03/21/2020
It's official, my work on the beach is closing Monday. I sincerely wish everyone the best in dealing with COVID-19.
So I'm going to do my part in hopefully making at least one person happy and I'm gonna keep writing because I love doing that! I wrote this chapter in one go, it's one of those "How do i do this?" situations and then the answer, one scene, presents itself and it makes the whole chapter. I've of course re-read and edited it like 6 times but y'know. Enjoy!
(Noun) Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
Chapter Eighteen
Peace
March 21st, 2056
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear, Jaynix! Happy birthday to you!"
With a wide smile on her face, the Corporal blew out the candles on her rather robust cake, the Reapers bursting into cheers and hollers all the while clapping as hard and as fast as they could for the woman.
With all the candles now out, she gave her family a look before asking them to cool it and calm down.
"It's not like being 36 years old is a big deal…"
"Actually…"
Jaynix looked over to Eren.
"You aren't 36 years old."
Sagis rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Seriously Eren? Do we have to go by the time she was born too? That's taking it a little too far."
The Strategist shook her head.
"That's not what I mean at all."
Alto placed a hand on Sagis' shoulder and chuckled.
"I think she's referring to the whole Mimeosome affair."
Realization sparked in Sagis' eyes as he nodded to the pair, Lyla now speaking up.
"It is true that our Mimeosomes mimic the bodies we all had back in 2054, however the body is artificial so it doesn't really age. At least, not like how humans do. Therefore…"
Lyla fell silent, looking at Eren who was tapping her foot.
"This is what you wanted to explain isn't it?"
"What does it matter now?"
Jaynix laughed at that while Tai approached the cake with a knife which was quickly taken from his grip by the General.
"I haven't hurt anyone yet...that much…"
The General chuckled, bringing the knife up and beginning to cut slices from the cake.
"Yet you somehow always manage to get a much bigger slice than the rest of us."
Tai shrugged.
"Do I?"
The men shared a laugh before Kumon turned to the others.
"I believe our official records list our ages now as what we were when we underwent the Mimeosome Procedure followed by a + then the number of years since and lastly an M. So Jaynix, your age now would be 34+2M."
Sagis groaned.
"Alright. I'm tuning out. That sounds way too much like math."
Jaynix grabbed a plate, complete with a slice of cake and shoved it towards Sagis.
"Put this in your mouth and shut up."
"Gladly."
The Reapers settled onto the couches around the room in comfort, eating the cake and chatting about days long gone.
Kumon and Tai spoke in low voices, the smiles on their faces made certain that what they discussed was nothing of import.
Sagis and Alto were rowdy as always, Sharon had come to them with a list of things she expected them to accomplish for her following starfall. Only they knew the full extent of the list and based off their worries, it wouldn't be easy.
Lyla and Jaynix sat, arms brushing, many loving gazes exchanged before Jaynix noted Eren on her own.
"Hey."
The Strategist looked up, she didn't seem sad but Jaynix couldn't help but ask.
"Why didn't you invite Kriss?"
Eren shrugged.
"She's Kriss y'know...I'm gonna go see her soon anyway…"
Jaynix sighed.
"We wouldn't make fun of the both of you, Eren. We all saw you two at the dance. The talk that filled the White Whale after our little party was more about you and that loner Professor. You surprised everyone."
Eren looked away, unable to fight off a blush.
"It just kinda...happened…"
"We all know you were interested in her from a more...intellectual standpoint. Given what we assumed was an obsession, we really shouldn't be so surprised at this turn of events."
Lyla commented. Jaynix wanted to follow up and ask about the full extent of what Eren had learned. However, it was her birthday and she wanted everyone else to enjoy it just as much as she did. There would be plenty of time for that later.
Eren's datapad then began beeping, placing her cake aside, Eren retrieved it and and answered, joy flooding her face. Jaynix and Lyla laughed, knowing full well who it was on the other end.
Spotting the two and their reactions, Eren's blush deepened and so she stood and walked away to take the call.
Jaynix then turned her attention to the rest of the room and clapped her hands to get all of their attention.
"Alright y'all. Where are my gifts?"
Ever since the dance, spirits aboard the White Whale were drastically lifted and morale had reached a new high. This was evident to all the higher ups on the bridge. People were brighter and more was getting done.
The boost from the event would likely wear out at some point but for the moment, it was greatly appreciated and in some cases, a much needed reminder to everyone of what lay ahead in such a positive and optimistic light.
Elma found herself overlooking the Habitat Unit, Kruse approaching her, turning on a nearby monitor and opening the necessary screens to view all the information on the status of their home after starfall.
"It's complete?"
Kruse smiled.
"If Constantine is to be believed...yeah."
"I doubt he's ever gotten anything wrong. Thank you Kruse, for all of your hard work."
The man nodded his head, slowly.
"Of course. Constantine and the team are giving the Habitat Unit one last look to convince themselves that it's complete. You know how careful he can be and this structure is critically important."
Elma nodded in agreement before Kruse stepped forward and began pointing to each section of the Habitat Unit.
"This is the Residential District. We made sure to include as many homes and apartment complexes as we could not just for the active crew but for our emergency staff still in cryo."
Elma thought about the reserve crew, they slept for most of the voyage, every so often the key figures would be roused from their slumber in order to receive status reports from the active commanders. If some emergency or the xenoforms found them it was important to have everyone up to date on protocol.
Thankfully, there has been no reason to wake them all.
"Good to know we have enough space...more than enough. Just in case."
"Of course. Over here is the Industrial District, this is where a lot of our work and projects are going to move to after starfall. There are plenty of facilities for research and development as well as a hangar specifically designed for testing weapons and maintaining our Skells."
Elma leaned in as Kruse continued.
"This is the Commercial District, center of shopping, eating and all that. Commerce. I personally don't get how we will establish our own economy but we have to do something to maintain law and order I suppose."
