Metroid: Mission Alpha
Episode 40: Good and Bad
After their journey across the Frigid climate on the planet Fantastar, Samus and Alpha had managed to protect the Fantasy Blossoms, with Blizstag's help. With that mission now complete, the two of them returned to HQ. Several weeks passed with a surprising lack of distress signals or unusual life form readings. Samus and Alpha used this time to tell Michael and Eta about their adventure on Fantastar; they also explored the planet where HQ was located.
One quiet and sunny morning, Samus and Alpha were enjoying their much-needed break from adventure. They were taking a stroll in a field when they caught sight of a beautiful lake. They came near it and stood by its shore, the wind blowing lightly and the sunlight sparkling on the water's surface. It was a truly tranquil experience.
Suddenly, Alpha could not contain himself-he was ready to play! So he made a dash for the lake and jumped in, causing a splash of water. Samus smiled to herself and watched as the Snacanid swam throughout the water. This way and that he went, splashing playfully and yipping with joy.
Eventually Alpha came back onto land and shook the water from his fur. Then he looked up at Samus and whimpered lightly. She had a feeling she knew what he wanted. "Are you hungry?" Alpha nodded. "Well, it should be about lunchtime," Samus replied, "Why don't we go and see Michael and Eta?" Alpha agreed to that.
Upon the entrance into HQ, Alpha and Eta ran to greet each other, glad to see each other. It was at that moment when Samus noticed something different about Eta-her stomach appeared larger than before. "Michael, have you noticed anything different about Eta?" Samus asked the HQ leader softly.
Michael glanced at Eta. "You're right, she does seem to be putting on some weight. I'll have Carol look at her after lunch."
So after lunch was over, Samus, Alpha, Michael, and Eta all went to see Carol. "Carol, could you take a look at Eta and make sure she's fine?" Michael asked.
"Sure thing," Carol smiled. Michael carefully lifted Eta and set her down on the table. Carol gave her a piece of Snaca fruit to distract her and then turned on the Bio-Scanner. When the scan was complete she glimpsed it carefully and a grin spread across her face. "I have good news," she said, "There's nothing wrong with Eta at all. In fact, it looks like two new Snacanids will soon be joining her pack."
"You mean?!" Michael asked hopefully.
"Yes. Eta is going to have two pups-and it won't be long now!"
The whole room burst into a delighted commotion. "Why, that's wonderful!" Michael exclaimed, "Two additions to Alpha and Eta's pack! Two more Snacanids on Venine!"
"Do you hear that, Alpha? You're going to be a father!" Samus told Alpha. The male Snacanid was so excited to hear this that he jumped around the room as if he was on a trampoline. Eta just smiled, and the others couldn't help but laugh lightly.
Unfortunately, the excitement was cut short by a sudden crash that stopped everyone in their tracks. Immediately after that Tim rushed into the room. "Master Silhouite is in the mechanic room!"
Knowing that she was the only one who could do anything to the shadowy beast, Samus stepped forward. "He could be anywhere in the building if he teleports," she said, "Stay here. I'll take care of this."
Samus took off into the halls of HQ, prepared to find Master Silhouite. Even if she did not currently have her Power Suit, she could at least paralyze him into leaving the place, she knew. Samus ran a little ways until she caught a glimpse of something large and dark. She stopped and, knowing it must be Master Silhouite, peeked around the corner where he had gone to see him going into the species research room. She quietly followed him into the room.
Samus arrived in the species research room shortly after Master Silhouite, but he was already gone and the damage done. Several cages were lying open on the floor, with the creatures that had been inside running around frantically. Even the creatures that were still inside their cages seemed distressed.
"Everyone, calm down!" Samus cried out. All the creatures were still panicked, so Samus moved her attention to the out-of-place cages instead. Being careful not to disturb anyone, she picked up the cages and stood them up in their proper places. Seeing that things were now back in order seemed to give the creatures the message that there was no more need to worry, and they slowed down. "Everything's fine now, see? You're safe now," Samus said gently. Understanding, the inhabitants of the open cages returned to them calmly and Samus closed the doors.
The bounty hunter sighed in relief. "That's taken care of. I wonder where Master Silhouite is causing trouble now?" She ran back through the hall, seeing nothing at first but then finding a shadowy figure moving toward the main room. When she arrived there, she saw Master Silhouite floating near one of the computers. "Leave that alone!" she shouted, and she made a dash for the computer. But Master Silhouite saw her coming and moved aside.
"Just try and stop me!" the villain taunted, and he flew over the computer and around the room. Samus chased after him wherever he went but could not catch him as he would not stop.
Finally Master Silhouite moved out of the main room and back into the hall; Samus followed. When he came near the medical room where Alpha, Eta, Michael, Carol, and Tim were hiding, she knew something had to be done. "Oh no you don't!" With a burst of speed Samus launched herself forward and tackled Master Silhouite just as he was close to her friends, knocking him down. Even though the villain was larger than Samus, he struggled to free himself. Soon he growled and teleported away.
Samus caught her breath and stood up. "He's gone."
"You did your best," Michael reassured her, "Let's check the map and see if he's still in here." Everyone headed to the main room and Michael checked his computer's radar, but there was nothing unusual. "Looks like he's left the building…Tim, what was that crash we heard from the mechanic room?"
"Master Silhouite knocked a few of my tools down," Tim replied, "but oddly enough, he didn't harm anything."
"He was in the species research room and this room too," Samus said, "Even though he caused some disorder, he didn't actually cause any damage."
"Why did he come here, then?" Carol asked, puzzled.
"Probably just to wreak havoc on his enemies," Michael answered.
Well, both good and bad happened today, Samus thought to herself, It will be wonderful to see Eta's babies before long, but at the same time Master Silhouite is still up to his old tricks. We'll have to keep an eye out for sure. It looked like more adventure was ahead for everyone, but what would it be like? They would just have to wait and see…
(Original story from April 2018)