-Chapter 24-
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
Back inside of Mainland inside of the Black Block, Ginnette will be seen to be sitting down now in the main office. She will be sitting in front of a large desk with a tablet that acts as a comms device, while many people rush around the outside of the room-going to and from towards their destinations. The area will be loud with lots of people talking whom all sound desperate, to which their loud voices will be heard in the room by Ginnette. Thus, she will have to raise her own voice-as she will be talking to the tablet in front of her. She speaks-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...Do we know who just detached the second Engine Block yet?!
Ginnette asks, indicating that she was NOT the one who just detached the second Engine Block at the back of Mainland. The voice on the tablet then replies to her-still not reveling who exactly is talking to Ginnette-
Voice on the Comms device (comms)
No, Lady Ginnette! We still have our hands full with the Ascension over here right now, as the RF in particular are giving us a lot of unexpected trouble...
The Voice on the comms says, indicating that the RF are more of a problem than they expected. Ginnette then replies with-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Sigh...alright, I'll organize an investigation into this matter later on-after we drive away the AA and RF. In the meantime, continue to push back against the AA and RF, as we need to stabilize our current situation as quickly as possible.
Ginnette says this flustered, as this will imply that for her things have been more than stressful in dealing with the AA/RF. The voice will then respond with-
Voice on the comms (comms)
Yes, Lady Ginnette...hm?!
Suddenly, a strong rumbling will be felt, which causes the people who were running around inside of the Black Block Ginnette to react-
"STONG RUMBLING!"
Ginnette Pinnacle
GRRRK!
Ginnette is shown to brace herself while sitting down, to which the voice on the comms device will then speak to her-
Voice on the Comms device (comms)
Don't worry, Lady Ginnette! This rumbling is just the shockwave from the explosion coming from the detached second Engine Block. It's much less powerful than the first eruption, as you can tell...
The voice on the comms device says, also in a strained voice-indicating that wherever this person is also must brace themselves as well. Ginnette then speaks as the rumbling starts to wain-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Rgh...indeed...
As the rumbling begins to cease, the Voice on the comms then says-
Voice on the Comms device (comms)
Hm? What's that?!
Ginnette Pinnacle
What's happening?!
Ginnette asks in concern, to which the voice replies-
Voice on the Comms device (comms)
It...it looks as if the AA and RF are starting to retreat from Mainland's airspace!
Ginnette Pinnacle
R-really?!
Ginnette says, relieved, to which a noise will sound off in the area, as the voice finishes the conversation-
Voice on the Comms device (comms)
Yes, Milady! Both the RF and AA are certainly leaving...some kind of colored signal flare just went off all the way at the back of Mainland...?
The individual says, questioningly, as if they are hearing this information from someone else in the room. Ginnette then speaks-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...With this, we can finally get a proper handle on this situation...but first, I'll need to-
"Door Opening"
Ginnette Pinnacle
!
Suddenly, a door that was closed will open, to which in will walk in-
Sebastion Luisant
...
Cesario Luisant
...
Rohais Luisant
...
Cassandra ?
...
As these four individuals walk in, they will be silent, to which behind them will be-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Ah, there you are, Ginnette.
Ginnette Pinnacle
!-Fantastic timing, Francoise!
Ginnette will be relieved to see everyone back in the Black Block, to which she will stand up and then say-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...Those two were correct in assuming that the AA and RF would tamper with Mainland's OS to stage all of this, Francoise-but I guess we can discuss that later. ...Is it alright if I borrow both Sebastion and Cesario real quick?
Now, Chairwoman Francoise will politely reply, saying-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Sure thing, Ginnette. I need to get my forces outside back in order while you chat with them, and we also need to give our citizens information as to what is going on. Mother? Cassandra? Can you two help me with that?
Rohais Luisant
Of course, my child.
Cassandra ?
You don't even need to ask.
With the three of them working together, the three of them will then all approach the desk where Ginnette is-as she then comes around the table to chat with both Sebastion and Cesario. As Ginnette comes up to them, she will then ask-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Sebastion and Cesario? Could I ask a favor of you two, please?
