-Chapter 35 - Part 1-
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
...3 weeks later on the planet Schirra, the ruins of many Foundation Superior Weapons will be shown scattered outside of a new city that's continuing to expand.
Ruined Foundation Superior Weapons
...
All across the fields, many more Superior Weapons and even a large base is shown to be completely destroyed, as the expanding nanomachines of the Neo-SEED soon engulfs the ruins.
As this occurs, from the city the White Block leaves, along with the President ErotiCake, Vice President ErotiCake, Liberty ErotiCake and Tyranny ErotiCakes. As they fly upwards, the White Block, President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake are apart of one group, while the Liberty ErotiCake and Tyranny ErotiCake are apart of another group. The three Superior Weapons piloted by Courtney and her friends are also present, as they rise upwards into space.
Here, Perle and Sabrina start discussing something inside of their Superior Weapon-along with Divitiya.
Perle Luisant
...Phew...that was a workout.
Sabrina Madison
I know. Who ever thought we'd run into so many enemies on Schirra?
The two say, relieved that the previous situation has now resolved itself. Divitiya then chimes in, adding a few more pieces to the puzzle-but not elaborating any further.
Divitiya Iran
Let's just be happy that we recovered the Neo-SEED and that they didn't damage it in any way. Now that it's deployed, we can back up the fleet that's about to arrive in space.
Divitiya says, as the groups continue to rise higher into the air. As they go, the White Block, President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake soon move away fully from the Tyranny ErotiCake, Liberty ErotiCake and three Superior Weapons, and as they arrive into space, they are greeted to.
"Revel of Space Battles"
All across low orbit around Schirra, a huge battle is being waged between the Confederation and RF/AA. Here, the RF/AA will have mobilized two of their AA Space Fortresses to assault the Confederation, along with an equal fleet to attack them with. The Confederation will have their hands full just trying to fend off any attacks with their remaining fleet, while pieces of Mainland float by.
As the battle rages on, Bijou, Perle and their friends are then contacted by.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
...Perle. Sabrina. Divitiya. Can you three hear me?
Perle Luisant
Ah, Francoise!
Sabrina Madison
You are alright!
Divitiya Iran
!...Thank goodness.
Now, Chairwoman Francoise Luisant will contact Perle, Sabrina and Madison from their cockpit, saying.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
Yes, but now's not the time to discuss how I managed to escape, as we have more pressing matters. I've already contacted Sacha and the others, as they are about to leave and assist our starboard flank.
Just as Chairwoman Francoise says this, Sabrina will look to her right and see that the President and Vice President ErotiCakes, along with the White Block will leave the airspace. As they go, she will say.
Sabrina Madison
Sacha and the others are leaving...?
Chairwoman Francoise then says.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
They are heading towards another area where I need them, as right now we are running out of options. This final battle with the Ascension and RF is in the last moments, but that doesn't mean we can rest easy just yet.
Then, Bijou speaks.
Bijou Luisant (comms)
Francoise. Where do you need us to be right now?
Perle Luisant
!
Sabrina Madison
!
As Bijou says this, Chairwoman Francoise will say.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
Right now, the RF are chasing the Saviour ships as they head to Schirra, along with our "cargo". We've already slowed down Mainland enough so that the pieces won't impact Schirra, but it broke apart En-route, which was the beginning of this battle.
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
They've caught us with our guard down, but we'll cover that after we finish this fight, as we are very close to the end now. The cargo is also safe, as it'll be brought to the planet as we make our decent.
Divitiya then asks.
Divitiya Iran
Is our mission to protect the Saviour ships, or to attack that AA Space Fortress on the portside?
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant (hologram)
Both. You first need to rendezvous with Heaven, Phillip and Carlos, as they are currently defending the Saviour ships to your left. Afterwards, all of you must work together to repel that AA Space Fortress and it's defenders, while Sacha and the others work to do the same. Then, this fight will finally come to an end...
Sensing the wariness in Francoise's tone, both Perle and Sabrina will think to themselves.
Perle Luisant
*...Her tone...she's exhausted right now. This fight must have taken a strain on her...*
Sabrina Madison
*Just how long have Francoise and the other Confederation leaders been fighting...?*
As Divitiya then immediately replies.
Divitiya Iran
Understood. We'll muster all of the strength we can after our ordeal on Schirra and repel the enemy, Chairwoman Francoise.
