wouldn't Steeg have been a better choice?"
"Well, other than the fact that besides Marietta and Mirage, you're the best pilot in Quark, there's the point that I'm sure the captain is tired of your constant hounding and shadowing her every move. Besides, your brother always seems to avoid me when I start talking."
"Only when you're drunk. And for the record, I'm just concerned for her well being, that's all. It has nothing to do with…"
"Right," the security officer said, shaking his head at the blatant denial the gunner posed to him. "You know, in some cultures, that's called stalking."
"Whatever," Lieber snarled, taking a moment to monitor his navigation readout before continuing. "I wouldn't expect you to understand."
"Understand what? That you got it bad for the captain and feel the only way you can express your feelings is by smothering her? I just thought she could use a break from you, that's all. And I'm sure Fayt would appreciate you not popping up around corners whenever he walked the decks of the Diplo."
"That's what this is about isn't it?" Lieber shouted, growing more furious by the moment as Lancar continued to ignore him and read the magazine. "You want to ruin my chances with the captain by letting that glory-boy have his run of the ship, don't you? So you drag me off the Diplo, and put me on this piece of crap ship with only you to talk to for the next two weeks."
"Hey now," Lancar said, folding his article and turning to face the gunner at last. "You can say what you want about me, but don't go insulting my ship."
"Whatever," Lieber replied, tilting a crooked grin towards the other man. "It's even got a stupid name. Vanshenoble, what the hell is that?"
"Ahh…glad you finally asked." Lancar said, smiling as he opened the compartment in the floor and removing the bottle of Kangorian Fire Whiskey. "You see, I actually wanted something that no one would think of to name my ship, so I took a name from the ancient Lesorian dialect."
At this, the gunner let out a burst of laughter, wiping his eyes to clear his clouded vision as he turned to address his fellow officer. "What the hell? The Lesorian dialect is a dead language that hasn't been used in over 2,000 years. What could you have possibly named this piece of crap ship that's 2,000 years old?"
"Well, obviously, I named it the Vanshenoble," the security officer said, pouring a large glass of the amber liquid before taking a hearty drink.
"No shit, what does it mean?"
"Oh, uh…you know, I can't really remember," Lancar said, pouring a second glass and handing it to his friend. "It either means…Death from Above, or Hello ladies, have you seen my underwear?"
"The second sounds more you man," Lieber said between laughs as he took the offered glass and fought to swallow the vile elixir.
"Oh yeah, and the Binary Star Lazeria is any better?"
"Hey, someday the entire galaxy will know Steeg and me because of that name."
"Yeah, you have as much chance of that happening as you do the captain finally falling into your arms like you've been hoping."
"You know, just…just shut up and let me fly."
"Fine, by the way, you're an ugly drunk."
"Well you ain't none too pretty either you…"
-
After nearly fifteen minutes of effort, Cliff had finally managed to access the comlink to the Diplo, addressing Maria of the situation aboard the space station.
"So, that's the gist of it. Seems whatever happened here wasn't an explosion. Something blew through the haul and basically depressurized the entire base. What was mistaken for an explosion was probably just witnesses seeing everything getting blown into space."
"I see," the image of the azure-haired woman said, her brow furrowing in thought. "Any ideas yet?"
"Nothing concrete, but Mirage's scans showed signs of Quadratic energy. I know the Expellians are technologically brilliant, but I can't see them either making any weapon of that magnitude, or actually using it against their allies."
"Neither do I," Maria said, nodding her head in agreement with Cliff's assessment. "And I haven't heard of the Vendeeni creating anything like this either."
"Yeah, it doesn't make sense. I mean, if the Vendeeni did attack this place, it would be smarter to keep it in tact and use it as an advance base since its well behind the Federation's line of occupation. Gut this place has been all but gutted."
"What about any new information from the computers. Have you found anything?"
"Nothing yet," the large man said, shaking his head. "And the survivor I told you about is still out cold. Mirage got him stable, but doesn't look like he'll tell us anything any time soon."
"Understood, see what more information you can gather and then head back. We're planning to head towards Elicoor II, so meet us there."
"Heh…again?" Cliff asked, shaking his head at the suggestion. "Haven't we done enough on the planet?"
"Apparently not," Fayt chimed in, speaking for the first time as his face came into view of the screen before moving away once more for Maria to address her second-in-command.
"Alright, we'll get whatever information we can from the computers and…" Cliff's words fell silent however as he turned his attention to loud banging coming from the next room. "What was that?"
However Cliff's own question was soon answered as the door blew open and Mirage was thrown into the room; followed closely by a large being in the red armor, wielding a thick sword and shield as he stepped into the room. Using her Klausian physiology, Mirage landed on the blades of her shoulders, and using her own momentum, flipped herself onto her feet.
"What the hell is that thing?" Cliff asked as he moved away from monitor, watching the fluent movement of the would be attacker. Just a glimpse was enough for Cliff to realize the extent of the being's power, as each step was made with a graceful ease despite the heavy equipment the man wore.
"Cliff, what's going on?" Maria asked, worry screaming from her crystal eyes as she searched for answers. "Cliff, answer me, what's happening?"
"Ahh…" the man said, turning his eyes from Mirage to settle upon the large man before him. "More victims I see."
"Victims? Are you saying you did this to the Space Station?" Cliff said, moving to stand beside the visibly struggling Mirage.
"Myself and my colleagues," the man responded, smiling in knowing triumph as he sized up his new opponent. "We grew tired of our captivity and decided to break out. They already moved on, but left me to finish the task."
"Cliff, answer me…" Maria said again, fear shouting from her voice.
"So, you think you can beat us mister?" Cliff said, adjusting his stance as he took a threatening step forward.
"Do you really think I can't?"
At the taunting, Cliff and Mirage moved as one, rushing forward to attack the arrogant figure before them. No words needed to be spoken between the two of them; it was all a well-rehearsed plan from the beginning, as were all battles the partners fought. Cliff took the right flank while Mirage moved toward the left, both at speeds that would have left any Terran human being dizzy. However, the armored form of their opponent didn't even flinch, and for but a mere second, the blond-haired man found himself deeply shaken by the lack of concern this challenger offered. That thought, that unnerving uncertainty lasted only a moment however, for in the next second, Cliff ran full force into the unyielding barrier that seemed to materialize around the being, stunning the Klausian.
With speed that surpassed even his heightened abilities, Cliff found himself the victim of the brunt of the attackers shield, the force sending him flying the length of the lab and slamming full force into the wall-mounted computers. Groaning deeply in pain and trying desperately to remain conscious, the thickly muscled man forced himself to his feet.
Yet, as he stood to face the unexpected attacker once more, his heart suddenly stopped in mortal fear. He watched his partner, his best friend battle the monster in human skin with all her might. Watched as she dodged blows and struck her own attacks that never reached the intended opponent. And then, he watched the unknown figure thrust his blade through her chest, it's point exiting her back.
"MIRAGE!" Cliff screamed, watching as the tip of the sword withdraw from her back as she crumpled to the floor. "YOU SON OF A…" Cliff screamed, charging the man once more.
-
Maria listened fearfully to the battle taking place before the connection was cut. Turning furiously towards her crew she demanded. "Get that image back."
"We can't captain," Steeg said, punching a series of buttons in light of the situation they were helpless to control. "The connection has been severed."
"Fine," she said, squeezing her eyes shut and prayed to gods she was no longer sure existed. "Marietta, get us to Moonbase, now!"
"Yes ma'am," the pilot said, quickly punching a series of buttons and laying in the course before departing at maximum warp.
"Cliff, Mirage…just hold on. We're coming."
-To be continued