Ginnette says this bluntly, to which both Sebastion and Cesario will reply to her-while Chairwoman Francoise and Rohais will keep an ear on their conversation.
Sebastion Luisant
Yes, Ginnette?
Cesario Luisant
What's up?
Both men will ask, to which Ginnette will ask-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Just a few minutes ago, I was informed that someone had detached the second Engine Block of Mainland-just before it exploded. I didn't have anything to do with this, which means that someone other than myself manually detached the second Engine Block at the back of Mainland.
Chairwoman Francoise will speak up now, saying-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
That's quite interesting, Ginnette. I had thought you were the one to detach it while we were coming here...but, it seems there was another party at work in this situation.
Chairwoman Francoise will be surprised to hear this, to which Ginnette will continue-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Yes...thus, I was wondering if I could ask the two of you to help me organize an investigation into this matter. We can also investigate the damage caused by the first explosion as well, so...
Ginnette will not finish her sentence her, as both Sebastion and Cesario will speak up, saying-
Sebastion Luisant
Of course, Ginn. We'll help you out with this.
Cesario Luisant
Though, we'll need to know who else you want to include in the investigation team. Do you have anyone you know that we can go with?
Cesario asks, to which Ginnette immediately replies with-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Yes, I do. I'll re-introduce you two to Destiny, along with some of my operatives-just as soon as we are finished here...
Ginnette says calmly, to which Chairwoman Francoise will then say-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...I'll also send some of my operatives to go with yours as well, Ginnette.
Ginnette will then smile at Chairwoman Francoise, saying-
Ginnette Pinnacle
Thanks, Francoise. I appreciate it.
Now, Francoise will return to what she was doing, as she will take out another tablet from the table in front of her and will turn it on. Rohais and Cassandra will also have their own tablets in their hands, to which as Francoise's turns on, it will be another comms device-just like the one Ginnette was using. Chairwoman Francoise will then say-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Good. Both Heaven and Phillip's ships are still active...that means "they" should also be ok as well...!
Chairwoman Francoise says, as the scene then transitions all the way back to the backside of Mainland.
"Scene Transition"
Elsewhere, at the back of Mainland, the second massive explosion that occurred will have subsided by now. The AA and RF Superior Weapons will be flying away, leaving behind a bewildered Confederation Superior Weapon force, to which as they watch the AA and RF leave the area, the Tenebris Root will be nowhere to be seen. Back on the bridge of the Blue Aphrodite, Rear Admiral Heaven will be shown, leaning in her seat. As she watches the situation unfold, she will speak-
Rear Admiral Heaven Risingstar
!...The Ascension and Red Feathers' Superior Weapons...are they leaving the battlefield?
In response, Nai-noa will say-
Nai-noa
Correct, Heaven. However, the Tenebris Root is flying across Mainland away from our current position-with the Superior Weapons that launched from it heading back to it in an overarching fashion.
Nai-noa's claims are correct, as the AA/RF Superior Weapons are currently flying high about them at the moment-but in the distance many lights are seen to descend closer to where the Tenebris Root is stationed. Rear Admiral Phillip then says to Heaven over her comms-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai (comms)
...Heaven?! Do you think we should send our forces to intercept them?!
He asks, to which Heaven closes her eyes for a moment, and then when she opens them she tells him-
Rear Admiral Heaven Risingstar
No, Phillip. Most likely she is picking up some of their personal that were hiding inside of Mainland-most likely the masterminds behind this sudden attack. With them leaving Mainland, that will be a benefit to us in the long run, as something like this won't ever happen again...
Rear Admiral Heaven says this, which looking at the damage beneath her ship. Rear Admiral Phillip then speaks exactly what she's thinking-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai (comms)
...But, Heaven-this attack...I don't think Mainland will be of much use to us after this...
He says, as the area beneath their ships is now shown. Huge cracks in the structure of Mainland are clearly seen, which move closer and closer to the center of Mainland-where the civilians all live. Rear Admiral Heaven then speaks, after a few moments of silence-
Rear Admiral Heaven Risingstar
There's nothing that can be done about that, Phillip. Let's just recall all of our Superior Weapons and wait for new orders from Chairwoman Francoise, as we haven't heard anything from her ever since before this situation occurred. We can also use this opportunity to contact our parents, as I'm sure they want an update as to what happened here...
