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.

20. Together

04/17/20

Finally. Finally. FINALLY. I thank you all for your patience, believe me this was not easy but I am beyond satisfied with the final product.

A lot has happened while I've been gone, beat Three Houses for the 5th time, beat FFIX for the 1st time, playing FFVII for the 3rd time, doing RE6 Co-Op with my sis 3/4 done. Rabbids. Astral Chain. My quarantine has been FILLED with a lot of gaming and when I'm not and that inspiration strikes, I'm typing away.

Chapters 20 and 21 were originally going to be one chapter but reading it that long exhausted me so I think cutting it in two was beneficial. Both parts together are actually longer than Mission. Remember Mission? Anyway. Enough out of me, I present this to you, gladly.

(Adverb) With or in proximity to another person or people; into companionship or close association.

---

Chapter Twenty

Together

9th Samaarian Cycle - 4112 AS

Deep in space, a fleet of Xenoform warships advanced, their speed an easy tell that they had a lock on something that they wanted nothing more than to destroy.

At the center of the fleet surrounded by two large warships was the massive flagship, within the chamber of the Grandmaster stood a large Xenoform with several more bowing before him. His eyes were currently on the starchart being projected all across the chamber, the prospective area that their quarry occupied was glowing and they were drawing ever closer.

"Grandmaster Luxaar."

Nodding to himself, he turned to the kneeling Xenoforms.

"Your orders."

The first asked, a female voice from a blue Xenoform with tentacles coming from her head.

"Goetia. You are to take the Almandal unit and engage those pathetic creatures. They'll stand no chance."

"Is it wise to play our best hand so soon?"

Luxaar turned to another Xenoform with many feline-like features, the male creature looked up at the Grandmaster.

"Would you like to take my position and order my soldiers, Ga Jiarg?"

"Of course not...it was a simple suggestion."

"One I will ignore. These...animals stand no chance against us and I've had enough of this wretched game. We've found them, now we wipe them out."

One of the Xenoforms, a massive one with a long fire colored mane, stood tall and roared, his cries echoing throughout the chamber.

The smaller one at his side, shook her head.

"Dagahn, now is not the time or the place."

Shaking his head, the massive Xenoform kneeled once more.

"Ryyz. Apologies. I desire...battle."

"And you will have it, you all will. To your stations, Goetia, as planned. Once we arrive, they'll not survive."

The Xenoforms all stood and left the room, Luxaar turning around once more to stare at the starchart.

Far enough away from the Grandmaster, Ga Jiarg sighed.

"My Prince."

Turning to his trusted companion, he smirked.

"No need for concern Ga Buidhe. Let Luxaar do as he pleases...the day will come when he is unprepared. We'll move then."

"I have no wish to question you. But will we have the strength for it?"

Ga Jiarg crossed his arms, thinking. He knew it to be a long shot but he had no desire to continue serving this deluded band of slavers.

Ga Jiarg looked back at Luxaar, then to the starchart above him.

"We will…"

---

July 2056

The day after Nagi's announcement saw a new normal take over the White Whale and its crew. The military forces were in full training mode day in and day out. The various training rooms across all quarters of the White Whale were full as everyone sought to be at their absolute best. Skell's were constantly patrolling the perimeter and engaging in formation drills and maneuvers. The goal was for the military force to be even stronger and far more prepared that they were even on the day of the Exodus two years ago.

Eager to continue his recent training, Kruse joined the Reapers on their hand to hand exercises and other assorted ground based training, their routines were far too much for the lifelong engineer to handle. Yet for every time he collapsed from exhaustion, he forced himself onto his feet and got back into the game.

"I've been lagging on this for years. If I can get the best jump on it I can...then I'm going to take it. This is nothing compared to what you all have been doing for most of your lives...let me be here."

Unable to deny his dedication, the Reapers allowed him to continue working alongside them. Kruse took his breaks when the Reapers went on to tackle Skell based combat training since he didn't have Skell certification, but once they came back he was there waiting for them.

Day in and day out, the preparations were constant and everyone knew that every single minute, the threat came closer and closer.

---

In her room, Elma turned on Kriss' device and waited. It didn't take long before a new tone was picked up by it followed by her brother's voice.

"I'm so glad it still works. Sister."

With a sigh of relief, Elma spoke.

"As am I...Aeon. Since we last spoke have you been able to determine when the Ganglion will reach us?"

"I'd need to know exactly where you all are. Currently I'm simply heading in the same direction as them. Suffice it to say, my Ares has seen far more combat and not enough repairs."

"The people of Qlu couldn't help?"

"No, it wasn't that. They were more than capable of repairing the Ares but...well, we were always in a rush. Didn't have much time for that and it was better that we destroy most of the facilities to keep them out of reach of the Ganglion…"

Elma nodded before opening up her starmap.

"I trust you still have the map?"

"Of course."

Elma began reading off her coordinates, Aeon inputting them in his own map before reading off his own to her so she could mark his current place on hers.

"At this distance and at this speed I can reach you all in...ah...human terms...it would be two weeks I believe."

Elma took a deep breath.

"Which means the Ganglion will be here in about that much time..."

"I'm doing my best to catch up with them but I can't stray too close to their fleet. Albus says their proximity alarms are far too wide for any sort of sneak attack."

Elma shook her head as he continued.

"Furvus has also told me that trying to circle around the fleet and get in front of them would be impossible. While I could do that alone with my Ares and they could join me with the Neilnails…"

"It is just the three of you?"

There was a short pause.

"No. There are almost two dozen Qlurian Knights piloting their Skells as well, they aren't on the level of the Neilnail Constructs but they're all worn out from combat. Leaving them to guard the civilians without us...I don't want to risk that."

"I understand...do you have measurements on the dimensions of the transport ship? I have no doubt we can fit it into the reserve bay of the White Whale but just in case."

Aeon immediately got to sending her that information, Elma forwarding it to Nagi on the bridge and letting him know to prepare the reserve bay for a heavy pressure pick up.

"I had hoped our reunion would not be this dire...but it's us. We'll survive."

Elma smiled.

"I know we will...I have so much to tell you, face to face."

"I hope you won't slap me the moment you see me."

Joy in her voice, Elma responded.

"I make no promises."

"Fair enough...I have to go...I'll contact you when I can, sister."

"Stay safe, brother."

With one last farewell in their native tongue, the Watchers ended the call. Standing, Elma reported on the rest of the information to Nagi, giving him the much needed timetable before heading out of her room.

Her destination was the training facilities but before that she needed to speak with the Professor and her team.

The lecture hall had been completely redesigned to Fowler's demanding specifications. All sorts of tools and personnel from all Quarters of the White Whale had been brought here and were working together, tackling the Dark Matter mystery from every single angle.

The Professor also brought in all footage captured from the Exodus of the Ganglion's weaponry as well as whatever information Elma and Aeon had gathered from their time in the farthest reaches of space. While Dark Matter was the main focus, there were always team members researching the Ganglion technology and looking for weakness, a noticeably easier task to solve.

Entering the room, Elma waited, watching Kriss in her element. Moving from table to table surrounded by fellow researchers. She seemed to be having three conversations at once as well as messing with various things in her hands, never missing a beat.

Spotting Elma she was quick to dismiss the others and approach.

"Anything of value to report today, Kriss?"

"A few things. The Ganglion information has already been sent out to all unit leaders as well as to the Bridge to help formulate battle plans...of course this does not account for the new weaponry we've been warned of."

"The Almandals."

"Yes. The Almandals. That'll be up to you and your oh so effective on the fly thinking."

Elma sighed.

"I'd rather not rely on that but it seems we'll have to."

Kriss chuckled.

"I'm sure it'll be fine...but in case you need a little boost, I did design a new weapon my Eren has decided to call the Cluster Grenade."

"What does it do?"

Kriss shrugged.

"It explodes. Loudly. Violently. And once it does it disperses smaller projectiles which detonate moments later. The goal was simply to make a destructive weapon. The hull integrity of the Almandals is undoubtedly greater than anything we have on record for the Ganglion Skells. So this bomb's goal is to be as volatile as it can be. For that reason I advise being far enough away when it is detonated. I've had supplies sent to the hangars and equipped to all of your Skells."

Elma thanked her before Kriss turned, her eyes sweeping the room.

"Now onto the Dark Matter. Several things are clear and obvious."

Kriss motioned for Elma to follow, the pair approached a sealed container which held the dark purple material. The source of power for all Ghost ships.

"I have to say...I never thought I'd actually lay my eyes on it...I never would have expected it to be here on the ship."

Elma looked down at the sample that she'd hidden from Ethos back on Earth. Some part of her wished she didn't bring it along for all the pain it caused but she couldn't deny that it may hold some answers.

"That aside. The immediate and most obvious fact is that it is a form of matter. As such, bringing our own matter into contact with it causes both forces to erupt in massively powerful explosions."

"Like the Nantucket Disaster."

"Like that, but far worse. This sample is sizable but the bigger the Ghost, the bigger the Dark Matter Core and…"

Kriss paused for a moment.

"I hate to ask but is every Ghost ship equipped with only one Dark Matter Core?"

"The Standards which make up the bulk of their forces are...but there are others with more."

Kriss sighed.

"Of course...regardless as we have been warned since day one, engaging Ghosts in combat means destroying their bodies but not their cores. If they suffer enough damage they become incapable of combat and must retreat to repair. This is all correct, yes?"

"Yes."

"Good. However, because of that it leads us to our next problem. If Dark Matter is like our matter, then the Law of Conservation of Mass still stands. Therefore our only truly viable option is finding a way to transform it. Doing that however...that's a mystery. It's not like we have a bunch of nuclear scientists waiting in the wings."

"I see...any theories?"

Kriss shook her head.

"None I should share. My dear Eren has one that makes absolutely no sense to me...perhaps I'll call her here to share with you."

"No. The Reapers are busy. It can wait."

Kriss raised an eyebrow.

"Can it?"

"We're dealing with the Ganglion right now. Not the Ghosts. It can wait. Thank you Kriss."

The Professor shook her head.

"I wish I had more to share with you. These are the basics of basics...however, I do think we should invest in a new line of Skell weapons."

Elma waited as Kriss led her to a small mold of a Xenoform ship with a ball in the center representing a Dark Matter Core. Elma watched Kriss raise her hand and extend the fingers like claws. She took hold of the core and pulled it from the mold.

"Skell Claws?"

"Yes. It's a very simplistic approach and efficiently brutish. I wouldn't suggest it if we had a better way but if we simply remove the Core then the ship is disabled and inoperable. At which point it's easy to destroy...then off the Core goes. Problem solved. Of course the next issue would be trying to hold down a Ghost long enough to do the action but that'll be up to our capable defenders."

"I'll get the engineers on developing these weapons…"

Elma fell silent for a moment.

"Kriss. What do you know about the Ares?"

"The Ares? You mean your personal Skell? Not much I'm afraid, information on it is scarce. It's one of a kind."

"That it is..."

Elma hesitated for a moment, Kriss raising an eyebrow.

"Is there something I should know?"

"It has to do with the...construction of the Ares. The basis for its body is-"

"Alien? Obviously. We can all see the way its limbs morph into its weaponry. That's a unique feature."

"Not just that."

The women stood across from each other before Kriss nodded.

"I see. The Ares is capable of destroying Ghosts. Is that what you're trying to imply?"

Elma nodded, Kriss tapping her chin.

"If it were possible to replicate the Ares' technology then we would have done that ages ago...the fact that we haven't simply means we can't. That's why you haven't said anything…"

Elma nodded once more, watching as Kriss continued to think.

"It may be possible to learn something from closer examination on your Ares, but that will have to wait until after the Ganglion assault. I've got enough on my plate as it is. Thank you for trusting me with this, Elma."

"Don't mention it, Professor. Keep up the good work."

Kriss nodded as Elma turned, writing down the report and sending it to the appropriate parties before leaving the lecture hall and heading for the training facilities.

---

The training room was livelier than ever, many units performing joint exercises as well as sparring. Currently the Reapers and the Skelletons were working together. Sagis and Alto were sparring with Danny and Boris while Eren and Tai worked with Irina and Gwin. Not too far from them, Lyla and Jaynix were sparring with Kumon while Kruse stood off to the side and studied their movements.

No one was holding back in the slightest, blows were rough, there were sounds of exertion and pain filling the air yet for every one person that got knocked down, another got back up and the trials continued.

Kumon slammed both Lyla and Jaynix into the ground with what seemed like little effort. The man did his best to make it look like he wasn't exhausted but the sweat dripping down along his face made it clear that he was.

As he stood at the ready, Jaynix flipped back onto her feet and charged him, blow after blow landed on the General only for him to deliver a savage counterattack to the Corporal, pushing her back. As he went for the finishing strike, Lyla leapt up and extended both legs, executing a powerful dropkick which threw Kumon to the floor. All three of them watched one another, breathing heavily, sweating and still burning with the desire to keep sparring. Every day he sees this, Kruse can't help but watch on in awe. Snapping out of it he turned and retrieved several bottles of water.

Early on, Kruse had concerns about all the hand to hand training, something that Kumon was quick to address.

"You don't have a Skell certification, correct?"

"Yes, uh. General. I don't."

Kumon smiled.

"Then you wouldn't know...you see, when it comes to our Skells they don't just operate as machines for us to pilot, they can also act as an extension of us. With the proper training and mental fortitude you can...fuse the aspects of the machine and the pilot. Once you do that, you allow your Skell's processing power into your mind and you're as fast as a supercomputer."

Kruse was amazed by this.

"How?"

"Simple. The Skell communicates with our new Mimeosome internal structure and our commands link up. I believe the engineers call it the Tandem State. Doing this requires not only extensive knowledge of how Skells operate but also for us to be one with our body and mind. Hence, the physical combat training."

Kruse looked up at the various screens displaying the Skells outside of the White Whale performing various joint exercises and practicing all sorts of attack formations.

"That's hard to believe."

Kumon nodded.

"I thought the same thing. For all the time we spent in our Skells back on Earth, we spent only the last few months in our Mimeosomes. But the moment we piloted our Skells with our Mims, the difference was clear and staggering. For some the Tandem State was too much so they rely on nothing more than inputting commands as we always have. But for the ones who can achieve and maintain Tandem, they perform what seem to be impossible feats and once paired with Overdrive, it's all the more fearsome."

Kruse thought of all the achievements credited to Elma, it made a lot of sense given she was one of the first people to test out Mimeosome technology.

Kumon, Lyla and Jaynix remained sitting on the floor, drinking water and taking deep, calming breaths. Hearing yells, they all turned as Gwin and Eren hit the floor followed by Sagis and Boris. Their comrades continued to spar, their movements fast and efficient despite the weary expressions on their faces.

Kumon knew what was coming was dire and yet he felt confident in his team as always. The Ganglion could throw whatever they wanted at them, he knew they'd find some way to triumph. They didn't come this far to fail now.

A smile formed on Kumon's face as the doors opened and Elma walked into the room. Spotting her Skelletons and the Reapers, she began approaching. Seeing her coming, Irina called for a time out, the group retrieving water bottles as she went to meet with Elma.

"How is everything going Lieutenant?"

"Good. Great actually. Eren and Tai are the best sparring partners one could ask for."

"I don't believe the man is blind!"

Gwin called out as Eren helped him to his feet. Tai simply shrugged.

"If I'm being honest Gwin my sight isn't doing so well with all the activity around."

"Oh so what? You're kicking my ass with one hand behind your back?"

