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Disclaimer: I don't own Star Ocean.
Chapter 7: Manipulated
About two hours had passed and I was starting to feel a little tired. According to Commodore Wittcomb there was a quite a few spare rooms that we could use. I remembered finding a vacant room so I headed back there and went to sleep. A lot of things were on my mind, but I felt that it would be better to get some rest now and worry about those things later.
Meanwhile... Switching from Alex's POV to Fayt's POV
I was looking out the window with Sophia. It had been awhile since we last saw each other so we took the time to tell our stories to one another.
"Ah, there you are Fayt," said someone behind us. Sophia and I turned around to see Maria standing behind us.
"Was there something you wanted to talk about?" I asked.
"Yeah, it's about Alex," said Maria.
"What about him?" Asked Sophia.
"I looked over his story about him being from an investigating team on Styx again. This time I found one major hole that I overlooked."
"What does it matter? Maybe he forgot to mention a few details," I said. Maria shook her head.
"If it weren't such a big hole in his story than you would be right. But this one hole prevents everything in his story from fitting together."
"What do you mean?" Asked Sophia.
"According to Alex, his team ran out of supplies that they need to keep on crossing the terrain of Styx. He left the planet to get the supplies he needed. If he was on the investigating team then he would be part of the federation, giving him access to their resources on the stations near Styx. But instead he goes off in search of another planet and somehow ends up on Elicoor II which is quite a distance away from Styx. Do you see what I am getting at?"
"Yes I do," I said.
"So you are saying that Alex is lying," concluded Sophia.
"I believe so but it hasn't been confirmed yet. I am going to ask Commodore Wittcomb about this," said Maria. Maria walked off towards the bridge. What Maria had said made a lot of sense. But why would Alex lie to us?
"Fayt," said Sophia in soft voice. I looked over at her. "What do you think? What does this mean about Alex? He seems like a nice, trustworthy person."
"I think we can trust him, based on his actions on Elicoor II I would say that he is a person who is just trying to help us out."
"I agree with that."
"I'm back," said Maria. We looked over at her again.
"So what did you find out?"
"Just as I suspected. Commodore Wittcomb checked the Federation database, not only is Alex not registered with the Federation but there hasn't been a single investigation team on Styx in years."
"So it really was just a lie then," I said.
"That's right. But for some reason he wants to go to Styx. Why? What could he accomplish on a barren planet like Styx?"
Back to Alex's POV
I woke up about 10 hours later, I left the room and I walked up to the Bridge where everyone else was gathering.
"We have arrived at Moonbase. Since you won't be able to transport directly to Dr. Leingod's research lab we will transport you to a nearby section of moonbase. Move out, and good luck to all of you," said Commodore Wittcomb. We walked over to the transporter room and within a few seconds we were all on Moonbase.
"So this is moonbase," said Albel.
"I've been here before, but I transported directly to Uncle Robert's research lab," said Sophia.
"I remember that, that was a pretty long time ago," said Dr. Leingod.
"I remember coming here every now and then," said Fayt.
"That too was awhile ago, but you did make more trips here than Sophia."
"So where exactly is your lab, Dr. Leingod?" I asked.
"It's a little ways away from where we are now, the Creation Zone."
"I see."
"Let's go, we don't have much time to waste," said Maria. We moved on to the next section. For some odd reason there was no one around. The only sound other than our footsteps was the sound of the machines running.
"Ouch!" Said Fayt. I looked over at him.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Learn to dodge, fool," jeered Albel. Maria bent down and picked up the object that was thrown at Fayt.
"A rock?" Asked Maria.
"That was random," said Dr. Leingod.
"Say your prayers!" Exclaimed a voice above us. We turned around to see a small girl with short white hair in pig tails. She had brownish skin and she was wearing a pink outfit. On her wrists were large metal like bracelets connected to two red pieces of cloth and on them was the largest beads I had ever seen.
"Peppita?" Asked Fayt.
"Fayt? Sophia? What are you guys doing here?" Asked Peppita. While Peppita led us off to some room with a bunch of other people Fayt and Sophia explained all that had happened. "What an amazing story that is."
"So what was with throwing the rock?" Asked Cliff.
"We were preparing for our performance but then they threw us all in here. They said there was some sort of new threat. I was so mad that I started looking for the officials to give them a piece of my mind."
