Episode One: Wake Up
Anemone quickly came about when the Super Izumo appeared on radar and grinned deviously as she raced towards her new target. As if on cue, a new L.F.O. launched from the crimson carrier. Holland flew the new golden-trim silver Terminus prototypeT303, an angelic reincarnation of the typeB303.
"Based on the 303archetype, the prototypeT303 is the Devilfish re-envisioned," explained Dominic to Marcus, "The Devildog is equipped with the most advanced beam cannons and homing lasers to date, a pair of boomerang knives, and a split refboard with larger beam turrets. Its primary advantage over the typeB303 is speed and agility. It also has the new C.F.S. installed with the prototype-D.V.L. option."
Firing all legal weapons, Anemone jovially announced her presence; causing the prototypeT303 minor damage. Undaunted, Holland matched her trajectory and forced her skyward. He followed her in a spiral and quickly caught up. Bemused, she fired her main cannons straight for him while aiming her homing lasers down. He easily dodged the frontal attack but failed to see the secondary as it reversed direction and found its mark, reducing his points. Taking the initiative he broke away and opened fire from below, dropping her points to half. Using her thrust-boosters to gain altitude, Anemone quickly surpassed the Gekko and Super Izumo until Holland finally broke away and leveled off. Spreading its arms, the typeB303 performed a partial back flip and began to freefall headfirst. Meanwhile, Hilda and Matthieu joined Holland in formation and doubled back. They closed the gap taking potshots with limited success; but when they passed under her with no response, they halted their assault.
"Hey Holland," called Stoner on a private channel, "What do ya think she's up to?"
"She'll either wait 'til the last second to fire her boosters and try for a frontal assault or she's in trouble," replied Holland, "I'm gonna assume the former since there's no distress call but we'll see."
When only a dozen meters from the ground, Anemone fired her boosters, inverted herself, and raced towards the others. Ready for this, the three opened fired; but she used a convex arc to mask her route, dropping under them at the last minute before returning fire. Matthieu lost his remaining points and begrudgingly broke away. Reversing her direction at a speed and arc that would blackout most seasoned pilots, Anemone launched straight for Hilda from behind, catching her by surprise while Holland successfully escaped. Grabbing its shoulders, she fired and took the typeR808 out with one direct hit. Once a frustrated Hilda disengaged and backed off, Holland doubled back and the remaining L.F.O.s charged for each other, cannons blazing. Stoner kept his camera focused on the action.
Holland's attack drained her points to a fifth. Using her homing lasers, she forced him on the defensive after slashing his points to a third. When the two finally collided, they locked hands as their ascending inertia hurled them skyward. Holland struggled for the advantage until he realized Anemone was aiming her main cannons. Thinking fast, he copied her strategy. Both fired simultaneously, causing each to lose their allotted points and sustain real damage. When he tried to disengage, he found his controls jammed. By then, their assent had passed its apex and the two were quickly losing altitude.
"Anemone, I've lost my primary controls; you need to stabilize us," informed Holland, "Anemone?"
She gave no verbal response as they continued to plummet but the typeB303 did begin utilizing its boosters and refboard to slow their descent, sending them into a slight spin. A frustrated fist slam finally rebooted most of his console, allowing Holland to help slow their fall. Just before impact, Anemone released the prototypeT303. Both L.F.O.s landed hard, causing even more damage. Matthieu and Hilda circled high above them.
"Man, that's gotta hurt," Matthieu remarked, shaking his head, "Hey leader, you two alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Holland with a sigh, "But the Devil Brothers will need some work."
"We're en route," announced Dominic, "How's Anemone?"
"Haven't been able to reach her," informed Holland, "I'll go find out. The rest of you can jet."
"Rodger that," acknowledge Hilda.
He opened his canopy and stretched out before climbing down. They had landed on a plot of grass at the end of the Tresor runway near the cliff wall. In the distance, the two recovery vehicles slowly approached. He made his way to the typeB303 and climbed up to the cockpit, which was already open. Anemone sat inside meditating. It was clear by her tear-stained cheeks that something was amiss.
Holland patently waited until she opened her eyes, "Verbal communication won't kill you, ya know."
"It's a distraction," replied Anemone, wiping her face, "Besides; I had the situation in hand."
Holland chuckled, "So I see it wasn't just TheEND's specs that took out my 909 at the Great Wall."
"You were that pilot?" remarked Anemone, looking up, "Didn't think he survived; but then, I had more 'important' things on my mind."