Tai chuckled.

"Your words not mine."

Jaynix and Lyla stood up and joined the group as Elma cleared her throat.

"We have less than two weeks before the Ganglion get here...and that's discounting the possibility of any advanced forces they may be sending ahead of their main fleet. I know it's not a lot of time but it's all we've got."

Jaynix smashed her fists together.

"We can do it."

Elma's eyes remained on Jaynix, many things left unsaid as memories began to flood her mind. Not her memories. Warnings. Ignoring them as best as she could, Elma nodded.

"We will."

As the group broke apart and made plans to head for the Skell hangars and engage in those exercises, Elma kept her eyes on Jaynix's back. Slowly she looked down at her hands, clenching them into fists.

---

It was hours later when the many military units took to the mess halls or returned to their personal quarters. Now more than ever they wanted just to rest. The next day loomed and they all knew they were to put in as much effort as they could for preparation.

They were all encouraged to get the sleep they needed, not only did they all need to be at their best physically and mentally but they needed to be well rested.

It was during this time that Elma pulled Eren away from the rest of the Reapers.

"My theory?"

"Kriss said you had one."

"Yeah, a stupid one."

Elma shook her head.

"That's not what Kriss said."

"No but I'm sure it's what she meant...I'm looking for answers anywhere I can find them and that leads to me saying some pretty ridiculous things."

Elma sighed.

"Regardless, I want to hear it."

Eren shrugged, continuing down the hall with Elma at her side.

"In our universe, matter cannot be created or destroyed...only transformed. That's a universal law we simply can not break."

"Of course."

Eren took a deep breath.

"But that's our universal law."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"What are you saying?"

"You know what I'm saying Elma. All the biggest brains in history could never help but question the existence of certain things. Be it intelligent life out in space which is clearly true...or the existence of alternate planes of reality. Universes. Dimension. You name it."

Elma came to a stop, lost in thought.

"Even for us at this point, it's nothing but guesswork. I can't help beyond that I'm afraid. The effort it would take to prove such a theory let alone act on it. We can't do that. Not in two weeks, not in two years, not in two decades."

Elma looked to Eren once more.

"I suppose not...maybe I'm just desperate for some answers."

"We all are. If it makes you feel any better I don't intend on letting this theory rest. When I'm not training or helping Kriss with her work, I'll build on it. It's all theoretical so nothing I say or propose is wrong...it simply needs to be tested."

Elma nodded.

"Thank you, Eren."

With that, the pair split up. Eren made her way to Kriss' room and Elma returned to her own. Along the way, Elma found herself lost in thought to the last time she used her powers. Reaching her room she sat on her bed and closed her eyes.

With the threat coming ever closer she couldn't help but want to peer into some future for an answer. It was because of her even considering it that her people made using the power as such a taboo. Once you had a taste of the future, all you wanted was to know more.

Some of her people gazed so far, they witnessed their own deaths...and died as a result. It was dangerous and she knew using it on Jaynix was not only a giant betrayal of trust and invasion of privacy...but highly detrimental to her health.

Her entire goal was to change that which was laid out before them with her own two hands. She couldn't give into the temptation no matter what it might show her.

"I have to believe in them...I have to."

Taking a deep breath, she hoped for nothing but the best. They'd take hold of whatever fate threw at them and they'd deal with it.

---

Following Kriss' suggestion, new Skell weapons were put into immediate production. While the weapons were more for dealing with Ghosts, no one could deny the possibility of attracting those same hostile Xenoforms when the battle against the Ganglion begins. In the meantime, having these weapons ready for the coming battle would allow the protectors of the White Whale to use them in real combat and see how effective they could be otherwise.

Skell maintenance was a high priority, ensuring that after every exercise and routine the Skells were returned to prime condition and ready for immediate deployment.

Alpha Wolf was among the engineering teams whose focus has once again been shifted, now to handling Skells. All of them with the exception of Kruse, even though he told Constantine he wanted to help, the old wolf wanted Kruse to pursue his own goal for now. If things got more dire then he'd pull him in but for now he knew the rest of the team had it handled.

The preparations were well under way and despite the mounting pressure, most of the military units were eager for the fight to arrive.

It was another late night when Jaynix found herself standing at the end of that same hallway, looking out into the endless space. Hearing footsteps approaching, she smiled.

"Hard to believe it's been two years since…"

"Indeed. Jaynix, there are some things I really do have to share with you."

Jaynix turned to Elma.

"I think I told you that I'm fine being left in the dark and if I didn't, I'm telling you now."

"I'm not fine leaving you in the dark."

Jaynix looked away as Elma stepped closer.

"Is it about this critical ally of ours? About the transmission? Or about why you've been looking at me like you made a mistake?"

Elma seemed surprised at this.

"I didn't want to bring it up but...the way you've been staring at me lately...it's like you have something important you want to say but you can't bring yourself to say. Maybe you want to apologize for something or...I don't know. What I want to know is...are you alright, Elma?"

The Colonel could only laugh, shaking her head before looking to Jaynix once more and seeing her wearing that same smile.

"With everything going on you're still concerned for my well being. After six years I thought there was nothing else you could do to surprise me."

Jaynix shrugged before gazing out into space once more, Elma doing the same.

"I owe you quite a few truths, an explanation and an apology."

"When we win this coming fight, I'll listen to it all."

Jaynix held one of her hands out, Elma waited a few seconds before taking hold of Jaynix's hand and shaking.

"It's a promise."

---

This day found the Reapers back in their quarters following another successful training session with the Skelletons. Kumon sat in silence, meditating as always while Sagis and Alto shared several drinks and read off the list Sharon had given them.

Tai and Jaynix stood near the pair, the former shaking his head.

"You two really did make a mistake offering any and all services to Sharon."

Sagis shrugged.

"What can we say? She's got us wrapped around her little fingers."

Jaynix chuckled.

"More like you're her puppets. It's kind of cute."

Alto laughed, slapping Sagis shoulder.

"We are? Aren't we? The way we see it, there are worse people to be indebted to."

Tai shook his head.

"I very much doubt that. You really think this'll land either of you a date?"

Sagis and Alto glared at each other before turning their attention on Tai.

"How about you get a date first Tai, then we'll talk."

Tai simply rolled his eyes and walked away as the door opened, Eren stepped inside with Kriss behind her.

"How's it going?"

"Welcome back Eren! And Kriss, good to see you."

Lyla stated as she approached the pair. Kriss searched the room, it wasn't the first time she was here but she was always expecting some foul prank to befall her when she visited Eren's...family.

"You as well, Mrs. Copeland."

Lyla began setting the table, Jaynix joining her as Alto approached the Professor.

"Any news on anything you and yours have been up to?"

Kriss chuckled.

"Plenty of news, but I doubt it'd be anything your mind could understand."

Before Alto could reply, Sagis cut in.

"She called you stupid."

"I'm well aware, Alto."

Kriss smiled while Eren shook her head and led her to the table.

"I will say Kriss, I'm excited to test out those new explosives of yours!"

The Professor looked at Sagis.

"Of course you would be. Allow me to reiterate...don't stick around to watch. I designed them so that they're capable of attaching to the hulls of ships for a reason alright?"

Alto put a hand on Sagis shoulder, a wide smile on his face.

"She thinks you're stupid too."

The pair swatted at each other as Jaynix and Lyla now began serving up the food they were cooking. Opening his eyes, Kumon inhaled the scents.

"That smells wonderful."

Standing, he moved towards the table, Tai, Sagis and Alto following him.

"Of course it does! Jaynix and I made it, what do you expect?"

Lyla said, confident in her cooking as always. The Reapers all sat around the table and began eating, Jaynix couldn't stop herself from giggling upon seeing Eren and Kriss feed one another. The pair didn't seem to care, their eyes only seeing each other.

"I've been doing a lot of Skell training lately so I haven't gotten a chance to see how Kruse is doing. Still getting better I imagine?"

Tai asked while serving himself more, Alto's arm helping guide him. Jaynix tapped her chin.

"Better? Yeah, constant improvement with that one I'd say. It's a lot to handle but he's taken to it rather well. He's back with Alpha Wolf for now, helping Constantine but he should be set for our next session tomorrow."

Sagis took a massive bite from the chicken leg in his hand, now asking with his mouth full.

"We can't actually bring him on with the identifier of The Young Wolf can we? It doesn't really fit."

"What about Blue? Also. Please swallow."

Alto stated, Sagis ignoring the man and taking another bite.

"Our titles are our ranks, with the exception of the Blood Brothers. Those were titles you two had as paramilitary right? They just stuck."

The pair looked to Kumon and nodded as he tilted his head.

"I suppose if Kruse was to become one of us, his title would be Engineer."

Lyla nodded.

"I like the sound of that. Perhaps he could help Eren out with some of her tech work, yes?"

Eren looked to the group.

"I suppose...though that's what I have Kriss for."

The Professor rolled her eyes as Eren continued.

"She already has a title set for her but I doubt she'd grace us with her presence."

Jaynix laughed.

"The idea of finally expanding the Reapers beyond the seven of us...I like it. The only time we've ever grown was when the Blood Brothers joined us. If Kruse and Kriss joined up, that'd be great."

Kriss shrugged.

"I don't have many reservations. As long as I am allowed to study and research what I want."

Tai crossed his arms.

"Well, aren't you still affiliated with your previous group? What about Kruse and Alpha Wolf? As nice as it would be for our group to go, we can't exactly ask them to break their allegiances off. Being a Reaper is kind of all encompassing."

Several of the Reapers nodded in agreement as Kumon spoke up.

"I think being a Reaper is about to take on a new definition...if it hasn't already. We were known as such because of our work in the Lawless Sectors. How effectively we killed countless threats to our peace. After starfall, who's to say if that will still be a job that is needed? What if we're no longer required to be an offensive force? There's a lot of possibilities in our future."

Lyla smiled.

"Possibilities. Yeah...whatever comes next will be interesting, that's for sure."

The group nodded, the meal continuing with casual conversation and many smiles. Even Kriss couldn't keep the expression off of her face every time she locked eyes with Eren.

It was in the middle of that joy when it happened. The lights in the room went red and an alarm began to blare. The Reapers all looked to each other before standing in unison, abandoning their food they left the room.

"Eren!"

Stopping at the door, the Strategist turned to Kriss.

"Be careful."

Approaching the Professor, Eren pulled her in for a kiss, a long, passionate kiss before she said it.

"I love you."

There was shock in Kriss' eyes, she was unable to respond as Eren turned and left the room.

Kriss stood there, alone, unable to process those three words.

---

Near the Skell Hangar, Kruse and several other Alpha Wolf engineers were hard at work on finishing up another set of Skell Claws. He pointed to different sections and asked for clarification on the current status, making sure it was operating as it should be.

His gaze moved to the team leaders Constantine, Orwell and Hilda, who were talking amongst themselves. No doubt planning two days ahead on the mountain of things that needed to be done.

Just as Kruse prepared to ask his fellow engineers something, the lights went red and the deafening sounds of an alarm filled the room. Kruse and Constantine looked to one another in unison before the old wolf began barking out orders.

Kruse told his people to drop the claw they were working on and prepare to monitor the White Whale diagnostics for any damage in the coming fight.

---

On the bridge, Elma stood next to Nagi. Her eyes searched the bridge until they landed on Chausson. With everything growing more and more tense she couldn't fight off the desire to ask him a question that's been on her mind for two years.

Slowly, she made her way to the older man.

"Elma? Did you need something?"

Clearing her throat, she spoke.

"This may be...personal. I don't want to insert myself in your affairs but there is something I'm curious about."

Chausson waited.

"Mira told me."

There was a long silence as Chausson put two and two together.

"...about my son...about the mission I gave him."

Elma nodded.

"I just wanted to ask...was it a lack of trust? In us?"

Chausson looked away, bringing a hand to his chin he began thinking of how to say it. With a heavy sigh he turned back to Elma just as several of the bridge staff on monitor duty stood up and called out.

"Enemy contact! Twelve units approaching from behind! They'll be within attack distance in ninety seconds!"

Nagi turned to them as Vandham stood, both men caught each other's gaze before Nagi began issuing orders.

Elma brought out her datapad and engaged the alarm, red lights flooding the bridge.

Taking a deep breath she turned to give Chausson one last look. The man nodded to her before she ran out of the room, headed for the Skell hangar and her Ares all the while she made a call.

"Irina!"

"The Skelletons are assembled and prepared!"

"Don't wait for me! Get out there and protect us all!"

"On it Colonel!"

Ending the call, Elma picked up her pace. Closing her eyes, she did her best to ignore the desperate pounding in her chest.

---

"I take it Grandfather has not relented?"

Elma shook her head.

"Of course he hasn't. I always knew that he'd never change."

Aeon sighed.

"You have to admit he is right...you used your powers in just the way that we have been forbidden to, Elma. The Visit gave us a real gift, we can't just…"

Lowering his voice, he spoke.

"We can't just change the future. There have to be consequences, dire consequences for going against the very flow of fate itself."

"Then why?"

Elma turned to her brother, anger in her eyes.

"Why were we given this power? Why did the Visit happen? Why can we peer into the future if we are not to make use of it and right wrongs?"

"We tried that Elma. Our people thought just as you thought after the Visit and look what happened!"

"That doesn't mean we give up and let people die for our continued survival."

Aeon put his hands on her shoulders.

"What if by helping these people, we doom ourselves? Is it truly worth it to save a race we know nothing about if we are sacrificing our brethren for it?"

Pulling away from Aeon, Elma continued walking. The lustrous crystals that jutted out of the ground along her path began to shine ever brighter as darkness settled in around them.

Aeon looked away from his sister and back to the central plaza. The countless crystals that made up their environment, the rainbow colored waters that flowed, the tallest crystal a beacon of civilization. While he understood Elma's criticisms of how the Watchers carried themselves, he didn't want to risk his home. Their home. For something so uncertain and farfetched. Especially not if it involved the Ganglion, the Ghosts or Samaar.

Quickly he followed Elma down her path.

"Wait, sister."

"I'm done talking about this. I know you don't agree."

Placing a hand on his shoulder, he found her hands on his arm. With a yell she flipped him over and slammed him on the ground. Coughing the man shook his head as she stepped past him and continued on her way.

"Sister! I'll join you!"

Coming to a stop, she turned to look at him, unconvinced.

"I mean it...I don't want to lose you. I don't want you to leave us all alone and then…"

With a sigh, he stood up.

"You're my older sister, I know that...but I want to help you."

"If that's true...then why have you been hounding my choices every step of the way?"

He smiled.

"Because someone has to. Would you rather I just agreed with everything? No questions asked? Or do you want a different perspective? A new point of view that could help your cause?"

Elma continued to watch him, gradually a smile formed on her face.

"I can't argue with that…"

"Then listen to me. Please. We need to form a plan. A real plan. We can't just take the Paladin and the Guardian and vanish."

Elma looked down at the ground.

"We can't just show up on Earth and ask them to believe us without a solution to offer. From this very second we're on a timetable. We need to do everything in our power to make every second mean something."

Elma crossed her arms.

"You're right."

"Then let's go to the Collection. There has to be something there that can help us. If not to strike against the Ganglion or the Ghosts, then to defend against them. Our people didn't spend all our time gathering information for nothing, right?"

Elma tapped her fingers along her arm, lost in thought before finally letting out a long sigh.

"I let my heart get ahead of my mind…"

"The Earth is under your watch, Elma. It's in your sector. I'm not surprised you'd feel something towards them even if I can't understand it…"

Slowly, Elma approached Aeon, nodding to one another they began walking back towards the plaza.