"Chausson is discussing those points every day, he's the most experienced politician we have with us after all. I only hope the government we create does not fall to corruption as the Coalition did in its last few years."
Kruse thought of the important events during Earth's final years. Elma noted his silence and spoke his name, snapping him out of that daze. After a quick apology, Kruse cleared his throat and pointed at the larger and obviously most important section of the Habitat Unit.
"This is the Administrative District. It's from this point that Nagi and Chausson have determined that our provisional government will operate out of. Our military staff will be housed here, everyone who was part of the Coalition's armed forces back on Earth will continue to serve...that's what Chausson said anyway."
Elma brought a hand to her chin.
"I'd think after all these years of fighting and surviving that a few of them may want to retire or at least rethink their plans."
Elma decided to go over the specifics of how they'd defend themselves after starfall with Nagi and Chausson at a later date.
"Colonel...I don't mean to pry…"
"Colonel? Kruse we're well past that point."
The man chuckled.
"Y-yeah, of course! I just...well I heard Nagi talking about some specifics in regards to our military forces. He was working on restructuring them into a new form."
Elma smiled.
"I figured someone would talk about it sooner or later. That kind of discussion is supposed to be limited to the bridge. How did you hear it?"
Kruse shrugged, Elma thinking for a few moments.
"Ah. Constantine."
"You didn't hear it from me!"
Elma laughed before looking at the Habitat Unit once more.
"We are indeed planning a new military force to defend us. It will be staffed by a lot of us who served in the Coalition but it'll also be pulling from our brightest minds. We have a need for everyone from every field for the future."
As Kruse thought this over, Elma pointed to one more section of the Habitat Unit.
"It seems this part is still under construction…"
"Yes, well, we ended up having enough room to construct a whole new District...but we weren't sure what to do with it. The current desire is for more housing...just in case...regardless of what we plan to do, the space is there should we need it."
Elma nodded once more.
"It's always good to have a safety net. Thank you once again Kruse. Give Constantine and the rest of the engineers my thanks as well."
Kruse smiled.
"Of course! Most of the team leaders including Constantine are on the bridge with Vandham, probably celebrating his genius and whatnot."
Elma laughed.
"No doubt they are. Well, Vandham did manage all of this so I think he deserves it."
Elma fell silent as she continued to look over the completed Habitat Unit. Everything was in place, all they needed was somewhere to go.
"Getting a gift for you this year was practically impossible."
Kumon stated.
"What do you get the woman who has everything?"
Jaynix couldn't help but laugh.
"What am I? Superman?"
The Blood Brothers roared in laughter, imagining Jaynix wearing that iconic outfit. Lyla shook her head.
"She'd look wonderful!"
"Regardless. The General has a point. You and Lyla are happily married...you got the rest of us and I'd like to think that we're pretty good."
Tai stated, a grin on his face. Jaynix reached over and gently pushed the man away, the pair chuckling.
"You guys aren't wrong...besides, it's not like any of you could beat the gift Flame gave me before we left Earth."
Kumon smiled, lost in the memory of that moment. Tai crossed his arms.
"Well then, you've already got the best gift…that said, we do have something for you that you probably didn't see coming."
Jaynix raised an eyebrow as Tai turned, Eren joining to help him retrieve something. Sagis and Alto seemed very excited while Lyla was simply confused.
"You guys actually have something?"
Kumon stepped forward.
"What we have for you Jaynix...is not just a gift but a symbol. A symbol of everything you've survived and grown from. We all went through some hell back on Earth, especially in its final years with the Lawless. Lao. The investigation that brought the 2041 Massacre back into the spotlight. The corrupted Coalition government. And...Steven."
Jaynix looked down at the ground, all memories that brought a wide range of emotions with them.
"But for all the bad...there was a lot of good. Until the end, Noah's Cradle was still standing. Through it all our home was protected. All because of people like us. Protectors."
Tai and Eren returned with a large sealed Coalition weapons case. Not unlike the one Flame gave her before the Exodus.
"This doesn't represent its past...the one who wears it decides how it will be remembered. We can think of no better person to grant this to. Only you."
Jaynix felt her heart was about to burst as she stepped forward and undid the latches. She had a feeling she knew what it was, but could never be certain.
Opening the case, she looked down on it.
Despite everything, she smiled.
Reaching into the case she took the gift out, allowing it to unfurl and show off the new designs that adorned it. Flames and wings. Just like Firebird.
What Jaynix held in her hands now, was the repaired and improved Phantom, the very cloak her final enemy on Earth had worn in his desperate attempt to kill her. It was hers now.
"This...this will serve a better purpose."
Jaynix threw it over her shoulders, fitting it in place, a smile growing on her face as she ran one of her hands along it.
"Hill was fine with giving this to me? It's his life's work."
The General nodded.
"You recovered it for him...albeit in a heavily damaged state. He was ecstatic to have it back and the only way he could think to properly thank you for it...was to give it to you."
Lyla stepped closer, examining the designs along the back.
"Firebird...you lot are much more clever than you let on."
Tai laughed as Eren rolled her eyes and spoke.
"You all know full well that I'm the one with the brains here. You guys just borrow some of my brain cells every so often."
Jaynix laughed.
"You do all the thinking so we don't have to. That's fine by me."
"If you keep thinking like that, you'll never beat Elma in a spar."
Eren countered, Jaynix simply shrugged.
"I got the gift, the party is over. Go see that hot girlfriend of yours."
Eren blushed, turning away and whispering something to herself. Sagis, Alto and Tai laughed, the Brothers placing their hands on Eren's shoulders.
Jaynix looked to Lyla and gestured at the new Phantom.
"How do I look?"