Rear Admiral Heaven says, as she then presses a button on the console in front of her. As she presses this, her ship starts to turn back into it's original form, to which Rear Admiral Phillip is then seen on his bridge. He says-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
!...Alright, Heaven...
Rear Admiral Phillip then also presses a button in front of him, which also reverts his ship back into it's original ship form. As different colored signal flares are then sent out to bring back all of the Confederation Superior Weapons back to their respective ships, across Mainland, Howard is seen to be collected from the outside of Mainland, just as the Tenebris Root flies overhead. As he flies up and into the massive ship with his Divide, it then raises high about Mainland, passing through some Saviour Ships along the way. Once it's clear, it then heads back the way towards Grissom, where three more E-Dreadnoughts and a large fleet are heading back there-together. The outline of the Ascension Space Fortress Neith is also seen at this time-orbiting around Grissom like a speck of dust...
After this is shown, sometime later most of the Superior Weapons that were deployed to the back of Mainland will be returning to their respective Ships-either the Blue Aphrodite or Hydra Noon. Overhead of these two ships, three more similar ships will be seen, but they will not interact with the Hydra Noon or Blue Aphrodite, as their discussion will have already come to a close by now. Back below, as the damaged Confederation Superior Weapons file back into their respective ships, several of them will land inside of the many hangers of their respective ships, while some will fly in space-standing guard around either ship with their weapons at the ready. Among the returning Superior Weapons will be the Tyranny Divide, Liberty Divide and Superior Weapons belonging to Terese, Teresa, Glitter and Cheese, whom will be just about to get back to the Hydra Noon. As they are shown, the Liberty Divide will be seen to still be carrying the battered Tyranny Divide in it's arms, while the Neptune will follow close behind it. As for the four Superior Weapons belonging to Terese, Teresa, Glitter and Cheese, they will then break off without a word, to which inside of the Liberty Divide, Bijou will be seen to be just finishing up a conversation with Rear Admiral Phillip and Rear Admiral Heaven over her comms. They speak to her and her friends inside of the Liberty Divide-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai (comms)
...Alright, Bijou. Continue heading back to your private hanger with the Tyranny Divide. As soon as you get back, a team of medical personal will be waiting to take both Perle and Sabrina for treatment.
Rear Admiral Phillip says this, clearly caring about Perle and Sabrina's condition. Bijou then replies to him with-
Bijou Luisant
Thank you, Phillip.
Bijou says, calmly, to which now, Chole will ask-
Chole Madison
...Phillip? Did Chairwoman Francoise say anything about what they are going to do about the damage to Mainland?
Chole asks, curious about what the response will be to this. Heaven then replies to her by saying-
Rear Admiral Heaven Risingstar (comms)
Yes, she did. Aside from giving us and our parents new orders, she did say that she was entrusting the investigation to Ginnette, Sebastion and Cesario.
Bijou Luisant
!
Rear Admiral Heaven Risingstar (comms)
They are already organizing a team to look into that matter, while we regroup and assess our damages-back within Mainland.
With this, Bijou will show some interest-as Chole says this-concerned-
Chole Madsion
But, Heaven...are you sure it's wise for us to go back into Mainland at this time?
Rear Admiral Heaven will fall silent for a second, to which Phillip will then speak for her-
Rear Admiral Heaven Risingstar (comms)
...
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai (comms)
We...aren't sure about anything concerning Mainland right now, as we just need some time to catch our breath and wait for the investigation to begin. We should at least have the time to do that, so let's see how Ginnette and Bijou's brothers handles that, while getting everyone who needs it some medical attention-especially Perle and Sabrina.
Rear Admiral Phillip says, pushing the conversation to focus on Perle and Sabrina. The tactic works, as Chole says-while Bijou, Noah, Chole and Isaac take notice of Perle and Sabrina-
Chole Madison
...Alright, Phillip. I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens next, then.
Bijou/Noah/Isaac
...!
With that, Rear Admiral Phillip ends the conversation with-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
Thanks. Anyway, the medical staff will be waiting for Perle and Sabrina as soon as you get back into the hanger, so go and watch over them for us...
