Xenosaga: Gottlicher Eingriff

Chapter Six: Gnosis Awakening, Part One

Shion and Allen stood together, side by side, in front of Wilhelm's desk. Why they were there, in the CEO of Vector's office, was beyond her, although she had no doubt that it wasn't going to be good. They had been standing there for the last five minutes, waiting for him to finish reading their reports. Allen was starting to get nervous; perspiration had started to appear on his forehead, and he was fidgeting with his hands. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Wilhelm looked up.

"It is my intent to send KOS-MOS to explore a region of space, to look for something hidden there. She will be gone for at least a month, so I want a lightweight back with all equipment and recharge items necessary for exploration to be assembled by 2200 hours."

"What?" Shion gasped before she could stop herself. She realized immediately her mistake, and quickly attempted to rectify the situation. "I'm sorry, sir," she said, bowing respectfully. "But does it really have to be so soon?"

" I have been reading your reports closely, and they appear to be very good. By all means and measures you believe that KOS-MOS is ready for her mission." It was not a question; he meant it as a statement. Shion lowered her head, knowing that it was true. She had no logical standpoint, only the needless worrying of a mother figure.

"Of course, sir," she murmured. "But I still think there should be more notice."

"I'm afraid the time is now."

"Yes sir."

"Please, be on your way now," he said, gesturing toward the door. It was an obvious dismissal. Shion and Allen nodded to the CEO, and exited the doors. Outside, Allen breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh man, I can't believe you did that! I mean, I wanted to, but I certainly didn't have the courage!"

"It's a pity. I wanted so much more time with her," whispered Shion. It worried her that KOS-MOS would go off into space by herself. She felt there was so much more the android needed to learn. But they wanted a weapon, and so they'd have her do their bidding, as though she only had the rights of a weapon.

"Wait a moment," Shion said suddenly. "Why do they want a weapon to do the job of an exploring probe?"

"Probably because they want to send her somewhere with Gnosis in it," Allen reasoned.

"But they're disappearing."

"Not that really big one. Maybe it's a portal to wherever the Gnosis came from."

"Then why not just say that!" she snapped, starting to feel frustrated. In the past year and a half there had been too many different lies and lies within lies, too many games of smoke and mirrors to make her happy with being kept in the dark yet again.

"Chief, calm down, okay? I don't know. It's probably something political. Instead of worrying about it, you should focus on getting KOS-MOS ready to go. This is probably the last time you're going to see her for a while, and I know how attached to her you've become."

"You're right, Allen," she said, breathing slowly. "I'm sorry I got to angry."

"It's all right. Now come on, let's go see KOS-MOS."

---

Helmer looked up as the doors to his office swished open. Canaan and Jin walked in, and he smiled. He'd know that the Realian would be able to find Captain Uzuki. He got up, and gestured to the seats in front of his desk.

"Welcome, Captain. Please, sit down." Jin smiled, and accepted the seat.

"I'm officially retired, as you are no doubt aware."

"This isn't exactly…official," Helmer said. Jin's eyebrow rose, curious.

"I see," he murmured, drumming his fingers on the armrest. "Perhaps this might be interesting. What exactly is there that the Federation wouldn't approve of?"

"A search for someone who is supposed to be dead, and isn't," Helmer said. "I'm sure you remember our friend Margulis?"

"I had heard he was murdered on Keltia," Jin admitted. "It seemed a little out of place, but I just assumed without the Patriarch's powers he was useless."

"While the Patriarch's powers were crucial into turning him into what he was, he still possessed a lot of power that radiated from within. It should have been enough to make him more than a match for a couple of ordinary humans. We've been looking into it, and apparently the woman named Pellegri was seen in the area before the event. This apparent death, along with the disturbing reports of Albedo, really worries me. And because you know Margulis quite well, that's where you come in. I want you to find him, and soon. His being alive worries me."

Jin nodded. "All right. I'll look into it."

"Thank you. I've asked Canaan to accompany you, and he has agreed. The two of you should leave as soon as possible; the Military Supply Port has been informed of your arrival, and will give you anything you need." He stood up, and Jin followed suit, bowing slightly to the older man. Then he turned, and left with Canaan, neither saying a word. Helmer turned to the window, feeling unnerved by these events. The past year had been very quiet, and he had known that it was merely the calm before the storm.