Lyla stepped back to get a better look at her wife's new attire. The Phantom that Steven had worn was a dark brown, this one was black. There was a knot around Jaynix's neck where the hood hung from, the back end of the cloak fell behind her down to her legs like a cape, there was clearly enough width for Jaynix to grab the cloak and cover herself completely. While there wasn't much of it along the front, there were bits that looked almost like wings hanging off of her shoulders which made it clear that this variation of the Phantom was also sleeveless.
"You think your arms will be fine?"
Jaynix flexed her muscles.
"Oh yeah. They will be."
Lyla rolled her eyes as Jaynix laughed.
"I'm glad they forewent the sleeves for my version, we all know I'm pretty good with hand to hand. The less I have obscuring my hands, the better."
Jaynix pulled the hood over her head and realized there was something more tucked into the cloth around her neck. Reaching in she pulled up a face mask that rested over her mouth and nose.
Lyla nodded her head.
"Wow...that little touch…"
"Is it cool?"
"Very."
With the hood and face mask up, most of Jaynix's facial features were covered. Her eyes shined in the darkness, Lyla could tell that for people who didn't know her, the appearance she was giving off now could be sufficiently frightening.
Tai approached the pair.
"Add to the fact that unlike Steven, your body is that of a Mimeosome. So you'll theoretically be able to take far more punishment before your body begins to suffer from the effects. That's not to say you're invincible but people are going to have a hard time killing you, that's for sure."
Jaynix chuckled.
"As if they didn't already. Lao tried. Steven tried. Let whoever else wants to have a go, give it a try. I'm looking forward to it."
Jaynix pulled her hood and face mask off before latching onto Lyla's arm.
"Come on! I wanna show off my new look!"
Lyla couldn't help but laugh.
"Of course, love. Let's go."
Smiling to one another the pair left the room, seperating from Sagis and Alto, Eren made her way to the General.
"Still here, Strategist? I'm sure you have a woman waiting for you."
"I know but...sir…"
The pair fell silent as Eren struggled with her words.
"We already covered this that day in the mess hall Eren. I don't regret what I did."
"I know...I know…"
Kumon tilted his head.
"Is this about something else? What you are up to perhaps?"
Eren didn't like keeping the truth from the Reapers, from her family but she wanted something to show for it before she came to them. And she couldn't bring herself to do it behind Kriss' back.
"You are entitled to a secret or two Eren."
She nodded.
"I know but...the weight of it is…"
Kumon placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You'll figure it out. You always do."
With a heavy sigh, Eren nodded and left the room. Despite her conflict, the thought of seeing Kriss brought a smile to her face.
She avoided having this talk with Kriss because she was sworn to secrecy. They had to come clean at some point and Eren found herself wanting to do so. Perhaps Kriss would understand.
Entering her room, Elma let out a long sigh. The bridge was indeed very lively, Nagi was very pleased to learn of the Habitat Unit's completion, even Chausson cracked a smile at the development.
However, despite the joy that filled the bridge, Elma found long forgotten memories beginning to fill her mind. She never wanted to let anyone know how much the things that happened so long ago troubled her. In the privacy of her own room however, she allowed herself to doubt.
Crossing the room, she laid down on her bed and allowed herself to think. While she normally fought off the memories, she felt it was time to let them flow, perhaps within them she could find some answer or at least some reassurance that things would work out.
That was seldom what came to her during her moments of self reflection. Yet just like Kruse, she couldn't fight against the long buried memories as they forced themselves to the surface.
And so, she closed her eyes and accepted it.
"Grandfather."
"This again…"
"I have not even-"
The older man held his hand up and so she fell silent. Just like her, the man seated before her had pale blue skin that gave off a foreign glow, the crystal-like objects on his head around his face gave the impression of hair.
His old features studied her, curious and agitated.
"We've discussed this without end...the fate of those we watch is not something that should concern us…"
Elma moved closer to him, determined.
"Why not? Who was it that decided that those of us who have the power to affect change should simply sit on their hands and do nothing."
"We've done plenty."
Slowly the man held up one hand and gestured, a large crystal in the room lit up in response and displayed a massive and heavily detailed star map of countless systems and galaxies.
"Our pursuit has always been knowledge. Generations have come and gone...we are the Watchers, Elma. I don't know any other ways to get this through to you."
Elma sat down across from the man.
"We were different before, Grandfather. Before the Visit we were ambitious. We had goals. We didn't sit and watch we-"
"That was before the Visit. This is now."
The older man let out a long and heavy sigh.
"Our people have seen systems rise and fall...interspatial disasters, wars among species and even wars within the species themselves have wiped out many planets and systems...yet we survive because we-"
"We survive because we take all that we learn from those we watch to improve our lives...yet we offer nothing in return."
The older man stood up and waved his hand once more. The star map grew larger, fading into the crystalline walls of the room as stars zoomed past him and Elma. Systems and planets shooting by at incredible speeds before they focused on one specific galaxy. One specific system.
"This is it, correct? The third planet from this solar star."
Elma nodded.
"I've watched these people...they are strange. Irrational. They advance slowly. They're quick to fight."
The man crossed his arms.
"They sound like any other intellectually challenged species."
"Perhaps...but that makes what's coming just...nonsensical. Beyond illogical."
Elma waved her hand, stars shooting past the pair once more as they neared the vastness of the empty space. The Void.
"Ghosts."
"They are an ancient all consuming race of creatures born from Dark Matter...no one knows what they want and while they don't expand as quickly as the Samaar Federation did in the past...it's clear they're waiting for something. Their goals are their own and no one knows what they are...yet they've responded to a mobilization of a Samaarian fleet."
"The Ganglion."
"It doesn't make any sense. Samaar is powerful, nigh invincible, the Ganglion have incredible power on their own as well, why is this faction mobilizing towards this planet? What's the reason? Nothing about this species could possibly harm them, not in ten years and not in ten decades...and why do the Ghosts rouse from their slumber for this? There is something here, Grandfather. Something that I'm afraid will change...everything."
