Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate SG-1 or Gundam SEED Destiny
PS. To All Grammar Purists, get lost!
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Chapter 22
Never interrupts the Reaper Date.
New Vinland Capital
Presidential Palace
"Oh crap!" Ron cursed as he and Talia was engulfed by the beam of an Asgard Matter Transport and appeared right at the center of the President Zala office. He looks around to see a bunch of people, wide eyes and gawking at them as Ron spotted the culprit with utter annoyance, the one that brought him to this situation.
"Seriously Freya! You could have at least given us some warning first before you decide to beam us here!"
"Ron! PUT ME DOWN!" he put down Talia and straiten her gorgeous dress as she makes a nice shade of red on her face before everyone
"You Asgard have a bad habit of yanking people from their place, especially when I am having a moment with my date of all things!" Ron yell
"My apology for disrupting your mating ritual with your intended mate Commander Sterling, you are needed at the moment. You can procreate with Ms. Gladys at a later date" Ron groan and facepalm in dismay in Freya poor choices of words which he knows is intentional despite their seem lack of emotional reaction.
"Uhmn, T-that's a very nice dress" Murrue remark in trying to break the awkwardness of the moment
"Thanks… Ron said he bought this at a shop in Paris. Dior is the name I think"
"Why the hell are you dating this guy?" La Flaga asks curious as do everyone gawking
"It's either that or he will just hound me every moment until I say yes to him! So, I might as well get this over with and then kill him later" Talia answered defensively and sarcastically threateningly towards Ron
"Well, at least he got good taste in clothes" Murrue remark
'This is Dior, Dior? That's a very high-end store that only the super-rich can afford to buy from there' Murrue thought as she admired the gorgeous dress Gladys is wearing
"Still, you got lots of balls to date Gladys. She tried to kill you a few days ago" Mwu remarks
"Nah! Those were just love taps Mwu" Ron answered "She's just playing hard to get, that's all. Which is why I love about her"
"Children!" Lenore claps for their attention "You can ask about it later, right now we must attend to the situation at hand"
"Well then, what is the situation at hand that Freya that you had to beam me here?" Ron asks and Freya answered with a hologram of the Star System and the Leif Erickson
"The Leif Erikson has just made a hyperspace jump and stop just outside the border of the solar system and I am now detecting an emergency distress call" that got Ron concerned at Freya reply
"That can't be right" Ron remark "the Erickson was only to use the warp drive to travel here and back to Earth. They are not allowed to use their hyperdrive unless it's an emergency. Besides, the hyperdrive is not tune up as it needs further testing"
From what Ron knows from Samantha Carter lectures, the human made hyperdrive installed on the Leif Erikson is ridiculously energy intensive despite improvements, and you can only use it to travel a thousand light years max and then needs a cool down and an inspection and if need, an overhaul as it was based on a Tel'tak hyperdrive yet greatly improved and far more efficient but with one slight problem. Opening a hyperspace window as big as the Leif Erikson needs a large amount of power, a Naquadah reactor doesn't have the amount of power it needs to open a hyperspace window as big as the Erikson. The scientist at Area 51, solve it by using the massive solar arrays to harness solar energy and storing it in several massive energy storage capacitors inside the spaceship. The stored power of one capacitor can give a ship a thousand light years max range in one go or short jumps equivalent to a thousand light-years range. The Erikson has ten, which give a total of ten thousand light years max range.
The problem was,
"The solar energy capacitors are not installed yet, and from what I understand from Carter lectures, powering the hyperdrive with its current fusion reactors is a no, no for a ship the size of the Erikson!"
"Ron, you don't think," Talia never voices the rest of her suspicions when Ron interrupted
"If it is, then I am kicking their asses all the way back to Earth for causing this bullshit" he growled unhappy that his date was interrupted 'I was so close to getting her into bed, and they had to pull this at the worst time ever!'
"We need get over there. Freya, can you give me quick ride?"
"Of course," she replied "I also have a bay full of mobile suit ready on aboard if you need it. I do have a Strike Noir Gundam"
"You have mobile suit's onboard?" he was surprised
"The Asgard were intrigue of your use of manned automatons for your mobile warfare. So, we took some scans of your mobile suits for our experimentation" Freya said with a calm unreadable look. Ron, would have like to reprimand them but there wasn't any time
"We'll talk later about this, but right now we need to get over there quick!"
"We would like to go with you as well" Lacus offered as everyone seems determined to go with him
"No, you will stay here Ms. Clyne" Ron said
"But,"
"You are a diplomat on behalf of Orb Union, the Plants and the UN and your job is here" then called the others
"La Flaga, Athrun, Yzak, Dearka and Kira. You guys come with me instead, I may need your help, the rest of you will stay here. Freya!" and with nod from Freya, they teleported to the Asgard O'Neill class battleship, the Valkyrie.
Asgard O'Neill class battleship, the Valkyrie.
Freya ship break orbit and head towards the Erikson at super slow speed, as to not overshoot the location
"It will take us a minute."
"Then that gives me enough time,"
"Time for what?" Yzak asks which he'll regretted asking
"This" Ron suddenly put his hand on Yzak throat and lifted him up an inch from the floor.
