Fan Fiction ❯ Aether Psychoses: Tales from the Planet Solstice ❯ Phase 1, Episode 1: Love - Pain - Siblings ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
===> C M A <===
RATING: This story is rated "R" for mature subject matter, violence, and language.
DISCLAIMER: This story, its settings, its characters, and all its distinctive likenesses are Copyright 2004 Carlos Alexandre. This is an original work and may not be published without Carlos Alexandre's written consent. Characters, settings, personas, etc. may not be used without, again, Carlos Alexandre's written consent. Any relation to this story and any real-life events, past or present, is entirely coincidental. And all that other crap.
Author notes are further down.
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The universe as you know it does not contain the sum of all existence.
Far from it, in fact. In the sea of thought, memory, and emotion that is existence, your own limited universe is not, even in part, the be-all end-all final frontier.
There are other such universes, you know. Other such planes of existence. Though some are nearly identical to your own, existing perhaps to contain the results of the infinite outcomes any choice presents, others are vastly dissimilar and function within a different set of rules.
Think of these "rules" as alternate laws of physics and science.
This is the story of one such universe, one small whisper in that great sea of thought, memory, and emotion.
Looking closer at the other universe, you can see that some things are very different indeed. Though "outer space" exists as we know it, with star-filled oceans of black separating distant planets and stars, there is no true vacuum to be found.
You see, this world is filled with a sentient essence, an aura that generates from everything and touches all in return.
This essence is called "aether," and it holds this universe together.
All living things in this alternate realm are connected by aether, and can use and abuse the infinite aura as they see fit.
Many things seem so similar. Plants and animals consume one another, and all are programmed to survive against all odds. Some look familiar, while others are unlike anything you have ever seen. They all play into this ambit's circle of life and death, just like our own.
Life in this place functions on a level we cannot comprehend, though, due mostly to aether's infinite influence Living things breathe aether in this alternate reality.
This extends to the people in this universe. They are human beings, as a matter of fact; they look, act, and feel, more or less, just like you do. Like every living thing in this place, though, they breathe aether in lieu of the oxygen you so desperately need to live. They can manipulate aether with a thought, and not unlike water, humans can use this power to protect and nurture, or destroy and conquer.
Alike in countless ways. Different in many others.
Unfortunately, when it comes to deception, hatred, discrimination, and war, this place is very much like our own
Let's look closer at one specific planet. Its inhabitants call it... Solstice.
It was once a world of hope and splendor, where people were happy merely to be alive and well.
Regrettably, like your world, the lessons of past faults are lost on these people who seek to step on each other in a mad quest to rise into the heavens.
War was inevitable.
Life on Solstice revolves around one fundamental vehicle: the airship.
The technology that brought these humans to Solstice is as mysterious as it is wonderful. It carried settlers through the vast darkness of space to this pure, untouched place.
The miraculous and pestilent seed of humanity could never again use such celestial know-how, but they modified and replicated engines able to keep craft floating in the sky for days, weeks, months, and eventually years at a time.
Airships became the standard for transportation, commerce, industry, and finally... war.
The three powers... so foolish. They feared each other and sought to gain the upper hand. And as quickly as the airship raised the bar for everyday life, the battleship set a new standard for destruction and death.
Now battleships are not, surprisingly enough, the most menacing force the war, called the Trinity War by this point, had seen. Powerful humans, strong of body, mind, and spirit, and able to wield aether with conviction and skill, rose to equal and even exceed the destructive capabilities of even the strongest battleship. Though few in number, mighty warriors joined all sides, proving that metal and fuselage had not yet surpassed the human heart.
Of course, this prompted the invention of devices that could manipulate aether artificially, strengthening battleships dramatically.
Which, of course, begot stronger humans.
The cycle continued. And no one noticed the presence of a fourth power, fuelling the flames of hatred to profit from the war.
One day, two hundred and eighteen years after landing on Solstice, a city was swallowed by vicious flames.
Very few survived.
Many people called for an end to the Trinity War before Solstice suffered the same fate as their former home.
________
What's that?
Who am I, you ask?
Why, I am a Storyteller, here to, well, tell the story of this place. But do not take me for any ordinary narrator! I will tell you this tale as it unfurls, for even I do not know how everything will turn out in the end.
All I know is that this place, this Solstice, will play a great role in the future of this universe... my home...
Enough. Let us begin.
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HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1130
Vicinity of Phoenix Station
________
A massive structure floats majestically high above the water and clouds below.
It is a new city, recently finished and still barely populated. It boasts to hold the future of Solstice.
From afar, one could mistake it for a floating mountain. Tall buildings litter the hovering island; the tallest are in the center, and they get shorter as one approaches the edge. From below, the view is mostly metal.
The entire installation measures about one kilometer in length, and its tallest building climbs up some forty or so odd stories.
Around it, diplomatic airships approach and dock, while formidable battleships maintain a steady vigil.
Today is a promising day, and many are expected. Diplomats of the three warring powers, representatives of the various smaller factions, and maybe even a renegade or two...
________
Cruz Foundation's new aerial station is certainly a marvel of modern technology.
"They call it Phoenix Station," I say, admiring the structure from the Essex's bridge. "Cruz Foundation calls it 'a new beginning for a world ravaged by war.' Weapons and aether shielding aside, it boasts multiple conference rooms, hotels, shopping and trading centers, political centers, banquet halls, living quarters, and other such facilities to supposedly 'encourage those at war to meet and trade with thy neighbor, rather than kill.'"
"What a load of shit," Asha chimes in, her cute young voice filled with cynicism.
I look at her for a moment. Crude language aside, the young lady can be rather charming. Shoulder-length auburn hair, bright blue eyes, a pretty face, and a lovely smile--when she isn't busy yelling at someone, that is. She wore a loose white t-shirt with the words "ESSEX RULES" printed in large turquoise letters, and a pair of simple blue jeans torn a little here and there. Indeed, she will grow into a very attractive young woman.
"I couldn't agree more," I reply to both Asha and my own inner monologue, wondering if I should pursue this matter further in another five or six years--
"HEY!" another voice bellows, cutting me off. "Watch the language, young lady!"
"Awwww!" Asha whines, trying her best to appear offended. "But, Amy, Sieg swears all the time!"
"Sieg is an adult!" Amy barks. "A dirty, perverted, sick adult, but an adult nonetheless. He's allowed to swear!"
Dirty? Perverted? Sick!? How untrue!
Granted, I enjoy watching Amy walk around in her little mechanic-brat denim coveralls and cap, envisioning what she might look like without all the heavy clothes and in, oh, let's say, lacy black lingerie. And, sure, I find her jet black hair, which is always tied back into a ponytail, and large glasses attractive to the point of insanity.
But, dammit, that doesn't make me dirty, perverted, or sick! What nerve! But I'll ignore the shot... for now...
"Oh, c'mon Amy," I speak soothingly. "I like Asha's spunk! Let her say what she wants."
"Fuck yeah!" Asha exclaims, giving a thumbs up for no apparent reason.
"YOU!" Amy roars, pointing at Asha. "You have chores to finish and homework to do!"
"No fair," she pouts. "I want to see more of Phoenix Station--"
"NOW!"
"FINE!" Asha storms angrily off the bridge.
Hmm... I better turn away, before Amy--
"And YOU!" Crap. "You should be watching your language! Asha's only twelve! You're giving her bad habits!"
"Bad habits?" I question, cocking an eyebrow. She has to be kidding. "The twerp's my best gunner! And a gunner needs to have an attitude, a bark, a bit of an edge--"
Amy grabs me by the collar and presses her nose to mine, speaking very slowly and deliberately. "Now. Listen. You. Stupid. Jerk--"
"You smell real nice today," I say sweetly, flashing her one of my supposedly devilish smiles. "You want to go fool around somewhere for a while? My quarters, maybe?"
Amy's eyes widen as her face turns beet red. "You're terrible!" she states before storming off the bridge herself.
Well, that was fun.
I turn my attention back to Phoenix Station. Quite an impressive structure, indeed.
I pull out the invitation from my pocket, the one I received from one of Cruz Foundation's scout airships two weeks ago. It invites me to Phoenix Station's "grand opening," and was personally hand-written and signed by Cruz's new CEO.
"You are cordially invited, Mr. Sieg Hyrem," I read aloud, "to witness the future of Solstice. A place where trade and friendly relations will be encouraged, and violence will not be tolerated. This place will guide the world through its rebirth as a unified power, where everyone is on the same side. I realize that you of all people, Mr. Sieg Hyrem, must want this ridiculous war to come to an end. I also realize that you of all people will be the most suspicious. But, from one victim to another, let me assure you that under my guidance, the name of Cruz Foundation will become synonymous with peace. Please come to Phoenix Station. Sincerely, Armen Stratos, CEO, Cruz Foundation."
"You want to believe it, but you can't." A boy's voice. I pocket the invite and turn to see that Willis had come to the bridge.
The boy isn't one for fashion, kind of like Amy. Black pants, an equally colorless shirt, and a HELM--a wireless headset-visor unit, this one with built-in corrective lenses--atop a bed of messy blue hair. Definitely not flashy, and more than just a little nerdy, but highly effective.
"Correct," I confirm.
"And you think this place, this Phoenix Station, will be nothing more than another weapons production facility," Willis continues, taking his seat and analyzing various scanner readings.
"Correct."
"But you're secretly hoping that this Mr. Stratos will do what his predecessors could not."
"Would not, Willis," I correct, peaking over his shoulder. "And correct."
"Regardless, I'm to keep weapons lock on the station and as many of Cruz's Vanguard battleships as humanly possible, without making it look like anything suspicious."
"Correct." I pat the kid's head. "And I'm to find out as much about Phoenix Station's operations and armaments as possible for your study and personal curiosity."
Willis stood up and straightened the HELM. "Correct."
"I'll get you what I can," I promise. "Just remember not to cause Amy too much trouble, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," the child says nonchalantly as he runs a hand through his hair. "Sonny and I will take care of the girls, don't worry."
"Cool. Tell Phoenix Station that Sieg Hyrem is on the way. If any one of the guards get trigger-happy--"
"Shields up and retreat?" Willis asks.
Good man. "Correct. And make sure Asha and Meander don't jump the gun, pardon the pun--"
Suddenly, I hear distant explosions.
Looking first at Willis, who returns the startled glance, then outside through the windshield, we see that one of Cruz's Vanguard-class battleships under attack by another, very familiar craft.
"Tealla," I breathe.
"Sieg, I'm seeing that the other Vanguard ships are disabled!" Willis says, typing frantically at his terminal. "They can float, but that's it!"
"What about the other ships?" I ask.
"They're all standing their ground. None of them are acting-- Hang on... Receiving a transmission from the station. They're asking everyone to stand their ground and remain calm. Sieg, this could turn messy; what if a battle breaks out?"
"Hey, man, what gives?" It's Sonny, who just made it to the bridge. "Man, Sieg, I'm like eating my instant noodles in my room, then I see the Centauri just fly in out of nowhere and start attacking a Vanguard!"
What is Tealla doing here? What is she scheming, attacking Cruz so boldly?
"Open a channel to the Centauri!" I command. "I want to know what the hell they're thinking!"
"Some kind of interference, Sieg! It's up, but audio only!"
"Centauri, this is Sieg of the Essex!" I yell. "Tealla, what in blazes are you doing?"
All I hear is static for a couple of seconds, then...
"Ah, little brother!" Tealla's voice replies mockingly. "I'm proud of you! I thought for sure that you'd never be caught dead accepting a peace offer from the 'evil' Cruz Foundation! Expanding our horizons, are we?"
