Chapter - 7: Si vis pacem, para bellum

New York,

At the Hilton Hotel, the insistent sound of an alarm pierced the quiet of the room, rousing Zephyr from a deep sleep.

He had been sleeping heavily, his body and mind drained from the previous day's activities.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, rubbing his groggy eyes, he sat up stretching out the stiffness that had settled in his muscles. He left the warmth of his bed to freshen up, splashing water on his face to shake off the last vestiges of fatigue.

Today was a significant day. He was scheduled to meet the pilots for the Riders. His mother had mentioned that only three individuals had successfully passed the rigorous selection process. However, she had remained cryptic about their identities, piquing Zephyr's curiosity.

After freshening up and dressing in his uniform, Zephyr made his way to the hotel's dining area. He found Ayame already there, sipping on a cup of coffee and scrolling through her datapad. She looked up as he approached, her face lighting up in a bright smile.

"Good morning, Zephyr!" she greeted with a cheerful smile, setting her datapad aside. "Ready to meet the pilot's Aunt Luna Selected?"

Zephyr responded with a nod, reaching for a cup of coffee. "As ready as I'll ever be," he said, irked by the limited information he had been given. He took a sip of the hot, bitter liquid, letting the strong flavour jolt his senses awake.

They spent the next few minutes in comfortable silence, finishing their breakfast and mentally preparing themselves for the day ahead.

Once they were done, they left the comfort of the hotel and ventured out into the city. They travelled by car, leaving the bustling cityscape behind as they made their way to a complex hidden amidst lush vegetation.

As they arrived at the complex, they were promptly guided into a vast warehouse, the home of the Riders.

The three distinct machines stood tall, being readied for the impending interstellar mission.

Zephyr's gaze swept over the colossal vehicles, a sense of awe washing over him. Their sheer size was impressive, and the knowledge that he would be commanding these formidable machines filled him with a surge of excitement.

While Zephyr walked closer to the Riders, he could see the meticulous work being done by the engineers.

They moved with precision and care, checking every component and ensuring that the machines were in optimal condition for the mission. The air was filled with a sense of urgency, but there was also a palpable undercurrent of excitement.

Before long, his mother arrived, accompanied by a diverse entourage of individuals from various nations.

As Luna led the group towards the Riders, she caught sight of Zephyr standing a short distance away. He waved at her, a gesture she returned with a small wave of her own. Seeing him there, she was reminded of the events of the previous day.

<Flashback>

In a fit of frustration, Luna stormed out of the restaurant. She quickly hailed a hover cab, needing to reach the Osean Embassy in time for her meeting with Mr Wesley.

Despite her irritation, she couldn't afford to dismiss him. His connections with the American Military Industrial Complex were invaluable. She needed their support to produce more Riders, a crucial element of their plan.

Soon enough, Luna arrived at the Embassy where she was immediately greeted by Mr Wesley who served as a stark reminder of her country's struggle to extricate itself from the influence of the world's superpowers.

Despite their recent advancements and efforts, they were still entwined in a web of espionage and politics.

Wesley rose from his seat, extending a hand and speaking boisterously

"Ambassador Luna, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please forgive me for calling you at such short notice."

Despite being irked by Wesley's demeanour, she maintained her diplomatic composure.

Returning his handshake, she smiled and sharply responded "The pleasure is all mine, Mr Wesley."

"Now, if we could dispense with the pleasantries and get straight to the point, I would appreciate it."

Wesley merely smirked at Luna's directness, casually retorting, "All in due time, Miss Luna. Please, have a seat," as he gestured to the chair opposite him.

As Luna took her seat, she had the opportunity to take a closer look at Wesley.

He was a middle-aged man with black hair, dressed in a formal brown suit. His glasses did little to hide the scar that marred his left eye, a silent testament to a past that was likely fraught with unsavoury experiences.

Despite his polished exterior, Luna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She steeled herself, ready to endure whatever she needed for her plan.

"Now then, would you prefer tea or coffee?" Mr Wesley asked, his hands resting casually on the desk in front of him.

The question infuriated Luna. She had left Zephyr and Ayame alone, interrupting their day out to accommodate this meeting, and here he was, wasting time on trivialities.

