Xenoblade Chronicles Mira

by Eienias20

The year 2054 saw mankind leave their native home to journey into the vastness of space. All for survival. Follow the souls of several people living during this time: aboard the White Whale, on Earth before The Exodus and on the alien planet of Mira.

19. Before

03/29/20

May 29th is now the most important date of the year. Bring it on. I am so ready.

Until then, I'd like everyone to bid farewell as we close this loop.

(Preposition / Conjunction / Adverb) During the period of time preceding (a particular event, date, or time).

---

Chapter Nineteen

Before

March 3rd, 2054

10:30PM

Thanks to the arrival of Solomon's forces from the Cross, the breach of Noah's Cradle had finally been contained and all of the enemies were routed.

Elma's timely release of the Dark Mirror cure helped to cut back on the losses but the battlefield was still a gruesome sight. Not just for the soldiers and terrorists who died in combat but for the ones who succumbed to Dark Mirror as it spread.

Elma sent the information on developing more of the cure to Doctor Falkan and her staff at the ECP Medical Wing, everyone was to be treated with a shot that would make them immune on the chance that the dispersed cure was not as effective as an injection. Something that Kriss made sure Elma was aware of before the Colonel left on her own.

"Elma."

Looking up from the screen which showed the infected area had almost completely faded, she now faced Nagi. The man's eyes moved to the corpse on the floor.

"Was he?"

"Yes. The LAST engineer who organized this assault…"

"Just him?"

"No...there was someone else…"

Eyes widening, Elma stood up.

"Where is Jaynix?"

"That's what I came to tell you...she was found by General Kumon and Lyla. She suffered many injuries at the hands of who I assume was the other conspirator. Steven Harper."

Elma approached Nagi.

"Is it serious? How is she?"

"Let's go see her."

Elma took a deep breath before realizing something.

"Steven? Is he dead?"

Nagi shook his head.

"He was thoroughly beaten and in immense pain...but he's alive and we have him in custody."

Some part of Elma was surprised by this, but it gave her a chance. A chance to save Jaynix from being imprisoned alongside the traitor.

Nagi held his hand out, Elma taking it and allowing him to lead her out of the room.

---

11:00PM

Jaynix couldn't help but want to scream, once again she found herself being treated in the ECP's medical facilities. Luckily the injuries she suffered weren't on par with a sniper shot to the back or everything else that Lao had hit her with last year. She didn't lose consciousness so that was a plus but it just added to her not wanting to be here.

Slowly, she looked to Lyla who was sitting at the side of the bed.

"You're still beautiful, Jaynix."

"With my face all bruised and bashed in the way it is? Doubt it."

"Would I ever lie to you?"

Jaynix couldn't help but crack a smile as the door opened.

"Doctor Alanzi…"

Hope walked in and looked at Jaynix's legs, heavy bandages wrapped around her leg injury where Steven had stabbed her with an arrow.

"I didn't...I had to leave my Skell I-"

"You're alive. That's all that matters...I just...had to see for myself."

Jaynix sighed.

"Sorry about worrying you...that's...it's a regular thing with me. Unfortunately."

Hope shook her head.

"It's fine. Doctor Bradbury already took a look at you, we've administered the necessary medications, all you need now is rest."

"What about-"

"Everything else can wait. Rest. Doctor's orders."

Jaynix nodded, Hope smiled in response before leaving the room.

"The General?"

"He's with Steven."

"Of course…"

Lyla reached over and took one of Jaynix's hands into her own. The pair sat in silence until the door opened once more.

"Jaynix."

Elma entered the room with Nagi not far behind. Approaching the bed, Elma looked at the state Jaynix was in, the bandages along all of her external injuries which prevented more bleeding and the heavy bruising along her face.

"He got to you…"

Jaynix nodded as Elma sat on the other side of the bed, Jaynix now in between her and Lyla. Nagi stood at the far end, bowing his head to Jaynix bringing a faint smile to her face. Elma prepared to say something when she was cut off.

"I understood his pain…"

Jaynix thought back to what he had yelled at her in fury during the final stages of their battle.

"I understood why he wanted me dead...the same rage that took hold of me when Lao returned, it took hold of him and he just…"

"Don't make excuses for him, Jaynix."

Elma said.

"I'm not...I could never control that rage...I could never find my way out of it until I killed Lao. Steven...He had to kill me to find some semblance of peace and I…"

Falling silent, Jaynix closed her eye and lost herself in thought. Was there no way to get through to Steven? Jaynix thought herself a lost cause more than once yet everyone stood by her and helped her through it. Without the support of Lyla and the General after the Massacre, she very well could've fallen as far as Steven.

Lyla and Elma remained silent, slowly Elma took hold of Jaynix's other hand and sat there across from Lyla until Jaynix fell asleep.

---

March 4th, 2054

12:00AM

Treated for his injuries, Steven now sat in his cell, silent and contemplative. Outside of the cell sat Kumon, watching the man before him. The man he once trusted above all others as his right hand before forming the Reapers.

The men had been silent since Steven was brought here, Kumon unable to open his mouth without wanting to roar and rage.

Several guards had asked the General to leave only to be told that it was okay by the warden. It didn't take much longer than that for Christoph to show up.

Kumon looked at the other man, a conversation without words, only eyes, only expressions. Christoph eventually turned and left as Kumon got to his feet.

He kept his eyes on Steven for a few more moments before leaving the prison.

---

Outside, Kumon and Christoph came to a stop in front of Birtwhistle.

"General...Michael…"

"Ivan…"

Birtwhistle cleared his throat.

"General. I'm not here to move in any direction on the investigation. Now is not the time...I simply…"

Ivan fell silent as Kumon finally opened his mouth to speak.

"Steven didn't lie to you. He may be a traitor but the events he told you about are true. Nothing changes just because he betrayed us."

"That's what I thought…"

Birtwhistle crossed his arms, trying to think of something else to say.

"Ivan. Just go home. We've all been up far too long."

Looking at Christoph, Birtwhistle could only nod before leaving the room.

"General. Are you alright?"

"...I'm not sure…"

Putting a hand on the General's shoulder, Christoph led him out of the room.

---

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity as the ECP staff worked without end to fabricate enough of the cure to treat everyone involved in the battle who were thankfully, still breathing.

There were a handful of loose ends that needed to be tied up or cut off, but the madness of yet another post battle scenario kept those elements out of most people's minds.

Not Elma.

A week had passed when she finally organized a meeting at the Coalition Headquarters to address something that had happened mere hours before the battle raged and nothing else was worth the time.

"President Reeve has passed...that was the report we were given by his personal secretary, Eleonora. We received it in the midst of combat so we had no way of acting on it and there was...well…"

Nagi shook his head, no point in finishing that statement as the rest of the gathered staff thought of what to do.

Elma remained silent as she thought over what she had just been told. Eleonora reported President Reeve's death as natural causes, he simply passed after having one last meeting with the Colonel. Eleonora stated that it was somehow fitting.

She would have to find time to speak to Eleonora in private and figure out what it is she was hoping to accomplish, but something told her the answer was obvious.

"That's not all."

The gathered staff turned as Frye rose from his seat, Chausson pointing at the man.

"What is he doing here? This is supposed to be a confidential meeting."

"He was with me."

Elma said as she moved to stand next to Frye. Nagi nodded to the pair.

"We believe you two have a report on the events that transpired one week ago."

Elma cleared her throat.

"I launched an investigation, looking into any corruption within the Coalition. There were plenty of unanswered questions left after the Lawless Operation to say nothing of the Nantucket Disaster or even the battle one week ago. Things didn't add up...I approached President Reeve about this and asked him to tell me all that he knew...so he did."

"What did he tell you?"

Chausson asked.

"The Nantucket Disaster was a result of Councilman Ethos and eight other high ranking Coalition committee members and ECP board directors. They mishandled a first class asset that was not to be touched and in their hubris, wiped out half a city and countless lives…"

Nagi crossed his arms, thinking as Elma continued.

"In any other situation it'd be nothing more than a tragedy, a result of those not knowing what it is they were doing despite being explicitly told not to...however...they wanted to try again. Ethos and his ilk manipulated a grieving Lao Huang and brought in ECP Doctor Edwin Benton to breach many of our laws in pursuit of knowledge. They wanted the first class asset."

Nagi shook his head.

"Do we have proof? Where is Ethos? Benton?"

"Frye and I arrested Ethos and his allies...Steven Harper attacked the safehouse and after a brief fight with Frye, he escaped and murdered all of our captives…"

There was a long silence before Frye stepped forward and put a hand on Elma's shoulder. She turned to see him smiling, not sure why he'd be happy when he whispered.

"...all except one."

"...someone survived?"

Frye moved up to the table now, hands on his hips he began to speak.

"We all know Steven is good at his job but we also know he wasn't playing with a full deck last week. He made a mistake...I reported the bodies he left behind to the ECP and a medical team came to collect them...they found our dear Councilman Ethos on the brink of death...and they saved his life. Not only that but we have Steven Harper himself in custody...the crimes committed by this corruption from as far back as Nantucket can finally be answered for."

Nagi couldn't help but smile.

"Finally...I won't say all the death was worth it but at least we have some real answers…"

Chausson took that time to speak.

"However, there is one other thing. We know of Ethos and what he did. We know the things Steven Harper was responsible for. But what of this lone engineer that Elma killed out in the Lawless Sectors? Who was he? What did he want?"

