Episode Two: The Descent
On board the Gekko, the rest of the crew assembled on the bridge. Its tabletop Compac Drive displayed the two lights glowing brighter and pulsing more rapidly. Captain Jürgens and Dr. Egan appeared via video conference feeds that displayed encryption scroll-tickers around their perimeter. Anemone and Dominic were the last to arrive.
"First question, what does this mean?" asked Stoner, looking at the Compac Drive.
"The likely conclusion is that Renton and Eureka are seriously considering returning," Dr. Egan answered, "Or, they have decided and will make themselves known soon."
"Can't we just track 'em down like last time?" asked Matthieu.
"In theory, but last time we already knew where Eureka was," explained Waz, "This time we don't. Data collected so far suggests triangulation is possible but due to weak signal strength we've barely been able to sustain a lock. While signal strength has increased steadily over the past six hours, we'd still need at least three ships in the right positions for triangulation to work."
"Does this mean others can track them, too?" asked Hilda.
"Eureka somehow chose an encrypted frequency exclusive to the Gekko," informed Jobs, "Only the Izumo is privy to it; plus few if any ships have this newer Compac system, since it is a generational first. That's why the Izumo was upgraded with a similar one. Beyond this, the chance of anyone else doing so should be null simply because no one else should even be looking."
"So what ship will we decide on to install the third Compac?" asked Talho, holding Vernon.
"Won't be necessary," interjected Anemone, "Our L.F.O.s are already updated with similar generation drives so once signal strength is strong enough, we can use the vanguard to act as the third point."
"But L.F.O.s have limited range and speed," reminded Dominic.
"We'd have to hop between the Gekko, Izumo, and other carriers from the Eighty-Eighth," Holland sighed, "And play it out like a training mission to avoid suspicion."
"Any plan will be worthless if we don't have a starting point," remarked Captain Jürgens.
"Bellforest," smiled Talho.
"Problem is Axel's shop wasn't rebuilt until after they went M.I.A.," recalled Ken-Goh, "Last they would know, the shop was destroyed, Bellforest was under U.F. control, and Axel himself was still in hiding. They have no knowledge of the Confederation or the current political situation."
"That's a good point," agreed Dr. Mischa, "Bellforest would not appear friendly to them; which begs the question, where would they feel safe?"
"Tresor would always welcome Eureka and Renton," answered Dr. Egan, "But I have to agree with Talho; Bellforest is more probable. Remember that Renton and Axel have several contacts there loyal to the Thurston family. Had Bellforest not joined the Confederation they would have likely been hidden until Gekkostate could retrieve them."
While he spoke, Captain Jürgens received a report from Crewmen Kamui.
"Just hope they didn't end up in hostile territory," thought Hap aloud.
"If they are, they haven't been discovered," concluded Ken-Goh, "The Federation would have long since said something. They're too valuable as political prisoners not to be put on display. Even so, we should prepare ourselves in the ill-event that happens."
"Looks like we received annex confirmation for Controrado," announced Captain Jürgens, "They've obtained votes from thirty Predgio Towers and vouches from all ten Tower Council members."
"I'm still surprised they decided to join the Confederation," remarked Dominic.
"Considering the new restrictions and political unrest lately, not too surprising," supposed Hilda.
"Think the Federation will wanna give up their Pancha fruit?" Matthieu joked.
"Controrado is not the only Pancha producing region anymore so I doubt that's an issue," answered Captain Jürgens, "Warsaw and Bellforest headed this annex so our orders have already been given; looks like we'll be leaving sooner than expected. The girls will not be happy."
He let out a long sighed.
"Hey, isn't Controrado where you, Renton, and Eureka went to get the Pancha fruit during the health fad?" asked Hap, looking to Matthieu, "And didn't you get caught by Renton's uncle?"
"Yeah," he confirmed reluctantly, "Got incarcerated for our escape, too; poor guy."
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Talho, looking to Holland with a wink.