Perle Luisant
?!
Sabrina Madison
?!
Both Perle and Sabrina will look shocked to hear this from Divitiya, as both of them will now appear to be exhausted from their struggles.
Perle Luisant
Hah...where do you get so much energy from, Divitiya?
Sabrina Madison
Even our enemies from before thought the same thing...at least you'll make Oliver happy, right?!
Sabrina says, poking some fun at Divitiya. The mention does make her blush a little, as she replies.
Divitiya Iran
!...Let's just focus on the matter at hand...
Perle Luisant
Right!
Tyranny ErotiCake
!
As Perle says that, she has the Tyranny ErotiCake blast forward, followed by the Liberty ErotiCake and Courtney and her friends behind them,
As they travel into the distance, the fighting between the AA/RF and the Confederation is fierce. Thousands of Superior Weapons on all three sides clash in this violent struggle, which is the point where Perle/her friends, Bijou/her friends and Courtney/her friends arrive to. As they weave through the onslaught of random enemy fire in the distance, they marvel at the sheer scale of the AA Space Fortress trailing behind several Saviour ships. Once in-between the two, Perle and Sabrina speak-
Perle Luisant
Damn...how did the Ascension manage to build something of that size...?!
Sabrina Madison
And there are 3 other fortresses just like that one...how do we even repel something so large?!
The two say, as they fire a few shots at the AA Space Fortress in the distance. Their shots travel a ways, until disappearing into the void of space, which prompts Bijou to speak to Perle via comms-
Bijou Luisant (comms)
Perle! Don't waste your shots against a Fortress. Such structures are naturally impervious to beam weaponry like what we have in our Superior Weapons. Only weapons from ships can actually damage fortresses like that.
Perle Luisant
Ah, sorry about that, mother...
After Bijou tells this to Perle, she moves the Liberty ErotiCake Mk-II towards 3 familiar-looking ships protecting the Saviour ships ahead. These ships are the Hydra Noon, Blue Aphrodite and another unnamed ship, of which they are in their Super-Superior Weapon forms. As they fire skillfully into the distance at the AA Space Fortress, both the Hydra Noon and Blue Aphrodite are seen to take several hits while defending the Saviour ships from enemy fire.
Blue Aphrodite
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
Hydra Noon
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
While these two ships are taking a lot of damage, the unnamed ship belonging to Admiral Carlos is seen taking in even more damage from the AA Space Fortress. It's cannons are seen to target all three of these Super-Superior Weapons, to which inside of the Blue Aphrodite and Hydra Noon, both Captains Heaven and Phillip struggle to keep the Saviour ships behind them safe-
"BOOOOOOOOOOOM!"
Captain Phillip Kai
GRK! Dammit! I can't keep this up forever!
Arbiter Robin Blue
Nai-omi! How are you holding up?!
Nai-omi
It hurts! All of these attacks are hurting me!
Captain Heaven Risingstar
Tch! This is madness!
They say, as they continue to maneuver their ships to take the brunt of attacks coming from the AA Space Fortress. While they take their fair share of hits, it's Admiral Carlos' ship that is taking the most hits at the moment, as he weaves his ship into most of the incoming attacks.
In his bridge, he speaks.
Admiral Carlos Kai
...Alright. I think I've figured it out...
He says, as he reviews information that he just learned from the monitor in front of him. He then quickly contacts both Captains Heaven and Phillip, saying-
Admiral Carlos Kai
Phillip! Heaven! Listen up!
Captain Heaven Risingstar
Admiral Carlos...?!
Captain Phillip Kai
Dad?!
Admiral Carlos Kai
The AA aren't attacking the Saviour ships behind us like we thought! After analyzing the trajectory of their attacks, they are actually targeting US!
Captain Phillip Kai
But still, they seem to be attacking everything ahead of their positions...
Admiral Carlos Kai
Just trust me, Phillip! Just in case I'm wrong, I've still got another trick up my sleeve. Follow my lead!
As Admiral Carlos says this, he moves his Super-Superior Weapon above the incoming volley of attacks coming from the AA Space Fortress ahead. While their guns don't move at first, they soon reorientate themselves to target Admiral Carlos' Super-Superior Weapon, which helps to install confidence in his words to both Heaven and Phillip. They then speak on the matter-
Captain Phillip Kai
!...Amazing...
