Chairman Marietus

Chairman Ceil Marietus of the Galactic Federation, first Kriken to hold the position. All questions are monitored by the Civil Guard. Solicitation, bribery, threats, or messages carrying a threatening or intimidating tone will be traced and dealt with accordingly. Note from the Civil Guard Security Administrator: Classified information is not allowed to be distributed under the Freedom of Information Act. Questions can be refused for any reason, without notice. Threats will be interpreted as a threat to national security. Note from the Chairman: Don't worry too much about that warning. :)

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Yukiko is wrapped in a thick cloak as she rides her ATV through the forest. The sunlight has all but faded, leaving her with only the lights on her vehicle to light the way. The wooden box beside her remains open, and she looks over at it.*

Yukiko: Tell me it’s not much farther... Evergreen: To your left.

*She stops the vehicle, looking over to find a stone paved pathway off to one side. She drives over it, finding several monoliths standing in a large circle. Yukiko jumps out of the car, stepping up to one of the stones, placing her hand on it, finding Chozo and Alimbian symbols side by side.*

Yukiko: This is it? This is the portal? How old is this place? These symbols are from the old Chozo script, but the Alimbian stuff looks a lot newer... Evergreen: This is the portal. I believe the text merely stated the terms of their alliance.

*A sound catches Yukiko’s attention, and she looks over to find several Chozo ghosts appearing on the other side of the paved area. She backs away toward her car, frantically getting in and driving into the center of the large circle.*

Yukiko: What do I do!? Evergreen: Please hold. I am accessing the security mainframe.

*Yukiko ducks out of the way of a glowing ball just as the symbols on the monoliths begin to glow. She grabs her pistol, aiming toward the closest Chozo ghost and firing several times before the entire area is lit in a furious green glow. Not a second later, the glow dies down, and Yukiko looks around to find herself in a large chamber, lit only by the headlights of her car. She doesn’t move, but looks over at the box beside her.*

Evergreen: We have made it to Alinos. Elapsed travel time was 24 seconds. Yukiko: It felt instantaneous. Evergreen: Technically it was, even though it also spanned 24 seconds. Because the transfer warps spacetime, the elapsed time within the transfer zone experiences a different rate of time passage than the remainder of space. Yukiko: Where... are we?

*Lights in the ceiling start to flicker on, and Yukiko finally shuts off the vehicle, stepping out onto a stone floor as hallways and doors are bathed in a soft yellow-orange glow. Ancient computers rest on the other side of the room, slowly starting up as the Evergreen accesses them.*

Yukiko: This is-! Evergreen: My home.

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Pollux lets out a quiet, annoyed sigh and turns to leave, but after a moment, he stops himself and looks back toward the tourian agent.*

That was... awkward. I'm not sure why she can't come down here and talk, or... why do your helmets even have external speakers anyway?

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Pollux lets out an annoyed sigh*

Look, enough about how awful we are. Maybe you genuinely care about the Federation’s citizens, in which case, I appreciate the sentiment. But I sure as hell don’t think Mother Brain does. She wouldn’t spend so much of her effort trying to kill our people if she cared about them. But that’s not the point. This is a very delicate situation. If you can help the Drelion population, then fine. But anything further will be looked at with suspicion.

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Pollux grows increasingly annoyed at Binah’s repeated insults toward the Federation, but his voice seems to turn calm instead.*

As far as I’m concerned, Weavel’s on your side. Marietus appointed him to Hunter status, but I think that was a bit too far for someone as... unpredictable as him.

Here’s the deal, Captain. The Pirates stay out of our politics, or we have a very strong case for another assault like what happened on Urtraghus all those years ago. Under no circumstances are we ever going to consider a Chairman you suggest. If Samus and Weavel are traitors, then we’ll deal with them ourselves.

I don’t even want to allow you to stay on Drelion unless my troops can keep track of yours. Tell Mother Brain she’s walking a very thin line, trying to sabotage us like this. Watch where you step.

[marietusatfacetroid]

Pollux: If it was just Weavel, I’d be more inclined to think he was the traitor. But I don’t for an instant believe that Samus would turn against the Federation, and I don’t believe anyone within it tried to kill Martin. I know that was your doing.

... I’ve never liked the Aurora Units, though. The whole lot of them need to be unplugged before they turn into Mother Brain and try to kill us all. But there’s no way I’m letting you interfere with that. ... Who am I speaking to, anyway?

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Pollux stumbles back a few steps upon hearing Binah, taking a moment to process everything. His expression remains stunned as he stares toward the Tourian agent.*

So you are behind all this... Mother Brain framed the Federation Chairman for treason... You compromised our Aurora Units to turn them against us... you killed Martin, for all I know... You turned, of all people, Weavel and Samus Aran into traitors as well...

I... I don’t even know what to say... You... You did far more than just rekindling this war... I need to speak with Mother Brain.

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Pollux seems to try not to roll his eyes as the pirate speaks, but upon hearing the last statement, he looks up, quiet for a moment as his mind works through all the implications of what was said.*

Formal appointment of... You... You want to appoint a new Chairman? Why... No. You’re not going to interfere in our politics like that. We’re either going to get Marietus back, or we’re going to find a new Chairman on our own.

