-CHAPTER 34-
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
As the Tenebris Root in it's transformed state rushes towards the White Block, many AA Superior Weapons will emerge from their asteroid camouflage.
Tenebris Root
"ZOOOM!"
AA Superior Weapons
!
As the two groups surround the White Block, in the command room, Georges, Sebastion, Cesario and Sabrina are all seen and caught off guard completely.
Sabrina Madison
What?! What is going on?!
Sebastion Luisant
Dammit! They are about to surround us!
Cesario Luisant
We need to get the combat systems online!
Vice President Georges Luisant
It's too late. We are surrounded...!
Sebastion Luisant
?!
Cesario Luisant
?!
Sabrina Madison
?!
Just as Vice President Georges says this, the AA Superior Weapons will surround the White Block fully, and then another second later, the Tenebris Root will also lower itself to the White Block's level and hold a massive cannon directly at the command room.
Tenebris Root
...
Vice President Georges Luisant
!
Sabrina Madison
!
Cesario Luisant
!
Sebastion Luisant
!
A few seconds later, the door behind everyone opens, reveling.
"Door opening"
President Sacha Luisant
Georges! What is...!
Bijou Luisant
Ah...
Perle Luisant
What?!
Divitiya Iran
!
With the White Block now at gunpoint, suddenly, the console in front of Cesario starts beeping.
"Beep" "Beep"
Cesario Luisant
Hm?! We...we are receiving a transmission request from that enemy ship...!
To which President Sacha then steps foward, saying.
President Sacha Luisant
Go ahead and patch them through. Hurry!
Cesario Luisant
R-right...!
Without even thinking about it, Cesario will go ahead and listen to his father's words. As he accepts the transmission request, soon, the hologram comes to life in a hazy form, reveling.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
...an..he...me?
The hologram is hazy at first, so President Sacha asks Sebastion.
President Sacha Luisant
...Sebastion. Try to increase the frequency.
Sebastion Luisant
Right...there?!
Now, the hologram clears up, reveling Captain Irena, as well as Idris, Rusty, Faith and Grace in the background.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
!...Ah, hopefully now you all can hear me...?
To which President Sacha replies.
President Sacha Luisant
Yes. We can hear you just fine now.
Captain Irena then begins the conversation, by first introducing herself.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
Excellent. Please, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Captain Irena Requiem, of the Ascension military.
President Sacha then replies.
President Sacha Luisant
...My name is President Sacha Luisant, and I am the leader of the White Block at the moment.
Vice President Georges Luisant
And I am Vice President Georges Luisant-second in command. Might we inquire as to why you have us at gunpoint?
Vice President Georges asks, as Captain Irena replies.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
My apologies, but I'm currently under orders from my superiors to relinquish you of your ownership of the Neo-SEED, as the RF has plans for it.
Everyone
!
Everyone is shocked to hear this. However, Captain Irena then says.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
However...I am fully aware that if I did destroy the White Block and take the Neo-SEED from you right now, then the remaining Confederation fleet would naturally perish-leaving me with blood on my hands. I'm only 18 years old, so being responsible for such an event is...out of the question.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
As such...I would like to propose a "deal".
President Sacha Luisant
A deal...?
President Sacha says this with a hint of suspicion in his tone. Captain Irena then replies with.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
Yes. If you would permit me an exchange of information about the full capabilities of the Neo-SEED in person, then I might agree to let you keep the Neo-SEED and deploy it onto Schirra without further issue.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
But, I will need to still return to the Ascension with something, as I will not be forgiven if I return empty handed. What do you say? Can you agree to my terms...?
President Sacha Luisant
...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...
Both Sacha and Georges have to give this some thought, before Bijou then steps in and speaks.
Bijou Luisant
...Father, I think you should take her up on her offer.
President Sacha Luisant
Hm?
Bijou explains.
Bijou Luisant
We could ask Destiny if there is something we can do, couldn't we? Besides, we couldn't defend against them right now, even if we wanted to.
President Sacha Luisant
Yes...we can do that...and I haven't forgotten what Perle just spoke to me of, either...