Captain Heaven Risingstar
The guns on the AA Space Fortress are following Admiral Carlos now...
Admiral Carlos then speaks over their comms-
Admiral Carlos Kai
C'mon, Phillip! Move your Super-Superior Weapons out of the way of the Saviour ships!
Captain Phillip Kai
R-right!
Captain Heaven Risingstar
Nai-Noa! Full power to engines!
With that, both Captains Phillip and Heaven move their Super-Superior Weapons out of the path of the Saviour ships and the AA Space Fortress. As they fly upwards, the guns of the AA Space Fortress soon follow them, which results in them being bombarded by another volley of incoming attacks-
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
Hydra Noon
!
Blue Aphrodite
!
As the volley of attacks continues, Admiral Carlos then maneuvers his already crippled Super-Superior Weapon to protect both ships from even more enemy fire. As his ship soaks up even more damage, explosions occur throughout his entire ship-
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
Inside the bridge, Admiral Carlos prepares for the worst, as he gives his final orders to his staff.
Admiral Carlos Kai
Attention all hands! Abandon ship at once! I repeat, all hands abandon ship immediately!
As he says this, his staff across his ship are soon jettisoned into space behind the now nearly destroyed Super-Superior Weapon. While most personnel are seen fleeing for their lives, a few figures are seen in the shadows of the bridge, wearing the uniforms of the Tempest Foundation-
Tempest Foundation Personnel #1
...
Tempest Foundation Personnel #2
...
As these mysterious people gather by the dozens, they are seen to silently make their way to the bridge, where in their possession they have jamming equipment that can nullify comms activity. As they prepare to make their move, back in the bridge, Admiral Carlos is seen preparing to make a final rush onto the attacking AA Space Fortress. As he prepares for his final move, he speaks to his son for the last time...
Admiral Carlos Kai
Cough cough...hey, Phillip, my son... Can you hear me?!
Captain Phillip Kai
Dad?! What's wrong?!
Admiral Carlos Kai
My ship is at it's limit, my son. I've already sent out all hands and I'm now the only one left on this ship. I...I need you to do me a favor...
Captain Phillip Kai
Dad...what the hell are you saying right now?!
Admiral Carlos Kai
Just listen to me, my son...I'm not going to be coming home tonight to see you or your mother...
As Admiral Carlos says this, it is then shown that he has taken a hit from all of the damage his ship has incurred. Blood is forming around his chest, as shrapnel from his monitor has now pierced him, as several more explosions occur throughout his bridge. Faced with this, he continues to speak to his son over the comms.
Admiral Carlos Kai
...I always loved both you and your mother, my son...please...take good care of her in my absence...she'll need your help as this war with the RF will continue for a while, I feel...
Captain Phillip Kai
NO, DAD! I'll move my ship, and-
Admiral Carlos Kai
Don't move! Just use my ship as a shield and use the distraction I'm going to cause as a means for you two to get away!
Captain Phillip Kai
Dad...
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
As Admiral Carlos' Super-Superior Weapon is damaged even further, it's clear that the ship can't take anymore incoming fire for much longer. Then, Admiral Carlos says-
Admiral Carlos Kai
...I'm going on ahead of you, Phillip!
Captain Phillip Kai
DAAAAAAAAAAAAD!
With that, Admiral Carlos moves his crippled Super-Superior Weapon down towards the attacking AA Space Fortress. He is intent on sending his ship on a crash course into the AA Space Fortress, to which as he guides it downwards, the mysterious Foundation members behind the door to the bridge make their move. They now silently open the doors and proceed to knock out Admiral Carlos from behind when he is least expecting it.
Admiral Carlos Kai
Grk! "Groans"...
As Admiral Carlos is knocked uncoincious, the Foundation members speak-
Tempest Foundation Personnel #3
...Second target acquired. Returning back to base...
They say, as they then quietly take Admiral Carlos out of the crumbling bridge and leave back the way they came.
As this occurs, outside, Admiral Carlos' Super-Superior Weapon continues on it's crash course towards the AA Space Fortress. As it does, it continues to crumble into smaller pieces, breaking apart as the bombardment intensifies from the AA Space Fortress. Ultimately, it soon is destroyed-but not before it's many pieces smash into a large portion of the AA Space Fortress, destroying many of it's exterior weapons across it's hull. It's this event that causes the AA Space Fortress in question to finally pull back from the battle, and as it goes, a good portion of it's supply of Superior Weapons also retreats.
