Star Ocean, Wrath of Heaven

Chapter 4: Requiem for Hope

The Kenni Space Port was a lively structure of commerce and trade, as the vast array of innumerable species from across the galaxy came to the planet of Expel to traffic news or rumors with other travelers or simply barter with the local merchants. Rumor speculated that the station was named for the ancient Hero of Light who fought to save this planet in its days before Expel became a member of the Pangalatic Federation. Such a legacy however, was often speculated by many modern historians, believing simply that the legend worked only to validate the sudden emergence of Expel's place as a technological leader within the galaxy.

The two travelers, however, gave little thought to the origin of this planet's sudden importance to the galaxy as they walked purposefully through the port to the nearby transporter that would take them planet side. They had already petitioned for a meeting with the ruling government of this planet, the three primary kingdoms of El, Cross and Laquor agreeing to the conference with the representatives of Quark to discuss the rising threat of the Vendeeni and what could be done to stop it.

As the two solders continued however, they were unable to resist their admiration of the technological advances of this once underdeveloped planet. Expel was one of the few planets unaffected by the Executioners raids, due in no small part to their secret weapon, The Laquor Hope. Whereas Earth chose to defend itself with the planetary defense shield, Expel took a more practical approach. Fields upon fields of the massive Quadradic Cannons were used to repel any potential aggressor, and effectively kept the Executioners away from the planet. Such an ally indeed, would be a great step forward in fending off the Vendeeni, though there was more to the coming meeting than simply forging an alliance.

Since the information gathered from the Moonbase massacre, as well as the apparent condition of her two closest companions, Maria Traydor had become driven with a need for answers that bordered obsession with finding out Expel's involvement in the attack. After all, the Quadradic weapons were exclusive to Expel and the sales of those devices on the black market would warrant a punishment equal to death, though far grimmer.

It seemed with every step forward in attempting to oppose the Vendeeni however; the two soldiers were forced to take several steps back to evaluate the situation. The Moonbase massacre was only the most recent occurrence, though the fact that all but Dr. Leingod's lab was destroyed added evidence to the argument that the terrorists were after whatever information was present within the forgotten hard drive of the system. The only saving point was the recovery of Dr. Esteed, provided his recuperation was successful.

Additionally, the scattered reports that the Vendeeni fleet sent to invade Tetragene was destroyed by the remnants of Luther's Executioners did little to ease the troubled minds of the already overworked crew of the Diplo. It seemed that not only was time working against them all, but the universe itself.

Neither Maria nor Fayt spent much time dwelling upon the uncertainties of that which worked against them however, as they were halted by an Imperial Guard while on their way to the transporter. "Excuse me," the guard spoke, bowing his head slightly as he interrupted the two solders. Though he looked to be the same age as the pair, his eyes harbored an innocence that seemed lost within the fellow comrades that made him appear years younger. "By chance are you Lady Traydor and Master Leingod?"

Taken aback by the grandiose title, Fayt startled only briefly as he found his voice, "Well…yes we are. Is there something wrong?"

"Oh, no, not at all sir," the guardsman replied, bowing once more in forgiveness for his sudden appearance. "I've just been advised to escort you to the meeting. It seems everyone is ready to conduct the conference so we shouldn't delay."

"My, you Expellians certainly are prompt aren't you?" Maria replied, admiring the studious professionalism of the soldier while following the path indicated. "We've only just arrived, I can see your leadership is well-coordinated."

"Well, in these times it pays to be prompt," the soldier explained. "The King of El has actually been here for two days…"

"We're having the meeting here?" Fayt asked, inadvertently interrupting their guide. "I thought the conference was to be held in the Kingdom of Cross."

"Originally it had," the soldier replied as he continued with his explanation, "But as I said, knowing that time is of the essence, it was agreed that in the best interest of all parties that the meeting should be held here to expedite the process."