*He glances away for a moment, then looks back at the representative with skepticism, speaking with a quieter tone clearly just meant for that one pirate.*

I know you’re just following orders, but... don’t be stupid about this. You realize the Chairman got accused of treason for allegedly siding with the Pirates, right? I don’t believe a word of it, but you’re only making this out to seem like a huge plot on your part... You want to break the Federation down from the inside, make us need your help, right? You...

*Pollux seems to realize something and goes quiet, looking back toward his ship. Suddenly, the thought of rogue agents within the Federation becomes much more believable. Suddenly, the reason for Samus’s actions makes sense. Suddenly, Pollux stares toward the Pirate, his expression filled with disbelief and concern.*

The Pirates... just made their final move...

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Pollux lets out a sigh, not so much annoyed as an attempt to gather his thoughts.*

Drelion belongs to the Federation. These citizens are Federation citizens. If all you intend to do is get the power back and give people water, then I'd consider it an act of diplomacy. But we both know that Mother Brain isn't a diplomat, and you have intentions beyond helping my people.

*Pollux crosses his arms*

I realize that Marietus would be much more lenient with you, but I think his perception is skewed by having that Pirate in his family. I've been around for a lot longer than him, long enough to know there's no way you're going to change and suddenly become humanitarians out of the goodness of your heart.

[marietusatfacetroid]

*The phrygisian steps up to the guard, looking down at him with an aggravated expression, even for a phrygisian.*

Pollux: Oh, cut the bullshit. I want Drelion back, and I want you off of it. Why does Mother Brain even care about this place?

[marietusatfacetroid]

*A small group of Federation ships touch down on Drelion, barely enough to carry thirty people, but the people who step out are all heavily armed and armored. They don't seem rushed, but one unarmed person steps out, a tall phrygisian quickly surrounded by his guards. He walks up to the Pirate outpost, his face seeming fatigued as he speaks to one of the Pirate guards. The other Federation troops seem relaxed, but hold their rifles down in front of them.*

Phrygisian: Senator Pollux, acting Chairman of the Federation. Who runs this?

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Ceil sits in a slightly more comfortable containment cell than before, furnished with a couch, a small table, and several decorative objects. He sits in the middle of the couch, his face buried in his hands, when another investigator walks into the room.*

Investigator: Chairman.

*Ceil looks up toward him, but promptly stares away, silent.*

Investigator: I understand that you’re upset. But I need some information. Where is Administrator Mara? Marietus: I don’t know. I told you that. Who’s the acting Chairman? Investigator: That’s the problem. The next two people in the chain, Mara and Malaya, are missing. Marietus: I realize that. That’s why I asked who you settled on. Investigator: We can’t settle on anything. They’re all missing. Space Pirates seem to be trying to occupy Drelion. One of our Aurora Units went down. Between attacks on the Federation, rumors of Martin’s assassination, the Drelion situation, and Weavel being made a Federation Hunter, many people believe you’re actively giving the Pirates information to sabotage the Federation. Ceil: I’m no traitor. There are rogue Aurora Units, you know. They’ve been hiding things, cleverly stockpiling resources for months without anyone’s knowledge. The problem with all this is that there’s other things I’d gladly tell you if they weren’t classified. But that just makes me look like I’m hiding things. Investigator: You really don’t know where Mara is, do you? Ceil: No. And as much as I fight with her, I do like her. But as much as I like her, I wonder if she’s not the real traitor here. Not that she’d sabotage the Federation... but exploiting its weaknesses to force remedial action... that seems like something she’d do. So... who’s the acting Chairman? Investigator: ... People have been asking Senator Pollux... Ceil: Ugh, I knew it.

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Ceil Marietus sits on a chair in a bare room, staring at the floor as he keeps himself bundled in his cloak. No restraints were used against him, but nonetheless, an armed guard waits outside the only door, through which a human lawyer bursts a moment later.*

Lawyer: You ordered the assassination of a Federation war hero!? Marietus: What!? What are you talking about!? Lawyer: Federation troops were ordered to assassinate Martin. That’s what I’m told. Did you have anything to do with this?

*Ceil stands up, not necessarily being threatening, but trying not to look submissive.*

Marietus: I did no such thing! It was probably Mara’s fault, for all I know! Lawyer: Speaking of the Administrator, do you know where she is? Marietus: I might be able to find out if I had my damn console. Lawyer: You know I can’t grant that. As of now, you’re no longer Chairman. Marietus: I caught the drift of that when the guards told me I was accused of treason. Why does anyone think I killed Martin? Lawyer: We got word not too long ago that Space Pirates landed on Drelion, providing aid to the citizens after Federation gunships, along with that registered to Samus Aran, started blowing up buildings. There was a message from Mother Brain accusing you of ordering Martin’s assassination.

*Ceil takes a few uncoordinated steps back*

Marietus: W...What!? There are Pirates on Drelion? People are believing Mother Brain? Lawyer: They really are rendering aid though. Marietus: Where the fuck is Mara!? Lawyer: You really don’t know? Marietus: Of course I don’t know! Last I know, she was-... Dealing with classified issues. Every time I lose track of her, something insane happens. Where’s Keaton? Where’s Malaya!? Lawyer: I don’t believe they’re allowed to speak with you right now.