"Only the Professor, Kriss Fowler would know that...she's outside if it's fine to bring her in."

Chausson was uncertain only for Nagi to cut in and allow it. Entering the room, Kriss took in all the sights, sufficiently amused having never been here before.

"Professor?"

"Hm? Oh yes, the traitor. Revenge. That's all he wanted."

Nagi nodded.

"That's all? Against who?"

"Against me for leaving him for dead. Against the ECP and the Coalition for using him. Against the Lawless for using him. He was mad at the world...that's why he unleashed the Dark Mirror, he simply wanted nothing more than for the world to burn."

Nagi crossed his arms.

"That's all?"

Kriss adjusted her glasses and smiled.

"What could be a more powerful motivator than hate and spite? There are many out there who launch crusades for what they believe to be valid or even just reasons...but there are even more out there who want nothing more than to inflict the pain that they hold within...onto others. That's what he wanted. That's on some level, what they all wanted."

The others nodded as Frye cleared his throat.

"That may be settled but...what do we do now? We have to tell the people about all of this? Right?"

Nagi sighed.

"Tell them what? That nine of their leaders who've been serving them for the last three decades betrayed us and were largely responsible for every catastrophe since the Nantucket Disaster? What would that do to their faith in what remains? If the Coalition can't be trusted and the ECP can't be trusted...then why would they trust in Project Exodus?"

Kriss couldn't help but laugh, everyone in the room turning to her as she excused herself.

"Elma told me the same thing a few years ago when I first told her Benton had betrayed us."

Frye nodded.

"That reminds me, we still gotta track that bastard down too."

"I already took care of it."

Elma stated before giving Nagi a look, the man nodded in response.

"The matter we have to attend to is the people's trust. We have to give them answers. We have to ensure that they go through with everything. The Mimeosome Procedure is already underway. We can't have it be disturbed and we can't push it back...once one person begins to openly doubt us, more will catch on and we'll have another disaster to deal with. We're running out of time."

The room fell silent, though Elma could see Chausson was in deep thought and clearly wanted to say something.

"What's your idea, Chausson?"

The man looked up at her, waiting a few moments before speaking.

"At this time I'd like to ask those of clearance level 6 and under to leave the room...please…"

There was a lot of noise as many individuals stood and left the room, Frye and Kriss included. All that remained was Nagi, Chausson, Elma, one Coalition council member and one ECP board director. Elma also noted Eleonora in the back of the room, having entered through another door. With only those holding the highest clearance left, Nagi gestured to Chausson.

"Your idea?"

"A third party."

Chausson folded his arms behind his back before he continued.

"We can craft a third party to this story that was behind everything. Used Ethos and his people, used Benton, Lao, Steven, everyone. We tell the people that they were dealt with after the battle last week...which isn't entirely untrue. All of our enemies as of now are dead or in custody. That way people have their answers which are not too far from our own truth and the faith is maintained. To make it work the third party needs to be convincing and we need to reorganize the Coalition command around a new figure."

At Chausson's silence, Elma could see his eyes focused squarely on her.

"No."

"Elma, there is no one else we can all rally around...surely you-"

"It can't be me."

"Why not? Everyone holds some faith and trust in you, Elma. You know this to be true."

The Colonel continued to shake her head.

"There has to be someone else. We still have several high ranking Coalition council members and ECP directors who didn't betray us. What about Jimenez?"

Hearing his name the man looked to her.

"He was and still is a very popular old world leader. People respect him, he has their confidence. If not him then what of Torres?"

The woman next to Jimenez looked to Elma.

"She's been in this game her entire life. Nowhere on this planet is there a more experienced and faithful leader. Either of them could rally the people for this final push, far more than I ever could. Because unlike me...they're human."

Nagi approached Chausson and put a hand on his shoulder.

"She's right you know."

The man sighed as Nagi continued.

"...I don't like the idea of lying to the people about this third party. Yet I can't deny that we've done much worse since this all started…"

Chausson turned to the two who remained silent.

"Jimenez. Torres. Thoughts?"

ECP committee chair, Ralph Jimenez shook his head.

"I'm afraid I have nothing of value to add to the conversation...I still can't quite wrap my head around everything that's happened. The President is dead and most of my senior officials are as well...it's a whole new landscape...all I can think to say is that, regardless of who leads the Coalition for whatever time it is we have left, they will need to be ready to carry the burden of all of our lies. I may have been popular in my time but commanding the trust of the world? I don't think I could do that."

Chausson nodded as Coalition Council member, Mira Torres closed her eyes.

"Do we believe we are the good guys? The heroes? I notice we never use those words. No. We are protectors."

Opening her eyes, the woman stood up.

"We protect life. No matter the cost. We've done and signed off on things that would've had people in our position labeled as mad not fifty years ago...that was then. This is now. What we have to ask ourselves isn't if what we're doing is the right thing. The just thing. The good thing. Because that no longer matters. It hasn't since Elma and Aeon came to us. That's the truth of it."

The room remained silent as Mira looked from one person to the other before landing on Elma.

"It's not to say we don't carry what we do with us. We do. And we always will. Our choice has to be about protection and the preservation of life. We made the call. We made the decision to go with Project Exodus in its current form. What we do now is ensure that we continue down that path and protect life...even if it means telling another lie and laying the blame at an entity that doesn't exist."

"It's easier said than done."

Nagi whispered, Mira turned to face him.

"But it has to be done."

---

"Your birthday is in 10 days, JayJay. Anything specific you want me to get for you?"

Jaynix smiled.

"As long as I get to hug my baby sis, I'll consider it a good day."

Flame laughed at that while Jaynix flipped through several holographic screens displaying all sorts of Skell equipment. Her brows furrowed as she read the specifics, nodding along and sometimes sticking her tongue out before moving to the next.

"Working on Firebird?"

"What gave it away?"

"Everything about your face."

Jaynix chuckled as screens continued to scroll by, different armor pieces, different shapes, compositions, all sorts of weapons and gear. Firebird suffered more damage than she did in her battle with Steven, she didn't like the idea of her Skell being totaled for long so she got to work on it as soon as possible.

"JayJay."

"Yeah?"

"...if the Detective ends up dismissing you...all the work you're putting into Firebird will be shelved indefinitely."

"It won't. If I get dismissed, I'm giving Firebird to you."

"Me? Not Lyla?"

Jaynix nodded as she found a few pieces that seemed to mesh well with the others she'd decided on.

"Lyla already has Headshot and she's more than satisfied with it...besides, for all the time you spend working on Skell technology you have yet to develop one specifically for you. I always found that odd."

"I've never really had a need for one...you know I'm not the combat type."

"True but...Flame…"

Jaynix stepped away from the various screens and opened one more which displayed a video screen of her sister.

"...after the Exodus, you might have to be."

Flame didn't respond, Jaynix wanted nothing more than to place a hand on top of her sister's head.

"I know you don't like the idea of it sis...but you are strong, you passed all the physical tests and requirements from the Academy. You didn't set any of those records on fire cause you didn't need to but you're capable and there's no telling what's coming...I just want you to be ready. That's all."

"I know JayJay. I will be."

Jaynix smiled.

"Even without me at your side, Alexa and H.B. are there, I know without a doubt they'll be all you need…"

Flame nodded, a small smile forming on her face before she gestured behind Jaynix.

"Mind if I take a look at what you've chosen for your Skell?"

"I can't think of anyone I'd rather look it over than you."

---

"You've not said a word the whole week we've held you here."

Steven maintained his silence while Birtwhistle sighed in frustration.

"I gave you that interview you wanted...and all you wanted it for was to bring pain, destruction and misery. The General told me that your goal was to kill Jaynix. Bullshit."

Steven moved slightly as Ivan continued.

"If that was true you would've kept this whole mess contained. Instead you let it spiral out of control. Your little vendetta cost so many lives...what do you have to say for yourself?"

There was a long silence, Ivan shaking his head and standing. As he approached the door, Steven whispered.

"Again."

Turning to face the imprisoned man, Ivan asked.

"What?"

"I'd do it again...because I'm right…"

Ivan tapped his fingers along the door.

"If you were right. You'd be dead. We both know that. It's high time you accepted that."

Exiting the room, Ivan left Steven to return to silence.

---

Retrieving his folders and datapad, Ivan prepared to make his trip home when Nagi entered his office.

"Birtwhistle."

"I'm not in the mood, Nagi. Talk to me after I've had a few drinks."

"It's about...everything…"

With a heavy sigh, Ivan put his things down and looked to Nagi.

"I've listened to the Ethos recording many times and I've looked into whatever security footage I could find during the Battle of the Wall but Steven is impossible to pinpoint. That damned cloak of his made him unrecognizable to all of our security systems. I can't commit either of these two points for or against Jaynix's case."

"So you say...what if I was to tell you that Ethos was alive?"

Ivan opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Would I ever lie to you, Detective?"

Crossing his arms, Ivan thought this over.

"If we could get through to Steven this would be a lot easier but he refuses to talk to anyone."

Nagi nodded.

"True. He wouldn't even talk to the General but maybe he'll talk to Jaynix."

Ivan shook his head.

"No way. The last time those two saw each other, they beat one another to a bloody pulp. Putting them in the same room together? Again? No."

"It has to be done...unless you have a better idea, Ivan."

With a heavy sigh, the Detective had to admit that he didn't.