Perle Luisant
Oh!?
Bijou then brings Perle to her side, as she stumbles a little as she moves forward. As she stands next to her mother, she looks at Sacha in his eyes, and tells him.
Perle Luisant
Um...this...could be the first step towards making peace with the Ascension, Sacha. As such...this is your chance to truly start to change both our worlds...
President Sacha Luisant
!...
President Sacha is then inspired by Perle's words, as he then looks back at the hologram of Captain Irena, and then replies to her.
President Sacha Luisant
...Alright, Captain Irena. Me and Georges will agree to meet with you to discuss the Neo-SEED, with an individual who created the device. Where shall we meet?
Captain Irena replies.
Captain Irena Requiem (hologram)
I, my brother, my personal aide and two sisters will come aboard the White Block to begin negotiations. Please prepare for our arrival.
President Sacha Luisant
Of course.
"End hologram"
After the transmission ends, Georges will speak.
Vice President Georges Luisant
...Sebastion. Cesario. You stay here and keep the White Block ready to go.
Georges says, as he and the rest of everyone prepare to leave. Sebastion and Cesario say.
Sebastion Luisant
Of course.
Cesario Luisant
Be careful with them...
They say, as the scene transitions.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
Sometime later, Sacha, Georges, Bijou/her friends and Perle/her friends will have gathered at the hanger.
Everyone
...
As they stand, a shuttle from the Tenebris Root is already seen and the hatch opens up. As it does, five individuals soon walk out.
Faith Nadir
...
Grace Nadir
...
Commander Idris Requiem
...
Rusty Impulse
...!
As Rusty comes out of the shuttle, he instantly notices Noah in the crowd, to which the two men look each other in the eye subtly.
Noah Maverick
!...
Rusty Impulse
!...
Though subtle, Captain Irena's eye does twitch slightly, as she looks behind her even more subtly. She then looks forward, as she and the people behind her get to the ground.
Captain Irena Requiem
...
As Captain Irena leads the group forward, she will then stop short of both President Sacha and Vice President Georges, whom will speak to her now.
President Sacha Luisant
Welcome, Captain Irena. I and Georges will escort you to where the person who created the Neo-SEED is, as she is currently waiting on a hologram call.
To which Captain Irena asks.
Captain Irena Requiem
Oh? This person isn't onboard the White Block?
Vice President Georges then explains.
Vice President Georges Luisant
I'm afraid not, my dear. She was left back on Mainland with the rest of the Confederation fleet, as she has other duties she must attend to. If that is a problem for you...
Vice President Georges leads on, to which Captain Irena speaks out.
Captain Irena Requiem
No, that isn't an issue, sir. Please, lead the way...
As Captain Irena says this, she will start to follow Vice President Georges to the room, while President Sacha tells everyone else.
President Sacha Luisant
...All of you can wait at the lounge, just outside of the comms room. Noah, if you'd please...
Noah Maverick
Right...
Rusty Impulse
!...
Noah now starts to lead everyone to the lounge area, including Rusty, who walks with him closely. All of Bijou's friends and Perle's friends also begin to walk away, while Bijou remains behind. As she does, she's soon greeted by.
Faith Nadir
...
Grace Nadir
...
The two sisters now approach Bijou, and then stop in front of her. Bijou then begins speaking to the two.
Bijou Luisant
I've heard about you from Divitiya's earlier recount. I never thought I'd get to meet the children of Howard and Susan in person.
Faith Nadir
!
Grace Nadir
!
Now, the two sisters will look defensive, to which Bijou will quickly explain.
Bijou Luisant
!-Relax, I don't want to start anything right now. I only brought that up because I wanted to...come clean with my thoughts on the idea of your births...
Faith Nadir
!...Did you also think that we shouldn't have been born...?
Grace Nadir
...
Faith will ask this question flat out, to which Bijou will be off-put slightly, but she will answer honestly.
Bijou Luisant
...I did. However, that was 18 years ago when I thought that. Now that the two of you are standing before me, I can't imagine denying you life, as to the contrary, I don't think the same way your parents do.