She seethed internally, her thoughts filled with frustration. "Oh, how I wish I could strangle you, you American piece of living garbage," she thought bitterly.

However, she managed to keep her composure, not allowing her vexation to show. "Tea, please," she responded, her voice steady. "Now, can we please get to why you called me here, in the middle of the day, without any prior notice?" Her words were polite, but her expression was anything but.

Wesley gestured to a subordinate, who promptly brought over a stack of paper files.

She was taken aback, paper files were a rarity these days, having been largely replaced by holographic tablets and digital data storage. The sight of them was almost anachronistic.

A young woman swiftly placed the stacks of files on the table between Luna and Wesley.

Luna eyed the files with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. She hadn't anticipated this meeting to be anything more than a display of American diplomatic posturing, an opportunity for them to make their usual unreasonable demands.

The presence of the files suggested that there was more to this meeting than she had initially thought.

Luna found herself wondering what they contained, what information they held that warranted the use of such an ancient form of record-keeping.

Wesley soon lifted a file labelled 'Project Orion.' The sight of it caused Luna's pupils to dilate in alarm, a wave of panic washing over her. She shot up from her seat, her voice ringing out in the room, "HOW! DO YOU HAVE THAT?"

Wesley merely gave her an annoyed look, unfazed by her outburst. He continued to pull out more files, each bearing different names. He paused at a file titled 'Lazarus Records.' The sight of it caused Luna to break out in a cold sweat.

Without missing a beat, Wesley began to speak, his voice laced with accusation. "Mrs Luna Starlight, or should I call you Lazarus, my dear traitor!"

Luna was taken aback. She had never imagined that anyone would discover the existence of the project. She had taken painstaking measures to bury every piece of evidence, even going so far as to change her identity to ensure its secrecy.

She felt a wave of panic wash over her, her skin ice cold from her sweat. 'This is impossible,' she thought, her mind racing. 'Even the members of the CIA are oblivious to the project's existence. How could a mere diplomat like Wesley have access to such classified information?'

Before she could voice her thoughts, Wesley continued with a sinister smile on his lips. "Don't be too scared. I don't intend to hand these over to the government. Instead, I want a favour."

Luna took a moment to compose herself, her mind working furiously to process the situation. Finally, she responded, her voice icy. "What favour?"

Wesley reclined in his chair, a persistent smile gracing his features. He appeared to savour the moment, relishing the power he held in this situation.

"It's quite simple, Luna," he began, casually as if they were discussing a mundane topic. "I want first-hand access to the Riders and its associated technologies."

A wave of apprehension washed over Luna, causing her heart to pound in her chest. The Riders were the cornerstone of their strategy, the key to the survival of the Orion Systems. Granting a maniac like Wesley access to them was tantamount to surrendering their most powerful weapon. But she was trapped. The information Wesley possessed could undermine everything they had strived for.

'No, everything they had worked for,' she corrected herself, thinking of her beloved brother and the countless individuals who had sacrificed their lives. Their deaths weighed heavily on her conscience but she refused to let their sacrifices be in vain.

Taking a deep breath, Luna steadied herself. "And if I refuse?" she asked, her voice shaky due to the turmoil roiling within her.

Wesley's smile broadened. "Well, then I suppose these files might just find their way to some very interested parties."

Luna clenched her teeth, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. She fell silent for a moment, her mind racing as she weighed her options. She knew she was walking a dangerous tightrope, but she had no other choice.

She had to safeguard her people and her mission. Above all, she had to ensure Zephyr's safety. No matter the cost, she couldn't let him be harmed.

"Alright," she finally said, her voice firm and her face set in a fierce scowl. "You'll have your access. But remember, Wesley, this is a two-way street. Cross me, and you'll find that I can become your worst nightmare!."

Wesley simply nodded, his maniacal smile never leaving his face, seemingly satisfied with her response. "I look forward to our... cooperation, Luna."

But before leaving she had only one question left for the enigma "Who are you truly?"

Wesley's smile didn't waver as he met Luna's gaze. "Just a humble servant of my country," he replied, casually but his eyes revealed a depth of knowledge and cunning that belied his demeanour.

