The Stellar Wing: Part I
The night ripped past like a shooting star, scorching a streak across the velvety expanse of the Milky Way. Excitement crackled in the air, thick enough to choke on, but it did little to quell the groans erupting from the crammed humvees.
Four hours.
Four excruciating hours they'd been bouncing through the backroads of nowhere, dust devils their unwelcome companions.
But finally, they were here.
Twin desert phantoms, painted in a camouflage that mimicked the sun-bleached dunes, rumbled to a halt. Takami led the charge from the front passenger seat, Minato and his flock in tow. A stoic MBI agent trailed close behind, with Chiho's harem mirroring Minato's pack. As they approached the gates, a palpable tension settled over the group.
These weren't any old security gates. Colossal walls of barbed wire, like a twisted halo, encircled the restricted zone Takami simply called "The Vault." Deadly force warnings, emblazoned in stark red letters, marred the imposing metal. High up in watchtowers, snipers perched like silent, predatory birds.
Takami rolled down her window with a practiced flick of her wrist as they pulled up to the checkpoint. The guard, a mountain of a man shrouded in dark shades, lumbered over. Her ID flashed, a burst of silver in the harsh sunlight. The soldier grunted, a grudging acknowledgment, before jerking his head towards the gates to give the all-clear. With a screech of tortured metal, the barricade split open, revealing the yawning maw of the underground complex beyond.
Inside, the air hung heavy with the metallic tang of anticipation. They disembarked in a cavernous, dimly lit garage, the silence broken only by the rhythmic whoosh of the ventilation system. Piling into an elevator that smelled faintly of oil and sweat, they began their descent. Ninety seconds felt like an eternity while crammed into a metal box.
"How deep does this rabbit hole go?" Minato finally broke the smothering silence, his voice echoing in the confined space.
Takami flicked the ash from her cigarette with a nonchalant curl of her wrist, the ember tracing a fleeting arc before dying on the elevator floor. "Two-hundred fifty meters straight down," she replied, the smoke curling from her lips like a wisp of defiance.
Chiho's eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the staggering depth of the elevator shaft. "Two-hundred and fifty meters?! That's like… a skyscraper!"
"It has to be," Takami replied. "What we're storing down here needs the space."
"I'm starting to feel claustrophobic just thinking about it," Homura confessed. "I can't gauge how fast we're falling, or how much longer we have."
"Same here." Musubi replied, her airheaded imagination running wild. "Aside from the spaceship, I wonder what's at the bottom? Aliens? A secret government base? A giant underground city?"
"You know we're aliens, right Musubi?" Yume replied.
Aside from Akitsu, they all laugh nervously.
The elevator lurched to a halt with a metallic groan, the doors sighing open. Takami strode out, a determined glint in her eyes, leading them into a hangar that defied imagination.
The metallic walls seemed to stretch on forever above and before them, the silence shattered only by the rhythmic hum of machinery, both seen and unseen. An electric tingle danced on their skin, a low hum resonating through their bones. Rows of impossibly long and thin hangar lights cast an ethereal glow on the polished durasteel floor, its surface a mirror reflecting the colossal forms it cradled within. The immensity of the ceiling swallowed the light, disappearing into an inky blackness that hinted at a space vast enough to encompass a thousand stars.
Towering cranes, their robotic arms like skeletal fingers, stood frozen in mid-motion, silent guardians of the hangar's treasures. Here, nestled within this metallic womb, lay humanity's dreams given form. Spaceships of every shape and size filled the vast space, each a testament to humanity's insatiable urge to pierce the veil of the cosmos. A sleek, needle-nosed scout ship sat cheek-by-jowl with a behemoth freighter, its hull emblazoned with the faded logo of a long-forgotten corporation. In another corner, a heavily armed warship bristled with an arsenal that could turn a moon to dust.
"Are these all... real?" Matsu breathed, the question barely audible.
"Prototypes, Matsu," Takami replied, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Most have seen successful tests, but flown unmanned, with nothing but cold, calculating AI at the helm."
A network of walkways crisscrossed the upper reaches of the hangar, offering precarious access to the various vessels. Tiny figures, dwarfed by the immensity of the space, scurried along them like ants. The air thrummed with the rhythmic whine of power couplings as a team of engineers prepped a behemoth unlike anything they'd ever seen. Sparks danced from welding torches, momentarily illuminating the scene with an angry orange glow.