"It might be better for your sake that you stayed here with the others. Then again, if THEY were to come here nowhere would be safe," I said gravelly.
"According to that one transmission the Executioners are god like, so they are probably really powerful," said Fayt.
"They are powerful, there is no question about that. But they are not gods, more like demons."
"Are you talking about that new threat?" Asked Peppita.
"Yeah."
"Stay here where it is safe," said Maria.
"O-okay," said Peppita. We left the room and Dr. Leingod led us to the next area. As we got close to the entrance to the area where Dr. Leingod's lab is an alarm went off.
"Intruder alert, intruder detected within facility," said the computer.
"They aren't talking about us are they?" Asked Cliff. Suddenly I sensed a burst of strong energy, an Executioner was teleporting right to this location. There was a flash of light and a proclaimer slowly flew down.
"What is that?" Asked Sophia.
"It's one of them," said Dr. Leingod.
"You got that right," I said as I took several steps forward.
"That's an Executioner?" Asked Maria.
"I can see how they could be mistaken for gods," said Albel.
"I proclaim the will of the Enforcers," said the Proclaimer. I held out my right hand and it started glowing.
"I who walk in the light, proclaim there is no need to fight," I said.
"Alex Rothrock, System Moderator. You do not have access to command the Executioners."
"WHAT?" I exclaimed.
"The Creator has taken this ability from you and everyone else but himself."
"That bastard! Is he trying to get me killed?" Luther had taken away a major ability from me and had broken the safe guard that would keep staff members safe from the Executioners. What the hell was he thinking?
"What are you talking about?" Asked Cliff.
"This isn't the best time to talk about this," I said as I activated my swallow. Okay, if I can't control the Executioners, my own creations, then I have no choice but to destroy any I come across. If I am caught by the staff of the Sphere Company, I could be labeled a traitor and punished. I know the risks very well but I would rather get home in one piece instead of being deleted.
"So, it's time for fight this maggot. Sounds like fun," said Albel as he drew his sword.
"Be careful everyone! The Executioners are a lot stronger than anything you have faced before!"
"Prepare to die irregularities," said the Proclaimer. We charged in and fought the Proclaimer. After a difficult battle we had defeated the Proclaimer. The Proclaimer staggered back and then looked straight at me. "Alex... Rothrock. If you continue this path of defiance and the Creator finds you, your fate will be sealed."
"Yes, I know that I will be labeled a traitor. I am aware of my fate if I should fail. But it is for the countless innocent lives that he wants to destroy, I want to save this galaxy!"
"Then so be it. Your... path... has been set... you are going... to die." Suddenly a large bead wacked the Proclaimer on the head and it disappeared. It was none other than Peppita.
"Wasn't so tough," she said with a grin on her face.
"What a reckless brat," muttered Albel.
"Didn't we say that you should stay where you were?" Asked Dr. Leingod.
"Yeah, but I decided to come anyway," said Peppita as she walked over to us.
"Okay, you can come with us but once we leave moonbase you stay here," said Fayt.
"Alright."
"Alright then, let's..." I started.
"Wait Alex," interrupted Maria. I looked back at her.
"Something wrong?"
"Yes, something is wrong. I know for a fact that your story about being from an investigation team on Styx is a complete lie." My eyes widened in shock. Damn, I never thought that anyone would re-analyze my story. "Based on what you said, you are somehow connected to the Executioners and their leader, the Creator. Am I right?" I wad dead silent. "Am I right?"
"Yes..."
"What is this connection? Why do you want to go to Styx?"
"I can't explain it right here. Once we visit Dr. Leingod's lab I should be able to give you a few details."
"If you say so."
"Let's keep going," said Dr. Leingod. We left that area and Dr. Leingod let us to an elevator. We went down it and we were in a large laboratory. We followed Dr. Leingod over to a large screen with a control panel in front of it. "Computer, scan Maria Traydor's genetic profile and display results."
"My genetic profile?" Asked Maria.
"Scanning..." Said the Computer. "Searching..." There was a beep and a window popped up. "One file found."
