Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK:
(Start Council of Six Chamber ARKs fleet)
"THEY DID WHAT?!" Morgan yelled as she slammed her hand onto the table of their meeting. The only ones physically here were Arthur, Morgan, and Xect. Yaga and Kara were on Coruscant and thus here as holograms, but they shocked over what they had heard. Meanwhile Noto was on Halpha overseeing the planets general defenses and law enforcements. More so he was currently in the Stia Region where the newly constructed Stia city was being built.
Stia, was now home to all of ARK's foundry's and was being turned into a city that never sleeps. The factories were already built and thus was allowing for massive progress in the construction of Central City, Retem City, Kvaris City, and of course Stia City. With these new scans and the construction of Stia city the four regions were now firmly the home of ARKs making Halpha their home.
"I was just as shocked as you were, Morgan." Arthur said hoping to calm down his second in command. "But being angry is not going to solve it." Arthur said but then Yaga spoke up.
"Um sorry to say this but she has every right to be angry!" Yaga said as he did not like this course of action not at all. "I've seen enough Kaiju movies to know that bringing the big lug here is a bad idea of the highest caliber!" Yaga said as Arthur was keeping his cool as best, he could.
"But Arthur is right being angry won't solve this it will only have us make foolish mistakes." Xect said as he then changed the subject. "Safety measures are being put in place, but I suspect there is more to be learned from this event." Xect said as he crossed his arms and had his eyes closed.
"Yea like how when this eventually all goes wrong, we'll be the cover of a brand-new Kaiju movie." Yaga said making it clear that he did not like this plan.
"Ok maybe we should consider the positives, the creature's armor is virtually impossible to breach maybe we can use this for our guys on the field." Klara offered keeping a clear mind on this as best as she could.
"Well at least we won't have an atomic breath." Yaga said as the group just sighed over Yaga missing the point again.
"For now, we can only monitor and respond but as it stands, I'm trusting the two of you to get the creature taken elsewhere for its safety." Arthur said as he looked to Yaga and Klara on this. "But I think we also have to consider another thing." Arthur said as he then looked to the group. "A certain thing called Project Successor." Arthur said and thus the entire group grew serious.
"Yes, many of our Operatives have been asking why they can't access any of those particular classes anymore." Morgan said as she looked to the group.
"I know how they feel but Arthur said it himself, until we can figure out what went wrong with the Tragic 50, we can't risk the use of the Successor Classes." Klara said making it clear that using any Successor was a big no for all of them.
"But we can't just keep hiding it either." Yaga said knowing ARKs Operatives needed those big guns back in the field sooner than later.
Project Successor was the code name they used for the research and development of restoring the Four Successor Classes, Hero, Phantom, Etoile, and Luster. The originally group who had tried to use that class before arriving in Republic Space… well it put a severe strain on their bodies crippling most of them or outright killing them. The lucky few who survived the incident were sworn never to speak of it until ARKs can figure out what went wrong. The Successor Classes used a combination of all three Class aspects of battle, Melee, Technique, and Precision. They focus on using Braver and Bouncer mains to figure out why the damage was severe to those who used the Successor Class against those who used classes such as those two. The Bouncer and Braver used a combination of two different combat types. In the case of the Bouncer, it used Technique and Melee based weapons and attack while the Braver used Precision and Melee based attacks.
During the journey they have been making breakthroughs in this research but have yet to successfully equip the Classes with any ARKs Operatives in a safe and stable manner. The tests and research were being done in an offsite facility to ensure total safety and need be retrieval should the worse come to pass and the location is discovered by the enemy.
"We've had some satisfactory results from it thus far maybe it's time we try again with a new group." Arthur offered as they looked to each other. They each considered what he was saying the Successor Classes were a big gamble that ARKs had been focusing their time and energy on recreating for ARKs Operatives to use in battle. With it they might be able to end this war sooner but the Operatives who uses it would be placed in severe danger just to use said Successor Classes.
"We have to take the risk." Morgan said casting her vote on using the Successor Classes.
"She's right, we need all the muscle we can get, and those Successor Classes are our best bet for muscle." Klara said and thus they began to come to an agreement.
"I don't know I'd rather we not cripple another volunteer." Yaga said as he had his doubts on this.
"It's a risk we have to take, I say go for it." Xect said and thus majority vote one in this case.
"Very well I'll get the call out again, hopefully we'll have a success." Arthur said and thus they began to adjourn the meeting.
"Let's hope for a miracle." Yaga said before his and Klara's holograms vanished from their seats ending the holo call.
(Scene Break Coruscant)
It was a tense day for the Republic as the group who went to Malastare had returned with their large prize. All of the Republic Walker tanks gunships were ready as were all the guns from the clone troopers and ARKs Operatives.
The Republic cruiser docked as the main hanger door opened and the creature found on Malastare was lifted out on a platform like vehicle. Everyone stared at the creature being transported off the cruiser and an ARKs Operative wielding a Canon saw the massive creature.
"Holy shit that thing is massive!" An ARKs Operative called out clearly not being there when Elder had unleashed his full power back on Ryloth.
"Keep it locked ARKs Ops!" Another Operative exclaimed, as the two who spoke steadied themselves.
The doors to the Beast's new home opened and out walked Chancellor Palpatine and his vice chair Mas Amedda walked out with a pair of Senate guards alongside them. A gunship exiting from the cruiser landed and out came Mace Windu, Anakin Skywalker, and R2-D2. With them were Yuvel, Laura, Reggie, and Zurna from ARKs. The group approached Palpatine as they Mags floated next to their designated ARKs Operative.
"Your excellency." Anakin greeted as they all stood together to observe the Zillo Beast being brought in.
"Such size, such power." Palpatine stated, getting a better look at the creature with his own eyes instead of through a hologram.
