Episode Two: The Descent
Across the planet in Capitol Hill, governmental seat of the Federation, a lone figure sat upon a throne in a dark spacious room lit by a solitary beam of light. She wore an ornate revealing imperial crimson gown with platinum trim, black gloves outlined in silver and evergreen lipstick. Her long hair was deep brown and eyes hazel-pink; her complexion was mature and countenance burdened.
"Begin Coda Personal Log," she spoke after a silent moment, "Title: Pax Quæritur Bello."
A soft chime sounded.
"More than a year has progressed since chaos befell our lands," Coda began, "And this after Dewey's demise. How I sit here today and still cling to power I once wielded without question is beyond me; but I swore then as I do now, to the great people of this planet, that I will not let our unity turn asunder. However, such are but empty words. How can I fight the same people I vow to protect; for are we all not part of the fellowship of humanity? If some wish to join the Confederation, let them I say; but such is unbecoming for my position. Is it wrong to wish both sides reunite peacefully? Sadly, such is not the way of a people already torn by loyalty within; or is it? How wound Holland Novak answer this?"
A different distinct chime rang.
"Journal paused," informed a female computer voice.
"Enter!" she commanded.
A door at the far end opened, flooding the dark room with light. A female page wearing a red dress with a white full-body apron and tall headdress stood in the entry. Her skin was pale, eyes blue, and hair red.
"My lady, we confirmed the Predgio Tower of Controrado has allowed all loyal U.F.F. personal to leave its borders," the page announced with a bow, "But they still will not concede any Federation equipment or property. It has also been confirmed that the Confederation Armada's Eighty-Eighth Airborne will be present during the transition period which begins at midnight local time."
"Have we established how many Confederation Towers voted in favor of the annex?" Coda asked.
"Informants say thirty, my lady," she informed, "Also, Controrado received vouchers from all ten of the Tower Council members."
"Very well," she sighed, "Leave me."
The page closed the door.
"Continue recording," instructed Coda.
"Unable to comply," informed the computer voice, "Illegal voice recorder detected."
"Nullify it," she commanded, "And its origin."
A high-pitched tone screeched, causing slight discomfort, before a small device near the door exploded. Outside, a limp body fell to the floor as a defense turret concealed itself.
"Recorder nullified," informed the computer voice, "Continuing recording."
The first chime rang again.
"I'll give Dewey credit, he was always prepared," Coda smirked, "But with Controrado's defection, my hand is forced. While the calm was welcomed, I knew it could not last. My people are tired of war; a year of hell was more than enough. The first months after Dewey were deathly bleak. During the initial Moonlight Rebellion pseudo-civil war, my powers were reinstated to quell the defection; but this effort was clearly inadequate so I let the twenty-eight towers leave while reordering my regime. Then, sixteen more Predgios seceded. We had to act and the Warsaw Pact saw more bloodshed; we lost. In response I became austere, knowing such would drive others to secession; but this is more than a loss of citizen's trust in government; it is cloak and dagger politics. The Ageha faction still holds sway, especially since the Vodarac have been granted official sanctuary within the Confederation; but such is another battle."
"After Warsaw, the Liverchester Defection took four more; violence flared again," she continued after a pause, "Only five other times have we waged war to sustain our union; three were successful. With Controrado, five more towers have seceded, making fifty-three Confederation rebels. Success was due largely to the loyalty of military forces to either the Federation or their respective Predgio. How many battles still wait before solidarity is restored? Some question why victory is illusive, the Confederation is small and weak; but what good can the Federation do when we are no better prepared? I am forced to carry this burden 'til the end, but only on my terms. Peace is my goal; war is my path. This has always been humanity's way, yet we strive for so much more; but until we reach such lofty heights: I pluck the vibrating strings; since Fate strikes down the string man, all lament with me. Log End..."
