My Dad nearly leaped out of his seat when he first saw me, but the Agents flanking him held him off for his sake. His eyes narrowed as his gaze swayed from side to side. "This is my Son, you'll do your best to recognize that."
The two Agents looked like they wanted to piss themselves after hearing my Dad. Honestly, I was with them. They must've been new.
"Please forgive them," said Alice. "They wish only for your safety and are just carrying out their duty to their Prime Minister."
Dad closed his eyes and sighed. In the position he was in he couldn't argue with Alice. "Though I appreciate your vigilance. I believe I can be affectionate toward my Son. After all, it is the first time I've seen him in months."
Recalling the time before my coma, I hadn’t seen my Dad so much. Being the Prime Minister of Neo Arcadia wasn't exactly the easiest job in the world but it must be done. Before we had to move here we pretty much did a lot together. But now... A bit of distance has come between us.
"So Son, how do you feel? Are you in any pain?"
"No Dad," I said, grasping the stump where my arm used to be. "It surprisingly doesn't hurt. Though it's still a bit shocking."
"I could imagine... Your mother was beside herself when she heard of your injuries. She visited you every day since the attack."
Even though I wanted to speak, I couldn't find the words. I remembered what my mother told me that day. "Don't go too far."
"I can't imagine how worried she must be... But I'm alive at least and awake. She can find some relief in that."
"Soran, a Mother will always worry for her child," scolded Alice. "You really were reckless that day. I can't imagine how she might react when she sees you again."
Despite my wanting to downplay Alice's words two thoughts came to my mind. The first had been Alara, Alice's mother. She'd sacrificed herself to ensure that I and Alice would be safe. I wondered how angry she would've been if Alice has been in my place. It worsened once I realized how my mother would react.
My Dad cleared his throat, then ordered the Driver to begin heading to our destination. Turning back toward me he leaned forward in his seat and clasped his hands together.
"As much as I'd like to continue this pleasant conversation our destination awaits."
The Aeromobile took flight into the night sky and as we ascended into the skyway my Dad's expression stiffened.
"I won't lie to you Son. The past few months have been difficult. Hundreds of thousands of people died the day Albion was attacked, both soldiers and civilians. The Albion Incident is being regarded with the same seriousness as the Promethean Civil War."
Hearing the number of casualties made my heart sink. It wasn't inaccurate as Lucian blasted an entire ship along with a fleet of soldiers from the sky. The wreckage must've been a mess to clean up.
"But, your involvement lowered the already staggering amount of casualties," Dad continued. "Among Albion's students, there were only those that were injured. Thanks to Miss Milos and Miss Xenthos, we were able to save the school"
"Well that sounds all good," I interrupted, "But there seems like there's a problem isn't it?"
Dad frowned, as he usually did whenever he was trying to butter me up before giving me bad news. What made it all worse was now everyone else in the car had sullen looks.
"Even though you saved countless lives, you did commit several crimes while doing so. As we speak we are headed to the Prime Council for a military tribunal."
The gravity of the situation was worse than I thought. Even though I did save the lives of other people I technically wasn't supposed to fight, or pilot an Eidolon for that matter. Plus if things went horribly wrong then many more people could've died.
Dad's grip tightened, more bad news. "You must plead guilty Soran."
I bit my tongue before I said anything outrageous. No amount of good could outweigh the outcome of this situation. In the end, people died and I could've killed more. I must've had a grim look on my face because I could feel Alice's hand on my shoulder.
"Fear not my son," Dad continued, "When you plead guilty the council will sentence you. I promise it isn't anything too harsh."
"I'm getting sentenced," I blurted out. "What's there not to be worried about?"
"The council and I have been deliberating your sentence with Alice here. To be honest, the public doesn't know the full truth about the attacks. If word got out that the Arcadians returned, it could prove disastrous."
Thinking back to History class, I could see why the Prime Council would be worried.
"Despite my efforts to give the council as much information about our people as I could," said Alice. "Some are still fearful of us."
They more than made their point but I still had my doubts.
For the rest of the ride, Dad had begun to fill me in on the rest of the situation. Lucian had been onto something. My friends all bore Markers and even Alice is unsure how. Somehow their molecular structure had been altered as well. Seraph and Alice were trying their best to walk them all through their abilities. Though Dad wouldn't say more about how they were doing. On the bright side, Satomi was pushed to the front of the line for a cybernetic prosthesis. Though Dad wouldn't reveal why. It may have been about whatever the Prime Council had in store for me.
