As the rookies take three hours to recuperate, Pikati is subjected to an interrogation with 499 aboard The Ark. Pikati perches on the elevated metal seat of the lengthy, rectangular table. The interrogation room is dimly lit by a low-hanging lamp that sways back and forth, the four concrete walls creating an oppressive atmosphere.
499 approaches the rectangular metal table and hears the creak of the chair as he sits down at the far end of it. "Ok, let's conduct the interview."
"A-alright."
"You lived on the planet of Molorx for 20 years. What was your purpose on that planet?"
"I was part of a failed experiment for Goblin mites that were supposed to transform into giant soldiers. Unfortunately, the experiment failed, so I was supposed to be eliminated, as were all of Overlord's failed experiments. Thankfully, I escaped just in time before I was wiped out."
"So that confirms you're not on the side of the Goblin Army, correct?"
"Yes."
"Next question, why did you tag along with our entries?"
"Because it had been over twenty years since I interacted with anybody. Seeing them work together brought a feeling that I was longing for decades. I couldn't help it."
"So there were no ulterior motives. You joined out of the desire for companionship and friendship."
"Right."
"Last question, do you remember the scientist who created you?"
"No, not at all. I just remember exiting a tube and having other Goblins there to assist me and inform me about everything. The person who created me is unknown to every Goblin and Elf soldier, even the Super Specimens."
499 clicks the cover of his notepad shut, having scribbled down all the questions he needed to ask. "Ok, thank you for your time. I'll get a soldier to escort you to a suite," The soldier guides Pikati out of the interrogation room, the shuffling of their feet the only sound.
As the door shuts behind Pikati, 499 organizes the pieces of paper he had torn from his notebook and places them into the manilla folder. "That young mite wasn't even remotely a threat 499. Must you always be so intimidating?" asks Bushiyon. Bushiyon's laughter fills the room with its pleasant sound.
"I was simply carrying out protocol, Commander."
"Ok, thanks for that 499. So, what do you presume the punishment for the rookies should be?"
"Getting revoked of deployment in battle sounds fair."
"I agree. Although they may have helped the war effort tremendously, they committed multiple crimes. We'll call them in for the meeting and give them the details."
"Understood."
"Now, Now I think you both are being a bit too harsh," says Rai.
Bushiyon's lips curl into a satisfied smirk as Rai enters the interrogation room. "Lord Rai, how are you?"
"I'm well, thank you, Bushiyon. As for the rookies, I think we should let them deploy in battle."
"I don't think so. They hijacked a ship and shopped in a Black Market. For your regular Ozanian citizen, those crimes leave you to incarceration. We can't have them thinking they're above the law," says 499.
"While that is a good point, they also gathered Intel of the base, fought Overlord, and spent ample time with an insider who gave them a lot of knowledge. I think that outweighs their crimes."
"I suppose he's right, 499. I think we were being a tad bit too harsh," says Bushiyon.
"I'm glad we're on the same page, gentleman. And as far as the meeting goes, I'll join you all in there. Have a good day, gentlemen."
"You too, Lord Rai."
We now go to the POV of Navar and Miri in the present time approaching the meeting room as they journey through The Ark.
"I seriously hope whatever punishment we get ain't so bad," says Navar.
"At least we're not getting sent outside in the blistering cold rain because we made too much noise."
"Oh yeah, I remember that! How did that happen?"
"It was you, idiot. You kept pretending to be a Warrior by striking the wildlife, and then you woke Mom up."
Navar's fists tighten, and his lips curl into a snarl. "Idiot? Why you- You know what? I'm not even going to argue with you. I don't have the energy," Navar and Miri reach the meeting room, the door creaking as they open it, and Rai, Bushiyon, the rookies, and 499 are already seated. Navar leans in towards Miri for a whisper. "Seems like we're late once again."
499 casts them a disappointed look, his eyes full of disapproval. "Punctuality is something the Ozanian Army takes seriously. If you two are late again, you'll be written up."
Navar releases a shaky chuckle. "Sorry, we overslept."
"I guess since everyone is here, we can start the meeting," Bushiyon rises from his chair and saunters to the front center of the room, the fabric of his robe swishing softly. "After a talk with Rai and the other senators, we've decided we will revoke your punishments."
Navar furrows his brow, his forehead creasing in confusion. "Really, why!?"
"While you broke a couple of laws of Ozania, you also helped tremendously in the war effort against the Goblins. Beforehand, we hadn't a clue about where the Goblin's base was, little information on their soldiers, and we had never been in contact with this "Overlord" guy. He was just an infamous urban legend. Now that you know the base layout, Overlord's fighting style, and the enemies, we can strategize accordingly."
Seiju leans back in the chair, feeling the cool leather against his skin, and releases a deep sigh of relief. "Whew, I'm relieved we're not getting punished.
Navar sits in silence as his superiors discuss battle strategy, reminiscing on Overlord's words to Nozomi in the heat of battle. "Why do you live amongst the people of Ozania? Don't you know what they've done to our brethren, young elf?"
"It seems they keep those events a secret from civilians. That's not surprising. Especially since corruption is a specialty of theirs."
The room instantly hushes as Navar stands from his bright, four-legged yellow chair. "Lord Rai, I have a question."
"What's your question, young one?"
"During our battle with Overlord, he mentioned something about us doing harm to Goblins. What happened?"
Bushiyon and Rai's faces become flushed with shame upon hearing Navar's question. Bushiyon sighs with disappointment, the sound of it lingering in the air. "I had a feeling Overlord would mention that during their battle."
Miri glares at Navar, her forehead creasing in anger. "Navar, why would you ask that question?!"
"Now, now it's alright, Miri, he's just curious. The events of Goblin and Elf Persecution happened during a dark time before Ozania had their senate in place. This meant that the Emperor of Ozania had one hundred percent say in the laws, and no one could challenge them. The man who was elected came to be known as Rozar The Terrible. He was a brutal man with an authoritarian point of view of government. Even with all of his horrible and despicable traits, his worst was his hatred for Goblins and Elves. He enacted various laws, which caused the eradication of nearly every Goblin and Elf in Ozania. Thankfully, he was defeated by a rebellion which saw us reform our empire to what it is now."
"Well, how did these new Goblins come to power if most of them were eradicated?" asks Navar.
"To tell you that, I'd have to tell you the entire story of Overlord and his upbringing."
Bushiyon places his hand on Rai's shoulder, his face full of worry. "My lord, are you sure they're ready to hear all this? It can be pretty intense?"
"It's alright, I'm not only here to lead this empire. I'm also here to incite wisdom to our youth."
"Ok then, my Lord, sorry for the interruption."
"It's fine, Bushiyon. Now then, everything started 44 years ago..."