Episode One: Wake Up
"So far his behavior has been more than acceptable and we see no reason why he will not be able to fully integrate into this world," added Valkyrie, "He has several skills that favor his success."
"Currently, we believe his stability results more from shock than a proper understanding of events," explained Columbia, "This is normal for cryogenic patients recovering from extended hibernation. It will take time for him to truly accept this reality but we do not predict any severe relapse or rejection."
Everyone stared at the girls, then Marcus, who grew more nervous.
"S-so far so good?" he shrugged after a tense moment.
"So then, what is Marcus physically?" inquired Dr. Mischa.
"From blood samples, we've concluded his body is primarily Coralian, Kuma-chan," answered Dr. Egan, "Seventy-five percent of his D.N.A. is similar to that of Eureka's. The remaining twenty-five is human-based. In short, Marcus is a true fusion of a human and scub coral. More specifically, his body most resembles what the Joy Division intended to achieve but could never create; a synthetic-hybrid."
"But why does he have such dark skin?" asked Matthieu, "Eureka and Anemone are both fairly pale skinned, as was Gonzy, and reportedly Sakuya."
"Most of his physical appearance is derived from his human D.N.A.," explained Dr. Egan, "Though how it was acquired remins unknown. His only noticeable Coralian traits are his eyes. His Coralian D.N.A. is used as filler for his missing genetic structure. Interestingly enough, Marcus had fare skin as a human. The tan pigment is just a replica of what his skin was like when he was absorbed; like his dyed hair, which was naturally brown, they are now his permanent colors."
"But if he was created more like Eureka and Sakuya, why are his eyes like Anemone's?" asked Woz.
"It's likely due to the synthetic splicing of the D.N.A.," explained Dr. Egan, "Mind you, Anemone could never achieve such a fusion as it would require breeding a new life form; and a straight slit is easier to produce within a developed eye. While not exactly like the natural Coralian circle, the slits are distinctive and serve the same function, which is to see traditional transparence light particles. Since Marcus had his body reformed, however, the exact reason for his eye slits is still questionable."
"So what would a natural born human-Coralian hybrid have?" thought Dr. Morita aloud.
"My guess would be Coralian," said Dr. Mischa, "But we won't know for sure until that happens."
"So... what about me?" asked Anemone shyly.
"Due to the nature of your body's enhancement, it's hard to say," Dr. Egan answered, "Though I would venture that you do not have the ability to pass along any genetic material because you D.N.A. base is still human. However, if it is of true concern to you, we can do some tests to answer that."
Dominic squeezed her hand as Anemone leaned against him.
"So why was he expelled from the scub coral in the first place?" asked Stoner.
"That is anyone's guess," replied Dr. Egan, "We simply don't know. Marcus has only regained his corporeal memories; any memories while within the scub coral are either still blocked or non-existent."
"We have theorized several possibilities," added Bharat, "It could be that the scub coral are atoning for their actions by releasing those who they absorbed back into this world. He could have also willed himself out. Another theory states that his expulsion was just a random occurrence."
"If his release was a goodwill gesture by the Coralians, then that means there might be others out there," concluded Talho.
"If true, that would be the logical conclusion," agreed Dr. Egan, "But again, we just don't know."
"Should I run the numbers for multiple search and rescues?" inquired Captain Jürgens.
"Not right now," answered Holland, "We need more evidence before committing manpower to the effort; and we don't need to start any rumors either. The Armada should handle it well regardless."
"If he was expelled a year ago, why didn't we see him when we were down there?" asked Moondoggie.
"As with the ten-thousand years, the use of time in this context is subjective," explained Dr. Egan, "We can only conclude that he was expelled after the command cluster was destroyed as Marcus did not mention it and noted the subterranean cavern ceiling was already healed save for the Oratorio Eight penetration point. Therefore, it is likely that it has been no more than a year since his expulsion."
"Does that mean his refboard and pack were also there when he woke up?" asked Woz, "And his clothes, too; what about them?"
"Me board and bluey were sittin' near me when I first woke," explained Marcus, "And I do remember wearin' these threads. Never really questioned how they got there 'til now; does rattle the ol' noggin."
"All good questions with no solid answers," sighed Dr. Egan, "True, his expulsion is very dubious; however, not impossible with the manipulation skills shown by the scub coral on the physical world."
"Must of been a lonely time," remarked Gidget, looking to Marcus, "So what will you to do now?"
The room fell silent as they waited for his response. Marcus nervously shrugged.
"He is free to peruse whatever he desires," answered Dr. Egan, "He has no ties to anyone or anywhere; though I suggest Gekkostate help jumpstart his new life as many are still violently anti-Coralian."
"I think we can arrange something," Talho smiled, "We could always use the extra hand."