"With Respect, Chancellor." Mace Windu spoke up, catching the Chancellors attention. "I believe that this creature could pose an infinite number of dangers. Bringing it to Coruscant is a mistake." The Jedi Master said urging Palpatine to reconsider bringing the creature here.
"Oh, I assure you I did not make this decision lightly Master Jedi." Palpatine said turning to the high-ranking member of the Jedi order, "The sooner we can unlock the Zillo Beast secrets the sooner we can end this terrible war." Palpatine said trying to find a way to end this war once and for all.
"I hope you are right, chancellor." Mace said relenting before they turned their attention back to the Zillo Beast.
Dr. Boll and three of her droids, modified CLL-M2 Binary load lifters, came walking forward to the group from the ramp. "I'm turning the Zillo Beast over to you, doctor." Windu said as he looked to her with a hardened look. "I trust it will be given good care." He added as he knew that it was the last of its kind.
"This creature is a priceless resource, Master Windu. It will be well treated, I assure you." Dr. Boll stated bowing her head in respect to the Jedi before her.
Just then a nearby commotion was heard and from it they saw a member of ARK's approaching them. She had a wild look about her almost like she had lived in a jungle her whole life. Her clothing was primitive with a fang necklace and ornaments on it. Over it all was a lab coat with her ARK's ID hanging from the front. She also had a pair of sandals as she approached the scene with a grin showing her teeth were quiet sharp.
"ARK's Chief Xenobiologist Professor Yasei reporting for duty." She introduced before looking to the Zillo Beast with her hands in her lab pocket. "So, this is the big guy that has everyone up in arms." Yasei said with a grin on her face. "Looks big, he'll be answering to me within a month." Yasei said as Boll looked surprised by how wild this scientist looked.
"Oh, good you're here." Rinko said approaching her colleague. "Gentleman and ladies this is my associate Professor Yasei the chief Xenobiologist and Zoologist of ARKs." Rinko said as she introduced her friend.
"She seems a bit… unorthodox." Palpatine said as Rinko smiled to this.
"Well, she runs a nature preserve where many animals get sent to, rehabilitated, and then when ready released back into the wild." Rinko said as Yasei was closest to the Zillo Beast knocking on its shell when she got close enough. "Her method is to treat it as it would in the wild so when it's ready it leaves." Rinko said before chuckling a bit. "Or she chomps on its neck until it surrenders control to her… yeah, she's weird." Rinko said as Laura heard this and sweat dropped there.
"Says the coffee to the kettle." Laura voiced as she saw the scene play out.
"Nice." Zurna said as the two girls gave each other a low five.
Palpatine' unseen by anyone else, glowered by this development, but remained silent as he and Mas Amedda approached her to privately request to be there for the first report on the Beast's initial results.
Mace Windu looked back, looking to the beast, wondering if it was truly safe, before entering the gunship to be returned to the Jedi Temple. Even as he left Windu watched as Palpatine, his group, Dr. Boll, and Yasei went inside for their studying of the last Zillo Beast.
(Scene Break the Jedi Temple)
Mace Windu met with Obi-Wan Kenobi privately in the Council chamber after Master Windu and Anakin reported their findings and how the creature retaliated. After getting the situation, Obi-wan couldn't help but grown concerned over the beast being on Coruscant. "Why would the Chancellor want bring the Beast here?" Obi-Wan asked voicing his concerns over this. "I know he thinks by studying it the knowledge would prove to be beneficial. But with what you, Anakin, and Yuvel reported on Malastare it hardly seems worth the effort." The bearded Jedi Master added to which Mace Windu shared his colleagues concerns here.
"I raised the issue with the chancellor during the battle of Malastare, without success." Windu answered and in turn showed that there were several people who disagreed with this decision on the Zillo Beast being on Coruscant.
This didn't bode well for the younger member of the council, but this also gave him an idea. "Well then, perhaps that we let someone else try. Someone outside of military channels." Obi-Wan said as he looked to Windu.
"And whom would you mean?" Mace asked with a raised brow to this offer.
(Scene Break a few days later with the Zillo Beast)
Dr. Boll directed her platform to be in front of the beast, with the walking cavewoman Yasei on the ground circling said beast. Yasei then began to climb the equipment and approached the creature to meet it eye-to-eye. Dr. Boll had some objections to this as the woman seemed against using some modern equipment unless absolutely necessary. She decided to voice them when Yasei began to reach her hand out to the creature before her.
"Please be careful, Doctor. The beast's been known to be…" Boll began but went silent as she saw the beast rubbing its head against her hand. This action had left the Bivall at a loss for words at what happened.
"Amazing…" Dr. Boll breathed, unable to believe what her eyes are telling her brain.
The Beast made non-threateningly sound to Yasei who grinned at the creature before her while rubbing across its head. Dr. Boll still could not believe her eyes while this was clearly happening before her.
"This one is a fighter and a survivor he'll probably kick just about any ass that screws with him." Yasei said as she knew the look it had in its eyes and respected that look. The creature in response respected Yasei as well and thus knew her to be a friend.
However, the happy moment was ended when one of Dr. Boll's droids forced the scales up and the Science Droid went to collect a sample of the beast's blood, the pain of it caused the Beast to cry out in pain.
"Hey! Call off the robots!" Yasei called out giving a near beast like growl as she looked to her coworker in this project.
"That's enough!" Dr. Boll ordered as she saw, and heard, the beast in pain. The Droids in response backed off as Yasei began to calm down the creature.
"Good boy! You were truly brave for that." Yasei said rubbing her hand against its head calming it down. Just then Palpatine and Mas Amedda came in another platform for the update.