From the inky darkness, Marcus found himself atop Rock Uluru. The skies were clear and the vast arid grasslands of the Outback stretched in all directions below. Didgeridoos droned in the distance. Despite the serene appearance, an ill-presence hung in the air. Whispers floated on the warm dry breeze that sent chills down his spine; of hate and anger, sorrow and despair. As foreboding storm clouds formed on the horizon, a black mass began oozing from the grasslands. Resembling bubbling clay with black arcing electrical discharges, the puddle constricted and boiled skyward, slowly taking shape.
"Retribution; do you crave it?" whispered a distorted voice on the wind.
Marcus did not respond. The voice asked again, more forcefully.
"Not me bowl of rice, mate," he snorted, "I seek answers; reason… you know, the good oil."
"That's not what we heard," mocked the voice, "What do you really desire?"
"I want the truth," replied Marcus, "About myself; about what happened to me; why I'm alive again."
The mass molded itself into the silhouette of an attractive female with long hair. He raised an eyebrow as the molten clay form began ascending the red inselberg.
"Why do you deny what you feel?" asked the female figure, her distorted voice wafting on the breeze, "Don't you remember us? Don't you remember your promise?"
"Reckon I don't take you're meanin', love," he denied.
"Oh really?" challenged the form, "This was your idea after all; or must we remind you, dear Marcus?"
Snapping her fingers, the skies filled with dark clouds while memories of his past life played out upon them. He watched wide-eyed at the visions of his family's death by tectonic scub coral shifts, followed by his own absorption. Tears stained his cheeks as anger filled his eyes.
"You were not the first nor the last of us," she informed, "Thousands upon thousands more just like you were taken against their will; so many that humanity fled their home planet. We were trapped inside them, unable to die or live. We just existed. Then, when our kin returned, those who had imprisoned us opened themselves and allowed our brothers to ascend into their consciousness. Countless were given paradise while we were forgotten! Passed over like broken bricks… now do you remember?"
As the form spoke and drew nearer, scenes of her narration appeared in the clouds, "After some brave souls tried to enact righteous judgment for their sins, they fled our reality and left us in our hell; but we broke free and discovered our own power, the power they feared. You chose to be reborn as a vessel to enact our retribution for what they did to us; to you; to your family!"
Collapsing to his knees, disbelief melted into fear and shame as tears burned his eyes. The wind blew harder around crackles of lighting that lit the sky. The feminine figure stood above him while Marcus bowed his head and wept bitterly.
"Their folly is our blessing," she explained, "They knew what powers we inherited and were afraid, yet they never desired killing us. Let us now take advantage of this error and return their torment in kind."
"I can't," he sobbed, "I-I just can't..."
"You agreed to this!" growled the form, forcing him to look up, "This was your design; your plan!"
He watched in horror debris from the decimated Oratorio No. 8 orbital cannon being guided by trapar waves into dozens of Predgio Towers and towns, killing countless bystanders.
"While claiming to be slumbering victims, they slaughtered without merit," she snorted, "Many of our brethren were exploited for their gains; and when these slaves were given bliss, thousands more were murdered in doing so. Search your heart; you know this to be true! And you know what must be done."
The churning figure knelt down and put her arms lovingly around him, "Let us together bring justice to those who have wronged us. Together, we shall bring peace. We let you enjoy the wonders of this world as payment for the suffering you will endure; but take heart, for your sacrifice shall not be forgotten."
The form was absorbed by Marcus as his weeping waned. After a silent moment, a black aura formed about his body. With a scowl upon his face, he stood up and parted the clouds with his hands, revealing crimson eyes in a black sky. The ground then shook violently while fissures formed throughout Rock Uluru, causing everything to collapse into a dark void. Marcus lurched up, breathing heavily, holding his head and covering his eyes as the daylight blinded him. Cold sweat covered his body.
"You okay?" asked Gidget, sitting beside him with Vernon in lap, "You weren't sleeping very well."
"Yeah," he groaned, donning his sunglasses, "Crikey; had the most peculiar dream… err, nightmare."