"Nagi...have the remaining figures come to an agreement on when President Reeve's funeral will be?"

"Next month. We have a lot to get done before then."

"Of course...his wife and son...all that remains of the last Presidential family."

Nagi could only nod.

"...I supposed I shouldn't mention that the only one of them with clearance to board the White Whale is his last son. What a mess…"

The men stood in place for a few minutes before Ivan walked off and stepped through a door into the bathroom. Water began running as he splashed some on his face to try and force himself out of his mood.

"Ivan."

"Get Jaynix here. Record whatever she and Steven say. I take it Ethos is at the ECP?"

"Yes. A secure room. No one else is there, I'll give word to Christoph to let you through."

"Michael. Of course."

Shaking his head, Ivan left the bathroom while Nagi opened the front door. Both men left the room and headed off in two different directions.

---

Leaving the Skell maintenance facility Jaynix looked down at her notes as well as all the additions Flame had suggested. She left a copy with the team stationed at the facility.

"Warrior!"

Looking over to Boze, Jaynix smiled and waved.

"Monk!"

"We'll have Firebird in perfect shape when you return!"

"I know! Thank you!"

Bringing her hands together, Jaynix bowed deeply to the other man who returned to the gesture. Mood lifted, she continued on her way to her car.

Once inside she started it up and took off, thinking to herself of everything that happened. Before the battle, before Steven she asked Elma to set up an appointment...for the Mimeosome procedure. It was so close she couldn't quite believe it.

As she continued to drive back to her and Lyla's place she thought about other events coming up. President Reeve's funeral was a few weeks after her birthday and a month after that was Flame's birthday. What would she do for her sister?

Her thoughts were interrupted by her datapad beeping, with a tap to one of the buttons on her dashboard, she spoke.

"What's up?"

"Corporal."

"General, what do you need?"

He could only sigh.

"Nagi reached out to me...he wants you to go to the Coalition's secure holding facility and meet with Steven."

Jaynix fell silent, thinking this over.

"If you don't want to-"

"I'll do it. I have to."

"Are you sure?"

Jaynix couldn't help but laugh and shake her head. She thought once more of her fight with Steven and how it devolved to the point where she and him simply began bashing each other's faces in. The emotions in that fight were everywhere and she felt them in every blow that the man landed as she was sure he felt hers.

"Yeah. I'm sure."

"Alright...best of luck, Corporal."

"Don't worry about me, General."

He chuckled.

"Never…"

After he hung up, Jaynix sighed.

"...you always do…"

---

Outside of the Coalition meeting room, Elma waited until Eleonora finally showed herself. Before Elma could speak the other woman brought a finger to her lips and began walking down the hall, Elma following her.

The pair found their way to a balcony when Eleonora spoke.

"I suppose you're wondering why I left out you being there when the President passed."

"You mean when he killed himself."

Eleonora nodded.

"Yes. That is what I mean...what I said wasn't a complete lie, all I told them was he passed after having one last meeting with you. Is that not true?"

"Why lie?"

Eleonora sighed.

"It's what the President wanted. So that's what I did."

Elma looked out over the city of Noah's Cradle, thinking.

"He really felt that guilty? About his mistake?"

"More than you know. Colonel."

Elma tapped her fingers along the railing, continuing to think of what to say but nothing came to her.

"Eleonora. Can I trust you?"

"...I would advise that you don't."

Elma looked at her.

"I have something I must accomplish. Something the President entrusted to me. That comes before all else so I can't with confidence say that you should trust me...but I trust you. You say you have no desire to lead us because you aren't human...but after all the people we've seen these last few years, I'd say you are more human than most."

Eleonora smiled, Elma looking away from her once more.

"Thank you...hopefully there comes a time when you allow me to trust you."

"Hopefully."

---

Leaving the Coalition headquarters, Elma felt...torn. She was at least satisfied with her and Eleonora's chat but aside from that, there was still so much that troubled her. Over the years she let herself believe that everything would just go the way it should. She expected some hurdles here and there but 2053 and 2054 have been the source of nothing but constant disasters. Two years threatened to undo everything she and Aeon tried to build in thirty.

As she wandered away from the building she found her way over to a park, it was nearly empty save for two people sitting at the edge of the pond, fishing rods in hand.

Crossing her arms, Elma stood in place, watching as Kruse and Constantine continued to fish. Constantine seemed to be looking at Kruse more often than he usually did, no doubt saying something to him as well as reaching over and patting his shoulder.

Perhaps they were both affected by the battle a week ago in some way. It must've been a terrifying experience for the civilians and non-combatants to hear and see the walls of their home breached in such a manner.

Hearing a step, Elma quickly turned only to sigh in relief.

"Kriss."

"Colonel."

Elma looked away once more.

"If you're going to ask what decision we came to I'm afraid it's above your clearance."

"I already know."

Elma shook her head.

"You're smart Kriss. But you weren't there."

"No...but I didn't have to be. I know how you political types think. Not you specifically, Colonel. No offense intended."

Looking back at the other woman, Elma asked.

"What did we decide?"

"You have to put all the blame somewhere, yes? Put it on me."

Elma opened her mouth to respond, but wasn't sure what to say.

"Put it on LAST."

"Kriss...if we do that-"

"It makes the most sense...the paper trail so to speak is already there. I myself detonated Dark Mirror in the Lawless Sectors two years ago. Someone directly employed with LAST was responsible for the breach and the biological attack during the battle. Do I even need to mention Benton? We're that last puzzle piece you need."

Elma shook her head.

"I can't do that to you, Kriss. You-"

"Please don't look at this like I'm taking a bullet for your vision or joining the cause. I'm no fool."

Elma fell silent once more as Kriss smirked.

"If I do this...the Coalition and the ECP will owe me...not that they don't already after all the pain my comrades and I suffered at their negligence."

"...you want passage onto the Ark?"

Kriss shrugged.

"I've already got that, part of the deal for forming LAST in the first place though if you could make sure that deal still stands with me and my remaining comrades, that'd be great."

"...what else do you want?"

Kriss smiled.

"A little something to stimulate my brain."

Elma watched the other woman, thinking this over.

"...classified intelligence."

Kriss snapped her fingers.

"Exactly that. I feel it's a fair trade for besmirching my honor, yes?"

Elma couldn't hide her rather impressed expression. Shaking her head now in disbelief.

"You've taken everything that has happened and somehow turned it into an opportunity. I...you're a unique sort, Fowler."

"Anything for my research. Do we have a deal?"

Kriss held her hand out while Elma looked down at the ground for a moment.

"I'll have to run this by them all. Nagi, Chausson, Jimenez, Torres...Eleonora...if they all agree to it-"

"They will. They'd be fools not to."

"Always confident aren't you, Kriss?"

The Professor winked at Elma.

"Always."

With a nod Elma reached out and shook her hand.

"I'll get them all in a room together again and talk it over…"

Tapping her foot, Elma thought about something else.

"How many of you are left? LAST?"

"Not quite two dozen. But close. The Lawless killed quite a few of us and the ones that were taken from the safehouses by the traitor were all blown up when he destroyed his facility to try and bury me…"

"I see...I'll ensure their passage as well...Kriss. I'm sorry that all of this happened to you on my watch."

The Professor laughed.

"Nothing to apologize for, Colonel. It's been quite entertaining."

Elma watched as Kriss turned away and walked off, one of her hands reaching out to wave. As much as she's engaged with her, Elma still couldn't quite get a read on her. At least they were friends. That much she was sure of. Maybe.

Hearing something else, Elma looked up to see Constantine had spotted her and gestured for her to come over. Kruse noticed her shortly after and smiled before waving at her, saying hello.

With a smile, Elma approached them, unable to contain her laughter as Constantine pulled out a third fishing rod.

---

In the ECP medical wing, Detective Birtwhistle stepped into a secure room, Christoph right behind him.

"There he is."

Birtwhistle crossed his arms as he looked at Councilman Ethos, laid up in bed, still. The man seemed incredibly worn out and were it not for everyone telling him that he was still alive, he wouldn't believe it.

"What happened to him?"

"Steven may not have killed him but he very nearly did. Most of the time he's barely lucid enough to talk but he's aware of what's being said. He knows where he is, what happened and most importantly, what he's done."

Birtwhistle shook his head.

"How can I believe anything he says?"

Christoph struggled with his words, Birtwhistle surprised by the man's inability to speak in this moment.

"...I've been told that...his family is being held over him."

Birtwhistle remained silent, Christoph clearing his throat.

"Ethos' son and daughter have been granted passage aboard the White Whale and Pequod. If he isn't honest, we can and will rescind those permissions…"

Birtwhistle nodded.

"Heavy handed. Questionable. Necessary. I understand."

With that, Christoph left the room, Birtwhistle seating himself next to Ethos.

"I've been told you can hear whoever is speaking to you and that you can understand them. You may not be able to speak for long and often but all I need is an answer to one question."

Birtwhistle pulled out one of his files which contained a slew of questions he wanted to ask any of the potential sources Elma had promised to bring in. While this is a far cry from any of that, it would have to do.

"From the recording of you and Colonel Elma as well as what I've been told by others in the know...you took possession of a highly classified asset which resulted in the Nantucket Disaster, claiming many lives including Lao's family. Were you in fact responsible for that? Did you then manipulate Lao to suit your desires? Were you, in essence, responsible for the formation of the Lawless? For the Massacre that took place in 2041 as a result of Lao's betrayal? If so...then everything that has happened this year and last year...all of it...is your fault. Is that true?"