---

Shion stood outside the airlock that KOS-MOS stood in, looking though the glass at the android that she and Kevin had created. It tore her in two to see the android leave. She'd known that I would happen. Every parent had to stand by and watch their child drift away, gaining new abilities and lives that saddened the parents, and yet made them proud at the same time. And then the day came when that child had to leave, only to see them once in a while. The parallel between her and KOS-MOS relationship was uncanny. She still felt that KOS-MOS had so much more to learn, but KOS-MOS was in fact ready to head out on her own.

"Chief, are you okay?" asked a worried Allen. She smiled at him in a reassuring way. They were the only two in the room, the only ones who wanted to say goodbye to KOS-MOS.

"I'm fine, Allen. I'm just a little sad. She's really leaving."

"Yeah. She's been around all this time, even I'm a little sad to see her leave. But I'm sure that it's worse for you. This was your project. You poured your heard and soul into her creation, more so than I did."

Mm," murmured Shion, staring out at the blue-haired android. KOS-MOS was running a final system check before she left. Shion pressed her hand to the glass, resting her forehead against its cool surface. As KOS-MOS prepared to open the lock, Shion raced to the PA system to the room and switched it on. She had to talk to KOS-MOS before she left. There was a nasty feeling in her stomach that this mission was going to kill her.

"KOS-MOS!" she called out. KOS-MOS turned to face her, her garnet eyes staring unblinkingly into Shion's blue eyes, which were starting to fill with unshed tears, irritating the contacts that she'd just bought.

Yes, Shion?" she questioned. "Is there a problem?"

"N-no, I just wanted to say good bye. And good luck."

"Luck does not affect the outcome of this mission. It is a probability, dependant upon my abilities and the abilities of the enemies that I will face."

Shion couldn't help smiling at that. "I know. But please, be careful."

"I am always careful, because I must carry out my mission." She turned back to the thick doors, her flying wings prepared for takeoff. "Is that all?"

"Yes," Shion said grudgingly, releasing the talk button. She stepped back, and watched as KOS-MOS faced the opening maw of the door, and the dark, cold space beyond. The wings spread out, and KOS-MOS took off into the darkness. Shion watched as KOS-MOS became a mere white speck, and then stood there until the android was out of sight. Then she turned, feeling as though a heavy eight had settled upon her shoulders. Allen looked at her in concern.

"Chief, are you sure you're all right?" he asked again. She just waved her hand dismissively, trying to make it seem as though there were nothing to me concerned about.

"Positive, Allen. Now, why don't you go get some rest? I know I'm going to." She walked out the door, making a point of not looking back at the door that had just swallowed her surrogate daughter.

---

Allen knew something was wrong. He wasn't stupid, at least, not too stupid. Something was really bothering Shion, but he didn't know quite what. Sure, KOS-MOS leaving was something to be sad about, but he had the nagging feeling that there was something more to this than the sorrow of a mother giving up her child. Silently, he cursed himself for not being able to help her. He looked at the door KOS-MOS had just used to exit, pondering the problem.

Shaking his head, he started out the door after Shion. He would think about it on the way, or later. But right now, he felt Shion could really use some cheering up. He started down the path to where their rooms were.

Taking a deep breath to get up his courage to date to disturb her when she wanted to be alone, he knocked on the door. This had gone on long enough, her running away and crying herself to sleep. He heard her every night, though the thin walls. It had been so long… was she still mourning Kevin? But he was going to get her to talk to someone, even if it wasn't him. Miyuki, Togashi, calling someone on the Durandal… anyone, as long as she didn't keep trying to hide the truth.

There was no answer form within, which he'd expected. He tried knocking again, hoping that soon she'd become annoyed and open the door. But he didn't even hear her stirring within. Maybe she'd gone somewhere else, but where? The Dammerung had several recreational areas and cafes, but he'd never known her to frequent any of them.

