Disclaimer: Once again i do not own any part of Star Ocean though I wish I did...
Anyways without further ado, I present to you the masterpiece known as...
Chapter 1: Aggressive Negotiation
Maria awoke in her rubbing her eyes. It was dark in her room and sighed. "Computer, lights on," she yawned. She fell back into bed, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe Sophia was right…you're a machine…you've never loved before…" a voice said in her head.
"That's not true you love Mirage, Cliff and the crew like family…" said another voice
"But not real love…" the other voice said.
"You love Fayt….why would you search the galaxy for him?" the other voice replied.
"That's because he was Doctor Leingod's son, you're only hope for answers," the voice replied.
"Ahh that's true," the other voice said finally.
Maria banished the thoughts from her head and took a shower…
As she stepped out of the shower Mirage's voice sounded on the loudspaeaker. "We have arrived at Moonbase, Federation Station #5," it sounded shrilly, then died away.
Maria quickly dried her hair and got out of the shower. She rummaged around for her usual Captain's Uniform and her gun. She found a new suit she had prepared for this encounter. She put on a sleek black suit and a shorter half-skirt. (The second outfit she wears with the blonde hair.) She put her gun in its holster and got out of the room. She was still half-asleep and didn't notice Fayt rounding the corner, and she bumped into him.
"Sorry Fayt!" she quickly said as the blue-haired boy toppled to the ground. She offered a hand to help him up, and Fayt took it.
"Woah, you okay Maria?" Fayt asked.
"I'm fine, just tired, I see you got the uniform I sent to your room," she said, sleepily. She looked at the uniform Fayt wore, the top almost identical to hers. However he wore brown leg and wrist guards. (Fayt's 2p outfit).
"Yeah, I'm surprised you knew my size," he replied, smoothing it out.
"Ha, you forget I pretty much stalked you trying to find you," she replied as they walked to the transporter room.
"Heh, I almost forgot about that, it feels like ages since the incident occurred," he said scratching his head. "It seems she was really interested in me….No remember she needed to find you to find dad…" he thought.
They walked into the transporter room to find Cliff and Mirage, well mostly Cliff scheming.
"Watcha up to Cliff?" Fayt asked happily as he entered and stretched his arms.
"Oh just some last minute preparations," he replied, with a glint in his eye.
Fayt unconsciously checked his back to see if Cliff was trying to pull a prank again.
"Well fellow negotiators are we ready to go?" Maria asked, glancing around at everyone. Suddenly Cliff had a spasm.
"Noooo!!Ackk!! Cough!!Cough!!" he yelled as he made some serious choking sounds and coughs.
"Cliff! Are you aright?" Fayt asked panic-stricken.
"Mirage…." He croaked. "I…I can see Klausian heaven…." he said between coughs.
"Cliff no!! Don't tell me!! Stay with me Cliff, Stay with us!!" she yelled grabbing his hand.
"Come…closer," Cliff choked. As he did he smiled to Mirage, her body shielding his face from Maria and Fayt.
"Oh no Cliff is having a Klausian…er….umm….Cold!" she stammered.
"I know you told me to take my shots Mirage…but I forgot…." he said, coughing again. Mirage patted Cliff's shoulder and turned around to face Maria.
"Sorry Captain, I have to take care of this gigantic lummox," she said, acting sad.
"It's fine, Fayt will be with me, hand me your data disc Mirage," she said. She gave her the disc and gave Cliff a discreet signal.
Cliff grabbed his throat and began rolling on the ground. He stopped and twitched for a second.
"Oh woe is me, woe is me!!" he wailed at the top of his longs.
Maria examined the card and gestured to Mirage. "Alright we're gonna go now, take care of Cliff's…Klausian…Cold…" she said, puzzled. She made towards the transporter, as did Fayt.
"Take care Cliff," Fayt said and patted his friend on the shoulder. Maria and Fayt disappeared from the room onto the Moonbase.
Cliff peeped an eye open to check if they were gone.
"Get up 'ya big lummox!" she yelled and kicked him in the side.
"OWWWW!!" he wailed in real pain.
Fayt and Maria were beamed to the transporter room on the oh-too-familiar Moonbase. There was a short 'erenghhh' and a materialization of light as the two appeared.
A man in a Federation Uniform was there to greet them.