"Do appreciate it," thanked Marcus, "Not sure what a swaggie crow-eater like me can do but I'll take all the help ya got. I know what a risk it must be takin' me on. Not sure I believe meself anymore."
"We have a history of taking kids like you and making something of them," nodded Ken-Goh, "Besides; you're surrounded by the biggest bunch of lifting fans on the planet. You'll do fine."
Most of the crew vocally agreed while Holland and some others remained silent.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence," smiled Marcus, "I'll do me best to be a fair dinkum bloke."
"I've never understood people's fascination with lifting," remarked Britannia causally.
"Surfin's a state of mind," answered Marcus instinctively, "Just somethin' what comes natural to some. Best way to understand it is just do it. Ask anyone 'ere with a board and they'll tell ya straight; like umm, well… say Holland, don't think I caught your mate's rank and file."
"Well, you already know who I am," began Holland with a sigh, "Let's see… Anemone pilots the Devilfish and owns Gulliver. Dominic is our intelligence specialist. Hilda and Matthieu pilot the 808 and 606, respectively. Gidget is our communications operator. Moondoggie is the Gekko's chief pilot. Stoner publishes rayout. Mischa is our resident doctor. Dr. Egan is an archetype specialist and scub coral researcher. Morita is head of Tresor and an archetype specialist. Jobs and Woz are ship's engineers. Ken-Goh is our gunner and owner of the Gekko. Hap is my second in command. Captain Jürgens, on screen, is commander of the Super Izumo and Armada; he's also the legal guardian of the Swallowtails, who act as his tactical advisors. Then there's my fiancé Talho, secondary pilot for the Gekko and the mother of my first born, Vernon. We have two more members currently M.I.A."
"Right then, you'll forgive a bloke if he's forgetful," remarked Marcus.
"There's no rush," smiled Talho, "Just take your time; and if you have any questions, just ask."
"Thanks, love," nodded Marcus, "I'll do that."
"Are your eyes are really like Anemone's?" Gidget inquired, squatting in front of him.
"So I've found," replied Marcus, raising a concern eyebrow over her proximity.
"Can I see?" asked Gidget with an unassuming smile.
"Umm... sure, love," chuckled Marcus nervously, raising his sunglasses onto his head.
Gidget stared at his eyes for a moment with great interest, "So where are you from exactly?"
"South Australia, the state," answered Marcus with a modest smirk as she sat down, "Born in Adelaide, its capital. Spent most of me youth along the Gold Coast to the east where I learned to carve the waves and me trade; but I've always remained a true blue crow-eater."
"So is that like a Predgio Tower state?" asked Matthieu.
"Umm, I guess so," shrugged Marcus, "The Commonwealth as a whole is made of six federal states and two major territories. Federal capital is Canberra and South Australia is its third largest."
"How did you learn to lift-I mean, surf?" inquired Moondoggie.
"Trial and error mostly," explained Marcus, "The Gold Coast is-was a famous spot for surfin' so there were plenty of fine surfies to watch and learn from. As for lifting, it just came natural."
"What did you doing for a living?" asked Ken-Goh.
"When I was old enough, Aviation Maintenance," answered Marcus, "My family always supported my love-affair with the waves but hoped I'd not go pro. I agreed that pro-status seemed to take the fun out of her so when I wasn't beachside, I became an aeronautics mechanic; got me Institutional Certificate IV degrees in Aeroskills from Aviation Australia in Brisbane, makin' me a dinkum aircraft engineer."
"Awesome," smiled Moondoggie, joining Gidget, "What do ya think of lifting compared with surfing?"
Gulliver rolled onto its back.
"Surfin' will always be my first love," beamed Marcus, rubbing Gulliver's belly, "But I'll admit liftin's just a joy; makes ya free as a bird. Almost can't compare the two; wouldn't do 'em proper."
"That's one large and long board," remarked Hap, staring at his refboard, "Is it hard to use?"
"You gotta know what you're doin' but not really," answered Marcus, "Always been a fan of the Malibu. Last I measured, this bastard's two-point-eight meters."
"Most refboards are half its size," elaborated Moondoggie, "Usually one-point-four meters; and I don't remember ever seen one shaped quite like this. Holland's longest standard refboard is two meters. His 'long-board' model might be a better length comparison but its design is completely different."
"Sav?" asked Marcus, "Curious; have to take a Capitan Cook some tick."
"I've also never seen triple trapar intakes this size," remarked Moondoggie, "They're larger than most. You should easily out-pace any refboard out there with this board. The triple wheel I've seen; their large size must give this board great stability. Wonder who designed it anyway."
"You'd be surprised what this board can do," smiled Marcus, "But I guess that's the sixty-four quid question; don't have a clue, mate. I began on a Malibu like most shark biscuits. Though I had my fun with a number of different designs, I always found myself grinnin' like a shot fox on me Malibu."