Rear Admiral Phillip says, about to end the conversation. Bijou complies with-
Bijou Luisant
Of course. And thanks again, Phillip. We'll see you and Heaven soon enough.
With that, Bijou then cuts the comms with both Phillip and Heaven. Just as Bijou does this, she then connects to the Tyranny Divides' comms, to which she and everyone else in the Liberty Divide hear-
Perle Luisant (comms)
AHH!
Bijou Luisant
!
Noah Maverick
!
Suddenly, Perle's voice will ring out on Bijou's comms, prompting her to lean in closer-along with Noah. They speak-
Bijou Luisant
P-Perle!?
Noah Maverick
What happened, Divitiya?!
Now, back inside of the Tyranny Divide, Perle and Sabrina will both be seen to be being treated for their injuries by Divitiya. She will be busy patching them both up with bandages, in order to help stop their bleeding, to which as this happens, Perle will lean in her seat, clearly exhausted-
Perle Luisant
...Seriously, Divitiya...can't you tie these bandages a little...more gently...?
Perle says, in an exhausted tone, as Divitiya is shown to be patching her cut on her back with some large bandages. A small medical box will be open in between where both Perle and Sabrina are sitting, with Perle being wrapped firmly with bandages on her back. The large cut on Perle's back will be cleaned, but small stains of blood will be forming along Perle's back-as she continues to squirm about. As Divitiya continues to patch her up, she will then reply to Perle-in an unusually shy tone-
Divitiya Iran
I...I'm sorry, Perle. I never received any proper medical training before I met you or Sabrina, as most of my training centered around piloting the Tyranny Divide. I apologize if I end up hurting you or Sabrina, but is just to hold you both over until we get to our hanger...!
Just as she finishes saying this, Divitiya will tighten the bandages that she just put around Perle's back, which causes Perle to react negatively-
Perle Luisant
NGH!
Divitiya Iran
!
In response to this, Sabrina-who has not yet gotten any treatment from Divitiya yet, will look at Perle's position and be fearful of being treated by Divitiya. She will speak-in a worried tone-
Sabrina Madison
Heh...hehe...we are almost back at our private hanger, so I shouldn't have to get any treatment from Divitiya-
Sabrina says, speaking to herself. Suddenly, Divitiya will say this out loud, in a proud tone, as she then looks over to Sabrina, saying-
Divitiya Iran
Alright, Perle! You are good for now-at least until the medical staff at the hanger to check you out. Now then, Sabrina, I'll go ahead and wipe your wounds first with some alcohol wipes as well.
Sabrina Madison
!
Sabrina will now start to sweat a little, as she will try to get Divitiya to not treat her with the same treatment that Perle just went through. She says-
Sabrina Madison
Uh-um, w-wait a second, Divitiya! My wounds...they aren't as bad as Perle, so I'll be fine until we make it back to the hanger-where doctors are waiting for us!
Sabrina says, clearly trying to stop Divitiya from treating her. This scene will be done to lighten the mood, to which both Chole and Isaac will then chime in, saying-
Chole Madison (comms)
...Actually, Divitiya, it will still be a few more minutes before we get back to the hanger, where those doctors are waiting for Sabrina and Perle.
Isaac Carter (comms)
Thus...how about you also go ahead and patch up our daughter for us, as you could use the experience to broaden your own horizons.
Both Chole and Isaac will have a slightly sinister tone as they say this-but they will mean well, as leaving Sabrina injured-even for just a few more minutes could lead to infections developing in her now open wounds. Startled by this, Sabrina will say this-reluctantly-
Sabrina Madison
N...not my own parents...!
Sabrina says, as Divitiya looms over her now, with a look of unease. She will then say this, in a unusually weak-but cute tone-
Divitiya Iran
...Well...if your parents are so insistent, then I might as well check you out as well, Sabrina...
Sabrina Madison
!...Seriously...I'm fine-ack!