Towering over them all, dwarfing even the largest freighter, loomed a colossus. Hands flew to cover mouths, eyes widening in stunned silence.
"This," Takami began, her voice tight with a strange mix of pride and apprehension, "is the Stellar Wing."
The Stellar Wing, a leviathan of sleek, silver metal, gleamed under the sterile glow of the hangar. Its obsidian hull, smooth as a polished mirror, reflected the artificial light while the colossal thruster pods pulsed with a faint saffron glow, a rhythmic heartbeat whispering of imminent departure. A tremor shot down their spines, a cocktail of exhilaration and trepidation fizzing in their veins.
Minato darted glances between his own crew and Chiho's – their usually placid eyes mirrored the churning emotions swirling within him.
"Ready to blast off?" Takami's voice, laced with a sly glint, sliced through the tense air.
Minato swallowed, a lump constricting his throat. "It's… Mother, it's…" he breathed, voice thick with awe as adjectives failed him. "I knew this project was massive, but... this? It's beyond comprehension."
"Just wait until you see the inside." Takami had a sly smile growing up the corner of her mouth. She gestured grandly towards the looming entrance. "Welcome aboard your potential new home, Minato."
The ramp unfolded and descended from the ship's stern, the Stellar Wing's metal doors sliding open with a hydraulic hiss, revealing a sterile chamber bathed in cool, white light. Takami led the charge to board the vessel, and upon the doors sealing behind them, a voice devoid of emotion crackled over the intercom.
"Stand by, shore party. Decontamination in progress."
The soft hum of the cleansing cycle filled the chamber, a low drone vibrating faintly through their skeletons. Minato's mind drifted to the architect of their mission.
"Why isn't Minaka joining us?" Minato rasped, curiosity gnawing at him.
"Decontamination in progress…" the monotonous voice droned on.
Takami's smile faltered for a moment. "Minaka has his hands full overseeing crucial projects for humanity's future on Earth," she explained, a hint of weariness creeping into her voice.
"Like what?" Chiho chimed in, concern tinging her voice.
"Decontamination in progress…"
"Project Honeybee," Takami said simply.
"Honeybee?" Minato echoed, brow furrowed in confusion. "What's that?"
"Are you familiar with a Dyson Swarm?" she asked.
"Decontamination in progress…"
Minato shook his head, captivated. "Not really."
"Isn't that some sort of hypothetical megastructure that surrounds a star in a shell to absorb its energy?" Yashima spoke up.
"Close," Takami exhaled as she began her explanation. "Imagine a celestial net – a web of satellites spun around a star, harvesting its immense energy with solar panels. Project Honeybee aims to harness the sun's power this way. But first, we need to traverse the solar system, scouting for the best locations to strip-mine resources for the project – primarily from Mercury, the closest treasure trove basking in the sun's embrace."
"Ambitious, to say the least," Chiho murmured, eyes gleaming with wonder.
Uzume summed it up. "So, Mercury's our first stop, then?"
"Bingo," Takami said. "We need resources, and the closest treasure chest happens to be sunbathing nearby."
"There's a thought," Matsu murmured, drawing closer to Minato's ear. "Sunbathing from a quasar. Imagine the tan from that."
"Decontamination complete. Commanding Officer Takami Sahashi is ashore. XO Miyajima is relieved." The doors sighed open, revealing the bustling heart of the Stellar Wing. Tsukiumi visibly trembled at the name. Did she just hear that right?
"Tsukiumi, what's wrong?" Kazehana asked, concern etching lines on her face.
"Oh, it's… nothing," Tsukiumi stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
They emerged from the sterile decontamination chamber, blinking in the sudden brilliance of the main deck. A holographic display flickered to life, a dazzling tapestry of swirling colors morphing into a breathtaking map of the galaxy. The deck thrummed with controlled chaos – engineers darted like hyperactive ants, their every movement a frantic symphony orchestrating this monumental undertaking.
Matsu, eyes wide with a child's awe, reached out a tentative hand towards the shimmering display. A wave of information surged through her mind – star charts, potential dangers, whispers of uncharted worlds. It was overwhelming, yet strangely intuitive. It felt like the galaxy itself was whispering secrets directly into her soul.
"Whoa, just like Mass Effect!" Haihane blurted out, shattering the awe with a touch of pop culture.