"Time to get some answers from you Yzak, and I want answers" he demanded venomously
Dearka, Athrun and Kira tries to stop Ron from choking Yzak, but a single gesture Ron to tell them stop and a word of warning with no room for argument
"Back off!" as Ron starts to demand answers to his question which Yzak was genuinely surprised to hear that Shinn was onboard the Erikson which he shouldn't be. He too knows that Shinn was supposed to be in the hospital for PTSD treatment like other Zaft pilots who survived the battle for Earth.
"I swear, I have no knowledge why Shinn is part of the delegates security group from the Plants" Yzak said as he tries to breath "He's supposed to be in the hospital getting treatment for post-traumatic stress"
"Him, as well as several others who are members of FAITH, Zaft elite special forces, ALL of them are the support personnel for the Plants delegates!"
"Ron, I swear!" Yzak said gasping for "the council wouldn't do something so foolish, as important of a mission as this. They really want New Vinland to be the new home for Coordinators. They,"
"Oh, I believe that you are telling the truth about the council intentions for New Vinland, Yzak. Which that leaves Zaft High Command intentions." Ron quickly let him go, as they are within sight of the Erikson, and seeing several modular sections of the ship detached from the main body of the ship and hundreds of smaller ones that's been identified as humans beings. The ship's crew have been jettisoned into space.
"What the fuc-?" Ron angrily mutters quietly
Freyja quickly beams in the crew onboard the Valkyrie for medical attention
"Ron, several of the crew have sustained gunshot wounds…some were shot in the head and I am afraid I,"
"You can't save them" Ron finished grimly
Ron shook his head in disapproval as he turns around and look to the forward viewscreens and cursed at what he's seeing
"Those are modular pieces, and they are disengaging from the main body"
"Modular?"
"We designed some sections of the Erikson to be modular, much like Orb Izumo-class battleships. Those sections can land on the ground like a dropship using gravity control systems"
"Ron" Freya call his attention "The ship reactor is shut down and are now on auxiliary power and I have reached the Erikson Captain Pendergast"
Colonel Lionel Pendergast, former commander of the first Prometheus and one if not the first to command the first ships of the line of every class of ships of SGC and temporary in command of the Leif Erikson.
"What's the sitrep, Simba?" Ron inquires which tick-off Pendergast for the pen name
"You do know why every commander of every ship in SGC hates you right, you jackass. I, would really wish you stop giving us pen names like, I mean!"
"Sorry Colonel but, Leon was already taken, so I went to next best name" Ron smiled as he apologizes though it felt humor when he said that
"You chose to give me the name Simba! From the Lion King, really Ron?"
"Well, Aslan and Mufasa was already taken and it's better than calling you Scar" Pendergast wants to argue but stop himself
"Never mind about that now, I need you to stop those idiots in blue sector from wrecking my ship!" he ordered "They got hold of the cargo holds where we store several suits and the marines are fighting them off. They are not armed but they are doing robot kickboxing inside while a bunch of them are trying to get thru key sections of the ship!"
"I thought you initiated the 'False Door Protocols' to protect the ship from this kind of bullshit?"
"We did initiate the protocols but somehow, someone bypass our security measures, so we had to detach the modular sections with its cargo hold to keep them isolated. Unfortunately, an unknown group of armed men, rounded up the crew and were thrown into the airlock and," Pendergast reluctant to say it
"We beam aboard the crew when we saw them got spaced, don't worry" Ron said and sees his relief but refrained in telling him that some of them were shot in the head.
"They got to the main body and were guided to the main bridge by Orb crew members who are on the job training. They are outside of the main bridge right now!" separated from the main bridge and Orb Elite Special Forces is an airlock door and a blast door and they are lining explosives to open it.
"We disabled the door to keep it from being opened, now they are forcibly trying to get in here with explosives taken from the armory"
"Ah! Crap!" Ron looks to the others "You guys go and break up those suits from fighting with CQC weapons only, no beam weapons or beam swords. I am heading for the bridge, and bash a few heads along the way" he told them cracking knuckles as he was suddenly beam in just outside the Erikson main bridge.
Ron first encountered two rear guards armed with assault rifles and are firing at Ron as he dodges and swerve at every bullet as he charges at them, and when he was close enough, he gave one of them one powerful kick to the side face, which it broke the man's neck as he went flying to the nearest bulkhead and painting it red with his face. Then, as quickly, Ron went after the second one as he tried to aim his gun at Ron face and pulled the trigger, but the target was no longer there as Ron swiftly squat down and then threw one left upper cut to the man lower jaw which practically exploded in blood and teeth and then follow it with several hundred pounds of force from three hundred punches on the man body in just a few seconds, which literally turn the man insides into mush and drop to the ground in sheer pain.
When the two was dispatch, Ron took the two men's hand guns and examine it.
"Orb military, standard issue Orb Military 10mm pistols with 15 rounds clip" Ron then runs towards the main bridge, which Ron charges at the intruders with a roar which he became the focus of their attention
"YOU MOTHER# &? ARE ALL DEAD!"
Inside the Main Bridge
The bridge crew, and several marines watching the door, can hear someone screamed 'ONI' meaning demon and multiple gunshots and screams of pain and suffering then pleas of mercy, some calling out their mothers followed by what sounded like someone is hitting the doors and walls several times and then…silence.
