Ch 20: Justice

After a peaceful rest, Grey and the others must abruptly flee the Special Forces. Confronted by Jack Richter once more, can Scott make him see past his misguided "Justice"?

            Faintly lit, the large meeting room had an eerie feeling to it, not at all reduced by the people who were just taking their seats at long table in the middle of the room. Outside the large windows lining the wall, the ruins within the vast wasteland outside the citadel could barely be seen. Dark clouds covered the skies. At the head of the table sat Alastor, and as the last of those in the room took their seats, he said, “Thank you all for coming, I know you all are no doubt busy with the tasks already assigned to you…” Alastor pressed a button under the edge of the table, and on the table in front of each of those seated there, holo-projectors came to life and created holographic computer screens. Upon the screens, in addition to a great deal of information, was an image of Grey. Folding his hands on the tabletop, Alastor said, “I assume you are all familiar with the person you see before you. During the two years he was under our… employ, Matthew Greyson, The Black Knight, was conditioned to become my personal vessel. While for the most part our experiments to make him into a suitable vessel failed, since he has been under the care of my dear brother Gabriel the Immortal, he has been developing his powers on his own at a greatly increased rate. While this could play in our favor, it is imperative we place him under our control before he becomes too dangerous to us. This is why I have personally taken action over the last week attempting to reclaim him, however…” As Alastor paused as one of those seated at the table began to laugh quietly, and said, “However you failed, is that not correct Alastor?” 

It was a man, who looked in his early thirties, with short, very dark blue hair who wore glasses. Behind those glasses the intense blue color of his eyes could be seen. With a smug grin, the man continued, “Rather disappointing results for our great leader, the mighty Alastor Bastille… It’s been three years since we made ourselves known to the world, and even longer that we’ve been hiding in the shadows, but look how little progress we’ve made! Still we spend our time gathering materials for your anomalies, experimenting with energists and ancient technologies, or manipulating The Council from within. How much longer must we wait for your grand plan to come to fruition? If you cannot muster the power to deal with a child like Greyson who has yet to even realize his true abilities, are you really the one who should be in charge of our organization?” The man’s eyes suddenly grew wide and he began to convulse violently. One of the others was about to move to his aid, but Alastor said commandingly, “Unless you want to him to perish, do not interfere.” As the others looked on, Alastor calmly rose from his chair and walked over to stand beside the man as he continued to convulse. In his chillingly empty voice, Alastor said, “Is this a suitable show of power, Professor? Tell me, have you forgotten all I have done for you? I saw your various talents, got you out of prison after that unfortunate event in Lamis, and even gave you a place in my organization. I gave you a gift, a gift given to all the most talented operatives of Altera Veritas. A gift which has granted you much of the power you now see fit to mock me with. I command the Nameless One. I lead Altera Veritas.” As suddenly as they had started, the Professor’s convulsions stopped. Slowly walking back to the head of the table, Alastor continued, “If I were to use my full strength, I would have more than enough power to obliterate you in an instant, yet I cannot risk it in my weakened condition lest I risk losing grasp of him. That is why you, my Revenants, have been summoned so that I may choose one among you to deal with the situation concerning young Mr. Greyson. If you are so concerned with results Professor, why don’t you handle it?” Taking his seat, Alastor said, “You have one week to take the necessary steps to ensure your experiments can continue without you. Defeat and capture the boy. I expect results Professor…” Breathing heavily as he still struggled to recover from his sudden episode, the Professor said, “Y-yes sir, leave it to me. I shall not fail you.”

            Aerennis Village. Wednesday May 30, 520NA. Amy sat outside on the porch of the Governor’s residence in the shade of the awning, singing a song her mother would sing to her as a child, a song she felt was likely also passed down within her mother’s family. They had stayed in Aerennis eight days now, and Grey still had yet to fully recover. Sitting there singing, she wondered if Grey’s slow recovery was due to his body. She agreed with Alexander that none of the others should know unless Grey himself knew and was alright with it, but she felt guilty that she would have to keep something like this from Grey until Alexander revealed it to him. She had thought maybe she should tell him herself at first, but decided against it because she’d figured Alexander would probably be better at breaking the news, and the fact was she didn’t quite know all the specifics. Suddenly a loud “Ribbit!” came from her lap where her pet frogpole, whom she had named Lei, was sitting staring at something. Amy’s attention returned to reality, and she turned her head to look at Scott as he came out the front door of the Governor’s residence and said, “Singing that song again?” 

