Chapter 22

Juram's Journal - Part 1

The trip was once again smooth and there proved to be no problems in the Diplo's route at all. Everyone was in their positions on the bridge making sure there were no anomalies in their destination this time. The region of the alpha sector where the Federation space station was located was only a small distance of about five light years from the Vanguard System.

"One thing I think you guys should know..." Mirage started to speak after breaking the silence as she turned towards Cliff, "It does feel quite odd to be the commander of this ship with you and Maria around."

Cliff was now second in-command of the Diplo taking over Xeim's position who was gladly willing to give it away. Maria however, was not willing to take a formal position in the crew. She mentioned she was only tagging along, not wanting to get too involved with the military again.

"I can't say I expected to see things this way either. But I guess we're in this together now... Well, that's life for ya. Doesn't matter how things turn out, we'll always end up being with each other again." Cliff said. Mirage could only agree herself, she had never expected to be back with Quark looking out on the beautiful stars through the windshields of the Diplo back at the training hall in the dojo. Then she had never expected to see Cliff, a friend she had known since she was in her mid-teens and whom she had not seen in two years' time, to be on the enemy's side. Cliff's actions and his motivations were also something that came as a shock to Mirage. No matter how bewildering things turned out to be... somehow everything was able to weave together and they all found themselves back on Quark's flagship as if it was all part of fate. Mirage wondered what other surprises awaited her as she trudged forward.

As for Quark, it was originally a Klausian military organization to aid other autonomous organizations and government systems who preferred to stay independent, and not fall in the clutches of the Pangalactic Federation's control. The current situation for Quark was however, ironic for them to be working alongside with the Federation in an attempt to wipe out a colossal terrorist force which was still shrouded with clouds of enigma. Yet another unexpected situation that befell on the crew.

As the questions about the Alliance began to raise more and more, Mirage was concerned about Ascal and the other Vanguardians. Would they be able to handle the rest of the Outer Alliance on their own? Just then she remembered how valiantly Ascal was able to fight during their time on Vanguard and all her suspicions then went away. 'What a student he would have made!' Mirage thought as she pictured him training in the dojo to which she gave a small chuckle.

Meanwhile, some things bothered Steeg as he sat in his position uncomfortably while navigating the controls. He wondered why Lieber was the only one of the crew who seemed very silent and nervous around Maria. There was a slight tension between them four years ago, but Steeg felt he should bring up his concern in words.

"How come you haven't gone to see Maria yet? Me and Marietta have already had a chat with her after four long years now, but you on the other hand..." Steeg whispered slowly trying not to disturb Lieber too much.

Lieber stopped playing with the keys in front of him and let out a sigh, "I think it's just better off this way. Just look at her now... she looks really happy and full of life for a change, doesn't she? When she sees my face, those old gloomy sad times probably come back to her and she becomes her old self again. I wouldn't want something like that to happen... it just wouldn't be right..." he hung his head slowly as he replied.

"You're such an imbecile!" Steeg whispered a little louder this time. "How could you think that about our former leader? You know she considers us one of her best friends. And when I mean 'us', I mean you as well. I'm sure she's extremely glad to be able to see all of us again. Stop making silly excuses!"

Lieber felt a pang of stress rushing up inside him as he pondered about it more and more. "I'm just not up to it right now. Just let it go already, Steeg." Of course, Steeg did not say a word after that... he felt he should just leave the situation as it is for now. Lieber on the other hand, started to see light in Steeg's words. 'He's right.' Lieber thought, 'She's a very good friend of mine, and she probably feels the same as well. Why the hell am I getting so paranoid about such silly things anyway?'

------------------------

The guest rooms in the living quarter area were no different than the other quarters including Mirage's. Xeim was shuffling through some papers he had left on his desk in the Diplo's guest quarters. Most of them consisted of notes he kept to remind himself all the instructions Mirage had given him. He spent most of his time training in private by doing different katas over and over again. This time, however, he was searching for something that was very precious to him as he impatiently looked in the drawers beside the large bed.

"Damn... now where did I keep it?" he said to himself as he took a moment to relax. Just then he saw a red binded handbook lying down in the corner of his bunk. He picked it up and brushed the dust of it with his fingers, "Ahh... finally found it." he smirked pleasantly.

Suddenly, he heard voices coming from outside his quarter... it was coming from more than one person and the sound was what turned out to be giggling. He slowly grabbed the handle of his door and opened it with extreme caution. Without looking who it was in front of his door he held his guard and quickly placed his feet in his stylish taijutsu stance.

"Whoaaaaahh!" shouted three girls dressed in Quark's military attire seeing Xeim at the entrance of his room. Xeim noticed them, they were military personnel working on Diplo's maintenance under Quark's second brigadier, Nadia.

"You three? What are you doing outside my room?" Xeim asked a little calmly. He wasn't really as calm as he looked, but he was an expert at hiding his expressions even in the most tense situations.

"Oh uh we're sorry! Haha! We were just taking a stroll down the aisle." the slender girl with long red hair answered while bowing in respect. She was blushing slightly and forced an exaggerated grin on her face.

