Meanwhile in the Winsdor moon base, "Lady" was busy speaking with two other counts who were in two different parts of asia. As she then continued, one of the counts decided to bring up a certain matter.
Count: M'lady, may I speak of a matter that just arisen?
"Lady": Of course. What is it that you wish to bring to my attention?
Count: Well, I recently got a report that Conductor senior's mech has been found damaged and shut down. Though it may seem like he's dead with that driver, the driver of his Castle-Station is still functional. With this in mind, I have reason to believe that he may have been taken prisoner.
As the Princess took in this information she sighed because it was a little stressing and annoying. As "Lady" then looked back at the counts, she thought it best to wrap things up.
"Lady": Well, I thank you both for your time. I'll see to it that Conductor senior is found and brought back to us. Now, I wish you both a good evening.
Count: I wish a good evening to you as well my dear princess.
Then as the screens closed "Lady" sighed in relief as she glowed a dark purple light before she changed to a woman who was in her 20's whose dirty blonde hair flowed down her back in waves and curls. As the woman then looked over she smiled as she saw Proteus who was watching her as she spoke to the counts. As she looked at Proteus, the woman checked with him on how well she did.
???: So Proteus, how well did I do?
Proteus: Very well. You were confident and very majestic as you spoke on Lady's behalf Strea.
Strea: (smile) Why thank you my dear brother. I do try my very hardest to be like my little sister, for she has so much that I don't have.
Proteus: I see. Anyway I'd best be off. I am going to have to fight another cluster of enemies.
Strea: (sighs) ok then. But please do be careful.
As Proteus then nodded and turned heel to get to the hangar with his golden mech, he didn't notice Strea's "smile" turning into an evil grin, as she thought about her true goal.
Strea: (in mind) I'm so close. Once my little sister wakes up, I'll kill her, and my family, and then I will get the throne that's rightfully mine! Just you wait Lady, this time I'll be the replacement!!!
As Strea sneered at the thought of killing her family, she couldn't help but taste the mere power and authority she would hope to have. Meanwhile, back on earth, the noble who recently fought the S.H.R. was thrown into a prison cell, and awaited to be interrogated. As the Brighton Star then awaited to be resupplied, Captain Greasly and Commander Stanier looked did a check on their supply as they sat in the helm chamber.
Herny: Resupply and inspection are proceeding with no delays to report. And the bases repair section are assisting mech overhauls to be back on schedule.
Gordon: good to hear. Anything from our guest yet?
Henry: Nothing about the empire, but, although, he seems to be a lot more friendly than most prisoners.
Gordon: Interesting. Make sure that we hear more about him.
Henry: Will do. Now as for our replacement members, they are all on board and all three are Timothy Billinton, Johnson Churchward, and Tara Mason who all have served aboard this vessel along with Dr Evan Smith, who is now our official medical officer. Also Thomas Billinton wishes to interrogate the prisoner.
Gordon: And the reason for that is...
Herny: To test some new hardware on his ocular implant.
As Gordon sighed in defeat, he nodded to give the okay for Thomas to interrogate the prisoner. Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Thomas decided to show Whiff and Dr Smith the updates he'd been making to his ocular implant who of course were impressed by the prince's coding skills as they inspected it.
Dr Smith: Did you really code these updates yourself?
Thomas: Yeah. I'm trying to make processing data more efficient as well as being able to check vitals.
Whiff: Impressive.
Dr Smith: Yes, but I suggest that you'd be careful because the connections have somewhat expanded. If it expands too much it would be dangerous.
Thomas: Don't worry Doctor. I know the risks, and I'm being careful.
Then before either, Whiff or Dr Smith could say anything, Timothy entered the room looking displeased as he spoke to Thomas.
Timothy: So, this is where you've been.
Thomas: Uh. Timothy.
Timothy: (sighs) Thomas, if you're not busy I need to have a serious talk with you.
As Thomas then nodded, he stood up and then exited the room with Timothy to have a chat within the hall.
Timothy: Thomas, why did you agree to serve on this ship?
Thomas: What do you mean why?
Timothy: (scowls and swings arm) Look! there is no reason for you to be in the fight. They're not forcing you to fight brother. So just why have you not just simply gone back home when your wounds were healed?
Thomas: You know it's the same for you as well.
Timothy: no it is not! Thomas! I joined the S.H.R. to protect you and the world you're apart of! On that day when you decided to become member of the S.H.R. I regret never stopping you for knowing you'll get killed! When you almost died in that Castle-Station in America, I've beaten myself up for knowing I failed you! So, why? Why would you not just go home?!
