As we landed at the Tower's entrance we were met with a slew of armed guards. Though there were two other individuals below that I could barely recognize.
"Alrighty folks, thank you for flying Air Deathwright, where we assure absolute comfort and leisure during your travels," Edwin said over the intercom.
Calling his imaginary flight company "Air Deathwright" was a bit off-putting at best and at worst, a joke in bad taste. As the back hatch opened the guards outside began to form up as four individuals outside the gates.
Meeting us there had been none other than my parents with Uncle Donnell and Kat. As my father opened his mouth to speak, Mom brushed passed him before he could even get a word out and virtually scooped me up in her arms.
"My goodness, my baby boy is alright!" She shouted as she rubbed her cheeks against mine. "I thought something terrible happened to you. I need to call you to know that, it's been months since I last saw you. Are you eating well? Have you lost a little weight? Did you bring home a girlfriend yet?"
"M-Mom chill already! You're embarrassing me!"
She stopped swinging me about and put me down. Though she cupped her hands over my cheeks forcing our eyes to meet. "I am your mother Soran Xenthos... If you think this is embarrassing just wait until you get married."
Yeah, by this point I just wanted the Arcana Order to come back and fight. Looking around I could see the guards having some difficulty keeping themselves together. Uncle Donnell cleared his throat, "Please Crystal... This is unbecoming of the Prime Minister's wife."
Mom seemed a bit annoyed Uncle Donnell was trying to get between her and her son. But something clicked in her mind and she pulled back standing next to Dad, though she was pouting like a child.
"It's alright dear. I'm sure you'll get more time with Soran after his meeting," Dad reassured. "Now then..." Dad cleared his throat turning to me next.
"I'm sure you'll be able to guess the council didn't take your operation too well. You'll be subjected to all manner of scolding for it."
"Plus you and Talia will be getting one for your use of the Beam Smart Gun and Lumina System," Kat hissed.
"B-But I made sure to make the proper adjustments to them so they would completely resemble your plans, Dr. Kat," Talia whimpered
"What? I don't care about that," Kat shrugged. "Improve and adapt my plans all you want. Those weapons are dangerous."
Kat's surprising complaint aside, of course, bureaucrats would find something to complain about. I mean I get it but still, in my position I recognized that I was going to have to deal with it a lot more than I wanted to.
Sure enough, that's exactly what proceeded to happen. Not even moments after the council was convinced I was assaulted with all manner of complaints. They mainly came from Chieftess Morovov and Ambassador Cadmus and consisted entirely of the oceans of credits I caused in damage.
"This is outrageous Commander Xenthos!" Ambassador Cadmus shouted. "Accruing 2.5 billion credits in damages to Neo Arcadia alone. Plus the damages we still haven't repaired to Necron Arcadia on top of the repair of multiple fleets!"
"Not to mention the number of escaped convicts we've had to detain as well as put down," Chieftess Morozov added. "We have law enforcement working so much overtime we're having to find other ways of compensating them."
In the council room, I'd been standing with Edwin and my Dad. The former of whom seemed to lose his patience over their prattling. He kept his arms crossed and started tapping his finger against his arm.
Grand Arbiter Justinia and Empress Kurokami seemed to not have any interest in joining their complaints while the Executive Councilor stayed as stiff as a statue.
As the two bellyaching councilors seemed to finish, Ambassador Cadmus slammed his hand on the table. "Have you nothing to say for yourself, Commander?"
I wanted to say something snarky because I was just tired of listening to them ranting. But both of my "lawyers" elbowed me on both sides.
"I apologize that the council feels this way about my actions. I know that they could've resulted in a catastrophic loss of life or property damage. However, I believed in the time of organizing a battle strategy and resources I believed that time was of the essence. We couldn't afford to not take this risk."
That was honestly going to be my best attempt at an official answer as I was going to give. It seemed to satisfy Chieftess Morozov since she was a warrior first and a politician second. Though Ambassador Cadmus just seemed disgruntled about it. Before the latter could find something else to complain about the Executive Councilor seemed to shake off its stiffness.
"Xenthos Commander," it coldly spoke. "As the Executive Councilor, I'd like to firstly thank you for your service in protecting Neo Arcadia and the Prime System. Though your plan had several variables that could've compromised the integrity of its success the results are what matter the most."