"Jürgens, when you oversee the annex, see if you can't locate Yucatan Iglasias," he requested with a sigh, "He's Renton's maternal uncle. Last we heard he was incarcerated in a Federation prison."
"Controrado has one of the smaller military prisons," informed Captain Jürgens, "He might be released by now; a bigger concern, however, is Controrado's strategic location. The Federation may not like such a militaristic move. We'll have to see how things go once we enter the region but I'll do my best."
"Nothing the Eighty-Eighth can't handle," Anemone smiled, "That would make the fifty-third Predgio Tower to join the Confederation, right?"
"Indeed; we are officially over the one-third mark," nodded Jobs.
Vernon giggled.
"Thankfully we have two-fifths of the original Federation fleet in the Armada," added Ken-Goh.
"Prepare for departure," instructed Captain Jürgens to First Officer Schneider, "Upgrades to the Izumo and K.L.F.s still need to be finalized. Contact Dr. Morita and request a mobile team to do so en route."
"Captain, you want us to inform the girls?" asked Dominic.
"No, I'll do it," he sighed, "But it will be hard to pry them away from Marcus, I think."
"Why not take him with you?" suggested Hilda, "Or have them stay with us."
"No; I'm not ready to give them that much freedom nor do I want any more civilians on the Izumo than necessary," he replied, "Especially if we're going into possible combat."
"Think the girls might still cause trouble?" inquired Holland.
"Frankly, I'm more worried about Marcus," admitted Captain Jürgens, "While I'm eternally grateful for what he's doing for them, there's something not quite right about his situation. I also want to believe the girls are legit with him but you know my stance on them."
"Marcus is getting the same scrutiny they are," assured Holland, "It's just the way things must be."
Everyone else cocked their heads at them.
"Okay... anyway, will this affect any efforts to locate the lovebirds?" questioned Matthieu.
"Renton and Eureka are still our priority," informed Captain Jürgens, "I'll have the technicians prepare Izumo's Compac Drive for triangulation while they're on board. If we have to, we'll leave the Eighty-Eighth to conduct the search when their signal strengthens enough. Keep us informed; Izumo out."
"Well then," Stoner sighed as the video feed terminated, "So what are we gonna to do with Marcus?"
There was a long pause.
"Let's utilize him as needed," suggested Ken-Goh, "He's open to whatever comes his way and seems more than willing to help out; assuming, of course, Gekko even needs him."
Most of the group agreed.
"Well, what did you think about his first flight?" asked Anemone, looking to Holland.
"He's a greenhorn," he sighed, "But it's obvious his Coralian half is helping. Just don't think he has the attitude to pilot one, let alone in combat."
"Kind of like Renton?" Talho smirked.
"Kind of," chuckled Holland half-heartedly, rolling his eyes.
"Anyone else?" inquired Anemone, "Dominic?"
"Not sure I'm qualified to have an opinion," he shrugged, "Currently, he's really no better than I. That said, he could easily reach military level with some time and effort; and I still don't see why you want me to fly. There's a reason I joined the intelligence corps."
"You wanna defend your women?" rebuffed Holland, "No better way than being up there with her; especially since you need to reach military grade yourself. Besides, we don't have missions that require your skills right now; and when we do I'll expect you to move faster than your bike can muster."
"What's wrong with my bike?" he muttered, getting defensive.
"Nothing is," smiled Anemone, holding his hand, "But you have to admit, having those skills would really come in handy sometime; and I'd love to fight alongside my man in battle. That would be hot!"
"I guess," grumbled Dominic before she nibbled on his ear, turning him beet-red.
The crew laughed.
"Any-anyway, I-I think he-he has potential," he stuttered.
"What about the rest of you?" inquired Dr. Egan, "What are your personal takes on Marcus?"
"Very personable," remarked Ken-Goh, "Helpful but resistant to help, and a little cocky."
"He's aloof at times but right on in others," observed Stoner, "Decent lifter, I think. Nice personality."
"He's kind hearted," smiled Talho, "Vernon approves of him. Just needs a push in the right direction."