The old man slowly sat back down.
"If it was up to you, Elma. What would you do?"
"I would...I want to save them. As a species they are still young, they have not discovered this...potential that they must have. The Ganglion, the Ghosts, they wouldn't be responding to this species if there wasn't something peculiar about them. Something special."
The older man tapped his chin.
"You may be right...but you must also be aware of how powerful the Ghosts are. How far reaching the Ganglion are. How insurmountable Samaar once was. Interfering with their aims, whatever that may be will do nothing but redirect their attention...on us. We watch for information and protection...we learned this lesson and I will enforce it with all I have."
Elma looked to the star map once more. Her eyes peering into the Void, within which the Ghosts have made their home. A space so deep, no one could ever enter and a space so dark, not even the Watchers could see into it until the Visit.
"Grandfather...at least allow me to go to them. To see. To study. To learn…"
Standing once more, the man approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Elma. Their place has been decided…"
There was silence as her grandfather looked to the star map once more.
"...we can hardly see the Ghosts even now, even after the Visit. We can see the Ganglion...we can see that they do want to cross through space...yet…"
Elma closed her eyes as his gaze fell upon her once more.
"Where they are going we can not see...unless we abuse our gift."
Lowering his voice, he whispered.
"Did you abuse our gift, Elma?"
Opening her eyes, Elma sighed.
"...ma…"
Turning over on her bed, she did her best to force the memories away. She remembered looking up and facing her grandfather.
"...el…"
Without even giving him a response, granted she knew she wouldn't have to, his face told her that he already knew and he was disappointed.
"...ma…"
Some small semblance of guilt began to rear its ugly head, forcing her to push it down. She did what had to be done. She was right. She had to be or this was all for nothing.
"...sis…"
Eyes opening, Elma sat up.
Those weren't her memories.
Looking to the communications device she could feel a cry of...relief? Excitement? Fear? Something was growing within her and she could barely control as she rushed to get out of her bed, falling over herself as her hands found the device.
"Aeon! Brother!"
"...El...ma...sister…"
Tears running down her face, Elma collapsed, holding the device with whatever strength she had left.
"Brother...where are you? Where have you been?"
"...I'm sorry…"
Shaking her head, she struggled with her words and found nothing leaving her mouth.
"...I'm...I…"
She struggled to laugh, it was apparent that Aeon as well was having a hard time getting his feelings across.
"It's been almost six years my brother...tell me...have you been eating?"
She let out a weak laugh upon hearing him do the same.
"Every chance I could find...and you?"
She just nodded.
"Yes...I...there is so much I have to say to you...so much I have to tell you about…"
She laughed once more, ignoring the tears rolling down her cheeks as best as she could.
"I look forward to everything you have to say…I have several reports to give you first...they're...very important…"
Elma let out a long breath before letting herself sit on the floor, no longer capable of standing.
"Tell me...everything…"
Entering Kriss' room, Eren smiled and approached the professor from behind, wrapping her arms around her.
"Hey Kriss."
The Professor chuckled.
"Sometimes I doubt you are the age you claim to be. You act like a teenager in love."
Eren rolled her eyes.
"Gee thanks."
Kriss turned to face her, a smirk adorning her lips.
"I suppose I should have gotten a hold of something for Jaynix's birthday."
"Nah, we had it all covered. She loves her gift."
Kriss nodded as Eren rounded the table to see what she was working on.
"I received a few more reports from my fellow LAST researchers aboard the other arks. All they have our theories but it's better than nothing."
Kriss continued to work as Eren watched in silence. It took a few minutes for Kriss to finally address the other woman.
"What's wrong?"
"...I-"
"No."
"I didn't even say anything!"
Kriss sighed.
"I have no doubt that you wish to share what we have with the others...need I remind you that we don't have anything to share beyond the knowledge that I illegally obtained this information."
"I know but...it doesn't feel right to keep something this important to ourselves. I know why you did it but…"
The pair stared at each other, Kriss waiting for Eren to continue.
"I don't want to lie to them anymore."
Kriss closed her eyes.
"I can see how your connections to them may make it hard to keep them in the dark...however…"
Eren watched a sad look fill Kriss' eyes.
"...Elma offered me her hand in friendship once more…"
"That's a good thing. Isn't it?"
Kriss nodded.
"It is...but as far as she's aware, I gave her all the Dark Matter research I found and kept none of it to myself. What would she think if she were to learn I went behind her back right after telling her I wouldn't and diving into the research she forbade?"
"Then...you two would probably have a fight."
Kriss waited as Eren walked around the table again, towards her.
"Friends do that from time to time. I think you'll come out of it stronger. You and Elma...you're strong people, your ideals clash and while you may disagree on a lot you can't argue with the logic the other has. Can you?"
Kriss sighed.
"I won't apologize for it."
"I doubt Elma would expect you to."
As Kriss thought about the possible encounter, Eren stepped closer and pressed her lips against the Professor's.
"Feel better?"
Kriss rolled her eyes.
"Not at all."
The Strategist laughed once more.
"You definitely do! You can't hide your smile as hard as you try!"
At Eren's laughter, Kriss allowed a smile to form before gesturing at their work. With a nod of understanding, Eren returned to her place and the pair got back to it.
"Absolutely fascinating!"
Constantine continued to walk around Jaynix, picking up the cloak that fell behind her and examining it closely. With a tap to the side of his glasses, the built in features activated and began detailing the finer points of the cloak's creation and what elements comprise it.
"...and you say Hill did this? Ulysses?"
Jaynix nodded, unable to speak due to her laughter. Lyla looked to Kruse who was sighing and covering his face.
"Sorry. Constantine gets like this at times and it's a little ridiculous."