Luna studied him for a moment longer, her instincts telling her there was much more to this man than what meets the eye.

But for now, she had little choice but to accept his answer. She gave him a curt nod before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

As soon as she stepped out into the cool air, Luna couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She had just made a pact with a man she knew little about, a man who held secrets that could potentially bring her world crashing down.

It felt as though she had just made a deal with the devil. But for the sake of her mission, she was willing to take this risk, even if it meant dancing with the devil himself.

She steeled herself as she headed back to the complex. There was much to be done, and time was of the essence. She had a war to prepare for and would do whatever it took to ensure their survival.

As the old saying went, "Si vis pacem, para bellum." If you want peace, prepare for war. And she was more than ready to fight.

<End Flashback>

Luna shook her head, consciously setting aside the disturbing memories of yesterday. The task at hand required her undivided attention.

She passed the reins of leading the group of diplomats to a subordinate, freeing herself to focus on Zephyr and Ayame.

She was to introduce them to the pilots of the Riders, a critical step in her plan, even amidst Wesley's interference. More so, since Zephyr would be the one directly commanding them.

With a purposeful stride, Luna approached Zephyr and Ayame, who were deep in conversation. As she neared, they turned towards her, their expressions shifting to a more formal demeanour.

"Zephyr, Ayame," Luna began, her words crisp and clear. "The time has come to meet the pilots of the Riders. Remember, these individuals are extraordinary, they will serve as the backbone of Rigel's defence, Zephyr. It is paramount to establish a strong bond with them from the very beginning."

Her words underscored the significance of these pilots, not just as members of Rigel, but as vital elements for their survival.

Zephyr nodded the weight of the situation settling in his mind. "Understood," he responded, his voice steady and confident. Ayame, standing beside him, mirrored his nod, her face a picture of unwavering trust in Zephyr.

Guided by Luna, they navigated their way towards a secured area of the complex. Behind the reinforced doors, the pilots awaited, their identities shrouded in mystery.

As they neared the entrance, Luna turned to Zephyr and Ayame one last time, worry flickering in her eyes. "Ready?" she asked, ensuring her son was prepared for the encounter ahead.

With a shared look of determination, Zephyr and Ayame nodded. They were prepared to meet the pilots, ready to take the next step in their mission. With that, Luna opened the doors, revealing a spacious room that housed only three individuals.

The meeting with the pilots was about to begin.

...

The room revealed itself to be a command centre, filled with screens displaying various data and controls.

At the centre stood three individuals, their backs turned to the entrance. The slight hum of the machinery was the only sound that filled the room.

As the doors creaked open, three figures pivoted to face the newcomers. The dim lighting shrouded their faces in shadows, yet their upright postures exuded an aura of confidence and readiness.

Luna, took the lead, guiding Zephyr and Ayame into the room, their steps echoing in the quiet space.

"Zephyr, Ayame, meet the pilots of the Riders," Luna announced, gesturing towards the three individuals.

As the light fell upon their faces, Zephyr was taken aback. Standing among the pilots was the man they had encountered at the park just yesterday.

The revelation that he had already encountered one of the elusive pilots of the Riders purely by happenstance left him utterly astounded. Indeed, the world moved in the most mysterious of ways.

His gaze then quickly shifted to the other two pilots, observing them with keen interest.

One was a striking blonde woman with twin tails, her well-proportioned figure and generous curves visible even under the confines of her uniform. The final member was a petite woman of Asian descent with brown hair, her face wearing a sullen, almost brooding expression.

As they moved forward to begin the introductions, Luna took the lead. "Captain Zephyr Novastride and Lieutenant Commander Ayame Kobayashi, I present to you Major Karl Anthony, a member of the USAF. He's an accomplished pilot who trialled the FX-2 interstellar fighter," she began, gesturing towards 'Karl', who nodded in acknowledgement.

She then directed her attention to the buxom blonde woman. "Next, we have Captain Mariya Sokolova. She served in the Russian Trans Planetary Guard, a unit specializing in hunting pirates and other malignant elements." In response, Mariya confirmed with a simple, "Da."

Finally, Luna turned to the petite woman with brown hair. "And lastly, we have Hui Ling Li, a recruit from the Asian Union who despite being new, managed to distinguish herself during the selection process by defeating a skilled instructor."