Faith Nadir
...
Faith now falls silent, as she then starts to explain.
Faith Nadir
I...we don't want to be associated with that man or his wife ever again. They put us through so much when we were younger that we...we don't see them as our parents, which is why we changed our last names to "Nadir".
Grace Nadir
...
Grace continues to remain quiet, to which Bijou notices and then smiles tenderly. She then quietly approaches Grace and gently strokes her cheek to comfort her. Faith allows this, as Bijou then explains.
Bijou Luisant
We have something in common, then, as I too have my problems with Howard as well. How about we move this conversation to the lounge, as standing is getting tiring right now...?
Faith Nadir
Sure...
Grace Nadir
...
After that, the scene then transitions.
-SCENE TRANSITION-
At the lounge area, everyone has now sit down in several sofas in the area. Here, Perle will start to whine a little, saying.
Perle Luisant
Mou...Sacha didn't get the chance to finish fixing my hair...
Commander Idris Requiem
!...
Bijou will then speak to Perle, saying.
Bijou Luisant
Just leave it be, Perle. There are more important things going on around here, right now...
Perle Luisant
Yeah...mmm...
Then, from behind, Commander Idris will speak to Perle.
Commander Idris Requiem
Why don't you let me lend you a hand with that, little lady...?
Perle Luisant
Hm?
Bijou Luisant
!...
While Commander Idris will seem sincere, Bijou will look at him defensively, to which he will now explain.
Commander Idris Requiem
Relax, I'm not going to try anything funny. I see that you have a incomplete form of goddess braids, right?
Perle Luisant
Oh...uh...yeah.
Commander Idris Requiem
I learned from Rhapsody about many kinds of hairstyles, as she taught me how to help her with hair sometimes in the past. As such, I could help you to finish that, if you would allow me?
Bijou Luisant
...
Upon hearing her mother's name, Bijou will let her guard down-long enough for Perle to reply to Idris in a cheery tone.
Perle Luisant
Well, if you are that skilled, then I'll be the judge!
As Perle says this, Commander Idris will get up from his seat and stand behind Perle-who is sitting down. He will then say.
Commander Idris Requiem
I'll be sure to live up to your expectations...
Bijou Luisant
...
Commander Idris comments, as he gets to work. Then, a brief scene transition will show Captain Irena, President Sacha and Vice President Georges in another room, as they are currently in a silent communication with SYSTEM-DESTINY.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
SYSTEM-DESTINY (hologram)
...!...!...!...!...!...
Captain Irena Requiem
...!...!...!...!
President Sacha Luisant
...!...!...!...!...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...!...!...!...!
-SCENE TRANSITION-
After this is shown, the scene will move back to everyone outside in the lounge area, where everyone is sitting. Some time will have passed by now, as Cicienne and Ember will appear and will both approach everyone from the opposite direction-with trays of food and drinks for everyone. As they lay them onto the table for everyone, they speak.
Cicicenna Atlas
...Sorry for the long wait, everyone. We had to put these treats in the oven for an extra 20 minutes.
Ember Atlas
Please, help yourselves.
They say kindly, as they then leave everyone to enjoy their meals. Bijou and her friends all help themselves to the food and drinks nearest to them first, while Sabrina and Divitiya then do the same.
"Eating"
As this occurs, Faith and Grace are more hesitant, but Faith soon reaches out and picks some of the food up with her hands. As she picks it up, she does so to have enough not only for herself, but also Grace, who is still very reluctant to do anything.
Faith Nadir
Here, Grace. Go ahead and eat this...
Grace Nadir
Thanks, Faith..."munch"..
As the two eat, both Chole and Isaac take an interest in the two girls, as the each sit on the sides of them while they eat.
Isaac Carter
!...
Chole Madison
!...
As this is shown, the view then moves over to where Commander Idris is, as he is now seen fixing up Perle's hair from behind the sofa she is sitting in.
Commander Idris Requiem
"fixing hair"
As Commander Idris fixes Perle's hair, he does so with skill-as Bijou keeps a very close eye on him. Perle then tries to reach out for something to eat, but Bijou stops her, which makes her whine a little.