The Executive Councilor raised its hand and an image displayed above it showed various bits of data. The three main images displayed an image of Haumea's mugshot, the Megalith above the Tower, and two strange corpses.
Each had been an alien of a different race. The first seemed like an Optima, though much of the front of their body seemed like was missing from most of it. But the only damage to the body was a blaster round to its chest. The second had been of a large reptilian creature with four arms. He wore something akin to ceremonial armor but he'd been missing his head. Poor guy probably got decapitated by something sharp.
"Empress Kurokami... Please address the Megalith at this time," Executive Councilor Panopticon ordered.
The Empress stood. The image of the Megalith was enlarged. She cleared her throat before speaking.
"The Megaliths of Neo Arcadia are the most mysterious phenomenon on the planet. Their movement although slow is completely coordinated through unidentified means. That was until a few days ago at the siege of Neo Arcadia."
The still image rewound reveals itself to be a video in progress. The red markings slowly faded away until the video paused again. Time seemed to move forward on the screen as a spiral of red, white, black, and the green light flashed on top of the structure. Then after a series of flashes of light, the Megalith itself began to have red markings running down its surface making out an image similar to The Fool.
"Sir Wainwright," The Empress called out. "You have Grand Arbiter Justinia's information about a weapon known as Arcanum. What the council wishes to know is if it has any relevance to the Megaliths?"
It wasn't a farfetched idea to connect the two. There was still so much we hadn't known about Arcanum thus far. The worst thing about it was Edwin was probably the only one who knew what we were dealing with.
"As much as I'd like to tell you," Edwin began saying. "I can't do so for free."
The Councilors began murmuring showing signs of concern. I'd started getting worried when even Panopticon seemed confused.
"To elaborate, in this transaction of information, I'd like to negotiate the release of your prisoner there in one of your images. I understand my associate Seraph Xenthos is with her now."
That answered more than one question. But I wondered how the council might take it.
"Out of the question!" Chieftess Morozov bellowed. "We cannot allow that convict to get a slap on the wrist for some information."
The Executive Councilor stood and turned its optics on the Chieftess.
"Morozov Councilor," it stated, "Please note that you do not speak for the entire council. This platform is the only one with such rights."
The Chieftess along with everyone else froze. She slowly returned to her seat after clearing her throat, careful not to make any sudden movements.
"Wainwright Advisor, We will need a sufficient and logical reason to release the Haumea Subject to you. Otherwise, we cannot comply with your request and will reconsider Nova Astra's utility."
That wasn't good to hear. Edwin must've sensed it to since his sly smile seemed to fade.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"Apologies Executive Councilor," Edwin stated. "It appears I've taken my humor too far..."
"Haumea is dangerous to leave locked up in some cell. If Lucian came after me then he will come after her. It's best that the council hands her over to Nova Astra with the same sentence as the Commander... That way I can assure you, she will not return to the order and it rewards her for defecting to our side."
The Executive Councilor scanned Edwin's features as it evaluated his statements. It sat back down after its optics flashed blue.
"It is determined that your argument... Is logical. Therefore It does not need a vote."
"Executive Councilor, are you not worried about the people's view of this?" Ambassador Cadmus asked. "This will send a message of terror to the public. Allowing a criminal that attacked their home to fight for us is more than just a slap on the wrist."
"This platform will reiterate that Xenthos Commander's sentence is one set for the duration of his life span. The moment his utility becomes inefficient or his actions result in a significant loss for the council he will be branded a traitor to the state. A crime punishable by death..."
A fact that I hadn't thought about since the tribunal, but it still reared its ugly head every once in a while.
"The public's view over Xenthos Commander's actions is our responsibility as his superiors," Panopticon continued. "As the leaders of the Prime System Alliance, we must always take responsibility for the actions of our inferiors. It is illogical to shift the blame for Xenthos Commander's actions onto the subject alone. If the release of the Haumea Subject is allowed then any forms of correction are our responsibility as well. Is there an objection to this?"
Ambassador Cadmus was stunned. Arguing against Panopticon now would only create a more hostile dialog given its argument. Though he still had something to day, he just kept silent.
"This platform will take Cadmus Councilor's lack of response as a response." Panopticon shifted its optics to Edwin next. "Wainwright Advisor... To establish a transaction of information. Will you agree to these terms as an acceptable form of payment?"
