-CHAPTER 30-
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
A few days after the battle above Grissom, the remaining Confederation fleet will be continuing its trek towards Schirra. Very few Saviour Ships are seen still towing the massive Mainland, as most of them will have abandoned the Confederation and begun a forced landing on Grissiom, which is now some ways behind the remaining fleet. Of the remaining military ships, they have a vigilant guard now, as before they outnumbered the AA/RF, even when combined-but now, they as a whole are the same as both the AA/RF in terms of number of ships.
As the ships are seen in space, a few B5 Blockades are seen with weapons at the ready.
B5 Blockades
...
As these new machines float around in space, the scene will then transition to the inside of Mainland.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
Inside of Mainland, the once bright and vibrant scenery will now be replaced with a "laser tag" aesthetic, where the whole of Mainland will now appear in a deep red and black. The unwelcoming atmosphere will complement the now remaining Confederation civilians, whom will be forced to return back into the remaining Saviour ships.
Scared Civilians
...
Security Personal
...
Unlike before on Glenn, where the civilians fought kicking and screaming, here, virtually everyone who is left in Mainland will understand the severity of the situation and will not resist...at least in the open, as elsewhere in several pockets of Mainland, many lights are seen briefly.
"Building Lights"
As these specific buildings are shown briefly, the scene will then transition back to the Black Block.
"Scene Transition"
Here, at one of the back entrances, a convoy of Blockades and Military Personal will depart, to which they will be personally escorting some "Precious" cargo. The contents will be briefly shown to be the "Neo-SEED", and as the cargo goes on it's way, some special individuals will stand at the entrance, and recite these words.
Male Test Pilot #1
Nano suit Armor...ACTIVATE!
"BRACELET"
!
Now, a Male Test Pilot will stand next to a Female Test Pilot, to which he will start things off by first holding out his left hand and doing a pose in front of his chest. His bracelet will then shine as he recites these words, to which next to him, the Female Test Pilot will also recite the same words-while raising her right hand.
Female Test Pilot #2
Nano suit Armor...Activate!
As she says this, from their bracelets will come trillions of microscopic nanomachines, which will then form around their bodies to create a form-fitting metaled suit.
"Nanomachine Suit x2"
After this display, the two will then clap their hands together as if they are about to pray, but then, they will recite these words next.
"CLAP!"
Male Test Pilot #1
Phase 2!
Female Test Pilot #2
Fusion!
Together
BEGIN!
"Bracelet"
!
Now, the bracelets on the Pilots' wrists will shine even brighter, as soon, a wave of nanomachines will be expunged from their bracelets. This wave will soon generate a tornado of nanomachines that will soon form into one single large shape-into that of a Blockade, but this process is rather slow at this time. Despite this, once the process is complete, the two Test Pilots will then be absorbed into the newly created Blockade, as inside of the core inside of the forehead, the nude bodies of the two Test Pilots will be seen.
Male Test Pilot #1
...Two minutes and seventeen seconds. That's how long it takes for us to fuse into this new Superior Weapon-in the form of a Blockade...
The man says, as he floats behind the woman in front of him. She then speaks.
Female Test Pilot #2
It's the quickest form for now, as generating a Frontier or Divide would take even longer. We can't expect this process to go any faster right now, since this is just a prototype for the "Judgements" that are still in the development stage.
The Male Test Pilot then says this.
Male Test Pilot #1
You're right. The Confederation just barely put this project together with old SEED-level tech that they had laying around, after all. When they use the Neo-SEED, this process will be almost instantaneous-no matter which type of Superior Weapon we decide.
Female Test Pilot #2
I'm looking forward to that...!
As the two pilots finish speaking, they then move the prototype forwards, to which they catch up to the convoy that's leaving them behind. Then, another scene transition will occur.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
At a base, the convoy escorting the Neo-SEED will now arrive, to which as they do, the White Block will be seen in space-while docked to Mainland.
White Block
...
As another convey of MPs await the group that came from the Black Block, they then proceed to transfer the Neo-SEED directly into the hands of the waiting personal-whom then immediately transfer the Neo-SEED directly into the White Block.
After this occurs, the scene will then transition to inside of the White Block's hanger, where the nearly destroyed President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake are seen on a picture, which is held by a mechanic.
"Destroyed President ErotiCake"
"Destroyed Vice President ErotiCake"
He will then be overseeing the restoration of these two ErotiCakes, as they are now reveled to be being upgraded into Divides-similar to the Liberty ErotiCake Mk-II. They are seen now.
President ErotiCake Mk-II
...
Vice President ErotiCake Mk-II
...