Maria furrowed her brow slightly as she followed the young man. Judging by the optimism he spoke with, it seemed as if the ruling leaders of Expel had already discussed the upcoming meeting and have decided on a course of action. The fact that they had agreed to change the location of the meeting without advising them however did little to ease her apprehensions that that decision would be favorable.

"The conference itself has been kept pretty quiet and only a few people know of it," the young man replied, yet his eyes grew slightly wide in excitement as he turned to address his two charges fully. "But its rumored that even Lord Anchors has come, though no one has seen him and I haven't heard any confirmation from King Cross regarding it."

"Lord Anchors?" Fayt asked, stealing a curious glance at his companion. When the meeting was hastily assembled, they were told they would only be meeting with the kings of the three primary providences of Expel. It had appeared yet another unannounced schedule change had taken place.

"Oh, Lord Anchors is the hero of Expel. There's nobody on the planet that isn't aware of him. Though a lot of his past is a mystery, its said he even fought beside the Hero of Light, that is, before the Hero returned to the stars."

"We should probably be going," Maria responded, interrupting the lesson in mythical history as she successfully kept the disbelief over the knight's childish storytelling from her voice. "We wouldn't want to keep your leaders waiting."

"Oh, of course," the guide said, bowing readily in remembrance of his duty before turning quickly to lead the two representatives of Quark further into the space station. The remainder of the journey passed in relative peace, with only the echoing footfalls of the company breaking the veil of silence. "In here," the guard signaled as he motioned the two to enter the large oaken doors that stood before them some moments later. "Oh, and I'm sorry to impose, but could you leave your weapons with me. Security protocol, I'm sure you understand."

Relinquishing their weapons, Maria entered the chamber to address the assembly, followed closely by Fayt who took a moment to incline his head in thanks to the guard. The meeting hall was rather humble in expectations to what the two representatives expected. The lush carpet of rich crimson offset the natural wood paneling that encased the room, leaving a contrast of hues that worked well despite their otherwise opposing appearance. The only furniture present within the room however, was a large, circular table of oak, similar to that of the walling, aligned with numerous chairs. Seated in three of the chairs facing the door were the obvious leaders of this planet.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet us your lordships." Maria said, bowing awkwardly as she addressed the regal men who scrutinized her with an appraising eye. Though she led the anti-Federation group, addressing state officials was more than a little out of her area of expertise as she stumbled to maintain proper protocol. In kind, the three men rose from their seats in ceremony and returned her greeting before sitting once more.

"Please, be seated," the eldest of the three kings spoke, smoothing his long beard as he addressed the two companions. Though he appeared to be well into his seventies, he spoke with a vigor and energy that belied most men a third of his age. His long, regal robes of royal purple flowed eloquently about his frail form; further adding to the illusion the man was younger than his age would indicate. "I believe in light of the current situation we should get right to the point," the king said, though smiling gently at the pair gave the slightest hint of impatience as well.

"Indeed," Maria responded, taking a seat opposite the three representatives of Expel, Fayt taking the seat to her left. "As I'm sure your aware, the Federation has fallen, and the Vendeeni are making a serious offensive to invade."

"Yes, we are aware of the situation," the second king replied. Though younger than the King of Cross, he appeared older than his fellow king. "And even now we are taking steps to secure our planet's continued survival."

"Please tell me you're not considering negotiating into an alliance with the Vendeeni," Maria asked, cocking an eyebrow slightly as she considered the ramifications of the situation, only to have the King of Cross once again addressing the pair, the youthful vitality filtering from his very presence.

"Young lady, we will do nothing of the kind," the Kings of Cross replied, though kindly, he still allowed his own insult of the question filter from his voice. "Though I can understand your questioning the situation and our plans, we will not side with those butchers."

"Nor will we side with you," the youngest ruler replied, springing on the statement with the efficiency of a predatory cat pouncing upon its prey. "We are fully aware of your intentions to stand against the Vendeeni, and in all likelihood, your presence here is to request our support in that endeavor, but we do not support anti-Federation groups."