A minute later, Ron called in "Simba, the coast is clear"
When the doors hiss open to the main bridge, the crew and marines discover a gruesome sight of maim bodies, blood everywhere, limbs bended to the wrong direction or downright broken and the walls look like someone is hitting them with a human size ragdoll.
"You know Ron, you don't do this much carnage on the enemy unless they got you really piss off like," Pendergast peruses what Ron who is wearing a nice suit, and he paled at the realization "they interrupted your date, didn't they?"
"Yeah, and I was in the moment of getting laid, for a long time in years! That is, until you called for help, no thanks to these shitheads!" Ron replied growling and the screamed in declaration to the universe
"I SWEAR, TO ALL THAT IS HOLY, I WILL FIND THE SOB WHO THOUGHT OF THIS STUPID IDEA OF PIRATING A SHIP WHILE I WAS ON A DATE AND TRYING TO GET LAID WITH A WOMAN. I WILL SHOVE A THIRTY-FOOT LONG ELECTRIC POST ON THEIR ASS AND RAISE THEM LIKE A FUCKING FLAGPOLE…right after I put them thru the worst hellraising experience in their entire life"
-o-
Across the Earth
To a many throughout the world, a sudden cold shiver dance on their spine as dread and uncertainty covers them, not knowing why they feel like running screaming to find a deep hidden bunker and stay there forever.
Somewhere in Japan
A certain man, eating dinner with friends and students, they all suddenly stop and look up to the night sky towards Epsilon One.
"What's was that, Master?" ask a blond boy as he felt it also
"There is a great disturbance in the Force" the man said sounding serious (quoting Master Obiwan Kenobi) but then sounded nonchalant "Yep! That's your dad shouting a battle cry alright kiddo, and he just declared a truck full of pain suffering to people that just annoyed him"
"Haven't felt that in a while, Ranma" said the second man beside the first man and continued eating his dinner
"Ah, well, it was bound to happen sooner or later, Tenchi" 'no doubt that, someone interrupted his date with the mother of your child' the first man remarks almost dismissively
"Yeah, Ron did tell us that he plans to date Ms. Gladys when he got back to Epsilon One. Something must've gone wrongthough, Ranma" said the second man
-o-
As he finished his speech, Ron started laughing like a maniacal villain with a diabolical plan as dark aura is leeching out of him. Everyone sweatdropped seeing the infamous Grimm Reaper making a declaration of malice, which is never good for one's health, ESPECIALLY to the ones receiving Ron UNHOLY punishment.
"I'm going to help the others, secure these prisoners and the bridge from further intrusion" Ron ordered as he ran to where the action is
Pendergast XO, Sayla Mass, a newly minted officer from the AF Space Colony Texas, is looking at her commander in confusion as he shakes his head in dismay
"Yeahhh, that's never good when he starts declaring promises of pain and suffering like that" Pendergast remark while the crew listen in, paling white in seeing Ron looking like a scary character from a Japanese Anime series.
"Uhmn, begging your pardon Commander but, is he…" Pendergast XO is trying to asks and he answered
"No Sayla, he is not ok, not one bit" he heaves a sigh "last time he was this pissed off, he killed the System Lord Sokar on his homeworld of Delmak.
"Sokar? The Goa'uld who impersonated the devil?"
"The same one" Pendergast confirmed "Ron, SG-1 and several Tok'ra agents was caught by him a while back, and he tortured Ron for information but he never breaks. From what I heard from O'Neill, Ron broken free and started killing everyone in Sokar palace, all the while taking every Goa'uld snake from every Jaffa pouch that he knocks unconscious and that include Sokar himself"
Afraid to ask but Sayla ask anyway "What did he do to the Goa'uld's he has taken?"
"The same thing we do to river eels when we catch them. We gutted them up, debone them, sautéed and marinate, then we cook them and eat them" he answered which shocked Sayla and others listening
"W-what...Sir, isn't there a law about us 'not eating our enemies? I mean, there's rumor about him, but I never believe" Pendergast didn't let him finish
"If you are talking about him ripping the heart off his enemies and feasting on it? That is just a rumor mill Ron spread around to scare the hell out of Zaft and the green horns back in SGC. Now him, catching Goa'uld is the real deal, and from what O'Neill told me that, 'they tasted like chicken after Ron cook them like a master chef' that what he says when he took a bite at one time" Pendergast explained as if it was nothing, which left the XO and the entire bridge crew stunned at the revelation of a certain rumor that was false, and another about the Ron eating snakeheads for dinner (a.k.a. Goa'uld) was true.
"O'Neill also said that, they tasted better with rice and oyster sauce on the side" Pendergast added, which was unnecessary which alarmed Sayla
"Begging your pardon sir but, isn't that the same thing? We do have laws, rules and regulations, and it apply even to"
"Goa'uld doesn't give a crap about our rules Sayla, and if you try to argue that to Ron if you have the courage to say it in his face then by all means, I certainly won't. Not after the things Ron, O'Neill and millions of others in the galaxy was put thru hell by the Goa'uld for ten thousand years. Hell! The galaxy will probably thank him for ridding them a wanna-be-devil and Ron would see it as payback for what they did to him" Pendergast countered
Looking at the carnage now being cleaned up as the survivors were medically treated, no one answered back
"Don't worry about it though" Pendergast said "Ron was already reprimanded for breaking several rules of engagement. He, hasn't done that for a while, and no one in SGC or anyone will lose sleep about it"
Inside the Leif Erikson inner section, Kira and the others was able to subdue the Rogue MS as SGC marines arrive via beaming from arriving warships coming from planet Reach. One particular MS whose pilot who seems to be in a hysterical and delusional state, is trying to fight back as the marines wrestle him down the ground without killing him.