Next came the bad news. The casualties weren't the only problem. No one has been allowed on or off Neo Arcadia for the past few months. All in the name of planetary defense. The warp gate to the Ark was even sealed off and a blockade had been placed around the planet. I was willing to bet that the public wouldn't like such measures to be taken.
With all of this information, I had to discern why I had to know. With my tribunal minutes away and the fact that I was only a cadet meant I didn't have much power. If only I could use the fact that I'm an Arcadian to my advantage.
As we began to approach our destination I began to see the staggering amount of sky scrappers surrounding us. The Albion Academy dorms were around the westernmost part of the city meaning the closer we'd gotten to the center the heavier the traffic. On the way, we passed the warp gate. A gigantic circular structure that normally had a blue wormhole that was constantly open in the city. There were so many other aeromobiles passing by us and starships floating above us. I'd only been to this portion of the city once. I believe it was called the Mercadia district. Lots of corporations were housed in this place. All surrounding the central seat of power in the Prime System.
As we cleared the Mercadia district we came upon an area with only one tower. It wasn't as large as the ones from Mercadia but it stood out. As we began our landing approach I began gripping my seatbelt a little tighter.
Landing directly in front of the tower, the Agents were the first to disembark. There'd been several other black aeromobiles like ours and a few Agents even got out of those. Once they secured the area they opened the door for us. Alice, Seraph, and I were the first to get out. Then my Dad disembarked with several guards surrounding him. He seemed annoyed but even he understood the measures they had to take now. As we were escorted into the tower. Inside there were diplomats from various planets all standing around and talking. They all got rather quiet when we strolled in. Some of them bowed in respect for seeing my father while others just remained silent.
In the main atrium of the Tower, there were 3 large doors and a staircase. These were the doors of Parliament in which I'd be facing my tribunal. Standing guard at the doors were five soldiers armed to the teeth with weaponry. As two pushed open the doors the others kept a watchful eye on us. It was understandable given they probably knew what we were.
I'd only seen Parliament once on TV. It was normally filled to the brim with diplomats, politicians, and guards. Now the place was devoid of all of that except for five individuals, each a member of the five races.
Seated in the center had been a red-armored Optima with a visor-like head. The blue eyes that glowed beneath the visor made it look more intimidating than most Optima I've seen. It almost looked like a combat model. Flanking its left were the Earth and Zoltan representatives, a man and woman respectively.
The human had been rather tall and he'd worn a suit with a medal on his left breast which had five other distinct emblems on it. He was most likely the representative of the five Economic Blocs of earth. Though he didn't seem that old his hair was completely grey. Even though humans found a way to prolong their lives they still couldn't find a way to stop other things from getting old.
The Fafnar woman I hadn't seen before. Normally it was a man more imposing than Butch ever was. Her green hair seemingly glowed in the light of the room. She nearly looked human though that was probably due to her kimono hiding her actual features. As her gaze fell upon me she seemed saddened.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
As we reached the podium before the council the Agents collectively took positions around the room. Alice and Seraph had been seated in the closest spectator seat while my Dad stood next to me.
"Members of the Prime Council," my Dad bellowed. "My apologies for the sudden gathering. But while our enemies are out there we cannot afford to conduct larger meetings and make a spectacle out of this."
The Earth counselor nodded, then he turned his gaze toward me. "So this is your Son? I believed him to be a bit older than what you've told us."
"Yes Ambassador Cadmus, this is my Son. Do not allow his short stature to fool you. He is just as old as his dossier says."
Ah, he was making a jab at my height. My entire confidence in this tribunal now went down the toilet.
One of the representatives to the right of the Optima raised her hand. She'd been a Promethean and a familiar face at that. "Ambassador Cadmus... If you would be so kind as to allow the proceedings to begin. We cannot afford to waste time on futile questions or observations."
The Ambassador cleared his throat and then sat back in his seat. The Promethean representative was none other than her excellency Grand Arbiter Justina, ruler of Prometheus. All of the councilors here were the leaders of their respective planets.
The Optima fixed its gaze upon me now as the room grew silent. "Xenthos Subject... During this trial, you are to remain silent unless a counselor permits you to speak. Speaking out of term will be treated as treason and the sentences we have prepared for you will be thrown out in favor of execution. Does the subject understand?"
At that moment I'd rather fight Lucian and his band of merry men rather than be here. I'd gotten in trouble many times in my life before. But now I was beginning to think those were mere slaps on the wrists.
"I understand Councilor..."
The Tau Chieftess stood from her seat, holding a datapad in her hands. Much like Talia, she didn't look like a typical Tau at all. Even though her amphibian-like features were prevalent she gave me the same vibes as Minerva or Satomi. More noblewoman than barbarian.