As these two upgrades are shown off, elsewhere inside of the White Block's restored command room, President Sacha and Vice President Georges are seen in the middle of a conversation with Chairwoman Francoise-who is speaking to the two men on their current mission. Chairwoman Francoise begins with.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
...And so, after our multiple investigations, we've now complied all of the information we could on the situation here in Mainland-along with the timeframe for when Mainland itself will crack open. While things may seem bleak, there is still a small ray of light-which I will be entrusting to the two of you today.
Vice President Georges Luisant
We understand, Francoise...
President Sacha Luisant
Though...are you sure you can remain here, with things like this?
President Sacha asks, to which his sister then replies to him.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
Hmph. Don't underestimate us, Sacha. I and the other three have ways to subdue the remaining supporters of Felix here in Mainland. With the four of us here, along with Destiny and our other operatives, we'll make sure to get a stronger handle on the Saviour Ships, while also rationing our remaining food with the military.
President Sacha Luisant
...
Still worried, President Sacha will resign that his sister knows what she is doing, as she will be staying behind on Mainland with the other three leaders to get a tighter handle on the situations within the Saviour Ships. She then tells her brother this.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
In the meantime, you two need to depart as soon as you are ready and head towards Schirra, as the comet will be traveling along your flight path soon enough. The Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon will accompany you, until you've reached the comet, as we'll need to study it's resources here to then develop the next era of our plans.
President Sacha Luisant
Of course, Francoise. I'll get Sebastion and Cesario to move the White Block at once, then.
Chairwoman Francoise then closes out the conversation by saying.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
Thank you, brother. We only got one chance to get our hands on that comet, so do remember how important it is that we don't miss this opportunity.
President Sacha Luisant
I'll be sure to keep those words close to my heart...!
"End Hologram"
With that, the hologram with Chairwoman Francoise then cuts out. As it does, the weariness of both President Sacha and Vice President Georges is now seen visually. They are seemingly tired of living, as their eyes are nearly devoid of any life whatsoever.
Despite their exhausted looks, Vice President Georges then speaks to President Sacha, saying.
President Sacha Luisant
...Sigh...
Vice President Georges Luisant
Francoise's responsibilities are worrying. Not only does she intend to clean up the mess left behind by Felix and his supporters, but she also intends to regain full control over the remaining Saviour ships.
President Sacha Luisant
Yeah...
Vice President Georges Luisant
I still can't believe she wants to confront those people head on. Does she really think they will listen to reason at this stage?!
President Sacha Luisant
...
While Vice President Georges will mean well in his statements, his words will only serve to worry President Sache even more. Despite this, President Sacha will stand up and attempt to clear his mind. He will then say.
President Sacha Luisant
We just have to believe they have a plan right now, Georges. Our hands are already full with the responsibility of transporting the Neo-SEED to Schirra, after all.
Vice President Georges Luisant
!...You're right...
President Sacha then says this, while a cloud hangs over his head.
President Sacha Luisant
C'mon. Let's go and find Sebastion and Cesario. I'm sure they are somewhere in the hanger right now.
Vice President Georges Luisant
S-sure...
With that, the two men proceed to leave the command room.
"Scene Transition"
As the two men walk out of the command room, they will then be immediately jumped by.
?
GRANDFATHER!
?
FINALLY!
President Sacha Luisant
!...
Vice President Georges Luisant
!...
"GRAB"
"TWIRLING"
Perle Luisant
Oh! Grandfather...!
Now, both Perle and Sabrina will jump onto President Sacha and Vice President Georges, to which the two men will not bother moving out of the way. Instead, they will spin around several times on their heels, before coming a stop with both Perle and Sabrina still latched onto their bodies.
After this occurs, Perle will rub her face closely to President Sacha's face, all the while smiling. Sabrina will be the same with Vice President Georges, as President Sacha then asks.
President Sacha Luisant
Perle...this is the 5th time you and Sabrina have done this today. How many times do I have to tell you to not act like this...?
In response to this, Perle says.
Perle Luisant
But, Grandfather...I just can't contain my joy at being able to see you and Georges!
Perle says, with a big smile on her face, as she rubs her face into the side of President Sacha's face. Next to her, Sabrina is seen to not be as aggressive as Perle is, as she simply hugs Georges and then speaks.
Sabrina Madison
Ugh...there she goes again, flirting with almost anyone around her. It's a bad habit that I really wish she'd break out of, already...
Vice President Georges Luisant
Uh...Sabrina? Didn't you also just jump onto me like Perle did?
Vice President Georges says, showing that Sabrina is just as guilty as Perle. In response, Sabrina tries to explain herself.
Sabrina Madison
Um...y-yeah...but MY intentions are a little different, you see... I just thought I'd surprise you with something you wouldn't expect from me. You see?! I didn't grab you like this because I'm like Perle or anything...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...Right.
Vice President Georges isn't impressed with Sabrina's response, even though she continues to cheekily smile-in a vein hope to make Vice President Georges agree with her response.
Then, Vice President Georges says this.
Vice President Georges Luisant
Anyway, could you let go of me now, please?
