Author's Note: Unedited Chapter
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"Taking him by force? The earth is amongst the alliance leaders so wouldn't this cause an internal issue?" Aildris voiced thoughtfully.
Endric nodded in agreement. "Both sides have selfish motives as regards to this situation. However, I wouldn't want a case where conflict breaks out and Ria gets caught in the middle. We need to find a way to solve this quietly."
E.E looked towards them with determination in his eyes. "Then we need to e up with a new plan."
E.E stood up and grabbed a small device from his desk. "Let me show you something," he said, activating the device. A series of holographic images and videos began to play, filling the room with scenes from Gustav's activities this past year.
The first hologram showed Gustav saving a group of stranded aliens from a collapsing space station. Another depicted him relocating an entire planet out of orbit.
Another showed him engaging Siefiling. Another showed him on Planet Vespa.
The scenes continued, each one showcasing Gustav's heroic deeds in different locations outside of earth.
"These are just a few of the things Gustav has done in the past year," E.E said, his voice filled with admiration. "My initial plan was to present all this evidence to the MBO to advocate for Gustav's innocence and clear his name as a universal fugitive."
Aildris watched the holograms with a thoughtful expression. "This is pelling evidence, E.E. But you mentioned there was one last piece you needed to prove—that Gustav isn't affiliated with the Gustavo Alliance."
E.E nodded. "Exactly. That's why Elevora went off-planet. She's gathering concrete evidence to show that Gustav has no ties to the Gustavo Alliance. With her findings and the evidence we already have, I believe we can clear Gustav's name and secure Ria's release."
Falco crossed his arms, a skeptical look on his face. "It's a good plan, E.E, but the last part is a long shot. Finding definitive proof that Gustav isn't connected to the Alliance could take too long... If it is even successful at all."
E.E sighed. "I know. That's why I said we will need a new plan."
Aildris leaned forward, his eyes focused. "We talked about finding the location of the Alliance earlier. Maybe that's our best option."
E.E looked at him, curiosity piqued. "Are you suggesting we infiltrate the Alliance and break Ria out?"
Falco nodded confidently. "It seems like the best option we have."
E.E considered the idea for a moment. "If we do that, it could deescalate the conflict. But finding the Alliance's location is almost impossible. Only the Grand manders and General Chell know where it is."
Endric spoke up with a calm and measured voice. "Even if we find the location, getting in and out without being noticed would be extremely difficult. But right now, we need to focus on one thing at a time. Our priority should be getting information about the location."
They brainstormed ideas and the tension in the room rose as they discussed various strategies.
E.E glanced at them, a hint of a smile on his face. "You know, there is one person who might be able to help us—mander Xanatus. He's the only high-ranking officer who's been on our side so far."
Aildris nodded. "I remember he is close with Gustav. mander Xanatus could be our key to getting the information we need."
Endric added, "But we can't just ask mander Xanatus to get the information because it might get suspicious if he asks General Chell out of the blue. We need to e up with a way he can get it without being sus."
E.E looked around as the plan slowly came together in his mind. "We need to tell mander Xanatus about our motives first."
Falco leaned back. "I agree. We could pull this off."
E.E nodded. "Alright, let's get in touch with mander Xanatus and start laying the groundwork for our plan."
...
...
...
[ The Next Day ]
mander Xanatus looked up as E.E entered his office. He motioned for E.E to sit down.
"mander Xanatus," E.E began, "thank you for seeing me on such short notice."
"Of course, E.E," mander Xanatus replied with a calm but curious tone. "What brings you here?"
E.E took a deep breath and launched into an explanation of their situation, detailing the trios return and their urgent need to locate the Alliance. He also presented his plan to advocate for Gustav's innocence using the evidence he had gathered and was still gathering.
mander Xanatus listened intently, his expression thoughtful. When E.E finished, he leaned back in his chair. "You've put together a pelling case, E.E. However, locating the Alliance is no simple matter."
"I know," E.E agreed. "That's why we need your help. We know that we can only find it's location through General Chell."
mander Xanatus had a thoughtful look as silence ensued between them for a few seconds.
"Even I am not sure about getting the location from General Chell. He is not so foolish that he wouldn't suspect anything should I approach him... However..." mander Xanatus paused briefly.
"There is a way we can get this information. Although risky too, it has better chances of succeeding," He added.
"I'm all ears mander," E.E stated.
"The spacecraft General Chell last used to travel to the alliance. If we can access it, we might be able to extract the last coordinates and pinpoint the location," mander Xanatus revealed.
E.E eyes twinkled in understanding; "Truly this could work."
mander Xanatus nodded slowly. "The higher-ups' spacecrafts are kept on the floor above, in a highly restricted area. Regular MBO officers aren't allowed up there."
"How do we get in?" E.E asked, leaning forward.
"I can grant you access," mander Xanatus said. "But you'll need to move quickly and discreetly. If the spacecraft hasn't been flown elsewhere since General Chell's last visit, you should be able to extract the coordinates. However, if it has, this plan won't work."
E.E nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We're ready to take that risk."
"Remember not to use your spatial abilities. It will trigger an alarm. From down here, I will interfere with the cams so you won't be spotted," mander Xanatus gave E.E a stern warning while he nodded in response.
mander Xanatus proceeded to stand and walked over to a secure cabinet. He retrieved a small device and handed it to E.E. "This will give you temporary access to the restricted floor. Use it wisely. Once you have the coordinates, return here immediately."
E.E accepted the device, feeling a surge of determination. "Thank you, mander. We won't let you down."
---
With the access device in hand, E.E made his way to the floor above, taking a private teleportation elevator that sent him directly into a pristine hangar.
The hangar was a marvel of modern engineering, housing some of the most advanced spacecraft in the MBO. Each one gleamed under the bright overhead lights
E.E moved quickly, his eyes scanning the names and designs of the spacecrafts until he spotted the one he was looking for. General Chell's ship was house sized and imposing, with the emblem of the MBO emblazoned on its side.
He approached the ship and used the access device to open the hatch. The interior was as impressive as the exterior, filled with state-of-the-art navigation and munication equipment.
E.E wasted no time, moving to the control panel and accessing the navigation logs.
His fingers flew over the controls as he searched for the last set of coordinates.
The screen flashed with a series of numbers and symbols, and he quickly transferred the data to a button sized drive. Just as he was about to exit, he heard footsteps approaching.
'Someone's ing...' E.E almost instinctively opened a vortex when he recalled mander Xanatus warning.
'Damn it!'
His heart raced as he quickly hid behind a console.
The hatch opened, and two MBO officers entered, chatting casually. They didn't seem to notice anything amiss as they moved about the ship, performing routine checks.
E.E held his breath, waiting for them to leave.
While checking, one of them began to approach the exact spot where he hid.
'This is bad...' E.E crouched tighter, trying his best to be as silent as possible while the footsteps grew louder.
"Leo see what I found," The officer suddenly yelled, causing E.E's heart to skip a beat.
He steeled himself as he prepared to attack the two so as to make sure it was never discovered that he was here.
"Oh a cherry lolipop? Who knew that the General had a sweet tooth," Officer Leo voiced while staring at where the other officer pointed at.
"I dibs since I found it first," the officer snatched the lolipop from the top of the console and turned around.
"Huma, you stingy bastard," Officer Leo shook his head.
E.E racing mind began to calm as he realised he wasn't discovered. He nearly let out a sigh of relief.
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