Chapter 02 - Union (Part A)

Chapter 02 – Union (Part A)

I’m Operative 04 Vega, a resident of Gossport City. It’s 7:30 AM on a sunny spring day, and I am heading to Solstice Tower for a briefing on last night’s mission. Today's the day that Crux will formally welcome me into the top ten ranks of the Crux Knights! I’m so excited!

Oh, pardon me. I guess I’m getting a little ahead of myself. I guess I should start with an explanation about this city. Gossport City is a smart city filled with technological advances which society during or prior to the 2020s could have never imagined! Hover vehicles; technology that constantly provides cleaner air; efficient materials to construct the sturdiest of buildings; smart clothes technology, and even improved AR and VR technology not solely used for video games! The list of technological advances goes on and on!

Alongside such technological marvels are advances in health and cybernetic organ implants. People modify their bodies in ways that suit their beliefs and self-identity. Although people still have their opinions on such matters, humanity has long come to embrace a person's individuality, that is, as long as the individuality isn't harming themselves or anyone else. The level of happiness is quite high in this day and age compared to the 2020s. No matter where you look, you are bound to see a smile on someone's face. It's almost hard to believe that humanity, who was once on the brink of extinction, managed to overcome most of its societal issues.

I’ve now arrived at the steps of Solstice Tower. Oh, about Solstice Tower. It's a tower that eclipses other buildings and skyscrapers in Gossport, standing at 900 meters tall! You can go anywhere in the city and it can still be seen! To citizens and travelers, Solstice Tower is the symbol of determination, to always stand tall and to always aim for the stars. It’s said that if you are near the building at 9AM or 9PM and make a wish, your wish will eventually become true! Of course, whether or not it’s true has yet to be seen. Moreover, to the everyday person, Solstice Tower is a building where the main offices of major corporations and popular brands are located, in which I’m sure the rent fee is exorbitant. Though this is true, in actuality, it’s the headquarters of Crux. This fact is to remain a secret.

I recalled the words Pollux said to me during last night’s mission.
“It’s our duty to protect the peace and maintain safety throughout our cities. The people of Gossport are counting on us, so we can’t afford to let them down.”

I silently clinched my fist with renewed determination and proceeded to climb the stairs. Once I reached the top and was standing at the entrance, the verification process initiated. The small microchip implanted on the earring in my left ear flashed red repeatedly.

“Scanning…
Operative 04 Vega.
First authorization granted. Requesting second authorization. Please enter your personal identification number.”

I input my PIN number. Can’t forget it.

“Personal identification number verified. Entrance authorization granted.”

I entered the lobby of Solstice Tower where various personnel greeted me. I returned the favor as I made my way to an elevator. Once onboard, I entered a certain number on the elevator keypad, where I was taken to a certain floor within the building. The elevator door opened. There was a large grey door, the only door present on that particular floor. Before I could approach it, Pollux, who was waiting for me in the waiting area of that floor, caught sight of me and stood up from the sofa with warm excitement.

“Vega! Glad you could make it, and welcome aboard the top ten of the Crux Knights!” she exclaimed with beaming enthusiasm.

“Thanks. Am I late?”

“Not at all! The others arrived a bit early. They’re all waiting in that room behind these doors! I bet today’s briefing is a welcome party for you!” Stars were briefly gleaming in her eyes.

“A welcome party? Geez, you all are so kind!” I was tearing up with such genuine happiness.

“Save your tears; we don’t want to keep them waiting!”

“Right!”

Pollux pushed open the door, and the door flew inward with such tremendous, yet dramatic, strength. “Hey everyone, look who’s here!” She stood to the side and threw out her arms. Ta-da!

“Operative 04 Vega, reporting for duty!” I proclaimed dutifully.

But…I was welcomed with complete silence. It was a spacious boardroom. A large wooden table was in the middle of the room, surrounded by five office chairs on both the left and right. On the left side of the table were three empty chairs, and two people. I recognized one of the people, Arcturus. He was sitting upright, arms folded, eyes closed. I don’t recognize the other person though, a young woman.