"But how accurate can this map be?" Matsu countered, her voice laced with a sliver of doubt. "It's alien tech salvaged from the Sekirei's ship, right?"
A sharp intake of breath echoed through the room, followed by the crisp click of heels on the metallic floor. "Exactly," the voice confirmed.
Tsukiumi felt a jolt of primal fear course through her, making her spine ramrod straight and blood run cold. She spun on her heel, dread twisting her features into a mask of terror. "M-M-Miyajima! W-what art thou doing here?!"
Dr. Miyajima, a striking woman with mid-back length straight black hair pulled into a ponytail and piercing hazel eyes, stepped into the room. Her youthful appearance belied the wisdom and experience etched into her sharp features. Clad in a pristine white lab coat, she exuded an aura of authority and control.
Dr. Miyajima's eyes, cold and calculating, swept across the room, landing on each person in turn. Her gaze lingered on Tsukiumi, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Well, well, well," she purred, her voice carrying an undercurrent of menace. "How lovely to see you again, Tsukiumi. How long has it been, five years?"
Tsukiumi's face paled, her body trembling visibly. She clung to Musubi's arm, her grip tight. Minato felt a surge of protective instinct, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Before he could speak his mother spoke up.
"Dr. Miyajima," Takami interjected, her voice firm, "I must insist that you refrain from intimidating the crew."
Miyajima merely tilted her head, her expression unchanged. "Intimidation, Commander? Such a harsh word. I'm simply expressing my pleasure at seeing familiar faces." Her gaze flickered to Minato. "And introducing myself to new ones." Dr. Miyajima's lips curved into a knowing smile, revealing perfect, white teeth. "I couldn't miss the grand unveiling of our galactic roadmap, now could I?"
Tsukiumi's bravado crumbled, replaced by a whimper that escaped her lips. Her past with Dr. Miyajima – a time shrouded in secrecy and whispered threats – was a festering wound she'd desperately hoped to leave behind on Earth. Now, trapped on this metal leviathan with her tormentor, the impending voyage curdled from an adventure into a descent into a nightmare.
Minato, his brow furrowed in confusion, glanced between the petrified Tsukiumi and the enigmatic Dr. Miyajima. "You two know each other?" he managed, his voice barely a whisper.
"Allow me to introduce myself," Dr. Miyajima said, stepping forward and extending a hand towards Minato. "I'm Dr. Miyajima, Tsukiumi's… former adjuster." A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Minato. I take it you've been caring well for your Sekirei?"
Minato felt the heat of Dr. Miyajima's intense gaze and self-consciously rubbed the back of his neck. "Of course," he grunted assertively, a fierce protectiveness rising within him. "I would do anything for my Sekirei."
Dr. Miyajima's smile widened, revealing a touch too much sharpness for Minato's comfort. "Excellent," she purred, her gaze flitting back to Tsukiumi, who cowered behind Kusano. "There's no reason to be afraid, dear. You may have found my methods… unorthodox, back in the day, but here, you're safe."
Tsukiumi let out a strangled sob. "Safe? With you here? Please tell me she won't be a part of the crew!" she pleaded, her voice trembling. "I can't… I won't…"
Musubi, ever the loyal friend, stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Tsukiumi's shoulder. "Don't worry, Tsukiumi," she said firmly. "We'll all be here for you. You won't have to face her alone."
Tsukiumi clung to Musubi's touch, her eyes wide with terror. "But you don't understand!" she whimpered. "What they don't know… what she did…" Her voice trailed off, choked by a sob.
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Takami, her jaw clenched, stepped forward and addressed Dr. Miyajima with a steely glint in her eyes. "Miyajima," she said, her voice cold, "while I appreciate your expertise, your position aboard this vessel is purely scientific. You have no authority over the Sekirei."
Dr. Miyajima's smile curdled for a moment, a waspish glint replacing the amusement in her eyes. But the shift was as fleeting as a flicker. "Of course, Commander," she said, voice dripping with saccharine politeness. "Wouldn't want to upset the delicate ecosystem we have here, would we?" A pointed look stabbed at Tsukiumi, a veiled threat lingering in its depths.
Takami met Dr. Miyajima's gaze head-on, a silent duel crackling between them. Finally, she released the adjuster and turned to Tsukiumi, her voice softening to a gentle breeze. "If it eases your mind," she said, "Dr. Miyajima answers only to me. And anyone who forgets that answer will have me to answer as well."