Sabrina Madison
Huh?!
Curiously, Sabrina will ask.
Sabrina Madison
Georges...do you not want me to be this close...?
To which Vice President Georges will then gently remove Sabrina's arms from around his body. He will then gently place them besides Sabrina, as he explains.
Sabrina Madison
Mou...
Vice President Georges Luisant
It's not like that, Sabrina. You see...a long time ago, I had a wife-but because I devoted my life to a certain plan...I neglected her and the family that we had together. When you grab me like this...I get so many memories of her and how she used to do the same thing, that I...
At this time, Vice President Georges starts to show some emotion, as tears start to swell up in his eyes. Sabrina is taken aback by this suddenly, as she twitches.
Sabrina Madison
!...
Next to her, Perle also hears the mention, as she then starts to slump off of President Sacha's shoulders. She then notices that President Sacha is also saddened by the same thing, to which with her feet on the ground, she then says.
Perle Luisant
...Operation SEED.
President Sacha will then say this, as he raises his hand to show a ring that he used to wear on his left ring finger.
President Sacha Luisant
Yeah. "Raises hand". I too had a wife a long time ago, but during the conclusion to the plan that we constructed with Destiny...we had to end our marriage...
Perle Luisant
Oh!...
President Sacha continues, as he looks very solute at this time.
President Sacha Luisant
Even though we did that 18 years ago, I wonder what she could be thinking about right now. Bijou told me that she meet with her just before our revel along with the White Block, but because we fought against Howard, I didn't get a chance to see her...
Perle Luisant
Do you...miss her, Sacha?
President Sacha will then look down at Perle, with a fondness in his eyes. He then says.
President Sacha Luisant
Yes, Perle. She is the only person that I could never defeat with my fists, in fact. No matter how hard I trained, she was always 10 steps ahead of me-due to her skill with her legs and the sword...and then one day, just like that, she asked me to marry her. I couldn't refuse, after trying to catch up to her for so long already...
Perle Luisant
!...
President Sacha now explains his personal backstory to Perle and Sabrina, to which she and Sabrina both look satisfied at the information given. Vice President Georges then finishes up by saying.
Vice President Georges Luisant
Rebecca was just like that to me, as well. But...now she's gone forever, and I don't think there will ever be a replacement for her in my life...
Sabrina Madison
!...
Perle Luisant
!...
Shocked to hear this, both Perle and Sabrina will flinch as Vice President Georges says this. President Sacha will also say.
President Sacha Luisant
...Same here. But, we have some things we still need to do around here, so we'll be on our way...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...
With that, the two men begin to walk away from both Perle and Sabrina, as they appear to be very distant towards them. The two men are tired of living, as they don't say anything else and continue to move away.
Once they have walked away fully into the darkness, Perle and Sabrina will speak in a worried tone.
Perle Luisant
Those two...are so distant...
Sabrina Madison
They couldn't be thinking of...what I think they are thinking about...right?!
Perle Luisant
...
Worried that President Sacha and Vice President Georges are becoming suicidal, both Perle and Sabrina will brace themselves to do everything they can to stop them from ending their lives. However, just as they take a step forward to begin chasing after Sacha and Georges-
"STEP!" "STEP!"
Suddenly, two arms will reach out to them from behind and grab ahold of them. This person will then hold them up in the air, as it's reveled to be.
"GRAB!"
"GRAB!"
Perle Luisant
WUAHHHHGH!
Sabrina Madison
EHHHH-ACK!
Divitiya Iran
...There you two go again, grabbing ahold of both Sacha and Georges...
As Divitiya holds both Perle and Sabrina in her hands, she is now shown to be extremely jealous of both Perle and Sabrina-for being so close to President Sacha. Perle and Sabrina then speak.
Perle Luisant
D-Divitiya?!
Sabrina Madison
What are you talking about?!
Divitiya begins.
Divitiya Iran
I've been watching the two of you all this time, and I'm getting fed up with how you two constantly get so close to both Sacha and Georges-especially when I haven't gotten the chance myself!
Perle Luisant
Ghk...seriously?!
Sabrina Madison
Is that what this is about?!
Divitiya continues, as she holds onto both Perle and Sabrina.
Divitiya Iran
YES!
Perle Luisant
!
Sabrina Madison
!
Divitiya Iran
Since you two can't keep your hands to yourselves, I think I'll have to remind you of "proper" conduct-over THIS way...
"SPIN"
Divitiya then spins on her heels and heads in the opposite direction that President Sacha and Vice President Georges went. In response to this, both Perle and Sabrina will struggle to get free.
Perle Luisant
W-wait just a minute, Divitiya!
Sabrina Madison
There is something we seriously have to discuss with Sacha and Georges!
Divitiya Iran
!...That can wait, Sabrina. Let's go!