"Prof. Yasei's scans revealed that the scales are remarkably strong and light, like nothing either our records or that of ARKs own archives." Dr. Boll reported to the chancellor on the subject. "She and I both believe that if we can find the right spectrum of scanning frequencies then we may be able to have a scan of its composition to reinforce our Clone and ARKs armor." Boll said making her report known to the Chancellor.
"And what is stopping you in the meantime?" Palpatine asked, looking at Dr. Boll and Yasei who was not sitting cross legged on the beast's head.
"I had thought about removing the scales for a sample, but it is very difficult and, as you witnessed, the process is extremely painful for the Beast." Boll answered as she gestured to the scene prior. "It has taken Professor. Yasei's skills as a Xenobiologist to calm it down." Boll added as she had some concerns about how to get a safe scan of the Zillo Beasts outer shell.
"Would it not be more efficient to simply kill the beast?" Palpatine asked, his tone in danger of sounding callous about the creature's fate.
Hearing Chancellor Palpatine suggest killing the very creature that they have brought back from Malastare caused both Dr. Boll and Yasei eyes to widen in shock. "Kill it? Are you sure?" The Chancellors Vice Chair asked concerned over the possible death of an endangered species.
"Chancellor, I must protest!" Dr. Boll protested, going to the edge of her platform nearest to the leader of the Republic.
"Same!" Yasei called out as she then jumped down and somehow landed safely on a platform closest to the creature's head before she began to rub her hand against it. "The big guy here is the last of its kind and from what I've seen it's one smart being intelligent even." Yasei said as she tried to stop her new friend's possible death. "Our best and safest way is to try and get the big guy to have a premature shedding of its shell so we can scan the shedding's without harming him." Yasei said making it clear where she stood on this.
As Yasei rubbed the creatures head it gave off a sound that made her believe it liked her touch. While surprised by this Palpatine that this ARK's Researcher could calm the temper of the Beast, he pressed on. "I find the possibility of it being intelligent hard to believe. After all it is, just an animal." HE said and upon hearing that made the beast Growl threateningly in response to his words.
Hearing the growl, she knew that this something that Yasei had to voice. "I don't think he liked what you called him." Yasei said knowing that her new friend was a smart one.
The Beast's eyes glared at Palpatine, while the aged man stood unaffected by the glare as he addressed the scientists. "I applaud your shared high moral standings, after all principle is on short supply these days." Palpatine said praising the pair for that. However, every passing minute of warfare brings countless deaths to all who fight it." Palpatine said explaining why he felt the need to euthanize the creature. "Deaths that can be prevented once the beast's secrets can be unlocked." Palpatine said before he then looked to Boll and Yasei. "If there is any means of hastening that process, then it is our moral duty to explore it." Palpatine said urging the pair, but Yasei had her suspicions about this unsavory path.
But all Yasei could do was growl before she glanced over to Boll, but she looked between her superior then back to the colleague. While she admits Yasei, and Rinko are both unorthodox she had come to know and respect the two so much since first hearing about ARKs and their research. Thus, with a defeated sigh Boll made her decision on what to do here. "I serve at your pleasure, Chancellor." Boll said and in turn a look of horror appeared on Yasei's face at those words. "I'm just not sure where to begin… The fact remains that the beast remains indestructible." Boll continued hoping that this might deter the Chancellor until a safer nonlethal solution could be found.
But alas from how the Chancellors face hardened that would not be the case here. "Nothing is truly indestructible, Doctor." Palpatine said before a tense silence reigned in. "Wasn't there something in Malastare fuel that affected the beast?" Palpatine asked as he looked to the doctor.
"It weakened the Zillo Beast, yes." Boll answered and saw where this conversation was going. "But-." She began trying to object again but was cut off by her boss.
"Excellent I suggest you start there." Palpatine said but Yasei had to try one more time.
"Chancellor Palpatine with all due respect you need to reconsider this path, if we resort to this action, we'll be no better than the Dark Falz or the Separatists." Yasei said hoping to use the moral argument on this.
"My dear, your compassion is a beacon of light in this dark time, and it has not touched a heart of stone, but I'm afraid we must proceed with this action to end this terrible war." Palpatine answered her pleas and in turn Yasei growled before returning her attention to the Zillo Beast. Using this chance, Palpatine motioned for a guard to redirect his platform away. "Doctor, you need to find a way to kill that beast, even if your colleague protests or try to deter you." Palpatine said as he began to hover away. "Otherwise, we shall replace you with someone who can." He finished before he was gone completely leaving but as he left the Zillo Beast gave a furious roar towards him.
Unaware to any of them Xect's own spies were observing the entire exchange recording the data and sending it back to Xect. Hopefully, he can make heads or tails of this because this spy could see something was amiss here.
(Later at the Senate Building)
Anakin Skywalker entered one of the many rooms of the Senate building with R2-D2 by his side, as he was previously summoned by his former master to meet him at the Senate Building for something important. He found him a walking distance ahead along with some unexpected but pleasant company. Padme Amidala, his secret wife, and senator of Naboo was with his master, as well as Yaga and Klara of ARKs.
R2 rolled ahead and greeted his old friend C3P0 who still had the upgrades ARKs gave his translation function. "Oh hello." C3P0 greeted jovially to the Astromech droid. "You're not in trouble again, are you R2?" Threepio asked as he looked to the droid.
R2 let out a few chirps and whistles that the protocol droid was being rude to him. "I am not being rude!" 3P0 exclaimed at the astromech's accusation.
Anakin smirked slightly at the interaction before looking at his secret wife. "Not that it isn't a pleasure, Senator, but I thought I was just meeting Obi-wan here." Anakin said as he was wondering why Padme was here with Yaga and Klara.
"Master Kenobi, explained the problem and Yaga and Klara acting as speakers for ARKs heard about it and we agreed to help." Padme explained as she looked to her secret husband with Yaga and Klara being the only two who knew and had opted not to talk about said secret.