A spark of hope flared in Tsukiumi's eyes, only to be doused by Dr. Miyajima's next words. "Just kidding!" she chirped, the sound like nails on a chalkboard. "Wouldn't dream of it. Now, if you'll excuse me," her tone snapped professional, "calibrations beckon." With a dismissive flick of her wrist, she vanished down a corridor, leaving behind a trail of unease and a tangle of unanswered questions.
The silence that followed was heavy, thick with the weight of her presence. Minato stared at the spot where Dr. Miyajima had disappeared, a knot of worry tightening in his gut. The mission, once a beacon of excitement, now cast a long shadow. He glanced at Tsukiumi, her face pale and drawn, and a fierce determination ignited within him. He wouldn't let Dr. Miyajima, or anything else, darken this journey for them.
Minato offered a gentle smile. "You heard her, Tsukiumi," he said, approaching and extending a hand. "She's not here for trouble. It's all water under the bridge."
Tsukiumi pouted, turning away. "That 'bridge' madeth me an imperious snob, an imperium most burdensome and rightfully dissolved when I married thee. I do not like her, Minato."
Uzume comforted Tsukiumi while watching the corridor. "Then I don't think I like her, either," she said with a glare. She still remembered the brawl-to-end-it-all that she and Tsukiumi had over a naked misunderstanding.
Minato hummed, searching for the right words. "We don't need to like her, Tsukiumi. That's not important. What's important is that I love you, everyone here agrees you're worth loving, and we're all here for you. Dr. Miyajima can't get to you anymore, not if you don't let her." He took Tsukiumi's hand and tried to turn her head, but she slipped her chin out and kept hiding behind her blonde hair. "We won't let her. She'll answer to me and my mother if she steps out of line."
"That was so lame," Benitsubasa said, rolling her eyes.
Tsukiumi peeked at him, a playful glint sparking in her eyes. "Dost thou mock me?" she teased, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Minato chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Of course not."
Tsukiumi took a moment, the worry lines on her forehead smoothing out like ironed silk. Finally, she sighed. "Very well. I entrust my well-being to you."
"Hey now," Kazehana japed with a smile, "why make him do all the heavy-lifting?"
"Because he'll sweat," Matsu answered, before she and Kazehana both eyeballed their Ashikabi with playful but hungry smirks.
As for Tsukiumi, a newfound resolve flickered in her eyes as she grabbed his hand. He pulled her to her feet, and she stood tall beside him.
"Shall we continue the tour?" Takami asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Aye, I am ready," Tsukiumi declared, her voice ringing with her usual confidence.
"Good, now follow me." Takami gestured towards the corridor, leading the group forward.
As they made their way through the gleaming corridors of the vessel, their footsteps echoing lightly against the metal floors, a sudden, soft whirring sound filled the air. From around a corner floated a sleek, spherical robot, its surface a mirror-like alloy reflecting the interior lights of the ship. Hovering at eye level, it greeted them with a voice that was both warm and unmistakably digital.
"Dr. Takami. A pleasure as always."
"Ah, VIR," she responded. "I was wondering when you would show up."
Kusano's eyes widened. "Cool! A robot!"
"You have guests! Hello, I am VIR," it announced, its central lens focusing on each member of the group in turn. "A prototype synthetic intelligence. The Game Master recently activated me so that I may serve as your assistant in our continuing mission to seek new interstellar markets."
The introduction caught everyone slightly off guard. Minato and the Sekirei exchanged curious glances. But it was Matsu, with her unparalleled tech-savviness and a slight inclination towards paranoia about AI, who voiced the concern hanging unspoken in the air.
"Please tell me this thing isn't self-aware," she blurted out, her voice laced with suspicion.
VIR's lens flickered, almost as if it were blinking in amusement before responding. "I assure you, my self-awareness is strictly limited to the parameters set by my creators. But worry not, should I ever cross that threshold, I have been programmed to tell you... just kidding. That would be quite the existential dilemma, wouldn't it?"
Matsu's eyes narrowed slightly, not sure whether to be amused or more worried. "Oh, great. Perfect. It has a sense of humor," she muttered under her breath.
XXXXXX
A/N: As always, discussion and criticism is strongly encouraged. Seriously guys, say something and show you're interested. I don't want to be screaming into the void for feedback only to get radio silence as I did with Twisted Wings (which ya'll should also check out if you haven't, wink wink, nudge nudge).