Fayt tensed visibly as Maria's lips thinned to a near invisible line as she considered how to address the argument. "Indeed," the sapphire-haired woman said, nodding her head in understanding, "But the Federation is no more. We are not trying to gain your support to rebuild the Federation in our own image, we need your help to defend the universe from the Vendeeni offensive."

"King Randolf was perhaps too rash," the King of Cross replied, speaking to the visitors as he turned his eyes to his fellow ruler. "You must understand that we are not in the least bit sorry to see the Federation dissolved. Though we mourn for the lives of those lost in the war, we cannot say our membership in the Federation was beneficial for the people of Expel. In truth, once our role as a technological presence within the universe was established, we were forcibly integrated. But that is, as you know, ancient history. The question I pose therefore is, what incentive would we have to support you?"

"Besides the benefit of a Klausian alliance?" Maria responded. It took a great deal of will for Fayt to keep his face neutral. From the last report given by Lancar, the negotiations were not going well as to requesting further aid from Klaus, due in no small part that news had obviously reached the senate the once Klaus governed faction was now captained by an Earthling.

"Forgive the presumption," the King of Laquor said, lacing his fingers together before resting his chin on his hands. "But how is trading a Klausian alliance for the Federation alliance any different?"

"Because unlike the Federation, you will be given a voice in the say of what goes on. You will be able to share your technological advances with other worlds freely without worrying about high tariffs and taxed membership."

"All you're doing is taking one annoyance away from us," the young King of El replied, fixing his eyes once more on the leader of Quark. "Why should we put our trust in you?"

"Because the universe is in danger," Fayt said, leaning forward as if the motion further emphasized his point. Maria did not so much as balk at the young man's words tumbled from his mouth, but sat quietly and allowed him the floor to speak.

"The Vendeeni attacked not only Federation occupied planets but Hyda IV as well. The planet was a tourist resort with nothing to do with the Federation…there was no reason to attack it. And if the Vendeeni are willing to wage war with defenseless worlds, then those able to defend themselves have to stand against them." Fayt paused a moment to gather his thoughts before pushing forward. "We're not in this for some selfish desire to make ourselves more powerful, we need your help so other planets will be protected."

The silence that followed weighed heavily upon the conference as the three leaders of Expel sat in silence and considered the emotional declaration the young warrior pleaded. Silently, the King of Cross nodded his head as he weighed his words with equal worth. "Your passion for the sanctity of the universe is commendable Master Leingod, however, we must proceed with what we believe is the best course of action for our people. Making ourselves targets of the Vendeeni will not benefit Expel in the least."

"But.." Fayt began, stopping only when Maria's hand rested on his arm. The captain gave him a look of defeat that silenced any further protest.

"Then, if we have no further business," the impatient King of El replied, rising as if ready to depart.

"Not quite milord," Maria replied, pulling the small flexi screen from the pocket of her coat and sliding it across the length of the table to the three kings. "I was hoping you could enlighten me on this."

The faces of the rulers of Expel grew darker and more concerned as they scanned the information recently given them. Moreover, the King of El appeared indignant by the report.

"Where did this information come from?" The King of Laquor asked, running his hand through his hair several times in obvious agitation.

"We investigated the ruins of the Moonbase facility, and found traces of Quadradic Energy that destroyed much of the base. In addition, two of my crew were attacked and nearly killed by whatever caused that disaster." Maria paused to allow the information to fully sink in before continuing to brief the men before her. "As Federation Law prohibited the free use of Quadradic energy weapons by any of the members worlds with the exception of Expel…"

"Are you suggesting we had something to do with the Moonbase attack?" The King of El asked, furious at the possibility this outsider questioned them.

Maria however, remained unnaturally neutral during the exchange. "On the contrary, I was wondering if you could enlighten me on what sort of weapon could have penetrated the halls of the space station from the inside. A portable weapon of that magnitude doesn't appear on any of our specs for active munitions of any registered or illegal firearms. Would you know of any information regarding a weapon of that level?"