The older man continued to look at every fiber of the cloak, excitement shining in his eyes. It looked like he was about to start jumping up and down.
"Have you any idea in regards to how sturdy this is? What was it called again? The Phantom?"
Jaynix finally calmed down enough to think.
"When Steven wore it during our fight, he was able to take cannon fire from my Skell at 50%."
"Impossible!"
Constantine cried out before leaning in closer.
"How in the world?"
Jaynix shrugged.
"I was there, I shot the bastard and he was still standing after the assault. I read the report on it from Flame's lab but I still don't get the particulars. All I know is that it's really damn effective."
Kruse whistled, impressed at the quality of the cloak.
"As if you weren't hard enough to knock down already."
"Hell yeah!"
Jaynix laughed as Constantine finally pulled himself away from the Phantom.
"I do apologize for inserting myself into your personal space but these kinds of projects are things I wish I had more chances to get into. The grand majority of my professional career has been occupied by the White Whale and now the Habitat Unit...I missed simpler things like Ms. Copeland's triple powered Skell engines."
Jaynix looked confused as Lyla spoke up.
"That attachment to the flight module right? That's what I used to get from The Cross back to Noah's Cradle so fast for the Battle of the Wall in 2054."
Jaynix sighed.
"Right. I missed most of that fight."
"Well...you were preoccupied with...a lot."
The women exchanged nods before looking up at the screens displaying all sorts of information regarding the Habitat Unit. Kruse noticed and couldn't help but smile.
"Oh yeah...we finished it. Haven't really gotten around to telling anyone else. Elma came by not long ago for the full report though based on what she said, I think the bridge is in really high spirits over this development.
Jaynix whistled.
"That's awesome. I...can't believe it…"
Constantine laughed.
"Neither can I really. I've lived the Exodus projects for so long it's hard to imagine we're done...at least until starfall. After that we're all going to have far more work to do, especially you lot and the rest of our military forces."
Lyla pushed one of her elbows into Jaynix.
"Hear that? Soon you'll have work. A lot of it."
"Me? I'm sure he meant all of us."
Lyla giggled.
"I'm sure you can handle it all. Unless those arms of yours are just for show."
Jaynix placed one of her arms around Lyla's shoulders and pulled her in, the pair sharing a laugh.
"So Blue. What do you think about making starfall? Any plans?"
The man could only shrug.
"I wish...like Constantine I've been so wrapped up in all the technical work that I haven't…"
He then trailed off, Jaynix and Lyla looking to one another, confused. Separating from her wife, Jaynix moved closer.
"Blue? Kruse?"
Snapping out of his thoughts, he looked at Jaynix.
"Actually...there is something I'd like to ask."
Jaynix waited as he seemed to gather his thoughts and a little courage.
"I want to fight."
Constantine, who was reading through a few diagnostics, turned around immediately.
"You what?"
Jaynix remained silent as Kruse took a deep breath.
"I've been thinking about this a lot...since 2053 if I'm being honest. Since the Lawless. The pain they inflicted on us, the lives they took...I know that I did my part in that conflict but I wish I could've done more…"
Kruse shook his head, angry with himself.
"When war came to us in 2054. When our walls were breached I…"
Kruse's hands began to shake.
"...I was so scared. Terrified. I...after 2041 I never imagined our walls would be breached like that again. I thought…"
He let out an empty laugh.
"I thought that was the end...that after everything we'd all been through...that night was the end of all of it."
The other three remained silent as Kruse took his glasses off.
"I don't want to feel that weakness ever again. When war comes to us again, when our survival, our peace is threatened...I want to be able to stand up with all of you and protect it...so…"
Kruse took a step forward.
"Jaynix. You're one of the strongest people I know...I want you to train me. I want to be a protector."
Crossing her arms, Jaynix waited. She watched Kruse, trying to see if his determination would falter in the long stretch of silence but he kept his gaze on her. He didn't waver.
"Are you sure, Blue? I'm not going to go easy on you."
He said nothing, simply nodded.
"Constantine?"
The older man seemed conflicted only to sigh.
"His life is his. If this is what he wants then I shall ask for you to take the best care of him that you can."
Lyla gave Kruse a wide smile.
"Well then...looks like the young wolf wants to join the Reapers. This should be interesting."
"Alright then Blue, come along."
Kruse raised an eyebrow.
"Come along...where?"
"The training room! Where else? We're starting right now."
Without another word, Jaynix turned and left the room, Lyla following after her.
"Right now? But-"
Constantine pushed Kruse forward. The younger man turned, despite his confusion he found some peace in Constantine's expression. With a determined nod, Kruse hurried out of the room after the women.
Kriss and Eren found themselves on the Professor's bed, all their work for the day saved onto their datapads for future reference. Eren laid with her head in the crook of Kriss' neck.
"I've never felt this comfortable before."
Kriss whispered.
"I hate it."
Eren couldn't help but laugh, placing a kiss on the other woman's shoulder.
"You'll get used to it."
"I hope not…"
The pair remained in bed, peaceful. Part of Kriss wanted to return to her work but another part of her insisted that she'd stressed her brain out enough. Which was strange. She never had feelings like that, at least not until Eren.
"You're a danger to my work ethic…"
"Good. You need to slow down every so often."
Kriss rolled her eyes.
"We both know the same could be said for you."
"Then I guess it's twice as good."
The pair remained comfortable with each other until there was a knock at the door. Eren prepared to get up when Kriss called out.
"Come in!"
Eren was surprised as the door opened and Elma stepped inside. The Colonel came to an immediate halt upon seeing the women. Thankfully they were fully clothed but she still looked away.
"If this is a bad time-"
"Not at all, Colonel. Did you need to speak with me?"
Elma looked back at them, nodding.
"It's...a private matter…"
Kriss could only sigh, whispering something to Eren before sitting up. Getting out of the bed, Kriss walked past Elma and left the room.