            Scott came over to sit next to her on the large bench set against the front of the house. Amy nodded, saying, “It helps me relax.” Scott leaned back against the front of the house as he said, “I remember your mother sang that song to all three of us once. I had the strange feeling I’d heard it before… I’ll tell you though, I still can’t believe you’re that cute little girl who came to the village with the doctor back when Matt was sick.” With sarcasm in her voice, Amy replied, “What, are you saying you can’t imagine me being cute?” Laughing nervously, Scott replied, “Oh no, I just mean you’ve really changed. Not just physically either, I remember you used to be such a shy girl. You never would have come up with a comeback like the one just now back in the day.” Amy felt herself blush and she said, “Well, I still have my shy moments, but I guess I’ve gotten a little more confidence after making so many friends lately. Being with you guys, I don’t really miss home all that much, although I do wonder what Mia is up to from time to time.” Continuing to chat with Scott as they sat there on the porch, Amy suddenly noticed Alexander and Schmitt rushing down the street towards the Governor’s residence. It seemed a bit early for them to be back with lunch, and when she didn’t see them carrying anything, she had a feeling something was wrong. Her suspicions were confirmed as Alexander called out, “Amy, Scott! We’re getting out of here, the Special Forces are coming!”

            “Tabatha received a communiqué from the Special Forces saying that it was suspected that the Black Knight and his accomplices were hiding out somewhere in the village. Apparently someone in town ratted us out, perhaps some thick headed bigot, or maybe they put out a bounty on our heads. Whatever the case, the short version is that we have to leave before they find us.” Alexander said to everyone once they’d gathered in Grey’s guest room at the Governor’s residence. Grey was still rather weak and was supported by Scott as he stood there and said to the others, “Alright then, it sounds like we better hurry. I guess I’ll have to thank Tabatha properly next time. Let’s go.” As the group moved out the room to exit the Governor’s residence, Amy asked Grey in a concerned tone, “Are you sure you’re ok to be up Grey?” Still supported by Scott, Grey smiled at her and said, “I’ll be fine. Besides, not like we’ve got much choice right?” After they’d left the Governor’s residence, they made their way down the street, and turning right they started the long walk down the street towards the south exit far on the other side of the village. As they reached the square, Grey suddenly stumbled. Scott caught hold of him, but Grey was breathing heavily, and Amy quickly said, “I know we’re in a hurry, but I really think Grey needs a rest…” Scott agreed, saying, “Yeah, I think he’s pushing himself. We better take a breather.” Grey slightly regained his composure, and attempting a grin, he said, “I dunno what you guys are talking about! I’m fine, really…” Clearly unconvinced, Serius said, “Considering your state of appearance I find that hard to believe.” With a sigh, Alexander said, “Yes, I believe we’ll have to take a break. We can only hope they don’t show up too soon.” Suddenly a familiar voice called out from across the square, “Oh I think I’m right on time, Alexander…” Having all been concerned with Grey’s health, they had not noticed the crowd of onlookers gathering as up the street into the plaza came Colonel Richter and a group of Special Forces soldiers. Looking around, Schmitt said, “Uh-oh. Don’t look now folks, but I think we’re surrounded…” Not only was there Colonel Richter’s group from the street south of the square, but from the west and east streets groups of Special Forces soldiers marched into the square. The west group was led by a woman who looked in her late twenties, with blue eyes and blonde hair that was tied up in the back. The east group was led by a man who looked in his early thirties. He had short brown hair, gray eyes, and wore glasses. Adjusting his shades, Alexander grumbled, “Well, this is a fine mess… Not only the Energist of Prisms, but Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Walker, the Energist of Thorns, and Lieutenant Colonel William Sterling, the Bladestorm Energist… We’re up against the number seventeen, number twenty five, and number twenty Class S Energists of the Special Forces, respectively. They have plenty of backup as well…”

