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Chapter 1:
The Prodigal Son Returns to Zion
“This is the Cenobite approaching the dock entrance, requesting access to Gate 2” Riot spoke into his headset as the vessel glided across the wastes of the sewers below, illuminating the tunnel with cold fluorescence.
“Cenobite, this is Zion control. Maintain present velocity and standby” replied the virtual control operator.
There was a moment of tension as the ship crept forward. This ship didn’t leave Zion Command under the best of terms, and this would be the first time it's crew sets foot in this city in over a year. In light of this, Pyraci nodded approvingly towards Riot as he answered. “Roger that, Control. Armaments disabled.” Ardious deactivated his gun turret and walked towards the cockpit, along with Gethsemani, MU5E, and the rest of the crew to see the gates open. One could hear the voice of the operator echo through the receiver. “This is Zion Control...” It was loud enough to be heard from behind the gates as they opened and a blinding light pierced though the cockpit, forcing everybody to adjust their vision momentarily. “...requesting stand down of arms at Gate2 immediately.” Easing his grip on the co-pilot controls, Pyraci folded his arms and gazed forward with a speculative, yet restrained expression on his face.
“Interesting…this is easier than I expected. Almost too easy…” He glanced over at Riot, who glanced back in agreement.
“...we have the Cenobite on approach. Cenobite, you are clear through Gate 2 to Bay 3.” The voice echoed through the ruined tunnel as the gates opened to embrace the vessel.
“Copy that, Control” Riot returned as the ship descended upon the dock, landing gear retracted. “Alright everybody. I’m going to talk with a few people. I’ll let you all know when it’s save to leave the ship.”
MU5E runs up to him as he steps out of the cockpit. “Dad, I wanna meet this lady you’re talking about.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled as much as he could in such a tense situation. “It’s alright, sweetie. You’ll have time. We need to recharge the ship. We’ll be here for about 36 hours, provided the council doesn’t make us leave before then. That’s what I’m going to take care of.”
”Ok, but I’m not sitting on this ship the whole time…” She furrowed her eyebrows almost the same way he does.
He grinned heartily and kissed her on her forehead “You’ll stay here if I tell you to, young lady. Fortunately, you don’t have to this time.” He looked up at the rest of his crew. ”Geth, Riot…come with me. I’ll be back for the rest of you.” As the loading ramp descended, the three saw a stocky fellow with two security guards that were almost twice as big behind he was. From the looks of his clothes, he was either a captain of a ship or more likely, a captain in the APU corp. The scars on his face suggested that he’d been around, probably during the war.
”Captain Pyraci, is it?”
Pyraci noded with a sense of caution on his eyes as the guard extended his hand and gave him a strong, military handshake.
“Tanegashima…APU Corp.” His grip nearly crushed Pyraci’s hand.
Pyraci smirked, despite the tension in the exchange. “That’s what I was thinking…listen, I’m here to pick up a mech op...” Tanegashima released his hand and Pyraci placed it behind his back, stretching it’s soreness out.
“...ChloeAnn. We know why you’re here. That’s why we let you in.” The stocky man interrupted. “Just make sure you can keep your people civil and we shouldn’t have any problems.”
Pyraci nodded again and replied. “I ask the same of you and yours, Tanegashima. We won’t make trouble unless we’re provoked.”
“Fair enough…”
“Thank you. I’ll owe you one, one day...” Pyraci smiled, more genuinely this time. He turned, signaling Gethsemani and Riot back aboard the ship.
“Oh and another thing...” Tanegashima added as the captain turned back towards him. “The bread feast begins today. Not sure if your crew has eaten too well recently, but you’re welcome to join us.”
“We’ll be there. Thank you.”