"I'm sorry Eren."
"Don't worry about it."
With a nod, Elma left the room and fell into step next to Kriss.
"I want to thank you."
"For what?"
"Your device...it worked…"
Kriss nodded.
"You finally got in touch with...whoever it is you needed to speak with?"
"I did…"
"...I take it they're the Xenoform who's helping us and who you didn't want me looking into when I came to you with my theory."
Elma sighed.
"Yes."
"...I didn't expect you to confirm it."
"Was there any point in trying to deny it?"
Kriss shrugged. The pair continued walking down the halls, no destination in mind.
"Kriss...he told me some...worrying things…"
"About?"
Taking a deep breath, Elma came to a stop.
"He found an enemy communications hub...it was for the Ganglion where they intercept information across a wide radius. It seems they're searching for any signs of us."
"As expected."
"Yes but...they've been...finding us. Slowly but surely."
Kriss looked to the Colonel.
"...what?"
"My...contact...he got himself into a massive war effort with another race of Xenoforms being subjugated by the Ganglion...the…"
Elma shook her head.
"...the Qlu…"
Kriss opened her mouth to say something more but the words died on her lips. She knew full well how integral Qlu technology was to their efforts. She held several lectures on the subjects.
"He...his name is Aeon and he's been fighting with a resistance...they could just as easily escape the planet but they had to hang back to...destroy any and all of their technology before it fell into the Ganglion's hands."
Kriss looked around the empty halls.
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"...Aeon and his allies did all they could but once the enemy's new weapons, things called Gaurs began razing everything to the ground, they had no choice but to flee. It was then that he found his way to that communications hub where he could keep track of the Ganglion, maybe even the Ghosts...and he heard transmissions. Our transmissions."
Kriss shook her head.
"That's impossible. We haven't been transmitting we-"
Falling silent, the Professor looked away. Elma said nothing as Kriss walked a few feet further down the hall.
"...me...it's me...LAST…"
The women stood in silence. It was clear from Elma's tone that she didn't come here for a fight. While that eased some of Kriss' guilt, it also led her to one horrifying realization.
"They're coming…"
Elma approached the other woman.
"It is very likely, yes. Aeon has our location pinpointed and he's coming here with his allies as quickly as he can...but there is no telling what could happen…"
Kriss remained silent as Elma continued.
"If we were to jump, we could stay ahead of them but we may lose Aeon again and...it's selfish but I can't...I can't be alone again…"
Kriss looked to Elma.
"...you want to fight?"
"I want to survive. Assuming the worst, assuming the Ganglion finds us first, that can only mean Aeon is close behind. If we can hold them off until Aeon arrives and then jump away...it's a long shot but...we have to try…"
"...are you only telling me this because it's my fault?"
Elma shook her head.
"I'm telling you this because you're brilliant...it may be too late but I grant you permission to look into the Dark Matter. We need whatever advantage we can find for the coming conflict."
Kriss sighed.
"Since that day you confiscated the information, I've been studying it regardless. With Eren. I've found nothing."
At the silence, Kriss looked over to Elma, the woman had a mix of emotions on her face.
"I...suppose I should've guessed that…"
The pair stood there, Kriss couldn't help but smirk.
"So...you know that I created several communications devices like the one I gave you and used them to talk to my LAST comrades across space and now you know that I continued the Dark Matter research despite your orders…"
Elma nodded.
"And you know that there was indeed a Xenoform involved with everything and that I knew them and kept their identity and role away from everyone…"
Kriss chuckled.
"Here I thought these secrets would lead to a fight."
"All things considered...they should...but there are far more important things to worry about. We both know that now."
Kriss took a deep breath.
"Alright...this isn't something I would ever do but...Colonel. Do I have your permission to open the lecture hall and gather whatever intellectuals we have to work on the Dark Matter?"
Elma closed her eyes, thinking this over. Or at least, she would be but the choice was already made for her.
"Yes. Do what you do best Professor."
Kriss nodded and began to walk away only to come to a stop.
"Despite the Coalition's best efforts...I knew what happened to Nantucket was no accident."
Elma waited as Kriss placed her hands in her pockets.
"While the systems that power a megacity are impressive, they don't contain enough power to completely erase half of the city. No. What happened to that city was always a mystery to me...but not one I ever had the time to look into I'm afraid."
"Benton did keep you busy."
"He did...but based off what you said at the party...it was the Dark Matter…that's why you reacted as such when I first brought the data to you. You were concerned I'd do something stupid and blast a hole through the White Whale."
Elma nodded.
"Something like that."
Kriss shrugged.
"I'm sure five years ago I would've considered that result a success...I'll see what I can do Colonel."
"Thank you…"
With that, Kriss left and headed back to her room. Elma turned away and let out a long breath, satisfied. She thought of Aeon's words once more. He promised to keep in touch having stolen all he needed from the communications hub to establish a connection with her again when he had a chance.
She hated that what he told her was exactly what her grandfather had feared. Once the Ganglion determined who dared stand in the way of their desires, they'd destroy them. The people of Qlu, their planet, the only reason it was torn apart was because her and Aeon went to them so many times asking for help.
Closing her eyes, she did her best to ignore the questions and the endless stream of what ifs that began to invade her mind.
Lyla stood in place, watching as Jaynix flipped Kruse over and onto the ground once again, she flinched at the force of the slam, knowing full well just how much strength Jaynix put into every move.
Crossing her arms, Jaynix waited for Kruse to stand back up.
"I thought...we'd train in a way that..didn't involve you just kicking my ass…"
Jaynix smiled.
"Sorry Blue, I'm just trying to see what you can do when forced into an emergency unarmed situation. No harm in that."
Before Kruse could respond Jaynix began moving, his eyes flew to her hands, watching them reach out and no doubt going for another throw.