Back in the perspective of Captain Phillip, he will see his father's Super-Superior Weapon make a kamikaze attack onto the AA Space Fortress and will believe that his father sacrificed himself to force the Ascension to pull away. He mourns his fathers' death in the bridge of his ship.
Captain Phillip Kai
...Dad..."Cries"...
Nai-omi
...Phillip...
Captain Heaven Risingstar
...Why did this have to happen...?
As Nai-omi and Heaven say this, across the way backwards, Bijou/her friends, Perle/her friends and Courtney/her friends all witness the destruction of Admiral Carlos' Super-Superior Weapon. They all believe that he has been killed in the explosion-while none of them see the faint shadow of a ship using the destruction as a distraction to flee from the battle.
Inside of the Tyranny ErotiCake's cockpit, Perle and Sabrina are seen to be the most affected by the "death" of Admiral Carlos.
Sabrina Madison
...Phillip's father didn't escape that blast...
Perle Luisant
...We came here to help...but, we couldn't even do that right...
Divitiya Iran
...
As the destruction of Admiral Carlos' Super-Superior Weapon continues, the scene moves elsewhere on this battlefield...
"SCENE TRANSITION"
In another part of the battlezone, the White Block is seen to be assaulted by many RF Superior Weapons. As it takes several hits, it's clear that it's implosion is imminent, as Sebastion and Cesario speak inside the Command Room-
"BOOOOOOOOOM!"
Sebastion Luisant
Grk! These mosquitos are getting annoying...
He says, as he attempts to use some of the White Block's weapons against the swarm of RF Superior Weapons. Sadly, his attempts are ineffective, as due to how small the RF Superior Weapons are compared to the White Block, they are easily able to weave and evade all attacks coming from the White Block-while at the same time inflicting critical damage onto the White Block itself.
Moments later, his brother speaks up-
Cesario Luisant
At this rate, we're going to lose the White Block...should we try to at least drive this thing into that attacking AA Space Fortress?
Sebastion Luisant
Not yet, Cesario. We need to last longer that Father and uncle, as they take down that bastard Howard...
Cesario Luisant
Right...if we lost now, it would simply tarnish the name of the Luisant family...
Cesario says this cooly, as a short distance away, a battle is being waged. In this battle, two Superior Weapons-the President and Vice President ErotiCake Mk-IIs-are in a fierce battle with an unknown Superior Weapon-
"CLACK!"
"SMASH!"
"SLASH!"
As these Superior Weapons clash, the image of the Superior Weapon that is fending off both President and Vice President ErotiCakes slowly comes into view. It's form is exactly like that of an ErotiCake, making it an RF ErotiCake, which is piloted by none other than-
Howard Pinnacle
HAH..HAH..HAH..HAH..
Here, Howard is seen to be piloting his own ErotiCake against both the President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake Mk-IIs. Each side is going in for the kill, as they slash and bash against each other in a deadly manner. While Howard can keep up with both Sacha and Georges, it's clear that being attacked 2-to-1 is wearing him out physically and mentally. This forces him to try and wrap this battle up quickly, as his TRUE enemy is watching nearby...
Rhapsody Luisant
...
A ways away, in another ErotiCake created by the RF, Rhapsody silently glares at the battle being waged between Howard and Sacha/Georges. Even though she is very close to seeing her ex-husband President Sacha, she simply watches the battle unfold, as the conflict between these three men soon reaches it's climax.
As the battle between Howard and Sacha/Georges reaches it's peak, Howard is put on the defensive by both Sacha and Georges. Using nearly every weapon at their disposal, Sacha and Georges begin to back Howard into a corner, which prevents him from even retaliating to their flurry of attacks-
"SLASH!"
"BASH!"
"CRACK!"
With attacks reminiscent of their prime years, President Sacha and Vice President Georges continue to press Howard back in his powerful RF ErotiCake further and further, until they force him to smash backwards into part of a destroyed ship-
"SMASH!"
Howard Pinnacle
GRK!
As both President and Vice President ErotiCake Mk-IIs loom over Howards' ErotiCake, they both appear as if they have become the devil in appearance. With shadows over their machines faces and a dominating aura, both President Sacha and Vice President Georges prepare to deliver the final blow-
"SWIPE!"