"Is this guy in drugs or something" one of the marines asks as he keeps the man in an arms twister position while pushing him to the ground but unfortunately, he breaks out of the lock and was attacking anyone that tries to stop him, until a certain someone appeared.
YO! Shinn!" Ron yelled as he gave the man now identified as Shinn Asuka, turn around to the where he was being called and got one fistful on the left cheek and sent him flying towards the side of an armored SUV
"Yeah you! You stupid butthead! Stand down, the fight is over" Ron ordered
Shinn slowly got up and Ron see that something was wrong "The hell?" Ron muttered
"I'll kill you! I will kill you! You're not gonna start a war again, I won't let you take this Zaft ship!" Shinn yelled hysterical as he charges at Ron, only to be tackled down by Kira, Athrun, Yzak and Dearka
"Shinn! Calm down, what's wrong with you!" Kira yells as all four of them tries to hold him but Shinn was able to throw Dearka who is holding his arm and Yzak got kick in the groin and he fell down in pain. Then, Shinn punched Athrun on the face and headbutted Kira on the head and that cause him to let go as Shinn threw several punches at Kira and he fell back.
Shinn, then look around and he sees Ron just standing there waiting and he attack him with a ferocity and rage of man with his emotion running wild. He started throwing punches and kicks that are standard Zaft, hand-to-hand combat which looks like a dozen martial arts all mix together.
'Whoever made this, they are trying to create a new style of mix martial arts using only the most powerful and destructive move from every martials arts styles and jumbled it all together, sheesh!" Ron then grins in amusement "God! These guys are amateurs, not knowing anything about the arts. They probably put it together in a computer simulation somewhere because it looks good in simulation, and yet they have no idea how much stress and exhaustion it causes in a normal human body. Coordinator or not, doing this kind of moves in the real world, will only give you an edge for a few minutes of fighting, but when the fights drag on, you cause your own damage to your own body, especially when fighting a truly dedicated martial arts fighter like me, my Sensei and his friends' Ron thought. So, he drags the fight longer and longer, doing passive moves that forces the opponent to burn away their strength, exhausting them.
"Seriously, this is what Zaft teaches you dickhead about hand-to-hand martial arts combat? I am disappointed" Ron said sarcasm dripping in his word as he kicks Shinn away but not strong enough to cause too much damage.
"You put together moves and skills from a dozen martial arts styles and throwing it to give your opponent the maximum damage, and though it may be effective to the average soldiers and individuals with average training…its mediocre compared to someone who is truly dedicated master in the arts"
Ron just stood there as he deflected, block and redirect every kick, punch and jab that Shinn throws at him and then retaliate but not so much. He, can see Shinn is showing exhaustion and the ever-increasing damage he's getting from Ron, is sapping away his strength. It got dangerous when Shinn pulled out a fan knife from his pocket and tried to slash and stab Ron but saw it coming and quickly grab the blade and held it in its place.
"Okay, this got dangerous, not" Ron remarks as he snaps the blade and then went on the offensive "You became desperate, the moment you couldn't use your fist, so you pull out a knife. My God, you are so pathetic without a fancy mobile suits aint ya, Shinny!" Ron taunted
"Here Shinn, have a taste of the Anything Goes martial arts, you butthead!" within moments, Ron threw punches, kicks and jabs with moves, speed, power and grace that's almost inhuman even for coordinators to achieved. To anyone who is a martial arts enthusiast or a kung-fu movie fan even a Dragon Ball otaku, what Ron was showing is so much like it and wonders if he's imitating fiction.
The last punch knock Shinn unconscious as Ron stand over him as he put his foot on his back to stop Shinn from moving
"Someone gets me a strait jacket to put on this idiot before he wakes up and hurt himself!" Ron ordered and then he added "and get a doctor to test his blood for steroids enhancements drugs or anything that shouldn't be in one's system, especially for a emo coordinator" the marines saluted as they restrain the unconscious Shinn.
"Ron, what are you thinking?" Kira asks rubbing his sore forehead
"I'm thinking about something…Shinn here has all the earmarks of Blue Cosmos, Extended Program" he growled in suspicion and then quickly bark orders to the other marines "I want everyone in the delegation be restrained and accounted for, I want this ship on lockdown, on the double!" Ron pulled a radio from his pocket and called the command bridge "Simba, can you get the scanners working pronto, scan every part of the Erikson and see who is missing and who is not"
"Were scanning the ship from stem to stern, were accounting everyone onboard and, they felt a rumbling sound echoing thru the ship "Ah! crap!" Pendergast cursed and quickly reported to Ron
Ron! Someone just blasted a hole thru Docking Bay One and sped off into space with one of the new Daedalus-class ships…they are trying to go into hyperspace. Detonation! The ship is gone!"