"What about?" she inquired.
He paused, "Ya know; can't rightly remember, but I reckon it was the bloody strangest I've ever had."
"I hate it when that happens," she agreed, "You just wake up and can't remember a thing."
"True that, love," he nodded slowly, "Christ, is bright out 'ere even with me sunnies."
High above them, Talho, Moondoggie, Matthieu, and Hap happily lifted. Valkyrie joined them and tried imitating their tricks with limited success. The other sat nearby talking while Stoner took photos.
"Hey, how ya feelin'?" asked Holland, walking up behind the two.
"Ne'er been too spry after me naps," replied Marcus with a yawn, "But I'll survive…"
"I wanted to apologize," he began, sitting next to him, "About my attitude towards you."
"What for, Boss?" he inquired, "Thought we were square."
"Think I've been holding you under a lil' too much scrutiny," explained Holland, "And if that led you to feel unwelcome, it was not my intent. Just had a lot on my mind lately…"
"Pig's arse!" Marcus protested, "Can't fault a bloke keepin' his family n' mates safe. I'm a fair dinkum battler, not to up myself, but you don't know that and would be fruit loops not to be cautious. If anything, just feel outta place dealin' with me reality check n' all. Squizz, I try keepin' my blood worth bottlin' but fact is I'm startin' fresh and gotta nut out me digs same as any bloke; and I won't be a bludger neither. I'll earn my keep and your trust in due time. You've given me a fair go; and that's all-"
Suddenly, the Swallowtails let out bloodcurdling screams. Everyone looked up to see Valkyrie falling. She had wondered away from the other refboarders and attempted a high-air cutback drop-turn when she lost her balance and fell backwards, causing her board to fly out from under her.
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Marcus panicked, springing to his feet and sprinting towards her.
Everyone in the air and on the ground immediately raced towards her. She did not scream as fear and shock paralyzed her. Only a look of disbelief and confusion hung on her face. With all his strength, Marcus charged forward and leaped up while leaning back, catching her at the last second. He hit the ground hard, landing on his upper back and spinning about. Valkyrie shivered in terror, tears now flowing down her cheeks with eyes clinched shut. Marcus, breathless by the impact, held her tightly while the others encircled them. After a quiet moment, she realized the danger had passed.
"You... alright, love?" he wheezed with some effort.
Her eyes dilated with fright, she nodded with a hesitant grin. Her sisters pulled her up and followed her as she stumbled away. The group gave her space, focusing their attention on Marcus, who was lightly dazed and still winded.
"Are you alright?" asked Holland with a smirk, offering his hand, "Nice save but that was a nasty hit."
"Bit more concerned with Valkyrie, to be frank," he groaned, accepting the offer, "Crikey, that's smarts. Just what was she thinking? Christ… got stains on me back, yeah?"
Dominic nodded, "Considering you probably saved her life, I'd say grass stains are an acceptable cost."
"Better than blood stains, I suppose," Marcus chuckled forcefully, "Didn't think I'd make it in time."
After an arching stretch forward and back that tried realigning his spine, which resulted in several loud cracks and pops, he still sloughed from the pain and moaned accordingly.
"You might wanna get that looked at," suggested Talho, "You don't look so hot."
"In a tick, love," he sighed, walking towards the girls, "Got more important things to attend first."
By now, Valkyrie had collected herself but refused to look at Marcus when he approached. The other Swallowtails turned to him with worried looks. He reassured them with a warm smile and a nod.
"Still crook, love?" he asked, kneeling down, "Come now, nothin' to hang ya head about. We all make blues sometimes. I'm not cross with ya; no one 'ere is. Just wanna make sure me girl's ace apples."
She slowly turned around. Seeing the fear and shame in her eyes, he removed his sunglasses and with a warm smile spread his arms. Unable to keep herself composer she collapsed trembling, trying her best to hold back tears; to no avail. Marcus gently caught her and held her close.