Birtwhistle sat in place, waiting. The minutes ticked by yet he never lost patience. This was his chance to close the book on the biggest story of corruption he's ever been witness to.

After nearly ninety minutes of silence, an old hoarse voice finally spoke.

"Yes. It's true. All of it."

---

Outside of the holding cells, Jaynix stood as the security gave her a once over and attained the necessary permissions.

With all that squared away, she stepped inside. Her eye immediately went to Steven who sat on the bench in his cell, his eyes were on the ground, not looking up once even as she stood in front of the bars that divided them.

"Steven."

"Jaynix."

Slowly, he looked up at her. She took in his expression, his mood, everything from his eyes. He seemed strangely content at first...almost happy?

"Prying those bars open should be easy for you."

"I won't deny it."

"Then what are you waiting for?"

The pair watched each other, this time Steven put all his focus onto Jaynix's eye. Searching for those emotions he wanted to see...but not finding them.

"What are you waiting for!?"

Jaynix continued to watch him before shaking her head.

"I'm not here to kill you."

"Yes you are."

"No. I'm not.

Steven slammed his fists onto the cell bars.

"You're a monster, Copeland! I've seen it! They've all seen it! You think sparing my life will convince me otherwise? You want to kill me! I know you do! Do it!"

Jaynix shook her head.

"What benefit will that have for me? You're never leaving this cell Steven. You're done."

"I'll find my way out of here Copeland. When I do, I'll find that wife of yours and slit her throat!"

There it was, that anger sparked in Jaynix's eye.

"I'll kill all of them. Then you'll realize you made a mistake, only by then it'll be too late...kill me. Now."

There was a long silence before Jaynix stepped farther away from the bars.

"What are you doing?"

"What am I doing? The whole reason you wanted me dead was to protect the Reapers. You aren't going to kill them. Even if by some miracle you do get out of this cell, you'd never be able to do that...because if you did, you'd be no better than me...no...you'd be worse."

Steven narrowed his eyes as she continued.

"You're just trying to rile me up because you want me to lose my cool and kill you…"

The man slammed his fists onto the bars again.

"I won't lie, Steven. Part of me wishes I did kill you...but then what would become of me? I understand the hate you hold for me, Steven. You have to know that I do…"

"You were allowed to kill Lao. Everyone is bending till they break, all to maintain your career despite your direct violation of orders from the President. If anyone else was to do that, they'd be investigated and dismissed with no questions asked. What makes you so special?"

Jaynix shrugged.

"Nothing...not as far as I can see...you and I both violated the laws that govern what remains of our world. I killed a man many people hated. You attempted not only to kill me but you conspired with someone who destroyed our walls and killed our people. Do you really think those offenses are comparable? Are you even listening to yourself Steven? I killed one man. Two hundred and fifty four men and women have to be buried as a result of the destruction of our walls and the biological attack that followed. Things that you helped orchestrate. You tell me Steven. One traitor. Two hundred and fifty four protectors. What's the difference there?"

Jaynix watched as Steven struggled with himself, minutes passed before he stepped away from the bars and sat on the bench once more.

"It's all over. Steven."

He laughed, an empty, sad, broken laugh.

"Everything I did to protect the General. To protect his Reapers. Destroying the wall. Working with that deluded man. Stealing the Phantom. All of it was to protect good and honorable men and women...from you...I had good intentions. Noble intentions."

"Keep telling yourself that, Steven."

"Just...kill me. Jaynix. Please."

She shook her head.

"After everything you've done? No. I'd rather you suffer in this hell of your own making for however long you have left."

With that Jaynix walked away, the door buzzing before letting her out.

Left alone and in silence, Steven held his head in his hands and thought of what he truly thought was the right thing. Never admitting that he was wrong.

Out in the hall, Jaynix came face to face with Birtwhistle. The pair stared at one another in silence before he gestured towards his room. Taking a deep breath, Jaynix nodded and fell in line behind the man. Reaching the door, Birtwhistle held it open and after she stepped inside he followed and softly closed the door behind them.

---

Days passed. Weeks passed. A dedicated construction team led by the very same men who repaired Elma's apartment worked day in and day out to repair the breached walls of Noah's Cradle. Every foot higher that the repairs covered, lifted the spirits of all those who could see it.

Jaynix's birthday came and it saw not only the Reapers but also Elma in attendance as well as Flame, Alexa and H.B. making the trip from The Cross. Everyone celebrated Jaynix now becoming 34 years old. Many gifts were offered, tools for sharpening her blades and a new kit to care for her firearms. H.B. brought her some very comfortable socks and Alexa made a scale model of Firebird.

The day was bright and merry for all in attendance, the cake was overly grand and Sagis and Alto devoured a large portion of it, both immensely satisfied.

As laughter filled the room, Flame approached her sister and asked that they speak outside in private. With no hesitation, Jaynix stepped out but not before thanking everyone in attendance as well as kissing her wife.

Outside, Jaynix took a deep breath.

"What is it, Flame?"

Approaching her sister, Flame held out a large, fortified Coalition weapon case. Jaynix couldn't help but recall a similar looking case in Flame's hands when the pair were at their old home some time back.

"Happy birthday, JayJay."

Flame held the case in her arms so Jaynix could undo the latches. She noted how long the case was. She wasn't sure what was in it but she couldn't hide her excitement as she nervously took hold of the latches.

Undoing them, the case popped open, her breath caught in her throat as she looked down on a long, ornate and brilliant red blade as well its sheath.

It took far longer than Jaynix cared to admit before she finally reached into the case and took hold of the blade and sheath, pulling them free from their confinements. Flame shut the case and put it aside while Jaynix's eye traveled up and down the length of the beautiful red blade.

Swallowing deeply and focusing with all her might, she spoke.

"This is...mom's…"

Flame nodded.

"Feuervogel."

Jaynix looked on the blade with reverence and disbelief before finally looking at Flame.

"When we went home I took it from our parents' room. It's been there since...well since 2041. I...it didn't feel right to leave it here. I took it with me when we visited their graves to ask them...I wanted their blessings to give it to you."

Jaynix shook her head.

"I can't."

"You can. You are the only person who can wield it."

"I…"

Jaynix looked back down at the blade, Flame stepped forward, taking the sheath from Jaynix's hand and attaching it to her belt.

Flame then stepped away and gestured for Jaynix to strike. Turning the blade over in her grip, she tightened her hold on the hilt. A storm of emotions whirled inside as she swung the blade and yelled, the red cut through the air with ease, whistling all the while.

She felt something. And so she swung again, yelling once more. And again. Tears began to fall from her eye as she swung the blade. Flame unable to stop her own tears.

Taking a deep breath to try and calm herself, Jaynix looked to Flame and thanked her.

With a nod, Flame stepped closer and put one of her hands on Jaynix's, both of them now holding onto the hilt of the blade.

Flame whispered something to Jaynix before moving away once more. Looking to the hilt, Jaynix noted some sort of mechanism and so ran her finger along it before holding the blade high.

With another yell she swung, the blade ignited, catching fire as it sliced through the air.

Jaynix's eye widened in amazement as she looked over her blade once more, flames running up and down the length of it. Holding tightly she continued to move and swing, entering that familiar dance she always did when training with her blade, the flames danced as well, sparks and embers falling to the ground around her.

Flame watched on, proud.

After a quick practice session, Jaynix finally came to a stop, sweating from the exertion as well as the brilliant flames that continued to burn along her blade. Turning to Flame she watched her sister approach and gesture once more to the hilt.

After sliding her hand along the mechanism again, Jaynix swung her blade and the flames dissipated. Spinning the blade around, Jaynix returned it to its sheath. She'd never worn a weapon so heavy.

"Flame. I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything JayJay. Happy birthday."

The sisters shared a smile and embraced. It was a tight hug, filled with more emotions than either of them expected.

Satisfied, they pulled away from one another before Flame led Jaynix back to her party.

Feuervogel was now in its rightful place.

---

March 29th, 2054

The room was silent, rows of Mimeosome maintenance pods lined up along the wall, each containing one person who was in the final stages of full synchronization.

It would take a full day before they were released in their new bodies, this process has been ongoing as the very long checklists of who has passenger rights on the Arks as active crew, military and reserve were gone over one last time.

A specific line of pods held within them the seven members of the Reapers. Hideo Kumon in the first, Tai Alistair next to him, Jaynix Copeland, Lyla Copeland, Eren Hills, Sagis Fair and finally Alto Moore.

A door opened on the far end as a lone figure entered the room. Steps echoed through the eerily silent room as they drew ever closer to the Reapers. Stepping into view the person pulled off their hood to reveal their alien features.

Glowing skin, crystal like hair and eyes filled with stars. The Xenoform looked from one Reaper to another. Try as they might, they couldn't keep their eyes away from one. The Corporal. Jaynix Copeland.

With a heavy sigh, the Xenoform stepped forward.

"Jaynix...it's me...Elma…"

Looking down at her hands, she took a deep breath.

"I...I worry about you. Quite a bit."

She chuckled before looking up at the still form of the woman before her.