The chairs on the opposite side of the table were all occupied; there was one other person I recognized. They must be the other members of Crux. At the end of the table was two chairs, behind it a large monitor with miscellaneous data and video footage. The reactions in the room were mixed, to say the least. And is one of them sleeping?!

“Where are the balloons? Where are the party streamers? Where are the confetti? Where’s the cake, for crying out loud?!” Pollux yelled dramatically.

“About time you showed. And we never said anything about this being a welcome party, by the way.” The man I recognized opened one of his eyes. Operative 02 Arcturus. The second strongest knight of Crux. He’s wise and soft-spoken but he speaks in a matter-of-factly manner.

“Huh? What’s this about a party?” The young woman spoke with a curious yet upbeat tone of voice. Operative 05 Capella. The fifth strongest knight of Crux. Pollux mentioned her the other night. She was wearing a professional attire: black jacket, black pants, white dress shirt, and a black tie. Her Crux mark was on a necklace around her neck. She seems very happy-go-lucky, but from what I can assess, she may have a case of bad luck in her life.

“A welcome party? I think I’ll pass.” A light blue haired man in glasses spoke. He seems to always be tired yet full of energy. Operative 06 Rigel, the sixth strongest knight of Crux. His Crux mark was on a black wristband on his right hand. “I have inventions and experiments I need to tend to.”

“Those things can wait.” Operative 07 Procyon, the seventh strongest knight of Crux. “It’s great that you’re dedicated to your work, Rigel, but you need to take time and enjoy life every once in a while.”

“Hell yeah! We’re having a party?! I can out-party all of ya!” Operative 08 Betelgeuse, the eighth strongest. Similarly to Capella, he too was dressed in professional attire, but in his own unique way: the black jacket hung loosely off his shoulders; his dress shirt was dark grey; his tie was dark red with silver diagonal stripes with one gold spots between the empty spaces; his pants was black but his belt resembled that of a chain, the front end hanging loosely. Betelgeuse had five earring piercings on his left ear, and his Crux mark was a tattoo on the side of his neck. Wait, why the hell is he sleeping?! How is he still speaking while asleep like it’s nothing?! What’s with this guy?!

“You all can party on your own time.” Operative 09 Altair, the ninth strongest, a young woman who appears to be age 25. She has long, dark royal blue hair with bangs that covered most of her forehead and a black hairband with a golden Crux shaped hairbow on her right side. She had elegant emerald green eyes, yet her expression is always cold and dutiful, and she spoke as such. Her attire was akin to nobility, yet she doesn’t seem to be of such status. “Now’s the time for the briefing, so let’s get on with it.”

“Ha! This is why you don’t have any friends!” Operative 10, Mimosa, the tenth strongest. She had light tan skin, cerulean blue hair tied in a ponytail with a purple side bang near her ear. Her Crux symbol was tattooed on the back of her right hand in black ink. Her attire consisted of a brown shirt, denim blue jeans, and a short blue denim jacket with a red and white logo of the number 11 on her left side, an orange logo of the letters XZ in black lettering on her right side, and a bronze color logo of a plant sprouting on the front of the jacket near her left chest. Mimosa has a sharp-tongued manner of speaking and comes off as rude but she also exudes confidence, not in a sense that “I’m better than you” but rather “I can get the job done!”

The top ten strongest of Crux, here in this room, and I’m one of them, the fourth strongest. Pollux and I dragged ourselves into the room and into our seats on the left side of the room. I’ve noticed, though, that two seats are empty.

“Ahem!” A well-built man, though slightly slim, loudly cleared his throat. Vice Commander Saturn. He sat at the end of the table next to an empty chair, behind him was a large monitor that covered an entire wall, projecting miscellaneous data and video footage. His presence commanded respect on cue, no matter whom, where nor the situation. “If the side conversations are finished, I’d like to begin today’s briefing.”