As Divitiya continues to walk away with both Perle and Sabrina, they will cry out.
Sabrina Madison
NOOOOOOOOOOO!
Perle Luisant
GRANDFATHER!
"Scene Transition"
As the scene then transitions, in the hanger of the White Block, Bijou is seen to be leaning against the side of a railing on the second floor. She looks down at all of the mechanics working on maintenance, all the while she is drinking a soda with a straw.
Bijou Luisant
"slurp"..."slurp"
As Bijou drinks, she appears to be very lost in thought over something, as she appears as if she is about to fall off the railing. In response to this, two figures approach her from behind and then speak to her.
?
Hey, Bijou.
?
It isn't good to lean that far over the railing, you know. You could fall down if you stay like that.
Bijou Luisant
...!
Now alerted to the voices of her brothers, Bijou will half-heartedly turn around to look at her brothers. She then speaks to them in a fond tone.
Bijou Luisant
...Sorry you two have to see me like this...
Bijou says, stressed out over the situation everyone is in at the moment. To which her brothers will attempt to cheer up their sister by saying-while casually leaning against the railing themselves.
Sebastion Luisant
I know you must be weighed down by all of the problems surrounding us right now, Bijou. But, that doesn't mean you should let them consume all of your thoughts-as it's important to look for the bright spots in life.
Curious, Bijou will now pay her brothers the attention they seek, to which she will then ask.
Bijou Luisant
...Enlighten me, please. Where are there any bright spots in the situation that we are currently in?
Cesario will then reply with.
Cesario Luisant
Well, we don't necessarily have anything particularly crucial that will help alleviate your worries...
Bijou Luisant
...
Bijou is unimpressed, until Sebastion then speaks up.
Sebastion Luisant
But, something did happen quite recently to the two of us that is very important. We should be having so more "additions" to our family-if all things go well...
Bijou Luisant
...!
It'll take a few moments for Bijou to process what she just heard from Sebastion. Once she does, she will then slowly open her eyes a little bit in amazement, as she then speaks up-both of her brothers smile happily.
Bijou Luisant
...Could it be...you two actually...?!
Cesario will now chuckle to himself, as he then explains.
Sebastion Luisant
That's right, Bijou. While you got an 18 year head start ahead of us, if all goes well, then you'll have some new faces to care for around here...
Bijou Luisant
That is...surprisingly good news. I'm happy for the two of you...
Bijou says, with a blush on her face. Cesario then speaks to her, saying.
Cesario Luisant
Thanks. If you like, we can take you over to where "they" are right now? I'm sure you can guess who we might be talking about...
Bijou Luisant
Hm...I think I might have an idea, but I'll save my conclusions for when we meet them. Shall we go?
Bijou says, as if implying that she wants to go and meet who the people are who her brothers decided to have sex with. Sebastion will agree to take her-but then, the doors open behind them.
Sebastion Luisant
Sure. C'mon and-
"Doors opening"
Sebastion Luisant
!
Cesario Luisant
!
Bijou Luisant
!
Now, both President Sacha and Vice President Georges will emerge from behind the three siblings, to which as they spot both Sebastion and Cesario, they will approach and then speak to the two men.
President Sacha Luisant
Ah, here you three are...
Sebastion Luisant
Hello, father.
Cesario Luisant
Need us for something?
Bijou Luisant
...?
While Bijou remains quiet, Vice President Georges will then start to explain.
Vice President Georges Luisant
Yes. We are all ready to start heading to Schirra, so we want the two of you to get back to the command room and take over piloting the White Block.
Sebastion Luisant
Already...? Has there been any new developments?
President Sacha will then explain.
President Sacha Luisant
Not exactly, as things here in Mainland are still deteriorating as badly as you've already learned by now. Francoise and the others will be managing all of that, while we should begin the trek to Schirra when we are ready.
President Sacha Luisant
The White Block, Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon have been resupplied and can leave for the comet anytime. And the faster we then get to Schirra means the faster we can deploy Neo-SEED, so we decided to leave now-rather than later.
Cesario Luisant
...Alright. Though, could we have just a few minutes to show Bijou something real quick?
Bijou Luisant
!...
Cesario asks, to which President Sacha looks at him with some suspicion. It's here where President Sacha and Vice President Georges' moods are put on full display, as they respond with.
Vice President Georges Luisant
Hm? What could you three want to do?
To which Bijou will then explain.
Bijou Luisant
I just heard that these two will be bringing in some more additions to our family, is all. I just wanted to meet who the ladies are, before we do anything else here.
President Sacha Luisant
...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...
For a moment, both men will look happy-if only for a moment. However, they will then slump back into their previous dispositions, to then tell Bijou this.
President Sacha Luisant
...It's nice that the two of you have more arrivals coming into our family. I appreciate the gesture of wanting to see their mothers, but right now, we have a duty to preform accordingly.