"Yep," smiled Holland, "You almost had me, too. I was banged up pretty good."
"Guess I should be glad I didn't," Anemone sighed, looking down at her hands.
"Hey, anything wrong?" asked Holland, kneeling down as the Gekko came in overhead.
"I just have a long way to go," admitted Anemone, "The pilot interface is still foreign to me; plus I have a lot of emotional and psychological issues to deal with. It takes its toll."
"We all have our demons to overcome," encouraged Holland, extending his hand to her, "And facing them headfirst is the only way. You're definitely on the right path; it just takes time."
"You sound like Dominic," smirked Anemone, taking his hand, standing up, and stepping out, "But you're both right. I just wish I'd get over them now and be done already."
"If only it was so easy," Holland chuckled, checking to see where the recovered units were, "But you've weathered worse things; I wouldn't worry about it. So, how'd the new C.F.S. work for ya?"
"It was like I was one with the Devilfish," explained Anemone, "Most of the time I didn't see through my eyes but through its eyes... optical sensors, whatever. It was very surreal. Soon, the sense of being the one riding the board distracted me. I've always wanted to spread my arms and lose myself in a moment; so I closed my eyes and just let myself fall. When I did, it felt like I could go on forever."
"That's a trip; Morita's gonna flip when he hears that," remarked Holland, "Anything bad?"
"When the Devilfish took damage, it felt like thousands of needles ripping across my body," answered Anemone, "But when it became too much, I simply returned my focus inside the cockpit. That was a trip in itself. Don't feel any side effects but I won't be sure until later; other than that, not really."
"Keep us posted," requested Holland, "But you're doing a whole lot better than I first did. Then again, the Devilfish was a whole other beast. The drugs I took and pain I felt drove me mad."
"I know what you mean," remarked Anemone as they sat down, "It's been so nice not being injected with some serum before a battle. I finally feel independent and living for my own reasons; for once I am in control, not some sadistic medication or pretty face; and, I have someone who really cares."
"You consider getting that deal removed?" inquired Holland, taping the left side of his jaw.
"Dr. Mischa says I could with little scaring," Anemone recounted, "But it's a good reminder for me of where I've been and what I've had to pay; plus it adds a bit of flare to an otherwise drab me."
"Heh, you're starting to remind me of Talho," Holland reminisced, "She'd always try to make herself look better than she already did. Only after we arrived in Tresor to upgrade the Nirvash did she finally stop worrying and toned herself back down. She told me her reasons but I think there was more to it."
"She probably felt threatened by someone close," speculated Anemone, "Sadly; we girls can be very fickle. Guess she realized you heart truly belonged to her. So, how'd the prototype-D.V.L. work out?"
"Morita should be very pleased with the results," Holland smiled, "I know I am."
"That's good," said Anemone, "Been debating about get those metallic C.F.S. interfaces implanted."
"I've thought about it, too," admitted Holland, "But the Dynamic Variable Limiter has eliminated the bruising I'd get; and anyway, you don't even need a Compac Drive let alone a C.F.S. limiter. If we keep getting positive results with the Devildog, we'll distribute this new limiter to the Armada shortly."
"Maybe then the Izumo squads will start liking you," Anemone grinned as the Super Izumo landed.
"Somehow I doubt that," sighed Holland, "Jürgens and Morita still have reservations about me; but they're dedicated to the Confederation and that's all I ask. Right now, we need all the help we can get."
"Atoning for Dewey seems like an impossible task," remarked Anemone, "I have a hard enough time just accounting for my own mistakes. Then there's my debt to Eureka…"
As they spoke, the two recovery units arrived.
"You're doing just fine," assured Holland, "And I wouldn't call them mistakes. Dewey used you, just like everyone else. I'm still surprised you and Dominic decided to come back; but I'm glad you did."
"I still have to repay Eureka and Renton for saving me," explained Anemone, "I owe them big time."
Dominic jumped onto the typeB303, "You do realize this is going to cost a fortune to repair, right?"
"It's the price we pay for progress," smiled Holland, standing up, "Though I must admit, you sure picked one hell of a lady to fall head over heels for."
Dominic turned red as he helped Anemone to her feet, "What can I say? I got lucky."
Across the way, the second recovery unit began securing the prototypeT303. One of the men attaching the rigging stood out from the others, who otherwise wore vanilla jumpsuits.
"That him?" inquired Holland, spotting Marcus atop the prototypeT303.