Backing away as quickly as he could he ducked under one of Jaynix's swings just as she wanted, allowing her to follow up with her other fist, striking the man's face before she swept his legs out from under him.
As he hit the ground, Jaynix crossed her arms once more and nodded.
"I see."
"You see?"
Jaynix laughed.
"It's all a matter of awareness, Blue. You were watching my hands but then you focused on this one, the one that was closer to you. That allowed you to evade it but your attention left my other hand...and you weren't even looking at my feet."
"I'm supposed to look at everything?"
Jaynix nodded.
"Basically. It's not like you can get through any fight without taking a hit here or there but the more you see, the more you keep yourself aware of, the better prepared you are for anything...and this is just hand to hand. Once you throw in weapons it all opens up."
Getting back up, Kruse nodded. His attempts to respond were held off by his heavy breathing as he tried to catch his breath.
"Jaynix, you think this is a good stopping point?"
"It's only been an hour."
Lyla approached her wife.
"How about this...we spar and Kruse watches."
Jaynix raised her eyebrow.
"He's an engineer, he has a fine eye for details and technical work. I'm sure if he watches two well trained fighters go at it, he could learn more to apply in his next attempts. Use the strengths he has to bolster the ones that he doesn't."
Jaynix nodded, she liked the sound of the idea. Approaching Kruse she put a hand on her shoulder.
"What do you think, Blue?"
"Whatever allows me...to catch my breath…"
Jaynix smirked.
"Alright then. Keep your eyes on us, you're about to see something great."
Taking a deep breath, Kruse moved farther away and began rubbing the very sore spots all over his body. Jaynix and Lyla faced one another before moving into their stances.
Kruse watched them both as they simply stood in place, watching one another, waiting for the other to move first. He looked at their eyes and saw nothing but intense focus and then Jaynix's hand twitched and both women charged forward.
Kruse decided to watch Jaynix first as she flawlessly avoided all of Lyla's opening strikes. Punch, punch, punch, kick, Jaynix was out of reach of all of them before taking one step forward and striking Lyla.
Kruse didn't understand how the hit landed, Lyla was just as fast as her wife if not more in some situations. The answer was given when Lyla seized Jaynix's arm and pulled her along, the Corporal lost balance as Lyla leapt into the air and delivered a savage kick to her back, throwing Jaynix to the ground.
Kruse couldn't help but crack a smile, after being thrown onto the floor as much as he was, seeing it happen to someone else was some sort of relief.
However it also told him that some fighters have confidence in their ability to take blows and turn them into advantages. That had to be something to train for, he was certain if Jaynix had landed that first blow on him, he'd be too preoccupied trying to breathe to go for any sort of throw.
Clearing away his thoughts, Kruse continued to watch the women spar. Their speed was on another level and every blow looked more severe than the last. He couldn't help but flinch every time one landed and had no desire to step in and take them...yet he knew he had to. He wanted to fight.
Seperating from one another, Jaynix and Lyla stood straight and bowed to the other before looking at Kruse.
"So Blue! What do you think?"
The man shook his head as he approached them.
"I think...I'm going to need a lot of training."
Eren was a little worried over Kriss' extended absence even knowing there should be no cause for concern. Opening up their work, she continued to make notes and improve their theories until Kriss finally returned to the room.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Eren smiled.
"What kept you?"
"Things are about to get far busier for the two of us."
"Really? What did you and Elma discuss?"
Kriss began to speak but then recalled that while Elma didn't specify, she knew that speaking of Aeon to anyone was off limits.
"We reached an agreement regarding the Dark Matter."
"She knows?"
Kriss nodded.
"She sees value in our research and on her recommendation, I'm putting together a team of the best that are on the White Whale to all tackle this problem together."
Eren was surprised by this.
"I didn't think you to be the kind of person who would need a team. I know LAST was-"
"This is different from that...circumstances...we can't do this alone."
Smiling, Eren nodded.
"Very well. Did you round everyone up?"
"I sent them all the relevant information. They'll be coming to us from all the Quarters and meeting in the lecture hall tomorrow. There. We begin."
Eren closed the screens on her work before looking back at Kriss.
"It's a strange thing to be excited for...but I am excited. What do you think-"
It was then that Kriss approached and pressed her lips against Eren's. The Strategist was surprised by the forward nature of Kriss' affections before she found herself standing and being pushed towards the bed.
Falling onto the bed and separating from each other, Eren could barely think of what to say as Kriss began to undress.
"I don't...I mean-"
"Do you want me to stop, Eren?"
The Strategist could only shake her head as Kriss brought their lips together once more.
In her room, Elma stood in silence watching Nagi, Chausson and Vandham mull over what Aeon had reported to them as well as the knowledge that Kriss had been at least somewhat filled in.
"Elma-"
"I know what you're going to ask Chausson. I know the smart move is to jump, I know it better than anyone...I…"
She shook her head. This shouldn't be that hard, the goal was always to save humanity even if one of them had to be lost for it. They knew this when they set off all those years ago.
"We'll lose people."
Is all Chausson could say.
"He's right...but who among us can deny Elma's feelings? We're all human. These last six years have been as hard on Aeon and his allies as they have been on us...if we have a chance to unite our factions...we should take it."
"What do we know about what happened to Qlu?"
Vandham asked.
"What do we know about the survivors and warriors that Aeon managed to rescue from the planet?"
Elma cleared her throat.
"The Ganglion have been devising various new weapons, no doubt in an effort to find some way to stand against the Vita. They created these giant walking beasts known as Gaurs, they are capable of leveling entire cities and will fight to their dying breath."
"The Qlu have their Neilnail technology, surely mere beasts couldn't hope to topple them."
Chausson stated. Elma recalled Aeon's reports once more.