"Crap!"
"Ron, what is it?" Mwu yelled asking as he's lower down from his MS with an ascending cable
"Someone try to steal a ship from the Erikson docking bay, and whoever they are, they did not anticipate that we rigged the hyperdrive to self-destruct if someone try to fly it off without the captain's lock codes for the ship" he shook his head in disappointment
"That was a brand-new ship with upgraded version from the original ones"
"Looks like someone planned one a heist on someone else's heist" Mwu remark
"And they probably screwed up the first interstellar mission of the United Nation of Earth," Ron ads grimly as he looks at Kira and the other apologetic
"This is going to cause a major migraine for your tomboy sister of yours that's for sure," he remarks
A day later and counting heads of who is alive, still living, missing and dead that they discovered, that over half of the support staff, security teams and personnel from Orb and the Plants delegates were among the perpetrators of this conspiracy to take the ship and all its contents. It made even worst that the on-the-job training crew who are Orb members and support personnel who help with this attempt of theft of the Leif Erikson.
The UN delegates were beamed onboard the Valkyrie and continued on to Epsilon One, meanwhile, SGC marines along with Ron and the others began the investigation as the Leif Erikson was towed to the planet Reach for minor repairs before heading home.
New Vinland Capital
United Nations of Epsilon One Security Council Hall
Two weeks later
The leaders of the UN Earth delegates were now before the Security Council of Epsilon One, the United Nations of Epsilon One. The meeting was broadcasted throughout the planet using holographic transmission thanks to Freya starship.
The council of Epsilon One found the incident upsetting and disappointed and that many worry that their isolation would continue thanks to this debacle.
"You may be unaware of the plot committed by your own staff and Orb crew member; but it doesn't make your government any less responsible of what just happened on the Leif Erikson" President Lenore Zala spoke with a scolding tone
"Bear in mind, they were all chosen representatives by your government, whom I understand, were given a thorough background checks before getting on board the ship and coming here" said the duly elected Regent of Neo Orb Union Sakura Emiya Yula Attha, who is also an aunt to Cagalli Yula Attha. Right now, another relative Homura Yula Athha, is looking at his missing and thought dead, is now alive elder sister.
Supposedly, this reunion would have been a happy occasion but it isn't.
"We have spoken to President Hayes, and he has conveyed to us, that your mission is hanging on a thread. This act of piracy will overshadow whatever future endeavors and relationship you have with the Atlantic Federation, SGC and the Tau'ri Alliance…and even Epsilon One" Sakura said heaving a sigh
"Brother Homura" Sakura look at him "I am happy to see you are well, as do so many here wish to finally see their love ones again. I only wish, it didn't have to be this way" Sakura sounding disappointed
"This incident could hinder everything you hope to achieve and accomplish"
"Respectfully Regent Attha, I cannot apologize to you all for,"
"Do not apologize to us Ambassador Attha, we are not the one that got offended here" Sakura cut him off sharply "The host nation, who willingly revealed our existence, who let us live here and believe it or not…they, are actually trying to help us adapt and doing what is right, is the one who has been gravely offended. I am pretty sure that Orb Union and the Plants credibility will take a severe hit, especially in the eyes of the Tau'ri Alliance"
In Homura thoughts he ads 'Cagalli is probably pulling her hair right now, while cursing to the high heavens'
"The government of Orb did not do this!" Homura said in defense "We have nothing to gain on such a heinous act! Orb prospered tremendously when peace was established, and the Atlantic Federation is a major trading partner for us and the world and we gain much when the UN was reestablished!"
"Which begs the question, of who doesn't gain and more to lose from this? Who in Orb will not benefit from peaceful cooperation?" Sakura questioned and stared at Homura intensely
"I can think of two" Sakura answered her own question
"From SGC preliminary investigation report shared to us, it's clear, that several people who Orb have sent for the On-the Job-Training onboard the Erikson, are very suspicious and distrustful despite being cooperative, some even held deep grudges" Regent Attha surmise and made president Lenore in disbelief
"Why on earth did you decide to choose these people?"
"What made Orb decide to send these people, on such an important task meant to foster trust and cooperation. Did you intend to sabotage this from the beginning?" questioned Regent Attha which Homura is unable to answer as he is just as shock at the report. Sakura heave a sigh and slump back to her chair in dismay of the situation. Rob, shared a report to her, that this incident was the idea of two of Orb so called Noble Houses with delusions of grandeur.
Suddenly, a transport beam down reveal Freya of the Asgard
"Excuse me" said Freya who got everyone attention "Madam President, distinguish guest, I have an urgent communique from the Atlantic Federation President on Earth"
"President Hayes?" Lenore Zala questioned
A holographic image appears before them and it was Henry Hayes image in the council hall with Earth heads of state of the UN Security Council. Sakura looks to the Hayes where she sees her adopted niece Cagalli, who looking down as she's trying not look forward as did the Plants Chairman, Eileen Canaver.