"Captain Traydor, Mr. Leingod," he said as they arrived. "Where are your other companions?" he asked in a concerned matter.
With a short sigh Maria replied. 'Back to work' she thought wearily as she spoke.
"Yes, that's us," she replied with a terse smile.
"Our friends, were ummm…feeling under the weather," he replied as he slowly shook his head.
"Well nevertheless, when is our meeting with the President, sir?" she asked.
"The president has just arrived from Klazon IV, after negotiating with the Klazonians. She is extremely tired and would like to apologize for postponing until tomorrow," the Federation officer replied, seriously.
"Okay, I guess we're gonna head back to the Diplo," Maria told Fayt.
"No, it's quite alright, the President, personally made sure to book your group a suite," the officer quickly replied.
Maria nodded as the man old him to follow him. They reached a suite door and he opened the door.
"Here is your key and just holler to a Federation Official if you need something," he said.
"Thanks pal," Fayt said, ironically sounding like Cliff. The man left the two alone in the room.
"I'm gonna take a shower, what are you going to do Fayt?" she asked.
"I actually wanted to check out my dad's lab, I know I won't find anything, but I just wanted to check it out," he said.
"Alright," she said and headed into the bathroom and closed the door.
Fayt walked out into the hall and took the elevator to head down to the lab. On the way down he only noticed a handful of soldiers. "Wasn't there a whole battalion stationed here?" he thought remembering Mirage's report. He forgot about the idea and entered the old lab.
It's cool serenity seemed to mock him when he examined the lab. He looked around the place he had found out Maria wasn't exaggerating and telling him the truth about his powers. He looked at the frozen screen with his dad's face on it, as if frozen in time.
He looked at the rest of the room, noting that it looked the same as before. His concentration was broken when he heard his dad's image on the screen speak.
"Fayt," the image of Doctor Leingod said.
"Dad? Dad!!" he yelled and rushed to the monitor.
"Fayt…if you're hearing this…then you are alone, I have coded a special message specifically for you. For starters I want to apologize to you. I have failed you as a father for exploiting you like this. If I could, I would take back the entire experiment. Further more I want to apologize to Ms. Traydor, she was a complete stranger to the entire team and we had no right to use her. There is nothing to justify my actions. Son…I only hope you defeat the Creator so that my abuse of you isn't in vain. Secondly, I just realized you must've survived if you are listening to this. I'm so proud of you. I must warn you, you will be fought over for your powers, so keep safe son. There are others besides Vendeeni and Aldians out there. Be careful." He said. The screen was silent for a minute and Dr. Leingod began to sob.
"Dad…" Fayt whispered. The screen blacked but then turned on again. He saw his father and his team in front of the Federation's leaders. They were in a dark, circular room. In the center Dr. Leingod's team stood, while they were surrounded by Federation officials.
"We have found a way to stop the Creator!!" A young Dr. Leingod exclaimed.
"Elaborate on that Doctor," a man said.
"Yes General Schilling," the Doctor replied.
"We have found a use to the 10 Wise Men's genetics!" he replied.
"Leingod…the use of that research is forbidden! 400 years ago, they almost destroyed the Universe last time!" another man spat.
"Yes, I know but we don't plan to re-create the 10. We will merely imbed the powers of the 10 into babies, so their powers may grow!" Leingod exclaimed.
"What twisted parents would allow their babies to be given to such a experiment?" General Schilling asked.
"We simply used a young, lowly orphaned girl, and the results were extraordinary!!" Leingod raved. "The estimated power would be twice as much as the 10's!" he said, excited.
Fayt's fists tightened when he heard his father call Maria…lowly.
"And what other 2 unfortunate children will carry the same fate?" the General asked.
"O…our kids…" the scientist said painfully.
"I see…very well you have permission to proceed, the Federation will make sure to keep this quiet and will offer it's resources to you. Your Moonbase lab will be under the highest security," the General replied stamping the Federation's seal on a folder. The folder was labeled 'Leingod Project'.
"T-thank you General Schilling," he replied with his face staring at the ground.
"I will bring up the Invisible next week to check on your progress," the General replied.
The screen blanked and left Fayt very confused and puzzled. "10 Wise Men?" he thought. "What the hell are they? And General Schilling…Invisible, sounds familiar," he said under his breath.
He looked at the room, just as calm and peaceful as before. He decided to drop it and left the room. He decided to not tell Maria, she had enough on her plate as it was.