Zephyr then stepped forward, extending a hand in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I am Captain Zephyr Novastride of the Rigel, and this is my second in command, Lieutenant Commander Ayame Kobayashi. Despite being inexperienced, I sincerely hope we can work well together," he said, his words radiating warmth and sincerity.

Karl was the first to respond, stepping forward to shake Zephyr's hand. "Nice to meet you again, Captain. I hope you can forgive me for running off yesterday. I wasn't authorized to disclose any of this," he said an apologetic smile on his face.

Zephyr nodded in understanding. "It's not a problem, I understand protocols. But let's hope there won't be a repeat of that, right?" His smile held a hint of anger. Anthony swallowed nervously, quickly assuring, "Yes, yes, of course not, why would it... haha!" He swiftly moved away, eager to escape Zephyr's piercing gaze.

Next, Mariya stepped forward. "Kapitan, it's an honour to work under your command. But let's hope we don't part ways due to any mistakes, correct?" Her eyes sparkled with pride as she spoke.

"Of course not, thank you for your trust," Zephyr replied, his straightforwardness catching Mariya off guard. She blushed, flustered, and quickly retorted, "Of course, it's not like I care about all of this or anything, hmph!" She flicked her twin tails and moved away.

Zephyr was momentarily taken aback by her sudden change in demeanour, but he chalked it up to eccentricity and decided not to dwell on it.

Finally, it was Hui Ling's turn. She seemed highly uncomfortable with the situation and simply said, "Thank you for having me," in a deadpan voice. Before Zephyr could respond, she scurried off into a corner of the room.

"Now that we are done with the introductions, let's move on to our main agenda," Luna announced, gesturing towards a screen displaying detailed schematics of each Rider.

"Based on our tests with each candidate, we have decided to assign the following Riders to each of them, taking into account their skills, personality, and position."

"Ms Mariya will be taking control of the Phalcon and leading us into every engagement, followed by cover fire from Mark, who will be piloting the Titan. Lastly, Hui Ling will serve as both fire support and Electronic Manipulation from the Arachnid."

Upon hearing the word 'Titan', Mark couldn't contain his excitement. He started jumping for joy, shouting "Yes! Yes!" His ecstatic reaction caused the rest to step away from him giving him weird looks.

Mariya, on the other hand, was indifferent about which mech she got, as long as she could lead the charge. Her expertise lay in close-quarters combat, and she was ready to put it to use.

The only one who seemed displeased with the decision was Hui. Her expression remained calm, but inside, she was seething. She immediately approached Luna, pointed at Mariya, and demanded, "Why her and not me?" Her eyes were ablaze with indignation.

Luna, however, didn't indulge her. "You take too many risks when left alone. I cannot trust you to be the Vanguard of the Squadron. I will entertain no more questions from you. If you have any problems with this arrangement, then leave!" Luna stared at her intensely, leaving no room for argument.

Despite her frustration, she knew there was little she could do to sway the Osean bitch thus she shot Luna a venomous glare as an act of defiance before retreating to the side.

With the assignments finalized, Luna decided to give the team some time to get to know each other. She instructed Ayame to gather everyone at the space elevator the following morning for their departure.

Before leaving, however, she pulled Ayame aside for a private conversation. "Dear, please keep an eye on Zephyr. Make sure he doesn't do anything reckless" she requested, her voice laced with concern.

Ayame nodded and confidently replied. "Don't worry, Aunt Luna. I'll look after Zephyr, no matter what happens."

Luna's expression softened at her words, and she pulled Ayame into a hug. "Thank you so much. I don't know if I could have let Zephyr become the Captain at such a young age if it weren't for you," she confessed, hinting at the circumstances that had brought Ayame and Zephyr together.

Ayame returned the hug, her silence conveying her understanding and gratitude.

With that, Luna left the facility. She had someone she needed to visit, someone whose existence had become crucial due to Wesley's unexpected interference.

...

Nightfall,

Guest Room Rigel,

Weeks had passed since the little boy had captured her from her base in the outer rings.