"reaching"
Bijou Luisant
Ah ah ah! No eating while someone is fixing your hair, Perle...
Perle Luisant
Mou...not even a nibble, mother?!
Bijou Luisant
No. Just be patient and wait for your hair to be done.
Perle Luisant
That's not fair...especially when mother is eating her food right next to me...
Perle whines, as her mother does indeed eat her food while sitting to her right. As she does, she starts to rub it in.
Bijou Luisant
Mmm...Ember's cheesecake is so delicious...and it even has crumbled parts of crust on top...mmm...
Perle Luisant
Now you are just rubbing it in, mother...
Perle pouts, as Commander Idris continues to fix her hair. After a few more strokes, he then says.
Commander Idris Requiem
...Alright, all done. You have some really clean hair, I must admit.
Commander Idris says, complementing Perle, to which she replies with.
Perle Luisant
Naturally, as I make sure to always wash my hair thoroughly-before even getting ready to pilot anything!
Perle says this, as if it's something to be proud of, as Commander Idris then comes around the sofa and sits next to her. He then imparts some wise information onto her, as he says.
Commander Idris Requiem
Looking the part is admiral for a young lady like yourself. Though, I have to say that maybe you should focus more on your studies on being a pilot, as you wouldn't want to end up as a dead pretty corpse, right?
Perle then fires back, saying.
Perle Luisant
Hmm...maybe I should wear lipstick, as if I look my best when I die, maybe someone will revive me in the future.
Commander Idris Requiem
...Ehehehe...
Commander Idris can't help but laugh a little at how brainless Perle can be. Bijou then interjects into the conversation, saying.
Bijou Luisant
My daughter won't need to worry about becoming a corpse anytime soon, as it's the role of the parents to go before their children, after all.
Commander Idris now looks over to Bijou, as he then replies.
Commander Idris Requiem
I heard that same line many times from Rhapsody...and she also talked at length about you as well, Bijou...
Bijou now becomes intrigued, as mention of her mother brings back fond memories. Thus, she asks Idris.
Bijou Luisant
!...If you could...tell me more about what my mother is like over these past 18 years? What kind of relationship do you have with her...?
Commander Idris explains.
Commander Idris Requiem
During the early years of the Ascension military, several academies were set up by Rhapsody personally. She would often train many Ascension and RF personnel, teaching us how to control Superior Weapons.
Commander Idris Requiem
Whenever she had a few free moments, she would also offer private teachings, of which the three of us were apart of on several occasions. Her swordplay is stunning and elegant, as no matter who challenged her, she would always win.
Commander Idris says, speaking highly of Rhapsody, to which Bijou will smile, as she replies.
Bijou Luisant
...That sounds just like my mother. Not even my father could even lay a finger on her, and he was considered the strongest boxer of our generation back in the day.
Commander Idris Requiem
She mentioned Sacha many times as well, in fact. I get the feeling that she still loves him, despite the two being on opposites at the moment.
Commander Idris Requiem
But what I remember the most about Rhapsody was her ruthless training...I still shudder every time I close my eyes, as she must've whacked my head with her bokken at least a hundred times...
Commander Idris says, shivering in his seat, to which both Perle and Sabrina will speak up.
Perle Luisant
Oh?! You got a taste of that wooden sword, too?!
Sabrina Madison
Here we thought we were the only ones who had to experience that dreadful thing...
Commander Idris Requiem
Oh, yes...and not just me, but all of my friends have gotten a taste of her skills...pain is the only word I can muster for her techniques...
"laughter"
The lounge then breaks out into a small amount of laughter, as everyone laughs. Then, the scene moves over to Faith and Grace, as they sit in between both Chole and Isaac.
Faith Nadir
"munch"
Grace Nadir
"munching"
As the two eat, they will do so with much more vigor, which will catch the attention of both Chole and Isaac. They will then speak.
Chole Madison
Hehehe...you two must not get that much home cooking from where you come from, eh?
Faith Nadir
?!