"Problem? What problem?" Anakin asked with a tone of suspicion as he gave the group a skeptical look.
"Oh, you know the huge ass Kaiju you have not too far away from here that you brough over from Malastare." Yaga said voicing his objections to having a Kaiju near them.
"Uh-huh." Anakin remarked, the turbines in his mind quickly turning to an obvious conclusion. "I see what's going on here." Anakin said as he did not like where this was going. "You're all think I could influence the Chancellor on this, didn't you?" Anakin asked, accusingly at those assembled. While it is true that he is close to the chancellor for the man being there for him through the years since arriving at Coruscant. There was no way he can talk him out of keeping the Zillo Beast in the capitol.
"The Zillo Beast was brought here chained and against its will." Padme stated being the voice of reason. "It has no voice to defend itself. Anakin, we must be that voice to its defense." Padme said adding to the concern on the Zillo Beast.
Anakin only chuckled dryly at this, no doubt seeing the group did not see it like he did. "You haven't seen it in action. You have no idea what it's capable of." Anakin defended but Klara spoke up on this.
"No, we haven't but after finding out what the Chancellor planned to do to it, we have to object." Klara said knowing that the groundwork for a Kaiju moving was starting to take shape here.
"Klara is correct, and it just puts fear over what we are capable of." Padme said as the words held more meaning knowing what she does about Dark Falz Persona. "A creature's life, maybe even the fate of its species is at stake. Doesn't that even warrant a discussion on its behalf?" Padme asked trying to block out Persona from her mind with this topic.
"I did not think you would feel so strongly about such a matter, Senator." Anakin said before he relented to his wife and two friends. "Alright, let's speak to the Chancellor. But I still don't like this." Anakin said but then remembered Klara's words. "By the way Klara what did you mean by what the Chancellor planned to do?" Anakin asked with concern over this.
"You'll find out when we meet with him." Klara said as her tone showed she couldn't even speak of it without feeling sick about it.
(Later in the Chancellors Office)
When they arrived Palpatine, with his vice chair, heard the reason for this unannounced visit. "I should have known things would not remain secret around here." Palpatine said with a sad sigh to this.
"Isn't that the point of a democracy?" Padme asked she looked to her mentor.
"Of course, in war time, there must be secrets, even from the people, to keep them from the enemy." Anakin said, earning glares from both his secret wife and the two members of the Council of Six with them.
"No offense but while I will admit that there is a reason to have secrets, but I can't see the reason why we need to keep this a secret." Yaga said as he looked to the Supreme Chancellor.
"I'm sure his excellency has his reason, Representative." Anakin said, keeping himself as calm as possible through this. How could Yaga and Klara suspect Chancellor Palpatine of having reasons other than noble to keeping secrets. Especially since the Chancellor had to pull strings in order to give the ARKs Operatives a means to be seen as a Representative to the Senate.
"I understand how you feel but this choice was something I do not enjoy…" Palpatine stated, to the two Council if Six members.
"You surely made it look and sound like you were when you told Dr. Boll and Yasei. Especially when you threatened her career." Yaga said as he had been told about that from both Yasei and Xect. This surprised both Anakin and Padme as Klara seemed conflicted by this new revelation.
"You did what?" Klara asked shocked to hear this act done by the Chancellor of all people. "Chancellor you can't do that." Klara said urging the Chancellor to see reason.
Palpatine was momentarily shocked that Arks knew about that. But he then sighed before placing his hand to his head, regret in his actions and words. "I apologize for that, the fact that so many people are dying because of this war, I must admit that I was not thinking straight when I spoke to Dr. Boll." Palatine said to the two members of ARKs. But as I oversee a community that spans throughout the Galaxy and it breaks my heart to know that even as we speak, more people of the community, of the galaxy, are dying and because of that I was so filled with the pain and need to end this war I made a decision that will haunt me for my life." He said sounding remorseful for his poor choice in words during that previous meeting. "After this is over, I will make it up to Dr. Boll for my lack of courtesy to someone of her position." Palpatine promised to the gathered group, but Yaga had some objections about this.
"Yeah, threatening someone's career if they don't kill a creature is going to take a lot to make up for." Yaga said crossing his arms.
"It is unfortunate that the beast must die. But the greater good demands it." Mas Ameddas stated, touching the butt of his staff to the carpet floor of the office. "Surely you who has spent so long fighting the Dark Falz and their Falspawn can understand such a need." He added as he looked to Yaga and Klara.
"We understand but this thing is the last of it's kind." Yaga said making his opinion clear about the Chancellor's concerning decision. "Even ARKs would never condone Genocide no matter what rewards is offered for it." Yaga added showing why he was considered as the Heart of the Council of Six honest and honorable to a fault.
"Don't you have more pressing matters that require your attention on today, Senators?" the Vice Speaker ask, glancing to the Naboo and ARK's Representatives.
"No not today most of the papers I had to sign have been handled." Yaga said as he looked to the Vice Chair. "And even if we didn't this seems to be a far more pressing concern for us here." Yaga added as Klara looked ready to speak up about this.
"I sympathize, my friends, truly I do." Palpatine said as he stood up with a grandfatherly smile to them. "But consider this; A democracy is only as strong as the people who comprise it and at present the people, I am charged with protecting are dying faster than I can count because of this terrible war." He said as this got everyone's attention on them. "It is my moral imperative to take action." Palpatine said before reaching out to both Anakin and Klara about this. "Anakin, and young Klara is it not worth the life of one savage beast to give our brave troops, and allies, the advantage they need to end this war?" Palpatine offered knowing that due to Klara's age and her rank on the Council of Six she had a great deal of responsibility on her shoulders.