Initially, she had been frustrated, but the young captain's demeanour towards her was a fresh breath of air since most people viewed her as if she were some kind of vermin, but he was different.

He neither mistreated her nor looked down upon her because of her past and of course, the kind-hearted girl by his side also helped out a lot. For the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope for her people's survival in this nightmare they had been thrust into.

As Zhi Wu reflected on her life and current circumstances, the sound of her room door opening interrupted her thoughts.

Although she had been moved from her holding cell into a far more comfortable room, it was nonetheless still considered a prison thus it wasn't unusual for people to check on her, but it was nearly one in the morning and no guards ever came this late.

Deciding to feign sleep, she quickly leapt into her bed and pulled the covers over herself.

As she observed the shadow of the intruder drawing nearer, she braced herself for the worst. She was certain it was the end - perhaps an agent from the Asian Union sent to silence her, or even worse, Zephyr had betrayed her to the authorities.

Her hand clenched into a fist, anticipating a gunshot or stabbing, but it never came. Instead, a feminine voice broke the silence.

"Miss Zhi Wu, please wake up. We have some important business to discuss," the voice said, carrying a motherly tone.

Looking up, she saw an ash-haired woman, likely in her 40s, gazing down at her. The woman appeared as if she had run the entire way here, drenched in sweat.

Zhi responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes, what business might you have with a vile pirate?"

The woman simply shook her head and said, "I can help your people."

At the mention of her people, Zhi immediately perked up. "How?" she demanded, her voice a mix of curiosity and scepticism. She had been deceived one too many times to take such a statement at face value.

The woman introduced herself, "My name is Luna Starlight. I am the mother of Zephyr Novastride and a diplomat for the Orion Systems Alliance." Luna clasped her hands and continued, "I understand your scepticism towards my intentions, but I assure you, as long as I am alive, I'll ensure the safety of your people from the Union."

Zhi Wu scoffed at Luna's seemingly heartfelt words, a bitter memory from her past surfacing in her mind. However, she decided not to dwell on it and responded harshly, "Spare me your sugarcoated words. You just need a disposable pawn, don't you? After all, who would be easier to dispose of than a filthy, homeless pirate with no one by her side?"

Luna attempted to explain herself, but Zhi cut her off, "No, don't try to feed me those lies. I don't have a choice either way, so just get straight to the point and tell me what you need."

Recognizing that Zhi appeared to have already made up her mind, Luna ceased her attempts at persuasion and instead handed her a datapad.

Taking the datapad, she was confused about what the Ashen woman wanted from her and asked, "So what's this all about?"

"This is a list of partners for a very special project that I was involved with a lifetime ago!" Luna explained.

Zhi racked her brain trying to find a correlation between the names and guess what Luna needed her for.

Suddenly, her eyes landed on the name 'Xiabo Chen', and she leapt up from her seat in surprise.

"This man... he's the one who recruited my mother for the expedition!" she exclaimed, shocked by the revelation.

Luna immediately looked up, her face serious. "Are you certain?" she asked urgently.

Zhi nodded, explaining, "When I was younger, my mother used to tell me stories about how she ended up on Fei Ma Zuo. Out of curiosity, I once asked her how she managed to apply for the position and she showed me a picture of this man," she said, pointing to the photo.

Luna's expression darkened, and the realisation that the entire project had been compromised by someone unknown was a heavy blow but she had no leads thus, she quickly explained the mission to Zhi. "Zhi, I need you to track this man down in Hong Kong. If you do that, I promise to take care of any refugees we find from Fei Ma Zuo."

Given that this was her only chance at freedom, Zhi grudgingly accepted Luna's offer. "Alright, I'll find this man. I need answers too. But I'm only doing this because you're that young Captain's mother".

Luna nodded, accepting Zhi's response with a sense of relief. She had expected the negotiation to be much more challenging. "Alright, I don't need you to trust me, but please do your utmost to find this man. If we fail, it could doom us all," Luna warned, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Zhi shook hands with Luna, sealing their agreement. "You've got a deal. So, when can I leave?" she inquired, eager to leave after a whole month of imprisonment.