A strange shimmer of uncertainty and perhaps fear traced across the features of the three lords, yet before they could form an answer to the seemingly implausible solution, the doors of the chamber opened as two guards held the entry way for a third man who entered. His appearance was one of great mystery, as his features were hidden beneath the black, hooded robe that shielded his identity.

Immediately Fayt and Maria stood, each instinctively going for their weapon as if assuming the new visitor were here to do some harm to the kings before remembering they relinquished their weapons to the guards. Standing cautiously as if expecting the attack, the two representatives of Quark were nevertheless startled by the reaction of the leaders of Expel.

"L…Lord Anchors," the King of Cross said, rising with his companions and bowing in reverence to the man who intruded upon the meeting.

"Please," the mysterious figure replied, his voice deep and strong despite the emerging presence of age that filtered into his words, "I wish you would not treat me with such dignity. At any rate, I apologize for being late."

"Not at all milord," the King of Laquor replied, bowing again. The reaction was certainly one of confusion for Fayt and Maria as they watched the rulers of this planet prostrate themselves to the man before them. It seemed that, though they ruled the land, this man ruled the planet.

Removing the hood of his robe to reveal his face, the two soldiers noticed that despite the presence of crow's feet about the eyes and the few flecks of gray that peppered his otherwise raven-black hair, he seemed no older than the two of them. Yet his eyes held a wonder of ageless knowledge that baffled them. Turning his face to study Maria and Fayt in turn, the robed man gazed at each with a knowing look that did not go unnoticed by the two allies. Shifting slightly under the intense gaze placed upon them, the two felt in that moment that the newest representative of Expel had fully analyzed them, and with that simple look, understood the extent of their untapped powers. For what it was worth, the idea was unsettling.

"Might I introduce," the King of Cross replied, still standing before the presence of the newest arrival. "Lady Maria Traydor and Master Fayt Leingod, this is Lord Ashton Anchors, the hero of Expel."

Shaking his head in mild tolerance at the grandiose title, the man named Ashton settled himself in the seat beside the three kings, who returned to their own chairs. "I've said before, I do not deserve that title," Ashton said as he turned once more to the two ambassador's of Quark, "Though that of course is a discussion for another time."

"Of course," the King of El replied, looking far more humble in the presence of the newest member as he slid the flexi report to him. "Before you arrived milord, we were discussing the information from the Moonbase attack."

Nodding his head in understanding, Ashton received the report and scanned only briefly before, for reasons unknown, a veil seemed to fall over the man's face as he scrutinized the data. Placing the flexi on the table once more, Ashton spoke quietly to the air itself it seemed. "So our fears were correct." The five other members looked on curiously as if not certain to whom the hero spoke, when he continued once more. "Yes, it seems as though they've returned again."

Shaking his head as if to clear his mind, Ashton looked once more to the two companions, "I shall accompany you, as a representative of Expel." The words were not a request, simply a declaration that spoke volumes throughout the chamber that would reach every corner of the planet. In agreeing to accompany Quark, Ashton Anchors had also involved Expel with an alliance with Klaus.

"Milord," the King of Laquor asked, seemingly uncertain whether he had the right to question the great man before them. "Are you certain this is the right course?"

"Expel has long since become a vital part of the universe, to simply cut ourselves off once again would be impossible. In time, the Vendeeni will come for us, and our only hope, the hope of the universe for that matter, is to forge a stronger united front against the aggressors." Ashton said as his eyes graced the flexi once more. "Besides, I need to see with my own eyes if this information is accurate. King Cross, is the retrofit completed?"

"By all reports they are…but…oh, of course." the elderly ruler replied before falling silent, knowing the logic the man spoke of. It seemed he had greater wisdom than the three lords seated around the table, which, to the two outsiders, explained why the rulers of Expel paid him such respect.

"Very good, please advise the captain that the Federation Ship, Calnus VII will be under the jurisdiction of these people. I'm sure that ship will serve them better than it will us."

