Chapter 20:

Rush to the end

Saga of Saturn: Benevolent Processor


Starlessimia sighed, a rare display of a hint of weariness crossing his otherwise composed countenance. "I don't oppose the rule of Lumi," he began, his voice carrying a nuanced blend of sincerity and detachment. "But the system of governance we have in Lklandkeeling has its flaws, especially in the distribution of power. The Processor holds immense authority, and sometimes, decisions are made without considering the voices of the people."

He gestured towards Mihiro, who lay unconscious on the bed. “Poor girl is knocked out because the entire burden is being transferred onto her from Lumi. While her strength is necessary to protect our nation, it can also lead to an imbalance of power. I believe in a system where the Processor's rule is tempered by the collective voice of the people. It's not about opposition; it's about fostering a more equitable distribution of power."

As he spoke, the room absorbed the weight of his words, and the tension seemed to shift from confrontation to a contemplative atmosphere. The air held the promise of a discussion, a dialogue that might illuminate a path toward a more balanced future for Lklandkeeling.

The trio explained any misconceptions before moving onto a plan to save Lumi. Saturn, Histoikie, and Starlessimia brainstormed various strategies, but each suggestion seemed to only get more wacky.

"Ninja break-in!" Saturn blurted out, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

Histoikie couldn't help but tease, "You can't even sneak to the kitchen in the middle of the night without setting off an alarm, Saturn."

The room fell silent, and you could practically hear the jaws hitting the floor. Starlessimia, maintaining a deadpan expression, explained, "If Lklandkeeling declares war, according to our treaty, Plansanturia must join. If things go awry and Lumi isn't there, we shoulder the blame while you persist."

A second Phoenix?" Histoikie asked. To this, he responded with a confident nod. Saturn couldn't help but sit with a smug expression, glancing back and forth between the two like a spectator at a chess match.

"What's the percentage of belief she is there?"

Starlessimia leaned back in his chair, placing his foot on the edge of the table. With a casual yet definitive gesture, he signaled one hundred percent.

"Come on, Histoikie, just like old times. Just like during Uran, Venusia, Earthalia, and Merculia," Starlesimia needled Histoikie, alluding to a shared history that only the two of them truly comprehended.

She balled her fist, emotions swirling within as she looked down. "None of it ended well," she replied.

"5th time is the charm, heh," he quipped, leaning forward with a playful smile.

"Just think about the positives. Vengeance. Peace. Change. Power." The last word caught Histoikie's ear, and she raised her head in a flash.

"The motherboards follow a new-"

"The motherboards deep down are the same as they always were, Santuria," he barked right through her excuses. With his piercing eyes, he stared down Histoikie in silence. A moment that spoke more than the entire conversation they had. It seemed to last an eternity, neither one standing down. Only one person could break the lock, and so, channeling her inner child, Saturn took a long run up before launching herself onto the table like a fish out of water, making weird noises. A sudden attack that made the other two fall back and flip in their chairs onto the floor.

"Y'all are so boring!" she exclaimed. Quickly shooting back onto her feet on top of the table and fiercely pointed straight at Histoikie.

"We want you!" She demanded. Histoikie looked up in shock as if she'd just been electrocuted. She spun around like the hand on a clock and pointed straight at Starlesimia.

"Starless man. Are you a hundo percent sure Lumi is in danger in the Polilingual?"

"erm, huh? Uhh. Polanoire? Yes, I can track her area and she's in that radius so-"

"Shut up! Ladies and gentlemen, my dearest of dear friends is kidnapped, and what you do is sit and argue. My big sister used to always call me a benevolent little one! I have no clue what such a big word means, but I still live by it. I don't know a lot of things and usually just yolo it. But now I demand, as Processor of Plansanturia, that you, Histoikie, announce my decision to the congress and that you, Mr. Stole Starman, declare war on Polinoi." Saturn shouted out her orders and stood tall with determination. The confidence in her body leaked at an unimaginable rate for her, and the decision was made.

The following day, the landing platform of the Dae Turris was bathed in soft morning light. Saturn, Lazuli, and Plutonia stood there, gazing at the sleek silhouette of the 'Jellyfish' against the backdrop of the vast sky. Their hushed conversation about the ship's design and its quirks was interrupted by the approach of Histoikie.

"Good morning, Lady Saturn," Histoikie greeted with a nod. In her hands, she carried a small purple box adorned with intricate patterns. Saturn's curiosity sparked as she accepted the box.