*Ceil lets out an agitated, pained, desperate noise, turning to one wall and hitting his head against it.*

Marietus: I do everything for you people... I tackled the greatest crisis in Federation history... and I’m supposedly committing treason by making Weavel a Federation Hunter- Lawyer: So you did? Marietus: Yes. I did. His name was on the Senate’s list for a while. No one likes him, but he can better help us if he’s a full hunter. Lawyer: So you’re helping Space Pirates now? Marietus: Like hell I’m helping Space Pirates! Lawyer: You allied with the Pirates during the Phazon crisis. Marietus: That was... Lawyer: You once said that if the concept of Mother Brain worked for the Space Pirates, the Aurora Units were a good idea to work on. Marietus: I... Lawyer: Even you should see how bad this looks. Marietus: ‘Even me?’ God, this is... Let me talk to Mara. Lawyer: If you’re found to be hiding her location- Marietus: Get the fuck out of my-... containment cell.

*Hesitantly, the lawyer walks out of the room. The guard locks the door behind him, and Ceil sits back down at the chair, pulling it up to the desk, and draping himself across the table as he comes as close to crying as is possible for a kriken.*

[marietusatfacetroid]

*The Chairman sits at his desk, resting his weight on his arms as he reads something from his console, when several armed troops walk in.*

Marietus: Oh, sorry, I thought I told my secretary not to let anyone in right now. Trooper: We’re taking you into custody. Marietus: ... What? Trooper: You’ve been accused of treason.

*Ceil stands up, looking between the four people who barged into his office.*

Marietus: For what? By who!? Trooper: For granting a Space Pirate the status of a bounty hunter.

*Although it’s imperceptible to most other species, Ceil’s expression turns from one of confusion to one of terror.*

Marietus: H-How does anyone know about that... Trooper: I don’t know, I’m just relaying what I’m told.

*While the troopers are gentle with grabbing Ceil’s arms to lead him out of the building, the Chairman remains rigid, possibilities going through his mind of whether this, too, was a result of the rogue Aurora Units.*

[marietusatfacetroid]

Evergreen: So who was that?

Yukiko: The Dark Hunter.

Evergreen: Really? She seems nice.

Yukiko: Except for corrupting most of the galaxy with phazon...

Evergreen: ... I wish to return to Alinos soon, that I may become better informed.

Yukiko: And what's on Alinos that will help you do that?

Evergreen: I have a feeling that you will not like the idea, but I suppose we'll see.

Yukiko: (... That sounded awfully ominous...)

Evergreen: But by all means, complete your research. It may help us find the Gate.

Yukiko: ...

Evergreen: ... You seem distressed.

Yukiko: What is it you want to do with me, exactly?

Evergreen: ... I can already assess that the genetic infusion you performed is rapidly taking effect. Not that many physiological changes will occur as you become more Alimbian, but... there are a variety of psychological differences between kriken and alimbians, namely in our telepathic abilities. Without guidance, you may drive yourself to insanity.

Yukiko: ... So...?

Evergreen: I intend to integrate myself into your consciousness before the neurological changes begin to accelerate.

Yukiko: You... what!?

Evergreen: I presumed you would reject the idea.

Yukiko: Because I don't want someone else in my head!

Evergreen: I understand. But as I said, without proper guidance, you may end up causing more damage to yourself than I could.

Yukiko: So what does this have to do with you gaining knowledge? Sifting through my memories?

Evergreen: Precisely. But it works both ways, and you will gain my memories of the Alimbians, and knowledge of the console commands.

*Yukiko looks away, silent for a while*

Evergreen: You do not trust me or my motives, I understand. But know that I am working toward our best interests.

Yukiko: Like?

Evergreen: Returning the Alimbic race to its former glory.

Yukiko: Lofty.

Evergreen: Yet possible. Take your time. We have enough for now.

*Yukiko hesitates before picking up the box and her other supplies, and going back the way she came, toward the entrance where the sum of her belongings rest*

[marietusatfacetroid]

*Ceil looks unamused toward Celum when he hits the door, but moves back toward it when Cynthia’s voice is audible. He looks around once more for anyone listening before speaking in a notably louder voice, obviously trying to pierce through the door*

Hello, Cynthia.. Piari, yes? So, traveling through time to help something with Reivia... By the way, I have another time traveler here for you. And.. I do know about this Ing possession deal. It’s uh... ... It’s... scaring me too.

[marietusatfacetroid]

*He stares for some time at the pirate beside him when he hears the genuine sigh of a destroyed life echo from the armored form*

... Well... Only thing I can think of is that the current capitol was under construction at the time. Keaton was Chairman, I was still a senator... not sure about Reivia.

Valenti? Maybe... not sure.

*He mutters under his breath, more to himself than to Celum*

God I’m so glad Halley killed that bastard... I probably wouldn’t have won an election against him anyway...

[marietusatfacetroid]

Box.. box... ... Seems significant enough.

*He turns to Celum again*

Are you from the future? How much of this do you know about?