Chapter 24: Skirmish

Morning came and Elzilaura was surprised to hear a beeping sound at her door. An attendant came in and brought her a breakfast tray. This was a complimentary meal served for the VIP guests billeted at the Calian Wing.

She politely thanked the servant and slowly viewed the small feast prepared. It was a feast for both the sight and the palate. It was filled with different types of fruit on one side. Some of them are familiar to her as they grow on Fliska. The other side had some Fliskan delicacies like the Marcancan which was the equivalent of pancakes. There were also meatballs that children eat breakfast. The twist was that they were served in apple sauce.

As she was eating, there was another beeping sound at the screen communicator. The intra-network transmission or intra-call came from Zyric. His face instantly flashed on the screen.

"Good morning, Ella. How are you?" Zyric says.

"I'm having the greatest breakfast of my life! The food here is well prepared and plays with all the senses. Now, I get the ad saying that the restaurant serves sensual food. I thought they were referring to something else." She speaks and Zyric chuckles.

She becomes uncomfortable with his laugh. It was as if she said something wrong. Immediately, she changes the subject.

"I finished my speech before I fell asleep last night and when I woke up, I felt so relaxed. I think I'm going to be fine." Elzilaura says. There was a hint of doubt at the end of her statement but she claimed it.

"That's nice. I'm glad you're doing well now. I'm sure you will be more inspired when I tell you that Defense Minister Joll Ascop-Parr sent one of his staff to bring you a dress made by Nostomo of Vriezene." Zyric informs and excitedly waited for her response.

"Oh, I've heard he is the most elusive designer of the Fashion Planet!" Elzilaura exclaims.

"Yes," Zyric confirms. "When they left us yesterday, the admiral contacted the designer and the defense minister sent his staff to the atelier. They're also sending me a suit."

"How kind of them," Elzilaura says. "I hope that they don't have hidden ill intentions.

"They are genuine people," Zyric says. "Otherwise, I would not have kept in touch all these years nor sought their help. You know me. I don't trust easily."

"I know." Elzilaura pauses. "Someone is at the door. Probably, it's the clothes. Let me check." She touches the screen of her desk and the doors open. The staff bowed respectfully and informs them that he has the gown and suit. She gets back to Zyric.

"Your suit is here. You should come and get it." She informs.

"Okay. I'll be there in a moment. Bye." He ends the intra-network transmission.

Soon, Zyric comes to Elzilaura's room. The staff opens the door for Zyric. Just before he could greet the former pilot, they heard a ripping sound like a zipper that popped.

"Oh no!" Elzilaura exclaims.

Zyric and the staff rush to Elzilaura. "Hey, are you hurt?"

"No, but the dress is," Elzilaura replies drearily. She has slipped into the dress but tears a portion of the sleeve. Zyric tries to curb his laughter.

The staff then makes a suggestion. "We can ask the concierge for help. Usually, if there are special events, there is a stylist inside the compound who can probably help us. Would you like me to call them up?"

"Yes please," Zyric says.

She then comes back. "Sir, the concierge says they requested the guest stylist to come here and help the princess." Just before Zyric could reply, there was someone at the door.

Elzilaura motioned to the table again to open the door. Zyric was surprised to see an old acquaintance. Immediately, he greets her. "Oh Veela, how are you?"

"Zyric, it's good to see you! How are you? You look so good as always." She responds.

"I'm well. I went back home to pursue a military career. I retired but am now back in service. And you, you're finally a stylist! Congratulations."

Veela was one of Zyric's acquaintances in his stint as an Elitea pilot. Zyric saved her when her planet was under attack. She almost did not make it out of the building but Lem and Zyric got her out in time. The two pilots stayed by her side while waiting for a medical transporter.

Zyric keeps conversing with her while Lem tries to apply first aid. Though she felt like losing hope, she tells Zyric that she wants to live and overcome this ordeal to achieve her dream to be in the fashion industry.

"Thank you. If not for you and Lem, I would probably be dead. I'm alive and I achieved my dreams. Thanks to both of you." She smiles. "So let me return the favor now.

Zyric then introduces his old acquaintance. "This is Veela, the famed stylist from Vriezene. We met before when Lem and I assisted in a rescue mission. We saved her. Now, she's saving us from a fashion emergency." He laughs and the stylist smiles at him while tapping his arm.

"Oh, I see. I'm sorry I got excited over the lovely gown." The princess explains in a sad tone.

"Don't worry, It's just a small trimming. We can mend it." She brings out a thread and needle preparing to sew. Meanwhile, Zyric reaches for the other garment bag.

"I guess I will be taking this now," Zyric asks permission.