"Besides. How were you planning on leaving here with the Paladin and the Guardian on your own?"

Aeon watched Elma's expression, a small smirk forming. The man gasped.

"You wanted me to join you…"

"Whatever gave you that idea my brother?"

He smiled, impressed as she continued.

"I will say...the extra time could help both of us. There is something in the Collection that may help us understand more of the effects of the Visit."

Aeon tilted his head.

"What are you talking about?"

"It would be faster to show you. Trust me."

Elma quickened her pace, Aeon doing the same to keep up with her.

"There is some small thing I've been considering. It doesn't affect much...but it may just be that boost we need, or maybe that boost they'd need."

Aeon raised an eyebrow.

"Who? The people of Earth?"

Elma nodded.

"The Guardian and the Paladin were named as such for how they safeguard our people...but for what's coming it is not enough to wield a brilliant shield. We need a sword."

Elma cleared her throat.

"The people of Earth have this habit of naming divine figures and assigning them to rule over certain aspects of life."

"Not unnatural given what I've seen across many systems."

Aeon commented.

"With the conflict that is coming, I think it is only right that we adopt the name of one of their divine figures. One that rules over war."

Aeon took a deep breath.

"War…"

He'd seen his fair share of destructive conflicts all across the cosmos, they all have. Narrowing his eyes, he spoke.

"This figure of war...what is their name?"

---

The Ganglion detachment that shot towards the White Whale was composed of their newly developed Almandal Unit, twelve fearsome enemy mechs. The machines were much larger than even heavy Skells, long limbs armed with razor sharp claws and long shoulder mounted lasers. Before they even reached the Whale they began their assault, firing on the Ark from a long distance.

All the Almandals fired off blue lasers and their claws gave off a fierce blue glow, except for two. The one in the lead had white claws and lasers and was dubbed by its pilot Goetia as Miseriae, the Pale Light. Right behind it was one giving off a fierce red glow, piloted by a deadly efficient Ganglion mercenary named Nahum. Her Almandal she called Nardacyon, the Shadowless.

Goetia gave her unit one simple order.

"Kill them all!"

As the lasers struck the hull of the White Whale, the hangar bays began to open while the perimeter defense teams were assembled. Dozens upon dozens of human operated Skells emerged and began taking up defensive positions.

Every lead pilot was followed by a support line of a dozen Skells to aid them with disrupting enemy attack patterns but the majority of the fighting was down to the commanders.

While the lead pilots and their support lines would be deployed directly into battle, the remaining forces would form and maintain a line around the rear of the White Whale, safeguarding it from all enemy attacks.

"Skelletons, are you with me!?"

Elma yelled, a chorus of responses were quick to fill the air as she advanced on the oncoming enemy forces.

"Reapers! Fall in!"

Kumon yelled out, charging ahead with the rest of the Reapers following him, both units shooting far ahead of the rest of the defensive line.

The Almandal unit that Aeon had warned her about was here, which meant the Ganglion's main fleet was not far behind and neither was Aeon.

"Listen to me! The information our ally has provided insists that we avoid combat with the lead units. You should all have visual data on the commanding Almandals. Focus on the support units first and foremost!"

Everyone affirmed Elma's orders as the Ares' arms transformed into blades. Despite her commands, she couldn't let the leaders act freely so she'd keep their attention on her. Aeon's warnings about the Almandals capabilities resounded in her ears, but it didn't matter. She had people that she needed to protect and she'd do it herself.

The Skelletons and Reapers now in their Skells, left the White Whale together, heading for the enemy units that were currently engaged with the perimeter defense teams. Elma ordered her team all the while, the distance between the human Skells and alien mechs closing every second.

With a few words of encouragement from Kumon, the Reapers and Skelletons opened fire on the Almandal units, the Xenoform machines immediately turned on the new contacts as half of the support units broke away and began heading for them.

Elma shot forward, evading all six of them with little effort. Any move they could have made to chase her was cut off by her allies shooting at them, explosions riddling the hulls of the Xenoform machines.

Elma spotted the Almandal that was furthest in the lead, Miseriae. Pushing her thrusters as hard as they could go, her Ares slammed into it and threw it back.

"This vessel is under my protection. You won't be getting through me."

Elma stated, venom in her voice as a female Xenoform, Goetia, responded.

"Ah...you must be the one Luxaar is particularly upset with. I thank you for throwing your life away by engaging me!"

Miseriae charged forward, the claws striking the blades of the Ares. Both Skells began shooting across the vast and empty space, claws and blades swinging and striking in fierce combat. Neither of them had any desire to give ground.

All the while the four remaining support units continued to engage the White Whale defenders with Nardacyon in the lead. The red claws of the mighty Xenoform machine tore through any Skell that got too close with ease.

Away from that encounter the Skelletons and Reapers were now in open combat against six Almandal units, there was no telling when the rest of the Ganglion forces would arrive, let alone their own allies. All they could do was survive.

"Gwin and I will take our lines and pull away one of the Almandals. Boris and Danny will do the same with the other!"

Irina called out, the Skelletons broke off as she commanded.

"Jaynix, Lyla, do the same with one of the Almandals. Tai and Eren will be the second unit, Sagis and Alto handle the third. My lines and I will deal with the last one. You have your orders, break!"

The Reapers sectioned off, each squad of Skells striking out at the half dozen Almandal units that stood out before them. Far behind them stood another line of Skells equipped with long range weapons. They would be taking whatever shots they could find when the enemy forces were open. The plan was set in motion and so the firefight began in earnest.

Firebird swung its massive blade, colliding with an Almandal's claws. Lyla shot up and above before firing her pulse rifles, streams of plasma tore through space and struck the hull of the Almandal.

The machine spun about, wrenching Firebird's blade away and tossing it out through empty space where it began to float. Firebird engaged its thrusters and flew out of range of the Almandal's claws. Leaning forward, the Xenoform weapon fired its shoulder mounted laser cannons, striking Firebird before shooting up towards Headshot.

Once it got close enough, Lyla activated her Skell's leg weapons, powerful concentrated electrical bolts shot from the knees of Headshot, striking the Almandal at close range.

Giving the order, Lyla flew out of range as the Skells in reserve behind her took advantage of the Almandal's stunned state. Bladed weapons and all sorts of firearms rained down on its hull as Jaynix retrieved her Skell's blade.

Breaking free of its hold, the Almandal spun around and unleashed a barrage of missiles in all directions. Many exploded harmlessly in space while many more struck Skell after Skell. Jaynix held her blade up, explosions riddling the surface of her massive weapon before charging in once more.

Firebird's blade carved a deep cut into the hull of the Almandal. Spinning back around the Xenoform weapon held its hands out, a barrage of rounds escaped the palms of its hands and pushed Firebird out of range once more. Flipping over, the Almandal's tail struck Firebird, Jaynix cursed as the blow threw her Skell farther away from her target.

Lyla shot down from above, drawing two smaller blades from her Skell's sides and striking the Almandal. Slash after slash found its mark but the hull took far less damage than she hoped.

The Almandal prepared to rake its claws across Headshot when sniper bolts from the defensive lines cut through space and struck. Jaynix ordered the rest of the team in once more, Skells slammed into the Almandal pushing it back and farther away from the White Whale.

Drawing her blade back, Jaynix unlinked the end of the weapon and swung. The chain extended across space as the weapon struck the Almandal, carving another deep cut into the hull before Lyla unleashed a missile barrage of her own. Explosions covered the Almandal, obscuring it from sight as the rest of the Skells returned to formation near Jaynix.

Once the assault finished and the way was clear, the Almandal was still floating in space. It's arms moved away from its body and it began its charge. Ordering her team as quickly as she could, Jaynix met the charge halfway, both machines striking each other with as much force as they could muster.

All the battles against the Almandal units proceeded much the same, as much damage as the defenders could inflict, the enemy machines refused to fall.

---

Eren's Skell was armed with many electrical weapons, all of which were effective at stunning the Almandal. During those short periods, she gave Tai the go ahead and he swooped in. His Skell's massive hook tore across the hull of the Almandal with great success and the firepower of their support Skells kept it from inflicting much damage.

Tai's cockpit was full of all sorts of sounds which signaled different distances between him, his allies and his enemies. Turning his head slightly to listen to the ones of immediate importance he shot out of range as the Almandal's claws cut through space.

Raising its arms, the Reapers watched as the Almandal's claws gave off an even fiercer glow before it swung. From each finger, a glowing wave of energy shot through space. The Skells did their best to evade the new attacks which carved clean through several unfortunate Skells, rendering them useless as the Almandal began a new charge.

---

Gwin and Irina shot back and forth, avoiding their Almandal's laser weaponry while firing back with their Skell's rifles and missiles. Their battle was one of long distance with their allies taking the time to get in close when the Almandal was focusing its aim, disrupting its ability to get an effective read on the Skelletons.

"Lock and load!"
"On it!"

Gwin called back as he drew a massive launcher from his Skell's back and fired. The Almandal avoided the missile and shot towards Gwin and Irina just as the missile looped back around and exploded against the back of the hostile machine.

---

Acting alone, Elma continued to engage Goetia, both Skells flew at incredibly high speeds, faster than any allied forces or the other Almandals. That only illustrated to Elma that she needed to keep the commanders distracted lest they rip through the allied forces.

Claws and blades continued to collide, Elma focusing on her Ares' functions and watching for any exposed vulnerability on Goetia's machine before diving out of range. Quickly, the blades receded and were replaced by gatling guns which began spinning immediately.

"Agni Gatling!"

A barrage of rounds shot from the Ares' guns, Goetia began immediate evasive maneuvers as Elma tracked her through space, the bullets hot on the trail of Miseriae. Cursing the Xenoform turned and began swinging the Skell's claws, shooting those same sharp energy waves towards the Ares.

Moving out of the way and redirecting her focus on Goetia, Elma moved closer, keeping her assault up as the enemy machine flew in circles through space and got closer.

Deactivating the guns, Elma engaged the other weapons as Goetia got closer.

"Vajra Flail!"

A weapon formed in the Ares hands as Miseriae got closer, Elma began swinging the flail, Goetia narrowly avoiding it.

"Avatara Missile!"

As Elma continued her assault and kept Goetia on the defensive, six projectiles in the form of rings appeared along the Ares' back and fired straight for Goetia. Moving away the Xenoform found the projectiles homing in on her.

Elma shot far off into the distance as Goetia continued evasive maneuvers, coming up behind her, Elma swung the flail and struck the back of Miseriae. Goetia cursed as her Skell was stunned just long enough for the Avatara Missiles to close in and strike their target. Flames covered Miseriae as Elma drew back, arms changing into blades once more.

Goetia roared in anger and opened fire, missiles and lasers cutting through space towards the Ares. Blades at the ready, Elma cut through the projectiles and began evading as the hostile Xenoform shot towards her.

---

Boris and Danny's heavy Skells were not as adept at dodging their Almandal's attacks but they could take the brunt of the punishment in place of it, allowing their allied Skelletons to strike from behind.

Explosions riddled the back of the Almandal as it turned to the source of it. Attention deflected, Boris drew his Skell's hammer and swung, the massive blunt weapon smashed the back of the Almandal and tossed the machine through space. Danny's Skell activated it's arm mounted weapons, encasing itself with pulsing energy before shooting at the Almandal and striking.

Each punch the Skell landed was met with explosive force, pushing the Almandal further back. Swinging about, the tail of the hostile machine struck Danny, causing his Skell to spin away. The Almandal opened fire, lasers searing across the surface of Danny's Skell.

Boris moved in, heaving his hammer through space, the Almandal made note to avoid this weapon at all costs. After a quick dodge, the Almandal moved in and slashed through the armor of Boris' Skell.

---

Sagis' Skell floated in place, arms extended and encased by a powerful barrier that the Almandal slammed into with no visible effect.

Alto roared as he descended on the enemy machine, long blades carving through the Almandal before his shoulder mounted missiles fired and exploded along the enemy's hull.

On Alto's orders Several Skells shot towards the fray and opened fire on the Almandal. Dropping his shield, Sagis joined the battle, discharging electrical rounds at the enemy machine.

---

While the Reapers and the Skelletons were able to hold off half of the Almandal forces including Goetia, the other four led by Nahum continued their unstoppable rampage against the other Defenders.

"We're not doing too hot!"

Frye yelled out as his Skell continued to evade the fearsome Nardacyon.

"Chin up Ostrich! Show me that dedication!"

Boze called as he charged Nardacyon and slammed into it all while roaring at the top of his lungs.

"KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATSU!"

Rearing back his fist he struck the Skell and forced it back before drawing a chaingun from his Skell's back and firing, rounds pelting the massive enemy machine with relentless fury.

Frye drew his Skell's grenade launcher and joined in the assault, explosions riddling Nahum's machine, the pilot's only response was to laugh and shoot through the carnage right at the two.

"Back off!"

Another Skell flew in front of the pair and activated its shield, Nardacyon slammed against it, dispelling the barrier and pushing the Skell back.

Frye cursed.

"Nice try, Sharon but this one is no slouch."

"I don't care."

With that she shot forward, the other Skells made note of each other and charged in behind her.

---

On his own, Kumon held his Skell's long and fine blade at the ready. The Almandal shot forward, Kumon dodged it's strikes and returned them in kind, slicing through the hull with every blow he landed.

The claws searched for his Skell, hoping to rend it to pieces but he was always out of range. While the rest of the Reapers went with Medium and Heavy class Skells, Kumon could not stray from his Light class Skell. It's defenses were nowhere near as reinforced as the others and he couldn't wield as many destructive weapons, but it gave him speed.

Closing his eyes, he felt his connection to his Skell, Samurai. He could feel the blade as if it were in his own hands, that's all he needed. Calmly he ordered his allied Skells and they took on the requested formations as the Almandal charged him again.

His Skell flipped up and over, before getting behind the enemy and slashing its tail off. The Almandal turned on him immediately and fired, one shot found its mark as he flew off, his allies taking the space he occupied and slamming into the enemy machine with all they had.

Quickly, Kumon returned to the battle, his blade cutting through the Almandal over and over. As long as he was calm, there was nothing that he feared.

---

As the battles across space all continued to rage, Nagi stood on the White Whale's bridge, eyes observing the starmap before him which highlighted the positions of all their allies and the enemy forces.

"To think this was all they sent at us…"

"Is that relief I hear?"

Vandham asked, to which Nagi could only shake his head.

"Far from it...we have yet to destroy a single one and yet they've shot down at least a dozen of our own…"

"Can we hold out?"

Chausson asked, Nagi continued watching the map.

"Perhaps...but-"

Nagi was cut off by an alarm, turning he addressed the rest of the bridge crew.

"What is that?"

"We're picking up new signatures! Lots of them!"

"One particularly...massive one is approaching as well!"

Nagi got on the comms with the observer Skells on the hull of the White Whale.

"What do you see?"

One man activated his scope and peered far and deep into space before swapping to an alternate mode to detect enemy machines.

"The Ganglion! It's another advanced fleet!"

Nagi cursed.

"Everyone resting on the hull, take off and intercept those new forces right now!"

Hearing affirmations, Nagi returned his attention to the star map as another legion of Skells departed from the Whale and headed out into space where dozens and dozens of enemy contacts began to pop up on radar.

"Do we know what they are?"

"These are their standard forces, the same ones that were there during the Exodus!"