"Yep," replied Dominic, "Came out with Dr. Egan and the Swallowtails to watch the evaluation."
"Guess that explains why they're here?" concluded Holland, looking over.
"Talk to Dr. Egan," shrugged Dominic, "Apparently they're here to monitor his recovery; Marcus didn't elaborate on that. Dr. Egan said to meet him on board the Gekko to discuss his findings."
"Wonder what he found," thought Holland aloud as they climbed down, "Any insight?"
"Not really," explained Dominic, "He's overly friendly and not shy about helping others; calls it the 'Aussie way of life'. He speaks in a strange dialect, too; not sure I understand it all."
"Ah-zee?" repeated Holland while the first recovery vehicle lifted the prototypeT303.
"Apparently that's what Australians call themselves," explained Dominic, "Australia was a continental sovereignty in Earth's southern hemisphere according to him. What that means is beyond me."
"Seriously?" scoffed Holland, "Does he think he's from the past? Guy must be nuts…"
"Hey, there you are, love!" smiled Marcus, jogging over, "Beautiful performance up there; quite breathtakin'. I can see why Dominic 'ere takes care of ya so well."
"Thank you," Anemone blushed, "Not up to my standards but I'm improving."
"So you're the one causing trouble for Jürgens," Holland remarked slyly.
"Hope I'm not a bother," nervously chuckled Marcus, "Just tryin' to get me head back on straight."
"Marcus, this is Holland Novak; leader of Gekkostate and co-founder of the Moonlight Confederation," introduced Dominic.
"Pleasure to meet ya, Boss," smiled Marcus with a nod, "You're skills are ace, too, I reckon."
"Thanks," nodded Holland, shaking hands, "Yeah, still gotta lot of bugs to work with the L.F.O.s."
"Say, wait a tick; Novak… think I remember you somewhere," recounted Marcus, stroking his chin, "Isn't Gekkostate the one what produces that rayout periodical?"
"Yeah," answered Holland, slightly perplexed.
"You wouldn't by chance know a couple kids named Sumner and Ruri?" inquired Marcus.
"Sumner Sturgeon?" Holland thought aloud.
"Yeah, that's him," nodded Marcus, "Rides a board with the best of 'em, he does."
"Haven't seen those two in years," smiled Holland, "You know 'em?"
"Surfed with 'em back before I got the hair up me ass to scope out that hole in the ground beyond the black stump," explained Marcus, "They spoke of you quite fondly. Spunk couple, they were."
"Heh," chuckled Holland, "Small world, ain't it?"
"Just a tick," Marcus pardoned as he climbed the typeB303 and helped secure the crane rigging.
"Didn't your report say his eyes are like yours?" asked Holland, looking to Anemone.
"Scary, huh?" remarked Anemone, "Pink slits but green irises. I wanna hear what Dr. Egan found out."
"Marcus said he never noticed the slits until he saw Anemone's eyes," Dominic added, "I have to admit, he story just doesn't add up. Dr. Egan didn't seem worried so we'll have to see."
"Dr. Egan requests to meet him on the Gekko," announced Valkyrie, standing behind the group.
"What for?" asked Holland, turning around.
"To discuss the results we got from Marcus," replied Columbia, "And answer your questions."
"Alright, we'll be there once Marcus is done playing engineer," sighed Holland.
"Why do you think he's being so helpful?" inquired Bharat.
"Maybe he wants to join Gekkostate," replied Anemone, "Or maybe he feels insecure about being different like me. I don't know; he just seems like a nice guy. Don't see why it matters."
"His actions are very queer yet somewhat expected," remarked Britannia, "If he keeps this up, his integration into this time period will be most productive for everyone!"
Holland, Dominic, and Anemone raised an eyebrow to her wording.
"So, now that we got 'em rigged up," announced Marcus, leaping down, "What's next on the menu?"
"We will convene with Dr. Egan to discuss your lab results and see what integration method will work best for your talents," smiled Lattonia.
"Give a bloke a fair go, lass," smiled Marcus, "I might be a relic but not passed me expiration date."
The group boarded the recovery unit as the technicians hoisted the typeB303 into position and began the slow trek back. The Super Izumo had berthed inside the primary hanger while the Gekko docked outside nearby. Upon arrival, they disembarked and headed for the Gekko, entering through its hanger-bay. Inside were Gekkostate's typeR606 and typeR808. An additional typeR606 and a Terminus typeR909, all in vehicle mode, completed the fleet. Marcus was awestruck by their diversity. He kept his sunglasses on as they made their way to the commons, where the others waited.