"Wait a moment, Zyric. My assistant, Arlie, is coming over. Let him help you."

Suddenly, someone came into the door. "Oh, good here you are. Arlie, this is Commander Zyric DuCraiine. Please help him with the suit. Thank you.

"All right Ma'am." The young Arlie gleefully follows.

"There's a divider there I see." Veela points to it.

"Ok. Noted." He smiles and goes to the divider.

Veela completes the sewing in no time. "There." She adjusts the dress. "It's now all right." She then takes the princess to the full-length mirror. "What a vision you are!" Elzilaura beams with joy as she sees herself in the mirror looking like a beautiful fairy tale princess.

Shortly after, Zyric steps out of the divider and they were all stunned by his presence. He looks so dashing in his back Minthrian-styled suit which looks like an earth tuxedo with an asymmetrical hem. The mandarin collared shirt underneath was the same shade as his suit. She felt as if time stood still upon seeing him.

Veela then uttered. "Oh my, what a handsome prince we have here?" She approaches him while Zyric blushes.

"Just a little finishing touch." She adjusts some parts of the Minthrian suit to make it look more pristine.

Arlie then moves towards the princess to check the gown if it was okay. When everything was settled, the two stylists prepare to depart. "There. You both are good to go. We also have to go because our clients are waiting."

"Thank you, Veela and Arlia. I will never forget such kindness. In the future, I will invite you to Fliska and hope you are available."

"Yes, of course, your majesty. " Veela says.

"We'll be honored to." Arlia agrees as well.

"Yes, it was great seeing you Veela and meeting you Arlia. Thanks." Zyric adds.

"Likewise, Zyric. 'Til next time." Veela says and Arlia just bows. Then, they took leave.

The staff who brought the dress informs them that the defense minister is on his way to the lobby. He will be meeting the Fliskans there. They thank her too and she bows before leaving.

Elzilaura then moves towards Zyric. She was still taking in this gorgeous sight of him. What a lovely man. If only, she could have him. At that thought, she quickly snaps back to the present.

"You look splendid, as always. Minthrian wardrobe suits you." She compliments him.

"Thank you and let me say that though you look good in anything you wear. You are so versatile like what you call on Earth a supermodel." Zyric struggled to find the right words.

"Well, thank you". Ezlilaura blushes and looks straight into his eyes. Zyric could feel the depth of her gaze. It soothed him for a moment. He felt that maybe she felt the same way for him too. Instinctively, he leaned forward so that he could be face to face with her but then, fear seeped in. She was their future queen. She is engaged to someone else. He also recalls the people waiting for them. Disappointment hit him in an instant as he retracts. In his periphery, he saw Elzilaura's glow fading. He wondered and asked himself. Was she disappointed too? He dared not to think anymore.

"We better get going." He suggests." We are to meet the defense minister and the admiral before we join the assembly," Zyric explains as they leave the room.

Zyric escorts her down the halls and into the lobby where their companions were waiting. After a few greetings and compliments, the Admiral leads them out of the building.

When they arrive at the assembly, Elzilaura thought she wanted to throw up. She was overwhelmed by the influx of people from different parts of the universe. All of them were formally dressed for the occasion. She observed the different ways they greeted each other. As she was surveying the scene, Zyric looks at her. He could feel she was overwhelmed. He inquires if she was all right. She assures him that she's fine.

Soon, the meeting commenced. Defense Minister Joll Ascop-Par starts the session and opens up to the assembly regarding threats to security in Pataran nations. He then introduces a guest and hands over the floor to the princess.

Slowly, she scanned the whole room whilst trying to control the massive beating of her heart. She sees some of the mutants in the distance smiling at her. Soon, she starts addressing the congregation of nations with greetings of peace. She expresses her gratitude for this opportunity to speak to them and appeal for help.

Soon, her speed accelerated and covered important thoughts to ponder. She narrates how the Nybians invaded her world and the atrocities they were doing. They were becoming a bigger threat now that they have joined forces with the Mudrogos Vel Empire. She shares her hopes and dreams not just for Fliska but for everything in this universe. She emphasizes the need for her to reactivate the membership status of Fliska in Patara not just for the immediate help they can offer but also to forever continue the sharing of knowledge and understanding which is necessary to secure peace throughout the galaxy.

This was the first time a royal heiress from their star system addressed the assembly. As she stated in her case, she was assertive and refined. Her words were simply subtle yet striking which allowed the council to empathize with her.

Zyric watched Elzilaura draw the crowd and saw his playmate way back then become the strong leader she was destined to be.

Immediately after she finished, the assembly gave her a round of applause. Someone announced that the council will meet as the assembly takes a break.