"Always. Why are you attacking that Vanguard? And how exactly did you disable so many ships?"
"Now I'm hurt," Tealla continues to tease. "Why would you assume that *I* would do something like that? This Vanguard is my only concern! If my client decides to help out a little by clearing the way for me, I'm not going to say 'no', right?"
"Sieg," Willis says, muting the channel before continuing, "that Vanguard is sending out a distress call. Its weapons and shielding systems have been disabled. She's a sitting duck."
"Cut the feed with the Centauri," I order, "and tell the Vanguard that we're going to help them. For a price."
Willis types away, waits a moment, then a couple of beeps later... "They agree, and send their thanks. Engineering bots report ready. Everyone else is on their way up here. I can't pinpoint the source of the interference just yet, but it isn't affecting anything besides the Vanguards and Phoenix Station's arms."
"Sonny!" I call, about to leave the bridge. "You're with me. I'll be on a G-board, and you'll trail in a Talon."
"Man, a Talon?" Sonny complains, following. "I'll never keep up with you in that thing!"
"Amy!" I see the rest of my crew in the corridor just outside the bridge. "I want you to stay just outside the Centauri's weapons range. Keep an eye on those disabled Vanguards; if one of them wakes up and decides that we're the enemy, disable or waste it. Same goes for the other ships."
"Got it, Sieg," she acknowledges.
"Asha, Meander, don't fire until Amy gives the order. Willis will try and maintain reasonable locks but there's some sort of interference out there. He's going to have his hands quite full; y'all might have to aim manually."
"Please be careful," Meander says in her usual soft, wispy voice.
"Hey, don't worry, babe!" Sonny assures confidently. "Me 'n' Sieg, we got this covered!"
"So what the hell pissed off Tealla so much?" Asha asks.
"LANGUAGE!" Amy screams.
"Not sure, twerp," I answer. "I intend to find out, though."
________
CMA presents...
________
His name is Sieg Hyrem.
He commands the renegade airship Essex and her crew.
They stay well away from the fronts of the Trinity War and focus their efforts on exploration and bounty hunting.
They do, however, frequently clash with the mighty Cruz Foundation, which secretly mass produces and sells weapons to Solstice's three major military powers, as well as most of the well-known rebellion and guerilla groups.
Today, he finds himself answering their plea for help.
Sieg stands on the round hover-board, the G-board, with his eyes closed. He clenches his fists, hands clad in fingerless gloves. His body seems calm, and he breathes steadily.
He wears a sleeveless midriff-style top that covers his chest but leaves his arms and stomach exposed. Which he doesn't mind in the least; on the contrary, he rather enjoys showing off his muscular features to any woman in sight. The chest piece doubles as an aether amplifier, allowing him to establish and maintain more resilient aether shields.
His slacks, just a little loose below the waist, do not restrict his freedom of movement. The garment ends just a bit below his knees, leaving his shins bare. Below are his boots, rugged yet light. Locking mechanisms keep them securely fastened to the G-board, lest he fall from it while flying.
Sieg's whole ensemble is predominantly red and black. The colors hold some special meaning to him, one that no one really knows or ever asks about.
His near-shoulder-length dark crimson hair flutters slightly from the air flowing through the ventilation shafts. A headband-like garment covers his upper forehead, with flaps that fall on either ear. It isn't just for show, though; the headpiece enhances Sieg's telepathic awareness and mental defenses, and can also both amplify soft noises and muffle louder ones.
Finally, his belt holsters his two aether guns, ordnance that uses aether energy rather than conventional projectile rounds. The pistols are light and easy to aim, but combined with Sieg's own formidable aether abilities, they are deadly and powerful weapons.
________
...something born of love and hate...
________
"Give 'em hell, Sieg!" he hears Asha's voice through the TPC.
His eyes open. His heart races.
And he smiles, for he will not have it any other way.
"Release me," Sieg speaks softly.
The hatch below him opens, revealing light clouds and blue water far, far below.
He drops, admiring the Essex from beneath as he falls.
Willing the G-board to life, Sieg stops falling and shoots forward. He rises up to the bridge's windshields and waves to his crew. With a mental command, the G-board zooms away from the Essex, and towards the scene of yet another battle.
His shoes locked onto the board's surface and his deep red hair flying in the wind, Sieg feels his sister's presence moving from the Centauri to the Vanguard. She's already boarding it.
He also senses Sonny, riding the Talon-model speeder bike, on his six.
"We're going to graze the Centauri's maximum firing range," Sieg speaks through the TPC. "Keep me in between you and the Centauri as much as possible, Sonny; we're going straight for the Vanguard."
"You got it, chief!" Sonny replies, following closely.
Sieg thinks of his elder sister, Tealla.
He doesn't know what she's planning, but he will found out soon enough.
________
AETHER PSYCHOSES
Tales from the Planet Solstice
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This episode was originally released on November 25, 2004.
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AUTHOR NOTES
This is my first original fic. The characters and settings are all from my twisted little noggin'.
Ultimately, this story is more anime-inspired than anything else. Which means that I'm not too concerned about realism.
I accept, welcome, and encourage criticism. Send it to cma@triplepeeps.com or visit www.triplepeeps.com and post in the forum.
________
What is love?
Is it the power to hold and cherish, or release and observe?
Regardless, one thing is certain; we always hurt the ones we love...
-= PHASE 1
--== EPISODE 1
---=== Love - Pain - Siblings
________
About one hour earlier...
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1027
En route to Phoenix Station
________
This sucks.
This just sucks bad.
I'm hideously bored. I've tried letting my mind wander, hoping my imagination will entertain me, but it just dwells on how terribly, terribly bored I am. Stupid brain.
"So, what's the answer?" Amy asks me.
"I don't know... five?" I say, not trying at all to hide my definite lack of interest.
"Incorrect. And disappointing, I might add. Would you care to repeat the question I just asked you?"
"Not really--"
"Fine," Amy says, slamming her text book shut. Sheesh, what a hard ass. "I'm sure Sieg knows the answer. Let's go explain to him that you don't want to bother learning anything--"
"Okay, okay!" That bitch, threatening to tell Sieg. Oh, where the hell was that freaking question--ah, here it is! "Was it this one? 'HSD 232 - 02 - 08 - 2330: what does each number in this High Solar Date entry represent?'"
"That's the one," Amy confirms. "Get to it."
"All right, then! Right after HSD is the year. In this case, it's year two-three-two, or two hundred thirty-two years since settlers first landed and colonized Solstice."
"Yes, yes, we all know that. Continue."
"Right! The next number is the month, zero-two, or February. Then the date, zero-eight, and finally, the time, twenty-three thirty, or half past eleven in the evening."
"Good."
"Oh, no it isn't!" I whine, leaning back in my chair. "This sucks! I'm a gunner on the Essex, the coolest airship in the sky! Sieg doesn't care if I know all this shit or not!"
"Language, Asha."
Oh fuck you too, Amy.
"And, for the record," she continues, "Sieg insists that everyone on board the Essex who has not received a... formal education get some semblance of one. Why do you think that whenever I'm busy, he's the one here cramming knowledge into that cute little head of yours?"
"Speaking of which," another voice adds. It's Sieg! "I thought I'd come relieve you for a while, Amy. Take five."
"All right," Amy sighs, relinquishing the book. "She's being a little bitchy today, though."
"Language, Amy," I chastise, barely able to contain my grin.
"Yeah, Amy, what the hell?" Sieg adds playfully.
I'm not too sure she liked that with the way she stormed out and all, but whatever.
Sieg sits in her place. Beautiful, stupid Sieg. Twenty-two years old, tall, and built just right; neither too muscular nor skinny. I certainly appreciate his non-conservative taste in clothing, I must say, and I know for a fact that I'm not the only one; I've caught Amy and Meander staring (and drooling) more than once. And Sieg's single, too; hopefully he'll stay that way for a few more years.
"All right, kitten," he says, "let's see where Amy left off... High Solar Date format--"
"We've already finished that part," I say, hoping he'll buy it.
"Nice try, twerp," he says, smirking that mischievous, wonderful smirk of his. Bastard. "Next question..."
"Do I really have to?" I try again. Why can't he just let this end?
"Yup." Jackass; I think he's actually enjoying this.
I climb up onto the table, staring the man down.
"Okay, here's the deal," I begin, atop the table on my hands and knees. "I don't want to do anymore of this shit. We either go do something fun, OR I'll tell Amy about that camera you installed in her shower."
"I don't recall installing any sort of camera in Amy's shower. Not a bad idea, though."
I smile proudly. "Yep. So, what do you say, teacher? I install a camera there for you, and you pardon me, for life, from doing this lame-ass studying. Deal?"
"Nope," he states. "Firstly, I don't need a hidden camera to see Amy naked; I'll get her to strip for me soon enough. Secondly, knowledge is power, and you, my dear little kitten, need that power as much as anyone."
I frown. "I hate you."
"I know. Next question..."
________
That man is the biggest jerk EVER!
Who the FUCK does he think he is, belittling me in front of Asha like that?
Stupid... arrogant... fucking... FREAK!
GAH! I can't even think straight. Stupid Sieg, screwing up my inner monologue.
Hmm... that smell... fresh coffee.
Soothing coffee. Delicious coffee, with cream and sugar...
Yes, coffee. Maybe some coffee will calm my nerves.
"Man, I don't like this," I hear Sonny complain as I enter the lounge.
Seems like everyone else is here.
"I do not like it either," Meander adds, speaking very deliberately as she always does. "But I believe in Sieg. If he thinks this trip is worth the risk, we should trust him."
Willis pours himself a cup, "Want some, Amy?" he asks.
"Please," I answer..
"Sieg's uncertain too; I can feel it," he says after pouring. "Something about this Armen Stratos speaks genuinely, even if 'peace' is just a pretext for something else. Sieg sees that and wants to meet the man."
"If Mr. Armen Stratos stays true to his word," Meander concludes, "then Sieg will want him as our ally."
"And if not," Sonny says as he stands up and stretches, "we make him think that we believe his bull crap. Keep your enemies close, and all that jazz. Cool plan, but I still don't like it."
I take a sip, leaning against the counter. The ship's lounge isn't exactly the biggest or best as far as recreational facilities go, but it's cozy enough. A sink, cupboards, a fridge, and some small but comfortable chairs dot the small room. A thin wall-mounted television rounds things out.
Willis turns the TV on.
"Excitement and tension are both present here today at Cruz Foundation's ambitious new Phoenix Station," a well-dressed female reporter speaks. "Airships are literally buzzing in the sky, some docking and others opting to remain airborne. So far, no hostilities have been witnessed or reported. Cruz officials remain optimistic, noting that all necessary measures will be taken against those that would disrupt this momentous unveiling."
"Bah, I'm gone for now," Sonny announces, swiping a package of instant noodles from the cupboard. "Got some cleaning up to do, and my room's in the perfect position to see Phoenix Station in all its supposed glory."
"Sieg did something to upset you again, didn't he?" Willis observes as Sonny leaves.
I feel flush all of a sudden. "What?" I say defensively. "No, no, it's nothing like that!"
"Uh-huh. You have to take it a little easier, Amy!"
"I agree," Meander adds. "Sieg always tells me not to worry about little things that do not matter. It is good advice; I think you should do the same."
"I give up!" I shriek. "This whole freaking crew is against me!"
I leave, coffee still in hand.
That man, that Sieg Hyrem...
I swear, one day he'll be the death of me.