Sabrina says this, as she jolts a little in her seat from the pain of her wounds. As Divitiya says this, Sabrina will look even more scared, as Divitiya's shadow now covers her from above. Behind Divitiya, Perle will be watching the entire situation, and will laugh a little, as she then says-
Perle Luisant
"Giggle"...go ahead and "patch" Sabrina up, Divitiya. If I had to suffer your medical treatment, then Sabrina must as well...
Upon hearing this, Divitiya will look at Sabrina, as she says this in a last-ditch effort to get Divitiya to not patch her up. She says-
Sabrina Madison
...No...please...
Divitiya now leans closer to the shivering Sabrina, as she starts to tear up a little. Divitiya will not even bat an eye, as she says this-with a hint of glee in her tone-
Divitiya Iran
...Don't worry, Sabrina. I think I got the hang of this...
Divitiya says, smiling sinisterly now, as the scene then jumps into space, with Sabrina saying out loud-
Sabrina Madison
Noooooooooooooooo!
Back inside of the Liberty Divide, Bijou and Noah will say to each other-just as Bijou turns off the comms-
Bijou Luisant
...Hehe...I guess we were worried over nothing.
Noah Maverick
Indeed, honey. Let's just let those girls have some fun with Divitiya, as they are in good hands, it seems.
Bijou Luisant
Right...hmhmhm...
Noah says this, snickering as he does, which will make his wife look at him with a smile on her face. Bijou also laughs a little, as the scene then transitions...
After this, time will then cut ahead in time to when the Tyranny Divide and Liberty Divide get into their private hangers. As this happens, the area is compressed with air and then as artificial gravity is turned on, the Liberty Divide helps the Tyranny Divide stand on it's pedestal. As mechanical arms come out of the wall to support both machines and the cockpits then open, several medical staff come out from the side entrances on a walkway-with stretchers ready to go. As they approach the open cockpit of the Tyranny Divide, Divitiya will be seen to be helping both Perle and Sabrina, who will wryly come out with her. Both girls will be leaning on her shoulders, to which Divitiya will speak to the doctors-
Divitiya Iran
...Doctors! Here are both Perle and Sabrina for you. I patched them both up as best as I could, but I didn't really know what I was doing...
Doctor 01
Thanks, young lady. We'll take it from here...!
Divitiya will say to the doctor-who then replies to her, as she helps both Perle and Sabrina sit down in their separate stretchers. They groan as they are carried by Divitiya-
Perle Luisant
"Groan..."
Sabrina Madison
"Gh..."
-To which as they sit down, Bijou, Noah, Chole and Isaac will come up from the opposite side of the walkway to see their children sitting down in their stretchers and then laying down in them. As they get closer, they will watch, as the doctors will then inspect both Perle and Sabrina's new bandages that they received from Divitiya, saying-
Doctor 01
...Remarkable, Ma'am. The way you patched up these two is quite something!
Divitiya Iran
Oh?!
Divitiya will react with surprise at this, as she asks-
Divitiya Iran
You...think so? I really didn't know what I was doing with them, as my older sister was the one who taught me this...many years ago...
Divitiya says, still reluctant. Another doctor will then tell her-
Doctor 02
Why, yes, young lady. This is almost professional work you've done here, as you pretty much did our jobs for us!
The other doctor will say, which will make Divitiya smile at the gesture. Both Perle and Sabrina will groan slightly as this happens, as they both speak in a soft tone to themselves-
Sabrina Madison
Ah...please don't encourage her...!
Perle Luisant
Yeah...she's way too tough with her hands to be a nurse...!
They quietly say, closing their eyes in pain and fear, as their parents will then gently pat their head while smiling, as the other doctor will then say-
Doctor 01
Honestly, you and your older sister would have a bright future in the medical field-if you'd be so interested. It would help if you'd at least consider it, as we are actually pretty understaffed around here. It's probably something that just runs in the family with you two, so please, think about it.
Divitiya Iran
...
Faced with this compliment, Divitiya will go silent for a bit-blushing a little. A moment later, she will then reply-
Divitiya Iran
I...will consider it, sir...
Divitiya says, with a smile, to which the doctors will then take their leave with both Perle and Sabrina in tow. As they leave, Perle will wave to her mother and father, whom will both wave back to her. After this occurs, some time will pass...
