Morning came and Zyric called up to check on Elzilaura. "Good morning, Ella. How are you?"
"I am well and I finished my speech just before I went to bed last night." She speaks.
"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."
"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. For a moment. Let me check." She touches the screen of her desk and the doors open. The staff has bowed respectfully and informs that he has the gown and suit. She gets back to Zyric.
"Your suit is here so maybe you should get it." She informs.
"Oh alright. Will be there in a moment. Bye." He hung up.
Zyric then comes to Elzilaura's room. The staff opens the door and to his surprise, Elzilaura has just slipped into the dress but tears a portion of the sleeve. "Oh no!"
Zyric and the staff rush to Elzilaura. "Hey, are you hurt?"
"No, but the dress is," Elzilaura replies drearily. Zyric tries to curb his laughter.
The staff then makes a suggestion. "We can ask the concierge for help. Usually, there is a stylist inside the compound for special events. He or she can 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 just 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 now." 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.
"Oh wait for me Zyric. My assistant, Arlia, is coming over. Let her help you."
Suddenly, someone came into the door. "Oh, good here you are. Arlia, this is Commander Zyric DuCraiine. Please help him with the suit. Thank you.
"Alright, Ma'am." The young Arlia 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 alright." 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 Minthrian-styled suit. It was as if time stood still.
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.
Arlia then moves towards the princess to check the gown if it was okay. When everything was settled, the two stylists prepare to depart. "Alright, you both are good to go. It was our pleasure meeting you but we must leave also. 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. "You look splendid, as always. Minthrian wardrobe suits you."
"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.
Elzilaura blushes. "Well, thank you. Perhaps, we can go now."
"Of course, 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 advised they should get going.
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 alright. She assures him that she's fine.
Soon, the meeting commenced. The defense minister starts the session and opens up to the assembly regarding threats to security in Pataran nations. He then introduces a guest he has invited 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.
Important parts of her speech also covered the rigidity of their custom which she hopes to change by reactivating the membership status of Fliska in Patara not just for the immediate help it can offer them 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. "But 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 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 takes her hand and kisses it.
"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. May you 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 almost 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 starts to speak. "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."
"Well, someone told me last night that we all change and experience growth every day." Elzilaura teases him.
Zyric then continues by teasing back. "And that was the greatest speech I have ever heard from Fliskan nobility here in Patara Headquarters."
"But 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 looks back at her and taps her hand that was still holding his arm. "We'll get that support and will go home. We will take back what is ours." She squeezes his arm in agreement.
Zyric then 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. The proceedings continued and as it adjourned, Chancellor Veleisa Gorsoami, the 10th elected chancellor of Patara and first female to hold said office addressed the assembly.
Toward the end of her speech, she announced their verdict. Chancellor Gorsoami guarantees full support for Fliska. Not only will she be given military aid but also be assisted in rebuilding 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. He greeted her like all the others. He then introduces his old friend's daughter, Chancellor Veleisa Gorsoami. The old scientist shares with the chancellor his story of a timid girl who became a great leader.
She laughs at his story and squeezes the arm of the old man. Chancellor Veleisa assures the princess that the story is real. The said girl is standing in front of her. Elzilaura was amazed and then expresses her gratitude towards the leader for receiving her and also inspiring her with such a great story. The chancellor says the princess is always welcome at Patara and bids farewell. When the leader left, still more people came to give their good wishes to Elzilaura.
The last to approach was Vice-Chancellor Mohori Horo who invited the Princess to his office for a private audience. The defense minister warned her that the Vice Chancellor was not to be trusted as the latter's recent moves were very suspicious. He tried to contest his plea for Elzilaura's invite to address the Pataran Assembly.
The defense minister tries to pull the princess away claiming that Elzilaura needs to leave immediately as she has urgent matters to attend to. The Vice-Chancellor stands tall and affirms that it will only take a few minutes. Seeing their tension building, 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 vice chancellor in the corner of the room lying unconscious.
