SEVENTEEN
AMENDS
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Helic Republic,
Central Continent, Planet Zi,
February 23, 2128
Kenny had never been to the Central Continent before. For the most part the scenery didn't look different from the Eastern Continent. It was just sand all over. The color was a bit different. Eastern Continent desert was darker, more like brownish tan. The soil was a fine blend of sand and pebbles. The Central Continent desert was lighter in color, almost like yellowish creme. There were not as many wild zoids as there in the Eastern Continent, probably because the Central Continent had been ravaged by wars for a long time. All wild zoids had either been driven to more secluded area, or captured to be converted to military zoids, just like the famous Liger Zero.
What amused him, though, was there were a lot more flying zoids in Central Continent sky. He had seen close to a dozen aerial zoids since the Hover Cargo arrived at Central Continent. He understood that Central Continent was controlled by the Helic Republic, and they needed a lot of zoids to monitor the vast stretch of land. The truce with the Guylos Empire was still in effect but from what he learnt from Saskia, long time ago, was that this truce was very fragile. It was not based on good will to stop war. It was more like the two factions grew sick of punching each other out. Anything could perturb this fickle balance-of-power into a full-blown war. And then there was the Neo Zenebas lurking somewhere, waiting for the Republic and the Empire to doze off.
"We depart here," Cassiopeia said as the Hover Cargo made a stop at a port in the middle of the desert. "There is a Rottiger outpost at the outskirt of New Helic City. Perhaps they have word about Royce and Saskia."
Kenny nodded readily, then hopped on Cleto as Cassiopeia and Leila collected their zoids. The small organoid had been able to keep up with the much larger zoids so far, and Cassiopeia hadn't mentioned anything about Cleto slowing her down. He hoped it would stay that way, especially with Maia as Cleto's second passenger.
That brought another subject: Maia had been completely reclusive after the incident with her former boyfriend at the port at Abzan City. Kenny could only imagine the trauma she had to endure to watch her lover – the source of her strength, by her own words – in bed with another woman. His own breakup with Roxy was painful but nowhere near the psychological damage Maia had to heal. He had been following Leila's suggestion to leave her alone, but he started to feel that he was ignoring Maia when she needed friend the most. Maia was part of the group, and even though her role in the group was questionable at best, she was still his traveling partner. He felt he needed to do something. Screw Leila, he thought. Maia needs a friend. Not that I'm gonna sleep with her …
"Ride with me?" he offered his hand as Cleto parked next to her.
Maia shot a small smile and grabbed Kenny's hand to hop on Cleto.
"It is not of my affair, but words have receded from daily showing," Kenny said gently so as not to upset Maia. "Is there nothing I can help?"
"I'll be alright," she replied shortly.
"If you need a friend," Kenny muttered, "I'll be here."
Maia's smile stretched wider. "Gratitude for consent about my well being. My breasts swell from such kindness. But your hands have extended farther than you can reach. Just let me heal in peace."
Kenny didn't want to press himself further. Maia had stated clearly where she wanted Kenny at this point, and he wanted to respect her. If she wished to get closer to him, she would reach out to him. So he just gave her a courtesy nod and steered Cleto to follow Cassiopeia and Leila, who had gotten their zoids out of the Hover Cargo and started running through the desert.
The journey through the desert was uneventful. Cleto kept up with the Arosaurer and Saber Lion without complain, but Kenny guessed that Cassiopeia and Leila held themselves back to let Cleto catch up with them. If they sprinted full speed, there was no way the small organoid could keep up with them. But as long as they didn't say anything, Kenny wouldn't bring it up.
An hour passed and the entourage passed Cronos Fort in the distance. The scene of death was visible even from miles away. The black remains of the the fort dominated the background, standing in defiance even in its doom. Charred hulks of destroyed zoids littered the ground acres and acres surrounding the base. Some of them had turned into stones and were halfway buried in the sand, but others were fairly new and still in zoids form. The choking smell of burning zoids hung in the air.