“Wait a moment, Vice Commander Saturn,” Procyon interjected. “Pardon me for interrupting, but Sirius, and Commander Jupiter, aren’t present. Shouldn’t we wait for them to arrive?”

“Operative 01 Sirius is currently assisting a mission another Crux branch on another continent. The Commander is also away on a business trip. The two should be returning separately within the week.”

“Oh, I see.” Procyon’s usual relaxed smile softened a bit upon receiving the update. No one seemed to notice, except me.

“Now then, on to the briefing.” With the touch of a few buttons, a projector activated in the middle of the table, projecting data and a few images of distortions and a miniature scale of Gossport City. “As you knights know, Crux is a secret organization that operates within the shadows of the world's first united army, Perseus. Our mission is to maintain civilian peace, safety, and happiness, and to eliminate any threats to our cause. Distortions remain a constant throughout Gossport City and smart cities across the world, appearing at random in various locations, always in a place where there’s little to no sunlight or bright lights. Neither the public nor the world know of these distortions, believing all threats of distortions and its creatures completely eliminated. This is due in part of the worldwide campaign ‘Peace, Safety, Happiness,’ established in the year 2035, which promotes happiness and safety in societies throughout the world. As a result, crimes around the world are significantly reduced, but not completely non-existent. In order to maintain peace and civility, we of Crux must continue to ensure that crime is kept low, and the people are safe from any harm or catastrophic threats. Most importantly, the people must never know of distortions nor its creatures as we set out to expeditiously eliminate the threat of their existence. For one hundred years, we have been performing our duties successfully. No complaints can be given about this.”

Pollux, Capella, and Procyon cheered for a century of a job well done. They were the only ones who cheered.

“However,” Vice Commander Saturn continued, “in order to maintain the secrecy of distortions, the creatures, and of Crux’s existence, we must also be careful NOT to damage city property during the course of our missions!”

Pollux gulped funnily and loudly in embarrassment.

“Last night’s inductee introduction mission in East Prosperity business district: Arcturus, Pollux, Procyon, and new inductee Vega. You all were successful in promptly setting up a barrier, and locating and eliminating the distortion and any of its creatures.”

Capella cheered them for a job well done. She was the only one who cheered.

“But,” Vice Commander Saturn continued once more, “the mission resulted in damages to two buildings and to the ground! A part of being a Crux knight is working in the shadows as swift and clean as possible!”

“Like a ninja!” Capella interjected, doing a stealthy ninja pose and a pencil balanced on her nose.

“Now’s not the time, Capella!” a stern Arcturus yelled.

“Right. Sorry.” She whispered, still being ninja-like. Arcturus sighed loudly, visibly annoyed.

Pollux raised her hand. “Yes, Pollux?” Vice Commander Saturn asked.

“What do we propose we do about this?” She asked with a comedic straight-faced.

“You of all people dare to ask me about this!?”

“Well, I thought that since you’re the boss…ehehe.”

The vice commander sighed deeply, his burying his forehead into his hands. “Welcome to the top ten ranks of the Crux Knight, Operative 04 Vega. Briefing concluded. You’re all dismissed.”

“Eh? That’s all?” I exclaimed, springing from my seat. “No special remarks? No welcome speeches?”

“No welcome party?” Pollux exclaimed, also springing from her seat.

“Sure, we’ll have a welcome party…repairing the parts of the buildings and concrete you damaged!”

“Not my kind of party, no thanks.” Pollux and Vega said in unison, their right hands raised vertically and flatly in front of their faces, shaking their heads in disagreement.

“Grrrrrr…dismissed!!!” The vice commander’s voice bellowed throughout what may have been the entire Solstice Tower. Pollux and Vega were thrown out of the room, flat on their behinds. Shortly afterwards, the other Crux Knights left the room to go about their days, as if the scene that had transpired hadn’t occurred while ignoring Pollux and Vega on the ground.

“Are briefings and welcoming usually like this?” I asked, clueless.

“Not all the time, but rest assured, comrade Vega, we’ll have that welcoming party! I know just the place!” Pollux sounded confident. I believe in her, and I believe she will get the job done. I smiled alongside her.