            Schmitt nervously asked, “Any plans…?” Moving slowly towards the group, Colonel Richter called out to the crowds around them, “People of Aerennis, please stand back! We are about to arrest the wanted rogue energist #669, the Black Knight! A dangerous battle might ensue, it’s advisable you return to your homes and remain calm!” For a moment the townspeople muttered amongst themselves, but then from out of the crowd rushed Bert. Coming to stand between Colonel Richter and Grey’s group, he shouted, “Now look here Mr. Special Forces! You better believe I ain’t gonna stand by and let you thugs of The Guild arrest the son of the man who gave everything for our village! When I was sick and the town doctor was too busy to see an energist like me, it was the Greysons who called in a doctor from Libera for me, not The Guild! When I lost my job at the cattle farm, it was the Greysons who personally recommended me for a job at Riley’s ranch, not The Guild! And just a few days ago, my son received the medicine that saved his life, thanks to the kindness of none other than Matthew Greyson himself! The Greysons worked themselves to bone for us, but The Guild just wrings out the towns and cities like sponges tryin to get more recruits for the Special Forces! Anyone who picks a fight with Jonathan’s kin is gonna have to get through me first!” The square was silent for a moment. Colonel Richter, staring at Bert with loathing, finally said, “Very well…” Richter balled up a fist and threw a punch at Bert, but it was stopped by Scott’s open palm as he rushed between them. 

Scott stared at his former friend in anger and said, “Has revenge completely blinded you Jack?! I thought you were at least better than this!” Colonel Richter, taken aback, stood and stared for a moment, and then he lowered his fist, turned his gaze away and said, “Shut up Matthews! Dealing with those who obstruct justice is also my job, you know that…” Not about to let it slide that easily, Scott replied, “And is that really ok with you Jack? Are you really ok with doing this job? I spent two years loathing that job, driven on by the thought of revenge, and looking back I gotta tell you Jack, it wasn’t worth it!” Richter shouted back, “Just shut up Matthews! What do you know?! The person you lost came back from the dead, but… but my… They’re never coming back because of him!” Struggling to get through to the Colonel once and for all, Scott said, “They’re gone because of Altera Veritas, Jack! Not because of Matt! All the time I was in the Special Forces we did nothing but sit around and wait for them to show themselves, doing nothing but arresting rogue energists who were just trying to live a normal life! Matt and Alexander have been aiming to hunt Altera Veritas down for a whole year now, and just the other day we went up against their leader! I fought him Jack, the man responsible for everything! And here you are, seeking revenge against someone who’s nothing but another victim! Who’s letting personal feelings interfere now ‘Colonel’?!” With a sneer, Richter replied, “A victim that not so long ago murdered innocent soldiers only doing their jobs, not to mention almost ending my own life!” Defiantly, Scott retorted, “Don’t give me that s**t! I know you aren’t so stupid that you couldn’t tell he was totally out of it!” Richter grimaced, unable to deny it, and he remained silent as Scott continued, “I don’t know if you ever really considered me your friend Jack, but I believe in Matt and the others! I believe in what they’re doing! Do you believe in what you’re doing right now Jack? I thought you said you donned that uniform to fight for justice! Are you so wrapped up in the Guild and the laws that you think what you almost did to Bert is justice?! Would your family have been proud of what you’re doing here?! ANSWER ME JACK!”

            Richter had no answer, and he simply stared as Scott turned and walked away. As Scott returned to the group, all of whom smiled approvingly at him, with a sly grin Alexander said, “Heh, well said Scott. I don’t know if it will help our situation, but someone needed to set that man straight.” With his hearty laugh, Schmitt said, “Damn right! Actually taken a swing at ol’ Bert like that, that guy needed some sense smacked into him!” Suddenly Lieutenant Colonel Sterling called out, “Excuse me Colonel Richter, but now that your little debate with former Brigadier General Matthews is over, don’t you think it’s time to arrest these criminals?” Snapped out of his stupor, Colonel Richter halfheartedly said, “Right… As I was saying before, rogue energist #669, you are under arrest for the crimes of mass murder, terrorism, jailbreak, and various other offenses. Come quietly or we will have no choice but to take you by force…” At that moment though, following Bert’s example, the crowds of onlookers from all sides of the plaza rushed forward to group up around Grey and his friends. Forming a human wall around the group, one of the villagers shouted, “You Special Forces b******s ain’t hauling the son of Jonathan off to jail on our watch!” Another shouted, “Yeah, it’s like Bert said, you mess with him you mess with all of us!” Yet another shouted, “That’s right, same goes for Tabatha’s grandson there! They’re both part of our village and no one’s arresting them on such outrageously false charges! We may be Special Forces rejects, but we won’t go down without a fight!” The three groups of Special Forces soldiers and their leaders stared at the crowd of villagers, unsure what to do as the townspeople continued to shout admonishments at them. Lieutenant Colonel Sterling started shouting, “Enough! Get out of the way before we arrest you all! This is obstruction of justice!” The villagers stood their ground, and Grey and the others stared in amazement at the crowd protecting them, Scott and Grey both touched at how they had come to their aid. Grey said quietly, “Everyone…” Scott wiped a tear from his eye and said, “Looks like everyone really believes in us, huh Matt?”

