Chapter 1511 Back To Earth Author's Note: Unedited Chapter ------------------------- Within the void of his consciousness, Gustav's thoughts raced. He had absorbed everything the scientists had said, their sinister plans unfolding like a twisted opera around him. He knew he needed to act, but his current state left him with few options. At the far end of the dark void, a golden glow pulsed gently. "Preparations will be complete soon," Gustav's consciousness voiced within the void. ... ... ... Meanwhile, within the Alliance's headquarters, a storm was brewing. In a grand chamber filled with towering holographic screens and advanced communication devices, several Alliance leaders gathered. Their faces were tense and their voices echoed with urgency and concern. "We need to address the Gustav trial situation," said Zyra, a tall, statuesque figure with skin that shimmered like mercury and eyes that glowed an unsettling shade of green. "Earth is planning to host the trial, but we cannot allow them to control the narrative," Kafuka added with a tone of distraught. "Perhaps we should threaten Earth into handing over Gustav," suggested Lorn, an alien with elongated features and eyes that burned with an inner fire. His suggestion hung in the air like a fruit waiting to be plucked. Zyra narrowed her eyes. "Earth is one of the Alliance leaders. Such a move could fracture our unity and lead to open conflict. We need a more nuanced approach." A report flashed onto one of the holographic screens, catching everyone's attention. The image showed Axarof, one of their own, lying unconscious in space outside the Alliance's territory. "Axarof was spotted passed out in space," reported an attendant, her voice tinged with disbelief. "His injuries are severe. It appears he engaged in a significant battle." The leaders exchanged glances, their concern deepening. "If Axarof was defeated that means those kids successfully escaped. All our plans were for nothing," Kafuka growled lightly in dissatisfaction. "Let him get medical care," Zyra said firmly. "But first, we must deal with the immediate threat. We cannot let Earth's trial overshadow our authority." "We need to send a delegation to Earth," Lorn suggested. "A show of strength and unity. We can pressure them without outright threats during the trial." Kafuka nodded in agreement. "We should include representatives from planets that have grievances against Gustav. Their voices will add weight to our demands." Zyra considered this with a thought gaze from her multiple eyes; "Very well. We will prepare a delegation." As the plans were laid, Gustav continued to prepare. He knew the trial was drawing near despite not being informed. It was the first time a trial would be held while the suspect was unconscious. Unfortunately, the world leaders didn't seem to care about his rights. In the Alliance, the leaders present finalized their plans. They would visit Earth, using both diplomatic pressure and the threat of force to sway the trial's outcome. The delegation was chosen, and preparations began in earnest. ... ... On an isolated, barren orbital body many light years away from the Alliance's main territory, a group was gathered. The celestial landscape around them was pale silver with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation under the dim light of distant stars. Jack stood apart from them, his expression inscrutable. "I don't want to head back to Earth," Falco said in frustration. His damaged eyes still burned with resolve. "We haven't saved Ria yet. We can't just abandon him." Endric, sitting on a jagged rock, shook his head. "Falco, we barely managed to escape with our lives. We need to regroup and rethink our strategy. Charging back into danger isn't going to help Ria." Aildris and E.E. stood silently, caught between the two strong arguments. E.E. finally broke the silence. "I understand both your points. But we can't ignore the fact that Ria's capture was intended to lure Gustav out. Once Gustav learns of it, he will come charging in and I don't think we want him falling into a trap." Jack's deep voice suddenly cut through the tension. "Listen, the only reason I knew where to find you and managed to save you was because of Gustav." All four immediately turned to him with expressions of shock and curiosity. Jack continued, "Gustav visited Earth and saved Angy. He seemed to already know that you would be in trouble and tried to get me to stop you four. He's currently unconscious and in captivity on Earth." A heavy silence followed as the group processed the information. Falco aggressive demeanor faltered; "Gustav... is back?" "Wasn't he supposed to be at Agon?" E.E turned to face Endric with a look of confusion. Jack nodded. "Yes he is back, and he's about to undergo trial because he is now in MBO custody.The entire Earth is already preparing for this trial." E.E. held his chin with a disturbed look; "I've compiled testimonials and proofs of Gustav's deeds over the past year. I can't miss the trial. We need to be there to support him and make sure he doesn't lose." Aildris finally chimed in; "Then it's settled. We head back to Earth. If we can clear Gustav's name, Ria will be freed, and we can turn the tide in our favor." Falco clenched his fists but nodded in agreement. "Alright then let's do it." Jack, satisfied with their decision began to gather energy around him as eight star shaped constructs glowed in the surroundings. "You kids might be able to kill two birds with one stone." The constructs merged and enveloped them. Soon the surroundings of the barren orbital body dissolved into a swirl of light and energy. Swwhoooohh~ Within moments, they were transported back to Earth, landing just outside the perimeter of Plankton City. The familiar sights and sounds of their home planet greeted them as they stepped out of the construct. The city's towering skyscrapers and bustling streets felt both comforting and surreal after their harrowing experience. ... ... Elevora stood on a star bustling with life. The sky above her a swirling display of colors and celestial bodies unlike anything seen from Earth. This place, known as Aelyon and it happened to be another melting pot of species from across the galaxies. This part of space wasn't under the control of the alliance. Tall shimmering buildings made of alien alloys reached towards the heavens, connected by floating platforms and transparent walkways. The air was filled with the buzz of advanced technology, interspersed with the chatter of numerous languages and dialects. The inhabitants of Aelyon were just as diverse as its architecture. Beings with crystalline skin floated alongside humanoids with metallic limbs and eyes that glowed with an inner light. In the bustling markets, traders from various species bartered exotic goods—glowing fruits, shimmering fabrics, and artifacts pulsating with unknown energy. Creatures with multiple appendages scuttled about, their eyes reflecting the vivid lights of the city. Elevora, blending in with a simple yet elegant disguise, had been on this star for several days, tirelessly seeking any information about the Gustavo Alliance. Her initial inquiries had met with dead ends and wary glances. The shadowy organization proved elusive as ever. "This is getting me nowhere," Elevora muttered to herself as she navigated through the crowded marketplace. She had been subtly altering her narrative, now presenting herself as someone eager to join the Gustavo Alliance, hoping this might finally yield results. Her perseverance eventually paid off. While seated at a small, out-of-the-way cantina, sipping on a drink that glowed with a inky pink hue, she was approached by a figure cloaked in shadows. The figure moved with an eerie grace but their face was obscured by a hood. "I hear you're looking to join the Gustavo Alliance," the figure said, their voice a low, smooth whisper that sent chills across the surroundings. Elevora nodded while her eyes narrowed as she tried to pierce the shadows hiding the figure's face. "Yes. I want to be part of something bigger. To serve a cause greater than myself." The figure laughed softly, a sound that seemed to echo around the small cantina. "The Gustavo Alliance is not something you join on a whim. You have to be chosen." Elevora leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Then tell me what I need to do to be chosen." The figure seemed to study her for a long moment before replying, "Prove your faith and loyalty to our god, Gustav." Elevora's scoffed internally. They really thought of Gustav as their god so she had to pick her next move carefully. "And how do I do that?" she asked with a calm voice. The figure's eyes glinted from within the hood. "That is for you to figure out. One cannot be chosen if they don't know our god well enough to prove their loyalty. Only the truly devoted can gain our trust." As the figure turned to leave, Elevora reached out. "Wait. Can you at least point me in the right direction?" The figure paused, considering her request. "Our god intends to cleanse the universe. Do something related even if it is a very tiny fraction and perhaps you'll catch our attention." With that, the figure vanished into the crowd, leaving Elevora alone with her thoughts.