“Right!”

***************

“Where the hell is this!?” I cried out in anguish.

It was around 8 PM at night. Pollux and I were in a seedy bar, named The Jolly-Go, in the depths of an entertainment district. The bartender behind the counter was wearing black, circular sunglasses, cleaning a drinking glass. Wait, who the hell wears sunglasses indoor?! What’s he trying to hide?!

Six old wooden tables, with four chairs each, decorated the front room, spaced out from each other. Half of them were occupied, with more tables and chairs in the next room, the back of the bar. There was an old, neon-lit jukebox in the corner of the front room of the bar. Next to it were very outdated arcades: a fighting game, something about fighting on the streets, I couldn’t make out the faded title; a racing game about cruising the world, but that seems impossible to do in a car alone; and the most outdated arcade cabinet of all, a little yellow dot eating more dots with different colored ghosts that look more cute than intimidating.

And of course, there were two people playing a game of pool, with three people spectating, telling jokes and making each other laugh. With rough facial expressions, facial tattoos, and matching purple denim jackets, they looked to be a part of a biker gang. But, they didn’t look intimidating. Like most people you’d see in the city, they appeared to be happy, enjoying themselves and each other’s company. I don’t know about you, but the scene was a bit heartwarming.

“Relax, I’m a regular here. It’s perfectly fine.” Pollux was grinning from ear to ear, eyes closed, happy. “The others should be arriving at any moment.”

The bell of the establishment chimed as its door opened. As if on cue were a familiar face and a face I had seen earlier that day: Procyon and Capella.

“Wow, this place is a seedy dump. The atmosphere just screams suspicious,” Capella commented, amazement in her voice as she glanced around the bar.

“Umm, I don’t think that’s something you should say aloud, even if it is true,” Procyon advised, eyes closed and sweating slightly from embarrassment.

“Procyon! Capella! You arrived!” Pollux happily greeted, waving her right arm in the air with such carefree.

“Yep! Wouldn’t miss it for the world!” a relaxed Procyon greeted as he and Capella casually approached Vega and Pollux. “Is anyone else coming?”

“Nope. Just the four of us.” Pollux continued to grin.

“Eh? What happened?”

“Well, I asked Arcturus, and he said, ‘I planned a date with myself and a good book to tonight to stay in and drink wine.’ Then I asked Rigel. Of course, his response was that he couldn’t be bothered and must return to his lab, and that drinking is bad.”

“Well, he isn’t wrong,” I sheepishly muttered to myself.

“I asked Altair and she said she couldn’t be bothered with such trivial festivities and that she must remain on duty.” Pollux mimicked Altair’s voice, manner of speech, and typical facial expression.

“She needs to get out and enjoy life more,” I, again, sheepishly muttered to myself.

“As for Mimosa, she said she already had matters to attend to, her gardening club.”

“As intimidating as she is, she’s into gardening?” I queried with surprise.

“She may look intimidating and she may be rude, but she’s actually a kindhearted woman. Speaking of intimidating. Capella, how did you manage to come without Betelgeuse? Aren’t you his handler?”

“I just dropped him off at a babysitter’s.” Capella replied in her usual happy-go-lucky tone of voice.

“A babysitter?!” Procyon and Pollux were bewildered.

“No worries, everything will be fine.” Capella smiled, eyes closed. [Disclaimer: Everything will not be fine with Betelgeuse and the babysitter.] “My, babysitting online services sure are convenient, aren’t they? And the apps are definitely handy, among the top competitors of other services like ride sharing and food delivery.”

“Why in the world does a grown man need a babysitter? Isn’t he always sleeping? And why are you his handler?” I frantically implored for any sensible answer.

“It’s a long story. No big deal.” Capella continued to smile, eyes closed. Don’t shrug it off without a care! It definitely sounds like a big deal!

“Are we gonna stand around here, or are we gonna get to celebratin’?” Procyon suggested with a relaxed smile.