            Suddenly, Colonel Richter shouted, “Second Division, stand down!” Scott looked through the crowd at him in surprise, while Lieutenant Colonel Walker and Lieutenant Sterling looked over at him in disbelief, and Walker shouted, “Energist of Prisms, just what do you think you’re doing?! I understand your concern for the innocent civilians, but we cannot allow rogue energist #669 to escape!” Closing his eyes and gathering his resolve, Colonel Richter thought, “Grace, Maria… I took my place among the Special Forces to support you, but when you needed me most I wasn’t there. For a year I’ve sought to avenge you, but I cannot continue on this path any longer. Forgive me…” As the soldiers of the Second Division muttered among themselves, unsure what to do, Richter turned to them with a stern look and shouted, “I said stand down!” Outraged, Lieutenant Colonel Sterling shouted, “Do you intend to betray the Special Forces as well Colonel Richter?!” Turning to look at Sterling, Colonel Richter shouted back, “Are you blind Bladestorm Energist?! We have already lost! Our duty above all else should be to protect the people, and I will not raise a hand against those I have sworn to protect! If either of you intend to use force against the townspeople, I will stop you with every ounce of my strength!” Lieutenant Colonel Walker and Lieutenant Sterling were taken aback, and Lieutenant Colonel Walker said, “Again, I agree we can’t use force, but just letting them go is…” Richter stared at her and said firmly, “That’s my final word, Catherine!” His respect for Richter restored, Scott smiled and quietly said, “Jack…” The soldiers of the Second Division moved aside to create a path to the southern road, and looking at Scott, Colonel Richter said, “Go.” With Scott supporting Grey, the group quickly made their way to the south exit of the plaza, the townspeople following close behind. As Scott and Grey passed through the path made by the soldiers of the Second Division, Colonel Richter quietly said to Scott and Grey, “I leave everything to you. Good luck.” Pausing briefly, Scott said, “Jack, come with us!” Richter shook his head and said, “No Matthews. I… I have to think for a while…” With one last look at Colonel Richter, Scott continued helping Grey down the street with the others. Lieutenant Colonel Walker and Lieutenant Sterling rushed to the south exit of the plaza, but as Grey and the others made their way down the street, the villagers remained at the south exit, blocking the way. In frustration, Lieutenant Sterling said, “Bah! Colonel Richter, you realize the Generals will be informed of this!” Colonel Richter simply smiled to himself and muttered, “They can throw me in Castrum for all I care. Today, I found something more important than revenge…” As Richter stared after Scott, he thought, “I’d come to accept The Guild and the Special Forces as the only justice in this twisted world, but I’ve decided to believe in you now. Show me that my choice was right, Thunderfury Energist…”