He made way upstairs, pushing the elevator button. He realized he pressed the wrong button and the elevator was 2 levels too high. He quickly pushed the right one and the elevator stirred to life again.
"Dad… what were you trying to tell me? And these…10…Wise Men, what did it have to do with him and Maria? He told me to take caution of other…people…and protect myself…and her…" he thought. "It doesn't make sense!!" he yelled and kicked the wall. He cried in pain silently, and continued his way back to the room.
He realized he was in front of the door and opened it slowly, still muddled in his thoughts. As he rose his head he almost yelled out but slammed his hand over his mouth. He was looking at a nude Maria, with her back turned to him, she only wore a towel that hung at her waist. He quietly closed the door and slumped against it.
He quickly forgot about the 10 Whatsitcalls. He was having dirty images of Maria in his mind. His mind trailed off and wondered how her boob-WHAT AM I THINKING!! Fayt cupped his hands and ran them through his hair. "She had a really nice body…" then smacked himself again. "Damn hormones!!" he growled.
The door behind him gave way and he fell backward, falling right under her skirt and he couldn't help but look up. "Pink lace?" he thought.
"Fayt!!" Maria yelled as she moved away. She was bright red in the face.
"M-Maria!! I'm so sorry!!" he wailed.
"I-I…it's ok, I opened the door…" she squeaked, without turning to look at him
"Ummm…I'm going to sleep now," he said, after unbuckling his sword. He puled the sheets over him and jammed his head on his pillow.
"Yeah…uhh me too," she said, still in a small voice.
"Captain Gordon!! All Vendeen and Aldian forces are amassed by the Moonbase," said the helmsman.
"Good, tell all ships to stay just out of one Gravitic Jump, to stay undetected. Has Wifra assembled her forces for the diversion at Fed. Station #6?" Captain Gordon asked.
"Yes sir!" the helmsman reported.
"What about the Nedians?" he replied.
"The main fleet has escaped and are quickly en-route to the Moonbase sir!," the helmsman replied.
"What about the Federation Forces containing them?" Captain Gordon asked.
"Completely decimated, not a ship left whole," he replied.
"Damn! We're gonna be running on a tight schedule. Even if we do succeed, we're going to have to be really lucky to get past the Nedians. Helmsman, tell Aldian Command to beef up security around the Central City. I have a hunch the Nedians will strike there too," he said grimly.
The next day after having a sumptuous breakfast Maria and Fayt quickly agreed to forget the incident happened. Fayt conveniently forgot to tell her that he saw her naked.
They met outside the Conference Room that a Federation officer directed them to.
Like they agreed they wouldn't let it make things awkward, and they didn't.
"Ok so…Mirage's data file explains that the old Federation President was sacked for deciding to take the Proclaimers head on. More importantly he was sacked since so much damage was inflicted on Earth. Only the Federal City was the one that really remained intact. The Federal City, being the Federation's center. Senator Victoria Silvest was elected to be President and has since then made considerable changes. She had changed the Federation's aggressive profile to a more peaceful organization. However there is a rumor she has been using even more military force then before to attain her goals," Maria finished. She closed her eyes and remembered her Father's 'honorable' sacrifice for his 'beloved' Federation. "This is just like before…the Federation sacrificing lives for its Territory Wars with the Aldians and Vendeeni," she said.
"Maria, it's okay…we'll deal with her…together," he said confidently to her. He put his hand on her shoulder and she put hers over his. She nodded and opened the door.
They entered the room and spotted a lady with dark brown hair and full lips. She had chocolate brown eyes and a young looking face. She definitely looked good for a 30-year old woman
"Captain Traydor, Mr. Leingod it is an honor to meet you two," she said graciously rising from her seat to greet them. Her smile was gracious and welcoming.
"Pleased to meet you Madam President," Maria said stiffly, shaking her hand.
"It is our honor President Silvest," Fayt replied, also shaking her hand.
"No the pleasure is truly mine. Word has it that you two saved the Universe with the powers Dr. Leingod gave you. I must thank you, without your bravery the Federation would be destroyed," she said…with a touch of pompousness.
"You mean the Universe right?" Fayt asked, slightly annoyed. She failed to acknowledge systems like Klaus, Elicoor and Vanguard.
"Yes..yes of course," she said, quickly covering her slip.
