Ch 17
"I never said that I will make a Bacta Tank." Alex explained.
Tanya was glaring at him. She looked as if she was just about to explode at him.
Alex continued explaining helplessly. "There was a few essential components of Bacta that need to be sourced. There are 4 basic components, Kavam and Alazhi bacteria combined with ambori fluid and a type of barley known as Vratixia renanicus. Out of all three components, it is possible to synthesize Kavam. We need to find the other components." Alex raised his hand in surrender as he saw Tanya getting even more annoying.
Tanya rubbed her forehead to stop an incoming headache. She needs to stop counting her chickens before they hatch.
"So, did I just waste my time with renting a lab with money. Money that could be better spent elsewhere." Tanya glared at Alex who cringed.
"I can make some Rejuv. I was planning to make it." He took a deep breath before he continued. "It is not as potent or fast acting as Bacta. Where Bacta will take one day to heal someone, Rejuv takes a month to heal. This does not mean that they can regenerate lost limbs or organs." Alex explained, because he needed to be clear. There was no need for him to raise Tanya's expectation more than necessary. She had a tendency t act a little overzealous.
"How long will it take to get a working model." Tanya asked.
"A few months, at the very least." Alex said. "I can only start after the tournament."
Alex replied as he kept on working. It was fortunate that he had researched extensively into different technologies in his past life. Looking as far back as during the days of the Sith empire to scavenge any of the blueprints he could find. The rebellion used all the help it could get. An example was rationing of Bacta as the more older Rejuv was used for treatment of light injuries.
Tanya eased her glare as she huffed. "That is better than nothing, atleast."
Alex was quiet for a moment before he said. "Are you still sure about the droids."
"Definitely." Tanya replied. "Humans may betray you. A machine will never betray you. Unless you mistreat them of course. Every alternative is preferrable to that of extinction. Besides, your world did not have any driod rebellion did it?"
Alex began to remember the fragmented of the Republic. Much of history was lost. "The history that I studied showed that there were no driod rebellion."
"See, there you have it." Tanya replied. "Besides, they would only be for our personal use. It's not as if we will sell them. They would be there to facilitate us and stuff like that. I would prefer not to use myself or you as a test dummy."
"Fair point." Alex said. He had no intention to be the one who tests out Tanya's invention if he could help it. Having droids test them out would be helpful in such a case. They could also automate a lot of the stuff that way as well. Now, the problem was regarding how he was going to source the basic components, without seeming like he was making an AI. That was going to be a very big headache. One, he decided to leave for the future him.
"So, when is the next format for the Tournament going to be released?" Tanya asked.
"Soon." Alex answered.
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It was at that point that the format was released with an announcement.
"Welcome to the finals. A battle Royale with 100 people and one last champion standing at the end. This is a no hold battle, where everything goes. So, biotics are a go." The chipper Asari announcer continued. "The setting would be Urban and the weapons are limited to the ones before and during the era of industrialization. We will also accept any original designs, provided that they could be made during that era with the Technology available. See you soon on Thessia."
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Alex went pale as he turned towards Tanya who had an evil smile on her face.
"There were a few designs that we can try out." Tanya said. "War in my world progressed in a vey different direction." She paused. "Of course, they would need to be tested out extensively."
Alex gulped. This did not bode well for him.
"I have one device in mind, particularly. The omni Directional mobility device. Don't worry, it will fill all the requirements."
"I think that I will be fine. The Force should be enough." Alex got up and tried to run when his hand was grabbed by Tanya. Miasma leaking out of her.
"We cannot risk revealing the force now, can we?"
Alex shook his head.
"Good, then it is settled. It's time to get started."
Alex raised up one of his fists, all life had left his body as he said. "Yeah, let's get started." His words had no life in them.
"Let's go to my Rented lab." Tanya said.
'Our Lab' Alex said internally. Force save him, he was going to die. He was going to die by the hands of a Blond headed demon.
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(Citadel Council)
"Have you found the leaks within the council staff?" Spartacus asked.
Varstock nodded. "I have a full list compiled and all of the collaborators have been captured."
"Good. I would like a list. I want to see where we failed in our background checks. I prefer this would not be repeated again." Spartacus said.
"Of course. It will be forwarded to both of your offices." Varstock.
"Good." Spartacus nodded. It was time he finally got rid of a few bad eggs.
Varstock looked towards Tevos. "What about the Asari?"
"They have cut their losses for now. The Matriarch truly believed that the Bartarians would change their ways." Tevos rolled her eyes at that.
"I think a look at their finances may be warranted." Varstock added.
"Already been done. Some information found itself on the Holo-net. I expect her to be arrested by the orders of the Asari elders in a few weeks at the most."
"This is heartening to know." Spartacus said on the side.
It was at that point that Varstock cleared his thoughts to get his fellow councilors attention. "I relooked into the boy, he is as normal as it can be. He has no augmentation or signs of gene tampering. The same was done for Tanya as well, she is normal as well."
"I see. So, how did he stop all those bullets." Spartacus said.
"There are always outliers in any sample. They both may be the outliers of their group." Varstock explained.
"So, they are naturally talented." Spartacus stated.