"I Olga Morozov, Chieftess of the Tau, will now state the crimes of the accused. Firstly he has been accused of insubordination. As every Cadet of the Albion has signed and agreed to the terms when they began their first day, any order given by a military official of higher rank or an emergency broadcast system must be followed to the letter. Failure to do so is considered insubordination."
The broadcast did tell us to evacuate. Which I heard numerous times as I ran down the school halls.
"Secondly," she continued, "He stands accused of piloting an Eidolon without proper clearance or a license to do so. Disregarding the terms of the Eidolon ban set in motion after the Economic War. And finally, the reckless endangerment of high-ranking personnel such as High General Donnell Stark."
As her icy gaze fell upon me she threw the datapad down and frowned. "How does the defendant plea?"
Even though I wanted to dispute that last claim. Both my Dad and the Optima counselor's warnings stopped any desire to do so in their tracks. So with much regret, I had to do the right thing.
"I plead guilty..."
Chieftess Morozov sat back down, then the Zoltan councilor rose to her feet, taking her turn to speak.
"Cadet Xenthos... Since you have taken the guilty plea the council will decide between two sentences by majority vote. As decided by the Prime Decree, Executive Councilor Panopticon will be the last to vote. These sentences have been deliberated by the Prime Council since the Albion incident and careful consideration for your crimes and contributions have been made. Are you prepared to hear the sentences?"
I nodded, choosing not to speak at all now.
"Very well," she continued, "I Empress Kurokami Azami, will now address the sentences for the court..." The first sentence is that you will be exiled to Prometheus for the remainder of your life. You will not be able to leave Prometheus or serve in its military. You will be allowed freedom only on the planet and nowhere else."
A lifetime of exile on my home planet was their first choice. Honestly, it didn't seem that bad, at least at first. I'm sure there were several things wrong with that idea.
"The second sentence is conscription into a task force directly serving the Prime Council."
That wasn't something I was thinking I'd hear. I almost blurted out something but clamped my hand over my mouth.
"Prime Minster Yalta proposed a task force known as Nova Astra. The duty of this task force would be to carry out missions by the will of the Prime System. Though it was mainly created to help protect the system from external threats we now face the Arcadians. You Soran Xenthos will be its commander until you have perished in combat."
So it was either waiting forever to die on my home planet or dying on a battlefield. Looking at my Dad I could tell he wasn't liking any of this. He'd been clenching his fist so hard I was hoping he wouldn't hurt himself. I didn't like my sentences either but there was no avoiding it. I was stupid and it cost me dearly.
"The council will now vote on the matter," said Councilor Cadmus. "An open hand will designate that the councilor will accept the proposal to conscript Soran Xenthos, a closed hand will designate exile. For those who designate exile, you must give your reason to the court. Those choosing to accept may keep their reasons to themselves."
Empress Kurokami sat back down and the tension in the room grew incredibly thick. The first councilor to raise their hand was the Grand Arbiter. Her hand was open signaling her support. She was allowed to speak on the matter but didn't take it. Next Chieftess Morozov raised her hand, but it was closed.
"What is your reason for denial Morozov Chieftess?" Councilor Panopticon asked.
"There is much we do not understand about the Arcadians. Besides, given the Cadet's track record in previous schools, he has a hard time controlling his power. He is dangerous and a bit unpredictable."
While that was true I wished she'd given me some credit. Technically speaking that was because I wasn't even using all of my powers. Or at least Solomon said so.
Councilor Panopticon's eyes seemed to flash in acknowledgment. "A correct assessment to make... Continue with the voting."
The Zoltan Empress was next and she'd been the one I was most worried about. I remembered cutting off Butch's horn and there was an entire diplomatic incident about it. I wondered if she held a grudge as her husband did. But she surprised me as she raised her hand keeping it open. Her warm yet sullen gave met mine and she opened her mouth to speak.
"One of our own has eternally disgraced our pride as Fafnar. Not only did he bring this disaster upon Neo Arcadia but he did so by twisting our traditions. I do not wish to ask this of you Cadet, but know that if you help us regain our honor we will repay your kindness. I also beg for your forgiveness for the pain one of my people has caused you."
She bowed and though I wanted to say something I couldn't tell if I was able to. But luckily my Dad chimed in.
"Your Majesty, please it is enough you're giving Soran a chance to redeem himself through his service."
She lifted her head and smiled. Her eyes stayed on me rather than pay attention to anything else in the room. It was as if she was trying to discern some mystery about me.