"This is it," said Dr. Leingod as he looked over at Fayt and Maria. He looked back at the computer screen. "Open file and play the video." Another window popped up, on screen was Dr. Leingod and three other scientists. Dr. Leingod on the screen looked younger so this must be from quite a few years ago. Dr. Leingod looked back at Fayt, Maria, and Sophia. "Recognize them?"
"It's you and Mom," said Fayt.
"It's my Dad," said Sophia.
"And my Mother," said Maria.
"That's right, now listen to what we have to say," said Dr. Leingod as we turned our attention back to the screen. As I watched the video everything became clear to me. So Dr. Leingod and his team really did know about our world and about the Executioners. It was all because Luther suddenly changed and he made the Time Gate proclaim that message. This is a perfect example of cause and effect. But to my surprise it turns out that Sophia was also used in this experiment. So they call us 4D beings in this universe, what an odd name for a species. Now that they now about our world, about Luther, and the Time Gate it's only a matter of time before they discover the truth about me.
"I am sorry for the burden I have made you three carry," said Dr. Leingod as he lowered his head.
"As you said Dad, it is better that you and your team used your own children instead of the children of others," said Fayt.
"You are right. So what is your decision? Will you use your powers or will you not use your powers?"
"I am going to defeat the Creator and save this universe!"
"Count me in, this is my destiny," said Maria.
"I am going to use my powers as well," said Sophia.
"Very well then, let's head to Styx," said Dr. Leingod.
"But first," said Maria. She looked over at me.
"What?" I asked dumbly.
"What is a 4D being doing in a galaxy with the Executioners? Are you here to stop them or are you just plain suicidal?" I grinned.
"So you finally figured it out."
"Yeah, I pieced together the various parts and I came to that one and only conclusion. Your clothes, your weapon, your fighting style, they are all foreign. Plus you want to go to Styx where the Time Gate is and you were talking to the Proclaimer like you had some sort of connection with it."
"You are a very good analyst."
"So you are saying that you are a 4D being?" Asked Fayt who was totally stunned about it.
"Yeah." Fayt looked over at his Father.
"Did you know?"
"Almost as soon as I saw him. I don't know why but I could sense that he wasn't of this universe," said Dr. Leingod.
"So why are you here?" Asked Sophia.
"I can't exactly explain the full story right now, but I will be able to later. But I can tell you some of the more important things. I do have connections with the Executioners, but that can't be easily explained at this time. I am also good friends with the Creator, he is like a brother to me," I said.
"Wait, your friends with that high and mighty freak?" Asked Cliff. I lowered my head.
"He wasn't always like that. One day, he suddenly changed. That is what lead to the creation of the Executioners. I helped out in creating them."
"You helped create this things? Why?" Asked Peppita.
"The Creator, I mean Luther, had convinced me into doing it by telling me a bunch of lies. He told me that if beings from this universe were to come into our world they would kill anyone in sight. I grew afraid of your kind, even started to hate you. But deep down, I felt like I was doing a bad thing. I held my head up high and continued to work on the Executioners. But when I entered this universe I came to saw that you weren't much different from me or anyone else from our world. Then I knew without a doubt that what we were doing was wrong. That's when I decided one thing: From this point on I am going to fight the Executioners and save this galaxy. I may be labeled a traitor, and I may end up getting Executed if I am caught. But regardless of the risks I am going to fight."
"A renegade 4D being... so that's why you wanted to go to Styx. To end this crisis by defeating the source of it," said Maria.
"Bingo."
"So you are going to be pretty useful when we are in your universe since that is your turf," said Cliff.
"That's right."
"Then let's go to Styx," said Fayt. We left the research lab and headed back to the area nearby the transporter. Fayt stopped and looked back at Peppita. "I'm sorry Peppita, but we have to say goodbye here."
"What? I don't want to!" Exclaimed Peppita.
"Don't get upset, it's too dangerous," said Sophia.
"She's right, we don't know what kind of place 4D space is," said Fayt.
"We have no choice but to go," said Maria.
"To fight the Creator right?" Asked Peppita.
"That's right." I started laughing. Maria looked back at me like I had grown another head. "What are you laughing about?"
"It's just you guys are making a big deal out of my universe as if it's some sort of unknown dimension with ugly powerhouse monsters running around. It's nothing like that at all. Us 4D beings are pretty normal people... most of us at least," I said.