As Thomas looked down at his feet, he could feel Timothy's sadness and guilt for not being able to protect him. As Thomas then took a deep breath, he prepared his reply.
Thomas: I'm sorry for that pain Timothy, but I just can't stand and do nothing.
Timothy: Is it because of Lady? Because she is no longer the woman you love.
Thomas: No. That's wrong Timothy. The princess who is doing the broadcasts is an imposter.
Timothy: What gives you that idea?
Thomas: The data I collected with my left eye says it all. From patterns of stress, to the wish for conquest, and... the fact that she called Diesel 10 her betrothed. and the last one I stated is a big flag Timothy. (sobbing) and... with all of that in mind, I know that I shouldn't give my hopes up, but, if there's a chance Lady's alive, I... I... I... I want to save her! She was shot while trying to help me Timothy. And she was just a foot or two away from me before my lights went out! I can't stand this, I just can't. Lady's very precious to me, and I failed her. (sobs) That is why... That is why... I can't go back brother. I can never go back, for I have my locked memories accessible again, and I remember my precious times with her during our childhood. (as he wipes away his tears and turns heel) It's because of that, my only choice is to move forward.
Timothy: Brother!
As Timothy then watched his brother walk away he sighed in sadness for he could tell that Thomas was in a great amount of worry and despair as his words echoed in his head. As Timothy then calmed himself down, he knew that there was no way for him to dissuade his little brother from going forward, and finding a way to save Lady. Meanwhile, in the prison area, Thomas walked past many empty cells until he saw one that wasn't. As the prince got closer and closer, his eyes widened for he knew this person from his childhood days with Lady.
Thomas: Uh... Mr Conductor?!
Mr C: (turns around to see Thomas) Thomas? Is that you?
Thomas: Indeed it is. (smiles) How's things with Junior?
Mr C: (sighs) Still up to mischief now and then.
Thomas: (chuckles) Well, that certainly sounds like him. Anyway, it's been so long Mr C. I haven't seen you in years.
Mr Conductor smiled as the prince spoke with him, for they had not seen one another for a long time. As the prince and the noble had finished catching up, Mr Conductor decided to tell Thomas what he noticed of late.
Mr C: Thomas, I'm not sure of late, but Lady seems to be too dark and different ever since she returned home.
Thomas: Well, good thing for you, I can back your statement up Mr C. I did a little data gathering and found many signs that the princess who's doing the broadcasts is an imposter, and I know it may just be a possibly, but, if Lady is alive, then she must being held against her own will, or another reason why an imposter is taking her place.
Mr C: I see. Anyway, as for info, there isn't much else I can give but, I am glad that you have your memories back.
Thomas: Thanks Mr C.
And then as Thomas bowed respectfully to Mr C, little did the prisoner know that the prince had, more plans on the way. Later, when night fell, Mr Conductor was laying on his prison bed trying to fall asleep, when he heard the gate opening to reveal Thomas and Timothy standing there. As Mr Conductor analysed the situation, Thomas whispered to him.
Thomas: (whispering) Okay, I got permission from the captain to let you out and bring you on your way to your Castle-Ship. But we gotta be quick and quiet for no-one else knows about this operation.
As Mr Conductor then nodded, he quickly followed the Billinton brothers to a jeep which Timothy drove to a point between the base and the Castle-Ship. As Thomas then handed Mr Conductor a bag of food, water and other supplies, he shook hands with him as he spoke to him.
Thomas: It was a pleasure seeing you again Mr C. Please, find where she might be and when you do, tell her father everything on where she truly is along with showing him the proof on the harddrive I gave you.
Mr C: (smiles as he bows) Don't worry Thomas. I swear to you that Lady will be found and that she will be safe.
As Mr Conductor then turned heel and began his journey back he said his farewells to Thomas and Timothy as they then rode back. As Timothy drove back to the base, he spoke to his brother on the night's events.
Timothy: Thomas, I may not know Mr C like you do, and what you did was reckless, I think that you made a good call here. Until we can find out where she may be, I guess we're pretty much stuck.
Thomas: I know. And that is why I'm entrusting Lady's well being to Mr C for I know he'll do what he can to help her because he's that kind of a person.
As the brothers then smiled and made their way back to the base, Mr C pressed on in his journey back to his Castle-Ship.
To be continued...