            Boarding the Audentia quickly, Schmitt and Scott rushed to the bridge to start the engines and get the ship in the air. Serius, Amy, and Grey supported by Alexander reached the bridge just as the airship began to rise out of the forest. Alexander helped Grey into one of the passenger seats as Schmitt turned and asked, “Okay folks! We’ve just gotten outta another tight spot, but what’s next? I’d say Grey here could use a bit more rest before we go after Altera Veritas. Not that I know just how we’d track em down anyhow…” Taking a seat next to Grey, Amy wondered whether they would be heading to find this Mythra person she’d overheard Alexander talking about. Grey was obviously in no condition for training of course, but it was supposed to be their next destination. Thinking a moment, Scott said, “We never checked out Abnoct’s warehouse. It’s our only lead, but I don’t think we should follow up with that when Grey’s in this condition…” Alexander, still standing, adjusted his shades and said, “Lamiswood.” A look of surprise crossed Schmitt’s face as confusion befell everyone else’s, except for Serius, who seemed to understand where this was going. Wondering if he’d heard correctly, Schmitt said, “Lamiswood? That’s the forest next to Lamis. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind goin to see my grandkids, but what in blazes are ya thinking of going to Lamis for? I doubt the Governor there’s gonna be quite as hospitable as-” Interrupting, Alexander said, “Schmitt, I said we’re going to Lamiswood, not Lamis. I suppose if you really want we could stop by the village to see your grandchildren as long as we’re careful, but our main business is in the forest.” Wondering what he had up his sleeve now, Grey asked, “Just what business would we have in a forest? Is there some kind of herb that will help me recover there or what?” Evasively, Alexander said, “Perhaps…” Then after a moment, Alexander said, “Regardless of what business we have there, I need to discuss something with Grey in private before we make our way over.” Surprised, Grey said, “Oh, uh, ok. You mean like now?” Extending his hand to help Grey up, Alexander replied, “Yes, it’s probably best that I don’t put it off any longer. We can talk about it up on the deck. I’ll give you a hand up.” 

As Alexander helped Grey up, Schmitt said, “What’s up with this talkin in private business, Alexander? If it’s something important, then don’t ya think we should all hear it?” Alexander merely replied, “If Grey deems it alright for you to know after I’ve told him, then I will explain it to all of you. For now you will have to wait.” As Alexander and Grey headed for the door of the bridge, Amy called out, “Um, Grey…” He turned to look at her questioningly, and she just smiled and said, “Don’t forget, we’re all with you no matter what!” As Alexander eyed her suspiciously, Grey blushed slightly and said, “Right. Thanks Amy.” As the two walked out of the bridge, Scott looked over at Amy from his chair at the copilot’s station and asked, “What was all that about Amy?” Innocently, she simply replied, “Oh, nothing.” Suddenly, Amy heard Serius’ voice inside her mind. Looking over at him as he spoke, she could only assume he was using telepathy, his voice coming through crystal clear as he said, “I take it you followed Alexander back in Aerennis, didn’t you? However underhanded, I must thank you on Alexander’s behalf for not telling anyone. That aside, there are things Alexander intends to reveal to him that I doubt he had discussed with the Governor. Considering how much you already know, and the feelings you have for that boy, I may as well fill you in on the important parts…”

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Just from reading the description of the chapter, it promised to be interesting. Was it? You bet your sweet buttery biscuits it was interesting.

Okay, I love how you started the chapter off from Alastor's (crazy fangirl scream in the background)

"Sally! Calm down!" I shout at her.

As I was saying... I love how you started off the chapter from Alastor's prospective. This was just the right event to start the chapter with, given the events that closed chapter nineteen. I love the emotion of this chapter, especially when Scott was trying to convince Ritcher that what he was doing was not justice. This created drama between the two characters and I freaking ate it up.

Aside from that... THAT FREAKING CLIFF HANGER AT THE END THOUGH! Dear lord I just wanna read more! I also am loving the plot so far and the characters as well. You truly have amazing writing talent! Your writing style sort of reminds me of my own in some ways. The fight scenes for example are proof of this.

Like I said before, you are an amazing, original writer and you deserve a lot more reviews than what you are getting. Needless to say (but I will say it anyways) great work and definitely keep writing!

[KeithKVH]

Thank you for the review! Hopefully you will be able to read more soon, the cliffhanger there is leading up to a pivotal point of explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding Grey. Some of it may already be rather foreshadowed, but I can think of one part you probably wouldn't have guessed at.

I'll be returning reviews now, I got a bit busy the other day. More to come on that front as well, I'm moving at some point here.

[Ryan Henderson]

I may not be reviewing your work very plentifully for a few days, maybe a week. I will try my hardest, but I am going into a really tough time right now. The situation literally seems impossible and I need to think of a way out of it before things hit the fan. Wish me luck.

[KeithKVH]

All good, I can certainly understand that right now. Good luck, my situation is brightening up ever so slightly, so hopefully yours will as well.