Edwin nodded which seemed to please the Executive Councilor. "This platform has acknowledged Wainwright Advisor's acceptance. Would any Council member like to submit a formal complaint?"
None of the others seemed to even want to object at this point.
"Acknowledged," chimed Panopticon. "The Haumea Subject will be released to Nova Astra effective immediately. She will be given the same sentence as Xenthos Commander and will be escorted to the Asterism as soon as possible by Xenthos Commando Unit Leader."
It sat back in its seat and leaned forward, its optics still locked onto Edwin's face. "Wainwright Advisor you will now begin to release the information you possess."
Edwin tucked on his collar while swallowing a lump in his throat. "Y-Yes... Of course, I will do my best."
Edwin then held up his hand creating a large sphere of black energy that closely resembled Neo Arcadia. Smaller spheres were circling the planet making a visual aid for the Megaliths.
"The Arcanum Astra is known mostly as a fairy tale among our kind but only the majors know it as an actual artifact. However many have a common misconception about it."
The smaller spheres began to move while seeming to brighten in color one by one. "The Arcanum Astra cannot be found. It is something that must be forged using the combined might of all twenty-two majors. The Astra itself can only be wielded by a Major chosen by the weapon or those who share their blood. It's why there must always be a Major, and one of the reasons we chose to expand throughout the stars."
The smaller spheres merged with the larger one, then it began to shape into a plain-looking sword. "The First Arcanum that was forged was used to expand Ether's generation infinitely. Meaning other planets would eventually have Ether form on them. To find other species and enrich their lives with Ether. A purpose our ancestors passed down to us."
Everything Edwin was saying seemed almost too strange to be true. The very fact that Ether was a concept was a result of a weapon being forged. Then there is the fact that Edwin lied about knowing anything about Arcanum. But could it technically be called a lie? He did have one of the pieces of information pertaining to Arcanum, we just didn't know what.
"Well if everything your saying is true," Empress Kurokami began. "Then does that mean there are more enemies we will have to deal with?"
The question was quite scary when you gave yourself enough time to think about it. Since there were survivors of the War of Sorrows it made me think about how many were majors too.
"Given the Executive Councilor's good faith, I won't lie to you," answered Edwin. "There may be more on Lucian's side. However not all the majors agreed with Lucian's ideals. Every Major that perished in the War is already accounted for."
He turned to Satomi and Talia as he finished. "My Brother, Solomon is to thank for that."
Yeah and a lot of other things. Pleasant and not so.
"Very well... No further questions," The Empress stated.
Chieftess Morozov raised her hand to speak. "In report after the Necron Arcadia infiltration. You mentioned that there were four among you that had information about Arcanum. Three of them are your brothers. So that begs the question of what Commander Soran knows."
Now all eyes were on me which was a bit uncomfortable. Honestly, I didn't know what to tell them. Solomon hadn't told me anything about Arcanum and that vision I had during my awakening was no good.
"As much as I'd like to say... I don't know honestly."
Everyone seemed a little disappointed with my answer, though Edwin seemed a bit shocked. For a split second his brow raised before he realized something and tried his best at disappointment as well.
"You have to tell us something," Chieftess Morozov demanded. "You're supposed to have this answer."
"Chieftess Morozov please," Strained Dad. "I know Soran is a bit of a troublemaker. But he would not lie under these circumstances."
The Chieftess appeared incredibly displeased, going so far as to even jump out of her seat. But before her anger could be vocalized, Panopticon raised its arm to hold her back.
"Morozov Councilor... Xenthos Commander has stated that he has no information regarding the topic. He is also not a part of the current transaction of information. Your anger is illogical."
The Chieftess stopped herself though she still didn't seem too happy about it. Sitting back down she kinda just gave me a death stare until calmed down.
"With this information," Panopticon continued, "We will have no choice but to seek out other forms of information. This will mean locating the Lucian Subject and the Unknown Subject. In regards to the information, Xenthos Commander possesses, this platform would like to make a personal request."
A request? From Panopticon? That's not something you hear every day.
"Um... Sure yeah... What's up..? I mean... What is it Executive Councilor?"
"Xenthos Commander. This platform requests that if you obtain the information you are supposed to have on the Arcanum Artifact, then this platform would like you to withhold that information from anyone outside of Nova Astra."
You want him to do what?" Choked Ambassador Cadmus.