“Right! Let the celebration begin! Boss, four shot glasses and a pitcher of rum and cola!” Pollux cheerfully ordered.

“A pitcher? What for?” I asked.

***************

“As per tradition for new inductees,” Pollux began, the four of us seated in our own private room, “we’ll play a game of D.D.D!”

“D.D.D!” Procyon and Capella happily chimed in unison.

“D.D.D? What’s that?” I inquired.

Pollux began to explain. “Drink Drink Dare! We go around in a circle and dare each other to answer a question of our choosing. If a person refuses to answer the question, they must drink two shots of rum and cola. But it’s not just any basic question. We gotta ask questions that enables us to get to know the person more. After all, we will be working together from here on out, and knowing each other will help us to cooperate better on missions. Aaaand…last one sober gets to carry us drunk ones home!”

“Sound good to me,” I confirmed, “except…maybe that last part.”

“Now, without further ado, Capella, you’re up first!”

“Waugh, me?”

“Let’s face it: You were going to go first because of your bad luck,” Procyon jested.

“Well, what if I wanted to go first?” Capella was pouting childishly, puffed face cheeks.

“Who’d ever want to go first in a dare game?” Procyon, as laid-back as he always seems to be, always says things that makes sense.

“Capella,” Pollux started, “I dare you to answer this question: You have a thing Betelgeuse, don’t ya?”

“Ugh, no way. He’s so far from my type, there’s not even a format nor font for him! My turn. Pollux, I dare you to answer my question!”

“Oh I’m ready for any question you dish out!” Pollux was burning with determination, eager to answer.

“Is that so? Question: Do you have a thing for - ”

“No no no no no! Anything but that question! Anything but that question!” Pollux was shaking her hands and her head defiantly, embarrassed, eyes closed. Looks like winter arrived early.

“Two shots ~ !!”

Pollux groaned loudly and poured into her shot glass, consuming two shots. “Vega, your turn!”

“Procyon,” I began, “I dare you to answer this question.”

“Heh, you’re on, buddy!” Procyon was smiling both friendly and confidently.

“What’s your connection with Sirius?” In my mind, I recalled back to this morning’s briefing when I noticed a slight change in Procyon’s smile.

“Sirius is a hero to me, someone I aspire to be. Despite Pollux’s strength, Sirius is actually the strongest knight in Crux! He gets the job done; the way he moves in battle is like watching a top performance dance: graceful and unpredictable. I hope you can meet him someday soon! He’s so awesome!” The way his eyes lit up, how expressive his hand movements were. Hearing Procyon speak about Sirius was very similar to a child speaking to their parent about their favorite toy or movie they had just watched. I’ve only just met most of the top ten today, but there is something unique about all of them, in an admirable way.

“Okay, now it’s my turn! Better be ready, Vega!” Procyon declared with a friendly sneer.

And so, the game continued for about an hour. Gradually, the full pitcher of rum and cola became half empty, the outside wet from condensation. The answers from our dares eventually became conversations and lengthy explanations and discussions. Pollux was the least drunk, followed by Procyon and me. Capella was the most drunk. All of us were still able to comprehend our words and our actions, so no need to worry. The worries about our jobs though, and the stresses of our daily lives…it all vanished during this time of merriment. If distortions were truly removed from reality, I wonder if we could truly enjoy our lives. If distortions were truly removed from reality, would I have ever met such colorful people?

“Okay, now I have a question for Vega!” Capella blurted in her drunken stupor. “What made you join Crux, our super secret organization?”

“It won’t be super secret if you speak out loud about it,” Pollux playfully chided.

“It also won’t be super secret if we say it’s super secret. Otherwise, it’d just be Crux, and who’d even give the time to think about what Crux is, ya know?” Procyon commented.

I stared silently into my empty shot glass of jack and cola. I knew this question would be asked. Well, I shouldn’t hide it anymore. After all, it is part of the reason why I gained the rank of fourth strongest in the Crux Knights. Finally, and hesitantly, I spoke. “I joined Crux because I was anyone but myself.”