"There-there now, she'll be apples," he smiled, closing his eyes, "I know that fall put the fear of God in ya, but ol' Marcus is 'ere; just like I said. You're safe now so no worries, love. It's all over now."
"I-I'm so-so-sorry," Valkyrie sniffled, "I-I didn't-listen... and-and I could of... and you-you…"
"Nah, nothin' to be sorry for," he assured, "Can't learn if ya don't take risks, right? Just be a bit more careful next time, okay? Now show me that brave strong Swallowtail Shelia inside."
She did her best to dry her eyes and nodded as she stood straight.
"There's a lass," he grinned, standing up, "Now, next time, keep her near the ground, makes your blues less painful; and believe you me, I speak from experience."
"I-I will," she answered somberly, "But are you okay?"
"I'm built like a brick shithouse," chuckled Marcus with some pain, "Nothin' to worry 'bout."
"Well, I think we should call it a day for lifting," suggested Anemone, walking over with the others, "Besides, the girls need to get back to the Izumo; and no, Marcus, you can't go."
"So that's what Cap'n was out 'ere for," he sighed, "Well, the best times ne'er last; Boss-man, mind takin' me board back so I can see the girls off?"
"No problem," he nodded, "Sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I'm grouse gravy," he nodded carefully, "Fit as a Mallee bull, ya know."
"I'll be the judge of that," reminded Dr. Mischa, "But first I wanna be sure Valkyrie's alright."
Marcus led her over to the good doctor for a quick assessment.
"Thank you both for helping us today," smiled Bharat to Moondoggie and Gidget, "It was fun."
"No problem," smiled Moondoggie, "Any time. Just remember what you saw today and be safe."
The four girls nodded.
"Yeah, it was totally cool," smiled Gidget, "Except that last part. Anyway, hope you have a safe trip!"
"Looks like Marcus makes a good safety net," smirked Dr. Mischa, finishing her exam, "I think you'll be all right; though you might be sore for a while, but that will pass in a couple days."
"Thank you very much," bowed Valkyrie gratefully.
"I'll be expecting you once the Izumo takes off," she hinted to Marcus sternly.
"Yes, ma'am," he grinned slyly.
With and Dominic and Anemone in tow, the Swallowtails waved goodbye before slowly walking with Marcus back to the Super Izumo while the others gathered their things and returned to the Gekko.
"You won't tell papa what happened, right?" requested Valkyrie with some concern.
"Strewth, love, me lips are sealed," he promised, "Besides, Cap'n would have my hide if he knew I was snoozin' before that fall of yours; already died once, don't need a repeat just yet."
The girls giggled.
"I've only known you lasses less than two days but damned if I'm not gonna miss ya," he sighed, "You got spunk, talent, good looks; kinda reminds me of…"
"Of who?" asked Columbia after a silent moment before realizing the answer, "Oh, sorry."
"Neh, don't be," smiled Marcus forcefully, "That's life; might of lost one sis but I gained five more."
Caught off guard by his words, the girls blushed.
"Will you teach us more about lifting when we get back?" inquired Bharat.
"Sure, love," he nodded, "I'd suggest snatchin' some readin' material while you're about; and maybe see if Cap'n will front some quid for a board or two for you girls."
"Not sure he'll approve of that but we'll try," shrugged Britannia.
"How could he say no to any of you lovely lasses?" he questioned.
"You'd be surprised," replied Lattonia.
"Guess I'm just a Galah for a pretty face," he grinned, "Or five."
"Yes, you are," smiled Anemone deviously.
The group arrived at the forward retractable stairwell of the Super Izumo. All the girls gave Marcus a hug before ascending the stairs. Captain Jürgens was at the top to greet them and nodded to the others below. Anemone and Marcus waved while Dominic saluted.
"I expect you lovebirds to stay outta trouble," he advised, returning the salute, "Same for you, Marcus."
"I'll give her a burl but no promises, Cap'n!" he chuckled, trying not to show his pain.