Anakin glanced to Padme, cleared his throat as he said, trying to be neutral in this. "My role is not to set policy, Chancellor." Anakin said as he and Klara considered both sides of things going on here. "But I do see both points of view. I'm certain that a reasonable solution will present itself." Anakin said as Klara was unsure on how to best respond to the growing tension.
"Well, I will admit we shouldn't do this, but I also admit that the Chancellor has a point on the matter." Klara said after taking a moment to find her voice once more to speak.
"Obi-Wan has taught you well Anakin, and it seems that young Klara truly does deserve her spot on the Council of Six." Palpatine praised the two as he smiled behind the wisdom of their words.
"No offense but if you want to proceed with this then it will be without ARKs support and we will protest this to hell and back." Yaga said making it clear that he did not agree with this morbid path.
"The integrity of ARKs Moral standing despite facing the odds against the Dark Falz has truly moved and humbled me." Palpatine said with a smile on his face over the noble intentions of ARKs Ops. But then his smile became a sad one before he continued speaking.
"Which is why this is so hard for me to say, but in order for the beast's secrets to be unlocked to save the lives of our brave soldiers on the front lines, the life of one animal is inconsequential." Palpatine said as Yaga growled a bit to this but kept his cool none the less.
"One animal? It's the last of its kind." Yaga said as the ARKs Representative knew that if they proceeded with this plan, they would render this creature extinct to the universe never to be seen alive again.
But before anything else could be said Mas Ameddas spoke up. "Chancellor." The Vice Chair spoke and thus drew Palpatine's attention away from the group. As result of this Anakin and Padme began to whisper with Yaga and Klara joining.
"Klara, Anakin what the hell?" Yaga asked accusingly of the two for not taking their side on this particular discussion. "I mean come on whose side are you two even on?" Yaga asked as he looked to the pair before him.
"Padme." Anakin spoke trying to get her on his side here.
"Answer him." Padme responded clearly not happy with how Anakin and Padme had handled that entire talk there.
"We're on your side, honest." Klara said as she tried to calm the two down.
"Sure, doesn't look that way." Yaga responded as they were trying to save the Zillo Beast, not doom its species.
"Well, he makes a few good points." Anakin added but Yaga then had one more jab to give.
"So, you're ok with becoming the very thing you're trying to defeat." Yaga said and thus Padme and Anakin both went wide eyed at that. That was when Yaga's words registered in his head that he felt bad. "Ok I admit low blow my bad." Yaga admitted feeling crappy for his comment.
(Meanwhile back at the Lab)
The moment of truth had arrived as Boll began to prepare the lethal dose that would kill the Zillo Beast. Yasei was there to make one last attempt to stop this in a diplomatic manner. Yasei had to do something to save the creature even if it was for not. Boll had taken the time to research the fuel the Duggs made and why it was poison to the Zilo Beast. After taking the time to isolate it she managed to figure out the how and why before turning it into a gas form. This should hopefully euthanize the creature since its body was far to large for a direct injection of such a serum. Plus, an injection would require moving the outer armor for it which would in turn cause the creature pain and opting it to struggle before they can give the injection.
With a sigh of defeat Boll proceeded to contact the Chancellor with a status update and a small bit of hope that he would reconsider. "Ah Dr. Boll. I trust you have some progress to report." Palpatine said via the Hologram from his meeting with Anakin, Padme, Yaga, and Klara.
"Yes, Chancellor." Boll began as she seemed to have a bit of a sad tone in her voice. "I was able to convert the Malastare fuel toxin into a poison gas." She reported as she looked to Palpatine. "I believe it's now strong enough to kill the Zillo Beast." She said before pausing for a brief moment. "If… that's still how you wish to proceed." Boll said as she had objections, she was unable to voice in this stage.
"I wish I saw an alternative." Palpatine said as Yasei scoffed as he had been given several alternatives. "However, sadly, I must ask you to proceed with your assignment." Palpatine said before Boll nodded and the call ended.
With a saddened look Boll began to load up one of the canisters into one of the Droids for the horrible deed she was to commit this day. "I'm sorry. Don't worry. It will all be over soon." Boll said trying to assure the Zillo Beast that its death will be quick and painless like falling asleep. "Begin Procedure." Boll ordered and thus the droid went as it was ordered.
Yasei looked as she could not bare to watch the last of a species dying right in front of her eyes. From her spot Boll looked upon her instruments and saw what was happening to the beast. "Vital signs are dropping…" Boll said sadly as she knew orders were orders. However, the Zillo Beast was strong and had survived the extinction of its race because of its strength and will to survive. So, it came as a shock to Boll and Yasei as the Zillo Beast began to struggle and force itself to freedom.
With a burst of strength, the creature managed to break through the restraints as Boll was shocked over what she was seeing. "No, it should have been enough." Boll said shocked over what she was bearing witness too. It did not take long for the Zillo Beast to bust out of its cage and charge its way out.
Breaking out the Zillo Beast began it's escape while its tail hit Boll's platform on the way out. Acting fast Yasei bounced from her spot via a Photon Dash infused jump and managed to save Boll. Meanwhile the Zillo Beast was making its way towards the door and with it towards the freedom that any wild animal desires in life.
(Outside)
The assembled forces around the lab were seen pointing their canons and tanks inward. IT was a precaution incase the Zillo Beast broke out. But when the sounds of alarms blared as Clone Troopers and ARKs Operatives all had their weapons pointed at the door.
"I don't like the sound of that." A Clone said as he was ready for anything.
"No one does." An ARKs Operative added as he stood with the Clone Trooper.
"If that thing is as powerful as they say what good are our weapons going to do?" Another Clone Trooper asked as the first glared at his brother for that.
"Shut up Kosmo." The Trooper ordered and in turn everyone was ready to move. Not long after the doors blasted open by the Zillo Beasts own strength and once it was free it began to make its escape from the lab it had been held in. The clones and ARKs Operatives were powerless to stop it as the creature made a B-Line for the greater parts of Coruscant.