"SWING!"
Howard Pinnacle
!
However, in an instant, Howard manages to parry both blades swooping down to kill him, and he then lunges deeper into the destroyed ship. Now, a deadly game of hide-and-seek begins, with Howard struggling to stay focused-
Howard Pinnacle
Hah...hah...hah...hah...hah...
As Howard quietly maneuvers his ErotiCake deeper into the ship, his hair is on end. His nerves are as tight as a spring trap and his eyes are as bloodshot as they've ever been. Every fiber of his being is on edge, as he expects an attack from any direction from either Sacha or Georges.
Instead, what occurs next surprises even him-
President Sacha Luisant (comms)
...I remember talking to your mother about what you did 18 years ago, Howard...
Howard Pinnacle
!
Now, Howard behaves like a cornered rat that's been caught by a pack of cats, as he desperately looks around the area he's within for the location of Sacha and Georges. Their locations are unknown to him, as they are perfectly blended into the darkness of the ship, as their voices continue to speak to Howard over the comms-
Vice President Georges Luisant (comms)
Back then...when we were in control and had thought of nearly every single possible outcome to our Grand Plan, we never once thought that you would use Rebecca in the way you did...
Howard Pinnacle
I only did what I did back then so as to protect the RF!
As Howard shouts, he swings his blades into the shadows, in a desperate display of despair. The shadows around his ErotiCake dance and take on the images of both President Sacha and Vice President Georges, as he continues to swing his blades into the darkness-as the voices of Sacha and Georges continue to taunt him-
President Sacha Luisant (comms)
After you allowed for Rebecca to die, I personally went to your mother and told her what you did to our family. We decided that you would be ostracized from the Pinnacle family from that point on-never to be in their good graces again.
Howard Pinnacle
SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
Howard shouts, as he continues to desperately swing his swords into the darkness around him even further. Vice President Georges then says-
Vice President Georges Luisant (comms)
We agreed that killing you would be a kindness, as what you did to my wife cannot be tolerated. Say that we are just injecting our personal feelings into this matter, but you made the biggest mistake of your life when you decided to go behind my back and involve my wife in your secret antics.
Howard Pinnacle
I already TOLD Bijou why I did what I did! It was the only way for the fledging RF of the time to remain safe from destruction!
President Sacha Luisant (comms)
Yes, you did tell her that. But what I recall personally was the tears she shed when she told us what happened to Rebecca. How you allowed for her to take the fall for your precious RF and how she begged you to help her find Rebecca.
Vice President Georges Luisant (comms)
Maybe there wasn't any time to actually look for her in that situation. Maybe you could've taken a few minutes to help Bijou look for Rebecca...we'll never know, as we can only look at the impact you've created on us in the present.
President Sacha Luisant (comms)
Right now, Howard...we are going to ensure that your precious RF will be crushed in it's entirety. Bijou wished for the same thing for the past 18 years...and after we've reduced the RF to dust, we'll make sure you watch them burn.
Howard Pinnacle
NOOOOOO!
Howard says, as he has his ErotiCake dash into the darkness, where he soon finds what he's looking for-
"CRACK!"
In that instant, the blades of all three ErotiCakes collide against each other, blowing away the darkness that once enveloped them a second ago. As the three ErotiCakes glare at each other, Howard continues to scream out loud-
Howard Pinnacle
What I've dreamed the RF would become CANNOT be allowed to falter right now! I've staked my life on what I've wanted the RF to become in the near future! I've given up EVERYTHING to ensure that they prosper in my wake!
Howard Pinnacle
THE RED FEATHERS WILL SUCCEED!
President Sacha Luisant
!
Vice President Georges Luisant
!
In the blink of an eye, both President Sacha and Vice President Georges have their ErotiCakes take ahold of Howards' ErotiCake and they then punch it so hard that it smashes through the interior of the destroyed ship-
"SMASH!" "SMASH!" "SMASH!"
Howard Pinnacle
ARRRRRUGH!
Seconds later, Howard's ErotiCake bursts out from the interior of the destroyed ship and crashes onto the side of the ship-
"CRASH!"
Howard Pinnacle
HAH..HAH..HAH...