"Oh my God! What is this place?" Maia mumbled, picturing the carnage that took place in the past.
"This is Cronos Fort," Kenny took the opportunity to lighten up her mood. "It was one of Helic Republic point defenses during The Age of War. It was equipped with state-of-the-art zoids and weaponries Helic Republic could muster to keep Guylos Empire from marching toward New Helic City. As such, it was the primary target of Guylos Empire assault forces for years. Massive Guylos military operations were sent to bring Cronos Fort down, which was vain until 2099, when it was overwhelmed by 2 Guylos forces. Colonel Kruger, the commanding officer of Cronos Fort at that time, would rather have it destroyed than fallen into Guylos hand. He did as such, blowing up Cronos Fort and taking out a large part of the marauding Guylos armies.
"Five years ago there was another war brewing at Helic Republic. The Republic's General of The Army incited an imaginary conflict for his own advancement in Helic government. He forged a praetorian army under Guardian Force namesake, and had them attack Helic Republic. He then commanded Helic Military to obliterate his own praetorians, raising his status as Helic Republic war hero. The last battle of Helic Republic and the general's praetorians took place at Cronos Fort."
"So many lives lost for mere ambition of one man," Maia commented over the vast killing field. "Is there sadder thing than that?"
"War is necessary to keep men at course," Kenny replied.
"A wasteful doctrine, save for Helic Republic," Maia retorted. "In Helic case, the deaths of thousands were for nothing. Ambition still rules."
"No, it doesn't," Kenny scoffed. "Saskia busted this mockery. The general's dead, the Guardian Force is restored, and Helic Republic is still a democracy."
"Oh?" Maia gasped. She had no idea that her servitude compatriot, one she wished to pay her life-debt, held much higher status than she originally thought. "But why would she stay at Eastern Continent? Shouldn't she replace the corrupt general?"
"Helic Republic wouldn't have her zoid around," Kenny sighed. "Saskia's zoid hearkens back to the massacre of Helic Military forces at Devil's Maze. Helic top brass don't want to relive such shame, yet Saskia loves it more than anything, even lavish career at Helic Military. She chooses friendship over shimmering life. I wish I had life like her own, to fight for what I love, and to choose love over earthly trifles. Money and fame."
"What do you love, Kenny?" Maia asked. "What do you so fervently love that you will defy money and fame in its favor?"
"What do I love?" Kenny chortled sourly. "I thought I had said thing with Roxy, yet she didn't see me as such. She would not look upon the meaning of Saskia beyond a rival for my affection. I understand why she was bitter. It was unfortunate thing, to be tortured by Cassiopeia for information she didn't have. Yet turning a blind eye on Saskia is not of proper choosing. She needs help presently."
"Then heart has found its intent," Maia stated. "You love Saskia."
"As a brother would his sister," Kenny replied wryly. "Yet her heart would never be mine, nor mine hers."
"And what of Cleto?"
"I always have Cleto. I would never have to shed blood and tears for him."
"Choose words wisely, for fate is fickle," Maia said morosely. "One day it blesses you with everything you would ever need, the next day it spits in your face and takes all away."
"A fact we all struggle to understand," Kenny replied briskly, catching a glimpse of Maia's desire for companionship. "Anyway, ears had their fill of my raving tongue. What of you, Maia? What would you fight for?"
Maia didn't respond. Kenny didn't want to press the subject too far, so he just left her alone with her own thoughts. He was glad, however, to see Maia started to get over her heartbreak. It might be just a start, but at least she didn't succumb into depression.
The group continued toward New Helic City until they reached a small outpost in the city's southern outskirt. Two blocky buildings made up the main complex, with an array of radars scattered in the foreground. Rottiger emblem was etched boldly on all sides of the buildings, visible from a mile away. Two Molgas with long Shot Cannons on their backs guarded the base.