"So firstly, we would like to ask you a few questions, before we agree to…consider your requests," Maria said.
"Of course, I will answer to the best of my ability," the President replied.
"Are you going to continue your violent conquests of the recently we weakened Vendeen and Aldian states?" she asked directly.
"I assure you that no aggressive negotiation, what –so-ever is being used," she replied, flustered. She was clearly lying. "I'm offended you would even ask that, Captain," she hissed on the word 'Captain'.
"One last question madam, why did you call us here?" she asked, simply.
"Well the Federation is in shambles, as you obviously know, and we are all striving to attain Galactic Stability, and what better way t-"she was cut off by Maria.
"Madam, we cannot and will not comply to letting the Federation abuse our powers. We have seen what that led to before…only more conflict," she said calmly.
Maria's calmness unnerved the President. "Yes, but wouldn't you like to be heroes? Hailed as gods? You two could help us unite the entire galaxy, and destroy all evil?" the President said, greedily.
"Madam, we're not gods, we don't have the liberty of deciding people's fates, and you're beginning to talk like a corrupt politician," Fayt cut in abruptly.
"You want us for protection, or even more power, we won't have it!" Maria added, furiously.
"You have misunderstood me, I only wanted your help to establish Galactic St-," Maria cut her off again.
"You are asking us to help you in your…Territory Wars. I have experienced the loss of these, firsthand. My father was killed in a battle with the Aldians! How many young girls' fathers do you want us to lead into battle? Your stupid Federation wants us for its selfish desires! How many daughters are gonna cry their hearts out because of this? Answer me!" Maria yelled, letting a tear escape. Maria suddenly felt Fayt's warm hand on hers. He was signaling her to sit, and calm down.
When Maria was seated, cooling down, Fayt glanced at the president. She looked shocked as if she was just slapped. It looks as if Maria's words had hit a soft spot.
"Madam, excuse my colleague, she merely wanted to present a few facts to you," Fayt said calmly.
"Go ahead Mr. Leingod," she said wearily.
"Look, we know the Federation and its…ways. We don't believe in a High-Universal Order corrupting its charges. Don't confuse my words with Separatism, I don't believe in that either. I believe that the Universe could be better off acting under a simple democracy, like the old days of the USA. Consider this, Expel, a world under Federation control, leeches off Expel's amazing technology. Don't tell me that we were the ones to give them the stepping stones in the first place, I'm aware of that. It's just why can't we leave it at that? Why can't we simply share our wealth with others. That means we could have friendly relations, galaxy wide. Here is the situation," he paused to clear his throat.
The President looked at him smugly. "This kid proposes something of a 'Galactic Council'. Not a bad Idea actually," she thought.
"You take Expel's tech for half the price anyone else would be willing to pay for. However, Expel's fear keeps them in check. They fear the Federation, Aldians and Vendeeni, so they side with the lesser of two evils. The Federation. So excuse us if we don't share the dream," he ended calmly. Maria looked at him and nodded.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," she added.
The president merely scoffed at the two. "What they demanded was preposterous, except it did make sense…" she thought. She opened her mouth to speak again, but the entire Moonbase shook violently. She was thrown out of her seat and hit the wall.
Fayt and Maria also fell off, but Fayt caught her and shielded her from the wall. The place shook violently again.
"Thanks Fayt," she said, groggily, attempting to get up
"Don't mention it, but are we under attack?" Fayt said. He was answered when a Federation Soldier entered the room.
"Madam, we have to get out of here! Vendeeni, Aldians and some other faction have entered the Earth's gravitational field," he yelled.
"What?" the President cried in disbelief.
"M'am, they've landed troops as we speak!!" he said, a man informed him over his comm.
"Alright, let's hurry!" she said and gestured to Maria and Fayt.
"I knew I had a bad feeling about today," Fayt grumbled.
Suddenly the Federation officer groaned and fell to the floor. Vendeeni troops were right outside with their disrupter rifles trained on them.
"Shit," Maria said under her breath.
A/N:So there it is, I thought this would be easy, but man writing these stories are really hardwork!! I won;t be able to update until August, away on vacation, sorry guys!! But I already have my whole story written, adding things as I go along. I definitely plan to finish it. Heh, I couldn't resist with Cliff acting with the Klausian cold, his character is just so funny! Alright Peace!