"Hello, Lenore, Sakura and everyone. Sorry for butting in like this but, this is important" Hayes greeted them
"Hello Mr. President" Lenore acknowledges
"I'll get straight to the point then" Hayes said "This incident is without question, have undermined several important projects and programs that will have to be postponed indefinitely or canceled completely. This happen because, certain internal issues within several members of the UN Security Council have not been resolved…like, I ask them to"
'He's pissed' both women thought
"I am afraid of asking, but what is the fate of Epsilon One, President Hayes?" Lenore inquires
"The first interstellar diplomacy mission of the UN of Earth, will proceed Madam President" Hayes replied and declared
"The opening of lines of communication, will not be hindered. The Erikson have brought in the first civilian subspace communication arrays and relay satellites for both Reach and Epsilon One. From the major telecommunication companies, came a newly establish unified phone company that will handle offworld calls, they call it the 'Subspace Telephone and Telegraph Company' or ST&T for short…you can guess who the major stockholder that got to choose the name first" Hayes humor at the end.
"Once the stations and satellites are installed, you can make long distance phone calls to Sol and most of our offworld colonies…scratch that, offworld member nations of the Atlantic Federation, who are populated by mostly reborn just like you"
"Really?" said Lenore
"Yeah, fifty planets, scratch that, fifty-star systems, all named after the fifty North American States, populated by mostly reborn and their families immigrated from Earth in secret for the past few years. they are now self-sufficient and independent and as I said, they are the new members to the Atlantic Federation"
"Wow" Kira mutters in awe as everyone in the room
"That's pretty impressive" Lenore remark in amazement and surprised that they'd let them decide for themselves
"It took us a while to negotiate a deal with the other reborn's, we made some compromises and agreements to keep them happy and not break ties with us. They are developing the planet for colonization much like you did, they get assistance from us and we get to access resources, from manpower, industry, scientific development and new innovations available for the AF to rebuild itself after the last Valentine War that ruin the country"
"A benefit from having access to the Stargate" Lenore said analytically and sensing some bit of discomfort among the delegates that, the Atlantic Federation have exploited and monopolized their access to the galaxy vast resources and benefiting only them alone was by their view…unfair.
"Of course, it's not all benefits, but also dangers as well" Sakura remark
"Sadly true, however it seems, there are those who takes the dangers we are all facing, too lightly unfortunately. This incident with the Leif Erikson has forced me to review most our joint programs with several of Earth's UN members" Hayes said
"In all honesty, we never expected OJT Orb crew members onboard the Erikson to turn on their fellow crew member, and then assist on the theft of the Erikson"
Cagalli, her expression is blank but inside she's gritting her teeth in rage and anger at what happened. This was a complete embarrassment for her and Orb. The people she has sent were supposed put thru triple background check with thrice the psychological test for any signs of ill intent.
They were cleared.
At least, that was what she was told.
Orb volunteers were there to go on-the-job training onboard the Erikson as to lay the ground work for the Orb military to take command of a starship, where its primary role is the colonization and diplomacy in the stars, and that they are the flagship, symbol of Earth, a rising world power in the galactic stage.
Orb, was the least trustworthy nation and has a good record of cooperation with the AF, which they became the envy of the other nation in the UN. A golden opportunity for Orb, a chance to become a major player in a galactic stage and be the balance with the AF…it was wasted.
Cagalli already read the preliminary report that several Orb crew members decided to aid an act of piracy. She read the list of names involved and she recognized some of them. People, who should never have been chosen and yet they were. From the names, Cagalli already knows who is responsible for this mess, and when she finds them, she intends to wring their neck for this fiasco and then have their head on a bloody pike right in front of city hall.
Right now, Cagalli is painfully listening to Hayes talking about the report
"Now, while some of Orb security detachment are trying to steal the ship, several members of the Plants delegates own security detachment were doing something else entirely. They see it as an opportune moment to steal one of the SGC warships at the docking bay while everyone is distracted by the others like, starting a mobile suit wrestling match! Their attempt was unsuccessful though, and yet it cost us serious amount of resources and people.
Though materials can be replaced, the lives that was lost… their skills, their abilities and knowledge are indispensable, for they were teaching all that they know to the new crew of the Erikson, Orb crew members at that!" he shook his head in dismay while Cagalli felt like she was being stabbed again and again with glaring daggers from her fellow world leaders as she looks down on her hands in shame.
"Now, many in the Atlantic Federation Congress are screaming thru their lungs who wanted retaliation, some wants to distance ourselves, whether or not we know who the real instigators are or what their intentions were, it doesn't matter, the damage has been done!" Hayes said and gave a glance at Cagalli
"I, wanted Orb Union to command the Leif Erikson because they pursued the interest of peace thru diplomacy more than anyone. That ship is the spearhead of a massive colonization and diplomatic mission to every known world and races we know of, across the galaxy"
"I also wanted the Orb Union, front and center to see our allies, our friends, those who are neutrals and enemies with unbiased eyes. Their firsthand experience will tell everyone here on Earth of what is truly like out in the galaxy" Hayes sigh in dismay
"People seems to have the fantastical opinion if not, some colorful ideas that SGC, are just running around causing trouble and that we were the cause the invasion of Earth and that were not forthcoming of what SGC really have been doing out here. We wanted Orb to be out there, to prove them wrong. The incident with the Erikson, has those plans shot to hell"
"The mission to Epsilon One, is also a test to see if all nations on Sol can work together under the banner of the United Nation, that we can live in peace with ourselves, because out there in the vastness of the universe, a world divided in on itself, is a world that won't live very long" he said
"With our victory against Anubis invasion, it became a bullhorn for every spacefaring races out there, some maybe good and some who are worse than him and most are still unknown" he stated
"Maybe, it would be best for everyone to take a step back for now Mr. President" Regent Sakura spoke up in suggestion which surprise everyone
"Sister, Sakura?" Homura was surprised as Sakura continued
"It would seem that, recent events were too fast for everyone to comprehend, and that they haven't adapted to a new normal" she looks to Cagalli who is gloomy looking down again which made Sakura heave sigh at her niece
"Oh, my dear niece Cagalli" Sakura called to her ever so sweetly which seems to get Cagalli snap in attention with an odd look of fear on her face much like Homura.