Leaning on the edge of the destroyed ship, Howard's ErotiCake hangs by a thread, as the President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake land in front of his ErotiCake. As they prepare to finish Howard off, they give him this final message-
President Sacha Luisant
...I promised your mother that I would make sure you live to see the destruction of the RF, Howard. I intend to make good on my promise, as you have to watch as we destroy the RF very soon...
Howard Pinnacle
Don't you DARE touch them...
Vice President Georges Luisant
...This is the end of your dreams...hm?!
Just before delivering the final blow to Howard's ErotiCake, a surprise occurs. Suddenly, a new Superior Variant appears from the space behind Howard's ErotiCake, as it flies upwards and sends out several Striker units that rain down beams that hit several places on both the President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake-
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
President Sacha Luisant
GRK!
Vice President Georges Luisant
W-where the hell did THAT come from?!
Vice President Georges shouts, as he and President Sacha stagger away from the destroyed ship. Seconds later, claws extend from the unknown Superior Variant that just helped Howard, which pick up his crippled ErotiCake and carry it away from the destroyed ship. As this occurs, the voice of a familiar child rings out over the comms-
Zelia Ascension
Howard! Are you alright?!
Howard Pinnacle
Zelia?! Is that you?! How did you sneak up on Sacha and Georges?!
Just as Howard asks this, another familiar voice speaks to him-
Yesenia Ascension
This U7 Superior Variant has a brand new stealth technology inspired by the Tyranny ErotiCake! Anyway, that's not important right now! Hurry and dock with the Hongsermeier, Howard!
Howard Pinnacle
It can do that...!
Ture to Yesenia's words, a new program lights up on Howard's monitor in front of him, which details how the Hongsermeier can combine with his ErotiCake. Without even thinking, he engages the program immediately, which has his ErotiCake combine with the Hongsermeier, granting it an enhanced arsenal of weapons to use.
A moment later, Howard targets both the President ErotiCake Mk-II and Vice President ErotiCake Mk-II, and fires a flurry of beam attacks directly at them-
Howard Pinnacle
...Apologies for playing dirty-
"BEAM FIRE!"
As he says this, a spray of beam attacks erupts from his ErotiCake and Superior Variant, which after traveling through a short distance directly hit both the President ErotiCake Mk-II and Vice President ErotiCake Mk-II. The damage is severe and also hits the cockpit, causing several explosions to occur from within-
"EXPLOUSIONS!"
President Sacha Luisant
!
Vice President Georges Luisant
!
As both President Sacha and Vice President Georges disappear in the explosions, they are both seemingly killed by the explosions, as their Superior Weapons drift off into the darkness of space.
President ErotiCake Mk-II
...
Vice President ErotiCake Mk-II
...
As they drift off, back near the destroyed ship, a smaller ship is seen attached to it, with the insignia of the Tempest Foundation on it's hull. This ship will have personnel inside waiting for this exact moment, as they begin to make their move.
Tempest Foundation Personel
...!
Elsewhere, both Sebastion and Cesario see the near destruction of both the President ErotiCake and Vice President ErotiCake. They cry out-
Sebastion Luisant
FATHER!
Cesario Luisant
GEORGES!
Also elsewhere, Chairwoman Francoise senses her brother vanishing from this world, as she starts to cry for seemingly no reason-
Chairwoman Francoise Luisant
..."crying"...?
The tears won't stop falling from her eyes, which mystifies her, as back with Howard, he speaks to Zelia and Yesenia.
Howard Pinnacle
Hah...hah...hah...hah...you two...why did you come for me...?
Zelia Ascension (comms)
What are you saying, Howard?! Aren't you happy that we came to rescue you?!
Howard Pinnacle
...That's not what I was asking...why did you interfere in that battle, is what I was asking...?
Yesenia Ascension (comms)
We came all this way because Stanley asked us to help you.
Howard Pinnacle
!...Stanley...?
Zelia Ascension (comms)
That's right! He was worried about you going up against both Sacha and Georges by yourself, so he asked us to come and back you up! I'd say that our arrival was warranted, as you were outnumbered back there!
Howard Pinnacle
...
Although both Zelia and Yesenia saved Howard's life, he will still have a bad taste in his mouth. Up until their intervention, he was able to hold his own against both Sacha and Georges, but his victory against the two will have only been possible with the intervention of Zelia and Yesenia-causing him to feel that he won dishonorably.