Another bridge member responded. Nagi closed his eyes as he remembered what Elma had told him.

Galdrs, Qmoevas and Seidrs, those machines formed the bulk of the Ganglions forces. Skells were designed to be on par with them if not capable of destroying them one on one, however the enemy forces continued to grow on the star map.

"The massive enemy signature vanished. We can't find it!"

"Well get on it!"

Vandham yelled.

"If it's not just the new reinforcements then there is something else out there! Find it!"

"Yes sir!"

While activity filled the bridge and people called out to one another, Nagi stood in silence and recalled the Exodus, as well trained and prepared as they were, the sheer and overwhelming number of enemy units was too much for even most of their soldiers.

"Vandham. Are we ready to jump?"

The lead engineer looked away from the bridge crew, taking a deep breathing before nodding.

"Of course…"

"Good."

Keeping his eyes closed, Nagi whispered.

"Be quick Aeon. Please."

---

Goetia's claws tore across Elma's Skell, in return one of the Ares' blades pierced the hull of Miseriae. Pulling away from one another, the Skells floated in space, their focus on no one else. Then Goetia began to laugh.

"You're every bit formidable as we've come to expect…"

"How did you come to expect that?"

Goetia smiled.

"Who do you think was trying to hunt that man down on Qlu? Aeon? That was my task and the worm escaped me all the while."

Elma couldn't fight off a smirk.

"You couldn't even track down my brother, what makes you think you can stop me?"

"Oh? Are you the superior sibling?"

Elma engaged her Skell's thrusters.

"You tell me."

With that she shot forward, Goetia narrowly avoiding her attacks and flying away through space with Elma close behind. A status update came through and displayed the new enemy forces as well as the allies dispatched to meet them.

"The fleet is almost here! This farce is at an end!"

Goetia turned back suddenly and slammed into the Ares, pushing it back before activating all her weapons and firing. Energy waves from the claws, searing lasers from the shoulders and missiles from the back exploded against the Ares, Elma cursed as she pulled away.

Laughing, Goetia followed her, all the while the hundreds of new Ganglion forces spilled into the space near the White Whale.

---

Jaynix turned to the new enemies as another battle began, explosions filling the once empty space around the White Whale. She could only curse before turning her attention back to the severely damaged Almandal currently engaged in battle with Lyla.

"We need to wrap this up."

Jaynix shot forward, her blade slamming into the Almandal and pushing it away.

"I've got that handled."

Lyla stated as she drew out one of her reserve weapons, the Cluster Grenade.

"A gift from our dear Professor."

Jaynix smirked before charging in, her blade slashed through the Almandal once more before it rushed back and grabbed her weapon with its claws. The allied Skells fired on it but it refused to release Jaynix's blade.

Lyla flew in, keeping low and under Jaynix before taking the specialized grenade and forcing it into one of the gaping wounds along the Almandal's hull.

Releasing her blade, Jaynix flew away along with Lyla, the Almandal gave chase before detecting a surge in its lower hull. There was a flash before the grenade exploded, true to Kriss' words the explosion was fierce and seemed to consume the enemy's Skells' body. After the first burst it was left in two pieces before another series of explosions obscured the Skell from sight.

All that remained once the carnage cleared was a heavily damaged upper body. Jaynix roared her order for a full out assault and all Skells in the vicinity unloaded onto the upper body as Lyla prepared her Skell's primary weapon. The back mounted and massive laser sniper. Shot centered and fully charged she let loose, the blast seared a hole clean through the Almandal which then erupted into a mighty explosion, debris now floating through space.

"Lyla! Take half of our units and join the front!"

"And you?"

"We've got eleven more of these to destroy, I'm gonna help the rest of our squad out."

"Stay safe."

Jaynix smiled.

"Of course!"

With that the pair split up with their respective lines following suit.

---

Frye, Boze and Sharon continued their tag team assault on Nahum's Nardacyon. While the Skell's power easily dwarfed all of theirs even together, their teamwork and constant swapping kept them all safe.

The same could not be said for the rest of their allies who were being torn apart by the four Almandals following Nahum's command.

"We may need to consider a strategic retreat!"

Frye called out as he fired on Nardacyon.

"And allow this demon to follow us to the rest of our forces? That I decline!"

Boze called back as he drew his Skell's javelin and shot towards Nardacyon, his weapon slicing through space, narrowly missing its mark.

"Do you intend to die out here Ostrich?"

Sharon yelled.

"I have two thugs who owe me a lot of favors and I'm not dying till I see them fulfill their promise!"

At that, Frye couldn't help but laugh.

"If that's all it takes then I guess I can't die here. Alright you big bastard! Bring it on!"

Frye and Sharon kept their distance, firing on the massive Skell while Boze continued getting as close as he could, swinging his Skell's javelin and attempting to breach the hull.

---

Tai hooked onto his Almandal and pulled it in close, his Skell's other hand drew out an ether cannon from his legs and fired at close range, blasting the Almandal back out towards Eren who fired all her weapons on it.

"Tai! Looks like Jaynix and Lyla managed to take care of theirs!"

The blind man couldn't help but chuckle as he instructed the support Skells to assault the Almandal once more.

"Overachievers. Did they detonate the grenade Kriss gave us?"

"That they did, it seemed to do the trick."

Tai moved his hand over one of the many sensors in his cockpit, listening to the long tones and sounds that emanated from it.

"Enemy reinforcements. Our forces can hold out but we're going to need to provide them backup and...hang on…"

Tai moved his hand over it once more as a new series of tones came in.

"The team dealing with the four Almandals following Nardacyon is requesting immediate assistance. Eren, take your squad, I'll finish this."

Despite her desire to question it, she knew better than to do so. Relaying the order she broke away, half of the Skells following suit as Tai focused, his hands resting on the two main sensors in his cockpit.

He could feel his hook in his hand, a smile on his face. In some strange way...he could see the space before him and the heavily damaged Almandal through his own Skell's visual information. Kumon always told him that perhaps because he lacked a sense, he was more privy to uniting with his Skell. He liked that.

"This was never a weakness."

The Almandal charged him, a smile still present, Tai met the Almandal halfway.

---

Kumon and his opponent continued to shoot through space as quickly as they could, his one blade against the energy enhanced claws. Despite the damage he took, he ignored it and focused on his defenses. Ever the patient man he knew the chance to strike back was coming and when it did he'd finish it.

Like Tai, he ordered all his support units to split up and join the new battle as well as those currently facing down the second line of Almandals. That left him to deal with the enemy one on one.

From his time engaged with it, he understood why the Almandals were so fierce and the reports of their actions on Qlu made sense. However, here in the Ganglion's eagerness to wipe out humanity, they sent only a dozen with no support units. It didn't matter how effective the weapon was at its job if it was forced into an uphill battle.

Whoever their commander was, he seemed to lack real experience and understanding in military tactics. All the better for them.

There it was. With a single defiant slice, Kumon took one of the Almandal's arms off. The machine reeled back as he followed up by slashing the other claw away, leaving the Almandal to fire on him with its shoulder mounted lasers and missiles instead.

Evading the attacks Kumon flew off and activated his blade's secondary mode, a steady flow of ether covering the weapon in a fierce glow. Charging back in, Kumon's blade carved through the Almandal, leaving it in two pieces which exploded behind him.

---

Goetia cursed as another Almandal fell, while it was only the second she couldn't help but note that battle reports did not show nearly as many casualties as she wanted for the humans.

She knew full well she could rack up an effective body count, Nahum could as well but with the most annoying fly of all constantly stopping her from advancing towards that accursed ship, she had no choice but to leave it to the rest of their forces.

Elma continued to counter her, blow for blow and all it did was rile Goetia up more. She needed some way to get away from her.

"Nahum! I could use your assistance."

"You have one, I have three, handle it yourself."

Nahum stated, irritation clear in her voice. Goetia spat.

"I don't need you, I need you to relay commands to your Almandals. Now!"

Nahum didn't respond as Goetia fired off all her projectiles, watching the Ares dodge and weave through space before it opened up its gatling cannons once more, forcing Goetia from her position.

Elma nodded, expecting this and briefly engaged her Ares' Overdrive System. She cut through space far faster than Goetia could react and struck Miseriae with immense force, both blades slicing through the hull and throwing the Skell back.

As Elma prepared for a follow up, her radar picked something up, turning she spotted the four reserve Almandals headed right for her with the allied Skells following closely.

Cursing Elma disengaged and returned to evasive maneuvers as the four of them unleashed their arms on her. She saw Miseriae shoot off from the conflict and head towards the battle between human and Ganglion forces.

Angered, Elma began to give orders to the allies around her and put her focus on dealing with the four Almandals that were clearly only acting as a distraction for her.

---

Irina and Gwin continued to push, round after round detonating against the Almandal's hull just as another voice joined them. A third Skell, Firebird, shot past them and swung its chains, a massive blade sliced through space and cut deep into the Almandal, sending it spinning through space.

Irina and Gwin smiled as they charged in along with Jaynix, forcing the Almandal to begin to retreat and heading towards its ally currently engaged with Boris and Danny.

"They're trying to group up!"

Gwin yelled.

"Too late!"

Irina called back as her eyes searched the space around them to see the Almandal that Tai and Eren were engaged with was also retreating from the combat, though only Tai was on its tail.

"Y'all have Kriss' little present?"

Jaynix called out, the rest of them shouted back in agreement as Irina began to give out her orders.

The three Almandals were now together facing Irina, Gwin, Jaynix, Tai, Boris and Danny.

Of the gathered allies, Irina, Gwin and Danny held the Cluster Grenades in the hands of their Skells as Jaynix, Tai and Boris opened fire on the Almandals. The six Skells shot at each other and collided, weapons igniting and explosions dotting the space around them.

Boris' hammer slammed into one of Almandal's resulting in a fierce crack while Jaynix continued swinging her chain blade around, keeping another of the hostile machines at bay. Tai joined her, his hook slicing through the enemy Skells whenever they avoided her blade.

The other three allied Skells circled the battle and engaged their explosives before charging in. As the Almandals evaded the first team, Irina, Gwin and Danny slammed the explosives onto their hulls where they stuck. The six disengaged immediately as three massive explosions erupted from each Almandal followed by another series of smallest blasts tearing countless pieces of Almandal armor to bits.

"Now!"

Irina commanded the lines of Skells which had followed their respective leaders. All at once, they unleashed their entire payloads onto the center of the battlefield.

Once the assault was done, only one Almandal was left intact, the others were torn to shreds by the explosives and the following assault.

Tai swung his hook which tore the Almandal in two before returning to his side.

"What now?"

Jaynix called out as Irina turned to the display of the battle.

"Boris, Danny, Tai go join the main battle. Gwin, Jaynix and I are going to back up Elma, she's surrounded by four Almandals."

The groups broke off and headed to their destinations as Jaynix called for the General.

"Where are you sir?"

"With Sharon, Frye and Boze. We're holding Nardacyon's attention though I have to warn you all, something about the construction of this Almandal in particular is different from the other ones. Be wary if she gets loose."

The team thanked him for the warning before flying past the gathered Almandals, dividing their attention. Elma smiled and feeling revitalized, joined her allies.

---

Lyla smiled upon seeing Boris, Danny and Tai shoot into the fray, carving up Qmoevas as they went, calling out to one another and just generally raising hell. Lyla supported her allies from afar, her powerful sniper shots knocking whatever Ganglion Skell they struck off balance, allowing others to capitalize on their stunned state.

Lyla noticed a very fast enemy contact shoot into the fray as well and watched as three allied signals went quiet. Focusing on the new arrival she recognized it as Miseriae one of the lead Almandal Skells.

Cursing she drew her Skell's blades and shot towards it, watching as it ripped apart several more Skells. Inside, Goetia smiled, finally being able to do what she came here to do. Detecting an oncoming force she turned as Lyla's Skell slammed into her and pushed her back.

"Another maggot!"

Lyla remained quiet as the Almandal turned on her before hearing laughter.

"Too late!"

Just then, alarms came through and Lyla returned her attention to the battle map, seeing a massive new enemy signature appearing in the middle of the battlefield.

Turning her Skell around she watched as a massive enemy ship began to decloak behind their defensive lines and far too close to the White Whale for comfort.

The enemy vessel was far bigger than anything else deployed and had three long legs of sorts that opened up and unleashed a new battalion of Ganglion fighters.

Goetia's laughter continued.

"Luxaar's Xern fulfills its duty, all of you are dead now!"

---

On the bridge, Nagi's eyes widened as the new enemy contact appeared.

"How did it get so close!?"

One of the bridge crew spoke up.

"I detected something massive approaching when the new enemy forces showed up but it vanished just as quickly. Sir I-"

Nagi raised a hand and he fell silent.

"...they completely cloaked it from all our scanners...damn it…"

Nagi brought a hand to his chin and thought.

"Vandham...back on Earth, Mira had insisted upon arming the Arks."

"She did. The one armament all parties agreed upon are the surface cannons along the hull of the White Whale. When enemy Skells get too close we blast them out space but that...thing...is too big. Our cannons won't even make a dent…"

Nagi nodded.

"I didn't think so...and the other measure?"

Vandham took a deep breath.

"The other measure is our highly experimental and potentially destructive main gun. It's designed to draw power from all of the White Whale's most vital systems for a single concentrated ether blast."

Nagi nodded once more, recalling the reports he received on the weapon.

"The Noah Cannon…"

He was initially against it because of how costly it was but Mira was determined to push it through. If worse came to absolute worst, they needed some ace in the hole and this was the answer.

"I'm guessing there are a lot of reasons we wouldn't want to use it unless absolutely necessary..."

Vandham chuckled.

"Yes. It drains power from the Lifehold's Trion Barrier as well as from our own Jump Drive. The latter of which would become unusable for...well, too long."

Nagi continued to look at the massive enemy ship, even if the cannon was successful in destroying the ship or any of the other Ganglion warships, it would cripple them for whatever battles may still be to come. Clenching his hands as tightly as he could he once more asked for Aeon's aid.

---

"Aghasura Cannon!"

Elma yelled, her Ares' primary weapon striking an Almandal and searing clean through it, reducing it to almost nothing and leaving only three more.

"Sagis! Alto! We need more forces over to the enemy Xern!"

She called as she joined Jaynix in fighting another Almandal.

"Xern? That big fucker? We're on it."

Elma and Jaynix's Skell's struck at another Almandal with relentless fury, massive blade and smaller Ares blades making it impossible for a counterattack.

Everytime the Almandal tried to gain ground, Elma was right there with it, far too fast to be outpaced.

Armed with the flail once more, Elma surged forward and slammed the top part of the Skell, her powerful strike temporarily stunning all of its functions. Jaynix charged in and ran her blade through it.

Stepping back, Elma armed her Ares' gatling guns once more and at close range unleashed a barrage of rounds on the immobilized Skell. Pieces of its armor were riddled with holes before being blown off, Elma kept the assault up as piece after piece of the Almandal came off, leaving the upper body as a ruined mess.

Tearing her sword out of it, Jaynix finished it off with a clean bisection. With only two left Elma approached Jaynix.

"I need to head for the Xern, can you and the others handle these last two?"

"What do you take us for Elma?"

Jaynix smirked and, despite everything the Colonel smiled before taking off.

---

Alto drew his experimental explosive and laughed.

"Cluster Grenade is a great name but if I were Kriss I would've called it the LAST Bomb. Sounds top if I do say so myself!"

"Really imaginative."