Grace Nadir
?!
The two then look at Chole with a look of surprise, as Faith then asks.
Faith Nadir
You mean...this isn't military rations...?!
Isaac then replies from her left.
Isaac Carter
Just like the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, the White Block is separated from the Confederation military-being the property of the Luisant family. As such, we have access to foods that are considered delicacies, which we can prepare at anytime we want.
Faith Nadir
Incredible. I had my suspicions about the food, but that explains everything...
Grace Nadir
..."munching"
While Faith speaks, her younger sister ignores everyone else and continues to stuff her face with more food. It's all too delicious for her, to which Isaac then lends a helping hand to her.
Isaac Carter
...Here.
Grace Nadir
Eh?
Now, Isaac holds out a cup of warm milk for Grace to hold in her hands. The gesture surprises her, but a few seconds later, she then accepts his offer and gently holds onto the cup in her hands.
"grab"
Grace Nadir
...Thank you, sir...
Isaac Carter
There's no need to be so formal. My name is Isaac, and the lady to your sister's right is my wife, Chole.
Chole Madison
It's a pleasure.
Faith then introduces herself.
Faith Nadir
My name is Faith...just Faith, as our last name is the opposite of someone that we despise...
Chole Madison
Oh? What is the name that you wish to be called?
Faith Nadir
...Nadir.
Chole Madison
My...why would you ever want to have that as your last name?
Faith Nadir
...
Faith now stops eating, as does Grace, as she now starts to explain some of her past to everyone.
Faith Nadir
...Me and Grace aren't actually biologically related to Idris, as we were adopted by his mother when we were young. Our true parents are...Howard and his wife, Susan...
Bijou Luisant
...
Realizing this, Bijou will stop eating her food, as she will now realize who Faith and Grace really are. Despite knowing who their parents are, Bijou will not look angry, as Faith continues to speak.
Faith Nadir
I said it already to Bijou, but...we don't want to be associated with that man or his wife, as we were abandoned by him when we were very little. That same night, Idris' mother found us and took us in, and we've been a part of the Requiem family ever since.
Chole Madison
Since that's the case, then why don't you give yourselves the last name "Requiem", instead of "Nadir"?
Faith Nadir
Because...no matter how hard we try to run away from our heritage, we will always be connected to that man and his wife. His last name is "Pinnacle", but since we were thrown aside, we decided to be given a title that represents the opposite...being "Nadir".
Grace Nadir
...
Grace doesn't continue eating, as Isaac then speaks up.
Isaac Carter
...I think I have a better solution to your naming problem. You should just abandon the name "Nadir" and "Pinnacle", and just choose what you want your last names to be.
Faith Nadir
!...I-...We've tried doing that, but despite that, people still refer to us as the children of Howard and Susan. No matter how much we want to instill change in their hearts, they praise us as being the children of heroes-who saved the Ascension from the DIC.
Isaac Carter
...
Chole Madison
...
Realizing that the issues of Faith and Grace are more complicated than she initially thought, Bijou remains silent, as Isaac continues to speak.
Isaac Carter
That is a rather complicated situation...but, I still think I have an idea to solve your Delima.
Faith Nadir
I'm all ears...
Grace Nadir
...
Faith and Grace both give Isaac their attention, as he then explains.
Isaac Carter
I know this'll sound sudden, but just hear me out. How would you two like the idea of being adopted into our family?
Faith Nadir
!...What?!
Grace Nadir
Huh?!
Sabrina Madison
Eh?!
Everyone
Wha?!
Everyone is shocked that Isaac would suggest this, but he'll explain.
Isaac Carter
To put it more specifically, I think you'd like to have my last name instead, since we already have a daughter in Sabrina-whose last name is taken from my wife. We won't be having any new arrivals for a couple more months, so until then, how would you like to adopt the last name "Carter" instead?
Faith Nadir
That is a...strangely odd request...
Isaac Carter
But, if you two agree, you'd be able to change your last name to something more normal. And being the adopted children of a Confederation pilot would show people that you are willing to lend yourselves to more than just Howard and Susan. Maybe they'll even think of this as the first step to peace as well.