"If anyone here knows anything about that universe it's you of course," said Dr. Leingod.
"Everyone is going, I want to go to," said Peppita.
"This is not something you should be getting involved in, go back to your parents," said Maria.
"That was just a little harsh," said Sophia.
"But it's true. She's just a child trying to get herself involved in something way too big for her. She will slow us down."
"4D space as you call it is not that dangerous of a place. The one thing there that has the highest probability of killing you is boredom," I said.
"I am an orphan who was raised by the Rosetti troupe. They are all like a family to me and I love all of them. I want to protect them. I don't care if I die trying, take me with you, please!" Said Peppita. I bent down to face Peppita.
"I understand what you are saying, I am an orphan to."
"You are?"
"Yeah, my parents both died in an accident when I was only seven years old. After that I was all on my own. A little later I met Luther who would one day be called the Creator. Now that I am fighting against him I don't have anything I am protecting. If I were in your shoes and I had people to protect I would be begging to be taken along too."
"I guess I can relate to wanting to protect those I care for," said Maria. I got up and looked over at her with a grin.
"Since when did you care for anyone? I thought you were just some sort of emotionless droid."
"Hey! You are so mean! That was totally uncalled for!" Said Maria with a tone of mock hurt.
"Actually, I think it was called for. It is a perfect description of you." Everyone started laughing except Albel (no surprise there). Maria was laughing as well (not to mention she hit me in the back of the head while laughing). I looked over at Fayt. "So what do you think? Do you think Peppita should come with us?"
"It's okay with me," said Fayt.
"Fayt, are you sure?" Asked Sophia.
"Yeah, besides we don't know how tough the Creator is. We are going to need all the help we can get."
"You got that right," I said.
"So he is really powerful then, right?" Asked Cliff.
"I don't think I can start to describe how powerful he is."
"That is going to be a fun fight," said Albel.
"If you get permission from the circus master, you can go," said Fayt as he looked over at Peppita.
"Yay! Okay, I'll be back in just a moment," said Peppita. She ran off and a few minutes later she came back. "He said it was okay, so let's go!" We left and transported back onto the Aquaelie. From there we headed to the bridge.
"We're back Commodore," said Fayt.
"What took you so long? Was there any interference from the Executioners?" Asked Commodore Wittcomb.
"A little but we managed to deal with it," said Dr. Leingod.
"I see, so what did you find?"
"I accessed the secret file which only I knew how to access."
"So what was in it?"
"The identity of the Executioners," said Fayt.
"Go on."
"They really are emissaries of the Creator."
"Are you serious? Utter nonsense!"
"I know it's hard to believe but it is the truth," said Dr. Leingod.
"I suppose you are right. After seeing what they look like and their capabilities that is pretty easy to believe."
"So you have a visual of them?" Asked Cliff.
"Yes, display image." A screen popped up of one of the Executioners.
"They sure don't look like ships," said Maria.
"Indeed, not only that their size and capabilities show that they are stronger than any ship in this entire galaxy. We have managed to destroy a few of them but they do a lot more damage. They are now getting closer to our final line of defense."
"If the Executioners breech the final line Earth is done for," I said.
"You are most likely right. Not even the planetary shield could withstand their attacks."
"That's why we have to go and defeat the Creator. We can find him by going through the Time Gate on Styx," said Dr. Leingod.
"But isn't there the possibility that if we defeat the Creator we risk destroying his creation?"
"No, if the Creator is killed this universe will be free from his grasp," I said. The thought of killing Luther is unthinkable, I can't picture killing someone who is like a brother to me.
"Very well then, I will take you all to Styx."
"But the final line of defense, they need the Aquaelie," said Maria. "We'll take the Diplo and..."
"No, the Diplo would never make it to Styx. I will take all of you there."
"The Executioners are now moving against our final line of defense," said one of the operators. A screen popped up showing the Executioners slowly come towards the line of ships. Within a few seconds all of the ships had been destroyed. The Executioners flew past the explosions and closer towards Earth. They started firing shots towards the planet, there is no way the planet can take that constant barrage. But when I thought it couldn't get any worse I saw one massive Executioner slowly charging a blast. I gasped as I recognized that Executioner.