"We've been friends for four years now and in all that time I can't deny that there is...something about you...something tragic. Everything I've learned about your past and everything I've seen you struggle through these last two years. The scars it all left on you...the physical ones may be gone now but the ones that affected your mind will always be there and I…"

Elma held her hands together, tightly.

"I worry...I worry about your future. All of our futures really but I can't help but feel that...I don't know…"

Nodding to herself she brought one of her hands up and set it upon her pod.

"I shouldn't be doing this...using our gift like this...it's taboo. Has been even before the Visit. But I have to see...let me see."

Closing her eyes, Elma focused on her hand resting on Jaynix's pod. She focused. Long and calm as some familiar sensation welled up within her, traveling across her body and to her hand. Some invisible force reached out from her palm, through the pod and into Jaynix.

Opening her eyes, Elma was no longer looking at Jaynix, she was looking at the interior of the White Whale.

At Kumon. At Lyla. The Reapers. All together they were laughing and talking.

Then they were training.

Playing instruments.

Eating cake.

She saw others as well.

Irina. Gwin. Boris. Danny. Kruse. Constantine. Kriss. Vandham. Nagi. Chausson. She even saw herself.

Then, something changed.

There was darkness. Pain.

It was so overpowering, Elma began to feel it covering her entire body. It felt like her bones were breaking, blood was pooling at her feet. She desperately tried to hold in her pained cries.

She couldn't stop now.

She had to see.

She felt something strike her face, nearly taking out her eye, an unintentional scream leaving her as she fell to her knees, doing her best to keep her hand on Jaynix's pod.

Then she saw...something beautiful.

Tall, strong trees. A gorgeous clear lake. Wildlife at peace.

Then there was a single ear piercing gunshot.

Pain shot through Elma's body once more, it was so intense she couldn't fight off the urge to scream as she pulled her hand from Jaynix's pod and fell to the floor.

Sweat began to run down her forehead, bringing a hand to her face she realized she was crying.

She had to know what that was. What all of that was. So she forced herself back to her feet. Her body still felt so numb from all the pain...but she had to try. Once more.

She reached out again.

"Elma."

Freezing in place, she turned to see Nagi. The look in his eyes told her that he had heard her cries. Walking towards her, slowly and calmly he placed his hand on her arm and pulled it down to her side.

"Nagi I-"

"From what you've told me about your Grandfather. About your people. Your powers. Your gifts. You have to know this is not the way…"

Elma looked to Jaynix's sleeping form once more.

"...I know...of course I know...but I…"

Elma sighed.

"Nagi. She's been through so much…"

"I know. We all know. We'll all be there for her. For everyone. She's survived every obstacle thrown at her, she's stronger than most of us in that respect but we're all still here. Alive. Together."

Elma nodded, before pulling her hood up and over, Nagi helping her out of the room.

"Nagi-"

"Don't apologize. I understand."

The pair left the room, Nagi casting one last look back at the line of pods before closing the door.

---

May 29th, 2054

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear, Flame! Happy birthday to you!"

Everyone cheered as loudly as they could as Flame blew out the candles on her cake. Jaynix moved away from Lyla to throw her arms around her sister and squeeze with all her might, Flame laughing and blushing as H.B. proceeded to cut the cake with Alexa insisting on getting a bigger slice.

"Now, now Alexa. Let Hector handle it. I'm sure he'll math it out somehow."

Alexa sighed, turning to an older woman approaching.

"Rosa, if your son seriously makes cutting cakes a mathematical thing…"

Laughing, Rosa adjusted her glasses.

"He does. Every time."

"That doesn't surprise me at all."

Lyla commented, Jaynix nodding.

"Should it? Even if you didn't know H.B. you'd kind of imagine it. Also he's pretty slow at it."

"I could do it faster if you kindly stopped talking about me."

H.B. stated as he continued to accurately cut the cake.

"Didn't you know, this is his superior cake cutting technique."

Flame stated with a smile, causing all the women present to laugh as H.B. sighed.

"Why would you tell them about that, Flame?"

"Sorry Hector. Couldn't resist."

The pair shared a smile before Hector returned to cutting the cake, picking up the pace ever so slightly.

Unlike Jaynix's party, Flame's was much more reserved, the only ones in attendance being the sisters, Lyla, H.B., Alexa and Rosa. However, the Koos dropped by her lab earlier that day to drop off gifts and thank her for her continued service before departing. Busy as ever.

When it came time for gifts, Rosa was first with giving Flame two sets of sleeping clothes.

"You're always working yourself to the bone, the least I can do is make sure you're comfortable no matter where you pass out."

Flame blushed.

"Thank you so much, Rosa."

"Don't mention it darling. Can't count on my son for getting you anything as useful as this now can you?"

Flame giggled as Hector rolled his eyes. Alexa stepped forward next, giving Flame a whole new set of tools for working with Skells.

"Also! I made this in my free time!"

Alexa pulled out a small magnetic disk. Flame tilted her head.

"You know how we're always dropping stuff, well I've tagged all our missables with special IDs that this guy here can detect, so if we can't find it you just activate it and…"

The bolt in Alexa's hand flew from her grip to the magnetic disk. Flame laughed before embracing Alexa.

"That's going to solve so many problems!"

"Don't I know it!"

"Me next!"

Jaynix called out before holding out a small box, Flame taking it, curious.

"Lyla helped a lot with this so consider it a gift from both of us."

"I do hope you enjoy it, Flame."

Lyla smiled, Flame couldn't hide her excitement as she peeled the wrapping paper off and opened the box. Surprise and disbelief filled her eyes as she pulled the contents out, revealing a model kit.

"Is this?"

"Yep. Series 1. Gears 4."

"I can't...how?"

Jaynix crossed her arms.

"I can't reveal that to my baby sister now can I?"

Jaynix then pushed one of her shoulders into Lyla who nodded.

"Our lips are sealed."

Flame continued to look at the gift in surprise, Rosa leaned over her shoulder to look at it as well.

"Isn't that one of those old collectables?"

Flame nodded.

"When I was young...I had Series 1, Gears 1. It was my favorite toy and I played with it all the time. I got Gears 2 for my 7th birthday and I bought Gears 3 for myself about ten years later...by that time they became incredibly hard to pin down. I got Gears 5 five years ago but could never, ever track down Gears 4...without him I didn't have the complete set but...JayJay. Lyla."

Standing up, Flame embraced both women, all three laughed, joyful as Alexa and Rosa clapped for them, H.B. could only sigh.

"Well my gift lacks any meaning like that. Thank you so much Jaynix. Lyla. Flawless as always."

"You're welcome H.B."

Jaynix winked before sitting down. Lyla offered her apologies as H.B. shook his head.

"Well. Flame…"

H.B. held out a small case, Flame tilted her head, taking it from his hands. Before she opened it, H.B. caught Jaynix's gaze. Quickly, he shook his head, the elder sister didn't seem convinced.

"Hector…"

Inside of the case was a new pair of glasses, the frames were red and the lens were wide and clear.

"I designed these new glasses for you myself. I asked some friends and other technicians at the facility for advice but the actual composition was all me...I'm glad that me asking for your prescription didn't tip you off…"

Flame took her current pair off and put on the new ones, her eyes widened as she examined the room.

"I definitely needed new ones...thank you, Hector."

He smiled.

"Of course. I may or may not have included some specialized technical modes within the lenses. But we could go into that later."

Flame giggled, standing to embrace H.B. and thank him once more. As the party continued, H.B. found his way over to Jaynix and Lyla.

"Nice gift H.B. and hey, you really know style. She looks good."

Jaynix commented.

"Indeed...despite your concerns I think she is perfectly happy and satisfied with what you gave her."

He thanked them both before taking a deep breath.

"Jaynix. There is something I'd like to discuss with you. In private."

Jaynix stared at him, evaluating. It took far longer than H.B. expected before she nodded and stepped out of the house with him following close behind.

Once outside, Jaynix crossed her arms and waited for H.B. to speak, he brought her out here for some reason and judging by the way he was acting, it was important.

With a heavy sigh he looked up at her.

"Jaynix, I'm not sure if you're aware but you were very intimidating with one eye. Yet somehow, with both now, it's even more…"

Now wearing a smirk, Jaynix reached out and put a hand on H.B.'s shoulder.

"Just tell me what's on your mind. You and Rosa may as well be extended family to me. You've known Flame for years and I've known you almost as long. I trust you and Alexa more than most people because Flame is with you. There's nothing to be intimidated by H.B."

He sighed, looking back at the house for a moment before facing Jaynix.

"Normally I would ask this of your parents...perhaps I should visit their graves at some point…"

Jaynix continued to wait as H.B. thought through what he wanted to say one more time.

"Jaynix. I would like your permission to court your sister, Flame."

There was a long silence, Jaynix gradually tilting her head further and raising one of her eyebrows higher.

"Come again?"

"Was it not clear enough?"

"No. It was plenty clear but…"

Jaynix couldn't help but laugh, scratching the back of her head.

"I assumed you were already doing that."

"What gave you that impression?"

"The way that you act around Flame when you two work together. The way she talks to you and about you. It's very different in case you couldn't tell. Also she calls you Hector all the time, not H.B. No one else does that."

H.B. nodded.

"I suppose I can't deny it if you're telling me. However! It must be properly done."

Part of Jaynix wanted to keep laughing, H.B. was adopting such an old and odd way of doing this and while she respected it, she hardly found it necessary until she thought of another reason as to why he would want to approach it this way.