"Chief, please op the door," he begged, hoping she was in there. There was silence. The, suddenly, it hit him. Of course, he was surprised that he hadn't thought of it before. She'd just lost KOS-MOS. And where did people go when they lost someone? To the place where they were buried, or to the last place they'd been together. She had to be in KOS-MOS' lab.

As he neared the lab he realized that he'd been absolutely right. Despite the darkness, he could hear faint sniffles emitting from the lab. He felt a little guilt about intruding, but this was for the best. She needed to let go of this, to open up to someone, anyone, about what was really going on in that head of hers.

"Chief?" he called out, altering her to his presence so she wouldn't be embarrassed about him finding her crying. The snuffles stopped, and he decided to pretend that he hadn't heard them. Instead, he walked in and flipped on the light switch, illuminating part of the lab. "Are you in here?'

"Yes, Allen. What do you want?" she asked, stepping away from KOS-MOS' recharge bed. He'd thought so. "I didn't think anyone would find me here.

"A lucky guess, really. But I want to know the truth, no more games. What's wrong?"

"Allen, nothings wrong."

"Do you really think a stupid person would be in Vector's First Division?" he asked. She smiled at him, obviously amused.

"No, not really. But there's a difference between being smart about machines and knowing what going on with other people." And she wasn't stupid either, only reaffirming that despite her age she had deserved her post as Chief of the highest priority First Division project. That was a good way to side step the issue, changing the subject. But he wouldn't fall for it.

"I know something is wrong. Please, can't you talk to someone, anyone?"

"About what? Nothing's wrong."

"Chief - "

"Allen, nothing is wrong, okay? Stop assuming that I'm upset or – or – or anything! I'm perfectly fine! Stop this needless worrying about me! Just leave me alone, okay?" He thought it rather obvious she wasn't perfectly fine, getting this worked up. He grabbed her by the shoulders, looking directly into her eyes.

"Shion, stop," he demanded, feeling a little odd using her name. But he wanted her to listen, and that was the only way he could think of getting her attention – shocking her. At it had worked, as she stared at him as though he'd grown another head, startled by his use of her name. Having her attention, he continued.

"I know this is hard, but you have to talk to someone. I've heard you, through the thin walls. Every night, you cry yourself to sleep. I don't care if it's me, or Miyuki, or one of your other friends. But this can't go on. Please. Fore Kevin's sake." He knew he'd gotten through to her. She lowered her gaze, and stepped away from him.

"You don't understand," she murmured.

"Then tell me so I do understand. Or find someone who does," he said, feeling desperate. But she didn't react, just stared mindlessly at KOS-MOS' abandoned bed. "What is it? I know its more than KOS-MOS leaving, and it's note entirely Kevin's death. So what else is there?"

"It's too hard to explain." Her voice told him she wouldn't even try. So he decided to use another tactic – guess and hope he managed to hit it dead on. Then, suddenly, it hit him with the force of an A.G.W.S. hitting a tree at top speed – needless to say, that's pretty damn hard. It knocked the breath from him, and he stared at her.

"It's not just because you can't let him go, is it? KOS-MOS was the last part of him you had. She was something you two worked on together, and it was something you both cared about. You always talked about moving divisions, but you didn't. Because KOS-MOS was in first Division, and you didn't want to let her go." She stiffened at his words, and he knew that he'd gotten it right. "And it hurts you to let her go, because its like you have to lose him all over again. I'm right, aren't I?"

"I…" Her voice started to crack, and she stopped. He walked forward, and placed a hand on her shoulder. Shion just shrugged away, and turned to face him. "So what if you are? Congratulations, you've figured it out," she laughed bitterly. Allen had expected her to react badly, but not like this. He backed up a step, and put his hands up in defense.

"Chief, this isn't some game. I'm just trying to help, okay? Please, let someone help you."

Her features softened, and she smiled slightly. "That was uncalled or, wasn't it? I just get really touchy when people mention Kevin. And you're right; I really need to let him go, don't I? But it just feels so wrong moving on. I saw him die, and yet I still get the feeling that he's alive. Like if I turned around, he'd be right there waiting for me." She laughed. "Odd, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I suppose." She'd never talked this much before, and he was willing to let her keep going. But she stopped herself, and instead looked at him thoughtfully.