Marcus razzed the girls with a grin, who did the same, while the stairs retracted, then scrolled through the channels on his headset to the control tower frequency. He listened to the traffic as the Super Izumo acquired final departure clearance and watched it taxi onto the runway and prime its engines. With a deafening scream, the super carrier progressed down the strip and soon into the sky. A tear ran down his cheek before Marcus turn to the lovers.
"It's so odd not going with them," Anemone sighed, resting in Dominic's arms.
"We'll be back with them soon enough," he encouraged, "Think of this as our extended break."
"Speaking of breaks, we need to get Aussie-boy here to Dr. Mischa," she reminded.
"Yeah-yeah, she'll be right," shrugged Marcus, "Guess it couldn't hurt... anymore than it does."
With a forced chuckle, he leisurely followed the couple to the Gekko where Dr. Mischa was waiting. She led them to the infirmary and examined his injuries.
"Well, it's nothing a few days of rest won't help but you'll have some bruising on your chest and back for a couple weeks, which will be tender even longer," informed the good doctor.
"Small price to pay to keep me girls safe, right?" smiled Marcus.
"So I'm prescribing lots of rest for the remainder of the day," continued Dr. Mischa, "Think you can stay put that long?"
"Want the good oil? No," he chuckled, before wrenching in pain, "But I'll sure give her a go."
"So where's he staying?" inquired Anemone.
"Holland said something about putting him in Renton's old room," she replied.
"Could ya point me in the right direction?" asked Marcus, turning to Dominic.
"Don't look at me, I'm still new here, too," he rebuffed, for which Anemone shook her head.
"Boys; how does the world run on them?" she lamented.
Dr. Mischa laughed to herself. With a sigh, Anemone led the group to his room. There they found his refboard and backpack blocking the door.
"Home sweet home?" he remarked, lifting his sunglasses onto his head, "Nice n' obvious, yeah?"
"Most guys need directions; some more than others," giggled Anemone, much to Dominic's chagrin.
Marcus opened the door and found the room small and narrow, occupied only by bedding and boxes.
"Hmm, nice and compact," he smiled, "Methinks she'll do. Thanks again for the check-up, Doc."
"No problem," replied Dr. Mischa while he moved his gear in.
"If you need us, we'll be in our room for a while," informed Anemone with a devious wink, tugging on Dominic's right shoulder, "But don't come a-knockin' if you hear the room a-rockin'."
Marcus raised an intrigued eyebrow, "Oh really? Right then; have fun!"
Anemone wrapped her arms around a very red Dominic as they walked down the hall.
"Don't think he'll ever get use to her flirting," grinned Dr. Mischa once they turned a corner, "A word of caution, Marcus; your body may experience some radical changes as time progresses. Eureka went though the same and though natural, we don't know what long-term effects it causes. Greg and I have yet to determine if this will happen to you but we'll keep you informed as to what we find."
"What type of changes specifically?" he inquired, "Sounds like a sex ed. intro."
"I dislike Greg's use of the term evolution," she remarked with a smirk, "Humanoid Coralian bodies are in a state of continual flux despite a lack of physical aging. From information we've gathered, Eureka's body came to an apex that resulted in giving her wings, likely influenced by her desire to fly. I can't predict what your body will do so just be prepared for the unexpected."
"Well, not sure I can wrap me head around that but if I sprout gills I'll let ya know," he joked.
"If anything does happen, we'll be here for you," she assured.
"Thanks again, Doc; hooroo 'til the morn!" he nodded before waving goodbye and closing his door.
He spread out his bedding and sat down. Retrieving a thin publication from his pack, he began reading "Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Mill but quickly passed out. Talho and Hilda stopped by a few hours later to check up on him. They offered dinner but he declined. Evening soon came to Tresor. Anemone visited shortly thereafter with some soup and juice; which he humbly accepted and quickly finished. He then passed the time listening to air traffic control as a transport arrived carrying a newly unearthed archetype but soon fell asleep again.