Luna nodded, her expression determined. "Leave the hotel tomorrow morning. I will inform everyone that I took you to Orion Prime. On the day we depart, make your way out of the USNA and head towards Hong Kong," she instructed, handing Zhi a personal Holopad containing detailed information and further instructions.

After providing additional guidance on how and where to search for the man, Luna exited the room, leaving Zhi to contemplate her next steps.

"Haaah! So I find myself tangled in yet another troublesome situation. Just when I thought my life was at its end after being captured by that boy. Although, now that I think about it, it always seemed odd that my mother ended up at Fei Ma Zuo," Zhi mused, rolling around in her bed.

Thoughts of "the project" consumed her mind. What was it after all,? What could have compelled her impoverished mother to embark on such a journey to another planet?

Despite the lingering questions, Zhi knew that tomorrow marked a new beginning for her and she was determined to uncover the truth at any cost.

...

Early Morning,

Pensacola, Florida

They had spent the entirety of yesterday getting to know each other, with Karl taking the lead most of the time owing to his energetic personality.

Zephyr chuckled, recalling the hilarious moment when Ayame and Karl had to restrain Mariya from getting into a fistfight with Hui Ling after she became overly intoxicated on vodka.

Mariya had gotten into a lot of trouble for ordering hard liquor while being underage, though her hot-headedness ended up getting them kicked from the shop leaving them stranded until they found somewhere else to eat.

Hui Ling, on the other hand, seemed to be constantly distracted by random things, often wandering off from the group without warning. Strangely, she had developed a particular dislike for Mariya, leading to her cussing at a Drunk Maria and getting into a brawl.

Nonetheless, it was an entertaining evening, all things considered.

As they approached the space elevator, Zephyr turned to Ayame, a curious expression on his face. "Ayame!, what are your impressions of our fellow pilots?" he inquired.

Ayame pondered for a moment before responding, "I like Mariya, even though she's a bit eccentric. Karl is a nice guy for what it's worth, but there's something about Hui Ling that makes me uneasy. I can't quite put my finger on it."

Leaning closer, Zephyr whispered into Ayame's ear, "Though I'm expected to remain neutral, I admit that I feel the same way about Hui Ling, her skills as a pilot are just too exceptional for a recruit, It's quite hard to shake the feeling that there's more to her than meets the eye, however, we could also be just reading too much into it and overthinking."

Ayame blushed slightly as Zephyr's proximity caught her off guard. She pushed him away gently, stammering, "Y-Yeah! I hope we're just overthinking things. It's probably nothing, right?"

"Right," Zephyr replied briefly, shifting the conversation. They soon made their way towards the elevator, joining up with the rest of the crew as they ascended towards the spaceport where the Rigel awaited.

As the elevator doors opened at the spaceport, revealing the imposing figure of the Rigel, the team felt a surge of excitement mixed with anticipation. The sleek spacecraft stood tall, its metallic exterior glinting under the morning sun.

Zephyr, Ayame, Mariya, Karl and Hui Ling stood together, their eyes fixed on the magnificent vessel that would soon become their home.

Luna, who had been observing from a distance, approached them with a warm smile.

"I wish you all the best in your mission," Luna said, her voice filled with genuine pride. "Remember, no matter what lies ahead, I have faith in each and every one of you."

Zephyr's gaze burned with unwavering resolve as he nodded. He raised his hand in a salute to his mother and declared with unwavering conviction, "We shall surpass all expectations and demonstrate to the world that the Orion Systems Alliance is a force to be reckoned with!"

With a smile, Luna bid them farewell and boarded the enterprise, her mind consumed by worries about the leaked project. The team, now aboard the Rigel, felt a deep sense of unity and purpose, fully prepared to confront the trials that lay ahead in the vast expanse of space.

And thus, the journey of the Rigel and its valiant crew began, their destinies intertwined as they ventured into the unknown. Together, they would navigate the treacherous path ahead, their bonds strengthening with each passing moment.

As the engines roared to life and the Rigel surged forward, venturing into the boundless depths of space, Earth gradually faded from view. The crew embarked on a grand adventure, their spirits ignited with an unwavering determination to conquer the unknown.

The stars awaited them, their twinkling lights guiding their path as they set forth to carve their destiny among the cosmic tapestry.

...

TBC