________
There she is. Phoenix Station.
Sure is huge.
Man, if I was Sieg, I'd never fall for that whole "now we want peace" bullshit.
Cruz Foundation... fuck 'em. Fuck every last one of those Cruz bastards.
I take off my shirt and look at myself in the mirror.
A skinny yet toned man looks back at me. Black hair, dark skin, brown eyes. I'd go as far to say that he's pretty handsome. He wears white cargo pants--two sizes too large--and two belts to keep it all up. He normally wears a black shirt, intentionally torn in a couple of places, but right now he's got it off.
Such a fine, fortunate young man.
And then I look at the mark on his chest.
He can still feel it. *I* can still feel the burning. The smell of searing flesh.
Bastards, all of them.
Sieg... saved me. He kicked all their asses to and from and to again.
He saw what they did... what they're capable of doing.
He's got to have a lot of faith in humanity to believe they're capable of changing.
________
The present...
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1144
Vicinity of Phoenix Station
________
"Alright, so here's the deal," I announce through the TPC. "Per usual, Tealla probably knows that I'm on my way. We're going to board the Vanguard through its starboard hatch. Sonny, you won't actually enter; you'll stick close to the hatch in your Talon. Use its sensors to give Willis a better idea of the interference that's binding the ships."
"That's it!?" Sonny's voice blurts. "You just needed me as a buffer?"
"Talons are scout craft; the sooner we can find out what the interference is, the sooner we can understand it. And while the Essex seems immune thus far, that could change in a heartbeat, and I want to be ready."
"Damn you, Hyrem!" Sonny curses.
"Love you too, little buddy."
We approach the hatch, still only grazing the Centauri's weapons range.
"It's already open," I notice, stepping off of the G-board and onto the Vanguard. "Sonny, at the first sign of trouble, let me know, then scram back to the Essex. Understand?"
"Yeah, yeah" Sonny mopes. "Jeez. I thought this was going to be a fun day, too."
Corridors are rather tight, yet some aren't laid out in a manner I'm familiar with.
________
Hmm...
Seems as if Cruz has modified their Vanguard-class battleships somewhat.
I'll be all embarrassed if they did it on my account--
"Wait a minute," I think out loud. Why is the ship empty? Where are the people?
Oh crap.
"SIEG!" Sonny screams through the TPC. "They're attacking Phoenix Sta--!"
Something struck him as he spoke!
________
Sieg sprints back the way he came. But, unfortunately for him, his concern for Sonny's well-being led him to forget about Tealla.
You see, these two siblings share a psychic link. For the most part, when relatively close to one another, they can sense where the other is.
Despite blood, however, Sieg and Tealla are constantly at war with one another. Countless duels have erupted between the two over the years.
Sometimes, Sieg wins.
Other times, though, Tealla comes out on top.
He doesn't notice her approach from behind and deliver a brutal kick to the back of his neck, knocking him out cold.
"So sorry, little brother," the lithe woman says to the unconscious man, "but this is just a diversion."
"This one was outside on a Talon," a huge monster of a man tells her, holding Sonny over his shoulder. Despite his rather intimidating presence, he speaks very gently and purposefully. "What will we do with them?"
"We'll tie them up in those aether-reinforced chains we brought," she says. "Sieg will break out eventually, but not before we've extracted our target. We'll be long gone before he re-boards the Essex."
"Yes, Lady Hyrem."
"I told you not to call me that!"
"My apologies, Lady Hyrem."
Tealla holds her forehead in her hand. "You're impossible, Maxwell, you know that?"
"Yes, Lady Hy--"
She gives the large man, Maxwell, a gaze rivaling that of the wickedest demon.
"Er, um, I mean, yes, ma'am."
She shrugs. "That'll do, I guess. Let's hurry."
"A question, m' lady."
"Shoot," Tealla offers, continuing to tie up her captives.
"I realize that I have not been with you for very long, so I apologize if my question comes across as offensive or presumptuous."
"Sheesh! Why does Sieg have to be so built?" she mutters aloud, clumsily tying up her brother and Sonny back-to-back. "Just ask, Maxwell. I'm no ogre."
"Very well. I have noticed that you and Sieg always hold back against each other." Maxwell kneels and helps. "I certainly approve, because unnecessary violence has never appealed to me, but you and your brother are seemingly always at odds with one another, beyond mere sibling rivalry."
"So basically," Tealla responds, standing up, "you're wondering why I'm letting him live right now, instead of killing him and making my life easier."
"Correct."
"Well," she says, taking a long, hard look at Sieg, "he's my brother. Not only would he do the same for me, he HAS done the same for me, my crew, and my ship. More than once, too."
"I believe I understand."
"But make no mistake, Maxwell; Sieg is an honorable man and all, but he has committed terrible acts. To fight him is to stare death in the face, and to underestimate him is to forfeit success. Remember this."
The large man looks at Sieg's still face. "He reeks of blood, but also of conviction. I believe that he seeks to atone."
"Don't we all, Maxwell? Don't we all..."
________
"Hey, kid."
Sonny groans. I nudge him again.
"Hey, kid, wake up! You okay?"
Another groan, then finally, "Yeah, Meander, that's it. I know its your first time; I'll be gentle, just ease in and--"
"WAKE UP!"
Sonny screams in surprise and tries to get up, but finds himself bound to... well, me.
"Damn, Sieg! I was having the nicest dream!"
"I know," I reply dryly. "My darling older sister lured us here to distract us while they kidnapped Armen Stratos."
"How do you know that!?" Sonny asks.
"I only pretended to be knocked out. I realized my mistake after Tealla struck me. She was aiming for a knockout, so I played along."
I start squirming, hoping to get my hands in such a position so I can grab the chains. Aether-reinforced or not, they'll break; I just need a good grip.
"Whoa, time out, Sieg!" Sonny was squirming too, trying to give me more room. "First of all, I thought she could tell if you were sleeping or not!"
"I've been practicing hiding my, oh, let's call it, my 'mental signature' from her." Just a little more...
"All right, fair enough, fair enough! Secondly, knowing Tealla, she made sure these chains are strong enough to hold us long enough for her to carry out her plan. Are we going to break out in time?"
"Well, let me think a moment," I begin. Just a little bit more... "The last time she and I went at it, she won. We're pretty even, Tealla and I, but my pride suffers a blow every time she wins, you know?"
Got it! My hands are in place.
"I've been training a lot, lately," I brag.
Tightening my grip, I scream loudly and pull at the chains with all my force. They only last a few seconds before shattering.
"Man, Sieg, you rock!" Sonny compliments as I help him up. "Thirdly, though, she and the brute took our TPC's! And as long as the Essex's shields are up, we can't telepathically relay a message to Amy and the others!"
"So we'll just have to deliver a message some other way! This way, Sonny!"
I hurry through the halls, searching for an elevator. Sonny follows close behind.
"What are we looking for, Sieg?"
"The interference is disrupting the aether-generation abilities of Vanguard-class battleships," I explain. "At least, after thinking about it for a bit, that's what I think. But, if I recall, Vanguards carry more... primitive weapons for just such an occasion."
"Ah, I follow you!" Sonny says with pride. "Harpoon launchers, I take it?"
"You read my mind, kid. I'm assuming you're one-hundred percent familiar with what to do if you fall?"
"Man, you have, like, zero faith in me!" the boy complains. "I'll make the aether 'bubble' if I fall, no worries. Yeesh. You can be fussier than Amy sometimes, man."
________
The vicinity of Phoenix Station has certainly changed in the past few minutes.
The Vanguard-class ships remain dead in the sky, with Sieg and Sonny desperately making their way through one of them, hoping to find weapons unaffected by the bizarre interference.
Meanwhile, the Centauri docks to the station. Tealla and Maxwell board the floating city, looking for their target; the new Cruz Foundation CEO, Armen Stratos.
Looking back at the Essex, she stands her ground, faithful that her commander, the warrior Sieg, will come through and save the day.
Within her hull, though, there is some doubt...
________
"Goddammit, what is taking Sieg so long?" I think aloud.
He should've been in touch with us by now! What is he thinking?
The Centauri's docked with Phoenix Station. What is going on out there?
"Aha! I found it!" Willis exclaims.
"The interference?" Asha queries.
"That's right! Incredible! It's a massive TP field, being generated approximately thirty-two kilometers bearing three-hundred by three-forty!"
"A ship below, or something stationed in the water?" I ask.
"Not sure. I'd need to take a closer look. Amy, I--"
"Out of the question. We need you here."
"C'mon, Amy!" Asha insists. "I'll go with him!--"
"I said NO!" I say sternly. "Sieg needs us where we are--"
"The situation's changed, Amy!" Asha argues. "The last thing Sieg wants is for us to just blindly listen to him when we know there's a better course of--"
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!" I scream.
Asha cringes a bit. I don't want to frighten her, but she just doesn't comprehend.
"Look," I try again, "I know that Sieg insists we think and act suitably as circumstance demands, even if it's against what he orders us to do. But we're surrounded by Cruz's battleships and we currently have no hard evidence that we aren't the ones that attacked the Vanguard and Phoenix Station."
"But--" Asha tries.
I cut her off and continue. "If we take down the TP field, we take down the only wall between us and the Vanguards. They haven't communicated with us yet nor do we know if they can even talk to each other. If the TP field falls, we're likely going to get attacked. And I don't even want to think about all the other ships."
"Well then, we should at least move closer!" Asha attempts. "What if Sieg and Sonny are hurt?"
"We'll be the perps in Cruz's eyes if we do that. We'd eliminate any doubt they may have had about our involvement. "
"Amy," Meander speaks, startling me, as she's been silent this whole time. "We have just been hit by a harpoon cannon. It's lodged a little into our shield. Moving slightly will release it."
"Say that again?" Well, that's certainly surprising. Who would be dumb enough to fire a harpoon at an airship this day and age, shielded or not--
"It's Sieg!" I exclaim.
"There's a small object fastened crudely to the harpoon," Meander continues. "It appears to be a voice sphere. I'm sending an engineering bot to retrieve it."
________
The Essex's crew gather around Willis's terminal.
The boy inserts the compact spheroid into a slot and taps a couple of buttons.
"Hey, bitches," they hear Sieg's voice say.
Amy shakes her head in shame.
"Listen up," he continues. "Sonny and I are fine, but we were lured into a trap. Tealla's planning on kidnapping Armen Stratos, though I have no idea why yet. She took our TPC's, which is why I haven't been in touch. She also trashed our rides. Please send a couple of G-boards our way. Afterwards, if you've found the source of the interference, take the Essex there and disable it. Take the whole ship; don't just send one person. I'll make sure things get smoothed over here for your return. I'm out!"
"You heard the man," Amy says, her face a mix of relief and determination. "Send two boards, then let's get moving!"
"You got it!" Asha, Willis, and Meander say simultaneously.
________
Ah, yes, beautiful.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
They have discovered the TP field just as quickly as I had hoped.
I watch, via my lovely little probe, as the Essex flies away and towards my little "pupil."
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
"My lord?" It's her voice in my head. "The enemy approaches."
"Good, good," I reply confidently. "Stay out of sight. Observe, record, and then escape. Do NOT engage them yet."
"Yes, my lord--"
"I mean it, my student. If you engage them now, you risk unraveling what we're about to do before it even begins. Do NOT engage."
"Yes, my lord. I understand."
I wonder if you do, my beautiful pupil.
"Computer," I command, "bring up profiles seven-three-three-R and seven-three-three-S."
"AFFIRMATIVE," the monotone female voice responds.