Sebastion Luisant
!...
Cesario Luisant
!...
Both Sebastion and Cesario will look rather disappointed-but the two will not object to their father. Vice President Georges then says this.
Vice President Georges Luisant
You'll have time to do whatever you like En route to Schirra, so put off any unnecessary engagements for the time being and get us moving, please...
President Sacha Luisant
...I'll be in the bar if you need me...
Vice President Georges Luisant
!...
With that, both Sacha and Georges will opt to leave behind Bijou, Sebastion and Cesario. As they walk away, Bijou will also notice how distant her father and nephew are being, to which she will then elaborate.
Bijou Luisant
...Those two have been sulking like this ever since they lost against Howard...
Sebastion then speaks up.
Sebastion Luisant
I've noticed...do you think this will go away once their upgrades are complete?
Cesario Luisant
I hope so, as them being so depressing really does hamper the mood around here...
After saying that, both Sebastion and Cesario will resign themselves to do the task that they were just asked of by Sacha and Georges. They will then speak to Bijou.
Sebastion Luisant
We'll introduce you to who we met later today, Bijou.
Cesario Luisant
Just wait for us to get the White Block moving, and we'll come and get you straight away.
Bijou Luisant
Of course...
With that, both Sebastion and Cesario then leave Bijou and make their way towards the command room for the White Block. Then, a scene transition occurs.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
A short time later, the White Block is seen to detach itself from the exterior of Mainland. As it moves away, it will then engage it's EffectPhase armor, and is then immediately followed by the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon behind it-of whom also activate their Next-EffectPhase armor and follow behind the White Block. As these vessels fly into the darkness, another scene transition occurs.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
Elsewhere, within some part of the AA Space Fortress Neith, various ships-including the Tenebris Root-are seen docked inside of a massive hanger for such ships. Within the Tenebris Root, a scene is unfolding, where Idris is seen walking into a hanger
General Idris Requiem
...
As General Idris walks through the hanger, he will carry a tray of food in his hands, to which as he approaches a particular Divide, he will then come to a stop and face it. As he does, he will then speak to the cockpit area, saying.
General Idris Requiem
...Faith?! Grace?! It's me, Idris!
Superior Weapon D3 Divide
...
General Idris continues.
General Idris Requiem
I've come alone, just like you asked! Howard is also no longer on this ship, either!
Superior Weapon Divide
...!
A few more seconds later, the cockpit of the Divide will open up, reveling Faith, who is holding onto a traumatized Grace. As the two start to come out, Faith asks General Idris.
Faith Nadir
...Is he really gone, Idris?!
Grace Nadir
...
General Idris now explains.
General Idris Requiem
I personally escorted him and Susan off of this ship just before coming here, Faith. Irena also made sure to have a full group of AndroIs accompany him back to Grissom, as we didn't want anymore problems...here.
"Presents food"
Faith Nadir
!...Thank you...
Grace Nadir
...
While Faith will manage to weakly take the food off of the tray, Grace will not accept the food-even as her older sister stuffs her face with the food. General Idris will immediately notice and then present some of the food to Grace, as he says this as kindly as he can.
"Presents food"
Grace Nadir
!...
General Idris Requiem
...Grace. Please, eat some of the food, as it's been over three days since the two of you locked yourselves in Faith's Divide. My sister and I need you two to have some energy and get cleaned up, as we want to know exactly what happened to cause this...
Grace Nadir
...
It will take a few minutes for Grace to finally accept the food that Idris is still holding to her face.
"Munch!".."Munch!"
Once she does, she will simply move her head closer to the food and then eat it, instead of holding it like her older sister does. After this occurs, time moves on.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
A short while later, both Faith and Grace have had the time to get cleaned up and eat some food. They will now be in the medical wing, where Rear Admiral Irena and General Idris will be sitting with just Faith, while Grace sits in another room outside.
Here, Faith will begin to explain what happened by first putting a document onto the table for Idris and Irena to see. It's the same document that Howard received from his mother a short while ago when he saw her at Mainland, to which Faith starts by explaining.
Faith Nadir
...This is a document that person handed to me, before this all began. It details...who our parents really are...
General Idris Requiem
...!
Rear Admiral Irena Requiem
...!
As both Idris and Irena read the document, they become amazed at what they read. General Idris then says out loud-followed by his sister.
General Idris Requiem
Incredible...you are actually Howard and Susan's daughter!
General Idris says, surprised to see actual confirmation from Faith. Though reluctant, she will reply.
Faith Nadir
!...Yes. According to an investigation preformed by doctors from the Confederation, they concluded that I am 100% his daughter...while Grace is not "fully" his daughter...
Faith explains, detailing briefly that while she is fully Howard's daughter, Grace isn't. Rear Admiral Irena speaks up.
