Chapter 2
Reconciliation
Jin one of the first generation also a member of the council of eight was a burly man of some size for his age . He was unusually fit more so than the other members of the council . Earth had decided in order to maintain it's objectives it needed to keep the council , so serums developed to extend life were given to each member of the council . Jin was given the most for it was deemed that his maintaining of the stasis pods was the most important duty of the council . Jin like the rest of the council , knew that their life was in it's final stages after the battle with Earth's fleet .
Jin was staring at all of the stats on one of the many panels maintaining the stasis pods with a moment of indecision started typing in the codes that would bring them to a hibernative state . This was something that should have been done hundreds of years ago . This was Jin's biggest failure in arguing what to do when Earth nearly destroyed the planets of Taraaku and Mejerr a hundred years ago . What changed now , was Hibiki knew the truth. . Jin had to work quickly for he had a house guest coming . The next thing he had to do was set the hibernative state for about two weeks , so that memory insertion of the history of the conflicts between the planets could be incorporated to the waking of the pods .
Jin was on his way back to his home more tired than usual . The flurry of activity associated with the plan Hibiki was devising , it was mind numbing . Hibiki had outlined what was going on to Jin . While Jin was listening to Hibiki he noticed he was getting caught up in his infectious optimism . It was at this moment Jin realized how proud he was of his grandson .Hibiki was no longer the selfish brat he had known .
It was funny Jin didn't notice it during Hibiki's rally call before his battle with Earth's fleet , but he saw it clearly when talking to him the day before . Hibiki was at battle with himself concerning who was to be Jin's house guest until the tribunal . Jin had done everything Hibiki had asked . All Jin had to do now was wait .
* * * *
A similar flurry of activity was going on at the Nirvana . Through Pyoro and the Pexis, Hibiki had outlined his plan with BC and Magno . The two leaders of the Nirvana have come to trust Hibiki's instincts so with out much thought they agreed to his plan .
BC was a fetching woman in appearance , long flowing locks of silver hair and perfect assets . It wasn't until the Nirvana approached the boarder of Taraaku that the crew had learned BC's true identity , a Taraakan spy . BC probably represented the conflict between men and women the best for she was a he . He had come to live with his appearance and the understanding that men and women could live together . BC gave up all of the accolades that were his from the Taraakan military when he rescued Bart and Duero for their interrogators on Taraaku before the battle . Fighting the harvest was more honorable than living the lie of Taraaku's propaganda . BC decided his appearance was his badge of honor now for he had come to grips with the conflict with men and women .
BC was unsure of how Hibiki's plan would work but was carrying it out .
"What you do and who you choose to help are to be kept secret from the rest of the Nirvana ." said Hibiki . BC making his choice was heading down the women's living quarters . There was only one choice to carry out this mission from BC's point of view and it needed to involve another dread pilot that was not linked to Pexis . Barnette Orangello was on the name plate on the door that BC stopped in front of. BC rang the door and was told to enter .
* * * *
The complex the men from the Nirvana were staying at was a huge sprawling affair . Where they were being housed was considered dignitary suites . They were plain a utilitarian . The whole complex was designed around the council chambers . This place was split into three parts , the main hallways when looking at it from above looked like an upside down Y with a curved hallway in the back joining both ends of the Y .
Hibiki had only been as far as one of the council chambers so was shocked when he learned most of the ruling body of Taraaku lived in the other side of this complex . Jin had been able to get one of the council of eight members to see him . Hibiki was being escorted to see him on the other side of the complex . The hallways and apartments on this side of the complex were of a more lavish decor . Status was the key here . On the first few levels décor was still modest and utilitarian . The guard Hibiki was with was trying to be sociable and was pointing out how the floors ran . The first three levels involved military personnel . Hibiki decide that it would be best to walk to his destination , he still need time to put his thoughts together . As the levels progressed they became more colorful and decor consisted pictures of the Prime minister or the council of eight . Hibiki stopped to look at one of the pictures with the council of eight and noticed even here propaganda was still ever present . The four women on the council were shaded so not to make out their appearance as women .