A hologram appears, showing scale versions of the Hyrem children.
Beautiful. Nothing else can describe these two warring siblings so well.
________
> SUBJECT 733R
> SIEG HYREM
> Age: 22
> Height: 6' 2"
> Hair: Dark Red
> Eyes: Dark Blue
> Known Living Relatives: Tealla Hyrem (sister; see Subject 733S)
> Estimated Power Level: 8000
> Armaments and Tactics: 2 Stinger MK-3 aether pistols, martial arts mastery, fire-type aether mastery, mastery of various utilitarian aether techniques
> Subject commands the renegade airship Essex and her crew. They stay well away from the fronts of the Trinity War and focus their efforts on exploration and bounty hunting.
> Subject clashes frequently with Cruz Foundation. Currently, 297 engagements between subject and Cruz are known and documented. High Command suspects at least 50 undocumented conflicts.
> Subject possesses formidable physical and aether abilities, wielding both with equal ease, and can attack effectively at all ranges against both single and multiple targets. While subject best wields fire-type aether, he has mastered many special-purpose techniques using other types of aether. Amongst them are smoke screens, dark-type aether fields that hinder vision, sound amplifiers, and even some simple healing and recovery techniques. This not only allows the subject to capitalize on his foes' weaknesses quickly and effectively, but also permits clean, speedy retreats when outmatched. Subject's estimated power level is deceptive.
> Subject 733R has been observed fighting against Subject 733S on numerous occasions. The two appear to be evenly matched, despite estimated power level differences. Though they possess different strengths, they know each other well enough to take advantage of even the slightest mistake or hesitation. Intelligence is convinced that both subjects share a telepathic link and, when close to each other, can sense each other's movements.
> Subject's vessel, the Essex, wields considerable firepower and substantial aether shielding. When necessary, subject can augment the Essex's shielding with his own. The ship's crew has proven itself cunning and resourceful, and must be considered when assessing subject's threat potential. Subject has a strong emotional attachment to the Essex and her crew. This is both a weakness and a strength; he may not act rationally if his ship and crewmates are harmed, but he will fight fiercely to protect them.
> Despite all this, High Command believes three things:
> a) Subject is unaware of our existence
> b) Subject would rather avoid conflict when given the chance.
> c) Subject can be controlled by threatening or kidnapping one of his crew members.
> Subject is of key importance to Project Estrela. Though subject's sheer formidability and resourcefulness makes him a real danger, stealthy action will prevent him from realizing who we are or, in the event we are discovered, considering us a threat. If worse comes to worse, we can attempt to use his crew against him.
> Threat Potential: B. High risk, but manageable.
> EOF
> SUBJECT 733S
> TEALLA HYREM
> Age: 26
> Height: 5' 8"
> Hair: Light Brown
> Eyes: Sky Blue
> Known Living Relatives: Sieg Hyrem (brother; see Subject 733R)
> Estimated Power Level: 9100
> Armaments and Tactics: Extensive martial arts mastery (subject's specialty), ice-type aether mastery
> Subject commands airship Centauri and her crew. They make a living as mercenaries, often under the employ of Cruz. They have earned a favorable reputation, but hold allegiance to no one. For the right price, they will do just about anything, even against their most frequent employer, Cruz.
> Subject possesses formidable physical and aether abilities. She favors aether-enhanced martial arts, preferring to close in to melee range before striking. The speed at which she can close the gap between herself and her opponents is not to be underestimated. When forced to fight at medium and long ranges, subject resorts to ice-type aether incantations (when given enough time and space to chant) and simple but quick cold energy blasts. While subject is more suited to fighting physically, her aether abilities can keep her target frozen and sluggish. She'll then close in and fight at her ideal range, or retreat if outmatched.
> Subject 733S has been observed fighting against Subject 733R on multiple occasions. The two are seemingly evenly matched and know each other's strengths and weaknesses far better than anyone. Intelligence suggests that the two share a psychic link and are able to tell where the other is when in close proximity. A mental probe on either subject will grant us invaluable intelligence and insight.
> Subject's vessel, the Centauri, is a potent and heavily armed warship. The Centauri sacrifices speed for power; the raw amount of firepower it puts out means that most ships that could normally escape the Centauri will be unable to because of structural and engine damage, assuming the Centauri's victim tries to stand its ground. Her crew is quick-witted and inventive, specializing in creative yet practical offense. This must be considered when assessing subject as a threat.
> High Command has currently hired subject to kidnap the new Cruz CEO (see Subject 733Q). This task, which will be monitored by Celestial Knight, serves a dual-purpose; to interrogate Stratos about the Hyperion Incident, and to gather further intelligence on both Subjects 733S and 733R.
> Subject is of key importance to Project Estrela. If she learns our true motives--and we must not doubt her ability to discover us--she will pose considerable risk. Her tenacity, vigor, and general unpredictability must not be ignored. Use her as necessary, but at the first sign of trouble detain her through any means necessary.
> Threat Potential: A-. High risk, unpredictable.
> EOF
________
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1201
Vicinity of Phoenix Station
________
"All freaking right!" Sonny squeals. "Our G-boards have arrived!"
"In all likelihood," I begin as we fly away from the Vanguard and towards Phoenix Station, "Tealla's already there. Let's hope that Mr. Stratos's bodyguards can stall her for a bit."
"Man, Sieg, you're putting a lot of faith in them if you think they'll even last five seconds against Tealla."
"That may be, but still."
The Centauri's docked. Good; she won't be able to fire.
We fly over the station. It is enormous; truly like a flying city. Tall buildings, roads, shopping centers, and a sizeable important-looking structure with an ominous hole that looks like it was recently made by one of Tealla's ice blasts.
"Down there!" I call, descending. "Watch out for the people; I know we don't see any now but they're probably indoors or underground. I don't want any innocent victims--"
Suddenly, an explosive tags me directly in the chest.
Shit, that hurts!
It hit me with enough force to send me hurtling to the streets below.
Unlocking my boots, I jump off the G-board and land on my feet.
"That smarts," I mutter.
"Sieg, man, you okay?" Sonny asks, coming down to my level.
"I'm fine," I assure him. "My pride's a little shot, though."
"Well met, Sieg Hyrem." A different voice. It was the same man that was with Tealla.
I see him, walking towards us. Wow, he sure is big! I'm pretty tall, but this guy just towers over me; he's at least seven-foot-six, for sure. And built like a tank, too. He wears a dark blue body suit, covering him from neck to toe. White lines decorate the garment, but I don't think their purpose is merely cosmetic; I sense a strange aether signature coming from them. His hair's black and cut short, but still long enough to waver in the wind. He looks at me with a rather... furtive set of emerald eyes.
The man--Maxwell, that's his name--holds some sort of weapon on his right arm. I don't recognize the make or model of the black and silver device, but I'd guess, just from feeling its sting not a couple of minutes ago, that it's a concussive grenade launcher
"You haven't been with Tealla long, have you?" I ask. "Maxwell, was it? How are you liking it so far?"
"I cannot complain," he answers, shrugging his shoulders. "Lady Hyrem is a fair and just commander."
"And pretty cute too, eh? I like the tank tops she occasionally cavorts around in. Hot stuff."
The man, Maxwell, cups his chin. "I tend to agree; they definitely show off her curves quite nicely-- Hey, are you sure you should be saying such things? Are you not her brother? Wow, she told me that you were a pervert, but to think such things of one's own sister?"
"Yeah I'm a pretty dirty, perverted, and sick man. Or so I'm told. So, are we going to fight now or what?"
The man readies himself. "Ah, of course. Let us begin."
"Hang on a sec, big man!" Sonny interrupts. He looks bad at me, still hovering on his G-board. "Sieg, I'll take care of the lug. Go after Tealla!"
"Be careful, Sonny," I caution. "Those rounds he's firing are no joke."
He nods. "Hey, big man!" Sonny calls out. "Sorry about the wait! Sieg's sitting this one out; he's got more important things to do! I'll be your opponent!
"Neither of you will get past me," Maxwell warns.
"Actually," I taunt in mid-jump, sailing over him and to the compromised structure, "I'm already here. Toodles!"
Sonny engages Maxwell before he has the chance to fire at me. Good luck, kid.
________
I am, beyond all doubt, the most brilliant woman alive.
Actually, I take that back; the most brilliant person alive!
Stupid little Sieg had to go meddle where he didn't belong. I wonder if he's even awake yet.
Wow, this place sure is big!
Though I can't help but feel just a little uneasy that our client was able to shut off so many defenses, including the ones in this building.
"You there! Stop!" What's this? Another bumbling little Cruz grunt?
And he's firing at me! What a jackass!
After ripping off the barrel off of his gun and delivering a knockout chop to the side of his neck, I keep going.
My target: new Cruz Foundation CEO, the infamous Armen Stratos.
You really are a fool little brother, buying into that man's promises.
Cruz Foundation will not change, Sieg. And neither will the world. This war, fought on many more fronts than anyone truly realizes, will continue until the end of time.
It's really too bad, little brother. You and I, on the same side... nothing would stop us. No person, no airship, no army, no heaven or hell would stand a chance against us.
Oh, well. No point worrying about things that won't change--
What the fuck!?
Sieg's here! He's on Phoenix Station!
How did he break out so fast?
Am I making a mistake?...
No, it's definitely him!
As much faith as I have in Maxwell's ability, I know he's no match for Sieg.
Shit. Shit. Shit. I wasn't counting on this.
I don't have much time.
I pull out my holo-map again and confirm my destination. Yup, I'm going the right way. Better hustle.
Not this door, not this door, not this door... THIS ONE! I kick it open.
"Well now, my dear, it's about time," a man within says. All I see is his back; a dress suit and a bed of gray hair. "Tealla Hyrem, correct?"
"Armen Stratos, I'm afraid you're coming with me," I demand.
"Yeah, I figured." The man turns. He's in his forties, I hear, but wow, he's still rather handsome. His face is slim yet stoic, his eyes a deep azure not unlike Sieg's. He's got a wrinkle here and there, but still looks rather youthful.
"You can come quietly, or I can force you," I repeat threateningly. "Your call."
"Really? Mine?" He's so relaxed about all this. How weird. "Very well, my dear, I'll go quietly, but I have a question first."
"Make it quick; I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Of course, my dear Tealla. Tell me, did your brother come? Sieg Hyrem, is he here?"
"As a matter of fact, he intended to show up to the party before we came and crashed it. Why?"
"No reason. Let's go, shall we? Lead on."
His casual attitude towards his own kidnapping is starting to piss me off.
"Oh, and one more thing, Tealla--"
"HURRY THE FUCK UP!" I scream, dragging him by the arm.
"Actually," he continues, "just one more question, and then I promise I'll be nice and quiet."
"Fine, fine," I concede, boarding an elevator and punching the main floor button. "What is it?"
He straightens his suit and tie before speaking.
"How did you and your brother escape the Hyperion Incident unscathed?"
I feel my face turn white. "How do you know about that?" I near-whisper.
"Because, my dear," he breathes, leaning against the cabin wall, "I was there."
________
"My lord?" Her voice in my head again. "They've arrived."
Ah, yes, beautiful.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
"Proceed as planned, my student."
"Yes, my lord."
The wheels begin turning.
And my beloved Project Estrela will soon be a reality.
The Hyrem children. Beautiful, beautiful children.
You will be mine once again.
________
Tealla exits the elevator.
"Hey, sis," Sieg greets. "Looking sexy as always. You willing to give up your prisoner, or am I going to have to force you?"