Rear Admiral Irena Requiem
After what you told us he and Susan did to you before we met when we were children, I don't think you are particularly happy with this outcome, right?
Faith will now reply quickly.
Faith Nadir
No. I'll never want that man or Susan to be my mother or father. They think that just because this is a fact, they can now try to move back into our lives-as if these past 11 years of shunning never happened...the fools...
General Idris Requiem
...If you are up to it, could you take it from the top for us...?
Faith Nadir
...
What follows is a flashback that shows off the events of 3 days ago-from Faith and Grace's perspectives.
"FLASHBACK"
Within the Tenebris Root, a meeting room with some furniture will now be the center focus for this next scene. Here, the room will have three entrances, with one being where both Howard and Susan have come from, and another being further in front of them.
Howard Pinnacle
...
Susan Pinnacle
...
The two will be quiet, as they patiently wait in the room. To the left of the room is a wall, while on the right of the room is another door, which is left slightly open. Behind it, Rhapsody will approach the door, with the intent of confronting Howard and Susan.
Rhapsody Luisant
...
As Rhapsody gets to the door, she stands directly at the crack in the door and is able to quietly peer inside to see both Howard and Susan. As she does, she thinks back to her encounter with Bijou, and how she told her about how Howard left Rebecca to die 18 years ago.
"FLASHBACK"
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Bijou Luisant
That's why...I have to avenge Rebecca, mother...I have to-
Rhapsody Luisant
No, Bijou. You will do no such thing-not while I am still alive...
Bijou Luisant
M-mother?!
Rhapsody Luisant
You have already suffered enough, my only daughter. Believe in me when I say this...I will take care of both Howard and Stanley, so you can be at ease...
Bijou Luisant
...Mother...
"END FLASHBACK"
Rhapsodie Luisant
...
After this short recap flashback, Rhapsody will be just about to enter inside of the room to confront Howard and Susan, but then, suddenly, the other door inside will open up.
"Door opening"
Rhapsody Luisant
!...
With the door opening inside, Rhapsody will now watch, as two young girls enter inside of the room from the third door inside of the room. They are soon reveled to be both Faith and Grace.
Faith Nadir
...
Grace Nadir
...
As the two walk inside, the door automatically closes behind them, as Howard then speaks to Faith.
Howard Pinnacle
...Welcome, Faith. I'm happy you decided to come and see us. I was worried that you wouldn't respond to that letter I sent to you.
Howard starts off, which explains how Faith and Grace decided to come and see Howard and Susan-given their prior history. Faith then explains.
Faith Nadir
I wasn't even going to come...had you not mentioned a document that proves who our actual parents are. I just want to hold onto that, so we don't ever have to be associated with you ever again...
Howard Pinnacle
...
Howard will surprisingly ignore Faith's comment, as he then approaches her and Grace-while also extending a document for Faith to read. Grace continues to cower in fear as Howard approaches, while Faith holds her ground. A moment later, Howard gets close enough to give Faith the document, to which he says.
Howard Pinnacle
This is the document that I mentioned in that letter. Go ahead and take a read...
Faith Nadir
...!
After a brief read, Faith will speak up, saying.
Faith Nadir
This...this can't be right! I'm your daughter?!
Grace Nadir
!...
Faith says, furious at the revelation-while Grace is also shocked to hear this information. Howard then explains.
Howard Pinnacle
Yes. The results from the first test were from inexperienced Ascension doctors, who had never really been trained with such instruments beforehand. Honestly, we probably shouldn't have taken their word for your parentage back then, as that was a mistake we made then...
Faith Nadir
...Ugh.
Grace Nadir
...
Howard continues.
Howard Pinnacle
When the Confederation took Mainland from the Ascension's control, they found the old records we had at the hospital and ran another "proper" test. They concluded that you are actually my daughter...and now that I look at your eyes, I can see the results for myself, too.
Faith Nadir
...
Faith will now flick her hair over her eyes, so that Howard nor Susan can easily see her eye color anymore. They will be naturally silver and blue, while Grace's eyes are more hazy.
Faith then continues speaking.
Faith Nadir
This page...it details how Grace is mixed with other people's DNA...even so, she is also your daughter...
Now, Susan will interject, saying.
Susan Pinnacle
...I'll only admit that I gave birth to her, Faith. Nothing more.
Grace Nadir
!...
Upon hearing how little her own mother thinks of her, Grace will shrivel up next to her older sister. Sensing the disgust, Faith will reply in a similar tone.
Faith Nadir
Hmph...I should've expected neither of you would change, even after all these years. I think we'll be going now...
Faith says, while holding onto the document that Howard just gave to her. She then moves Grace around and then prepares to leave the room-until Howard calls out to her, asking.
Howard Pinnacle
Wait, Faith. I have something else I need to discuss with you.
Faith Nadir
...?
Grace Nadir
...