Sagis commented as Alto shot towards the ruined Almandal, prepared to stick the explosive to its hull. The Almandal's broken hand shot out at the last second and gripped onto his Skell's arm.

"You bastard!"

One of its claws pierced the explosive and a massive blast engulfed the pair. Sagis shot forward quickly, as the secondary explosions began to go ignite. In that short moment after the first blast and before the following ones, Alto managed to rip himself away. The following blasts destroyed the Almandal's husk, reducing it to shards floating in space.

"Shit! Alto! Are you alright?"

"I'm fine...my Skell ain't doing too hot though…"

Sagis sighed.

"You let your guard down at the last second you fool."

"Yeah, yeah. Bitch at me later. We've still got work to do."

The pair turned towards the massive Xern which was surrounded by countless new Ganglion fighters.

"Hang back Alto, alright? We'll handle this."

Alto rolled his eyes before looking at his Skell's condition. It was far less than optimal and he was missing one of the Skell's arms but he'd be damned if he was going to retreat.

"I'll be careful. Fuck, that hurt to say."

The pair shared a laugh in spite of themselves and shot towards the Xern.

---

As Elma tore through the fighters surrounding the Xern she began to think about the various scenarios playing out over the battlefield.

Frye, Boze, Sharon and Kumon were still holding Nahum and her Nardacyon at bay. Jaynix, Irina and Gwin were dealing with two of the remaining Almandals. Boris, Danny, Tai and Lyla were in the big battle against the first wave of reinforcements. Goetia and Miseriae were in that mess as well.

Picking up two signals, Elma sighed in relief as Sagis and Alto joined her at the front with the Xern before her, as much as she wanted to request more allies, everything was being handled as best as it could. Except for Goetia in the main battle, she'd prefer if someone could occupy her and prevent as many casualties as possible.

"So Colonel, how do we deal with this big...thing?

Sagis called out. Elma continued to study the Xern as lines of Skells deployed against the Seidrs and Galdrs that protected it. Elma knew of Xerns from her time scouting and from what Aeon had reported. They were immensely powerful carriers armed with their own defensive measures. She watched the White Whale's surface cannons fire on the Xern, the impacts doing little to no damage yet managing to take the smaller fighters out with ease.

"We have to get inside."

Alto laughed.

"Are you serious? Through all of that shit?"

Elma nodded.

"It opened up to allow fighters out and has not closed back up, if we get in there and cause enough damage internally, it'll collapse."

"I'm guessing you have the firepower for that?"

Sagis asked, to which Elma looked at her Ares' readouts.

"I do. More than enough. We just need a clear path. I need you two to-"

A new alarm filled her Skell, she could only curse as a massive flagship emerged from the black void of space followed by two warships that flanked the lead. All three of them were much bigger than the White Whale.

"Is that what I think it is."

Alto whispered. Elma narrowed her eyes, anger flooding her body.

"It is. The Ganglion fleet."

---

Aboard the flagship, Luxaar observed the battle on his starchart and smiled.

"They've done better than expected but bugs are still bugs. Well done Goetia. We'll take it from here."

Turning, Luxaar gestured for Ryyz and Dagahn to approach.

"Take command of our foremost cannons and focus all fire on that cursed ship. Wipe these...pretenders from existence!"

Dagahn roared, it was almost joyful as he took off. Ryyz simply bowed before following suit. Ga Jiarg stepped forward.

"Shall we deploy as well, Councillor?"

Luxaar did not even attempt to hide his displeasure.

"It's Grandmaster to you...can I trust you to go out there and deal with them or do you need an escort."

Ga Jiarg spat.

"Escort. We can handle ourselves."

Luxaar watched the Wrothian closely.

"What does it matter to me? Victory is at hand. Do as you wish but remember this power I wield. Remember your place."

"Of course...Councillor."

Not listening to Luxaar's demands to be addressed properly, Ga Jiarg turned and left, Ga Buidhe falling into step next to him.

"Vasara and Deva Caladar are prepared...are we truly joining in this battle, my Prince?"

Ga Jiarg shook his head.

"We are merely going to observe. We are in need of allies to overthrow these slavers...Luxaar may try to hide it but there is some semblance of fear in him whenever the topic of these...bugs...comes up."

Ga Buidhe tilted her head.

"You seek...their aid?"

"I've not decided on anything yet. It all depends on how they perform."

Ga Buidhe nodded and continued to follow Ga Jiarg, several other Wrothian warriors appeared from the shadows and fell in line behind them as they neared the hangar.

---

Elma, Sagis and Alto were swarmed by Qmoevas deployed from the Xern, their Skells cut through the enemy ships with far more ease when compared to the Almandals they just dealt with.

"What do we do now Elma? I think THOSE are their big guns!"

The Ares' blades tore Qmoevas in pieces without a second thought. All the while Elma kept checking on the Ganglion flagship. She could see two massive gravity cannons at the front of the ship which were no doubt preparing to assault the White Whale.

She also made note of not just the Ganglion Skells deployed in defensive formations around the lead ships but even more pouring out of the hangar bays.

"We can't deal with every situation at once. We need to take this Xern out and bring the main battle under control. The Almandal team has to move and break up to assist."

"What about Nardacyon?"

Frye called out.

"I'll handle it. Do as Elma says."

Kumon responded. Elma took a deep breath, if there was anyone she could trust with this it'd be the General.

"Boze, Frye, Sharon, join the main battle. Jaynix, Irina, Gwin, when you're done with the last of the Almandals help us out with the Xern's forces. The new Ganglion ships are already unleashing the rest of their fleet, the further we fall behind the more likely we are to get overwhelmed. Let's handle this as best as we can until before then."

Elma knew they were vastly outnumbered but the Ganglion fleet was here, put simply that meant it was almost time to retreat. The objective now was to maintain the White Whale, keep it in as best a condition as possible.

Elma, Sagis and Alto continued their assault, all the while unable to ignore the Ganglion flagship as its cannons moved and focused their aim on the White Whale.

---

Lyla's battle with Miseriae continued though unlike the deadlock of the fight with Elma and her Ares, Goetia had the constant advantage, pushing Lyla back with every strike.

Several allied Skells tried to get close and intercept only to be ripped apart by Miseriae before focusing on Lyla within Headshot once more.

Their battle was interrupted by a very loud voice calling out for all to hear.

"KAAAAATSU!"

Boze slammed into Miseriae, acting quickly, Lyla fired several of her sniper shots, with the Skell stunned by Boze's arrival she was able to land every shot.

"Maggots!"

Goetia called out as her claws collided with Boze's lance. Frye and Sharon shot past them, destroying whatever enemy Skells were in wait, opening the way for more allied Skells to begin pushing back.

"It's good to see you Boze!"

"Don't mention it, Sniper! Let us rid this world of one more monster!"

Shouting back in agreement, Lyla's Headshot flew past the pair and began firing on Goetia from behind. Angered by this, Miseriae tightened its grip on Boze's lance and spun around, throwing Sentinel across space before shooting towards Lyla.

Keeping himself steady, Boze fired a barrage of missiles on the lead Almandal which did the same. All of the projectiles fired off by the Skells collided and exploded in space, all the while Miseriae unleashed the shockwaves from its claws. Lyla continued to fall back, well aware of the destructive power.

One barrage of waves missed Lyla only to rip through a Qmoeva and Skell that were engaged in battle behind her. Boze took that opportunity to strike Goetia in the back once more, his lance tearing through the rear missile units as best as it could.

The guns on Miseriae's shoulders began to charge, a fierce glow coming from them as Boze ordered allied units to back away from the Skell.

Unleashing her fury, two powerful streams of energy shot from Miseriae and across space. The shoulder guns began to turn, the beams moving in response, searing through anything that was in their path be it ally or enemy.

Boze and Lyla pulled as far away as they could, narrowly dodging the lasers whenever they swung back around.

---

"The Xern is getting too close to the White Whale! It needs to be stopped!"

Elma could only nod, she was well aware of how dangerous it was, yet the fleet it deployed as well as the main fleet of the Ganglion that was launching from the flagship would be a trial to get through.

"Can't forget that Alto's Skell is heavily damaged. This could be risky."

Sagis commented as Alto laughed in response.

"All we have to do is clear a path and get one of us into it, right?"

Jaynix called out.

"Easier said than done."

Gwin muttered as the Skells began to deploy. Smacking the sides of his face for focus, Gwin followed them as a group of Seidrs and Galdrs broke off from their defensive formation around the Xern and began heading for them.

"Goetia and Nahum are preoccupied. This is our best chance!"

The Skells shot forward and began engaging the Seidrs and Galdrs, destruction followed as Ganglions were torn apart by the White Whale's best defenders.

"Think you can take it down in one shot, Colonel?"

Irina called out as she fired on a Galdr, allowing Gwin to move in and blast it with his grenade launcher, pieces of its armor shattering at the impact.

"I can. I just need a few seconds once we get there."

Elma stated, her Ares' blades effortlessly carving through any Qmoeva that got too close.

Jaynix ran her blade through a Seidr and spun it about before throwing it at Sagis as he activated his barrier, the Skell slammed against it. Dropping the barrier, Sagis unloaded on it and ripped it apart.

Alto fired homing missiles on another battalion of Ganglion Skells headed right for them, disrupting their formation when another alarm came through.

Elma turned towards the Ganglion's flagship as the innumerable forces that made up its fleet began their advance, soon they'd wash over the defenders.

"Aeon…"

Elma looked to the forces in front of her.

"Alright! Follow me!"

All of the Skells shot in right behind the Ares, ripping through whatever Skell got in their way as they approached the Xern. The Ares' unmatched speed got her there first, it was risky to brute force their way through but they needed this done now.

The other Skells formed a defensive circle around her as she aimed up and into the Xern carrier, charging her Ares' primary weapon.

All the Ganglion Skells nearby headed for the circle of defenders and were met with blades and countless projectiles.

"Try it all you want! You aren't getting through!"

Jaynix yelled as she sent out her massive blade, ripping through all the Skells it could find. Countless Seidrs maintained their distance and opened fire on the Skells. Bringing up their defenses, they did their best to maintain their positions, all the while more Galdrs slammed into them.

"Elma!"

"I got it! Aghasura Cannon!"

The Ares unleashed its ultimate weapon once more, a powerful energy beam shot up, into the Xern and through the top of it. Everything the beam seared through began to explode and fall apart. The top of the Xern exploded into a mess of debris as more smaller explosions began to riddle the internal body. The entire ship began to tilt and fall from its position.

"Come on everyone!"

Sagis engaged his shield and charged through the gathered Ganglion fighters, everyone falling in line right behind him. The group made their escape just as the Xern was engulfed by one final mighty explosion.

"Alright! The enemy fleet it-"

Before Elma could finish her thought, another alarm rang out.

"Nagi? What is it?"

---

On the bridge of the White Whale, Nagi, Chausson and Vandham watched as another contact appeared, another massive one.

Nagi could only shake his head.

"Is that...what I think it is?"

Elma's voice came on once more over the radio, demanding an explanation for the alarm.

Floating over the White Whale and now entirely uncloaked was another Xern. This one began charging an attack, a beam that would shoot out from its underside and bisect the White Whale.

---

In his chambers, Luxaar could only laugh.

"I admit, you pathetic bugs put up far more of a fight than I expected...but it's over."

"Grandmaster Luxaar!"

Turning towards another Xenoform the Grandmaster spat.

"This is our moment of victory! Why are you interrupting?"

"Grandmaster. We've picked up something new approaching from behind."

Turning away, Luxaar demanded for the Xenoform to leave.

"It doesn't matter who comes now. This is it."

"But sir it-"

Alarms flooded the warship, Luxaar looking up, confused before turning once more to the aid.

"Who is it?"

---

"Elma!"

The Colonel's eyes widened as she spun back around, turning away from the Xern that was threatening the White Whale to see another group of ships above the Ganglion flagship.

In the lead was an Ares just like hers albeit with far more obvious damage. To the left and right of the Ares were two foreign Skells. One was entirely white and the other a deep black making it almost invisible. Behind them were at least two dozen more foreign Skells and finally a massive freighter.

"Aeon…Aeon!"

Elma felt her emotions swirl out of control at not just the voice of her brother but actually seeing his Ares. Seeing him.

"Elma! We need to deal with the Xern! Now!"

Jaynix called out before charging ahead.

"Wait! Jaynix!"

Alto called out as two massive cannons attached to the Ganglion flagship discharged, giant powerful beams sliced through space headed right for them, the group broke apart. The beams shot past where they once were before colliding against the hull of the White Whale, a massive explosion followed. Tendrils of electricity shot forth from the impact, disabling every Skell they could touch regardless of affiliation.

"Are you shitting me!?"

Jaynix called out as the flagship prepared to fire once more.

"Evasive maneuvers!"

Irina ordered, all the Skells breaking apart as another pair of lasers shot forward, slamming once again into the White Whale's barrier.

---

Aeon looked down at the warship and cursed.

"Albus! Furvus!"

"By the looks of our escape ship, it won't be able to sustain a continued assault, let alone the Xern preparing to rip a hole through it."

Albus stated as he and Furvus shot down towards the warship.

"We shall disable the cannons, guide the freighter to its destination, Aeon!"

Furvus called out as they headed towards a horde of Skells.

"If you two die, I'll kill you myself!"

Aeon yelled as he instructed the rest of their forces to continue their charge towards the White Whale.

Albus and Furvus descended on the flagship with immense speed. Enemy Skells on watch saw them coming and deployed, firing all their weapons on the foreign Skells. Albus and Furvus' Skells seemed to dance through space, evading the many projectiles with grace before closing the distance and ripping through the Ganglion weapons with ease.

---

Kumon turned away from Nahum to see the Xern above the White Whale.

"I can't deny, you are a worthy combatant, human."

Looking back at Nahum, he smirked.

"Claiming victory already?"

"What is there left that you can do?"

Nahum asked as she looked at the status of her Skell, she had taken far more damage from the one man than she expected but she could keep going.

Kumon on the other hand knew retreat was the smart option, but what could he do about a Xern on his own?

Activating his Cluster Grenade he threw it forward, Nardacyon covering itself as he shot away, headed back towards his allies while the explosive went off, a massive blast covering the Almandal.

Nahum cursed as she noticed far more warning signs going off after the following series of explosions.

---

Another pair of massive lasers slammed into the White Whale as the main fleet of the Ganglion now swept over the defenders, Elma, Irina, Gwin, Jaynix, Sagis and all of their allies were stuck in a horde of Ganglion as the Xern above the White Whale opened up farther and began to spin.

"Shit! We need to get through!"

Irina demanded, ripping apart whatever enemy unit was in reach. Jaynix doing the same, roaring in rage at the same time.

Sagis looked at all the allies gathered around him, searching for something.

"Hey! Where's Alto?"

Gwin flew in and struck a Skell approaching Sagis from behind. The Reaper turned and destroyed it while Gwin searched the immediate area.

"He's right, Alto is gone!"

Elma brought up the battle map and found his signal far removed from the fight.

"Alto, he's...heading for the Xern!"

Jaynix spun about, her massive blade ripping another Qmoeva in two.

"Is he crazy! Alto! I order you to get back here you damned fool!"

Thinking quickly, Elma searched her Skell for her additional equipment, only to find nothing.

"Do any of you have your Cluster Grenades?"

The rest searched through their Skell weapons. Realizing they were all missing, Sagis flew away from the group.

"Alto!"

---

Despite the heavy damage sustained, Alto was moving faster than ever once he removed all the weapons his Skell was carrying, instead attaching all the explosives he could get from the others to the various parts of his Skell.