________
--== EPISODE 1... END.
Converting /tmp/phpQvSyNu to /dev/stdout
RATING: This story is rated "R" for mature subject matter, violence, and language.
DISCLAIMER: This story, its settings, its characters, and all its distinctive likenesses are Copyright 2004 Carlos Alexandre. This is an original work and may not be published without Carlos Alexandre's written consent. Characters, settings, personas, etc. may not be used without, again, Carlos Alexandre's written consent. Any relation to this story and any real-life events, past or present, is entirely coincidental. And all that other crap.
Author notes are further down.
________
The universe as you know it does not contain the sum of all existence.
Far from it, in fact. In the sea of thought, memory, and emotion that is existence, your own limited universe is not, even in part, the be-all end-all final frontier.
There are other such universes, you know. Other such planes of existence. Though some are nearly identical to your own, existing perhaps to contain the results of the infinite outcomes any choice presents, others are vastly dissimilar and function within a different set of rules.
Think of these "rules" as alternate laws of physics and science.
This is the story of one such universe, one small whisper in that great sea of thought, memory, and emotion.
Looking closer at the other universe, you can see that some things are very different indeed. Though "outer space" exists as we know it, with star-filled oceans of black separating distant planets and stars, there is no true vacuum to be found.
You see, this world is filled with a sentient essence, an aura that generates from everything and touches all in return.
This essence is called "aether," and it holds this universe together.
All living things in this alternate realm are connected by aether, and can use and abuse the infinite aura as they see fit.
Many things seem so similar. Plants and animals consume one another, and all are programmed to survive against all odds. Some look familiar, while others are unlike anything you have ever seen. They all play into this ambit's circle of life and death, just like our own.
Life in this place functions on a level we cannot comprehend, though, due mostly to aether's infinite influence Living things breathe aether in this alternate reality.
This extends to the people in this universe. They are human beings, as a matter of fact; they look, act, and feel, more or less, just like you do. Like every living thing in this place, though, they breathe aether in lieu of the oxygen you so desperately need to live. They can manipulate aether with a thought, and not unlike water, humans can use this power to protect and nurture, or destroy and conquer.
Alike in countless ways. Different in many others.
Unfortunately, when it comes to deception, hatred, discrimination, and war, this place is very much like our own
Let's look closer at one specific planet. Its inhabitants call it... Solstice.
It was once a world of hope and splendor, where people were happy merely to be alive and well.
Regrettably, like your world, the lessons of past faults are lost on these people who seek to step on each other in a mad quest to rise into the heavens.
War was inevitable.
Life on Solstice revolves around one fundamental vehicle: the airship.
The technology that brought these humans to Solstice is as mysterious as it is wonderful. It carried settlers through the vast darkness of space to this pure, untouched place.
The miraculous and pestilent seed of humanity could never again use such celestial know-how, but they modified and replicated engines able to keep craft floating in the sky for days, weeks, months, and eventually years at a time.
Airships became the standard for transportation, commerce, industry, and finally... war.
The three powers... so foolish. They feared each other and sought to gain the upper hand. And as quickly as the airship raised the bar for everyday life, the battleship set a new standard for destruction and death.
Now battleships are not, surprisingly enough, the most menacing force the war, called the Trinity War by this point, had seen. Powerful humans, strong of body, mind, and spirit, and able to wield aether with conviction and skill, rose to equal and even exceed the destructive capabilities of even the strongest battleship. Though few in number, mighty warriors joined all sides, proving that metal and fuselage had not yet surpassed the human heart.
Of course, this prompted the invention of devices that could manipulate aether artificially, strengthening battleships dramatically.
Which, of course, begot stronger humans.
The cycle continued. And no one noticed the presence of a fourth power, fuelling the flames of hatred to profit from the war.
One day, two hundred and eighteen years after landing on Solstice, a city was swallowed by vicious flames.
Very few survived.
Many people called for an end to the Trinity War before Solstice suffered the same fate as their former home.
________
What's that?
Who am I, you ask?
Why, I am a Storyteller, here to, well, tell the story of this place. But do not take me for any ordinary narrator! I will tell you this tale as it unfurls, for even I do not know how everything will turn out in the end.
All I know is that this place, this Solstice, will play a great role in the future of this universe... my home...
Enough. Let us begin.
________
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1130
Vicinity of Phoenix Station
________
A massive structure floats majestically high above the water and clouds below.
It is a new city, recently finished and still barely populated. It boasts to hold the future of Solstice.
From afar, one could mistake it for a floating mountain. Tall buildings litter the hovering island; the tallest are in the center, and they get shorter as one approaches the edge. From below, the view is mostly metal.
The entire installation measures about one kilometer in length, and its tallest building climbs up some forty or so odd stories.
Around it, diplomatic airships approach and dock, while formidable battleships maintain a steady vigil.
Today is a promising day, and many are expected. Diplomats of the three warring powers, representatives of the various smaller factions, and maybe even a renegade or two...
________
Cruz Foundation's new aerial station is certainly a marvel of modern technology.
"They call it Phoenix Station," I say, admiring the structure from the Essex's bridge. "Cruz Foundation calls it 'a new beginning for a world ravaged by war.' Weapons and aether shielding aside, it boasts multiple conference rooms, hotels, shopping and trading centers, political centers, banquet halls, living quarters, and other such facilities to supposedly 'encourage those at war to meet and trade with thy neighbor, rather than kill.'"
"What a load of shit," Asha chimes in, her cute young voice filled with cynicism.
I look at her for a moment. Crude language aside, the young lady can be rather charming. Shoulder-length auburn hair, bright blue eyes, a pretty face, and a lovely smile--when she isn't busy yelling at someone, that is. She wore a loose white t-shirt with the words "ESSEX RULES" printed in large turquoise letters, and a pair of simple blue jeans torn a little here and there. Indeed, she will grow into a very attractive young woman.
"I couldn't agree more," I reply to both Asha and my own inner monologue, wondering if I should pursue this matter further in another five or six years--
"HEY!" another voice bellows, cutting me off. "Watch the language, young lady!"
"Awwww!" Asha whines, trying her best to appear offended. "But, Amy, Sieg swears all the time!"
"Sieg is an adult!" Amy barks. "A dirty, perverted, sick adult, but an adult nonetheless. He's allowed to swear!"
Dirty? Perverted? Sick!? How untrue!
Granted, I enjoy watching Amy walk around in her little mechanic-brat denim coveralls and cap, envisioning what she might look like without all the heavy clothes and in, oh, let's say, lacy black lingerie. And, sure, I find her jet black hair, which is always tied back into a ponytail, and large glasses attractive to the point of insanity.
But, dammit, that doesn't make me dirty, perverted, or sick! What nerve! But I'll ignore the shot... for now...
"Oh, c'mon Amy," I speak soothingly. "I like Asha's spunk! Let her say what she wants."
"Fuck yeah!" Asha exclaims, giving a thumbs up for no apparent reason.
"YOU!" Amy roars, pointing at Asha. "You have chores to finish and homework to do!"
"No fair," she pouts. "I want to see more of Phoenix Station--"
"NOW!"
"FINE!" Asha storms angrily off the bridge.
Hmm... I better turn away, before Amy--
"And YOU!" Crap. "You should be watching your language! Asha's only twelve! You're giving her bad habits!"
"Bad habits?" I question, cocking an eyebrow. She has to be kidding. "The twerp's my best gunner! And a gunner needs to have an attitude, a bark, a bit of an edge--"
Amy grabs me by the collar and presses her nose to mine, speaking very slowly and deliberately. "Now. Listen. You. Stupid. Jerk--"
"You smell real nice today," I say sweetly, flashing her one of my supposedly devilish smiles. "You want to go fool around somewhere for a while? My quarters, maybe?"
Amy's eyes widen as her face turns beet red. "You're terrible!" she states before storming off the bridge herself.
Well, that was fun.
I turn my attention back to Phoenix Station. Quite an impressive structure, indeed.
I pull out the invitation from my pocket, the one I received from one of Cruz Foundation's scout airships two weeks ago. It invites me to Phoenix Station's "grand opening," and was personally hand-written and signed by Cruz's new CEO.
"You are cordially invited, Mr. Sieg Hyrem," I read aloud, "to witness the future of Solstice. A place where trade and friendly relations will be encouraged, and violence will not be tolerated. This place will guide the world through its rebirth as a unified power, where everyone is on the same side. I realize that you of all people, Mr. Sieg Hyrem, must want this ridiculous war to come to an end. I also realize that you of all people will be the most suspicious. But, from one victim to another, let me assure you that under my guidance, the name of Cruz Foundation will become synonymous with peace. Please come to Phoenix Station. Sincerely, Armen Stratos, CEO, Cruz Foundation."
"You want to believe it, but you can't." A boy's voice. I pocket the invite and turn to see that Willis had come to the bridge.
The boy isn't one for fashion, kind of like Amy. Black pants, an equally colorless shirt, and a HELM--a wireless headset-visor unit, this one with built-in corrective lenses--atop a bed of messy blue hair. Definitely not flashy, and more than just a little nerdy, but highly effective.
"Correct," I confirm.
"And you think this place, this Phoenix Station, will be nothing more than another weapons production facility," Willis continues, taking his seat and analyzing various scanner readings.
"Correct."
"But you're secretly hoping that this Mr. Stratos will do what his predecessors could not."
"Would not, Willis," I correct, peaking over his shoulder. "And correct."
"Regardless, I'm to keep weapons lock on the station and as many of Cruz's Vanguard battleships as humanly possible, without making it look like anything suspicious."
"Correct." I pat the kid's head. "And I'm to find out as much about Phoenix Station's operations and armaments as possible for your study and personal curiosity."
Willis stood up and straightened the HELM. "Correct."
"I'll get you what I can," I promise. "Just remember not to cause Amy too much trouble, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," the child says nonchalantly as he runs a hand through his hair. "Sonny and I will take care of the girls, don't worry."
"Cool. Tell Phoenix Station that Sieg Hyrem is on the way. If any one of the guards get trigger-happy--"
"Shields up and retreat?" Willis asks.
Good man. "Correct. And make sure Asha and Meander don't jump the gun, pardon the pun--"
Suddenly, I hear distant explosions.
Looking first at Willis, who returns the startled glance, then outside through the windshield, we see that one of Cruz's Vanguard-class battleships under attack by another, very familiar craft.
"Tealla," I breathe.
"Sieg, I'm seeing that the other Vanguard ships are disabled!" Willis says, typing frantically at his terminal. "They can float, but that's it!"
"What about the other ships?" I ask.
"They're all standing their ground. None of them are acting-- Hang on... Receiving a transmission from the station. They're asking everyone to stand their ground and remain calm. Sieg, this could turn messy; what if a battle breaks out?"
"Hey, man, what gives?" It's Sonny, who just made it to the bridge. "Man, Sieg, I'm like eating my instant noodles in my room, then I see the Centauri just fly in out of nowhere and start attacking a Vanguard!"
What is Tealla doing here? What is she scheming, attacking Cruz so boldly?
"Open a channel to the Centauri!" I command. "I want to know what the hell they're thinking!"
"Some kind of interference, Sieg! It's up, but audio only!"
"Centauri, this is Sieg of the Essex!" I yell. "Tealla, what in blazes are you doing?"
All I hear is static for a couple of seconds, then...
"Ah, little brother!" Tealla's voice replies mockingly. "I'm proud of you! I thought for sure that you'd never be caught dead accepting a peace offer from the 'evil' Cruz Foundation! Expanding our horizons, are we?"