"Time Passing"
Several hours later, at the Black Block, Chairwoman Francoise, Ginnette, Rohais and Cassandra will all be sitting at another table, with stacks of paper surrounding them. Each one of them will have been thoroughly discussing everything that happened, to which behind Chairwoman Francoise, the outline of Mir Luisant will be seen, who is sitting down in a chair-writing up everything that has been spoken. Back with Chairwoman Francoise, she will speak-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...I guess that covers everything that happened while me and my mother Rohais were at the base then. The RF were the true masterminds behind this attack, with them giving even the two of you together an especially hard time...
Chairwoman Francoise says, while looking over images in front of her. As the scene zooms in, these images detail one particular RF Divide that has a very high kill ratio when compared to other Superior Weapons. Curious, Chairwoman Francoise ask-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...This Divide...according to this report, it was able to single-handedly destroy 5 Next-Dreadnoughts, along with hundreds of Superior Weapons. Do we know the identity of the individual who pilots this Superior Weapon?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, to which Cassandra then speaks up-
Cassandra ?
Yes, Francoise. According to my intelligence, the person who pilots that Divide is none other than Susan Pinnacle.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!
Then, Ginnette also speaks up on the situation-
Ginnette Pinnacle
I heard her being talked about by my own forces, too. Three of the five N-Dreadnoughts that she managed to destroy tonight belonged to my nation...it going to be especially hard to let those affected know what happened once more, as things are already looking bleak enough as is...
Ginnette says, looking down at the thought of having to tell the families of what happened to their loved ones. Rohais and Cassandra also have similar faces on them, as Chairwoman Francoise also looks depressed at the thought. She then speaks-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Believe me, Ginnette, I know how you all feel. Seeing the faces of the families affected by this tragedy and telling them what happened to their loved ones...is never something that is easy to do...
Chairwoman Francoise says, remembering all of the times she had to do this exact same thing throughout this war. She then says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
At any rate, we should focus on how we will inform the civilians as to what is about to happen, as we need to say something before the people take action.
Chairwoman Francoise, clearly stressed over the current situation-but acknowledging that something must be done. Her mother then speaks up, saying-
Rohais Luisant
We have no choice but to let them know exactly whatever we are about to learn from our investigation, as withholding that information will only serve to stroke their fears even more. And that's not to mention that we might have to force everyone back into the confines of the Saviour Ships, as we have yet another upcoming battle fast approaching-with the AA Space Fortress Neith.
As Rohais says this, Chairwoman Francoise will look surprised, as if remembering a terrible memory out of the blue. She speaks-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
!...Right. I almost forgot about that, as this mess just keeps getting bigger and bigger...
Now remembering this as well, Chairwoman Francoise will lean her head against her hand on the table-clearly stressed out, as her mother will take notice and try to cheer everyone up by saying-
Rohais Luisant
While things do look bad right now, let's not forget about the one silver lining to this situation-being how without Mainland slowing us down we could potentially cut our planned route to Schirra by nearly two and a half months. And we'll still be able to pay the comet a visit as well, in order to complete the "Infinite-SEED" project...
Rohais says, hoping to restore some hope into the room or despair. Cassandra then says-
Cassandra ?
Rohais...is that accurate?
Rohais replies, saying-
Rohais Luisant
I only say this based on estimates, but I cannot say with absolution until we hear back from Sebastion, Cesario and Destiny. Have you still not heard of anything from them yet, Ginnette?
Rohais asks, almost desperate for an answer. Ginnette responds by checking the watch on her wrist. After this, she then speaks up-
Ginnette Pinnacle
...It's almost time for those three to reply to me, as I told them to contact me at around a specified time. Hopefully they will be able to shed some more light on the situation at hand...but, regardless of what they have to say, we should expect the worst-case scenario...
Upon saying this, the room will fall silent, as no one has anything to say in the face of this crisis-
Cassandra ?
...
Rohais Luisant
...
Ginnette Pinnacle
...
In the background, Mir looks just as desperate, as she continues to type up her reports on the situation-that she will share with the population.
Mir Luisant
...
As she does this, Chairwoman Francoise will be seen, to which finally, after seemingly an eternity of waiting, Ginnette will get a response-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...!