He heard Jaynix and Sagis's voices over the comms demanding him to return and stop being an idiot. He could only smirk.

Ever closer to his goal he finally responded.

"This is our mission!"

Pushing his thrusters to their limit, he shot right at the Xern and began the detonation sequence for all the explosives, flying into the Xern he laughed.

"Alright you piece of shit! Get a load of this."

The Xern fired at the very moment the explosives went off, a chain reaction causing the Xern's own blast to ignite within it. The ship was torn apart from the inside, massive and fierce explosions cascading up and out through the Xern as it was disintegrated by its own attack.

---

Goetia looked away from Boze and Lyla, seeing their second stealth Xern obliterated, she roared in fury.

"How dare you!"

The flagship fired once more on the White Whale, Goetia looking to her opponents.

"You won't escape! This is where it all ends!"

The group's attention was pulled to another series of explosions, this time coming from the Ganglion flagship as two foreign Skells shot away from it, the massive cannons at the front of the flagship were falling apart.

Goetia cursed once more before turning to find her opponents gone.

---

"The order has been given! Everyone! Pull back now!"

Elma called out as she shot towards the White Whale with the rest of her team following suit.

"Nagi! Is the jump ready!"

"It is! The freighter is loading into the reserve bay right now! We're going to need you down here, Elma!"

Nodding, Elma adjusted her path and began heading for the underside of the White Whale, several more Skells following her lead and seeing the foreign skells engaged in a battle around the freighter having been followed by more of the Ganglion's forces.

Among those fighting, Elma could see the other Ares once more.

"Aeon!"

He looked up at her and sighed in relief before charging forward, the blades of his Ares making short work of anyone who wandered too close.

With the Reapers, Skelletons and their new allies united, the Ganglion were dealt with quickly allowing the freighter to finish docking.

"Alright everyone, get into the primary hangars, we're leaving!"

The Skells shot back around the White Whale, Elma could see the Ganglion fleet approaching as well as one of the warships pulling forward and preparing to fire its own primary cannon at the White Whale.

"They really don't want us to go."

Irina growled as the many allied Skells began spilling into the White Whale's various hangars.

Jaynix turned to see Tai, Eren, Lyla and Kumon join her. There were no words said by the group, they all knew why Alto did what he did. Eren raised an eyebrow before realizing something else.

"Shit. Sagis is gone."

Kumon turned towards the Ganglion fleet.

"No he's not."

The group watched as a lone Skell carved a path through any Ganglion ship unfortunate enough to be in its way.

Lyla made a move to join him when Kumon moved in front of her.

"We have to go. Now."

The Reapers waited until everyone else was in the White Whale before retreating inside, Kumon stopped to look back once more.

---

"Alto you dumb son of a bitch...we were supposed to go together. We've been a team almost our entire lives. Asshole."

Sagis ripped apart a Seider as a pair of Galdrs fired on him, destroying the weapon along his back and a Qmoeva shot by, its claw shaped hand ripping through his hull.

Drawing two chainguns from the legs of his Skell he roared and fired, bullets tore clean through the smallest enemy Skells as more shot forward and attempted to get past him.

"No you don't!"

He continued his one man rampage no matter how many shots he took, even as his Skell lost a leg and an arm, even as his hull was breached he kept fighting.

"What have we here?"

Turning, his eyes fell upon Miseriae. Goetia smiled at him.

"What do you hope to accomplish on your own?"

"Every single one of you that I kill is a victory for us and a rather embarrassing defeat for you considering I'm on my own."

Rolling her eyes, Goetia advanced, her Skell's claws ripped through the human Skell with ease. Sagis gagged as the massive claws tore through his own body in the cockpit.

"It matters not what damage you deal to us on this day. We'll find your people again."

"No you won't…"

Sagis entered a series of commands, the energy tank of his Skell exposing itself as he smiled and hit one more button. A compartment on the exterior of his Skell opened and a stream of Cluster Grenades began to pour out into space.

Goetia looked at them as Sagis spoke.

"They aren't active. Couldn't risk blowing myself up during the battle...but all it takes is...a little jolt…"

With a smile, he hit the last button. His Skell's energy tank flashed and exploded, engulfing him and Goetia before activating all of the explosives.

A cascade of violent eruptions began to go off with Sagis' Skell at the epicenter. The blasts grew and grew, swallowing and destroying all the nearby enemy forces, reducing them to nothing.

---

Luxaar viewed this destruction from his chambers and spat.

"The second cannon is ready."

"Then fire!"

As ordered, the other Ganglion ship that pulled forward, unleashed a powerful laser just as the White Whale jumped away, disappearing into space.

Luxaar cursed, turning away from the map and clenching his fists.

"Those...insects! How dare they…"

Looking to his aid, he growled.

"Councillor Aer. Can we track them?"

"No…"

"Why!?"

Aer cleared his throat.

"That last disturbance, the explosions...we couldn't get an accurate lock on the human ship, our sights were obscured…"

"Then have one of our other ships track it!"

"We couldn't sir...we...we thought this was it…"

Luxaar tilted his head.

"Did your attempt get ruined by one human bug or did you just not track them because you thought victory was assured?"

"You told us victory was assured."

Luxaar took a step forward, the other Xenoform immediately dropping to his knees.

"I beg your forgiveness Grandmaster."

Luxaar could barely contain his rage, dismissing the Xenoform and turning back to the starchart. He'd have to start the search all over again and he was anything but happy about that. Another voice came on.

"Grandmaster we have casualty reports if-"

"I don't care. Start the search over immediately."

"But Grandmaster-"

"Start the search!"

Luxaar closed his eyes, he'd never felt such rage and frustration. This should've been easy yet he was made a complete and utter fool of.

---

In the hangar of the Ganglion flagship, Ga Jiarg and Ga Buidhe stood, the former with a hand on his chin, lost in thought.

"Why did you allow the human allies to destroy the Ganglion's forward cannons?"

A Wrothian soldier nearby asked.

"Were we not to deploy and fight?"

Ga Jiarg shook his head.

"Fight for these slavers? No. They didn't need our help, they were perfectly capable of losing this battle despite having every advantage."

The Wrothians nodded in agreement as Ga Buidhe spoke.

"My prince. Are you sure no one will know?"

"The only ones who saw us let them pass were the ones we let pass...anyone else nearby...we dealt with. Correct?"

The other Wrothians nodded as Ga Jiarg looked to Ga Buidhe.

"I'm well aware we are playing a dangerous game. But we will never bow. Let them think we have...but never bow…"

Ga Buidhe nodded as Ga Jiarg began his walk back to the Grandmaster's chamber, no doubt to listen to him blame everyone except himself.

Alarms began to sound, the Wrothian prince looked up in confusion. Did the humans return? They wouldn't.

---

In the Grandmaster's chamber, Dagahn and Ryyz stood before Luxaar. He was in the middle of blaming them for losing the forward cannons that they were operating when the alarms sounded.

Screens opened up all around the chamber showing a horde of approaching ships. Luxaar shook his head, whispering.

"It can't be."

No orders were given as a blinding light flooded the chamber and engulfed the Ganglion fleet.

---

In the reserve bay of the White Whale, Aeon stood outside of his Ares. Taking a deep breath he looked around as a smile began to form on his face before he broke out into laughter. Running away from his Ares he threw his hands up and yelled as loudly as he could.

Once the bay fell silent again, he brought a hand to his face, unable to keep the smile off of it. Two men approached him from behind.

"You seem happy."

"I didn't know you could do that."

Aeon looked at them.

"Albus. Furvus. Did you expect anything different? I've been dreaming of this day for almost six years…"

The two men smiled, Albus speaking.

"Then I suppose congratulations are in order."

"Please. I couldn't have done this without you two."

Aeon said, bowing his head to the two of them. Furvus wore a proud smirk.

"That's the truth of it."

With a heavy sigh, Aeon tapped his foot before looking about the empty bay. Save for the three of them the only other people present were about twenty Qlurian warriors and the freighter.

"Furvus."

"Hm?"

Albus crossed his arms.

"Did you see those Skells? While we were assaulting the Ganglion cannons, there was a group of Skells hidden from sight watching us."

Furvus thought back, nodding his head.

"I thought I might've imagined that…"

The men tilted their heads, confused before Aeon clapped his hands.

"Hey! Hey! Think about that later!"

Albus and Furvus looked to Aeon, the man could not sit still. The pair looked around the hangar once more before Albus asked.

"Do we just...wait here?"

Aeon shrugged.

"Yeah. I guess. Either that or get lost. You did see how big this ship was, right?"

Furvus moved back towards his Skell and sat down.

"After years of battle and loss...I'll take sitting down for a few minutes."

With that he closed his eyes while Albus excused himself to address the rest of the Qlurians. Aeon turned away and continued to examine his surroundings. All the while that same smile was still on his face.

---

Elma was torn. Her brother was waiting for her in the reserve bay, yet currently she was still in the Skell hangar, standing with the Skelletons not too far from the Reapers who were all silent.

The group was standing in a circle, eyes closed and heads bowed. Kumon was the only one speaking in his native language, Japanese. Elma knew the language of course, but she didn't want to intrude.

Turning slightly, Elma watched as the main doors opened. Nai and Vandham entered the hangar, their eyes traveled across all of the exhausted Skell pilots.

Elma looked away from them and back to the Reapers, she wanted to say something to them. Offer some sort of comfort for losing two of their own but she didn't know what to say. Alto Moore saved the White Whale and Sagis Fair did what he wanted to for a man he fought alongside his entire life.

Once Kumon fell silent, each of the Reapers whispered something, also in rather well practiced Japanese before breaking apart.

Jaynix looked to Lyla, the pair shared a sad smile before she turned to see Elma looking right at them. Jaynix and Lyla began their approach.

"I don't know what to say…"

Jaynix shook her head.

"It's alright Elma...I'm actually surprised you're still here."

"It didn't feel right to just leave."

Lyla smiled.

"We heard you. On the comms."

Elma swallowed as Lyla continued.

"The way you said his name. The way he said yours. This ally of ours is incredibly important to you, isn't he?"

Elma nodded.

"Then?"

The Colonel looked from Lyla to Jaynix as Irina put a hand on her shoulder. Elma silently thanked her before addressing Jaynix and Lyla once more.

"I'd love for you all to join me...if you're feeling up to it. There is a lot that has to be said."

Jaynix and Lyla looked to each other then turned to Tai, Eren and Kumon who were still speaking quietly.

"We'll be there. Trust us."

Jaynix said with a wink. Despite the conflicting emotions, it steadied Elma's heart to see the other woman act as she knew her.

The door opened once more, Kriss entering the hangar with Kruse not far behind. The pair excused themselves, walking past Nagi and Vandham.

Kumon gestured towards the Professor, Eren turning to her and smiling. The pair embraced, Elma saw those deep emotions in Eren's face as she whispered something to Kriss.

Gesturing for the Skelletons to follow, Elma walked towards the entrance, Nagi and Vandham waited as patiently as ever.

"Good to see you, Kruse."

"It's not like I was risking my life. Glad you all…"

He looked to the Reapers then to everyone else in the hangar before focusing on Elma once more.

"...most of you made it."

Elma put a hand on his shoulder.

"We did our job. We protected the White Whale. Thankfully, from this moment on, what comes next is easier."

Kruse sighed in relief, something Elma truly felt within. Now that Aeon was back they could form a plan, a real plan for starfall. Everything was back in place even if it was two years late.

Elma, Nagi, Vandham and the Skelletons left the hangar as Kruse moved to join the Reapers. Jaynix greeted him and pulled him in for a sibling-like hug. Kruse demanded her to stop as she laughed and refused to do so.

Not too far from them, Eren and Kriss stood, the Professor taking a deep breath.

"How could you think that was the right way to...say it?"

Eren watched Kriss, searching her eyes as a smile formed.

"Yeah...I probably could've done it better but I meant it. With all my heart."

Eren reached out and placed a hand on Kriss' cheek.

"I love you."

Kriss sighed, shaking her head.

"I don't…"

"I know you aren't the best with this whole relationship thing. Or at least you claimed as such but you've been a great partner. I've never been left wanting or feeling unfulfilled in any way since we got together. I've been happier than ever and that's how I know I can say it with full confidence."

Kriss and Eren continued to stare at one another before Kriss leaned in and kissed her, whispering so low no one but Eren could hear.

"I love you too."

Eren's heart threatened to burst from her chest as she embraced the other woman. The Reapers and Kruse looked at the pair, their display lifting their spirits.

---

Hearing the door open, Aeon was on his feet immediately. It wasn't Elma that entered the room however, it was Maurice Chausson. He expected this. Arms folded behind his back, Aeon approached the man.

"It's good to see you, Aeon."

"Yeah. It's great to be here if I'm being honest."

The men fell silent, Aeon stepping closer.

"Your son isn't with us."

Chausson closed his eyes, he knew to expect that but he hoped the answer would be different.

"Maurice...Javier isn't dead."

Chausson opened his eyes once more.

"What?"

"It's a long story. We got separated."

"He's...alive?"

Aeon nodded, Chausson turned and walked away, lost in thought.

"Can we find him?"

"Now that I've found all of you? Yeah. We can."

Chausson sighed, years of anticipation and fear left his body as he whispered.

"He's alright Mira. He's alright."

Aeon remained silent as the door opened once more and he saw her. Elma. That same familiar red armor, the dark skin, the white hair. He missed both of her appearances dearly.

The rest of the Skelletons were rightfully confused at the man they saw standing not too far from Chausson. His blue skin seemed to glow and the crystals on his head acting as hair did the same. His eyes were filled with stars and joy as Elma crossed the room and embraced him.

Aeon held onto her and began doing what he knew he needed to: apologizing without end and insulting himself with the myriad of words he learned from Earth and from Qlu.

Elma laughed in spite of herself, she wanted to be mad, to yell at him, to do something. But now that he was here, it didn't matter.

The Skelletons kept their distance from the pair as several more Xenoforms approached. The two in the lead were clearly in charge as they raised their arms and the rest moved away once more.

"Sister."

Aeon whispered.

"Yes, brother. I know…"

The pair broke away from each other, Elma turning to the Skelletons.

"Irina. Gwin. Boris. Danny. This is Aeon. It was thanks to him that we have everything you see before you. Everything we've used these last few decades and especially these last two years to stay alive."

"He's a Xenoform."

Gwin stated, amazed before gesturing towards all the others.

"Them too? What's...I don't even know what question to ask…"

Aeon chuckled.

"It's all very confusing no doubt but that's what we're here to talk about. Although I should introduce my friends."

Aeon gestured to the two very tall men behind him. One had short blonde hair atop his head and very pale eyes, almost entirely white. The second man's hair was the same color but longer and tied up in a short ponytail, his eyes were a deep black. Both men had tattoos along their face and almost catlike ears along the side of their heads.

"This is Albus and Furvus, proud warriors from the planet Qlu and the pilots of the Neilnail Constructs."

Aeon gestured to the two foreign Skells in the hangar not too far from the second Ares. One was pure white and the other, black. He then gestured to the rest of the Qlurians.

"Those men and women over there are Qlurian knights in service to Albus and Furvus."

Irina crossed her arms.

"Qlurian? Like…"

Albus nodded.

"The Trion Barrier. That was...a gift?"

Furvus shook his head.

"Not really. Aeon and...pardon me. Aeon came to us with some more intense...demands. The Trion Barrier was the result of those negotiations."