"Always. Why are you attacking that Vanguard? And how exactly did you disable so many ships?"
"Now I'm hurt," Tealla continues to tease. "Why would you assume that *I* would do something like that? This Vanguard is my only concern! If my client decides to help out a little by clearing the way for me, I'm not going to say 'no', right?"
"Sieg," Willis says, muting the channel before continuing, "that Vanguard is sending out a distress call. Its weapons and shielding systems have been disabled. She's a sitting duck."
"Cut the feed with the Centauri," I order, "and tell the Vanguard that we're going to help them. For a price."
Willis types away, waits a moment, then a couple of beeps later... "They agree, and send their thanks. Engineering bots report ready. Everyone else is on their way up here. I can't pinpoint the source of the interference just yet, but it isn't affecting anything besides the Vanguards and Phoenix Station's arms."
"Sonny!" I call, about to leave the bridge. "You're with me. I'll be on a G-board, and you'll trail in a Talon."
"Man, a Talon?" Sonny complains, following. "I'll never keep up with you in that thing!"
"Amy!" I see the rest of my crew in the corridor just outside the bridge. "I want you to stay just outside the Centauri's weapons range. Keep an eye on those disabled Vanguards; if one of them wakes up and decides that we're the enemy, disable or waste it. Same goes for the other ships."
"Got it, Sieg," she acknowledges.
"Asha, Meander, don't fire until Amy gives the order. Willis will try and maintain reasonable locks but there's some sort of interference out there. He's going to have his hands quite full; y'all might have to aim manually."
"Please be careful," Meander says in her usual soft, wispy voice.
"Hey, don't worry, babe!" Sonny assures confidently. "Me 'n' Sieg, we got this covered!"
"So what the hell pissed off Tealla so much?" Asha asks.
"LANGUAGE!" Amy screams.
"Not sure, twerp," I answer. "I intend to find out, though."
________
CMA presents...
________
His name is Sieg Hyrem.
He commands the renegade airship Essex and her crew.
They stay well away from the fronts of the Trinity War and focus their efforts on exploration and bounty hunting.
They do, however, frequently clash with the mighty Cruz Foundation, which secretly mass produces and sells weapons to Solstice's three major military powers, as well as most of the well-known rebellion and guerilla groups.
Today, he finds himself answering their plea for help.
Sieg stands on the round hover-board, the G-board, with his eyes closed. He clenches his fists, hands clad in fingerless gloves. His body seems calm, and he breathes steadily.
He wears a sleeveless midriff-style top that covers his chest but leaves his arms and stomach exposed. Which he doesn't mind in the least; on the contrary, he rather enjoys showing off his muscular features to any woman in sight. The chest piece doubles as an aether amplifier, allowing him to establish and maintain more resilient aether shields.
His slacks, just a little loose below the waist, do not restrict his freedom of movement. The garment ends just a bit below his knees, leaving his shins bare. Below are his boots, rugged yet light. Locking mechanisms keep them securely fastened to the G-board, lest he fall from it while flying.
Sieg's whole ensemble is predominantly red and black. The colors hold some special meaning to him, one that no one really knows or ever asks about.
His near-shoulder-length dark crimson hair flutters slightly from the air flowing through the ventilation shafts. A headband-like garment covers his upper forehead, with flaps that fall on either ear. It isn't just for show, though; the headpiece enhances Sieg's telepathic awareness and mental defenses, and can also both amplify soft noises and muffle louder ones.
Finally, his belt holsters his two aether guns, ordnance that uses aether energy rather than conventional projectile rounds. The pistols are light and easy to aim, but combined with Sieg's own formidable aether abilities, they are deadly and powerful weapons.
________
...something born of love and hate...
________
"Give 'em hell, Sieg!" he hears Asha's voice through the TPC.
His eyes open. His heart races.
And he smiles, for he will not have it any other way.
"Release me," Sieg speaks softly.
The hatch below him opens, revealing light clouds and blue water far, far below.
He drops, admiring the Essex from beneath as he falls.
Willing the G-board to life, Sieg stops falling and shoots forward. He rises up to the bridge's windshields and waves to his crew. With a mental command, the G-board zooms away from the Essex, and towards the scene of yet another battle.
His shoes locked onto the board's surface and his deep red hair flying in the wind, Sieg feels his sister's presence moving from the Centauri to the Vanguard. She's already boarding it.
He also senses Sonny, riding the Talon-model speeder bike, on his six.
"We're going to graze the Centauri's maximum firing range," Sieg speaks through the TPC. "Keep me in between you and the Centauri as much as possible, Sonny; we're going straight for the Vanguard."
"You got it, chief!" Sonny replies, following closely.
Sieg thinks of his elder sister, Tealla.
He doesn't know what she's planning, but he will found out soon enough.
________
AETHER PSYCHOSES
Tales from the Planet Solstice
________
This episode was originally released on November 25, 2004.
________
AUTHOR NOTES
This is my first original fic. The characters and settings are all from my twisted little noggin'.
Ultimately, this story is more anime-inspired than anything else. Which means that I'm not too concerned about realism.
I accept, welcome, and encourage criticism. Send it to cma@triplepeeps.com or visit www.triplepeeps.com and post in the forum.
________
What is love?
Is it the power to hold and cherish, or release and observe?
Regardless, one thing is certain; we always hurt the ones we love...
-= PHASE 1
--== EPISODE 1
---=== Love - Pain - Siblings
________
About one hour earlier...
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1027
En route to Phoenix Station
________
This sucks.
This just sucks bad.
I'm hideously bored. I've tried letting my mind wander, hoping my imagination will entertain me, but it just dwells on how terribly, terribly bored I am. Stupid brain.
"So, what's the answer?" Amy asks me.
"I don't know... five?" I say, not trying at all to hide my definite lack of interest.
"Incorrect. And disappointing, I might add. Would you care to repeat the question I just asked you?"
"Not really--"
"Fine," Amy says, slamming her text book shut. Sheesh, what a hard ass. "I'm sure Sieg knows the answer. Let's go explain to him that you don't want to bother learning anything--"
"Okay, okay!" That bitch, threatening to tell Sieg. Oh, where the hell was that freaking question--ah, here it is! "Was it this one? 'HSD 232 - 02 - 08 - 2330: what does each number in this High Solar Date entry represent?'"
"That's the one," Amy confirms. "Get to it."
"All right, then! Right after HSD is the year. In this case, it's year two-three-two, or two hundred thirty-two years since settlers first landed and colonized Solstice."
"Yes, yes, we all know that. Continue."
"Right! The next number is the month, zero-two, or February. Then the date, zero-eight, and finally, the time, twenty-three thirty, or half past eleven in the evening."
"Good."
"Oh, no it isn't!" I whine, leaning back in my chair. "This sucks! I'm a gunner on the Essex, the coolest airship in the sky! Sieg doesn't care if I know all this shit or not!"
"Language, Asha."
Oh fuck you too, Amy.
"And, for the record," she continues, "Sieg insists that everyone on board the Essex who has not received a... formal education get some semblance of one. Why do you think that whenever I'm busy, he's the one here cramming knowledge into that cute little head of yours?"
"Speaking of which," another voice adds. It's Sieg! "I thought I'd come relieve you for a while, Amy. Take five."
"All right," Amy sighs, relinquishing the book. "She's being a little bitchy today, though."
"Language, Amy," I chastise, barely able to contain my grin.
"Yeah, Amy, what the hell?" Sieg adds playfully.
I'm not too sure she liked that with the way she stormed out and all, but whatever.
Sieg sits in her place. Beautiful, stupid Sieg. Twenty-two years old, tall, and built just right; neither too muscular nor skinny. I certainly appreciate his non-conservative taste in clothing, I must say, and I know for a fact that I'm not the only one; I've caught Amy and Meander staring (and drooling) more than once. And Sieg's single, too; hopefully he'll stay that way for a few more years.
"All right, kitten," he says, "let's see where Amy left off... High Solar Date format--"
"We've already finished that part," I say, hoping he'll buy it.
"Nice try, twerp," he says, smirking that mischievous, wonderful smirk of his. Bastard. "Next question..."
"Do I really have to?" I try again. Why can't he just let this end?
"Yup." Jackass; I think he's actually enjoying this.
I climb up onto the table, staring the man down.
"Okay, here's the deal," I begin, atop the table on my hands and knees. "I don't want to do anymore of this shit. We either go do something fun, OR I'll tell Amy about that camera you installed in her shower."
"I don't recall installing any sort of camera in Amy's shower. Not a bad idea, though."
I smile proudly. "Yep. So, what do you say, teacher? I install a camera there for you, and you pardon me, for life, from doing this lame-ass studying. Deal?"
"Nope," he states. "Firstly, I don't need a hidden camera to see Amy naked; I'll get her to strip for me soon enough. Secondly, knowledge is power, and you, my dear little kitten, need that power as much as anyone."
I frown. "I hate you."
"I know. Next question..."
________
That man is the biggest jerk EVER!
Who the FUCK does he think he is, belittling me in front of Asha like that?
Stupid... arrogant... fucking... FREAK!
GAH! I can't even think straight. Stupid Sieg, screwing up my inner monologue.
Hmm... that smell... fresh coffee.
Soothing coffee. Delicious coffee, with cream and sugar...
Yes, coffee. Maybe some coffee will calm my nerves.
"Man, I don't like this," I hear Sonny complain as I enter the lounge.
Seems like everyone else is here.
"I do not like it either," Meander adds, speaking very deliberately as she always does. "But I believe in Sieg. If he thinks this trip is worth the risk, we should trust him."
Willis pours himself a cup, "Want some, Amy?" he asks.
"Please," I answer..
"Sieg's uncertain too; I can feel it," he says after pouring. "Something about this Armen Stratos speaks genuinely, even if 'peace' is just a pretext for something else. Sieg sees that and wants to meet the man."
"If Mr. Armen Stratos stays true to his word," Meander concludes, "then Sieg will want him as our ally."
"And if not," Sonny says as he stands up and stretches, "we make him think that we believe his bull crap. Keep your enemies close, and all that jazz. Cool plan, but I still don't like it."
I take a sip, leaning against the counter. The ship's lounge isn't exactly the biggest or best as far as recreational facilities go, but it's cozy enough. A sink, cupboards, a fridge, and some small but comfortable chairs dot the small room. A thin wall-mounted television rounds things out.
Willis turns the TV on.
"Excitement and tension are both present here today at Cruz Foundation's ambitious new Phoenix Station," a well-dressed female reporter speaks. "Airships are literally buzzing in the sky, some docking and others opting to remain airborne. So far, no hostilities have been witnessed or reported. Cruz officials remain optimistic, noting that all necessary measures will be taken against those that would disrupt this momentous unveiling."
"Bah, I'm gone for now," Sonny announces, swiping a package of instant noodles from the cupboard. "Got some cleaning up to do, and my room's in the perfect position to see Phoenix Station in all its supposed glory."
"Sieg did something to upset you again, didn't he?" Willis observes as Sonny leaves.
I feel flush all of a sudden. "What?" I say defensively. "No, no, it's nothing like that!"
"Uh-huh. You have to take it a little easier, Amy!"
"I agree," Meander adds. "Sieg always tells me not to worry about little things that do not matter. It is good advice; I think you should do the same."
"I give up!" I shriek. "This whole freaking crew is against me!"
I leave, coffee still in hand.
That man, that Sieg Hyrem...
I swear, one day he'll be the death of me.
________
There she is. Phoenix Station.
Sure is huge.