Carrying the unconscious Boll out Yasei began to look around and went wide eyed as she saw the Zillo Beast was making its escape. "Oh shit." Yasei curse realizing that this had turned into a Kaiju attack. "Where's Godzilla when you need him?" Yasei asked as she carried Boll to the nearby medics.
(Later back at the Chancellor's Office)
The group were still trying to talk to Palpatine about the Zillo Beast as day turned into night. But that was not the major of what was happening. Palpatine's communicator went off and thus Palpatine saw Boll on the call. "Doctor were you successful?" Palpatine asked and in turn she had a scared look on her face.
"We have a problem, sir." Boll said and in turn the City Alarms began to blare.
Looking to the window Yaga and Klara saw the fires and realized what was going on. Yaga being the petty smart ass, he was and brutally honest began applauding the Chancellor. "Congratulations Chancellor this just became a Kaiju Movie." Yaga said as he looked to the Chancellor.
"Yaga!" Klara scolded as she grabbed Yaga by his ear.
Seeing that the Chancellor needed a way to solve this Boll already had the answer. "We need more time to convert the Malastare fuel into the gas toxin." Boll said and thus Palpatine knew they had to act.
"I suggest you hurry doctor." Palpatine said and in turn ended the call.
"Evacuate the staff to the underground shelter." Padme ordered the gold-plated protocol droid who in response went off to do so.
Anakin and R2 were contacting Rex as the Jedi Knight looked to the Clone Captain. "Stay with General Kenobi I'm on my way." Anakin ordered to which Rex understood.
"Better hurry, sir. You're missing all the fun." Rex said and thus Anakin smirked in response to this.
"This is Yaga and Klara of the Council of Six to all active ARKs Operatives on Coruscant this is an Urgent Mission Alert approval. All ARKs are to deploy and intercept the Zillo Beast. I repeat the Zillo Beast is loose on Coruscant." Yaga said and thus the Alert was then sent out.
"It's coming this way." Padme called out as she saw the Zillo Beast out the window in Coruscant.
"Oh, come on!" Klara cried out as Yaga sprang into action.
"Let's go, our guys down there will need help." Yaga said and thus with a nod from Klara the two ARKs Leaders headed out to fight off the Zillo Beast. But before they could leave the entire building shook from the Zillo Beast no doubt flinging itself at it and landing on top of it.
"Perhaps now would be a good time to evacuate to the lower levels." Anakin said but then R2, who was looking down the window, began to panic and roll away. Looking out the window the group were wide eyed when they saw the Zillo Beast green eyes glaring down upon them.
"Uh… hi." Klara said and thus the Zillo Beast roared out at them when its eyes laid on Palpatine.
"RUN!" Yaga called out and thus the group left the office to get down to the lower levels. "So, Chancellor, still think it's a mindless beast?" Yaga asked as they ran out of the room to get down to safety. Meanwhile seeing his quarry flee the Zillo Beast roared in anger.
(Meanwhile with ARKs Operatives)
"EMERGENCY MISSION ALERT!" Came the Intercom of the ARKs Base on Coruscant. "THE ZILLO BEAST HAS BROKEN LOOSE AND BEGAN ATTACKING CORUSCANT! ALL ARKS ARE ORDERED TO DEPLPOY FOR AN INTERCEPTIONS MISSION TO NEUTRALIZE THE ZILLO BEAST!" The intercom called out as ARKs Operatives were seen grabbing their gear for battle.
The Ark's Operatives from the 501st were loading up in their AIS units. Due to the versatility as well as the mech suits maneuverability it was decided that the AIS's would be used for this battle. "Let's go, let' go!" Yuvel called out as one by one he, Reggie, Laura, and Zurna loaded up into their AIS units ready to deploy.
"Oi mate!" Came the sound of a Newman Yuvel was most familiar with. Looking to the source of the familiar voice Yuvel saw Lon approaching with Kaz, Zion, and Yuna coming their way. "Didn't think you were going to deploy without us, did you?" Long asked with a smirk on his face.
"Not in the slightest." Yuvel said and thus they all began to load up into their AIS units. "Just be careful that thing has armor thicker than Reggie's skull." Yuvel said as Reggie nodded to this.
"Yeah…. HEY WAIT A MINUTE!" Reggie called out after his mind registered the jab Yuvel just made.
(Meanwhile back with the Chancellor)
Palpatine led them to a place that they never been to before as the elevator took them down. "What is this, Chancellor?" Padme asked not recognizing this location.
"My security staff insisted on adding this security route." Palpatine explained as he led them to a shuttle that would take them away from the senate building. One of the Senate Commandos went to start the shuttle as they all filed in with Palpatine sitting closer to the commando while Anakin, Padme, and Threepio sat in the seats behind them and Artoo locked himself in place. In the back Yaga and Klara held on to whatever handles they could find and hope they don't go crashing somehow. Just then Palpatine took out his image caster and began to make a call to Boll.
"Chancellor, I think we have enough toxin now." Boll reported once she answered the call the Chancellor made to her.
"My guards will be with you shortly. Hand it to them as soon as they arrive, time is of the essence, doctor." Palpatine stated as they were prepared to escape the building and the attacking Zillo Beast on it.
"Does it have to be destroyed?" Padme asked once the call had ended. "They Jedi Stun cannons." Padme began but was cut off by Palpatine.
"Will not eliminate the problem." Palpatine pointed out as he made it clear that this was the only way now. "The advance technology of ours and ARKs simply cannot contain it." Palpatine said as they were ready to depart and get away from the danger.
"I wish we never brought the beast here." Padme said with a sigh of dismay over the current situation.
"That's what we've been saying!" Yaga cut in as he was ready to get the heck out of this place.