Ken-Goh and Hap discussed the evaluation results near the windows while Gidget, with Gulliver in lap, sat on a futon with Talho, who held a dark gray haired infant. Moondoggie knelt behind them and kept the child entertained. Dr. Mischa and Dr. Egan sat on the couch talking with Dr. Morita, who stood beside them. Jobs and Woz sat towards the back of the room near Hilda, Matthieu, and Stoner, who lounged about the short table. Gulliver jumped down and waddled over as Anemone and the others entered. Marcus was almost last and carefully squeezed his refboard in, catching some attention. He sat beside Dominic and Anemone, who distanced themselves from the others. Gulliver climbed into her lap and cooed happily. The Swallowtails stood nearby. Captain Jürgens appeared via a video feed. Each had matured in their own way. All eyes were soon on Marcus, making him rather self-conscious.
"Alright people, listen up!" announced Holland, "First order of business deals with Anemone's flight evaluation. As expected, her performance was superb, if a little unorthodox. Any doubts of her skills or reliance on her former K.L.F. are now null; as such, I see no reason why she can't be the primary pilot of the new Devilfish. I'll have Dr. Morita add it to our fleet once repairs and certifications are made."
The crew applauded, causing Anemone to blush. Dominic kissed her cheek.
"Needless to say, she's an asset not only to the Armada, but now to Gekkostate," added Holland with a grin, "And considering her history with us, I'm proud to say, welcome aboard Anemone!"
The crew cheered again as Dominic squeezed her hand. She returned his jester with a flamboyant kiss, which rolled Gulliver onto the floor and Dominic onto his back, almost clobbering Marcus.
"Alright, you two; get a room," sighed Hilda as Matthieu whistled.
"But we don't have one here," rebutted Anemone, nibbling Dominic's ear, "Not like we need one."
"Anemone!" protested Dominic, his face flushing red as she pulled him back up.
The crew had a good laugh. Waddling over, Gulliver sniffed Marcus intently before climbing into his lap and making himself at home. Marcus smirked and began rubbing his ears.
"Don't worry, we got a room already set," informed Hap, "It's big enough for the both of you."
"Alright, now that the lovebirds are taken care of," chuckled Holland, shaking his head, "In other news, we apparently have a guest today. Dr. Bear should fill us in on the details."
Silence followed. The attention quickly got to Marcus.
"G-g'day mates," he stuttered nervously.
"Please forgive him, he's had a couple large epiphanies today," interceded Dr. Egan, "Just give him time. You'll all note my preliminary report on Marcus. From my investigation, I concluded that he is not a synthetic Coralian like Anemone, though he exhibits one distinct trait with her. After extensive investigation, I was forced to a radical conclusion even I was not prepared for. It appears that Marcus is, at least in mind, about ten-thousand years old."
The crew was shocked.
"How is that even possible?" questioned Dr. Mischa
"That I'm still working on," admitted Dr. Egan, "However, it is the only way to explain his time discrepancy and lack of genetic similarity to any current human or Coralian D.N.A. sequences."
"So you completely ruled out human intervention?" questioned Holland sharply.
"Anemone is the only successful synthetic Coralian from Joy Division," reminded Dr. Egan promptly, "Federation records recovered from Warsaw attest to it. It is highly unlikely."
"So what did you learn from him directly?" inquired Stoner.
"It appears he was absorbed by the scub coral during their first encounters with humans," answered Dr. Egan, "His family was killed in the process; though this seems more a random act. For reasons not yet determined, Marcus was expelled from the scub coral and has lived in our world for approximately one year, oblivious to the time discrepancy. The sudden reawakening of his consciousness is likely responsible for this denial, though it could also be on the part of the scub coral. After these protective measures deteriorated, he began questioning his reality and returned to where his journey first started."
"That's when we encountered him in the subterranean cavern," interjected Dominic.
"No longer blissful, he decided to look for answers," Dr. Egan continued, "Things came to a head when Anemone commented on his eyes, which are similar to her own. This caused a flood of recovered memories, forcing him into mental shock, which was only subdued with a self-inflicted blackout."
"Are there any side-effects or complications we should know about?" asked Hap.
"He's taken the epiphanies well so far. Beyond that, I see no foreseeable danger," explained Dr. Egan, "I have charged the Swallowtails to monitor his progress over the next couple days."
The crew's reaction was mixed and unsure. Marcus sighed and continued rubbing Gulliver's head.