"Can you do tricks with it?" inquired Stoner.
"Some, but ya need to know the board first," explained Marcus, "It's designed for long-distance travelin' mostly; and she flies like a dream… no pun intended."
"How far have you traveled?" asked Jobs as the Swallowtails giggled.
"Couldn't say," Marcus shrugged after a moment, "Enough to get lost several times... not hard, mind ya. I was on one hell of a walkabout; waltzed my Matilda to the black stump and yonder."
"Why do you talk so funny?" inquired Gidget.
"Strine is a queer tongue, I'll admit," Marcus admitted, "But it's the way I jabber, though what you hear is me own brand. I'd try explainin' but I'd just lead ya up a gum tree. It's simply Aussie slang; funny part is I drive most Aussies nuts with mine; you havin' trouble translatin'?"
"I think most of us just guess," replied Dominic, "Though to your credit, you speak enough in context."
"Bloody 'ell," remarked Marcus, "Hope it's not a bother. Forget I'm not down-under anymore."
"I enjoy it," smiled Anemone, "No need to hide it."
"Is there anything you miss from your own time?" asked Hilda.
"Me family mostly," sighed Marcus, "Tryin' not to dwell on it currently; outside of 'em, can't rightly say; maybe that's why I kept in my own lil' world so long."
"Any goals you want to peruse now that you're free to do whatever?" inquired Jobs.
"Don't rightly know," shrugged Marcus, "To be wherever the surf... or trapars are up, I fancy."
"Alright you guys; give him some space," advised Talho, standing over them.
"No worries, love," assured Marcus, "Just gettin' friendly with the locals. So, this is lil' Vernon?"
"Yep, and one of the cutest babies I've seen," smiled Gidget as Talho knelt down, "Though I can't say I've seen too many. Anyway, he's just so adorable!"
Vernon, who very much resembled his father, looked at Marcus in wonder for a moment, and then giggled. Marcus held out his finger, to which the child happily grabbed and playfully pulled on.
"My word, strong lil' ankle-biter," chuckled Marcus, "Must take after his pops."
"He does take after Holland," Talho sighed, "Whether or not that's a good thing remains to be seen."
"I'm sure if Boss is any measure, he'll be a typhoon of trouble," chuckled Marcus, "But you got a few to set him straight. Reminds me of my cousin's lil' tike…"
"Alright, we still got things to do," Holland reminded, "And Marcus will be here when you're done."
The crew groaned in compliance as they got up.
"Marcus, if you could, I would like to see you tomorrow morning for some follow-up procedures," Dr. Egan requested, calling his attention, "They shouldn't take too long."
"Umm… sure Doc… no worries," gritted Marcus, struggling to hand Gulliver back to Anemone.
"Anemone, Dominic," called Holland, walking over, "Once you two get your things moved from the Izumo, I'll expect both of you to wear civilian clothing; especially you, Dominic."
"Believe it or not, he does own some," smiled Anemone, "I'll make sure he's presentable."
"I'll be counting on it," Holland chuckled, scratching Gulliver's head, "Marcus, most of us have a lot to today so we'll get you set up later tonight. The Swallowtails can answer any questions you still have."
Dominic just sighed as Gulliver cooed and Marcus caught his breath, "Sounds grouse, Boss."
"Girls, listen up," announced Captain Jürgens, "Since we're here for a K.L.F. refit, feel free to keep your promise to Dr. Egan. Just remember if we're called out, I'll expect your presence on the Izumo."
"As you wish, Capitan," acknowledged Valkyrie.
Marcus sighed, looking about the now mostly empty room, "Feels nice not bein' the center of attention; was about to be choked up there; but what now? Come on lasses, let's have a Capitan Cook."
Marcus gathered his gear and wondered the halls, followed closely by the Swallowtails. Soon, he found his way back to the hanger. Walking down to the deck, he took a few moments to inspect the various L.F.O.s. After satisfying his curiosity, he reset his sunglasses and departed the Gekko. He walked along its length and slowly traversed towards a large green open field beyond the main complex. There he found a suitable plot in the grass, sat down, and took off his backpack, which he then used as a makeshift pillow. The Swallowtails stood at a distance on the edge of the tarmac and began whispering to each other. Once they reached a consensus, the girls walked over and sat down about him in a crescent. Ignored, they looked to each other for a solution; finally, Lattonia spoke up.
"Marcus, could you tell us more about why you lift?" she inquired.
"I lift because I cannot find a suitable surfboard," answered Marcus in a bland voice, "And it is my primary mode of transportation. Thus it would be illogical not to do so."
"Do you find our presence vexing?" inquired Bharat after a silent moment.
"Now why would ya think that?" asked Marcus with a smirk, reverting to his usual voice.