On the fifteenth level the guard stopped at a set of huge double doors . The guard explained to Hibiki that the next ten levels above were strictly apartments of the ruling body of Taraaku and no one was allowed unless escorted by one of them . The guard opened one of the double doors and told Hibiki to enter this was where he was to wait . Hibiki walked through and the guard explained he was not allowed in and closed the door as Hibiki walked through . Once Hibiki passed through the door he noticed benches along the wall of the short hallway. Hibiki was tired and was about to sit when he noticed a sign pointing to the end of the hall , THE GARDEN .
It wasn't until Hibiki saw
the sign that he realized he missed the garden that was on the Nirvana . As Hibiki
passed through the opening at the end of the hall he could hear a water fountain .
The sound of the water was the only thing that could remind Hibiki of the garden on
the Nirvana because there the similarities stopped . The chamber was huge it was
filled with things Hibiki had never seen before . This place was filled with
things not seen by the humans of Taraaku or Mejerr . There were four steps to
the right of Hibiki that separated the hall from the chamber , at the end of the
hand rail on post was another plaque . Hibiki walked down the steps and read the
plaque aloud not afraid of being heard for no one was in here .
"THE MISSION" started
Hibiki when a voice behind him took over . Hibiki jumped out of his skin but did not
interrupt .
" of this room is to remind us , the last bastions of the human race what we have lost and left behind on the planet Earth. This room contains some of the history of Earth to remind us who we were . This room has Pictures and carvings of things that will never see life again . The mission to save Earth and restore it to it's former self is of the utmost importance ."
The voice continued even though the Plaque was finished , " We of the council deluded ourselves into believing this with all our heart . It is to late for us we went to far with this mission ."
The man before Hibiki was
ancient with long white hair , slumped over and a hand shorter than Hibiki .
The robe he wore was neat but a drab grey . The mans voice was strong and did not
match his appearance .
" You wanted to meet with
me BOY." said the man .
In an unusual move for Hibiki , he addressed the man before him with the utmost respect . This was Hibiki's final card as far as his plan went .
"Mr. Cornwell , sir I have important news for you ."
* * * *
Jin had just gotten into his home when the vid link in his den went off with a loud chirping sound . Knowing it was one of two people Jin just let it go to message . Jin needed some tea and went to the kitchen to heat water. He then went to the den and replayed the message just in case he was wrong . Jin had pleaded Hibiki's case with Zen The Grandpa and cast his vote for action to him , and to plead with the rest of the council to do the same . As the message reset to view , Jin upped the volume and went to make his tea .
The voice on the message was not who he expected , it was Anri The Grandma .
She said only three words
"It is done ."
The person surprised him but the answer was what he wanted to hear . Hearing Anri's voice meant the council was in full agreement . Jin had a quirky grin that was similar to Hibiki's , it was a combination of smugness and glee . Jin knew tomorrow was going to be an interesting day .
Jin sat at a small kitchen table sipping his tea and looked out the window near it . The sun was still high , night time was a few hours away . Jin then peered away from the window looking around at his small house . Jin could have chosen to live like any of the council but instead lived like a third class citizen .
When asked why Jin always
responded. "It was an honest living."
As Jin was getting ready to take another sip of tea the door chimed.
"Enter." said Jin
There were two guards with
a prisoner. The first guard saluted Jin and was about to say the preamble concerning
the crimes against Taraaku
When Jin stopped him " release the girl she is in my care now ."
The guards were hesitant but complied . They were about to set up post outside the front door . Jin knew this was standard operating procedure but he could not have that now he needed this girls trust . Jin went into a rage filled tirade that made the jaws of the guards drop and sweat form on their brow .
" So this is how you treat a council members word. You are dismissed. Are you so stupid ,that figuring out 'MY CARE' was your queue to leave! If you still want your rank you better be gone in a heartbeat . Oh , by the way your prisoner will be at the tribunal tomorrow , on my honor !"
