This story is my interpretation of what occurred after the conclusion of Phantasy Star Online. It begins with this short first chapter, that takes place just after the defeat of Dark Falz. I welcome any and all comments.

Responsibility for the entire ship rests upon my shoulders. I am Principal Tyrell, leader of Pioneer 2, the ship currently in orbit around Ragol. Earlier, the greatest hunter on my ship said that he would be fighting against Dark Falz, who is apparently responsible for Ragol's deplorable situation. A very small part of me believes that Falz will be defeated and everything on Ragol will change drastically, leaving us with an almost happy ending. However, I know this is unlikely to occur. It will probably take years of effort before Ragol is made desirable.

That same optimistic part of me believes that my daughter Red Ring Rico, the greatest hunter aboard Pioneer 1, still lives. However, my sense of dread had increased by a tiny portion nearly every day since I heard of her absense. I allow myself to slump a little in my desk. My secretary glances at me, concerned, but does not say anything. The scientists are still busy analyzing data from Ragol and do not notice me. I remain in this woeful pose for some time.

I finally hear the sound of the teleporter being activated. I glance upward, seeing a dark shape take form, a man dressed in black. I straighten up. The great hunter Mordecai has finally returned. He is victorious!

I mentally start to celebrate. But then I notice his expression. He does not look excited or cheerful. Rather, the young man is very grim. He seems to have aged incredibly since I first appointed him this task. He approaches my desk with a hesitation I can just barely perceive. His posture is one of discomfort and fatigue, but still a commanding warrior. He instantly gathers the attention of everyone present.

He begins to speak. "I fought and defeated Dark Falz, the creature responsible for the ills of Ragol. His several forms were incredibly powerful and I barely survived."He starts without addressing me, an informality that I appreciate. It is characteristic of him, as he is now confident of his own ability. He describes his fights plainly and quickly, with no perceivable efforts toward exaggeration. He soon arrives at his conclusion.

"As I shot him for the final time, he started to shift form again. He had grabbed my life force before while we fought, and I think he attempted to do so again. Principal Tyrell, your daughter believed that Falz possessed people, perhaps those that defeated him. Now I know she is right."

Here he pauses and reassures himself. We are all listening intently, and know that he is not finished. "However, something prevented him from possessing me. Red Ring Rico appeared somehow and prevented it."

I gasp. "You mean. . .she is. . .?"

"Falz had possessed her some time before I fought him. She clung to life while in captivity, and sacrificed her life so that Falz may be destroyed, rather than simply delayed. I'm sorry, sir." He bows his head and places something red on my desk. I instantly suspect what it is in an instant, and just barely force myself to look at it. Indeed, it is her red ring. I stare at it dumbly, with a sort of tunnel vision. I strangely do not feel pain yet, only numbness and perceive nothing for several seconds.

Unbidden, the warrior continues and I blink away from my memories. "I believe Ragol may soon be safe for our use, if enough of us put in enough effort. I will do my best to make it so, in Rico's honor." I am still numb, though I appreciate his words.

Mordecai lifts his head to glance at me. He breathes shakily before turning, perhaps to leave. I try to gather my thoughts, to speak to this brave and powerful man. "Th-Thank you." My voice is incredibly hoarse. I clear my throat in a futile attempt to sound more in control. Many people have complimented my speaking ability. But now I can barely even form words. The hunter nods, seemingly understanding my impediment. He turns to leave, and this time I do not stop him.

I go through my thoughts. The feelings I have cannot long be restrained. However, I force myself to remain in control while others are with me. It would simply not do to fall apart; a principal never has that luxury. My efforts at containing my emotions do not fool those who have spent the most time with me, the people in this room I am privileged to call friends.

"Principal Tyrell, sir?" I turn to my head scientist, who is now standing in front of my desk, in front of his colleagues. Odd, I did not see them move. "We'll be leaving for the night, sir. You. . . have a lot to think about." I know exactly what he is doing, and appreciate it a great deal.

"Ve-very well." I croak. They leave, and I turn to my left to my secretary. "Victoria, you may leave as well." I am proud I managed to speak the words. She looks about to lose control herself.

"Sir, are you sure?" Her own voice is hoarse, she seems to have neither the skill nor the inclination to hide her feelings.

"Yes, please leave me. I. . . need to be alone for awhile." I croak out the cliche. She gathers her papers before departing.

When I am finally left alone in my office, I set the transporter to one-way and for the first time in my career, set aside my responsibilities. After what seems like an eternity, I finally let my attempts at restraint dissolve. I have no way of knowing how long I cry before I drift to a dreamless slumber.

Author's Note:
The first few chapters will be a sort of introduction to the people of Pioneer 2 and the events after the conclusion of the game. From there, I begin an original plot.
In case anyone was wondering, I borrowed the name Mordecai from Timothy Zahn's Blackcollar duology, as that fighter was the most capable to have ever lived.