Sensing something was wrong, Zyric stormed the office. The guards try to stop him but luckily Defense Minister Ascop-Par follows him with the rest of his men. They cover for him as he rushes to the door and brings it down revealing the princess tied up by a mutant agent in Nybian uniform. He holds a laser at Elzilaura's head threatening to kill the princess.
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. Instantaneously, the Fliskan catches the princess and escorts her safely to the side. Admiral Norchee Mirtaz comes in surrounded by security officers. She checks on the princess. Zyric continues to follow the culprit.
The rest of the other guards rushed in to arrest the perpetrator who was shot suddenly. They then see a sniper at the other building. He tried to open fire and hit one of the soldiers in the vicinity but failed. Zyric tries his luck targeting the running sniper. The enemy takes a hit from the former Elitea 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 as well but never losing sight of the enemy.
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 blasts off following the enemies.
The assassin rendezvous with the other three jets waiting for him in space. 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 gives Zyric advice 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 change his gameplay. Zyric takes his former commander's words.
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 knows the only way to win was to take a chance. He 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 less charge than the original. Merus' invention still needs to be improved. 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 spacenet where Lem's ship was entangled. The laser space net 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 hatch of the net allowing it to explode taking 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 trance.
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 the mutation has damaged most of his body. 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. Elzilaura tries to cure him with the crystal cross but it was no use.
They are then taken to the office of the Chancellor where the defense minister and the admiral were waiting. Velaisa Gorsoami apologizes to Elzilaura claiming responsibility for the threat on the princess' life.
Elzilaura says there was no need for it. She claims responsibility for her negligence also. She should have listened to the defense minister who understands that she just wanted to be civil and diplomatic.
She then asks permission to leave so they may continue their quest to save her planet. The three leaders wish the Fliskans well. 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.
They return to Techton to be reunited with their companions. Elzilaura was glad to see Kanunia up and about. She runs to her sister and embraces her tightly. "I'm so glad you are well Kania. Thank goodness"
"Likewise. I am really happy. I saw the proceedings. It was viewed all over the planet. You were amazing. No wonder they gave their support." Kanunia kisses her sister's forehead.
Dazifae comes forward with Harrion and Merus behind her. "Congratulations, your highness." The lady behaves formally and curtsies properly. Elzilaura shifts her attention and immediately embraces her cousin. She knows how the latter looks up to her. Perhaps she was trying too hard to win her affection that she tends to screw up at times. She knows the cousin had good intentions.
"Oh, I'm glad to see you Dazi. I may not have told you how much I appreciate your efforts to do your task well. I am grateful that you are always here for me. Thank you so much, Dazi. " The lady sheds a tear upon hearing her cousin's kind words.
She lets go of Dazifae and addresses all of them. "And all of you." She scans the perimeter and tries to meet their stares. "I am truly grateful for all your help and support for me and my kingdom. I will never forget such kindness from all of you. I hope that you will never think that I do not appreciate you. I take note of every sacrifice and trouble you did just to save me.
One day I will return the favor but for now, I still need more of your help and support. Please join me now. Let us continue the voyage so we can save our home world, our Fliska."
"Long live Fliska!" Harrion shouts and the rest of them follow.
"Long live the alliance!" Enna yells out and everyone follows again.
"Long live." Dazifae pauses and everyone laughs. She was about to give up when she utters. "Long live the crystal princess." Everyone cheers. Elzilaura embraces Dazifae in gratitude and kisses her cousin's cheek. Dazifae embraces back and rests her head on Elzilaura's shoulder.
As they prepare to depart, Enna and Lem claim that they need to get back to Tergiel 6 but will gladly offer any form of help they could give if they needed backup. After all, they were just a communicator away. Zyric and Elzilaura both understand they have other important matters to attend to. The couple bids the Fliskan team farewell. Merus and the rest of the technicians also say goodbye and pledged their allegiance to their cause. If there was anything they could do, they would help also. All they needed to do was to send a message.
The Fliskans together with their backup support crew begin their journey to Planet Ludin.