Man, if I was Sieg, I'd never fall for that whole "now we want peace" bullshit.
Cruz Foundation... fuck 'em. Fuck every last one of those Cruz bastards.
I take off my shirt and look at myself in the mirror.
A skinny yet toned man looks back at me. Black hair, dark skin, brown eyes. I'd go as far to say that he's pretty handsome. He wears white cargo pants--two sizes too large--and two belts to keep it all up. He normally wears a black shirt, intentionally torn in a couple of places, but right now he's got it off.
Such a fine, fortunate young man.
And then I look at the mark on his chest.
He can still feel it. *I* can still feel the burning. The smell of searing flesh.
Bastards, all of them.
Sieg... saved me. He kicked all their asses to and from and to again.
He saw what they did... what they're capable of doing.
He's got to have a lot of faith in humanity to believe they're capable of changing.
________
The present...
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1144
Vicinity of Phoenix Station
________
"Alright, so here's the deal," I announce through the TPC. "Per usual, Tealla probably knows that I'm on my way. We're going to board the Vanguard through its starboard hatch. Sonny, you won't actually enter; you'll stick close to the hatch in your Talon. Use its sensors to give Willis a better idea of the interference that's binding the ships."
"That's it!?" Sonny's voice blurts. "You just needed me as a buffer?"
"Talons are scout craft; the sooner we can find out what the interference is, the sooner we can understand it. And while the Essex seems immune thus far, that could change in a heartbeat, and I want to be ready."
"Damn you, Hyrem!" Sonny curses.
"Love you too, little buddy."
We approach the hatch, still only grazing the Centauri's weapons range.
"It's already open," I notice, stepping off of the G-board and onto the Vanguard. "Sonny, at the first sign of trouble, let me know, then scram back to the Essex. Understand?"
"Yeah, yeah" Sonny mopes. "Jeez. I thought this was going to be a fun day, too."
Corridors are rather tight, yet some aren't laid out in a manner I'm familiar with.
________
Hmm...
Seems as if Cruz has modified their Vanguard-class battleships somewhat.
I'll be all embarrassed if they did it on my account--
"Wait a minute," I think out loud. Why is the ship empty? Where are the people?
Oh crap.
"SIEG!" Sonny screams through the TPC. "They're attacking Phoenix Sta--!"
Something struck him as he spoke!
________
Sieg sprints back the way he came. But, unfortunately for him, his concern for Sonny's well-being led him to forget about Tealla.
You see, these two siblings share a psychic link. For the most part, when relatively close to one another, they can sense where the other is.
Despite blood, however, Sieg and Tealla are constantly at war with one another. Countless duels have erupted between the two over the years.
Sometimes, Sieg wins.
Other times, though, Tealla comes out on top.
He doesn't notice her approach from behind and deliver a brutal kick to the back of his neck, knocking him out cold.
"So sorry, little brother," the lithe woman says to the unconscious man, "but this is just a diversion."
"This one was outside on a Talon," a huge monster of a man tells her, holding Sonny over his shoulder. Despite his rather intimidating presence, he speaks very gently and purposefully. "What will we do with them?"
"We'll tie them up in those aether-reinforced chains we brought," she says. "Sieg will break out eventually, but not before we've extracted our target. We'll be long gone before he re-boards the Essex."
"Yes, Lady Hyrem."
"I told you not to call me that!"
"My apologies, Lady Hyrem."
Tealla holds her forehead in her hand. "You're impossible, Maxwell, you know that?"
"Yes, Lady Hy--"
She gives the large man, Maxwell, a gaze rivaling that of the wickedest demon.
"Er, um, I mean, yes, ma'am."
She shrugs. "That'll do, I guess. Let's hurry."
"A question, m' lady."
"Shoot," Tealla offers, continuing to tie up her captives.
"I realize that I have not been with you for very long, so I apologize if my question comes across as offensive or presumptuous."
"Sheesh! Why does Sieg have to be so built?" she mutters aloud, clumsily tying up her brother and Sonny back-to-back. "Just ask, Maxwell. I'm no ogre."
"Very well. I have noticed that you and Sieg always hold back against each other." Maxwell kneels and helps. "I certainly approve, because unnecessary violence has never appealed to me, but you and your brother are seemingly always at odds with one another, beyond mere sibling rivalry."
"So basically," Tealla responds, standing up, "you're wondering why I'm letting him live right now, instead of killing him and making my life easier."
"Correct."
"Well," she says, taking a long, hard look at Sieg, "he's my brother. Not only would he do the same for me, he HAS done the same for me, my crew, and my ship. More than once, too."
"I believe I understand."
"But make no mistake, Maxwell; Sieg is an honorable man and all, but he has committed terrible acts. To fight him is to stare death in the face, and to underestimate him is to forfeit success. Remember this."
The large man looks at Sieg's still face. "He reeks of blood, but also of conviction. I believe that he seeks to atone."
"Don't we all, Maxwell? Don't we all..."
________
"Hey, kid."
Sonny groans. I nudge him again.
"Hey, kid, wake up! You okay?"
Another groan, then finally, "Yeah, Meander, that's it. I know its your first time; I'll be gentle, just ease in and--"
"WAKE UP!"
Sonny screams in surprise and tries to get up, but finds himself bound to... well, me.
"Damn, Sieg! I was having the nicest dream!"
"I know," I reply dryly. "My darling older sister lured us here to distract us while they kidnapped Armen Stratos."
"How do you know that!?" Sonny asks.
"I only pretended to be knocked out. I realized my mistake after Tealla struck me. She was aiming for a knockout, so I played along."
I start squirming, hoping to get my hands in such a position so I can grab the chains. Aether-reinforced or not, they'll break; I just need a good grip.
"Whoa, time out, Sieg!" Sonny was squirming too, trying to give me more room. "First of all, I thought she could tell if you were sleeping or not!"
"I've been practicing hiding my, oh, let's call it, my 'mental signature' from her." Just a little more...
"All right, fair enough, fair enough! Secondly, knowing Tealla, she made sure these chains are strong enough to hold us long enough for her to carry out her plan. Are we going to break out in time?"
"Well, let me think a moment," I begin. Just a little bit more... "The last time she and I went at it, she won. We're pretty even, Tealla and I, but my pride suffers a blow every time she wins, you know?"
Got it! My hands are in place.
"I've been training a lot, lately," I brag.
Tightening my grip, I scream loudly and pull at the chains with all my force. They only last a few seconds before shattering.
"Man, Sieg, you rock!" Sonny compliments as I help him up. "Thirdly, though, she and the brute took our TPC's! And as long as the Essex's shields are up, we can't telepathically relay a message to Amy and the others!"
"So we'll just have to deliver a message some other way! This way, Sonny!"
I hurry through the halls, searching for an elevator. Sonny follows close behind.
"What are we looking for, Sieg?"
"The interference is disrupting the aether-generation abilities of Vanguard-class battleships," I explain. "At least, after thinking about it for a bit, that's what I think. But, if I recall, Vanguards carry more... primitive weapons for just such an occasion."
"Ah, I follow you!" Sonny says with pride. "Harpoon launchers, I take it?"
"You read my mind, kid. I'm assuming you're one-hundred percent familiar with what to do if you fall?"
"Man, you have, like, zero faith in me!" the boy complains. "I'll make the aether 'bubble' if I fall, no worries. Yeesh. You can be fussier than Amy sometimes, man."
________
The vicinity of Phoenix Station has certainly changed in the past few minutes.
The Vanguard-class ships remain dead in the sky, with Sieg and Sonny desperately making their way through one of them, hoping to find weapons unaffected by the bizarre interference.
Meanwhile, the Centauri docks to the station. Tealla and Maxwell board the floating city, looking for their target; the new Cruz Foundation CEO, Armen Stratos.
Looking back at the Essex, she stands her ground, faithful that her commander, the warrior Sieg, will come through and save the day.
Within her hull, though, there is some doubt...
________
"Goddammit, what is taking Sieg so long?" I think aloud.
He should've been in touch with us by now! What is he thinking?
The Centauri's docked with Phoenix Station. What is going on out there?
"Aha! I found it!" Willis exclaims.
"The interference?" Asha queries.
"That's right! Incredible! It's a massive TP field, being generated approximately thirty-two kilometers bearing three-hundred by three-forty!"
"A ship below, or something stationed in the water?" I ask.
"Not sure. I'd need to take a closer look. Amy, I--"
"Out of the question. We need you here."
"C'mon, Amy!" Asha insists. "I'll go with him!--"
"I said NO!" I say sternly. "Sieg needs us where we are--"
"The situation's changed, Amy!" Asha argues. "The last thing Sieg wants is for us to just blindly listen to him when we know there's a better course of--"
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!" I scream.
Asha cringes a bit. I don't want to frighten her, but she just doesn't comprehend.
"Look," I try again, "I know that Sieg insists we think and act suitably as circumstance demands, even if it's against what he orders us to do. But we're surrounded by Cruz's battleships and we currently have no hard evidence that we aren't the ones that attacked the Vanguard and Phoenix Station."
"But--" Asha tries.
I cut her off and continue. "If we take down the TP field, we take down the only wall between us and the Vanguards. They haven't communicated with us yet nor do we know if they can even talk to each other. If the TP field falls, we're likely going to get attacked. And I don't even want to think about all the other ships."
"Well then, we should at least move closer!" Asha attempts. "What if Sieg and Sonny are hurt?"
"We'll be the perps in Cruz's eyes if we do that. We'd eliminate any doubt they may have had about our involvement. "
"Amy," Meander speaks, startling me, as she's been silent this whole time. "We have just been hit by a harpoon cannon. It's lodged a little into our shield. Moving slightly will release it."
"Say that again?" Well, that's certainly surprising. Who would be dumb enough to fire a harpoon at an airship this day and age, shielded or not--
"It's Sieg!" I exclaim.
"There's a small object fastened crudely to the harpoon," Meander continues. "It appears to be a voice sphere. I'm sending an engineering bot to retrieve it."
________
The Essex's crew gather around Willis's terminal.
The boy inserts the compact spheroid into a slot and taps a couple of buttons.
"Hey, bitches," they hear Sieg's voice say.
Amy shakes her head in shame.
"Listen up," he continues. "Sonny and I are fine, but we were lured into a trap. Tealla's planning on kidnapping Armen Stratos, though I have no idea why yet. She took our TPC's, which is why I haven't been in touch. She also trashed our rides. Please send a couple of G-boards our way. Afterwards, if you've found the source of the interference, take the Essex there and disable it. Take the whole ship; don't just send one person. I'll make sure things get smoothed over here for your return. I'm out!"
"You heard the man," Amy says, her face a mix of relief and determination. "Send two boards, then let's get moving!"
"You got it!" Asha, Willis, and Meander say simultaneously.
________
Ah, yes, beautiful.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
They have discovered the TP field just as quickly as I had hoped.
I watch, via my lovely little probe, as the Essex flies away and towards my little "pupil."
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
"My lord?" It's her voice in my head. "The enemy approaches."
"Good, good," I reply confidently. "Stay out of sight. Observe, record, and then escape. Do NOT engage them yet."
"Yes, my lord--"
"I mean it, my student. If you engage them now, you risk unraveling what we're about to do before it even begins. Do NOT engage."
"Yes, my lord. I understand."
I wonder if you do, my beautiful pupil.
"Computer," I command, "bring up profiles seven-three-three-R and seven-three-three-S."
"AFFIRMATIVE," the monotone female voice responds.
A hologram appears, showing scale versions of the Hyrem children.