While Faith will be just about to open the door she and Grace entered from, she will stop to listen to her "father", while Grace doesn't look back and instead grips ahold of her older sister's arm. Rhapsody will continue to observe the situation from the crack in the door, as Howard explains.
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Howard Pinnacle
My family, the Pinnacles, have been almost eradicated due to my actions 18 years ago. I discussed this with my mother the other day, to which I agreed to a small trade-in order to repopulate our numbers.
Faith Nadir
...
Faith won't reply, though she will continue to look back over her shoulder. Howard continues.
Howard Pinnacle
My family only accepts purebloods, to continue our family line. Since you are a pureblood, I agreed to send you to my mother in the Confederation, where you have some suitors ready to help with that issue.
Faith Nadir
I refuse.
Howard Pinnacle
...What?
While Howard will seemingly mean well, Faith will outright refuse his request, which will throw him off a little. A second later, Faith will explain.
Faith Nadir
You probably don't care, but me and Grace here have grown up to develop feelings for someone else on this ship already. I'm not about to abandon him for a group of people I've never even met-especially if it's a request from you...
Faith says this as her final word on the matter, as she then opens the door. Grace starts to follow her out, until Howard starts to shout at her and Grace.
Howard Pinnacle
I didn't tell you that so you could refuse me, Faith!
Faith Nadir
!...
Grace Nadir
!
While Faith will stop in her tracks, Grace will jolt upwards slightly, to which Faith will then continue to refuse her "father".
Faith Nadir
...My answer is still no, Howard. I'm not about to do anything you suggest-especially when you won't even accept Grace in front of me...
Grace Nadir
!...
Faith says, deeply caring for Grace, who is shaking like a leaf while holding onto her arm. With that, she proceeds to open the door fully, but before she can take another step, her father attempts to rush and block her way out of the room.
Howard Pinnacle
Faith, you are not leaving this roo-
Rhapsody Luisant
Stop right there, Howard!
Everyone
?!
Now, Rhapsody will interrupt the conversation-just before Howard rushes towards Faith and Grace to get in between them and the exit. The sudden appearance of Rhapsody will cause everyone to look at her, as she then calmly walks in between Howard/Susan and Faith/Grace.
Once she's in between them, she will first look to Faith and Grace, and instruct them by saying.
Rhapsody Luisant
...Girls. Please, leave this to me.
Faith Nadir
Rhapsody...?
Faith says, curiously, to which Rhapsody finishes up by saying.
Rhapsody Luisant
These two will be on this ship until you receive your next orders in a few days' time. If you don't want anymore interaction with them, I suggest you find a place where they cannot enter.
Faith Nadir
...Thank you, Rhapsody...
Faith says, as she then moves Grace away from the scene and leads her away. As they go, Rhapsody then looks over to her former student and his wife-both of whom are visually disappointed that Rhapsody got involved in the way she did.
They will now ask.
Howard Pinnacle
R...Rhapsody...?
Susan Pinnacle
Why did you get in our way?!
Rhapsody will then explain.
Rhapsody Luisant
You can forget about those two for the moment, Howard, as I've been wanting to discuss something of more importance with you. During the last battle over Grissom, I had an encounter with my daughter, where she reveled something very interesting-something you've been hiding from me for nearly two decades...
Howard Pinnacle
!...
Howard will now realize what Rhapsody is getting out, to which he will now have to come clean about the matter to her. He speaks.
Howard Pinnacle
...Sigh...she told you about what happened to Rebecca, didn't she...?
Rhapsody Luisant
Yes. All this time, you led me to believe that she was alive and well. However, now I hear from Bijou that Rebecca has been dead, and that you were responsible for the events leading up to that...how do you think this makes me feel?
Rhapsody asks, curious to Howard's reply. Howard then speaks.
Howard Pinnacle
...I only hid the truth from you because I didn't want you to become my enemy, Rhapsody. If that happened back then, when I was trying to integrate the RF into the Ascension's new society, we would've had to settle things with a duel-of which I know I'd lose against you.
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Howard Pinnacle
I have to be alive in order to see my plans succeed. If I lost to you and you killed me at any time before today, then everything that we worked so hard for would've fallen apart.
Rhapsody Luisant
!...
Rhapsody takes a moment to conclude that what Howard says is correct. She then speaks.
Rhapsody Luisant
You may be right about that, Howard, as even I can tell that the Ascension are more willing to listen to you and Stanley-thanks in part to what you've sacrificed for them. However, that doesn't excuse what you did to Rebecca, I'm afraid-which is why I felt I had to step into your conversation just now.
As Rhapsody says this, she stands ready to strike down Howard with her bokken sword. Howard flinches as she draws her blade, as he tries to bargain with her first by saying.
Howard Pinnacle
!-Wait, Rhapsody! Please, If...if I may, could you give me just a little time-before we do this...?