"You know, I never thanked you. All this time, you've been right here, watching out for me, trying to get me to open up to someone and have a good time."

He scratched the back of his head, feeling his face turning slightly red. Dealing with flattery had never been his strong point. "Well, thanks…" he muttered.

"Would you do me a favor?" se asked.

"Sure, anything."

"Call me Shion instead of Chief all the time. We've become really good friends, not just a superior and subordinate."

"Sure, if you really want me to. I'll try to remember."

"Thanks," she said, smiling. They stood there like that for a few moments, Allen unsure what to say. She dropped her smile after a moment, and turned around. "Well, I guess I should head out now. I'll see you later."

He watched her go, and then that sudden knowledge slammed into him again. That was the perfect time to ask her to go out to eat. Maybe it wasn't too late.

"Um, Chief, I mean, Shion?" he called out. She turned around. "Do you want to get something to eat?" She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, considering his words, and he began to think that this hadn't been such a wonderful idea. But, suddenly, a slow smile crossed her face again.

"I am a little hungry. Sure."

---

"So how are the 100-series doing?" Jr. asked as he met MOMO outside of the lab where Doctor Kitase was busy scanning the Realians.

"They're doing really well. Nausicaa said they should be ready for anything soon," MOMO said brightly, jumping up from where she had been sitting. "The damage doesn't seem as bad as the damage Suki received."

"That's good to know," Jr. said. "When are they being released?"

"Oh, within the hour, I think," she said. "Have you spoken to Mary or Shelley yet?"

"No, why?"

"They said that the Elsa was coming back! Will you take me down to meet them, please?" she asked, looking into his eyes hopefully. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he just could refuse when she was looking at him like that. He laughed to hide his embarrassment.

"Sure thing!" he said, pointing toward the corridor that led to the transit system and bowing at the waist. "After you."

"Thank you," she replied solemnly, bowing back. They both straightened, and after a moment burst out laughing as they started down the corridor.

How sweet… whispered a voice in the back of Jr.'s head. And you say I'm smooth with the ladies. Of course it not like that in anyway, right, Rubedo? Jr. blushed and made a face.

GAIGNUN!

---

chaos stepped off of the Elsa, and was surprised to see a taller MOMO and Jr. standing there waiting for them. They looked different, but the way that MOMO ran up to greet him enthusiastically and the way Jr. stayed behind to act 'cool' told him that what lay beneath the surface hadn't changed at all. He hugged the bubbly Realian back, and smiled at Jr.

"You both seem very different," he commented. "Last time I was here you weren't nearly this tall. And when I last saw you, MOMO, you were still the size of a child. But you both look very nice," he added.

"Thanks, chaos!" said MOMO brightly. "You don't seem to have changed a single bit, though."

"That's just the way I am," he said, laughing to evade the subject. "So, what else have I missed? Did anyone grow some extra heads or mutate into bugs?"

"I don't think so," Jr. said. "But Gaignun seems to have morphed into that Lost Jerusalem pack creature called an a- "

"Jr., watch your language," said Gaignun, cool as ever, as he walked up to where they were standing. "chaos, it's good to see you again. But trouble always seems to lurk about when you arrive."

"What makes you say that?"

"The Gnosis are active suddenly," he said. "A small scouting party of them just decided to investigate one of our small research ships."

"I'll get right on it," Jr. said. No doubt he was happy that things were finally starting to get exciting around here.

"Me too!" MOMO said, clasping her hands together. He frowned.

"MOMO, I don't think you should come."

"Why not?" she demanded, placing her hands on her hips and whirling around to face him. "I can take care of myself!"

"Well, yeah but - "

"But what?" He sighed. He was getting nowhere fast.

"Okay, fine, you can come too." He turned to Gaignun. "Is it an unmanned one, or crewed?"

"Fully crewed, unfortunately. The exact location, crew files and estimated strength has already been loaded into the Asher. You do have a weapon, don't you?" he asked MOMO.

"Yes, I brought my bow," MOMO said. "You're going to make me stay here, aren't you? Because an E.S. needs two people to pilot it, and three are hard to fit in there."