The guards were running so fast trying to get to the shuttle that it looked like one got his nose broke when the other opened the door to the shuttle . In an instant they were gone . Turning back through the front door Jin focused his attention to his guest .
" Sit child I won't eat you ." said Jin in a kindly tone .
Jin was at a loss for a moment he knew Dita had spirit but the person standing before him now was trembling and was showing a look of defeat . The girl before him was rubbing her wrist where the shackles had been . Her long red hair hiding her face because she was staring at the floor . Jin made a movement with his hand pointing Dita towards the kitchen table . She followed his lead hesitantly at first but did so , still remaining down cast .
Knowing what he had seen and heard during the battle with Earth's fleet and the reception when they arrived on the planet , Dita's behavior was not normal . When Dita sat down Jin noticed that her knees were stained with dust and red . The look he saw in her face when she looked up after sitting was with blood shot eyes and dark circles. This told Jin she had no sleep and had been crying but the look of defeat was worse . He knew he had a little work to do now the military had already started to wear her down . If Hibiki saw her in this state all the planning he did would be a mute point . Jin proceeded to talk to Dita .
" My name is Jin Tokai . I am Hibiki's grandfather you are safe here ."
Jin was nearly knocked off his feet when Dita bound from her chair embracing Jin in a bear like hug , sobbing uncontrollably . Jin encircled her in his big arms knowing at this moment he was protecting her from the outside world , she needed this moment to let it all out . Her trust in him was born out of hope .
This was something Jin could handle his parenting skills were still in tact . He released Dita and led her to a seat in the living room . Dita still sobbing lightly, took the nudge towards the living room afraid to let go of Jin . Grudgingly, Jin sat her down and she started to compose herself , rubbing tears out of her eyes with small hands still trembling . Jin then offered her tea , she just nodded . Jin had many teas he chose the one he called night time mix, for it had ingredients that soothed and relaxed with slight aroma of mint .
While preparing the tea Jin peered into the living room and noticed Dita had started to take stock of her surroundings .
" It's not much to look at but it is home."said Jin.
Jin noticed his comment had caused slight blush from Dita . Jin went back to the tea for it was ready and brought it out to Dita . She looked at the cup with suspicion at first but with the faintest smile accepted it . Good thought Jin this is better than he thought . He now knew that Dita was mostly suffering from a bad case of homesickness . Isolation was also part of the problem but that compounded the problem of being homesick . This was a good starting point for the psychological torture that the military men use . On top of that Dita was trapped behind enemy lines . She has been kept from those that she arrived with . Jin was sure they didn't start playing the rhetoric that passed for truth in her room yet because that would have broken her completely .
This was all thoughts of an instant Jin noticed that as Dita took the first sip of tea she closed her eyes enjoying the warmth and the flavor . He knew from her reaction that this was something she missed . Jin went back into the kitchen to get his own cup of tea and join Dita in the living room .
Jin decide to sit across
from Dita on a floor mat legs crossed . He wanted to make sure this young woman was
okay . When she looked at Jin sitting there he noticed the light was returning to
her eyes as she let out a little giggle .
Blushing she said " You look like an old Mr. Alieeen ."
She continues on in a gleeful voice "You weren't lying were you ?"
As words and questions kept coming " could you....Mr. Alien this ... Can you ?" She was speaking fast and wouldn't let Jin answer, no matter thought Jin , he saw the playful light in her eyes and heard the musical laughter in her voice . Jin couldn't contain him self he started laughing a hearty belly laugh something he hadn't done for ages . While chuckling he told Dita to slow down he would answer some questions . Dita blushed and let out her little giggle .
" Dita you must first
explain to me this Mr. Alien reference to Hibiki ?"
This was an opening for Jin to observe Dita as she explained their first meeting , she continued on though . She recited the whole tale of the Nirvana's flight to save Taraaku and Mejerr . Jin could have gotten lost in her eyes ,the deepest pools of blue with an infectious humour swimming behind them .
Jin thought a moment, this woman was very much like Hibiki she wore her emotions for everyone to see . Jin decided rather than answer all her questions it was fast approaching time for bed . Jin decided to let Dita sleep in Hibiki's room , she would get most of the answers she wanted there , the others were up to Hibiki.