Beautiful. Nothing else can describe these two warring siblings so well.
________
> SUBJECT 733R
> SIEG HYREM
> Age: 22
> Height: 6' 2"
> Hair: Dark Red
> Eyes: Dark Blue
> Known Living Relatives: Tealla Hyrem (sister; see Subject 733S)
> Estimated Power Level: 8000
> Armaments and Tactics: 2 Stinger MK-3 aether pistols, martial arts mastery, fire-type aether mastery, mastery of various utilitarian aether techniques
> Subject commands the renegade airship Essex and her crew. They stay well away from the fronts of the Trinity War and focus their efforts on exploration and bounty hunting.
> Subject clashes frequently with Cruz Foundation. Currently, 297 engagements between subject and Cruz are known and documented. High Command suspects at least 50 undocumented conflicts.
> Subject possesses formidable physical and aether abilities, wielding both with equal ease, and can attack effectively at all ranges against both single and multiple targets. While subject best wields fire-type aether, he has mastered many special-purpose techniques using other types of aether. Amongst them are smoke screens, dark-type aether fields that hinder vision, sound amplifiers, and even some simple healing and recovery techniques. This not only allows the subject to capitalize on his foes' weaknesses quickly and effectively, but also permits clean, speedy retreats when outmatched. Subject's estimated power level is deceptive.
> Subject 733R has been observed fighting against Subject 733S on numerous occasions. The two appear to be evenly matched, despite estimated power level differences. Though they possess different strengths, they know each other well enough to take advantage of even the slightest mistake or hesitation. Intelligence is convinced that both subjects share a telepathic link and, when close to each other, can sense each other's movements.
> Subject's vessel, the Essex, wields considerable firepower and substantial aether shielding. When necessary, subject can augment the Essex's shielding with his own. The ship's crew has proven itself cunning and resourceful, and must be considered when assessing subject's threat potential. Subject has a strong emotional attachment to the Essex and her crew. This is both a weakness and a strength; he may not act rationally if his ship and crewmates are harmed, but he will fight fiercely to protect them.
> Despite all this, High Command believes three things:
> a) Subject is unaware of our existence
> b) Subject would rather avoid conflict when given the chance.
> c) Subject can be controlled by threatening or kidnapping one of his crew members.
> Subject is of key importance to Project Estrela. Though subject's sheer formidability and resourcefulness makes him a real danger, stealthy action will prevent him from realizing who we are or, in the event we are discovered, considering us a threat. If worse comes to worse, we can attempt to use his crew against him.
> Threat Potential: B. High risk, but manageable.
> EOF
> SUBJECT 733S
> TEALLA HYREM
> Age: 26
> Height: 5' 8"
> Hair: Light Brown
> Eyes: Sky Blue
> Known Living Relatives: Sieg Hyrem (brother; see Subject 733R)
> Estimated Power Level: 9100
> Armaments and Tactics: Extensive martial arts mastery (subject's specialty), ice-type aether mastery
> Subject commands airship Centauri and her crew. They make a living as mercenaries, often under the employ of Cruz. They have earned a favorable reputation, but hold allegiance to no one. For the right price, they will do just about anything, even against their most frequent employer, Cruz.
> Subject possesses formidable physical and aether abilities. She favors aether-enhanced martial arts, preferring to close in to melee range before striking. The speed at which she can close the gap between herself and her opponents is not to be underestimated. When forced to fight at medium and long ranges, subject resorts to ice-type aether incantations (when given enough time and space to chant) and simple but quick cold energy blasts. While subject is more suited to fighting physically, her aether abilities can keep her target frozen and sluggish. She'll then close in and fight at her ideal range, or retreat if outmatched.
> Subject 733S has been observed fighting against Subject 733R on multiple occasions. The two are seemingly evenly matched and know each other's strengths and weaknesses far better than anyone. Intelligence suggests that the two share a psychic link and are able to tell where the other is when in close proximity. A mental probe on either subject will grant us invaluable intelligence and insight.
> Subject's vessel, the Centauri, is a potent and heavily armed warship. The Centauri sacrifices speed for power; the raw amount of firepower it puts out means that most ships that could normally escape the Centauri will be unable to because of structural and engine damage, assuming the Centauri's victim tries to stand its ground. Her crew is quick-witted and inventive, specializing in creative yet practical offense. This must be considered when assessing subject as a threat.
> High Command has currently hired subject to kidnap the new Cruz CEO (see Subject 733Q). This task, which will be monitored by Celestial Knight, serves a dual-purpose; to interrogate Stratos about the Hyperion Incident, and to gather further intelligence on both Subjects 733S and 733R.
> Subject is of key importance to Project Estrela. If she learns our true motives--and we must not doubt her ability to discover us--she will pose considerable risk. Her tenacity, vigor, and general unpredictability must not be ignored. Use her as necessary, but at the first sign of trouble detain her through any means necessary.
> Threat Potential: A-. High risk, unpredictable.
> EOF
________
HSD 232 - 05 - 23 - 1201
Vicinity of Phoenix Station
________
"All freaking right!" Sonny squeals. "Our G-boards have arrived!"
"In all likelihood," I begin as we fly away from the Vanguard and towards Phoenix Station, "Tealla's already there. Let's hope that Mr. Stratos's bodyguards can stall her for a bit."
"Man, Sieg, you're putting a lot of faith in them if you think they'll even last five seconds against Tealla."
"That may be, but still."
The Centauri's docked. Good; she won't be able to fire.
We fly over the station. It is enormous; truly like a flying city. Tall buildings, roads, shopping centers, and a sizeable important-looking structure with an ominous hole that looks like it was recently made by one of Tealla's ice blasts.
"Down there!" I call, descending. "Watch out for the people; I know we don't see any now but they're probably indoors or underground. I don't want any innocent victims--"
Suddenly, an explosive tags me directly in the chest.
Shit, that hurts!
It hit me with enough force to send me hurtling to the streets below.
Unlocking my boots, I jump off the G-board and land on my feet.
"That smarts," I mutter.
"Sieg, man, you okay?" Sonny asks, coming down to my level.
"I'm fine," I assure him. "My pride's a little shot, though."
"Well met, Sieg Hyrem." A different voice. It was the same man that was with Tealla.
I see him, walking towards us. Wow, he sure is big! I'm pretty tall, but this guy just towers over me; he's at least seven-foot-six, for sure. And built like a tank, too. He wears a dark blue body suit, covering him from neck to toe. White lines decorate the garment, but I don't think their purpose is merely cosmetic; I sense a strange aether signature coming from them. His hair's black and cut short, but still long enough to waver in the wind. He looks at me with a rather... furtive set of emerald eyes.
The man--Maxwell, that's his name--holds some sort of weapon on his right arm. I don't recognize the make or model of the black and silver device, but I'd guess, just from feeling its sting not a couple of minutes ago, that it's a concussive grenade launcher
"You haven't been with Tealla long, have you?" I ask. "Maxwell, was it? How are you liking it so far?"
"I cannot complain," he answers, shrugging his shoulders. "Lady Hyrem is a fair and just commander."
"And pretty cute too, eh? I like the tank tops she occasionally cavorts around in. Hot stuff."
The man, Maxwell, cups his chin. "I tend to agree; they definitely show off her curves quite nicely-- Hey, are you sure you should be saying such things? Are you not her brother? Wow, she told me that you were a pervert, but to think such things of one's own sister?"
"Yeah I'm a pretty dirty, perverted, and sick man. Or so I'm told. So, are we going to fight now or what?"
The man readies himself. "Ah, of course. Let us begin."
"Hang on a sec, big man!" Sonny interrupts. He looks bad at me, still hovering on his G-board. "Sieg, I'll take care of the lug. Go after Tealla!"
"Be careful, Sonny," I caution. "Those rounds he's firing are no joke."
He nods. "Hey, big man!" Sonny calls out. "Sorry about the wait! Sieg's sitting this one out; he's got more important things to do! I'll be your opponent!
"Neither of you will get past me," Maxwell warns.
"Actually," I taunt in mid-jump, sailing over him and to the compromised structure, "I'm already here. Toodles!"
Sonny engages Maxwell before he has the chance to fire at me. Good luck, kid.
________
I am, beyond all doubt, the most brilliant woman alive.
Actually, I take that back; the most brilliant person alive!
Stupid little Sieg had to go meddle where he didn't belong. I wonder if he's even awake yet.
Wow, this place sure is big!
Though I can't help but feel just a little uneasy that our client was able to shut off so many defenses, including the ones in this building.
"You there! Stop!" What's this? Another bumbling little Cruz grunt?
And he's firing at me! What a jackass!
After ripping off the barrel off of his gun and delivering a knockout chop to the side of his neck, I keep going.
My target: new Cruz Foundation CEO, the infamous Armen Stratos.
You really are a fool little brother, buying into that man's promises.
Cruz Foundation will not change, Sieg. And neither will the world. This war, fought on many more fronts than anyone truly realizes, will continue until the end of time.
It's really too bad, little brother. You and I, on the same side... nothing would stop us. No person, no airship, no army, no heaven or hell would stand a chance against us.
Oh, well. No point worrying about things that won't change--
What the fuck!?
Sieg's here! He's on Phoenix Station!
How did he break out so fast?
Am I making a mistake?...
No, it's definitely him!
As much faith as I have in Maxwell's ability, I know he's no match for Sieg.
Shit. Shit. Shit. I wasn't counting on this.
I don't have much time.
I pull out my holo-map again and confirm my destination. Yup, I'm going the right way. Better hustle.
Not this door, not this door, not this door... THIS ONE! I kick it open.
"Well now, my dear, it's about time," a man within says. All I see is his back; a dress suit and a bed of gray hair. "Tealla Hyrem, correct?"
"Armen Stratos, I'm afraid you're coming with me," I demand.
"Yeah, I figured." The man turns. He's in his forties, I hear, but wow, he's still rather handsome. His face is slim yet stoic, his eyes a deep azure not unlike Sieg's. He's got a wrinkle here and there, but still looks rather youthful.
"You can come quietly, or I can force you," I repeat threateningly. "Your call."
"Really? Mine?" He's so relaxed about all this. How weird. "Very well, my dear, I'll go quietly, but I have a question first."
"Make it quick; I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Of course, my dear Tealla. Tell me, did your brother come? Sieg Hyrem, is he here?"
"As a matter of fact, he intended to show up to the party before we came and crashed it. Why?"
"No reason. Let's go, shall we? Lead on."
His casual attitude towards his own kidnapping is starting to piss me off.
"Oh, and one more thing, Tealla--"
"HURRY THE FUCK UP!" I scream, dragging him by the arm.
"Actually," he continues, "just one more question, and then I promise I'll be nice and quiet."
"Fine, fine," I concede, boarding an elevator and punching the main floor button. "What is it?"
He straightens his suit and tie before speaking.
"How did you and your brother escape the Hyperion Incident unscathed?"
I feel my face turn white. "How do you know about that?" I near-whisper.
"Because, my dear," he breathes, leaning against the cabin wall, "I was there."
________
"My lord?" Her voice in my head again. "They've arrived."
Ah, yes, beautiful.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
"Proceed as planned, my student."
"Yes, my lord."
The wheels begin turning.
And my beloved Project Estrela will soon be a reality.
The Hyrem children. Beautiful, beautiful children.
You will be mine once again.
________
Tealla exits the elevator.
"Hey, sis," Sieg greets. "Looking sexy as always. You willing to give up your prisoner, or am I going to have to force you?"
________
--== EPISODE 1... END.
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