Cassiopeia parked her Arosaurer next to the Molgas, followed by Leila and her Saber Lion. Kenny jumped off Cleto and helped Maia to dismount, then followed Cassiopeia into the building. Cleto was small enough that the Rottiger operatives didn't even care to check him. They just let the small organoid to follow Kenny into the building.
The short corridor led them into a communication room with dozens of monitors showing different parts of Helic Republic. It was just a small command post, but still thoroughly impressive for someone that hadn't seen such complexity like Kenny and Maia. Their eyes bugged out and their jaws dropped to their chests, watching the monitors covering every corner of Helic Republic territory.
"I am Lieutenant Cassiopeia, serial number 23RE-00WI5-J6," Cassiopeia introduced herself. "These are my travel companions. I need assistance."
A Rottiger operative came with a retinal scanner on his hand, then put the scanner in front of Cassiopeia's face. A blue laser pointer swiped across her right eye, reading the signature print of her retina. A second later the scanner blipped, confirming Cassiopeia's identity.
"Welcome to Victor Whiskey 4468, Lieutenant," the Rottiger operative greeted her. "In what way can we extend hands?"
"I am tracking a rogue Rottiger agent, accompanied by a girl," Cassiopeia said. "Former Captain Royce DesGagne, serial number 09RA-00LD3-44. Saskia van Leewenhoek, former Master Technician at Helic Republic Military. I have reasons to believe they are heading to New Helic City. I need confirmation of suspicion."
A couple of Rottiger operatives pulled up the service record of Royce and Saskia, then put them on the main screen. Saskia's mug shot almost made Kenny laugh. She sported short military-style hairdo, with at least 10 lbs heavier than the last time he saw her. Royce also sported very short hair with no earring. Both were listed to have been discharged from their respective units.
"New Helic City database cannot confirm presence of these individuals," the Rottiger operative stated. "I would seek to raise details if you have specific spot or destination."
"Try Presidential Manor or Capitol Building," Cassiopeia muttered.
The Rottiger operative punched a few buttons and an identification page popped up on a small screen next to the main one. He entered an ID code into the page, then pasted Royce's and Saskia's service record into the site. The program scanned its database, looking for similar builds, but in the end it could not find any data of Royce being in New Helic City. The last recorded data of Saskia ever been on the vicinity dated 5 years ago.
"They might creep under guise," Leila pondered. "Try Royce's zoid."
"Saskia is an engineer," Cassiopeia shook her head. "She must have disabled Royce's ID signal."
"Then scan the area and seek to find irregularities for the past few weeks."
"What sort of irregularities?" the Rottiger operative asked.
"Just scan," Cassiopeia huffed. "Leave the specific to us."
The Rottiger operative did as such, scanning the area surrounding New Helic City from a few weeks back. Then just the day before the area of northern New Helic City showed some heat activity.
"What is that?" Kenny blurted. "Looks like heat concentration, like… explosions!"
"Put more visuals!" Cassiopeia demanded. The Rottiger operative zoomed in on that particular area to show a Command Wolf AC, a Black Rhimos, a Leostriker, and half a dozen Saicurtis.
"That's him!" Cassiopeia exclaimed. "That's Royce… what in the name of Zenebas is he doing there?"
"None that merit consideration," Leila replied briskly. "We have his position. It is 24 hours old, but it is the best lead we have. Let's move to intercept before he changes position."
"Right away!" Cassiopeia said. She turned to Kenny and Maia. "You two better stay here than come. There will be unforeseen circumstances I might not fight my way clear of."
"Like what? The cruel whims of death?" Kenny scoffed. "Do not see me as you would a child. I follow you this far not to cower under Rottiger's table."
"An ample bravery, commendable by all," Cassiopeia said, and for the first time she showed respect toward Kenny. "Yet laurels means nothing if you're dead."
"I would not see myself deemed like an obstacle!" Kenny blurted.