"Well uh. Thanks. It's handy."

Boris stated before tilting his head.

"At least I think it is. I don't get the specifics."

Aeon chuckled as Nagi stepped forward.

"Perhaps we should move to somewhere more comfortable. We have a mess hall, I'm sure you'll all feel much more at ease there."

Several Qlurians stood up at that offer, smiles on their faces. Albus sighed.

"That would be wonderful. Of course we may have a...small problem."

Nagi raised an eyebrow as Furvus approached the freighter and yelled something out in a strange alien language.

Moments later the side doors opened, revealing many more Qlurians, these wore attire less regal than the warriors did.

"The civilians."

Elma commented, Aeon nodded before holding a hand up to stop the Skelletons from approaching.

"Are any of them hurt?"

Danny asked.

"Maybe a little, mostly tired but you really should give us some space."

The Skelletons moved back as a loud stomp was heard. Followed by another and another. The humans were all beyond surprised and confused as they watched a massive Xenoform step out of the ship.

The hulking creature had dark brown fur and a cloth wrapped around its neck. The head looked very much like a bat, its wide black eyes were darting back and forth, looking at all the humans staring up at it.

Slowly the Xenoform covered its face as a small Qlurian appeared at its side.

"Rock. There's no need to be scared. They helped us."

"...they're looking at me…"

"I doubt they've seen anything like you, Rock. Don't be afraid."

He moved his fingers aside, peeking at the humans.

"...if you're sure, Celica."

The Xenoform stepped down the platform, Celica at his side.

"Hi...I'm Rock."

The Skelletons remained silent, not sure of what to say until Gwin piped up.

"Hey Rock! I'm Gwin."

---

The Reapers were headed for the reserve bay when they almost bumped into Danny and Boris in the hall. The former chuckled before addressing them.

"Brace yourselves."

He continued leading the way to the mess hall as a long line of Xenoforms followed him, men and women of various sizes with similar attire and catlike ears. The Reapers looked on, confused and intrigued as the line continued. Eventually there was a stretch of taller, more finely dressed individuals. One of them came to a stop and offered a bow.

The Reapers bowed in turn as he once more resumed following the rest of his people. At the back of the line was Irina, Gwin and a young Xenoform girl who was asking Gwin a few questions.

Then came Elma with another Xenoform, one that was different from all the others they'd just seen. Jaynix had no doubt that this man had to be the one. Aeon.

The man turned towards them and seemed to zero in on Jaynix. The pair locked eyes, she watched something form in his gaze. Something familiar. There was a tinge of some negative emotion. Was he upset? She wasn't sure.

Elma put a hand on his shoulder and whispered something. Moving away from him she approached the Reapers.

"How are all of you?"

"We're doing better. Right now however we are...curious."

Kumon stated.

"Very curious...shall we join you all in the mess hall?"

Elma nodded before continuing down the hall, Aeon casting one more look at Jaynix before departing.

Jaynix watched him go as Lyla moved closer, the women exchanged a look, both unsure of what to make of the situation before hearing Kumon and falling in line.

---

The mess hall of the First Quarter was flooded with more people than ever. Conversation filled the room, it was far louder than it was during the dance. Alien language dwarfed whatever English was being spoken as all the Qlurian refugees ate the food provided to them.

Everyone seemed to be at ease despite the conflict that just came to an end barely an hour ago. Many of the Qlurians were happy just being somewhere safe.

"H-hey! Celica! Where are you going?"

Gwin called out as he found her leaving with two plates.

"Rock needs to eat too. He can't leave the hangar. All the hallways are too small."

Gwin nodded.

"Yeah. That is unfortunate...although I doubt a plate is enough for him, here. Let me help ya."

Gwin returned to the front to get more food. Much more food. Before joining Celica and leading her back to the reserve bay.

Albus and Furvus sat with the Skelletons, fielding their questions about what happened with Qlu. The war and their efforts to save their people.

"I can't imagine what that must have been like."

Irina whispered.

"Having to destroy your own home, all your facilities. Research. Everything."

Albus sighed.

"It wasn't easy. We are all well trained in combat and in technology. Our people seek knowledge and understanding, through that we gather power but we are largely peaceful."

"That explains the Trion Barrier."

Danny stated.

"Though with a shield like that, how did the Ganglion make starfall in the first place?"

Furvus shook his head.

"We can't set up a Trion Barrier around the entire planet. I wish but that's impossible...we were at least able to set up a few over our most important structures. It was from there that we organized the war effort."

Albus cut in.

"I will say, we did have some luck. Because the Ganglion were desperate to get their hands on our people and our technology, they couldn't risk an orbital bombardment."

"Brunus insisted that had they gone that way, we never would've stood a chance. Though it's not like the Gaurs made it easy. Far from it."

Albus and Furvus looked to the Skelletons who were leaning in, interested in their tale of warfare. The Qlurians shared a laugh.

"It would take us quite some time to tell the whole story. If you all don't mind however, we would like to learn more about you and your struggles."

At that point the Qlurians fell silent as Irina, Boris and Danny began recounting some of the major events leading up to and after the Exodus.

---

Aeon and Elma sat with the Reapers, Elma introducing him in the same way she did to the Skelletons in the hangar. He bowed his head to them.

"It's good to meet you, Aeon. For someone so involved with our survival it means a lot to finally be able to express our gratitude."

Kumon stated to which Aeon laughed.

"I'm hardly offended by the lack of praise. No need to lay it on. I'm just glad things worked out. Coming back after six years and seeing what has happened. Seeing these things long theorized fully realized is quite the sight."

"Shame we couldn't establish contact sooner."

Jaynix commented to which he could only shrug.

"I wish it weren't so...the war on Qlu affected a lot of things and it's not like I went there with the desire to fight. Best laid plans and all that…"

Next to Eren was Kriss who was suspiciously silent despite the fact that her eyes showed immense interest in every word that left the man's mouth. Looking at her, Aeon chuckled.

"Am I truly so fascinating?"

Kriss raised an eyebrow.

"Hm? You? No. Not at all. What you're saying is what fascinates me."

Aeon laughed.

"Ouch. Elma should've warned me about human women."

"You know full well I did."

Elma whispered.

"Kriss. He's a Xenoform, how does that not make him interesting?"

Eren commented to which Kriss shrugged.

"We went from no present Xenoforms to a few dozen. I've always been more interested in their levels of development. Their technologies."

Eren laughed.

"Of course you have."

"Well then Kriss, perhaps if you were present during the original negotiations with the Qlu, maybe things would have gone different."

Aeon stated to which the Professor shrugged once more. It was then that Jaynix cut in.

"I have to say, Elma. When you told me you had a brother named Aeon. This isn't really what I expected."

Elma and Aeon looked at Jaynix, she was confused and unsure of the possible implications. Hoping to clear it up, Aeon smiled and spoke.

"When I came to Earth...I didn't form a lot of bonds with the people, I didn't see the point. That said I couldn't help but...connect with two people in particular. Mira Torres and Elma. They were pivotal to putting all the plans in place. So for that reason Elma and I are like-"

"Siblings."

Elma stated immediately. Aeon gave her a look as she smiled. Aeon did the same.

"Isn't that a nice sentiment?"

Jaynix thought back to visiting Elma's apartment and seeing her brother's room. Not once did she expect the connection to not be familial let alone not even human. Despite that, their explanation made sense to her even if something small felt off about it. Jaynix once more noticed Aeon's piercing gaze and that strange familiarity in his eyes.

"My missions across the decade have been simply to make trips into deep space and find technologies, peoples...anything that could aid in the survival of the people of Earth. That and finding a new home...I'm always my harshest critic, I never feel like I accomplished enough despite what Elma tells me."

Lyla smiled.

"Well how is that for family? She appreciates your effort."

"That she does."

Aeon chuckled as Kumon brought a hand to his chin.

"It's also an undeniable truth. The technology. The Skells, the Ark, everything has been beneficial."

The Reapers nodded, Aeon bowing his head as Tai spoke up.

"What about that second point? Do we have a destination in mind now?"

The table fell silent. Aeon looked to Elma before facing the Reapers.

"That's been the hardest part of my job. We can't find a home that would keep us safe from the Ganglion or the Ghosts. Though during my time on Qlu among my allies we heard whispers of...something..."

"That's ominous."

Tai commented."

"I'm afraid it's something I have to discuss in private with those in command. I have every hope that it will lead us somewhere."

Aeon once more cast a look at Jaynix, she didn't know what to feel about it before looking at Elma and deciding to change the topic.

"I've never seen you this happy, Elma."

"Really?"

Elma brought a hand to her face as if to check if she was smiling. Lyla laughed.

"I have to agree with Jaynix. You're practically glowing. You must have really missed your brother."

Elma sighed.

"It has been six years…"

"Anyone would be relieved to reunite after that long."

Eren stated.

"Then I guess we have a lot to fill Aeon in on what's happened...unless he already knows?"

Kumon asked to which Elma nodded.

"I gave him the quick and easy version during our first communication. He told me what he was up to as well on the planet Qlu."

Lyla looked at the man.

"Six years fighting an alien war. That must've been tough."

"It was. I had Albus. Furvus. I had a team. We made it through but it was hard...one day I think I'll be able to tell the full story but be warned it is a lot."

Aeon turned around to see Albus and Furvus speaking with the Skelletons.

"Though I'm sure they're just as capable when it comes to telling the story. I wouldn't trust their version however. They insult me quite a lot in it."

Laughter filled the table, a smile formed on Aeon's face as he cast a look at Elma to see her smiling as well. As the group returned their attention to their meal, Aeon thought of something.

"You all didn't meet Rock did you?"

"Rock?"

Kumon asked to which Aeon smirked.

"Head on to the reserve bay and say hello."

The Reapers looked to one another before nodding, finishing their meal they stood and began to leave. Jaynix stopped briefly to look back at the pair, her eyes landed on Elma.

Aeon watched the women communicate with nothing more than a handful of expressions before Jaynix turned and walked away. Elma's eyes moved to Aeon as he asked the question he's wanted to since laying eyes on the Corporal.

"Who is she? Jaynix? Be honest."

"She's my best friend."

Aeon shook his head.

"I told you to be honest."

"I am being honest. Don't start with me Aeon, you just got back."

Elma stood up, Aeon doing the same as the pair left the mess hall through a different door.

"Elma. She can't just be a friend. That doesn't make sense."

Turning to face her brother, she watched his expression.

"She's important to me, Aeon. I've wanted nothing more than for you to meet her. I met her days after you left six years ago she...she…"

Elma sighed.

"She filled the hole in my heart that you left…"

Aeon kept silent, crossing his arms.

"...is that why you used your power on her?"

Elma said nothing.

"I'm a Watcher too, Elma. I could tell the moment she and I locked eyes. I could feel the reality that you disturbed around her."

"That was two years ago…"

"So you don't deny it?"

Elma shook her head.

"Why would I deny it? Yes. I used my power to look into her future. I...I had to…"

"Elma, that…"

Stopping himself, he sighed.

"...she's important to you. You love her. I can understand that it's just-"

"Do not put words in my mouth. I did not say that."

The Watchers stared at one another, Aeon bringing his hands up as Elma leaned against the wall and slid down to the ground.

"This isn't how...I'm sorry Aeon. I know what I did was wrong. Nagi told me as much."

Aeon sat next to her.

"Then why?"

"...Jaynix...her life has been hard. Almost as if she was born only to suffer. So much was taken from her and so much pain was inflicted on her I just...I wanted the peace of mind in knowing that her future would finally allow her to rest and be happy."

"...did her future show you that?"

Elma closed her eyes, the images returned to her. The searing pain of her bones breaking, the strike to her face, the shot.

"...no...if anything...things get worse…"

The pair fell silent, Aeon putting an arm around Elma. Closing his eyes, he focused on Elma, resting his hand on her arm.

"Aeon-"

He shushed her, focusing his power. Peering into the remains of the visions that Elma had received two years ago. Opening his eyes, he shook his head.

"I can't see what you saw…"

"Of course you can't. You'd need to use your power on her."

He sighed.

"I know. I just...I wanted to try. To see if anything remained. I doubt what I did see means much to you…"

"What did you see?"

Aeon shrugged.

"A forest. A man encased in blue light fighting something in red. I saw some...white land and a creature attempting to eat...me? Perspective you know."

Elma nodded as Aeon thought once more.

"You saw her future...I'm seeing what may be...reflections of a different future, it's hard to tell. The Visit wasn't exactly clear as we all know…"

Elma remained silent, Aeon watching her.

"I don't know what help I can offer but she's important to you so that makes her important to me...this may embarrass you but some of your messages did reach me. I just couldn't respond."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"Why would that embarrass me?"

"Well. You did talk about her. A lot. There was also this tone in your voice when-"

"Alright. I've heard enough. Why'd you ask who she was to me if you received my transmissions?"

"I wanted you to tell me. It's more honest that way."

Elma rolled her eyes.

"Not even a day back and you've gotten on my nerves more than I ever expected."

The Watchers shared a laugh, Aeon pulled Elma closer.

"Regardless. I am here now. I understand what she means to you to some extent so I'll help you protect her."

Elma smiled.

"That means a lot but don't ever let her know. She can protect herself and she has a wife more than motivated to safeguard her."

"A wife eh? Scandalous, sister. Scandalous."

Elma sighed as Aeon began laughing. Her annoyance with her brother faded quickly as she leaned into him and laughed. She was still unable to believe that he was actually there.

---

In the reserve bay the Reapers looked at Rock in amazement, the large Xenoform waved at them, nervous. They all waved back with Lyla offering a greeting. Gwin and Celica were eating near Rock, talking to each other as the Reapers came close.

"Fascinating...what is he exactly?"

Kriss asked no one in particular. Gwin greeted them as they now stood closer to Rock.

"Me? I'm...well, we're called Gaurs so I guess that's what I am."

"A Gaur. Interesting…"

Kriss tapped her chin, Eren sighed, seeing that familiar interest flooding the Professor's eyes.

"You don't need to attempt to dissect his entire species right away, Kriss. Give him some space."

With a chuckle she nodded.

"Of course. Of course."

"I want to personally extend my thanks to you all as well."

Celica said with a bow.

"Leaving our home was...terribly frightening. We had no idea if we could find some semblance of peace. Thank you for the gift of it."

Kumon shook his head.

"Don't thank us. We're all in the same boat. We lost our home too."

Jaynix thought about what Aeon shared with them.

"Also, it was kind of our fault. The only reason Aeon went to your people was to help us and then the Ganglion found out and...well...sorry."

Celica shook her head.

"The Ganglion would've come for us eventually given how far our technology advanced. High Priest Rufus wanted nothing more than to keep our life's work away from the Ganglion at any cost."

Celica fell silent, searching the eyes of those before her as Tai spoke up.

"We understand that. Our mission is to protect this vessel and everyone on it…"

Tai looked down briefly, recalling the full extent of their mission which led to the deaths of Sagis and Alto. He looked back up as Celica approached.

"I don't mean to pry...I know we just met but...the emotions you all are radiating reminds me of the High Priest. Self sacrificial."

There was a long silence before a voice finally cut in.

"Um. What?"

The group turned to Gwin, Kumon bringing a finger to his lips.

"No wait. Go back. What were you saying, Celica? Self sacrificial?"

"Gwin. Forget it."

Tai stated, Gwin prepared to say something more when Jaynix stepped forward. Searching their eyes he nodded to himself before sitting back down.