To correct this, the voice of a familiar woman now speaks to the three-
Rhapsody Luisant (comms)
I agree with your statement, Zelia. 2 against 1 was a little unfair-despite how entertaining it was to see my former student rise up to the challenge.
Zelia Ascension
!
Yesenia Ascension
!
Howard Pinnacle
!
Now, Rhapsody moves her Superior Weapon to the far left edge of the destroyed ship, inviting Howard to a one-on-one duel. She speaks-
Rhapsody Luisant (comms)
...Despite you being tired from your battle against my husband and Georges, I do believe that now is the time for us to settle our feud. We'll engage against each other one-on-one and WITHOUT our Superior Weapons, in order to give you a handicap against me.
Howard Pinnacle
Rhapsody...
Surprised to hear this, Howard then speaks back to Zelia and Yesenia-
Howard Pinnacle
...Listen to me, you two. I'm going down there to fight against Rhapsody, one-on-one. I have to settle things with her before the RF can ever evolve into what I envision, so I ask that neither of you two interfere in our duel.
Zelia Ascension
Howard...are you sure you're up to taking on Rhapsody?
Yesenia Ascension
You haven't recovered yet from your battle with Sacha and Georges!
Howard Pinnacle
I know. And yet, I still have to face my former master, as if I can't defeat her today, then the RF will never reach the goal that I dream of. As such, I again ask that you let me alone handle her right now...
Zelia Ascension
...
Yesenia Ascension
...
Reluctantly, both Zelia and Yesenia nod to each other and then allow for Howard to move his ErotiCake towards the destroyed ship. As he does, he soon lands his ErotiCake on the far right edge and then disembarks from his Superior Weapon.
Approaching Rhapsody, who has also disembarked from her Superior Weapon, the two soon meet on the hull of the destroyed ship. Armed with physical swords, the two sides prepare to engage in hand-to-hand combat-but first, Rhapsody speaks-
Rhapsody Luisant (comms)
...I always took you as a man who had a vision for the future. Despite your shortcomings, you always seemed to me as a person who had a specific set of goals in your head. You are determined, focused and fixated on accomplishing your personal dreams. And yet, I've never once actually asked you what it is that you are hoping to accomplish with the RF? How about you answer my question as we battle, my former student...?
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
...As you wish, my former master...!
With that, the two draw their weapons and proceed to engage in a mock battle against each other. As their swords dance against each other, the two sides continue to speak-
"SLASH!"
"SMASH!"
"CLACK!"
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
18 years ago, when I founded the RF, our purpose was to originally remake the DIC into a country that could wipe the slate clean of the sins that were committed by the Luisants and my own family. Their plans for the Ascension were something that I could never tolerate, which was the genesis of the Red Feathers.
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
Back then, we strove to communicate with the Ascension to form an alliance between our two sides, which we were successful in doing so. However, everything fell apart when the DIC sent a fleet of ships with Bijou to our doorstep, as looking back on that time it was so obvious that Sacha saw the RF as a threat to his own plans for the Ascension. We were none the wiser to his true intentions, which was the beginning of a great change to my plans for the RF.
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
After our near destruction, the Ascension welcomed us into their society and after the war with the DIC ended, we had the time to rethink our plans for the future in Mainland. It was here where I and Stanley gradually began to envision an even better future for the RF-one that was grander than what we had originally dreamed back on Gleen. We sought the creation of a powerful military force, one that could ensure the safety of the Ascension and also pressure our own interests in the future...
Rhapsody Luisant (comms)
And WHAT are those interests you speak of...?
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
The first interest that Stanley and I envisioned was for the RF to evolve into an entity that can generate conflict across the entire galaxy. By using the SEEDs, we can mass produce every kind of Superior Weapon and Superior Variant currently available AND coming-thus ensuring that we'll always have a powerful military capable of achieving our dreams. And since people like you and Francoise will never allow for me to get away with the crimes I've committed against the Luisant family, that also guarantees that there will always be hatred between the RF and the Confederation.
Rhapsody Luisant
!...
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
With the never-ending march of technology, in 15 years' time we'll have converted the entire planet of Gleen into a Space-Time Manipulation device that can send our mass produced weapons across this galaxy instantaneously-where we'll then come into contact with other civilizations and dominate them with our power. Conflict breeds innovation, and innovation creates strong individuals who are capable of untold amounts of change...and with further evolutions in technology back here in the TRAPPIST-1 system, creating clones of certain individuals will become the norm, of which I've taken a keen interest in investigating recently...