"..." Xeim adjusted the large scarf covering his chin and half his mouth which he had always kept on at all times except when he's completely in private. He looked at the other two female personnel who were giving the same excuses.

"Just please don't scare us like that next time!" the one with the blonde ponytail said to him. They seemed to have a keen interest in Xeim. Of course, Xeim was youthful with a well-built physique, he figured it were those features what probably attracted them to him. His choice of clothes weren't really anything special, atleast to Xeim. A long pair of sea green khakis, a dark colored half-sleeved sweater, and a larg scarf that went around his neck which reached all the way up to his mouth. He was almost completely covered up. Maybe it was his hazel eyes, which were lighter in color than they had ever seen in anyone else's eyes.

The third military soldier noticed the red book he was carrying in his right hand, "What is it that you're reading? Can I see? I didn't know you were into books." she exclaimed trying to divert the subject and start a new conversation with him.

"O-Oh... this is r-really nothing... sorry but i'll talk to you all later." a startled Xeim quickly shut the door to prevent the conversation from going any further. He leaned back against the door and let out a sigh of relief. It was as if he didn't want them to know that he had ever possessed the book which he was currently holding in his hands.

As he opened the pages, still leaning on the door making sure it was locked, Xeim thought to himself... 'That was close... I haven't done this in a while...' He would feel his heartbeat run at a faster rate everytime he held the hard-covered book in his hands. The cover of the book had a title inscripted on it with golden text. It read, 'Juram's Journal'. He had already gone through it many times before, reading through the small handbook had become a constant hobby of his. It was, after all, his favorite method of remniscing the past...

------------------------

Entry #32

It was unpleasantly cold today. Then again, what day in Rezerb isn't. As I mentioned earlier, my fingertips were already swollen from a frostbite the other day... today was just as worse. I mean it's not everyday the vice chairman of the Galzan government committee would have to travel on foot, especially in a place like this. But perhaps I shouldn't complain. The recent snowstorm had caused enough disaster to create so much obstruction on the gateway paths including the detours so no transportation could even begin to move in conditions like this. This, of course, meant that everyone else was suffering from the same situation as I was. However, I cannot express my long for the hovering spedmobiles which the government provided for our transportation. Anyway, it looks like i'm going to have to get used to the harsh brumal climate for the time being.

I can't say the rest of the day had any consolations in store for me after suffering from terrible trips to the main Galzan headquarters and back home. I'll have to thank the President Lias for that. If anyone other than me bothers to read my silly habitual entries in this journal, I must ask you... should a leader amongst leaders have to put up with oppression from other filthy people? How much abuse can he withstand before he starts taking the right actions? I had to put up these concerns in front of Lias as well, and it wasn't the prettiest one. The Uelians are self-centered, despicable bastards. President Lias realizes this as well, and if they're not stopped in time, he and only he is to blame.

It was indeed a fitting end for a horrible day. I'm sure Lias would atleast agree with me on that one. He asked me how my actions would be different if I was in his position. I think that would be simple but i'll never know until I try. I suppose that is something not within my reach. As much as i'd like the position, I will have to stick to being only second for now.

The author of the journal, Inus Juram, Xeim's father had last written his entry thirty years ago. Xeim remembered this particular day... he of course, did not witness the events himself, but he had heard about them in detail from his mother...

------------------------

Most of Inus Juram's time was spent inside the Galzan headquarters. He would rarely get time to stay in his apartment room or even go outside to have a cup of coffee. Such was of course, expected, of a famous politician who held the position of the vice chairman of the Galzan government committee.

Galza, the country of the central continent which had one of the highest political powers in Rezerb got its name after the central continent known as Galza. Rezerb had three other continents that surrounded the continent of Galza. The southeastern continent was known as Keto, the western continent was known as Uelia, and the northern continent Rz. The only other country that could match the authority of the Galzan committee was the Uelian organization on the continent of Uelia. Rz and Keto were hardly inhabited by the Rezerbians. Rz was mostly inhabitable due to its extreme climate, snowstorms would pass by areas of the continent almost everyday. Keto, on the other hand, was rather poor. This was an issue which the Galzan committee decided to resolve, but the Uelians had a hand in preventing this task from fulfilling. It was then that the Uelians were seen as a terrorizing force on Rezerb.

According to the Pangalactic Federation, Rezerb was widely known as a corrupt terrorizing planet located in the Zeta sector next to the Klausian system. Rezerb had a habit of constantly abusing and torturing its surrounding planets within the sector. This, however, occured only by the Uelian government's order. The Galzan government committee, otherwise known as the GGC, now had another goal set in their minds: to correct everyone's judgement including the Federation about Rezerb's intentions. They did not appreciate the discrimination they received and worked upon erasing it. This could only be done by stopping the Uelians at all costs.

Inus stepped into Galzan President Lias' office to discuss the recent news on the Uelian government's actions...

"President Lias, I understand the situation about our citizens being in danger... but we need a more efficient way of dealing with the Uelian party." Inus spoke softly as he took a seat across from his superior.