"...is this because of Ivan?"

H.B. sighed.

"I won't deny that part of this was influenced by that man...I want to do this right. He has not a single romantic bone in his body...my mother would never want to talk badly about him, she lives and let live no matter how much she knows that what happened between them was wrong and entirely his fault. My mother is stronger because of that. I want to be a better man than my father. I don't just want to...I want to respect Flame, above all else. That is why I ask."

With a smile, Jaynix nodded.

"You don't need my permission, H.B. But because you are asking, I shall grant it. I trust you and I know that you really do care for her and that she cares for you. Treat her right."

"With my life."

Jaynix held a hand out, H.B. giving her a firm a shake.

"It does kinda suck though...I was hoping to pull the overprotective big sister bit and threaten any of Flame's admirers with physical harm if they were to hurt her…"

H.B. laughed.

"Really? You were planning to do that? What a shock."

The pair shared a laugh before turning and walking back towards the home.

"I was...but with you, I know I don't need to."

"I won't betray your faith, Jaynix."

Exchanging nods, Jaynix opened the door and the pair stepped back inside to continue celebrating Flame's birthday.

---

July 2054

Noah's Cradle stood tall and proud, the White Whale towering above the city with columns of Skells deployed around it. Unit leaders directed their teams into formations, practicing for what everyone knew was inevitable.

Standing on the ground, looking up at the culmination of humanity's progress, Elma let out a long sigh of relief before looking at her datapad and the displayed images of Nagi, Chausson and Vandham.

"How is everything on the bridge?"

"Perfect as can be, the staff is well acclimated to the systems onboard, clearly all the training and prep work they've done is paying off."

Elma nodded, glad to hear that as always.

"Vandham, how are the engineering teams?"

"We reported the all green status of the White Whale years back, half of them have been working on maintenance since then while the others have now been entirely devoted to the construction of the Habitat Unit. Orwell's team, Hilda's team and of course, Constantine's team make up the best and brightest we have on board. Based on their current proposals, I think we're going to be just fine."

Elma smiled.

"That's good to hear...Chausson…"

"Leave it to me to bear the...unfortunate news...we have been fully staffed and thus everyone who has been granted passage is already on board with a few exceptions of those running some last minute errands out on the surface, yourself included, Colonel."

Elma sighed.

"Which means…"

"Which means we should be expecting many more of those who were not given passage to attempt to board regardless...I have several proposals on how to...deal with them."

Elma looked back to the White Whale and to all the activity going on at the base of its launch pad.

"Talk them over with Vandham and Nagi, whatever you three agree with is how we'll handle it."

The three nodded.

"Alright then...the rest of us will be on board soon. Thank you, truly."

"Don't mention it, Colonel."

Nagi smiled at her before the call ended, Elma let out a long breath before pulling out her personal communicator.

"Aeon. If the timetable you put together is right...the Ganglion or the Ghosts...most likely both, will be here soon. The Exodus is going to happen and you won't be here...we have a plan, we have a point that we'll warp to once we have a clear shot...please be there. I'll be waiting, my brother."

Putting the device away, Elma whispered to herself before her datapad beeped once more. She expected another message from Nagi, perhaps he forgot something. Instead it was a request from the President for a meeting.

With a single nod, Elma headed for the Coalition headquarters.

---

In their home, Jaynix and Lyla held one another lying in bed. Jaynix continued to run her hands through Lyla's hair, a satisfied smile on her face as Lyla continued to nuzzle into her shoulder.

"I'm glad sex doesn't feel any different."

"Jaynix stop."

"I'm serious, imagine if it sucked."

"Jaynix."

Laughing, the Corporal placed a kiss on top of Lyla's head. Despite the burn in her cheeks, Lyla couldn't help but laugh as well. Jaynix's eyes searched the rest of her room, taking in every detail of this place that she and Lyla had lived in for fifteen years. Their off duty hours found them here and while they may have spent just as much time at the compound, their home was special.

"Lyla…"

"Yes, Jaynix?"

"...what do you think will happen? The Exodus? Whatever comes after?"

Lyla shook her head.

"I don't know. I mean...every time I try to think about what could happen I just...I don't have an answer."

Jaynix nodded.

"I didn't think so. I'm just curious. It's such an unknown and there is a lot to worry about but I can't help but be...excited. After I walked out of that room, after Birtwhistle and I had our last conversation...everything just became so clear. I could look forward and the thoughts of yesterday and yesteryear faded away. I've never felt so light."

Jaynix looked to Lyla who was smiling at her.

"I've seen it in you every day since then, Jaynix. Believe me."

"How could I not?"

Jaynix and Lyla continued to lay in bed, they had no immediate work to attend to and so they sought to use the free time to its fullest extent.

I know I say it a lot but I love seeing both of your eyes again…"

Jaynix smiled.

"Just lets me appreciate the world and you more than ever...I think it's high time we got out of bed and took a shower."

Lyla sighed.

"Five more minutes?"

"I could never say no."

---

Standing in what was once President Reeve's office, Elma looked at how barren it was, despite having a new occupant for these last few months.

"You could've put something up. Anything."

Elma stated, to which the acting President shook her head.

"What would the point be, Colonel?"

Mira Torres sat behind the desk, sighing as she filed away the last of her paperwork.

"Mira…"

"Colonel, I believe I made my decision already."

"...I know. All these years later I still can't understand it."

Mira smiled.

"You've been working closely with Maurice all this time, I don't see why you would want to change that now."

"I don't want to change it...I simply want you there with us as well."

Mira couldn't help but laugh, curious, Elma took a seat and waited for the woman to settle.

"It's a foolish reason…"

As the silence stretched on, Elma came to the only conclusion.

"You don't agree with it."

"It's not that I don't agree...I cast my vote, I was involved with doing the only thing we could do for our survival. Yet I can't seem to fully convince myself to go. Maurice and I have had this discussion so many times...he wants me there as well…"

Elma prepared to say something else but decided to hold back. It wasn't right of her to comment on things Maurice says in private, even with Mira.

"Mira…"

"Y'know. Maurice once told me something so truly foolish that I knew it could only come from that man."

Elma couldn't fight off a smile.

"What did he say?"

Clearing her throat, Mira did her best to imitate Chausson.

"In commemoration of your years of dedicated service, I would like the permission to name our new home after you."

Mira began to laugh, Elma joining her as well.

"Could you imagine? The Planet Mira? I don't know if he believes the gesture to be honorable, romantic or…"

Mira shook her head.

"What will I ever do with that man."

"For what it's worth, I do believe it was a gesture of good faith. I fear that when the time comes and after everything is said and done that you may be lost to history despite being so essential...I don't think it's fair."

Mira sighed, leaning back in her seat.

"What will I be known as, Elma? A woman serving the Coalition, a woman who was one of the few that didn't betray all we fought for...and the last President of our nation...I don't see anything there worth remembering."

"What about being the woman who saved us all?"

Mira laughed.

"History knows that role falls to you and Aeon."

Elma shook her head.

"I'm sure you remember when we first came to Earth. We were deemed hostile. A risk. The Ares we rode were unidentifiable, their weaponry was far beyond anything your race could hope to achieve...no one believed we were here to do good. No one."

Elma then gestured towards Mira.

"Except you."

Mira thought back to meeting Elma and Aeon for the first time.

"Thirty years ago you changed my life. Both of you. No one could believe that highly advanced forms of life would come to save us out of the goodness of their hearts...it was akin to divine intervention. Why? Why would they save us? A species who, as we've come to know, is so far behind most of the intelligent life out there. Why were we worth it? Why are you risking everything?"

Mira shook her head.

"The questions never stopped. No one cared for this galactic war being fought by universal superpowers because they just couldn't accept that you two came here for us...Nagi wanted to believe, as did Reeve...Maurice was the bad cop as always."

Elma smiled.

"As always."

"But even he...in private, admitted that we needed to convince everyone else."

Elma seemed surprised at that.

"He never told me."

Mira laughed in response.

"Of course he didn't. He couldn't bear the thought of ruining his image, especially not when he was that young. He worked in Reeve's cabinet before the restructuring into the Coalition. He was good at climbing the political ladder...always has been...in Washington, you needed to be a killer or you were walked all over. The image he cut into history, we all believed it'd be one to stand for a long time."

"Then I happened."

Mira shrugged.

"If you didn't, we all would have simply ceased existing one day. Image didn't matter anymore. Legacy? History? All things to be forgotten…"

Mira took a deep breath.

"Elma. There is something I must confide in you, something Maurice kept from everyone except me. Since I won't be on the Arks with you and since I know Maurice will never tell you himself...it has to come from me."

Elma leaned forward, nodding to Mira as she thought back.

"Four years ago, when Aeon left us...he didn't leave alone."

Elma tilted her head.

"That...can't be...I was there when he left, he was alone."

Mira nodded.

"He was...but from another point on Noah's Cradle, a young man left us to accompany Aeon into the farthest reaches of space. One of the only men that Maurice ever had the utmost faith and trust in…"

"Who?"

With a sad smile, Mira remembered that night.

"His son."

---

Walking through the White Whale's boarding platform, Jaynix and Lyla headed right for the Reapers' meeting point to find only Tai, Sagis and Alto present.

"Hey, where is the General? And Eren?"

At Lyla's question, Tai tapped his chin.

"The General said he had something very important to take care of. One last thing before flipping the lights off."