Rhapsody Luisant
So, you aim to create clones of yourself and send those people across the galaxy to other civilizations-creating conflicts with them...just for the sake of creating innovations?
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
That's right, Rhapsody. And I won't be the only one who will be cloned, by the way, as it would be selfish of me to keep this kind of technology limited to just one individual. Many other candidates are already being scouted by the RF and will be cloned, which when combined with the DNA that we recovered from the remains of that creature you people are about to analyze, we'll create a force that cannot be stopped.
Rhapsody Luisant
!
Now, Rhapsody parries Howard's blade so perfectly as to block it and then delivers a punishing slap to Howard's helmet-
"SLAP!"
Howard Pinnacle
?!
Shocked, Howard staggers to his feet, as Rhapsody speaks to him-
Rhapsody Luisant (comms)
What a foolish dream you have for the RF, my former student. You fail to notice that most people will not want to live in perpetual conflict and will eventually yearn for a time of peace. Never-ending conflict is a concoction for the eventual collapse of the RF, I believe...
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
...You forget, my former master, that I previously mentioned that specific candidates will be scouted for the purpose of being cloned? Those people that are being scouted are individuals who have death warrants on their heads by the Confederation, so their clones will naturally carry that burning desire to continue fighting until they are destroyed.
Rhapsody Luisant
!
Now, in the middle of their fierce conflict, Howard manages to get the upper hand against Rhapsody in their mock swordplay. For once, she is now on the defensive, as he continues to speak-
Howard Pinnacle (comms)
The RF is also preparing to create it's own line of Judgements with the Neo-SEED that we received earlier, which will combine with a mass produced version of your SYSTEM-DESTINY called "SYSTEM-THANATOS". Armed with all of these innovations, and many more to come, the RF will continue to evolve into a war machine that will swallow this entire galaxy into a never-ending storm of hatred! And who knows...maybe there are beings that exist beyond the scope of this galaxy. I wonder what kinds of aliens we'll come into contact with in 15 years time...?
After saying this, Howard and Rhapsody's conflict reaches it's climax, as the two continue to duel with their swords on the destroyed ship. In their final moments, both sides prepare for a final attack, where as their swords clash-
"CLACK!"
In a stunning move, both combatants manage to disarm each other, sending their swords hurling out into space. This settles the duel between both Howard and Rhapsody, as both sides then speak, one final time.
Rhapsody Luisant
...
Howard Pinnacle
...
Rhapsody Luisant (comms)
Hmph...go on and create your version of never-ending conflict, Howard. I'll just give you one word of advice...watch your back when it comes to Stanley's true intentions. I have a feeling you will come to regret trusting his words one day...
Howard Pinnacle
!...
With that, Rhapsody leaves Howard behind, getting back into her Superior Weapon and taking off. As Howard is left behind, Zelia and Yesenia both disembark from their Superior Variant U7 and join Howard, as he stands in disbelief that he managed to fend off someone as powerful as Rhapsody.
Howard Pinnacle
...
Zelia Ascension
...Howard?
Yesenia Ascension
Are you alright?
Without responding to the young girls, Howard then looks out towards another battle being waged in the distance. He then asks-
Howard Pinnacle
...Where is Faith right now? Do you two know where she is?
Zelia Ascension
Y-yes. Stanley ordered both her and Grace to fight against the Tyranny ErotiCake earlier.
Howard Pinnacle
!...
Without another word, Howard heads back towards his own Superior Weapon and prepares to head into battle once more.
As he does this, back with Rhapsody, as she is leaving the battlefield, she soon spots a mysterious ship belonging to the Tempest Foundation. Curious, she decides to come in closer to inspect the vessel, and as she does, inside, several Tempest Foundation personnel speak amongst themselves-
Tempest Foundation Personnel #5
...Sir. The fourth objective is coming in closer to our ship-just as you planned for. We already have a replacement E-AndroIs ready to replace her as soon as we incapacitate her. We'll let you know when we have her detained...
They say, as they prepare to capture Rhapsody for their own purposes later on. After this occurs, the chapter then ends.
-CHAPTER END-