"The Lucian Subject is cunning. Every time we have conflicted with the Lucian Subject he has managed to not only escape capture but obtain something he wants. Whether it be information or a result. In addition, due to the power displayed by the Laufey and Arjun Subjects, it only stands to reason that either the subjects in question or an unknown subject could have a power that could lead to an unfavorable outcome. One of those possible outcomes is an infiltration of the council."
A ludicrous suggestion that ironically came from a robot.
"Will you acknowledge this requestion?"
It wasn't an impossible one to honor but it was certainly strange. "Yes," I answered.
"This response has been acknowledged... Now we will begin assigning you your next task."
Panopticon raised his hand and waved it. The third image of the two corpses now becoming enlarged for all to see.
"Does Xenthos Commander recognize these lifeforms?" Panopticon asked.
I tried racking my brain since they seemed somewhat familiar. Maybe something I learned in history class.
"You learned this in History dude," Talia spoke inside my head.
Oh yeah, that's right. Sending a mental thank you, I traced my memory until I found the answer. Which by the way was totally not good.
"One's a Dreg Incursor and the other is an Erebean Zealot. They were members of the Dreg Empire and Erebea Collective. Two enemies of the Prime System."
Panopticon's optics flashed twice. "This is correct... Which leads to the issue at hand. The very fact these two were among many in the debris found gives rise to a new problem... The Collective and Empire are collaborating."
Oh yeah... Panic mode initiated.
"Considering their collusion and the fact that there are other Arcadians we do not know of. It is best that Nova Astra must is sent beyond the Prime System," stated Granny Justice. "We've held a steady truce with both parties yet now that we know they are involved with an enemy of ours it is safe to say you will encounter them...
"...Therefore you mustn't be the ones to incite war with them first," Panopticon added. "War with these parties will be certain, so while Nova Astra is away we will prepare."
Honestly, I'd never imagined the galaxy beyond the Prime System. The only ones who got to even go were explorers or traders. There were times when people didn't come back once they left. As scary as the idea sounded it was equally exciting. Fighting cosmic horrors in the unknown. It was like the video games I used to play. I could've been recruiting different Aliens from other worlds like Commander Alan from Profusion Effect, or dropping onto planets like Sergeant Major from Nimbus.
"Xenthos Commander," Panopticon called, breaking my train of thought. "Do you understand your mission?"
"Uh... Yes. Find the other Arcadians not aligned with Lucian. Watch out for the Collective and Empire, and get Arcanum before Lucian does."
Chieftess Morozov and Ambassador Cadmus seemed annoyed with my lapse in attention while the Empress giggled. Panopticon acknowledged my response with two flashes from his optics.
"Very well... Nova Astra will depart the Prime System in three days. The first planet we would like you to investigate is Valerion VI. A planet in the Praxis Galaxy.
A hologram of a planet was generated as the three images faded away. The planet had two moons much like Neo Arcadia although much of it was covered in a desert rather than an ocean. There were some bodies of water but they looked far too spread out.
"In the three months between the Necron Arcadia Assault and the Siege of Neo Arcadia, we began searching the Prime Galaxy for signs of other Arcadians. We've used Xenthos Commander, the Lucian Subject, and Wainwright Advisor's Ether signatures as a basis for this search. The closest found was on this planet."
The Hologram dissolved. Panopticon and the rest of the Councilors stood, their gazes now spotlighted on me.
"Xenthos Commander... The success of this mission is vital to the survival of all who reside in the Prime System. It is likely it will be some time before we can meet again. We're trusting that you will succeed."
It lowered its head, holding its hand over its core.
"Ad Astra Arcanum," It saluted.
"Ad Astra Arcanum," the other councilors echoed.
"Ad Astra Arcanum?" I repeated.
"It is now an official way of wishing success," Panopticon chirped. "The idea was mine."
It seemed delighted to acknowledge its idea which seemed a little childlike.
With that, the meeting was adjourned and the Councilors departed from the meeting room. As we made our exit as well I started thinking about the vision I'd had before activating the Anima. If I thought about it rationally. Solomon wasn't the one who could wield the Arcanum. That left two more options.
But honestly with all the info absorbed, I'd rather not think about all that stuff. Besides, the forefront of my thoughts was mainly breaking the news to the others back on the Asterism.
We'd be leaving home for a very long time.