To which Rhapsody will pause, as if to consider the idea. She asks.
Rhapsody Luisant
Hmph...enlighten me as to why you'd think I'd let you live for a second longer?
Susan will then say.
Susan Pinnacle
Please, Rhapsody! Your efforts would be wasted on us, as while you could kill us in a second-the Ascension would be quick to turn on you, since they don't understand any of this in the first place!
Rhapsody Luisant
!...
Rhapsody continues to pause, which gives Howard the time he needs to explain himself.
Howard Pinnacle
What Susan says is true, Rhapsody. Killing us here would only serve to put yourself at risk, while if you were to wait until we are done preparing for the future, there will be a time when we can have a proper duel-where no one would suspect foul play. The final battle with the Confederation is where we can fight, which is coming up very soon.
Howard Pinnacle
By then, I'll have all of our plans finalized, so that even if I die by your hand, others will be able to carry on in my steed and ensure that the Ascension are led properly into the future. I just need a little more time, until then...please...
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Howard will look sincere as he requests this, to which Rhapsody will realize that he has the upper hand in this situation. She will then reply, as she slowly puts away her sword.
Rhapsody Luisant
...Alright, you two...I will adhere to your request and will give you until the end of this month to finish your plans. Then, we'll settle this matter in our Superior Weapons.
Howard Pinnacle
!
Susan Pinnacle
!
Surprised, both Howard and Susan will be relieved, as Rhapsody then turns to leave the room. As she goes, she will then end the conversation by saying.
Rhapsody Luisant
You had best make sure you finish everything you want, as I can guarantee you that after our duel, I will be the last one standing.
Rhapsody warns, as she then leaves the room. As the door closes, the flashback will then end.
"FLASHBACK END"
After the flashback, Faith will appear refreshed, as General Idris then asks.
General Idris Requiem
...Wow. I thought he would've assaulted you or something...
Faith Nadir
He was about to-had it not been for Rhapsody's intervention. I'll have to thank her again for that, as I wouldn't have been about to resist Howard for long, if she wasn't there...
Faith admits, as then, the doors behind her open to revel her sister, along with-
"doors opening"
Everyone
!
Admiral Esyllt Requiem
It's good that it didn't come to blows between the four of you. Poor Grace here isn't built to get bruises, you know...
Grace Nadir
...
Now, Admiral Esyllt will calmly enter into the room, with Grace under her arm. Both Idris and Irena will react happily at seeing their mother, as they both say.
General Idris Requiem
M-mother!
Rear Admiral Irena Requiem
I didn't know you had come aboard!
To which Admiral Esyllt explains.
Admiral Esyllt Requiem
Of course I had to come aboard-especially when I heard two of my daughters barricaded themselves inside of a Superior Weapon. I'm happy things weren't as serious as I believed, though, you and Faith won't have to worry about him or Susan for a while, as apparently you've received new orders recently.
Rear Admiral Irena Requiem
Oh?!
Admiral Esyllt says to Irena, as she continues.
Admiral Esyllt Requiem
You are to take the Tenebris Root and fly to the front side of Schirra ahead, where you will wait for the Confederation to arrive. Once they do so, you are to take from them their new SEED and bring it back here for study. Those are the orders I heard were to be given to you from command-however, your Advisor Rusty was the one who was supposed to give you this information BEFORE command issued it to me to give to you.
Rear Admiral Irena Requiem
...!
Rear Admiral Irena will be slightly surprised, but she will then regain her composure, as her mother then says.
Admiral Esyllt Requiem
I've heard rumors of a spy in our ranks for a while, Irena. I'm sure you know what to do...
Rear Admiral Irena Requiem
Yes, Mother. I'll take care of that matter, as well as the issue with the SEED in the Confederation's hands.
She says, as she then hugs her mother, along with Idris and Faith. Grace also hugs her, to which she replies in kind, before letting them all go-except for Grace. As the three others leave the room, she makes sure to check over Grace like any caring mother would-to which Faith notices and looks back to watch them.
Faith Nadir
...!
Admiral Esyllt Requiem
Do be careful our there, my daughter. I want you to come back and see me as soon as you can.
Grace Nadir
Yes, mother!
Admiral Esyllt Requiem
Make sure you get plenty of rest and always keep an eye on your older sister. Eat properly and make sure you comb your hair, as Idris has to have two nice girls like yourselves to marry someday.
Grace Nadir
Y-yes...
Faith Nadir
!..."Blush"
With that, Admiral Esyllt lets go of Grace, as she then leaves with Faith. As they go, a scene transition occurs.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
Afterwards, a shuttle then leaves the Tenebris Root and heads back to the AA Space Fortress Neith. As it goes, the Tenebris Root is then undocked from it's location, and then it sets a course for Schirra in the far distance.
As it goes, the chapter will then end.
-CHAPTER END-