While descending the platform, Zyric guides Elzilaura and congratulates her.

"You were magnificent." Zyric claims.

"Thank you, Zee. It means a lot coming from you." Elzilaura smiles.

Soon, they were approached by the Fliskan diplomat, Taurthe. The princess was surprised to see him.

"Greetings your highness, it was an incredible speech you gave," Taurthe said.

"Thank you," Elzilaura responds blatantly still in shock. To divert her obvious discomfort, the diplomat introduces his wife. "Allow me to introduce Renima, my wife. She is an employee working for Patara." The wife curtsied and greeted the princess.

"It's an honor, your highness." Renima bows with grace and reverence for the Fliskan. "I have heard much about you "

"Well, I hope what you heard is good," Elzilaura says.

"Not good." Upon hearing this from Taurthe's wife, Elzilaura's eyes widen but Renima explains.

"Better your highness." She smiles. "I've heard that you are witty, lovely, and compassionate. Seeing you address the assembly today; I see all these are true about you."

"Glad to hear." Elzilaura beams as she expresses gratitude.

"Apologies for interrupting but we still have to attend the proceedings." Zyric reminds.

"Oh yes of course." Elizlaura turns back to the couple. "Well forgive that I haven't introduced the Marshal of Fliskan forces, Lord Zyric from the noble royal house of Craiine. This is Taurthe, Fliskan diplomat who now works here for Patara with his wife, Renima."

Zyric bows and addresses them. "Pleased to meet you both." The Marshal says.

"Likewise, Lord Zyric. We are honored to be with the lord Marshal and an Elitean pilot." Taurth says.

"Yes, we are so proud of your accomplishment as an Elitean pilot. I keep telling my friends that you are from my husband's home planet." Renima adds.

Zyric blushes.

"You are too kind, my lady." He returns her commendation.

"We must take leave but it was a pleasure meeting you." Elzilaura addresses Renima.

The lady responds. "And you, royal highness."

The princess gazes at Taurthe and lingers for a moment before speaking.

"It was indeed a pleasure seeing you again after all this time. I am glad you are doing well."

Taurthe bows. "Likewise, your highness. I am glad you are well. I wish you well. You will bring down our enemies once and for all so we can go home to our beloved Fliska." He glows with pride and his gestures showed non-verbally that all is good between them.

Zyric then leads her away from the couple. Elzilaura clasps his arm well and hurriedly tries to distance herself from the couple. Zyric was surprised at her gestures but Elzilaura looked up at him with a gaze that warns him not to ask. Zyric then glances away pretending not to notice.

For a split second, there was a heavy silence between them until he breaks the ice.

"You were amazing up there. I've never seen that side of you. I am in awe by the way you took the floor and swayed the crowd like that. You have changed too." He praises her.

"Well, someone told me last night that we all change and experience growth every day." Elzilaura teases him.

"And that was the greatest speech I have ever heard from Fliskan nobility here in Patara Headquarters." Zyric teases back.

"Hey? I am the first royal from Fliska to address the assembly!" Elzilaura scorns.

"True, but it still was simple and heartfelt which is not common to most politicians these days. It was also the best I've seen you with a crowd of people. I'm sure you won them over." Zyric redirects his teasing to a more serious and relevant statement. He looks back at her and taps her hand that was still holding his arm. "We'll get that support and then we will go home. We will take back what is ours."

After hearing his words, she squeezes his arm in agreement.

Zyric leads her to a seat reserved for them so that they may witness the order of business for the day. Lem was supposed to join them to watch the rest of the events in the assembly but the pilot was delayed.

There were breaks in between the speakers for the council to make their decision. The proceedings continued adjourned with Veleisa Gorsoami, the chancellor of Patara, addressing the assembly.

Toward the end of her speech, she announced their verdict for the appeals presented. Chancellor Gorsoami guarantees full support for Fliska. Not only will she be given military aid but also be assisted to rebuild their planet once it is reclaimed. The room applauds the Chancellor's statement.

When her speech ended, the different ambassadors and officials flock to Elzilaura and congratulate her. Zezberindos found his own way to Elzilaura and Zyric.

"Congratulations, princess." Zezberindos gleams with pride.

"I could not have done it without all of your support. You have inspired me so much, I cast aside my fears. For all peoples, I did what was necessary." Elzilaura smiled.

"And you prevailed, your highness." A voice behind the mutant speaks.

Zezberindos then introduces his old friend's daughter.

"Apologies, my good friend," Zezberindos says and shifts his gaze to the Fliskans. "This is her excellency, Chancellor Veleisa Gorsoami." He then looks at Elzilaura.