Once they began to take off R2 beeped as nearby a familiar beast was seen. Looking 3P0 saw the Zillo Beast and opted to voice it. "Pardon me, mistress Padme. But I believe something is following us." 3P0 said before he then turned to the right side of the shuttle and saw the Beast glaring at them.
"Evasive action!" Anakin ordered once he saw the danger and in turn the pilot attempted to do so. But it was for not as the Zillo beast to grab the shuttle with its closest arms and brought the shuttle close for it to see if the man that it was hunting was in it. Palpatine stared in horror as the beast sees him again and glared once it had seen his face. Palpatine, in this moment, seemed to be regretting his previous actions against the best very much now as he stared into the glaring eye of the beast.
"We're doomed." 3P0 said as he saw what was on everyone's minds in this current situation.
(Meanwhile down on the ground)
The Stun tanks landed on the main street leading to the Senate building. With them were AIS Units who were preparing to go into the fight with the same solution. Windu and Obi-Wan were leading them as they prepared to fight off the Zillo Beast. "All tanks acquire solution and prepare to fire on my order…" Mace Windu began but was then cut off.
"Hold your fire." Yoda was heard and in turn the two Jedi turned to see their grandmaster approaching with Master Aayla Secura. "In the beast's clutches, the Chancellor is." Yoda said as he hobbled over to the scene.
"Anakin might be with him, and Senator Amidala." Obi-Wan said as he looked down to Yoda.
"If the beast falls, at risk their lives will be." Yoda stated looking up at the human members of the order.
"Seems like ARKs didn't get the memo." Rex said as he had his microbinoculars out where he saw the ARKs Ship deploying into battle.
"Let me see." Obi-Wan said and thus saw the ARKs AIS Carrier ship. "Of course." Obi-Wan said as he suspected that it was Yuvel up there leading the charge.
(Zillo Beast)
-Insert Phantasy Star Online 2 Battleship Yamato Part 2 Music Steel Prestige Borderless (AIS)-
The Zillo Beast was in the process of trying to tear the ship apart for its target when all of a sudden, Photon rockets hit the side of its head. The beast roared out and turned to the source of it and saw 8 AIS Units coming in for an attack. The Zillo Beast roared out and swung its free arm at the AIS Units who in response avoided the attack.
"Yuvel, we got a civilian ship in that things hand!" Reggie called out as two teams saw what the Zillo Beast currently had.
"Laura!" Yuvel called out as he looked to the Newman Force of the team.
"Positive life signs I think it's the Chancellor!" Laura called out and thus Yuvel nodded to this while the AIS fired upon the Zillo Beast taking extra care to not hit the ship it had.
"Lon we'll draw the Zillo Beasts attention! You and your team peel off and secure the ship." Yuvel ordered and thus Lon nodded to this.
"Got it mate!" Lon called out and in turn he, Zion, Yuna, and Kaz peeled off to go low and secure the Chancellor.
Yuvel and his team began to fly around the Zillo Beast and opened fire on it to draw its attention on them. Yuvel fired his guns with Reggie backing him up. "Suck it bitch!" Reggie roared out as he fired at the beast with his AIS rifle. During this Zurna charged in and swung her AIS's sword on the Zillo Beast with Laura firing a volley of Photon rockets at the massive wild animal before them.
The Zillo Beast was able to tank the attack but was unaware that the four were a distraction from the actual plan. Down bellow Lon and his team were going for an improve uppercut maneuver on the Zillo Beast. "Stay on target!" Lon called out as he and his team flew upward.
"Got it boss!" Yuna responded and in turn they aimed for the gaps between the scales and armor of the massive Zillo Beast. As they got close enough the team began their attack with Yuna and Kaz opening fire upon the Zillo Beast with a powerful Photon Beam on the creature. This caused its head to move upward in shock as it had been distracted by Zed and his own team. Next up Zion flew upward and sliced through the ship cutting it in two with the civilians all in one side. This allowed for Lon to catch the broken off half but due to its size he was forced to land on the ground.
Lon's AIS treads grinded on the ground creating sparks from the friction of metal on metal. Lon growled as he then activated his boosters to stop himself from moving any further. His plan worked as he then put the broken half down.
"Nice save." Anakin called out after he got out and saw what Lon did.
"Thank you now if you lot don't mind, I got this blooming bloke to fight!" Lon said and thus he flew off and rejoined his team. Leaving the area, the group began to open fire on the Zillo Beast now giving it eight foes to face.
"Go kick some ass!" Yaga called out as he saw the battle take place really wanting to join in and fight against the last Zillo Beast.
Flying around the two teams easily maneuvered around the Zillo Beast firing at whatever gap they can to keep its attention on them. The Zillo Beast roared as it was getting annoyed if not angry with the AIS units. It swung its arms at them, but they broke off and avoided the attack before they opened fire once more. ARKs Ops was proving that AIS combat was one of the things that they had the Republic beat in due to how maneuverable they were. Firing off their guns at the Zillo Beast ARKs continued combat as they stalled the Beast for the Chancellor to escape.
Just then ARKs Ops was joined by the Republic Gunships that flew in and began firing upon the Zillo Beast helping with the distraction ARKs provided. Leading the charge was Mace Windu with Yoda and Aayla Secura accompanying him into combat. No doubt it was Mace Windu who gave the order for the Gunships to open fire against the Zillo Beast.
Reggie was commanding his AIS against the Zillo Beast as he was proving to be an excellent pilot. "Kaiju Movie we just entered the King Kong Movie!" Reggie laughed as he fired off another volley of Photon Rockets at the Zillo Beast causing it to roar with rage at them.
Meanwhile as the ARKS where busy with their fight against the Zillo Beast, Palpatine saw this opportunity to use the Gas bomb. Thus, taking his commlink he began to give the order to the clones. "USE THE GAS BOMB!" He ordered and in turn he got a confirmed response from the Clone Trooper Pilot.