"So that's why...Sagis and Alto…"

"We said too much. Sorry, Gwin."

Eren said, the man shook his head.

"I get it. I'll...keep it to myself. Just stay safe out there."

"We always do."

Kumon whispered before bowing to Celica and Rock, the girl attempted to apologize, not knowing she said something out of turn only for Kumon to smile and tell her to think nothing of it. With that he turned and left the room.

Tai moved towards Celica, assuring her it was alright while Gwin looked to Jaynix and whispered.

"Does Elma know?"

The pair locked eyes, Jaynix very slightly shook her head and saw a change in Gwin's expression. He wanted to say more but knew it was better to keep silent.

Lyla moved closer to Rock and found a pile of dishes. With a laugh she looked up at Rock.

"Are you satisfied or would you like more?"

"Oh! Um. Yes. More please."

Lyla giggled before picking up his stray plates, handing some to Tai. The pair turned and made their way out, Jaynix was still looking at Gwin as if she wanted to say something else as well.

"If you're thinking of giving me something. I think it'd be better served in Lyla or Elma's hands."

"...you're right. Thanks Gwin."

With that Jaynix departed, casting one look over to Kriss and Eren before leaving through the door.

"Are you going to explain to me what that was about? Self sacrifice?"

Kriss whispered, unable to hide the concern in her eyes and a twinge of anger in her voice. Eren placed a hand on Kriss' shoulder and nodded.

"Back in our room."

Kriss watched her, nodding slowly before the pair left, Eren bidding Gwin farewell.

---

"A world not found on any starmaps?"

Nagi, Vandham, Chausson and Elma stood across from Aeon on the bridge. Everyone else was dismissed for the highly classified meeting.

"Yes. The proverbial needle in the haystack...only this needle isn't actually there."

Chausson raised an eyebrow.

"How are we supposed to find a world like that? How do you even know about something that doesn't exist? Can we trust this information?"

Aeon smiled.

"Do you trust Javi?"

There was surprise in Chausson's eyes, Nagi stepped forward.

"Javier? What are you talking about?"

Aeon bowed his head to Chausson.

"I apologize for letting this slip but it's important. Everyone needs to know...though it looks like my sister knows already."

"Mira told me."

Nagi was surprised.

"She did? Yet you…"

"I didn't want to intrude on Maurice's personal affairs."

Elma stated.

"That said I finally convinced myself to ask him about right before the Ganglion attack."

Nagi looked from Elma to Chausson as Vandham cleared his throat.

"So what you're saying is...Javier Chausson left with you six years ago?"

Aeon nodded.

"We headed to Qlu to ask its people for whatever aid they could give us in finding a new home for humanity. They already gave us more technology than we could hope for and I didn't want to come off as greedy or ungrateful. During our stay Javi formed a bond with a Qlurian researcher named Caerulus. A mighty warrior in her own right she dedicated herself to attempting to understand the Ganglion's motivations as well as the Ghosts. She, like my sister, didn't understand why they wanted to destroy the Earth or rather, why they wanted to kill the people of Earth."

"Did she learn anything?"

Aeon shook his head.

"Last I heard from her she had nothing but theories. Many of which she couldn't justify. Humanity seemed remarkably unremarkable to her."

Clearing his throat, he continued.

"When it came to finding a new world there was some foreign myth about a world existing on its own plane. Javi, Caerulus and a contingent of Qlu's finest were going to follow up on these whispers when the Ganglion attacked the planet. Once the severity of their invasion became clear, we knew we couldn't leave so we put our all into aiding the war effort, the eventual retreat and finally the relocation."

"I'm guessing there were too many people to save…"

Nagi stated to which Aeon nodded.

"Indeed. I took one force and left to reestablish communications with Elma. Javi took the other force and went in search of this mysterious world."

"A world that may or may not exist."

Vandham muttered before sitting down.

"Decades later I still can't quite grasp the bullshit we just accept now."

"It's a new world, Jack."

Chausson whispered.

"From what Javi could gather and tell me, the world only shows itself to a specific sort of people. People tied to ancient civilizations and progenitors as well as those tied to…"

Aeon narrowed his eyes, trying to remember.

"...something called the Answer."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"The Answer?"

Aeon shrugged.

"That's what Javi claims Caerulus was able to translate."

"Are they still safe?"

Elma asked.

"Yeah. Last time I checked in with them they were. They've got a great security detail courtesy of Flavus. She's of the same level of renown as Albus and Furvus when it comes to combat and has her own Neilnail Construct so they're in a good place, I have no doubt."

Aeon cleared his throat.

"My unit's goal was to make as much noise as possible. Keep the Ganglion on us so Javi and his people could get away and continue their search."

"This is all well and good."

Nagi stated.

"But it doesn't answer the question. Where are we supposed to go?"

Aeon approached the starmap, moving it aside he projected coordinates onto the holographic screen.

"The last thing Javi sent me before we lost contact. If we go here, we'll find what we're looking for."

"How can you be so sure?"

Chausson asked, to which Aeon smiled.

"I trusted Javi with my life during the war on Qlu. He's never led me astray. Do you trust your son?"

Chausson fell silent as Nagi looked over the coordinates and nodded.

"Very well. Prepare to jump to these coordinates as soon as our drive is ready to go. We may have escaped the Ganglion and thanks to Sagis their fleet was left in tatters but they undoubtedly have more forces to call on. Once they've reorganized they'll be back. Let's stay as many steps ahead of them as we can."

The rest of those present on the bridge nodded, a smile formed on Nagi's face as he approached Aeon.

"It's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back!"

---

Kruse sat in the Reaper's room with Jaynix and Lyla, talking quietly amongst themselves while Tai listened to another book. Most likely one he's already listened to many times.

Kumon looked out over the group, Eren had gone with Kriss to have a very important talk and hopefully continue their research. Her absence, while necessary, served to make the emptiness of their quarters even more apparent. Walking over to the Blood Brothers' corner he took one of their many beers.

"I always hated these."

He muttered before opening it up and taking a long drink. There was clear displeasure in his face before he sighed.

"Thank you both."

Grabbing a few more, Kumon made the rounds, handing one out to the rest of the Reapers before sitting down and making short work of his.

Tai wore an easy smile as he took a drink, Jaynix, Lyla and Kruse nodded to one another before doing the same. The room was filled with laughter as Kruse coughed.

"What the hell is this?"

"Only they knew."

Tai answered. Kruse looked at the bottle, shrugging before turning to Lyla and Jaynix.

"I remember Alto and Sagis talking about the first time they met you Jaynix. Didn't you guys fight?"

Jaynix smiled.

"That we did. The night I met them I broke Alto's arms and Sagis' nose. Those were good times."

Kumon chuckled.

"I was there. Sagis and Alto were paramilitary at war with a megacity far to the west. After their group was disbanded they wandered and did what they could to make money and get drunk."

"Which included stealing from different branches of the Coalition. That's what put them in our sights."

Tai commented.

"Kumon and I tracked them back to their hidey hole where they were drinking the pain away. After I beat them down, Kumon had a talk with them and ended up recruiting them. Imagine that."

Jaynix smiled as she took another long drink.

"They wanted to fight for something, if not then they wanted to die for something. Better than just drifting through life."

Kumon stated, looking once more at the empty corner.

"Looks like they found what they wanted to die for at long last."

"Us."

Lyla whispered, Jaynix put an arm around her.

"Assholes."

The rest of the group chuckled, Jaynix held her bottle out, everyone else doing the same as she spoke.

"Thanks Blood Brothers. For everything."

---

Kriss and Eren were in bed, the latter looked at the boards that fell over and all the papers on the floor as well as the discarded datapads.

The pair were in the middle of their discussion regarding what slipped in the reserve bay. Things were said, emotions began to boil. One thing led to another and the argument that seemed to be brewing was long forgotten.

"Kriss."

"What is it?"

"I'm really sorry for not telling you about our mission. It was…"

Kriss put a finger on Eren's lips.

"I get it. I do. Believe me, I've operated in the shadows of the Coalition for years, I know how they do things. The only thing that matters is that you have to come back to me. If you do that, I'll continue to forgive you."

Eren smiled.

"Alright then. For you. Anything."

Kriss rolled her eyes, a gentle smile on her face as she reached out and placed a hand on Eren's cheek.

"I do have to say, I've gotten pretty far along with my little theoretical...theory…"

Eren seemed to have confused herself, Kriss chuckled.

"Oh? About alternate dimensions and realities?"

"You don't have to say it like that, I've put all my effort into this. It's not like we were getting any closer to answers using standard logic. Or did you have a breakthrough while I was out there fighting the Ganglion?"

Kriss laughed.

"No such luck. I'd like to hear this theory of yours when it's fully realized."

"You'll be the first. I promise."

Eren leaned in and kissed Kriss, rolling over on top of her and whispering those three words she'd grown so fond of saying.

The pair fell silent once more, closing their eyes, holding onto one another and allowing sleep to find them.

---

"What was that you two were saying about Skells hiding just out of sight?"

Albus crossed his arms.

"Exactly as we said, Aeon. During our assault on the Ganglion flagship, several Skells belonging to that faction observed us destroying the cannons but didn't intervene."

"You're sure they weren't human?"

Aeon asked, causing Furvus to laugh.

"Of course not. No way any of the humans could get that close to the flagship undetected. No offense but they were pulling back at that point...no...those guys watching us were Ganglion."

Aeon turned away.

"Seems they don't run that tight a ship…"

He looked back to the Qlurians and thanked them. The pair excused themselves to turn in for the night. Aeon was tempted to follow them, but he didn't feel tired. Despite the constant war he'd been fighting and going through life on eggshells since escaping Qlu. He was wide awake.

With a sigh he turned and began walking the halls of the White Whale all on his own. Placing a hand against the wall he smiled, recalling all the plans he and Elma had drawn up decades ago in preparation for the construction of these very ships.

"I left in 2050...and here you are, complete. Fascinating."

He couldn't help but be impressed by the dedication the humans put into everything they did. Regardless of how he first felt when he left home with Elma, he had to admit that his opinion on the species has improved.

As he continued along he eventually found his way to the Habitat Unit, whistling at the sight of it. As he searched the room he saw an observation platform high above, no doubt used to manage diagnostics and other such important tasks.

As he headed up to it, he could see someone else in there looking at the Habitat Unit, someone he recognized. As he got closer she turned, her red eyes examining him before looking away once more.

"Jaynix."

"Aeon."

The pair stood next to one another, he assumed she was simply restless. After the day they've had with the fight against the Ganglion, he couldn't blame her, it was a natural reaction.

He knew that two of the woman's comrades gave their lives during that battle and he imagined that was a big factor as to why she was here all alone. His eyes didn't miss the empty bottle on the desk closest to her.

"I have to apologize to you, Jaynix."

She remained silent as Aeon continued.

"I didn't mean to make such a bad first impression. Elma's been hounding me about it all day...okay so she hasn't been doing that exactly but she's disappointed at how I chose to greet you."

Jaynix turned slightly.

"Do you think I'm offended?"

He tilted his head.

"Are you not?"

Jaynix shook her head.

"I'm curious above all else...we've never met yet the way you looked at me. It wasn't how you look at someone new."

"That's because in some ways...you aren't new."

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"You see...Elma sent a lot of messages my way...most of them were lost unfortunately but I was able to pick up a few...the Ganglion had a blockade around the planet Qlu so sending and receiving was almost impossible, definitely not reliable. I'm sure her messages which reached me were...months late."

He cleared his throat.

"But in them she told me a lot about her years on Earth after I left. 2050. 2051. 2052. The Exodus. She didn't like to talk about 2053 or 2054...I'm hoping to ask her about those years sometime soon…"

Aeon fell silent, watching Jaynix's face and seeing her eyes move and her lips twitch at the mention of those years.

"She told me about the people she's grown close to...you dominated a lot of that discussion…"

There it was. Jaynix seemed to lose her stoic composure, she was surprised. Pleased even.

"She did?"

"Yeah. At first she didn't want to tell me too much about you, rather she wanted me to meet you but as the years went on she didn't know if that would ever happen so she let me in on a little bit about you...when I first saw you I was surprised at how accurately she described every single one of your features."

Jaynix wasn't sure how to process that, choosing to stay silent as Aeon cursed.

"Maybe I should stop talking about this. Wouldn't want to embarrass my sister...anyway, all of that is to say, I really am sorry. I hope we can have a...better relationship moving forward."

Aeon held his hand out, Jaynix giving it a look before shaking hands with him.

"Of course...you're Elma's brother. I couldn't hate you if I wanted to."

"Hah. We'll see how long you think that. I've barely been here half a day and Elma already can't stand me."

Jaynix smiled.

"Sometimes I felt like that with my own sister…"

Aeon seemed interested, Jaynix smiled.

"I spent most of my life protecting her. Standing by her. Supporting her. When it was just the two of us I did everything in my power to ensure she prospered. That she became strong...and she did...so much more than I even expected...sometimes though I can't help but feel that I spent too much time with her...that I was making it so she would rely on me too much."

Jaynix shook her head.

"But she was my only blood family...I had to be there for her…"

"Where is she?"

Aeon whispered.

"Her pursuits took her to another megacity and so she wound up on another Ark with her team. L-015, Pequod. I haven't seen her since…"

With a heavy sigh, Jaynix smiled.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to get so...personal...something about you makes me feel like I'm talking with Elma. She makes it too easy to confide in."

Aeon smirked.

"You don't say."

"You two really are siblings. Blood or not."

"Thank you."

The pair remained silent for a few more moments before Jaynix yawned.

"Alright well...I should head back before anyone notices."

"We'll talk more tomorrow."

Aeon said as Jaynix walked away. The woman stopped and turned to him.

"Of course. It's good to finally officially meet you, Aeon."

"Good to meet you too. Jaynix."

---

Elma stood at that same observation platform she always managed to find herself at when she was thinking. She stood in silence, staring out into space, watching the stars as she did everyday back on her home planet.

Her grandfather's lessons rang in her ears, lessons she once held close and above all else. Lessons her own parents challenged which then led to a new bright...and brief period for the Watchers.

That time. Those housed her happiest memories and her saddest ones. After it was all said and done, she could no longer stand by her grandfather's rules. They were limiting. They were ignorant. They were harmful.

Things had to change, even if she had to do it alone.

Hearing footsteps, she smiled. Glad that despite all her preparation, she didn't have to walk this road alone.

Aeon soon stood next to her, the pair was silent for a good long while before the man chuckled.

"I think I figured it out."

Elma turned to Aeon, curious.

"You and Jaynix. The bond you share."

"Here to imply something of a different scandalous nature?"

Aeon laughed.

"No such thing. I simply had a chat with her. A small chat."

"Really? I wish I was there…"

He nodded.

"I knew you'd say that. Anyway, your bond with Jaynix is definitely familiar to me...it's almost exactly like my bond with Javi. He's...my best friend. Those years working alongside him, fighting and bleeding alongside him. They shaped a lot of memories."

Elma tilted her head.

"Oh? Is that longing I hear in your voice."

Aeon smiled.

"Could be? You'll never hear it from me. Besides, he's perfectly happy with his genius Qlurian."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"Caerulus?"

Aeon nodded, Elma watched his face before looking back out into space.

"In that case, I apologize. You'll find someone else my brother."

"It's no big loss Elma."

She wanted to say more on the subject but it was something she was woefully inexperienced in so she chose to keep quiet. Aeon seemed to appreciate that, moving closer to her.

The pair stood in silence, staring out into space. Content.