Faith Nadir
...Possibly. What do you think, Grace?
Grace Nadir
Oh...umm...whatever you think is best, I'll also think is best...
With that, Faith makes her decision.
Faith Nadir
Well...if you have room and would accept us, then we'll agree to be adopted by you as well.
With that, Isaac stands up with a big smile, as he says.
Isaac Carter
Fantastic. From now on, you can call yourselves the "Carter Twins", which I think has a better ring to it than Nadir Twins.
Chole Madison
Not so fast, honey. I think they could chose "Madison Twins", as that sounds much more appropriate than Carter Twins.
Isaac Carter
C'mon, baby! Let me have this one moment to use my last name...
Chole Madison
What do you two say? Would you like to be called Madison Twins or Carter Twins?!
Now seeing they are caught between two waring fractions, Faith will look very unsure of how to respond to this problem.
Faith ?
Uhhhhh...I don't know...
"laughter"
As Faith stutters, she will be saved by an opening of a door nearby.
"Doors opening"
Everyone
!
As this happens, Irena, Sacha and Georges will emerge from the room, to which Irena will then say.
Captain Irena Requiem
...Wonderful news, everyone. I have just spoken at length with Destiny about how to get a share of the Neo-SEED, and we've managed to come to an agreement.
Noah Maverick
Is that so?
Noah says, ahead of everyone else. Rusty will also look pleased to hear the news, as Captain Irena continues.
Captain Irena Requiem
Yes. We are free to receive a fragment of the Neo-SEED, which should sate the needs of the RF and Ascension. With this, I'm happy that we came to this agreement...as it was only possible due to our two friendly "spies" leaking information regularly.
Everyone
!
Noah Maverick
?!
Rusty Impulse
?!
Everyone will now look confused, as Rusty then starts to speak in a worried tone.
Rusty Impulse
S-spies, Irena...?! What ever could you mean by that claim?
Captain Irena then speaks frankly.
Captain Irena Requiem
Come now, Rusty. Do you and Noah honestly believe I wouldn't check up your past history in Stage Fright 18 years ago? Or that I wouldn't know of all the times you have secret talks with each other on my ship?
Rusty Impulse
...I thought we were so careful to cover our tracks...
Noah Maverick
I guess the jig is up for us...
Now concerned, Bijou will ask.
Bijou Luisant
Honey...is that true?! Were you and Rusty really working as spies?!
Perle Luisant
Ah...father...?
Noah is now forced to come clean of his situation, before more suspicion is put onto him.
Noah Maverick
Please, everyone-allow me to explain. While it's true I and Rusty were exchanging information with each other, the documents only pertained to military movements and comms channels. The whole reason we did this was to establish a connection with the Ascension, as we wanted to start the process of negotiations.
Bijou Luisant
...Was it really necessary to go to this extent...?
Noah Maverick
I'm afraid so, Bijou. We had to be careful, as one wrong move and Francoise could've had me arrested-if I didn't play my role perfectly. Thankfully, all of our actions have led to us now having a high-ranking Ascension officer in front of us, which should also open the way to talking to the Two Queens directly-if my intelligence is correct.
Captain Irena replies.
Captain Irena Requiem
You are well informed, Noah. It is true that I am among a small group of individuals who have direct contact to the Two Queens, as I and my brother are their personal friends in fact. As such, anything you wish for me to communicate to them I could pass onto them directly, if you would just ask nicely.
Noah Maverick
"smiles"
Now looking back on everyone, Noah will grin, which will allow for everyone to settle down about him and Rusty being spies. Noah will then say.
Noah Maverick
...There are a few things, actually...
Captain Irena Requiem
...!
With that, Captain Irena will listen to their requests, as time will move on.
-SCENE TRANSITION-
Sometime later, Captain Irena will approach the room where the Neo-SEED is being stored, along with Sacha and Georges. Captain Irena will then ask.
Captain Irena Requiem
This is it...?
President Sacha Luisant
Yes. I'll go ahead and get you what we agreed on earlier...!