Alto laughed.

"I didn't think the man would be so...I don't know, ceremonial?"

"Can you blame him? This planet has been our home for our entire lives and many more before that...what we're all doing now, who knows where it leads."

Sagis commented.

"As for Eren, she's wandering the fields below, watching the people go through the identification process and board. Anything to keep her mind occupied y'know."

Jaynix shook her head.

"Even now she's always looking for work. I don't know why I'm still somehow surprised."

Jaynix turned to survey the crowds outside of the barrier, slowly but surely people were being let through the checkpoints and guided along to boarding the White Whale.

"I'm gonna go check on her. Hang tight y'all."

"What else can we do?"

Tai stated in response as Jaynix kissed her wife's cheek and took off into the crowd. She had to admit, she was feeling antsy just like Eren. With everything that they all put behind themselves, there was still plenty ahead. More than ever, in fact and she couldn't help but want to get to it. If only it didn't require so much sacrifice. Even after all these years of knowing what was coming and knowing what they all had to do, actually doing it was something completely different.

It didn't take long for Jaynix to track down Eren, the woman was standing all by herself one an overwatch platform, the crowds below were rowdy, desperate. The look in Eren's eyes said a million things about it.

"Hey Strategist. Ready to go?"

"I've been ready since we were told…"

"Doubt it, that was decades ago."

Eren shrugged.

"Believe what you will...I've been set to drop everything and take off the moment the threat was made clear. Better than rushing in panic when the time finally came."

"I can't deny that."

The pair stood in silence, watching more and more people walk through the checkpoints.

"What a dreadful process."

Spinning about, the pair came face to face with Kriss Fowler.

"Did you two have to wait in that line? No, I think not. Reapers. Necessary armed forces, military units. People like you were granted passing rights long ago."

Eren pointed at the woman.

"You! You're that...you injected me!"

"With a cure, either that or let you choke on blood when the gas flowed over us. You were too close to the epicenter."

Eren crossed her arms as Jaynix cleared her throat.

"Did you have to wait through that process?"

"I did...though not today thankfully."

Eren shook her head.

"No way. There is no way they're letting you onboard, weren't you responsible for-"

"Don't believe everything you hear."

Kriss winked at Eren who took a step forward.

"And what is that supposed to mean? You show up in 2052 then vanish from sight until now and you have boarding rights for the L-002? What's going on here? Jaynix!"

Eren turned to her comrade, Jaynix faced her for a moment before glancing over at Kriss, a very telling glare on her face.

"What? You think I know any more about this than you?"

"You're the one who went to Elma about Kriss and her people back in 2052. Surely you know something."

"Nothing that could explain this. Scout's honor."

Kriss laughed at that.

"You were not a girl scout Corporal."

"No but I'm pretty sure my word stands for something."

Jaynix reached out and put a hand on Eren's shoulder.

"If they're letting her on board I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

Eren looked back at Kriss, unconvinced. The Professor smiled in turn.

"If you think there is some reason as to why I shouldn't board this fine vessel, then maybe you could...find one."

Eren raised an eyebrow.

"Are you trying to test me?"

Kriss shrugged.

"You are highly intelligent Ms. Hills, that is clear to anyone with two functioning eyes and basic reading comprehension. I believe you could figure almost anything out."

Eren scoffed.

"Where do you get off acting like you know me?"

"Oh my...perhaps I overestimated you. Regardless, will you take my little...test?"

Eren crossed her arms.

"Not only will I, but I'll ace it! You don't know who you're messing with Fowler."

Kriss laughed, a sound that caused the smallest hint of something to stir in Eren's chest.

"My...what confidence. Impress me, Ms. Hills. I'm looking forward to it."

Bringing her fingers to her lips, Kriss blew a kiss to the Strategist before turning and walking towards the White Whale with a very noticeable swing in her hips. Eren swallowed deeply, turning away and cursing. Jaynix couldn't fight off a smirk.

"Oh Eren...really?"

"Not another word Corporal. Not another word."

---

That night, at the eerily quiet Coalition headquarters, General Kumon approached with purpose, the doors opening on their own to reveal a barren waiting room. Passing from door to door and walking through the assorted halls, he neared the holding cells, his mind set on one simple task.

Entering his identification, the door to the holding area opened to reveal Ivan Birtwhistle, sitting in the middle of an empty room.

"General."

"Detective."

The men watched each other in silence, Birtwhistle eventually standing and approaching Kumon.

"You knew I'd be coming."

"I've known since I determined that Jaynix could continue her service so long as you were there...I've been waiting for you to come and you did not disappoint. Though I have to admit, you were cutting it very close."

"...are you going to stop me?"

Birtwhistle shook his head.

"Why would I do that? My final case here on Earth has been solved. Those who must be punished have been punished. Justice has been doled out and all is right. I simply want to ask you one simple question, General."

Kumon waited as Birtwhistle cleaned his glasses.

"Will this change anything?"

"No."

Kumon walked past the Detective.

"I won't feel better. Nothing will change. In fact this may do nothing more than scar my psyche but I have to do it. It has to be me."

"Did the act save Jaynix's soul? Did her killing Lao free her of her demons?"

Kumon turned back, thinking.

"No...but it weakened them. It allowed her to see past that pain and move forward. She's stronger than me…"

Birtwhistle wanted to argue for a moment but he couldn't deny it. Since Jaynix's last visit here, she has never returned or shown any signs of wanting to. She said all she needed to and made peace with it. Her life was with the Reapers, that's all.

"You should go, Birtwhistle. Boarding is well underway."

"Of course. Until whatever it is that awaits us, General."

With a bow, the Detective left the room. Walking through the next set of doors, Kumon stood in front of the cell, arms crossed.

"Steven."

The man looked up.

"Hideo…"

His hair was so disheveled, a grown out and messy beard now covering his face, he seemed so tired. No one would look at this man and believe he was once a feared and efficient soldier.

Approaching the cell, Kumon fiddled with the lock before opening it and gesturing for Steven to step outside. The man once known as the Archer kept his eyes on the General. Many thoughts spiraling in his head before standing and leaving the cell.

---

Out in the Lawless Sectors, the men walked, Steven in front and Kumon not far behind. Their entire trip had been in silence, even the Sectors were quiet, not a soul to be seen.

"Do you remember the day I named you the Archer, Steven?"

"I'll never forget it, sir...proudest moment of my life."

Kumon nodded.

"Many people thought it a joke that you sought specialization with a bow and arrow...yet the effort you put into designing your unique…"

Kumon chuckled.

"...trick arrows. The passion and ingenuity could not be denied. You would charge into any fight with those simple weapons fused with our modern technology and no one would know how to react. You were unique."

"I was…"

The men came to a stop.

"...you never taught anyone. Did you?"

Steven shook his head.

"I had hopes of doing that one day. The Massacre, my injury...that changed everything I'm afraid."

"The only people who know the full extent of your abilities are you...and me…"

Steven nodded, the silence stretching on between the men. Eventually, Steven looked up at the sky, closing his eyes and enjoying the breeze that swept over him. Being in a small cramped cell for so long let him appreciate everything he once took for granted.

"Sir…"

Steven turned to face Kumon.

"I could forgive you, Steven."

There was surprise on the Archer's face.

"I could. You were my right hand man for so many years. Before I formed the Reapers with Tai, Eren, Jaynix and Lyla. Before I ever met any of them. It was you who I trusted with my life. You and I have seen so much in battle...how could I not forgive someone so important to me?"

"Hideo...I don't…"

"But."

The silence that surrounded them took on a new sensation. The comfort and the peace vanished with the single word that Hideo uttered. The man looked down at the ground, lost in thought before looking back at Steven, a darkness evident in his eyes.

"...you went after my daughter."

"Hideo-"

Faster than anyone could see, Hideo drew his pistol and fired, shot piercing Steven's chest, the man gasping in shock as he fell to his knees and clutched the injury.

There was disbelief and fear in his eyes as he looked to Hideo once more.

Keeping his eyes steady and focused, Hideo fired once more and he continued to do so long after Steven's life was snuffed out, only stopping when his gun began to click, the rounds spent.

Hideo stood there alone in the silent night, staring down at the corpse of a man he once treasured.

Throwing the gun into the dirt, he turned and walked away.

---

In the earliest hours of the morning, Mira Torres sat in her office, preparing for the sun to rise on another tension filled day.

"Madam President."

Turning her chair around, she came face to face with Eleonora.

"Ellie."

"Please don't call me that."

Mira chuckled.

"Are you trying to tell your President what she can and can't do?"

Eleonora sighed.

"I have something very urgent to discuss with you, as President."

"I assume this has to do with the confidential files Reeve kept locked away. Level 0 clearance I believe. Clearance only granted to the President...and to you…"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Walk me through it. Just so I don't have any of it wrong."

Eleonora stepped forward, sitting in the chair across from Mira.

"When Elma and Aeon came to us...the governments of the world began to unite and form the Coalition. It was required. A threat was coming, is coming. Something that we can not defeat if we are seperated...something we can not defeat if we are united...but something we can survive if we try."

Mira nodded.

"Over the years, the technology that we were presented by Aeon and Elma as well as what they brought to us from other plants across the cosmos was studied and used to develop the things that would keep us alive. Skells. Arks. Faster than light travel. All of that. Yet that was all done for nothing more than survival...wherever we wound up, if we were to survive we'd need more than these necessities. We would need to be able to fight and defend ourselves from a galaxy...a universe full of all sorts of life that has technologies we can't even imagine."