Jin did leave her with a final thought before he left her in Hibiki's room .
"Dita between you and me."
said Jin with his own mischievous grin . " Your Mr. Alien is caught , keep doing
what you do."
Out of the corner of his eye he caught Dita doing a pirouette . This made Jin Smile . Jin knew this girl loved Hibiki , that much was apparent in how she talked about him . Jin could sense the same from Hibiki but Taraakan customs and propaganda were getting in the way . Jin wished he had time to talk to both of them together .
Jin before putting himself
to bed had a final task . He went to the den to make one final call to the
council no one answered but the message was simple.
" The plan is in place those two are going to destroy the worlds of Taraaku and Mejerr as we know it .It's time to Reconcile anway . My part is done ."
* * * *
Most everything was in order but Hibiki was at an impasse as to what to say at the tribunal in the morning . "Damn them" he thought " It was bad enough having to come back, now this ." Rabats words entered his mind or part of them " Words from the Heart." Hibiki was pacing back and forth trying to figure this out he needed to be careful , not his normal rash , hot headed self . It was as Hibiki was drifting to sleep , it hit him . He had a promise to keep in this mans world to break a promise is a serious breach of honor . Sleep was enveloping him in a sea of blue but it was not the blue of Pexis but a set of eyes .
* * * *
William Cornwell was in deep thought when the message from Jin came across the screen of his work space. He didn't answer it he knew that Jin was not really expecting an answer . William had to think about the news Hibiki had given him , he had a grand daughter . This was the best news that William had in many years . His life on the council was coming to an end he knew this so he had made up his mind to try and get to know his grand daughter Misty . The council was in full agreement as to what they were going to do , which was a first in a hundred years .
* * * *
On the Nirvana BC was going through a final simulation run with Barnette .
"This plan of Hibiki's better work." Said BC through the mic .
" You having doubts commander ?" replied Barnette
" No !" said the commander
" Just if things go bad I don't think we will be enough ."
"Commander you know my
history as far as when we took on the men as crew mates . I have come to trust
Hibiki's judgment ." returned Barnette .
"So no back up plan then ?" the commander said in an exasperated voice . "Why this faith in Hibiki ?"
" Lets just say this
commander the battle that Hibiki is fighting with himself is far greater than what
you or I could ever want ." replied Barnette .
That was all Barnette could say without revealing to much of the conversation she had with Hibiki when she was commanding the stage hands . Barnette was genuinely touched when Hibiki talked with her that day . She learned a lot about Hibiki that day . The funny thing was he talked to her with no bravado , no temper , and no confidence . Misty had him cornered and he had to make his choice . Barnette got to see a side of Hibiki that no one else has seen that day . Hibiki would not mess this up especially if he has come to grips with the emotional battle plaguing him .
* * * *
Dita was making herself ready for sleep she knew she had a long day tomorrow . She was sitting on the edge of the bed that had been Hibiki's , brushing out her long red hair . The brush was on a table in the corner of the small room, she didn't know if it was Hibiki's or something Jin had placed there for her . This was a small comfort for her that boosted her spirits. She was humming a cheerful tune while brushing out her hair .
As she shifted on the bed she kicked a small box that was under the bed . "What's this ?" she thought . Hesitant at first she picked it up and opened it . She let out a little giggle when she saw a picture of Hibiki with Jin .
It was a happy scene it looked to be a birthday picture . There were a lot of little plaques and pins in the box . They were marks of achievement in the engineering classes he had attended most of which were high . Some marbles were in the box as well as a mini spaceship made from scrape material from work . Dita thinking aloud " It looks like the Nirvana ." This made Dita realize Hibiki has always been looking for something better .
Dita packed the stuff back in the box and put it back ,except the mini Nirvana . She held the toy with both hands close to here heart . This was something she could grasp , politics hurt her head . She knew now that her and Hibiki were one in the same two people dreaming of something better .
With that last thought Dita fell into a peaceful sleep .