"And I believe you have met Princess Elzilaura of Fliska." The old scientist shifts back to the Chancellor. "I shared a story with her royal highness about a timid girl who became a great leader. Veleisa laughs and squeezes the arm of the old man.

"I love that story." The Chancellor beams with gratitude towards the mutant. "Thank you for your unwavering support." She then turns to face Elzilaura who is shocked by Veleisa's response.

"Yes, the story is true. I used to be a scared little girl but my strong will and my sense of purpose kept my fears at bay. I still get terrified of public speeches and decision making but at the end of the day, I know I acted out of sheer passion for good governance." The Chancellor says.

Elzilaura was amazed by Veleisa Gorsoami's passion and dedication to her work. Moreover, the princess admires the Chancellor's strength of character and dedication to work.

"Thank you, your excellency, not just for the Pataran aid but for your such inspiring story," Elzilaura says.

"You're welcome, your highness. You are always welcome here at Patara. I am afraid I have other important matters that need my attention but I look forward to seeing you again here in the opening of the assembly. Hopefully, Fliska is in your capable hands by then.

When the leader left, still more people came to give their good wishes to Elzilaura. The last to approach was Vice-Chancellor Mohori Horo.

"My princess, I am Vice-Chancellor Mohori Horo. I know that everyone has congratulated you but I want to do more for you. Will you do me the honor of joining me in my office? I want to give you further aid so that you might utilize what the Chancellor has promised you."

"I don't think that will be necessary after you contested my plea for the princess to be our first guest for today's proceedings. She has other important matters to attend to." The defense minister answers before Elzilaura could respond. The princess observes how Joll Ascop-Par seemed like he was controlling his anger. They must be adversaries.

"Please let me make amends for my mistake. It will only take a few minutes, your highness. Please." The Vice-chancellor requests.

"Why should we trust someone who has an impeachment case and multiple charges that have mysteriously been dismissed?" The defense minister was quite irate.

"I am asking the princess and not you, Joll." The Vice-Chancellor reciprocates his angst.

Elzilaura moves in between them and tries to wind things down by agreeing to the Vice Chancellor's wishes. The defense minister then asks two guards to follow the princess.

At the office doors, the Vice Chancellor's bodyguards stood watch and the guards sent by Ascop-Par were asked to stay with them. As the doors close, the bodyguards shoot the defense minister's men. When they were inside, the Vice Chancellor mutates and turns out to be an enemy agent. She then sees the true Mohori Horo in the corner of the room lying unconscious.

Sensing something was wrong, Zyric proceeds to the office and was alarmed seeing Joll's guards lying taken down just outside the Vice Chancellor's workspace. Mohori's guards try to stop him but luckily Joll Ascop-Par follows him with the rest of his security detail. They cover for him as the Fliskan kicks the door open and storms into the office. He caught sight of the princess tied up by a mutant agent in a Nybian uniform. He faces the Fliskan Marshal and holds a laser at Elzilaura's head threatening to kill the princess.

Zyric wonders why Elzilaura looks mummified and her eyes were dilated. He then notices glowing balls that looked like Christmas ornaments on the floor. He identifies them as Medusite or Medusa's eyes. He had encountered them in one of his Elitean missions and a sample was safely taken to Ryxande's lab. He compares it to Medusa's eyes which can turn people to stone which is similar to how the dangerous crystal works. These crystals are capable of inducing a trance to anyone who stares at it. They stay in a state of limbo and a matter of minutes, rigor mortis sets in. Ryxande has developed an antidote called Perseides for this illegal weapon so Zyric tries to bring out his communicator so that he can call his friend. He stops when Elzilaura starts to move.

Surprisingly, Elzilaura broke the trance. She then allows beams of light from the Crystal Cross to distract the hostage taker. This gives Zyric a chance to hit the mutant enemy who lets the princess go. He quickly recovers and runs for his life.

Instantaneously, the Fliskan catches the princess and escorts her safely to the side. Admiral Norchee Mirtaz comes in surrounded by security officers. Quickly, she checks on the princess while Zyric leaves them and continues to follow the culprit.

The rest of the other guards rushed in to arrest the perpetrator who was shot before they could grab him. Not for long, they see a sniper holding a D'chorka, a riffle that can drill through concrete. He is at the adjacent building and tried to open fire targeting one of the soldiers in the vicinity but failed.