"No, not only naturally talented. It takes hard work to reach the level that he has done." Tevos said. The intricates of the style used had been explained to her by Matriarch Sulakio. "The boy, no Alex did not swing randomly. He has created a style unique to himself in order to counter stop as she said split bullets. Each of his movement is precise and moving according to a pattern. Its as if he has practiced like this everyday."
"The evidence I gathered collaborates with what Matriarch Sulakio said. I managed to get the video logs of him practicing. It is all training."
"So, training can produce such a result." Spartacus sighed after saying that. "No, it does not matter. Such training will consume too many resources, and result in varying results."
"Agreed, it is not cost effective." Varstock said.
"Matriarch Sulakio does not agree. She plans to take him into the Asari military and create a special force centered around him." Tevos interrupted bringing both of their eyes towards her.
"The humans will never agree, no forget the humans. The boy will never agree. I saw the look in his eyes, he may be seeking battle but he is not seeking a war." Spartacus said as his mandibles twitched.
"It does not matter. Matriarch Sulakio has changed the entire format of the tournament because of his display of skill." Tevos sighed as she felt a headache coming on by the actions of these Matriarchs who have nothing better to do, so they decide to mess around. They have done almost everything in their 800 years of life. So when something catches their eyes, they pursue it to the end of the world.
"Have you guys read the books drawn by both of those children?" Spartacus asked.
"Yes. It was fun to read. Lots of emotions to explore. I felt at peace, I felt anger helplessness and hope. Plan to read more after retirement. " Varstock began to rattle off.
"So, when do you intend to leave?" Spartacus asked.
"The timeline has changed. I have a few more months left." Varstock said.
"That is good to know." Spartacus replied.
"Anyway need to go, there is an auction coming up that I need to attend." Varstock said as he stood up.
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"So, ladies and gentlemen. I have for you a first edition series. The only one of its creation. It truly has the potential to become a priceless item as time passes. Drawn and written by hand." A Volus was showing off a book. A projector behind him showing the book cover as he continued speaking. An image of Zoro using his iconic three sword style was adorned on that same book.
The Volus coughed a little before continuing. "We also have with us the two people that made all of this possible. I present to you with the two heroes of the Citadel. Alex and Tanya."
Alex turned around and cheerily waved to the people sitting behind him. Tanya ignored everything as a frown came on her face. She did not like to demean herself like this.
"Now, lets start the bidding at 1000 credits."
"10000 credits." A voice called out.
"15000 credits." Another voice called out.
And so the price began to increase at an unprecedented pace. Tanya found hrself flabbergasted by the increase in the ridiculous increase in the bid.
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"80000 credits." Varstock yelled out.
"85000 credits." Sulakio said.
Soon, both of them had left the rest of the patron quiet as they kepton increasing their bids.
"Madam Sulakio. I would appreciate it if you let an old man have something in his twilight years." Varstock felt a little helpless. His personal funds were running out.
"Councilor. You must know that I am a collector if all cold weapon. The cover just interested me."
Varstock just shrugged helplessly. There was nothing that he could do. His funds could not compete with the wealth gathered by Matriarch Sulakio throughout his life.
He calmed down and decided to bid on something else.
There was a smile on Matriarch Sulakio's face. She could finally use this to get a meeting with the boy. She would have him see her way, and if necessary she would bug him until he said yes to her. Now, she just had to wait for this auction to end.
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Alex felt the force blaring a warning at him. That was accompanied by him feeling sweat at his back. He looked around trying to find where the warning was coming from. He focused on the feeling in the force to determine if his life was in danger, it was not.
Alex calmed himself down as he discreetly whispered to Tanya.
"We need to leave now."
Tanya stayed quite as she slightly tilted her head to look at his face. This was naturally turning out as a place where a great amount of credits could be earned. So, that was why she was surprised when she saw the near panic on Alex's face. It waws not only the panic, it was the fact that he was sweating heavily. Beads of small of rivulets were coursing down his face.
Determining that the danger must be too great, Tanya acted.
It was time that they got to their base, and begin manufacturing the equipment that would allow Alex to triumph in the upcoming survival games.
Tanya took her omnitool out and using her newly acquired Volus connection. She chartered a spacecraft towards Noveria. To be readied within a few minutes. She also shared her intention to leave as soon as possible from the auction due to an upcoming emergency. Soon, another Volus came in and whispered something in the auctioneer's ear. The auctioneer smiled as he turned towards the audience.
"It is my pleasure to give you the next item. However, we will need to turn the lights off to show it's effects."
The lights soon went off as a shirt was displayed. It contained Naruto and Sasuke clashing with a Chidori and Rasengan. The lights turned off as a single spotlight was placed on the shirt. A clashing effect was taking place as the lightning and gusts of wind moved looking as if the attacks were alive. At the bottom, Tanya had signed her name, followed by Alex.
It was during the time that the Audience was focused on the T-shirt that a Turian had come up to them in the dark and signaled them to follow him.
Both Tanya and Alex used the opportunity to sneak away.
The Turian had led them through a few paths before they found themselves on the space port. A single spacecraft waiting for them there. Both Alex and Tanya got on. And so they left, not aware of the trouble that they left behind.