President Sacha says, as he steps forward and proceeds to produce a fragment of the Neo-SEED for Irena-which will be a big chunk of it. After receiving this, she will say.
Captain Irena Requiem
Thank you very much, sir. I'll be sure to pass on what we discussed earlier to the Two Queens for you and Noah. Be sure to give my best regards to him, by the way.
President Sacha Luisant
We'll be expecting good things moving forward.
Vice President Georges Luisant
I'll go ahead and escort you back to your shuttle.
Captain Irena Requiem
Thanks.
With that, the three will then leave the room, as another scene transition occurs.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
Now back at the shuttle, Captain Irena, Rusty, Idris, Faith and Grace will then be seen boarding the ship, as it then closes it's hatch and leaves the White Block. As it flies away and heads back to the Tenebris Root, Captain Irena will be contacted by one of her bridge staff back on her ship. She will explain.
Captain Irena Requiem
...So, the RF are just up ahead, correct?
? (comms)
That's right, Captain. They are holding formation just outside of our ships weapons range. I believe they are close enough that even the crew of the White Block can notice them as well.
Captain Irena Requiem
That's the welcoming party, I'd assume. They must be here to make sure I give them this fragment of the Neo-SEED I just obtained from the White Block.
? (comms)
What are your orders, Ma'am?
Captain Irena replies.
Captain Irena Requiem
Once we return to the Tenebris Root, set a course for the flagship immediately. I'll contact them personally and tell them that I am willing to hand over this fragment-but only if they agree to leave the White Block alone.
? (comms)
Of course, Captain.
With that, the scene transitions back to the White Block, as the shuttle makes it's way back into the Tenebris Root.
"SCENE TRANSITION"
Back in the main command room for the White Block, President Sacha and Vice President Georges will be waiting with Sebastion and Cesario, as they watch the Tenebris Root head for the RF fleet holding their positions further behind them.
President Sacha Luisant
...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...
Sebastion Luisant
...
Cesario Luisant
...
As a few minutes pass by, soon the RF fleet and the Tenebris Root leaves by going back the way they came. President Sacha then breaths a sigh of relief.
President Sacha Luisant
Phew...I think we can take that as Irena succeeding in getting the RF to back off.
Vice President Georges Luisant
Agreed. It's a good thing we got her on our side, as we couldn't have taken on that fleet from the RF-let alone her ship either.
Sebastion then asks.
Sebastion Luisant
Now that they are out of our way, there's nothing stopping us from deploying the Neo-SEED on our new home.
Cesario Luisant
Yes. We'll deploy it once we get to the surface of the planet, as it would get damaged upon re-entry otherwise.
Sebastion Luisant
Alright. Father. Georges. Please sit down, as we're about to begin re-entry.
President Sacha Luisant
!...
Vice President Georges Luisant
!...
With that, both Sebastion and Cesario begin preparations to begin re-entry into Schirra's atmosphere. As they do, an announcement begins to blare across the White Block, saying.
Sebastion Luisant (intercoms)
Attention everyone. We are about to being re-entry into Schirra's atmosphere in 60 seconds. Please be seated until we get to the surface of the planet. I repeat-
He says, as everyone is already seated and awaiting re-entry. Perle and Bijou, along with all of their friends wait patiently, as the White Block gets closer to Schirra.
Perle Luisant
...
Bijou Luisant
...
Everyone
...
Now, the White Block begins re-entry into Schirra's atmosphere, to which once it's gotten through to the ground, it then lands on the surface.
"STOMP!" "STOMP!"
As it lands, it then produces the Neo-SEED from its abdomen, and then holds it in its hand.
White Block
...
In the command room, President Sacha says.
President Sacha Luisant
This area looks suitable...?!
"EXPLOUSION!"
Suddenly, outside the White Block comes under attack from an unknown enemy, which causes the hand holding onto the Neo-SEED to allow for it to fall down to the icy ground below.
President Sacha Luisant
What?!
Then, as many shadowy figures approach the White Block, the chapter will then end.
-CHAPTER END-