"You have gone out of your way to ignore us," replied Britannia harshly, "It's rather rude."
"Wasn't aware I should interact with my observers," rebutted Marcus, "Though I did invite you, you'd shadow me regardless; but isn't like I'm wanted anyway. Bet those Gekko blokes don't give a Stuff. A novelty I am, nothin' more. They've bigger fish to fry and I'm a guppy. You lasses don't have a true interest in who I am either; just watchdogs to keep me straight, so why answer guinea pig questions?"
"But we do!" protested Columbia without hesitation, "Why can't you believe that?"
"And just what would five intelligent lasses like yourselves want with a surfie bitzer like me?" asked Marcus frustrated, "There's more astute blokes about to waste time with; I'm just a Carney freak."
"Father Jürgens stressed we needed to experience life in new ways," explained Valkyrie, looking down, "We were unsure what he meant until we met you. No one trusts because of our past and we hoped you might look beyond that and give us a chance; but maybe we were wrong… again."
Marcus sighed, sat up, and removed his sunglasses, "Squizz, don't say that. I'm just… dirty-err, I mean frustrated-same thing. Crikey, I don't know. You lasses are spunk; been kinder than what I deserve. I just feel… out of place is all. Like you, no one trusts me 'ere either. No family, no friends, it gets to a bloke. Think you lasses are right, I'm still yakin' me own chain; a really clanger."
"Marcus... do you like our names?" asked Columbia shyly, "I mean, are they becoming of us?"
Marcus raised an eyebrow, "Wha… bit self-conscious, are we? You're frettin' o'er that? Heh; well, it figures. Someone was spot on, I say. They're all ace names for five gorgeous girls, I reckon."
The Swallowtails all blushed bright red.
"What's all this then?" chuckled Marcus, shaking his head, "So we have a crack in the mask, yeah? Crikey, you make it hard for a bloke to stay cross with ya. Hmm, you ask why I lift, but it's hard to explain; same reason I surf really. Best way is for ya to have a go."
The girls looked at each other nervously as Marcus dawned his sunglasses again and stood up, "I got nadda goin', so mate's rate on rides; now, who wants to give it a burl?"
The girls were reluctant to take up his offer as Marcus picked up and readied his refboard.
"Come on, don't be shy," encouraged Marcus, "I won't bite."
"I-I'll go first," acknowledged Lattonia, slowly standing up.
"Alright, anyone else?" asked Marcus, "I can hold two of you; maybe more be we'll stay duo."
The rest of the girls all looked at each other, their nervous expressions betraying their silence.
"I'll go, too," answered Britannia as she got up.
"There's a lass," smiled Marcus, laying the refboard towards the ground, facing away from the hanger.
Visible trapar waves began flowing from the exhaust as the refboard slowly floated forward. Marcus put his foot firmly on the deck to prevent it from flying off. Lattonia and Britannia tried to put on a brave face while their sisters stood up to watch.
"Now just hold on to each other and put your feet on the deck," instructed Marcus, "Nice and slow."
Lattonia stood in front of Britannia, each holding the other's hand, as they placed their right foot on the refboard. With one go, they raised themselves up while Marcus helped steady them.
"There ya go," he smiled, "Now, Lattonia, lock your arms around your sister's waist. Britannia, you'll do the same with me once we get goin'. Right then and here we... GO!"
Marcus kicked off, which shot the refboard forward and then vertical. The two girls screamed as they ascended into the sky. Britannia quickly tightened her hold and held on for dear life; Lattonia did likewise to her. Marcus leveled out and began to glide gently above the grassy field away from the hanger. The girls quickly forgot their fear and began giggling. Banking left, they circled around and swayed from left to right and back again for better views of the complex. The girls gleefully waved to their sisters below as they passed. After passing over the runway, they came about and headed back. When they did, Marcus noticed the control tower and the unhappy faces inside watching them through binoculars. Remembering the wireless headset was still on his person, Marcus quickly put it on.
"Tower to unidentified refboard, please identify," called the tower, "This airspace is restricted."
"Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot," replied Marcus, "Moonlight Swallowtails; Confederation Armada."
"Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot, contact tower first next time," instructed the tower, "Clearance now given."
"Copy, will check in before future flights," acknowledged Marcus, "Sorry for the delay."
Descending slowly, the three lifters returned to the remaining Swallowtails. Giddy grins and giggles poured from Britannia and Lattonia as they jumped off the board.
"Come on, who's next?" smiled Marcus, "The tower will give us no more grief."
"I will!" waved Columbia.
"I want to come, too," seconded Bharat.
"Alright, we'll do this just like with your sisters," explained Marcus, "Columbia holds onto Bharat who holds on to me."
The girls nodded and carefully got on the refboard.
"On three then?" asked Marcus; but before they could answer, he took off down the grassy strip.