"Y-yes auntie, I mean Great Lady, I mean Great Regent Lady Attha!" she replied as she stood in ramrod attention and seeing her aunt looking at her was like an apex predator looking at its next meal.
'Oh, crap!" Cagalli thought
Kira, Lacus and the others were seated at the audience section watching the drama below and seeing Cagalli and Lord Homura breaking a sweat just seeing Sakura which Dearka asks curious
"Is there a reason why Cagalli looks like she's wants to runaway screaming?" he whispered to Kira
"Sakura Emiya Yula Attha, Cagalli Aunt. Back on Orb, she was the one who establish Orb Military, the establishment of Space Colonies like Heliopolis, Orb trade and the Orb Intelligence network and, she kept the five Noble House in check from doing things that she considered criminal and immoral behavior. Her name alone, kept the sea lanes clear of piracy and privateers and kept everyone honest and not commit any illegal activity like slavery, selling drugs or weapons from both sides of war-torn continents and other crimes"
"And Cagalli, what's scaring her?" Yzak ask
"Well…when Cagalli was around 10 or 11 years old, she was playing F1 driver with her father limo, and had accidentally drove the car right thru her aunt's living room, the dining hall, smashing thru a room full of her aunt crystal figurine collections, the library where she kept her private collection of rare books and her sacred place, the kitchen"
"Ouch"
What Cagalli never told Kira, that it was the first time Cagalli felt Sakura cold and murderous stare of her aunt and, maybe it was her adolescent imagination running scared stupid, but she could have sworn that, the shadows were moving around her with glaring red eyes and coming out of it are dark icky hands and sharp pointy things (swords, daggers, arrows and spears) were pointed dangerously at her which… cause her to wet herself as she faints.
Never once did she tried to be cross with her, ever.
"Orb has been shamed before the galaxy, and the name Attha have been smeared in the mud. So, would you be a dear and deal with the instigator of this fine mess, convince them the error of their ways and if not, show them how sharp the teeth of lions. And, if they are unconvinced, then would they prefer that, I, Sakura Emiya Yula Attha, will personally see them and,"
"NO, NO! NO! its fine!" she and Cagalli uncle Homura pleads to convince her not to
"They are as good as dead!" Cagalli declared "I will have their miserable hide, skinned, tanned and leathered and hanging it up from the highest flagpole!" she said quickly
"Excellent my dear Cagalli, I knew I could count on you" she said so sweetly that it chilled and terrified Cagalli and Homura thru their bones in just hearing those sweet words lace with pain and suffering before death.
'God! I need to go to the bathroom!' Cagalli thought wanting to cry
-o-
To some in the audience, and on Earth since this partially telecasted live. The name Sakura Emiya Yula Attha, triggers a sense of fear and dread to many so-called businessmen with questionable business practices across the Asia Pacific. Many refer to her as Rabaul, Demon Lord of Darkness.
Where the story goes, SHE went to the island Rabaul, at that time when piracy was rampant across the Pacific and that a pirate navy was dock at Rabaul disguise as Mercenary group for hire or Private Military Contractors. She went there alone and left as quickly as she arrived.
Later on, when the Orb Navy was sent to clear it, what they find is a nightmare. The pirates were all dead, and they look as if they were in fear and agony, some has self-inflicted wounds like a throat cut or a gunshot to the head and whoever is alive are found huddled in a corner whimping, broken and shaking while holding a flashlight and babbling about 'darkness, she drags us into the darkness and tortured us there. SHE'S EVIL I TELL YOU, EVIL!'
She disappeared when Cagalli turned 14yrs old when her personal shuttle heading for Heliopolis. Speculation has it that, she was killed by assassin. Unfortunately, there was no evidence.
Now her, being alive and regent of New Orb on Epsilon One, there was a sense of dismay among the Five Noble House of Orb. Some were scheming to assert influence over their distant kin and reestablish their rule there was dashed when Sakura name was given. Now the thought of her coming back, has filled them with dread.
-o-
'Don't piss her off, don't piss her off, don't piss her off!' were the words that kept repeating in Cagalli and Homura head. Then they notice Lenore lean over to Sakura and whispered something to her ear. It was a suggestion "That's a good idea" Sakura remark
"Cagalli?" Sakura calling her broke her rambling thoughts
"Yes, auntie?" Cagalli responded
"Though, I am sure they deserve it; however, skinning them alive would be too cruel. So, I would make another suggestion to you"
"Yes?"