"It can't be! No, it is! It's Omega!" Omega was the leader Executioner, it was the most powerful Executioner, hell it's more powerful than the Convictors. I was the one who had created Omega, not just it's body structure but it's programming as well. It started charging up a beam of dark energy in it's mouth. The light grew brighter and then a few seconds later it was about to be fired. No, I won't let this happen! I activated my debugging tool and started typing furiously, trying to stop Omega from unleashing the attack. Suddenly the device started glowing red and it said: ACCESS DENIED. Omega let out a roar and fired the large blast at the Earth. "NO!" The blast hit and the earth was covered in spheres of crimson fire. Everyone was dead silent after seeing what had just happened.
"Calculate a course to Styx, get us out of the battle zone," said Commodore Wittcomb. One of the Operators started typing something.
"Course calculated: 112654.774," said the Operator.
"Good, get us out of here!" Just as we were about to enter Gravitic Warp, Omega looked at the Aquaelie and let out a roar. Then the screen went blank and we went into Gravitic Warp.
"No sign of the enemy detected in the present area."
"It seems like we have escaped them for now." Commodore Wittcomb looked over at us. "You should get some rest." We nodded and left the Bridge. I found an empty hallway with a line of windows. I looked out at space in Gravitic Warp and thought about what had just happened. Within the last minute well over several billion people died, I wished that I didn't have to witness the Executioners do that.
"So, what do you think of your Executioners in action?" Asked the voice from Elicoor II.
"You again? It makes me sick to see the Executioners kill all of those people."
"That is a understandable response, but what how would you react if I told you that the deaths of all of those people on the planet and on those ships is all your fault?"
"I wouldn't believe you. How could this be my fault? I didn't program them to be this powerful."
"Didn't you make Omega?"
"Yes, but that has nothing to do with it. I designed it exactly the way the blueprint said it should be designed."
"Have you ever bothered to wonder why they wanted you to make the Executioners look like gods instead of ships?"
"It's because they wanted the Executioners to look like gods, in order to hide the existence of our world."
"That is what they wanted you to think. Ships can only do so much, while gods on the other hand..."
"Oh come on, what other reason would they..." I was cut off as the truth dawned upon me. "No way!"
"It is the truth, they wanted you to make them look like gods so they could make the Executioners insanely powerful."
"No... no... that' can't be true!"
"It is. It's all true. Luther manipulated you once again. He made you believe what he wanted you to believe. The deaths of all of those people... their blood is all over your hands!"
"No..." The truth started coming to me, it really was all of my fault.
"My, fate really does hate you. Your own friend is using you like a tool and manipulating you! All of those people, they died because of you!"
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" I screamed as I slammed my fist against one of the parts of the wall. All of those people died because of me, all of those people died because I was a fool!
"What will you do now?"
"I am going to destroy the Executioners! I will destroy all of them! This is all my fault, and now I have to set things right. Even if it costs me my own life!"
"That is your choice."
"Alex? What's wrong?" Asked a voice. I looked over to see Fayt, Sophia, and Dr. Leingod.
"It's... it's all my fault. It's all my fault that those people died, it's because of me," I said.
"What are you talking about?" Asked Fayt.
"I did what they told me to do, I believed their words. As a result, those monsters were created. It's all of my fault!"
"You were doing what you were told, it's not your fault that those people died. It's the Creator's fault," said Sophia.
"But I was the one who gave them the ability to make the Executioners so powerful. It's because of me that all of those Federation soldiers and crew members on those ships were killed. It's because of me that so many of those people on earth were killed." I tightened my fist. "I will stop this madness, even if it costs me my life!" I slowly started walking away, I needed to go to bed.
"Where are you going?" Asked Dr. Leingod.
"I'm going to bed, I need to rest," I said. I walked over to my room, went inside, and then went to bed.
At that time, the only thing on my mind was stopping the Executioners. The memories of seeing the Executioners destroy Earth would continue to haunt me. No matter what I did they would keep on coming back. They would constantly point a finger at me and say: This is all your fault! But out of this gave me determination, I was determined to stop the Executioners before they could kill anyone else.
So now they are headed off towards Styx. Does Alex have the strength to rebel against his own people and fight for the freedom of the Eternal Sphere? The only way to find out is to keep reading the story of course... whenever I get a chance to finish and upload the next chapter. Anyway, please review.