Eleonora took a deep breath.

"And so...two secret projects were formed for the protection of humanity's last generation...and for the far off hopes of establishing humanity's next generation."

Reaching into her pocket, Eleonora pulled out a coin.

"LAST..."

She then flipped the coin over.

"...and NEXT."

Mira closed her eyes, recalling the contents of the Level 0 files she pored over.

"Reeve ordered the establishment of these two secret organizations and went to great lengths to ensure one did not know about the other and vice versa."

"Yes...although the secrecy has now been brought out into the open given what Professor Fowler had us do in naming our...third party."

"...NEXT is aware of LAST...have they done anything about it?"

Eleonora shook her head.

"And they won't...LAST was constructed for many reasons but as I'm sure you know, NEXT was constructed for one. A very...very personal project for our President."

Mira opened her eyes.

"Very personal indeed...can I trust you to see NEXT through to the completion of its objective?"

"President Reeve handled it himself...but after the Nantucket Disaster, after the rot within the Coalition, he couldn't risk it infecting his project so he severed ties with it...and gave it to me. It's my life's mission to complete our task...now not just for Reeve, but for you as well."

Mira leaned back in her seat, letting out a long breath.

"We don't do the right thing..or the just thing...we only do what we do to survive...Ellie."

"I understand, Madam President."

Standing, Eleonora turned to leave.

"...did you know that your brother would commit suicide?"

Eleonora stood in place, she didn't turn back as she spoke.

"He told me. It wasn't right. It wasn't just. He considered himself nothing more than a coward but he wanted to set something right for all the things that he allowed to go wrong. It was not my place to change Aster's thinking."

With that, Eleonora left the room. Mira spun her chair around once more, staring out at the sprawling yet eerily empty city of Noah's Cradle.

---

Waking up inside the White Whale was a very bizarre feeling. Jaynix stepped out of bed, kissing the top of Lyla's head before finding her way out of the Reapers' Quarters. In the halls of the White Whale she began to walk with no destination in mind.

She reached out and touched the walls, running her hand along it, taking in every aspect of the structure as she continued her walk.

"Jaynix."

Coming to a stop, she smiled.

"Elma."

The Colonel approached her, despite the early morning hour, Elma didn't seem tired at all. Before Jaynix could say anything, Elma embraced her.

Something about that moment felt...significant to Jaynix even though she had no idea why. She and Elma were close but they didn't hug this way all that often.

With no words, Jaynix wrapped her arms around Elma and closed her eyes. Maybe this is why she woke up so early? Whatever the reason, the women would never bring this moment up again, but they would never forget it.

---

When it finally happened.

The emotions Elma felt were...indescribable.

She and Aeon had set sensors in orbit far from the Earth, far from the solar system as an early warning system. And on that day when the sensors were tripped, Elma felt every single emotion at the same time.

With no hesitation, she tapped on that one button, that one command she'd never initiated before.

"Authorization code: Watcher."

"Initiating the Exodus protocol."

Elma watched as every outpost around Noah's Cradle lit up, powerful red beacons shot up high into the sky, illuminating as far as the eye could see.

---

At The Cross, Solomon sat in his office, dealing with the fallout of another riot containment when one of his aides screamed his name. Spinning about in his seat, he saw the lights from the direction of Noah's Cradle and pressed that same button that Elma had.

"Authorization code: Watcher!"

Blue lights streamed from the walls of the Cross into the sky, the next megacity repeating this process until everyone was warned of the impending threat and the Arks began their takeoff procedures.

---

"Reapers! Attention!"

Kumon stood in front of these six individuals who he entrusted with...everything.

"The time has come. Mount your Skells and fall in with the Skelltons around the White Whale. When it launches we will be its shield, all of us. We do what it takes to ensure our survival. Am I understood?"

"Yes sir!"

Closing his eyes, Kumon whispered to himself before turning and heading for the Skell hangar, the Reapers falling in line behind him.

---

"Kruse! With me!"

"On it Constantine!"

The two exited their rooms and headed to the Alpha Wolf's laboratory.

"Make sure everything is locked down, if we survive the Exodus, we're going to need everything in here!"

"If we don't?"

"We will boy! We will."

The rest of the Alpha Wolf engineers began to fill the room, going about their final checks.

---

"Maurice, what are we looking at on the ground?"

"Everyone is on board…"

"Everyone with the right."

Vandham muttered as he looked at the screens displaying the status of the White Whale.

"Jack you-"

"Not now! Vandham, how is the L-002 looking?"

Every engineering team began flashing green, Vandham smirked.

"All good, we're set!"

Nagi took a deep breath, everything falling silent before he gave the order to launch.

---

All across the Earth, the Arks entered their liftoff sequences, sensor after sensor was tripped until they appeared in the space above the planet. The massive ships and countless fighters that formed the Ganglion's armada and then the absolutely innumerable horde that made up the fleet of the Ghosts.

Both sides immediately engaged one another, weapons of incalculable destruction ripping across space and slicing through one another with ease. Ships were decimated, ruins falling to Earth and one particular shot, tore clean through the moon, the astronomical body crumbling to pieces as another shot wiped it from view.

The Arks shot through the atmosphere and into space, cutting through the battle as fast as they could yet most of them could not breach the combat as they were destroyed by stray fire or were specifically targeted by the hostile Xenoforms.

The destruction of several Ghosts led to cataclysmic explosions covering wide swathes of space and wiping out everything in their vicinity. A massive and towering God Ghost was shot from its place in orbit by the Ganglion's lead ship, falling to the Earth and erupting in a massive blast that wiped the planet from existence.

The Ghosts' lead weapon, the Vita shot towards one of the Arks with immense speed, nearly touching the Ark before it jumped away, vanishing into deep space and leaving the carnage behind.

---

Days later, Jaynix found herself in the training room, punching the bag before her with all her might. Countless soldiers filled the room doing similar exercises while even more patrolled the established perimeter in the space around the White Whale.

"Frustrated?"

Jaynix shook her head.

"Just eager...how about you, Elma?"

"...I don't think I can describe what it is I'm feeling."

Jaynix looked at her, smiling.

"Maybe some sort of attraction? To me?"

The Colonel laughed, Jaynix joining her, unable to keep a straight face.

"I really needed that Jaynix."

"Any time, Elma."

After seeing Elma gesture at the punching bag, Jaynix stood aside, waiting as she now began to strike the bag with all her might.

Sometimes, that was all you needed.

---

Months later, Jaynix found herself punching another bag, the rhythm was always pleasing to her and it helped alleviate the boredom of having nothing to do.

Around her, the training room was not even half full, while Jaynix loved training and always sought to be in tiptop shape it was clear that the mundane nature of everyday life had dulled the senses of more of the military than she cared to admit.

"Why am I surprised that you're here?"

"Hey, Blue! Need something?"

Jaynix continued to beat on the bag, Kruse watching intently.

"Are you here to train to? I didn't think that was something you do."

Kruse chuckled.

"Not like you, I train by reading and doing some hand exercises to keep my fingers nimble."

Jaynix nodded as she continued to smash the bag, threatening to pierce it.

"Have you ever wanted to?"

"Wanted to what? Train like that? It's not like I'm a fighter y'know."

Stepping away from the bag, Jaynix looked to Kruse.

"That's just today Blue. Maybe in the future?"

Kruse looked from her to the bag before shrugging.

"Maybe."

---

Years later, Jaynix once again found herself in the training room, arms crossed as Lyla went through her routines. Her gaze moved from her wife to everyone else, the Reapers, the Skelletons, the other assorted military units. The training rooms all across the White Whale were once again full, the imminent threat of another Xenoform attack and Nagi's speech rousing everyone to their duty.

"After this, we'll go to the Skell hangar and run some formations out in space, we all have to be beyond our best for what's coming."

Kumon stated as he approached from behind. Jaynix nodded to him.

"Of course sir. We'll be ready."

---

After a long day of training both in and out of her Skell, Jaynix was looking forward to an easy night. The training facility was now empty, save for her. The silence was still such a strange presence.

Leaving the room, she wandered the halls until she reached a viewing room. In front of her was a large window of sorts, heavily reinforced with no fear of breaking, it gave the crew of the White Whale a spot to just...gaze out into the infinite.

She stood there, staring and allowed all those memories from the last few years on Earth to come back to her. Everything. All those conflicts felt like they were a lifetime away, yet the most recent of them was barely two years ago.

She heard the footsteps and knew someone was now standing next to her, she didn't even need to turn to know who it was.

"Are you confident, Jaynix?"

"Of course. I always am...what about you, Elma?"

The Colonel sighed.

"I'm hopeful...conflict may be coming to us but so is something good. Aside from the completion of the Habitat Unit we haven't had any real good news…"

"Critical ally. The way that Nagi said that has me very curious as to who it might be."

Jaynix looked to see a smile form on Elma's face.

"Jaynix. I am very much looking forward to introducing you to this ally of ours. It's been a dream of mine for you two to meet."

"Really? Then that's even more of a reason to survive this upcoming battle."

The pair stood there staring out into space. Elma moved closer to Jaynix, whispering a very quiet thank you. Jaynix simply smiled back. The silence that enveloped them in that moment, was comfortable. Hopeful.