Vernon giggled and clapped his hands.
Matthieu shrugged, "Unorthodox piloting, oversized refboard, Coralian D.N.A.; he's a wild one."
"Can't say yet," admitted Waz, "I mean he's a nice guy and all but… I don't know; just different."
"Seems helpful," commented Hap, "A little odd but don't wanna pass judgment just yet."
"I see nothing wrong with him," added Jobs, "A bit quiet in large crowds but that's normal."
"A hard worker," Dominic recalled, "Honest, upfront; at face value, can't say I don't like him."
"Family is very dear to him," said Hilda, "Considering he's already filling the roll of big brother."
"He's taken to his new reality well," noted Dr. Mischa, "Don't find him bothersome."
"I'd say he's an eccentric and a risk-taker," explained Anemone, "But I find that to be a positive thing."
After a silent moment, all eyes were on Holland.
"I don't know," he shrugged finally, "So far so good; but he's not off my list yet."
"Your concerns are to be expected," remarked Dr. Egan, "Still, your reservations seem exaggerated."
"He's a security risk," he rebuffed sharply, "Yeah, he's a nice guy but we still don't know jack about him. All I'm saying is until we get more information we can't let our guard down."
He received quite a few confused stares from the others.
"Your points are valid but they fail to acknowledge what information we have," countered Dr. Egan, "Marcus poses many paradoxes but we cannot become paranoid from a lack of concrete data. Benefit of the doubt is needed in this matter. If Marcus concerns you so much, I would advise having him remain at Tresor; but the trust you first had in Eureka should be extended to him as well."
"I have a responsibility to safeguard the lives of my crew!" defended Holland, "Especially Renton and Eureka. I will not allow anything to happen under my watch when they're so close to coming home; and for the record, Eureka was a comrade in arms in the S.O.F. Marcus is just a nameless vagabond."
"Then what the hell are we supposed to do!?" growled Talho, "Throw him in the brig for existing? Use him as a lab rat? No offense, doctor. Sometimes we need to take risks to do the right thing! When has he ever asked to be accepted into Gekkostate? Never! In fact, I'm fairly certain he'd be just as happy to go about his business and never come back! I saw the tears he cried last night; he's nothing more than a scared child looking for a home and some answers. Are we gonna ostracize him just because he showed up at a bad time? Then what the hell was that song and dance you put on after his flight today!? Do you like fronting as a friend while secretly distrusting him? Just what type of leader are you!?"
Vernon began to cry as she yelled. Frustrated and fed up, she spun around and stormed up the stairs. A tense uncomfortable silence fell over the group as their eyes turned away from each other.
"I will leave you to your decision," relented Dr. Egan before ending his transmission.
One by one, the rest of the crew slowly departed while Holland walked over and stood in front of the captain's chair, arms crossed and looking very pissed off. Soon, only Hap remained by his side.
"Is it so wrong for me to keep my word?" Holland sighed, "To look out for the safety of my crew?"
"No, though some of your decisions have been very conservative," Hap replied, "Ever since we helped found the Confederation, and especially after Vernon's birth, you're decisions have become notably less haphazard and reckless. While this has shown sound mature judgment, it has also reduced our presence in the Confederation; and our role on the front lines has dropped almost entirely. Everyone understands your concern for your family and the need to allow the Armada to do as it needs, but I think it has also led you to avoid choices that might have benefited the Confederation and Gekkostate."
"Am I wrong for doing that?" he inquired.
"No, you're not," assured Hap, "Still, what has it done to your ability to lead us?"
"Are you suggesting I step down?" asked Holland, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm suggesting you again choose what you're willing to sacrifice," he explained, "When you tried disbanding Gekkostate before retrieving Norb, a suicidal task even with the crew, you accepted the risk without question. Talho also reaffirmed her choice that day, too. She hasn't stayed by your side all these years without thinking about it. If she's still willing to put herself and now her firstborn at risk for the greater good, then you need to either convince her otherwise or accept that you're still risking everything you hold dear to lead. Maybe you're just in denial, I don't know. Jürgens is making a similar sacrifice with his family, regardless of his concerns about the girls; and so are we. Not a day goes by I haven't wondered if this would be my last, but I no longer fear death; and for a time, neither did you."