"Of course," the King replied, bowing his head once more, yet his words came with more passion than before. It seemed as though the sudden transformation from stoic leaders to proactive kings was caused not only by the new arrival of the Hero of Expel, but also that they were doing something with the vast resources of this planet they would not have been permitted to do under the leadership of the Federation. Despite their outspoken objection to joining Quark, they now seemed eager to do all they could for the benefit of the universe. It was due in large part, the two warriors suspected, to Ashton's endorsement, but also that they felt the need to prove they were not merely a planet to improve the technology of the Federation alone, but to better all worlds.

"Um…what's the Calnus VII?" Fayt asked, unwilling to interrupt the meeting but curious all the same. It was the King of Laquor however who responded.

"It was a top secret project given to us by the Federation. We were to build a new prototype ship, based on the designs of older models only with our advanced technology. When the Federation fell, we assumed the ship would naturally be under our jurisdiction…"

"And so it will," Maria replied as every head in the room turned towards the captain. "As I said before your lordships, we want to enter into an alliance of good faith with you. We have no right to tell you how best to govern your planet's defense…we only seek your aid to help other worlds who can't defend themselves."

It was that statement that had, at last, won over the King of El as he gave a rare nod of acceptance to the captain before speaking. "Very well, I believe we are all in accord then to support you, though I reserve the right to rescind that decision should events go poorly."

"I thank you for your trust your majesty," Maria replied, bowing once more to the kings.

"Then, if we have no further business to discuss, we should be going," Ashton said, rising from his seat, followed by the others assembled about the table as he led the way from the room. As the three rulers remained within the chamber, no doubt to discuss the arrangements, Fayt and Maria followed the long strides of black-cloaked man who had returned the hood to again hide his presence.

"Uh…Lord Anchors?" Fayt began, uncomfortable with the words as he stumbled with the title.

"Please, just call me Ashton, I get enough people calling me Lord Anchors, its no wonder I prefer to travel incognito," the man said, a deep regret in his voice despite the humor he put forth. Maria noticed that though he still wore the robes and shielded his appearance, many of the travelers had seemingly recognized the hero.

"Very well, Ashton then, I was just wondering why you decided to accompany us," Fayt continued. "I mean, we both appreciate that you'll be traveling with us an a representative of Expel, and it was your trust that swayed the lords of this planet to support us…"

"If your worried about the danger's we'll face, don't worry, I promise I won't be a hindrance. Besides, there are some unresolved issues of the past I need to see through. Other than that," Ashton said, turning to look fully at the two companions once more, as if again analyzing them. "You two remind me of some old allies of mine. Call it a nostalgic expedition as I relive my second childhood," he said, chuckling briefly before turning away.

"Old allies?"

"Yes," Ashton continued, sighing deeply at the memory. "During the war that brought Expel from the dark ages. I had some very close, very dear friends I fought beside."

"Wait a minute," Maria said, cocking an eyebrow in speculation, "that war was 300 years ago…How could you…"

"Still be alive?" he replied, turning again to address his new companions. "Due to my 'condition' I seem to age much slower than others around me. It's more a curse than a blessing, knowing all that I see will be gone before I am. Just as my allies are gone, I shall see all around me disappear before I too eventually join history."

"But enough about that we should be going," Ashton replied, blocking the memories of his past as he turned once more to lead the two soldiers back to the docking bay where the Diplo awaited. "Besides," he said, a knowing glimmer shining in his eye as he turned his head to gaze at them from beneath his hood, "there are some things we need to discuss."

To be continued

A/N: Whew…longer than I thought. But yah…I brought back Ashton from SO II…and don't worry, he's the only hero who will come back. As he said, his particular 'condition' made me think that it is possible he'd age slower…after all, if you know what that condition is, it makes sense since he was possessed by the demon dragon. Anyway, as always, reviews and comments are always welcomed. Thanks for reading.