"Copy." The Trooper confirmed and in turn the battle began to come to an end here. The Trooper proceeded to fire off the flares to get at the Zillo Beast's attention with the ARKs Operatives seeing the signal as well.
"Everyone, fall back! Their using the Gas Bomb!" Yuvel called and thus the eight AIS units all began to retreat while the Zillo Beast was distracted. When the Zillo Beast roared at the source of the flares the Clone Pilots proceeded to fire off the bombs at it. Some of the Gas Rockets made it into the beast's mouth while the others hit the outside of its body and engulfed the Zillo beast whole.
The group down below kept running as the gas approached them. But then Yuvel and his squad got to them and grabbed each of them. Yuvel grabbed Anakin and Padme, Reggie grabbed 3P0 and R2, Zurna grabbed Yaga and Klara, and Laura grabbed Palpatine and the Guard Commando before they all flew off. They were able to get away from the gas before they could be engulfed by it as they watched it cover the Zillo Beast.
While they could not see, they could hear the Zillo Beast roaring in pain as the gas affected its body. The beast gave one last shrill cry that made the Jedi, ARKs Operatives, and Clone troopers outside of the gas' range to stop firing and watch. The Zillo Beast then breathed its last as it began to tumble off the Senate Building down to the streets below it. The Jedi knew that because of how they allowed the death of a creature, the last of its kind, to go into extinction… they had failed to uphold the principles of their order.
-End OST-
(Scene Break the next Morning)
The sun rose and the city was still in disarray, especially after the rampage of the Zillo Beast. Since the Zillo Beast started its rampage, the ARKs Operatives on Coruscant were divided in confronting the beast and saving as many lives as possible. It wasn't easy as many lost their lives as did the civilians and the troopers who tried to stop it.
Yasei remained silent, after she had scanned and confirmed the death of the Beast, going into her work to devise ways to prevent this from happening again. As she sent the findings to her commanding officer's she did not even spare a glance at Dr. Boll as she went to await transport back to Halpha. IT would seem that Yasei was grief stricken at the loss of a creature she had formed a bond with. The last of its species gone from the Universe never to be seen again.
From one of the ARKs Ships Xect was seen walking out as he did not have a happy look on his face. Though in retrospect Xect never really seems happy to begin with. "Councilman Xect, I do wish seeing you was on better circumstances." Palpatine said as he looked to the head of ARKs Intelligence Department.
"I must apologize for what happened to your men." Palpatine apologized sounding remorseful of the incident that took place. "I owe them my life for helping me during this crisis. If there is anything I can do to return the favor, please let me know." Palpatine said as he seemed ready to make great strides to make amends for his horrid mistake this day.
"Just keep helping the people that you were elected to serve, nothing more. They need you now more than ever." Xect said with a tone that showed hidden rage. "We lost a lot of good people this day." Xect said as he took out a data pad for another update on the damages the ARKs suffered. Palpatine looked down, recognizing the tone that the ARKs leader had given him and knew he had to make amends somehow.
As the body of the beast was carted off to be loaded on the assault ship to take it somewhere, Anakin was the first to speak. "It is... a tragedy that the Zillo Beast paid with its life for our mistakes." Anakin said with a sad tone in his voice on the incident.
"I will make certain that sacrifice was not made in vain." Palpatine promised before turning to leave with his guards. As the others turned away to go about their duties Boll approached the Chancellor he said, after knowing he was out of earshot of anyone to be concerned about. "Doctor, a word if you please." Palpatine called as he then handed her a datapad. "Your new orders." HE said and in turn Boll took a moment to look them over.
When she got a look over the Doctor was shocked over what she found. "What is this?" Boll asked before she looked back as the Chancellor walked to the gunship. "You want me to... Clone the beast!?" She asked shocked over what was being asked of her.
Palpatine remained silent when the Gunship rose into the air and flew back to the Senate. With no one watching him, Palpatine let himself smirk. as the corpse of the Beast was loaded onto the Republic Assault ship took off to dispose of its remains.
Unaware someone watched as he flew off... someone who looked though a pair of Cyber Glasses. Before turning to face the Zillo Beast's body Xect began to speak again "I hope this plan of yours works Botanica... we took a significant risk in doing this under everyone's detection." Xect said as he knew his spies and Yasei had contacted him about this.
"I know... I'm sorry to involve you in this." Yasei said as she was leaning on the wall near Xect as they spoke quietly to each other. "I just couldn't let them kill Zillo just because of his appearance and preconceived intelligence." She added as the wild animal lover was intent on saving the creatures life and they had.
"It was the least I can do, especially since we both know that only someone with an ulterior motive would want to save a creature's life to end it for military gain." Xect said as he now knew that the Chancellor was up to something.
"Still, I must thank you for creating the anti-toxin serum and for switching it out with the Malastate Gas." She said thanking Xect for his deeds this day. "I still don't know how you did it because the serum you used was able to make it appear dead to the world." Yasei said as she could not fathom how Xect had managed to do such a deed.
"A word of warning… always stay 20 moves ahead." Xect said as he began to walk off to get the read out on the damages. As Xect left he saw the Assault crate took off to find an uninhabitable planet to deliver the body of the beast for the beast reawaken once it was place and live its life in peace. Of course, Yasei would have a team there to monitor it and study it and if his hunch is right cloning it might be on the table on the Republic side of things here. 'What are you up to... Chancellor?' Xect thought to himself as he glared at the Gunship Palpatine had departed on clearly distrustful of him.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here you, guys go the end of the Zillo Beast Saga. WE got one more chapter to do before moving on to the Geonosis Arc. Now I hope everyone enjoys this and until we next meet, I will again say to everyone, ja-ne.