The next to vote was Ambassador Cadmus, who'd seemed hesitant at first. As he raised his hand he closed his fist signaling his vote, creating a momentary tie.
"Please do not take offense to my vote young Xenthos," spoke Councilor Cadmus. "It is not that I doubt your abilities. Leaving such a burden on a young man like yourself is not the way we humans wish to proceed. There is also one that would be within your command that we cannot risk losing."
I was sure of who he meant. He knew that if I was going to be conscripted there was a chance that I'd be endangering one of their precious heirs. The humans couldn't risk one of their own getting killed on some other planet.
"Very well," Dad said. "All of the regular council member's opinions have been heard. Now it is time for the elected executive to mark their decision."
For once, all eyes stayed away from me. Now everyone looked to the stoic Optima. The glow of its optics hadn't been seen since the voting began. After a few minutes, the blue lights from beneath the visor slowly revealed themselves. Panopticon raised its hand and opened it. I'd let out the breath I'd been holding since this meant I would not be exiled. Though honestly, I didn't know whether this was a good thing or not.
Ambassador Cadmus slammed his fist into the desk, pushing his chair back as he stood. "Executive Panopticon? What is the meaning of this!? Have you gone mad!?"
The agents in the room began to tense up and the other councilors were just as shocked. Panopticon turned to face me and as its sensors scanned my being I started to understand a lot. Something I'd let Panopticon reveal itself.
"During the voting procedure, this platform has been deliberating with units within Excelion's high command. Taking into account Subject Xenthos's origins, comrades, and dossier we have enough data to sufficiently state that exiling him is not a logical decision. Using the verbal and nonverbal reasoning each council member has used to vote it would be tactically unsound to deny his service to the council."
Panopticon stood and made its way around the council's stand directly in front of me. Panopticon was massive, it was strange to think that it was the highest political influence of Excelion. It looked like a ghost itself and probably had the combat prowess of one.
"Xenthos Subject... The council's vote has been decided by a 3 to 2 vote. You will begin military service as an agent of the Prime Council." It waved its hand seeming to press something in the air. It was likely accessing its own U.A.D. "You will become commander of Nova Astra effective immediately. Would the subject like to submit any objections or complaints to this verdict."
Commander of Nova Astra... If anyone told me a few months ago that I could commit multiple crimes and be sentenced to lead a special task force under the direct command of the Prime Council. I'd probably laugh and called them a fool. But now it was a reality.
"Please Executive Panopticon," shouted Chieftess Morozov. "You've always made logical decisions regarding the safety of the Prime System. We know nothing of these Arcadians and now you wish to use them to combat our enemies."
Seeing the Chieftess protest, the Ambassador seemed motivated as well. "Executive Panopticon. We must focus on bolstering our defenses and preparing our planets for the worst. Endangering the lives of young cadets is not what we desire. In addition Chieftess Morozov is correct. There is still much we do not know. These aren't foes like the Erebea Collective or the Dreg Empire. We cannot act irrationally."
That warm yet revolting feeling I'd gotten while I was out beginning to well up inside me. I couldn't control what I was going to say any longer. However, Panopticon placed its hand on my head. Turning his gaze onto his fellow councilor members I could see them back down a bit. Ambassador Cadmus even sat back down.
"All subjects within this domain have seen some of what the Lucian Subject is capable of. Yet the Xenthos Subject is the only one who can fathom the full extent. This decision was reached with the consideration of the Prime System in mind. Besides we do not intend to send Subject Xenthos and his comrades alone."
Panopticon began tapping at the air again and the other council members examined something in the empty space. It sucked not having a U.A.D.
Facing me again, Panopticon removed its hand and knelt so we'd be face to face.
"Claudia Bordeaux Lance Corporal will serve as your military advisor and will report all of your conduct to us. If the council finds that you've committed any further crimes you will be charged with treason and sentenced to death. Do you accept the responsibility of command of Nova Astra as well as the terms of your sentence?"
Bordeaux... Out of all the names in the military that I've heard cadets have pin-up posters hung in their room for many of the heroes within Prime System, she wasn't one I heard of before. I'd come to expect this outcome anyways. Be it Solomon or the Prime Council there was pretty much no way I could ignore any of it or refuse it, even if a small part of me wanted to.
Now all eyes fell upon me, awaiting my answer. Holding my arms parallel to my chest with a closed fist, I presented the council with the Albion Salute.
"I, Soran Xenthos, accept the terms of my sentence. As well as the role of Commander of Nova Astra.”