"You don't have to. Surely three of you can squeeze into the Asher, as all three of you are so small. Besides, I don't think you'll have to fight in space."

"Why don't we just call Ziggy?" Jr. said. "After all, the Zebulun is here. All it needs to be prepared."

"I'll call ahead and arrange it with Ziggy and the E.S. crew."

"What about materializing the Gnosis?' Jr. asked. "KOS-MOS isn't here."

"I can do that with my short-range Hilbert Effect," MOMO said. "See, now you have to take me along with you."

"Okay, okay, jeez," Jr. muttered. "MOMO and I need to go to our rooms to get our weapons. Do you just want to meet us down in the hangar, chaos?"

"Sure," he said, and took his leave of them.

---

MOMO shivered slightly, surprised at how cold it could be inside the research ship. She was glad that she'd taken a moment to change into some jeans and a sweater before she left, instead of her skirt and short-sleeved shirt.

She gripped her bow, scanning for any movement. But the only motion was from them. She closed her eyes, and a faint glow surrounded her as she called upon the Hilbert Effect. After a moment, the light receded, and her sensors told her that she had successfully materialized all Gnosis.

The four of them walked together, side by side. Each of them was ready for attacking at a moment's notice. MOMO looked about, her scanners trying to detect any life signals. They reached a sort if vestibule, and from there MOMO could detect several people, in different directions. She pointed this out.

"Hmm, but there's a problem," chaos said. "One hallway is covered by debris. We need another way around it."

"Maybe I could fit through this vent," Jr. said after looking around for a moment. He jumped up, and poked his head in. "Yeah, it runs parallel to this hallway. I bet it'll have an exit on the other side."

"Someone who can heal should go with you," Ziggy said.

"I'll go," MOMO said. "I'm still smaller than chaos, so I'll fit through."

"All right. But be careful," Ziggy warned.

"I will," she said, walking over to where Jr. stood. He jumped up, and crawled in, stopping only to give MOMO help getting up. Then they started through the cramped, dark tunnel.

After what seemed like forever they reached an exit on the other side of the debris. They both jumped out, and readied their weapons. Feeling prepared, they started forward.

And their path was suddenly blocked by a gargantuan Gnosis, a Catharsis. It was a mean looking Gnosis, with a giant axe that could deal some deadly damage if you weren't careful. Jr. quickly pulled out his guns, while MOMO brought her bow up and sighted the Catharsis. She loosed an arrow, which struck the creature in its side. But the arrow didn't seem to affect the Catharsis, who merely shrugged it off.

Jr.'s bullets pierced its chest, causing the beast to howl with pain. Enraged, the Gnosis charged Jr. and slashed the axe down with a sickening thud on his arm. Jr. crumpled under the blow, and the Catharsis raised its axe to hit again. But Jr. merely rolled to the side, and the blow struck the metal plate of the ship. MOMO quickly cast Medica, healing Jr. The Catharsis swung its axe at MOMO in retaliation, catching her in the leg and sending her flying. The bow fell from her hand, clattering to the side.

Jr. pumped more bullets into the Gnosis, giving MOMO a chance to recover her bow, after curing herself. She quickly used an Analyze ether, and realized it still had a large portion of health.

"Jr.!" she called. "We need something stronger! It still has a lot of health."

"Right," he said, jumping away from yet another deadly axe swing. "Stock up, and we'll cast Silver Duet."

"Okay!" she called, and started to Stock. The axe twirled toward her, but she just jumped quickly out of the way. The Catharsis swung the axe toward her, but at the last minute swung it back at Jr., catching him off guard. He slammed into the wall, but didn't seem to be too badly injured. Finally, they were both ready.

"Silver Duet," Jr. said, and they called forth a giant axe, which sliced into the Catharsis. A piercing shriek emitted from the Gnosis, then it collapsed to the ground. Jr. and MOMO stood there a moment, catching their breaths.

After a moment, Jr. looked over at MOMO, who had just cured him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said. "Are you?"

"Yeah," he said. He placed the guns back in their holsters, and started into the next room, MOMO close behind him.