Zyric picks up a D'chorka riffle from one of the injured men on the floor and keeps his lasron, a laser pistol that is similar to a classic pistol but emits laser from molecular energy bursts. He tries his luck targeting the running sniper and the enemy takes a hit from the former pilot. He slows down but continues to run while ascending the staircases of the other building. At their location, Zyric and the guards follow suit by moving upwards too but never losing sight of the enemy. They were both able to see their movements since portions of their buildings were translucent concrete.

Luckily, Lem caught up with Zyric. As they try to maintain the pacing, they see the assassin jumping from an open glass wall into a small jet and flying off. Lem leads Zyric to the roof deck where they board Patara's small spacecraft and blast off following the enemies.

The assassin rendezvous with the other three jets waiting for him in the space above Minthria. The largest of the jets, the alpha plane, opens communication with Zyric and Lem. The vessel's pilot happens to be Inoss, Zyric's former classmate who now looks half mutated. He was captured by the Mudrogos Vel and made into a mutant.

Lem then suggests that he takes on the rest of the jets while Zyric deals with Inoss. After all, Lem was good at taking on many enemies all at once and he feels Zyric wants to combat his old classmate. True enough, Zyric agrees right away. Before they begin their attacks, Lem advises Zyric to be careful. Even though he knows Inoss, he might have tricks up his sleeve. Being a former colleague, he knows Zyric's moves so he better changes his gameplay. Zyric agrees.

Inoss locks on to Zyric and reveals his spacecraft to be the most advanced DMRaX carrier made by RAXA technology of Mudrogos Vel. He shoots plasma eolom missiles at Zyric's carrier and the Fliskan evades them. Zyric fights back by fusing a MASC-X3 with his spacecraft. It was the microchip invented by Merus to mimic RAXA tech so that he too may have plasma eolom missiles although they were of a lesser charge than the original. Zyric was a marksman so with a shot, he hits Inoss' vessel.

Simultaneously, Lem takes on the three other jets. They opened fire but missed. Lem evades them well as he tries to lead them on a chase. They follow them until he approaches a drifting non-functional satellite. He circles the said space junk and uses another microchip invented by Merus, MASC-X4, allowing it to fuse with Lem's simple spacecraft and turns the satellite into a weapon causing heavy damage with just one hit. He then blasts one of the enemy ships caught off guard and the other two scatter.

Then the two ships that escaped found a way to trap the former Elitea leader. One casts a laser space net where Lem's ship was entangled. The said trap also paralyzes Lem's vessel draining its energy while the other ship attempts to fire missiles heading for the net. As swift as he could, Lem disengages the satellite from his vessel and throws it up to the top of the net allowing it to explode which takes the enemy ship down. The net broke loose and disappears just before the missiles hit. Lem then powers up and released his missiles, finishing off the last enemy ship.

Back to Inoss and Zyric, the former speeds to a small artificial planetoid used by Minthrian schools for combat exercises. He jettisons from the spacecraft and activates the gravity latch when he views Zyric fast approaching. As Zyric lands, Inoss attacks him. The Fliskan initially evades his punches and kicks until one elbow strike connected. When Zyric bent down, Inoss hits the former's body continuously until he slams into the floor.

As Inoss was succeeding to take his opponent down, Zyric's amulet from Earth lights up. The blinding light somehow shakes Inoss as if he was awakened from a spell.

Lem comes in pulling both men to safety. They return to Minthria so that Inoss may answer for his crimes. He tells them what he knows of RAXA technology. As he was confessing to investigators, he collapses. They soon discovered that he keeps his body covered to conceal the mutation which has metastasized throughout his body like cancer. He tells them all that without RAXA technology to recharge him, he will die. There is no hope for him. True enough he enters a state of shock in a few minutes.

They are then taken to the office of the Chancellor where the defense minister and the admiral were waiting.

"I am truly sorry for what has happened." Velaisa Gorsoami apologizes to Elzilaura.

"There is no need to do so, your excellency. I should have listened to the defense minister so this is my fault. It is who must apologize." Elzilaura states.  

"You need not apologize too, princess." Joll Ascop-Par says. "You were just being diplomatic."

"As much as I want to stay longer, this incident has caused us delays. We must resume our quest to regain back our planet. I hope you don't mind if we take our leave." Elzilaura explains.

"Of course, have a safe journey." Veleisa Gorsoami wishes them well.

"May you also be successful in your endeavors." Joll Ascop-Par adds.

"Should you need further assistance, do not hesitate to call." Norchee Mirtaz says. She approaches Zyric and holds his shoulder. "Good luck, my boy."

"Thank you, my mentor," Zyric responds.

Elzilaura then leaves with her companions together with an escort, a Pataran battalion whose orders are to aid her. She then assigns Zyric to be in charge of these men. Then, they proceed to Techton to be reunited with their companions.