"You are not an obstacle!" Cassiopeia growled, looking deep into Kenny's eyes. "You are of a warrior's standing. Loyalty, finest among those my eyes have laid upon. Courage of a liger. Compassion, oft neglected in business of blood. I merely preserve qualities because it would be a waste to lose them over bravado! What good would they serve if you're dead?"
Kenny never thought that Cassiopeia held such a high regard of him. She obviously looked down on him when they first started the journey, never seeing him more than a clueless 14-year old boy. But apparently she took note of everything Kenny did along the way, from taking Maia in, helping Cassiopeia when she was critically injured, standing up against Maia's cheating boyfriend, and keeping his hope high for Saskia, even though she seemed to be always one step ahead of him. He thought everything just came naturally, that everybody would do what he did. Obviously, Cassiopeia thought differently.
"Now still tongue and see yourself rested within these walls!" Cassiopeia puffed. "I will go with Leila."
"Then I would have words," Maia tuned in. "Promise me that you will spare Saskia."
"To what end?" Cassiopeia spat matter-of-factly. "She is aiding a criminal. Sought in 2 continents. Death would serve society justice."
"I took something from her I could never return," Maia rose. "Hence I seek amend by giving her life. Promise me she will not be harmed, even when head perceives she deserves death."
"You would give life to a criminal?" Cassiopeia ground her teeth.
"I would give life to a friend," Maia stood undaunted against Cassiopeia's intimidating posture.
"Then you have words," Leila interjected before Cassiopeia broke into another tirade. "I will see her alive and well. But if she makes attempt at my life, I would have her head."
"Gratitude," Maia forged a small smile. "It's all I could ask for."
Kenny watched until Cassiopeia and Leila went out, then found a place to sit down. There was not a lot of thing he could do at the outpost. Everybody was watching something over the monitors, be it the weather, overhead map of New Helic City, aerial view of the desert, or zoid specs. The Rottiger operatives ignored him, as long as he didn't get in their way.
So it was a matter of time until his eyes laid upon Maia again. She was on a peaceful state of mind, although it was clear she was still nursing her heartbreak. She sat on a chair across the room cross legged, throwing blank stares at the Rottiger monitors with no particular interest.
"I laud your deed for Saskia," Kenny said as he moved his chair next to hers. "You love her too."
"As a friend," Maia flashed a somber smile. "She extended hands few times during our time as captives. I was not one blessed with physical strength. She added half of my load to her own. All I did to return her favor was to foil her escape plan and put feet in stocks for torture."
"Fault is not yours," Kenny blurted. "I shall vouch for your demand to spare her life. I know Saskia. She would honor your compassion with swollen heart. You shall see yourself free of dues."
"Gratitude," Maia smiled sweetly with a hint of blush on her cheeks. "I love to dance."
"Dance?" Kenny scowled, unsure of where Maia was heading with her last statement.
"You asked me a question I never answered. Dancing spurs my life. It is the soul of my existence. I dance to everything. I dance when I'm happy, I dance when I'm sad, I dance when I'm in love…"
"You danced to 'him'?" Kenny's curiosity got the best of him. "Apologies, my tongue flapped faster…"
"I used to," Maia replied, her eyes were heavy with tears. "He fell in love with me when I danced. He would sit for hours watching me practice or perform, then came home and massaged my aching feet to some release. His fingers felt exquisite and sexy on skin of soles. Often he tickled feet to a good laugh whenever I needed it. Then he kissed each toes before going to bed. Good memories, only to be washed away by his betrayal."
"Upon end of quest, you would see yourself return to dancing," Kenny shifted on his seat uncomfortably. "Saskia and I would come to watch."
"Gratitude, Kenny," Maia smiled and put her hands on his. "My heart swells with such kindness. Saskia is lucky to have a friend like you."
"I hope so," Kenny replied. "Let us put hopes together for her well being."