"Beep Beep"
Everyone
!
As Ginnette finally gets a response on her wrist, the scene will then transition to the back of Mainland...
There, a group of individuals are seen in space suits, flying on the hands of several Superior Weapons. Some of these Superior Weapons that accompany them will have their weapons at the ready, to which as the scene zooms in on a specific group of Superior Weapons, Sebastion and Cesario will be seen-while SYSTEM-DESTINY will be seen further below them, investigating the cracks forming in Mainland's structure. They say-
Sebastion Luisant
...Ginnette? Can you hear me?!
He says, to which Ginnette replies to him-
Ginnette Pinnacle(comms)
Yes, Sebastion. I'm here, along with Cassandra, Rohais, Francoise and Mir. How is the damage at the back of Mainland?!
Ginnette asks, desperate for answers. Cesario replies, grimly-
Cesario Luisant
...It's bad, Ginnette. That first explosion was enough to cause enormous cracks to form in the structure of Mainland. These cracks are spreading towards the interior of Mainland and there isn't anything we can do to stop it at this point...
A moment of silence comes from Ginnette, to which she then speaks-
Ginnette Pinnacle(comms)
...How long do you think we have here?!
Sebastion tells her, as the scene of the explosion will be shown. The enormous crater caused by the first explosion will be shown to be a haunting image, to which Sebastion then says-
Sebastion Luisant
According to SYSTEM-DESTINY...10 days. After that, Mainland is going to literally crack open like an egg...and if we don't find a way to slow down Mainland before that happens, the pieces of Mainland will rain down on Schirra-which will end our plans with the Neo-SEED...
Ginnette and the others once again go silent, as Cesario then speaks-
Cesario Luisant
...There's also something else that we discovered back here, Ginnette! I recall earlier that you mentioned there was some kind of problem with energy being...stolen...ever since you guys left Gleen and got onboard Mainland, right?!
Cesario asks, to which Ginnette replies-
Ginnette Pinnacle(comms)
Y...yes, I did mention that, I believe...
Ginnette says, clearly fazed by the storm of problems that are occurring now. Cesario notices, but continues, saying-
Cesario Luisant
...I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but...we've seen that there are huge power cables all over the place back here. It's almost as if someone had hooked up something huge to several of the Engine Blocks back here-using them as a power source...but, if I'm right, the one time the AA or RF ever assaulted Mainland was today, right?
Now, Chairwoman Francoise's voice will come from the comms, as she says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (comms)
That's right, Cesario. Ever since we left behind Gleen, the AA nor the RF ever had attacked us in the numbers that they did today...
Sebastion then says-
Sebastion Luisant
Then...since you can confirm that nothing this large could've attacked Mainland-especially the Engine Blocks, what could've been syphoning energy from the Engine Blocks in this way...?
Sebastion asks, as another person will then come up behind him. It's SYSTEM-DESTINY, to which she says to everyone-
SYSTEM-DESTINY
We can discuss that later, everyone, as I do have some solutions to some of these problems. If I may, Chairwoman Francoise?
SYSTEM-DESTINY announces, as she comes up to where Sebastion and Cesario are and hooks herself up to the comms device they are using. As she says this, Chairwoman Francoise replies-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (comms)
Of course, Destiny. What can you offer?
With this, SYSTEM-DESTINY says this-without moving her mouth-
SYSTEM-DESTINY
The first thing we can do is, after we have passed the upcoming AA Space Fortress Neith, we can use the Saviour Ships that are connected to Mainland to slow it down-just before it cracks open. By doing that, we can prevent the destruction of Schirra from the debris that would've come from this attack today.
Everyone
!
SYSTEM-DESTINY continues-
SYSTEM-DESTINY
Naturally, that also means that we'll be free to send the fleet of ships to go and investigate the comet unabated. That's all I have to say at the moment...as the only downside to all of this is that today, we will have to let the civilians know exactly what is going to happen to Mainland...and deal with the fallout from that...
SYSTEM-DESTINY says this with some reluctance, as she will also know that by doing this, the civilians will NOT take the news too kindly-but they have no other choice in the matter.