"Coming back to Earth may not be a viable option for me at the moment, as I have obligations here that needs attending. So, could you be a dear, and just send them ALL here instead"
"Eh?"
"I feel that, they need to be look after by me. Also, I have several thousand acres and of land that need to be tilled, thousands of miles of road need to be paved and hundreds of bridges that needs to be built. I believe, believe a good day's, back breaking honest work will teach them some humility and how not causing trouble for Orb is a sacred duty for all nobles" Then she turns her attention Hayes
"Would it be a bother to SGC for them to transport here, Mr. President?" Hayes was smiling
"No bother Regent Attha, I will have them gift wrap in red bow for you when we sent them to you"
"Excellent!" then creepily, Sakura was smiling and giggling that made the hair on everyone back stand up
"Ok, even I know that doesn't sound well" Mwu mutters to the others
"Glad that she's not my relative" Dearka remark and look at Athrun
"Your future Aunt-In-law is a Demon Lord Athrun? Man! That sucks" Dearka remark while they felt cold shiver going up and down their spine as Sakura glimpse at Athrun for a moment with a sweet smile that hide the promise of unimagined pain if he gets out of line.
'Ah! Crap!'
"Pardon me Big S-Sister Sakura" Homura spoke up to clarify something "but, surely you are jesting to suggest that the Atlantic Federation should," Homura spoke up and he ended up sweating when Sakura gave him that cold dark look and he swallowed deeply
"I agree with Sakura for the Atlantic Federation to step back for now" Lenore said in agreeing with her
"It was perhaps a bit too hasty to incorporate the people of the Cosmic Era. They need time to learn and know what is out here and whether they like it or not, they will have to adapt to a new normal, as we did here, in Epsilon One"
Sakura turn towards President Hayes "Mr. President, I have read the summary report from Ambassador Weir of what has happened during the Battle for Earth and its aftermath, and the impressive defense capabilities of the ancient drone weapon system under SGC control, along with your space forces"
"Your plan to create a unified global defense force to protect Earth…which I believe is, you are rushing too fast that, many finds it disconcerting" she said her opinion. Lenore nodded in agreement
"More than likely, many believes that the AF, has too much power and control of everything and they are frightened"
"As much as I would love to disagree, and I admit, we are trying to rush this because, I don't want the System Lords to get any ideas of attacking Earth again, and despite the impressive ancient defense system in our possession, the Earth is still vulnerable in more ways than one"
"There is no threat coming from the System Lords as they are in disarray and have return to fighting one another at the moment and with a treaty of non-aggression is signed, they will leave Earth and all Earth holding alone" Freya said
"Ba'al, as of now is, still occupied on holding Anubis territories together, and with no unifying power to hold them together, Earth is in no danger at the moment"
"True, and our agreement is a cease of hostilities with the System Lords. However, its likely, that they only agreed to our demands on leaving us alone because, they are focusing most of their forces to fight Ba'al and retake lost territories. But can we really rely on that? Earth, the home of the Tau'ri is something they can't ignore now, not after the thrashing we did to Anubis, and the majority of his space fleet. Ringworld and Avalon, two great megastructures of the Alteran crown jewels, the Ancients vast knowledge and history, in our possession and they know like we know, that these are game changers in a galactic power scale. There is more at stake here now more than ever, and this incident with the Erikson is not helping!" Hayes exclaimed
Looking at his fellow leaders faces that he can see that they haven't done enough to educate their own people in their own nation. There are signs of rising rhetoric of people and politicians with far too extremists views and its attracting followers, exploiting their fears and ignorance or just their dislike to the Atlantic Federation …similar to what Blue Cosmos have done to Coordinators. He was starting to have Deja 'vu and he doesn't like it, as do a lot of concerned people.
'The UNSC program, is our means to protect Earth and its interest. It would have relieved SGC and the AF Starfleet in its role as a defensive force as we have relied upon them too much as we are called upon more and more to enforce the Protective Planets Treaty and protect our allies!' Hayes thought fumingly
"Still, I will deal with this problem with my fellow leaders, and on matters of Epsilon One, the lines of communications will be open. For now, diplomats are allowed travel from here to there and will be under the SGC supervision and strictly regulated with guidelines when traveling from planet to planet"
"Understandable" Lenore nodded in acceptance as do the others
"As for civilians visiting or immigration to Epsilon One and back well, you are going to have to negotiate with Dr. Weir about that" Dr. Weir nodded in confirmation
Now, are there any more surprises that I am not aware of?"
Elizabeth Weir who now stands beside representative Homura and the other UN delegates
"There are more no more surprises from here on, Mr. President," said Weir assuredly
"I swear to you Mr. President, there are no more surprises" Homura repeated
"Mr. President" President Lenore Zala spoke up "Epsilon One and our diplomatic guest really wants to see their mission to succeed despite everything that has happened. I believe that, no one here wants to fail despite the malicious endeavor committed by, unsavory individuals"
"Then by all means, continue the work and may fortune smile on all your endeavors" he looks to his fellow world leaders, some stony while others solemn and disheartening look in their faces
"Thank you, Mr. President" Lenore said Hayes then look towards Freya and gave a nod for the communication to close