"And by 'efficient', you mean we should ignore their threats and break our treaty, right? Then we should eliminate them as soon as possible." the annoyed president replied.

Inus shook his head quickly, "I'm only suggesting that we follow our code and do what we can to eliminate the discrimination against Rezerb which we have to suffer because of the Uelians. And what treaty are we talking about? The one we were coerced to agree upon?" he stated firmly.

"You think it's that easy being a president, huh? Everyone thinks that nowadays. I am the leader of my people, and if I attempt to rebel against Uelia, it will be my citizens who will suffer and I will be held responsible for it! We can sit here and talk about justice for the next twenty four hours but that's not going to change my decision. I'm not going to take any step that my family and my citizens will have to pay for," Lias replied boldly while constantly shaking his fist. "I dare you to try sitting in my seat for once and then see how many people are going to look up to you and rely on you. One small decision of yours will cause hundreds of heads to be cut off every second!"

"As much as i'd like to try that, that's not within my reach sir. I cannot speak any further on this matter for now." Inus replied calmly before getting up from his seat.

Just as he was about to exit the president's office, Lias had something to say which startled him, "Inus... I know what you are trying to say and it's not your fault. But one day, I think you will understand that there are such circumstances which you cannot get around."

The Uelian organization had its eyes layed upon the Galzan committee at all times making sure they don't rebel against the decisions they make. Since both Klaus and Rezerb systems were completely autonomous, the Uelians were believed to be after the authority over all planets within the Zeta sector including Klaus and Rezerb. This was probably the reason Rezerb had rejected the Federation's offer of joining them numerous times. And it wasn't long before Klaus would start getting involved with matters on Rezerb. This, of course, would lead to the tragedy known as the Zeta war.

------------------------

Entry #34

It's true what they say... 'Be careful what you wish for or you just might get it', and I was just in the midst of realizing that earlier today. A week had passed since my last ugly meeting with President Lias. And it would stay like that forever now... ever since the news of his demise had passed on to me in the morning. I was told by the officer that Lias' death was caused by an assassination by a local citizen who was not happy with Lias' decisions as a political leader. It was sad, ugly, and unfortunate... atleast for some. I didn't know what to feel at the time... there was a sullen grief inside me that ate my stomach, but then there was a stream of hope. Now there is a possibility for us to fight against the Uelian organization.

I wasn't too surprised earlier yesterday when I was elected unanimously to take the position of former President Lias. Perhaps the dare Lias had thrown at me last week was inevitable. Maybe it was destined that I had to see for myself what it was like being a leader amongst millions of people. What decisions I will have to make and how they will affect everyone. I guess I will find all of that out in a matter of a few days.

"I think you will understand that there are such circumstances which you cannot get around"... those were his last words to me. Now I think to myself, can I really not get around those circumstances? One thing I can say, i've already worked upon breaking the treaty between Galza and Uelia. If this isn't the first step of rebellion, then I don't know what is. Am I little naive to be doing all this? Apparently, Lias would have thought so.

Rezerb was the inhabitable planet with the coldest climate due to the dome surrounding each continent which blocked 90 of the sun's ultraviolet rays, the electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths invisible to the naked eye. Without these barriers, Rezerb would consist of a climate that was as warm as any other planet in the sector. This, however was not possible due to the unique features of the Rezerbians. Inhabitants of Rezerb cannot stand within the sunlight for an extended period of time otherwise they will suffer from extreme skin damage which could result in their skin and flesh being burnt off their body from exposure. Even with the dome-shaped barriers on Rezerb, the inhabitants were compelled to wear heavy material on their body and a special bodysuit to protect them even from the small bit of the sun's radiation. Some special suits made from extremely rare material were present only in the space stations of Rezerb that could resist damage from the ultraviolet rays even when being fully exposed to sunlight. These special suits were key to Rezerbians' survival on other planets with warmer climates.

Inus was one Rezerbian, who had to constantly battle the weather everytime he left his apartment building. It wasn't just the harsh climate that made the scenery outside look ugly. There were half-demolished stores, apartment buildings chipped horribly, vehicles parked on the most bumpy surfaces, and the ground had a hard frozen rocky surface. Anyone who fell on the ground flat on his face would suffer from a great physical damage, and would most likely need to be stitched immediately. It was impossible for vehicles to function on the ground, so they had to be hovered about two feet above the ground. They were shaped aerodynamically and received the name of hovering spedmobiles. Eventually, snowstorms would cause even a bigger disaster in the cities rendering the vehicles impossible to function even while hovering due to the large amounts of pollution and rocky frozen surfaces that would sometimes rise six feet above the ground.

It was confirmed shortly after Inus took his seat in the president's office for the first time that the assassination of Lias was caused not by the Uelians, but a local citizen of Galza. He often stared out the large window behind his desk thinking to himself that he had gotten the biggest promotion of his life. He could now carry out his ambition to become a successful leader. Whether the promotion was for the good or bad, he was about to find out. His first step was to deal with the Uelians once and for all... in fact, he told himself that the matter took priority over the safety of his citizens. That was the path the former president had not followed and his results didn't hint towards any success.