"Then what do I do?" asked Holland, turning to him.
"Lead," smiled Hap, "You took on a ton of responsibility founding Gekkostate and even more from the Confederation; and it burned you out. You're not their de facto leader anymore; that's the Council's job now. Your role is to further their cause and protect Renton and Eureka through Gekkostate. Perhaps that frustrates you most, not being in total control. Giving up much of your freedom co-founding the Confederation, while necessary, was very much against what you've been about since bringing us together as a crew; but now that you've had a chance to rest, it's time to make a difference again."
"I'm getting too old for this," he relented with a sigh, "But you're right, guess I forgot what my life was all about; been so focused on not getting in the way that I got in everyone's way. Thanks Hap."
"Hey, it's what I do," smiled Hap, "Though playing Devil's Advocate for you is a fulltime job."
The two embraced as brothers.
"Next time, please kick my ass in gear before it gets this bad, okay?" chuckled Holland.
"You really want me to list the other times we've had this discussion?" he grinned.
"With my memory, you just might," laughed Holland for a moment, "So, that just leave Marcus…"
"Look, no one's asking you to accept him," affirmed Hap, "Just give him a chance."
Back outside, Marcus and the Swallowtails rode in formation high above the grassy field. Moondoggie and Gidget lifted below them and served as a safety net. For every move Marcus would make, the girls would copy in turn, though not always successfully. They were all giddy and enjoyed themselves as they banked from side to side in gentle swings. On the ground, most of the Gekko crew had amassed on the field to watch them. Captain Jürgens and First Officer Schneider also joined them. When the group came in for a landing, the crowd cheered and applauded their performance. The girls blushed and waved. Seeing their adopted father, they ran over and saluted.
"Did you see us up there, papa?" asked Valkyrie jovially.
"Yes I did," smiled Captain Jürgens, "Very impressive. I see you all have natural skill."
"Do you approve our interest in the sport?" inquired Columbia.
"It makes my girls smile," he grinned, "That's all that matters to me."
The girls beamed over his approval.
"Girls, listen up; I have news," he sighed, "We've received word that Controrado has been accepted into the Confederation. The Izumo will be departing to join the Eighty-Eighth in less than two hours for the annex tomorrow. I expect you all to be ready then."
The girls were visibly disappointed but stood at attention and saluted, "Yes, sir!"
"Until then, feel free to continue your lessons," assured Captain Jürgens, "And please, have fun."
"Thank you, papa," bowed Bharat respectfully, "And we will!"
The girls picked up their board and headed back to Marcus, who had propped himself up against his board. They quickly realized he had fallen asleep.
Moondoggie walked over and poked him, "Hey, feelin' your age, ol' man?"
Marcus was startled awake and looked about rather perplexed for a moment, "Oh, wha… sorry 'bout that. Early start with the Doc really did a number on me. Guess I crashed too late last night. So, what else you lasses game for? We can get more technical if ya like."
"Do you wish to take a break?" asked Britannia.
Marcus watched as Captain Jürgens and Officer Schneider walked off, "Love to, but not with Cap'n about; he's expectin' me to do all the leanin' for ya. Don't wanna make him cross."
"We can break and watch how professional lifters utilize their boards while you rest," smiled Lattonia.
"But I'd be a tight-arse doin' that," countered Marcus, yawning, "Though a nap sounds ace."
"Don't worry, you had a couple of big days," assured Talho, walking up behind him, "We'll make sure Jürgens doesn't find out. Go get some rest. Besides, it's been a while since some of us have lifted."
"In that case," Marcus yawned with a stretch before falling to his knees, then back, and passing out.
The Swallowtails giggled at the awkward sight.