Back with Chairwoman Francoise and the others, Mir will have finished her report, as Rohais then speaks-
Rohais Luisant
...That seems to be the most reasonable response to this crisis.
Rohais says, as she then stands up. Ginnette and Cassandra then follow suit, as they also say-
Ginnette Pinnacle
It's...hard to imagine that things will fall apart so suddenly after we do this.
Cassandra then mentions.
Cassandra ?
Regardless, we should tell our military to depart at once, as the civilians will most likely not take this news with much...enthusiasm-especially considering how that "other" problem is starting to rear it's ugly head...
The two say, reluctantly-but solemnly, as Chairwoman Francoise replies while still sitting in her seat. She says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Yeah...just give me a second...!
A few seconds later, Chairwoman Francoise activates a comms device, which brings up the hologram of Rear Admiral Phillip on his bridge. As she speaks, Chairwoman Francoise will say-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai (comms)
...! Ah, Chairwoman Francoise. I was waiting for you to contact me.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
...Phillip. Where are you right now on the Hydra Noon?
Chairwoman asks this coldly, to which in Phillip's perspective, he replies with-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
!...I'm currently in my private quarters, Francoise. I had a talk with Heaven earlier about the possible ramifications of this attack, as she expected the news that you'd learn would be negative. Thus, we both decided to be sure to separate ourselves from our bridge staff-just in case you wanted to contact either of us privately.
Rear Admiral Phillip says, indicating that Heaven was the person who displayed this high level of intelligence. Chairwoman Francoise then replies with-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (comms)
...I'm afarid that the news that we just learned is negative, Phillip, as Mainland is going to crack open within 10 days due to this attack. Naturally, the civilians will have to be brought back into the Saviour Ships, regardless of how accustomed they became with living on Mainland...which I'm sure they will not take this news lightly.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (comms)
...But, we have to tell them anyways...while you, Heaven and everyone else in our military do something-just before we inform them.
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
!
Rear Admiral Phillip straightens himself up as Chairwoman Francoise says this. The scene then transitions back to Chairwoman Francoise's perspective, as she says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
In precisely one hour, we will stand before the civilians of Mainland to tell them exactly what is going on and what must be done in order to save their lives. By then, I expect you and Heaven to have contacted all others in command of our military-including your parents and have them leave Mainland by the time we begin the discussion. If you are conducting repairs to your ships or Superior Weapons, or have wounded personal, then you are to rely on your own ship's resources from now on.
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai (comms)
!...Francoise, that's-
Rear Admiral Phillip now looks serious, as he wasn't expecting things to be this bad. However, Chairwoman Francoise will look back at him with equally serious eyes, as she says-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Phillip...you and the others will have precisely one hour to collect whatever resources you can from Mainland-before you all need to leave. I know this is a near unreasonable request, but I'm also sure that you all know that the first AA Space Fortress is less than 5 days away from us at this time. We can't show any weakness to the AA or RF, even though this attack has critically crippled us.
Chairwoman Francoise says, clearly stressed at the situation. Rear Admiral Phillip then says-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
I...I understand, Chairwoman Francoise.
He says, committed to following his orders from Chairwoman Francoise. She then finishes the conversation by saying-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Thank you, Phillip. At least with this, we can have most of our military on standby for the next operation, while I and the others here try to keep a lid on the civilians' reactions. And after we get past the Neith, please prepare to be apart of the fleet that we will send to investigate the comet, alright?
Chairwoman Francoise asks, to which Rear Admiral Phillip says-
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
!...Ye-yes, Chairwoman Francoise. I'll let Heaven know of this, too.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
Of course...you two are practically irreplaceable at this point. I will also let you know who else will be accompanying you at that time as well...
Rear Admiral Phillip Kai
Yes...Chairwoman Francoise...
With that, the comms get cut off, to which in Rear Admiral Phillip's private quarters, he will then prepare to contact Heaven, as elsewhere inside of the Hydra Noon, Perle and Sabrina will be seen to be sleeping in the medical wing-
Perle Luisant
...Zzz...
Sabrina Madison
...Zzz...
After this is shown, the chapter will end.
-CHAPTER END-