"The Neilnail Constructs are indeed powerful and in response once more the Ganglion's weapons development has progressed rapidly. We're all familiar with their mechanized technology, the Galdrs, Seidrs and Qmoevas that comprise most of their fleet, not accounting for the more massive ships at their disposal. According to Aeon they now have these new fierce machines known as Almandals. Even with the Neilnail Constructs and Aeon's Ares...the Ganglion's assault on the planet was too much. They had to retreat."
Vandham sighed.
"It's things like this that made losing contact with Aeon even worse...he could keep us up to date on the enemy's growing technology. Missing out on so much, who knows what else they have in reserve?"
"Could we not have Aeon tell us where he is and jump to his location?"
Chausson asked.
"I asked him that but he's still far behind enemy lines. If we were to jump past the forward guard of the Ganglion...they'd all know where we were. Even if we were to jump away after that…"
Nagi stepped forward.
"Nothing about this is easy...I don't want to worry everyone but if an encounter with the Ganglion is coming then we need to prepare. Get everyone back on their regimented schedules...we've come too far to let them put an end to our story."
Elma nodded.
"I agree."
Nagi then looked to Chausson and Vandham, the latter wore a smirk as he nodded while Chausson still seemed conflicted.
"This is risky...but so has everything we've done since establishing the ECP...very well...let us begin."
Another hour went by with Kruse's training now finding Jaynix sitting off to the side, watching as Lyla now took her turn instructing Kruse. The pair was not exchanging blows but rather Lyla was directing him through her stances and telling him about various forms of martial arts.
He seemed much more receptive to this kind of teaching but Jaynix knew that no matter how much you studied and understood something, you'd never truly grasp it until you put it into practice.
As she stood from her place and approached the pair, she noticed someone standing at the entrance to the training room and smiled.
Quickly she grabbed the Phantom and approached.
"Elma!"
The Colonel looked to Jaynix and returned her smile.
"Happy birthday."
"Thanks."
Elma sighed.
"I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend any time with you today, things actually...things are…"
Jaynix held up one of her hands.
"Then let me take your mind off of that for a moment, look at what the Reapers gave me for my birthday."
Jaynix threw the Phantom on over her shoulders, Elma tilted her head, bringing a hand to her chin.
"A cloak?"
Jaynix put her hands on her shoulder.
"Not just any cloak. I believe Frye had a bit of an encounter with this thing back on Earth in 2054."
Realization sparked in Elma's eyes as she remembered the various debriefings after the Battle of the Wall as well as what Frye could tell her from his one on one fight with the Archer.
"You're...fine with having that?"
"Yep. It's a fantastic piece of technology and in the right hands I think it can do a lot of good...unless you don't think my hands are the right ones, Elma?"
The Colonel shook her head, smiling as she stepped closer.
"There are very few people I think are better suited to that cloak than you and it fits you very well."
The women stood in a comfortable silence before Elma looked past Jaynix to see Lyla and Kruse training.
"What's happening here? Is Kruse…"
"Yep. Blue asked me to train him, so we're teaching him how to fight."
Elma nodded.
"I see...if he ends up being half as good a fighter as he is an engineer, we'll have a great ally."
"True enough. Hopefully I don't break him before then."
Jaynix chuckled before telling Elma about their first spar and how oftens he slammed Kruse onto the ground. The Colonel could only shake her head.
"By the way, Elma...if you need to wind down from whatever has you so busy, we've still got some cake. I'm sure Kumon and the rest of the Reapers wouldn't mind you stopping by."
"Thank you, Jaynix...that means a lot."
The women smiled at one another, Elma felt far more at ease in this one moment than she had all day. Re Establishing contact with Aeon and learning about what was coming was enough to stress her out all over again. Having people close to her like Nagi, Kumon, Jaynix, the Skelletons and even Kriss. It served to remind her that she didn't have to do this all alone.
For the first time since she lost contact with Aeon, she felt optimistic, there were still scattered worries but the strengths of her allies were enough to have her looking ahead with confidence.
It was then that a long tone filled the room, everyone looked up as Nagi's voice came on over the shipwide intercom system. Elma nodded and closed her eyes as he began to speak.
"Attention all staff...I have a report of the utmost importance to deliver to you all…"
In the Reapers room, Kumon stood up immediately, Tai, Sagis and Alto joining him.
"...we have reestablished communications with a critical ally of ours and he has told us that without a doubt that the Ganglion are coming…"
In bed, Kriss kept her eyes closed, she already knew what Nagi would say but remained silent as Eren listened very intently.
"...we will have reports soon on the size of their forces but until then we must resume our training in earnest. We must send our scouts and our guards to our established perimeters, we must sharpen our edges and prepare to fight."
In his lab, drink in his hand, Constantine took a deep breath. Turning to his side he looked out the viewing window to the completed Habitat Unit.
"We have a plan to escape the fighting but before then we must reestablish contact with our ally. He is bringing his own forces and innocents who require protection that only we can grant them. We fight. We survive. We reunite. We disappear…"
In the Skelleton's Quarters. Irina, Gwin, Boris and Danny stood at attention, hanging on every one of Nagi's words.
"...there are countless unknowns, I'm well aware and I'm sure everyone has countless questions about all of this. Why now? What happened? Did we make a mistake? The answers won't change anything...what matters now is what we do. What matters now is what has always mattered...our mission."
Back in the training room, an old fire burned in Jaynix's eyes, Lyla and Kruse had joined her and Elma as Nagi's speech continued. Lyla saw that determination in Jaynix's face as she's seen it countless times before every encounter.
"It is going to take all of us and everything we have in order to win but we will win. Unit leaders and commanders will all be given the full briefing as well as training stratagems. Then, tomorrow...the work begins. Thank you all for your continued service and dedication. May we find our way out of this darkness and back to the light."
With that, the intercom shut off and an intense silence filled White Whale.