"What's this?" Saturn inquired, her eyes narrowing with interest.

Histoikie's expression bore a mix of solemnity and concern. "These are the Polanoire rings. If things take a turn for the worse, you may need them."

Saturn opened the box, revealing four rings nestled inside. Each one held a unique design, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Histoikie continued, “I beg of you Saturn. Use them, don't be stubborn.” Saturn, though grateful for the gesture, shook her head resolutely. "I won't need these, Histoikie. We'll find Lumi, and we'll all come back together. You'll see."

Histoikie offered a supportive nod, understanding the determination in Saturn's eyes. With a reassuring pat on Saturn's shoulder, she left them to their mission, watching as they boarded the 'Jellyfish,' ready to face the challenges ahead.

The launch of the 'Jellyfish' was an event that usually carried an air of excitement and anticipation, but on this occasion, it felt unusually somber. As Saturn took her position behind the wooden wheel, her usually vibrant spirit seemed muted. The engines roared to life, and the ship ascended into the sky, accompanied by a fleet of five other vessels. The collective sound of their departure echoed through the Dae Turris, leaving a melancholic undertone.

Together, the fleet ascended into space, the vastness above mirroring the weighty atmosphere within the ship. United with the Lklandkeeling forces not far beyond the borders of Plansanturia, they aligned themselves into a formation that spoke of both unity and purpose. Saturn, usually the beacon of energy, gave the signal, and on her command, they rifted through space.

In mere seconds, they arrived at Polanoire, a realm shrouded in darkness and death. The atmosphere within the ship remained heavy, the usual banter replaced by a shared sense of determination and concern. Saturn, although leading the charge, couldn't shake the feeling that this journey would be unlike any other.

"You sure we are not rushing forward too much Saturn?" Plutonia asked.

Saturn, caught in a moment of contemplation, looked at Plutonia with a wistful smile. The question lingered in the air, and Saturn, although exuding her usual confidence, couldn't help but release a sigh tinged with worry. The weight of their mission and the uncertainty of what lay ahead pressed upon her, even as she maintained a facade of assurance.

The calmness of space shattered as a sudden onslaught erupted. A sleek jet from Polanoire streaked past the 'Jellyfish,' releasing a flurry of shots that, fortunately, didn't find their mark. The ship jolted with each near miss, and the crew scrambled to respond.

In the blink of an eye, the sky transformed into a chaotic dance of combat. The single assailant seemingly multiplied into a squadron of jets, launching a synchronized assault from all angles.The space around them became a battlefield, with ships from both sides weaving and maneuvering to evade the relentless barrage.The crew of the 'Jellyfish' swiftly adapted, initiating evasive maneuvers and returning fire. Saturn, at the helm, maintained her focus, issuing commands with determination.

One by one, the enemy jets streaked past, leaving a trail of explosions that reverberated through space. The flashing lights painted a chaotic tapestry across the cosmic expanse.

In the midst of the tumult, Saturn turned to Lazuli with a daring proposal. "Lazuli, can you superpower throw me?"

Lazuli, perplexed, responded, "Do what?"

"Throw me and Plutonia off the ship when we get close to the Tower," Saturn declared, a hint of madness in her determination.

"Oki Doki, you crazy girl!" Lazuli chuckled, sensing the boldness emanating from Saturn. The plan was set, and the 'Jellyfish' hurtled through the chaos toward the looming Tower of Polanoire.

The battle raged on, a symphony of explosions and gunfire in the vast expanse of space. The allied fleet from Plansanturia and Lklandkeeling engaged in a dance of dogfights against the swarm of enemy jets from Polanoire. Flashes of energy weapons illuminated the darkness, creating a dazzling yet ominous display.

Amidst the chaos, the 'Jellyfish' became a force of its own. Saturn, resolute at the helm, brute forced through the storm of attacks. The ship slammed, wrecked and weaved through the onslaught, her determination cutting through the turmoil like a beacon.

Saturn, fueled by a mix of adrenaline and determination, plowed through the blockades and defenses of Polanoire. The enemy jets attempted to encircle and immobilize the intruder, but Saturn's uncanny piloting skills allowed her to slip through their grasp. Each blockade disintegrated under the barrage of the 'Jellyfish's' counterattacks.

The chaos intensified as the allied fleet pressed forward, creating a path for the daring assault. The Tower of Polanoire loomed ahead, a formidable fortress guarding the heart of the nation. Saturn, undeterred, pushed the ship to its limits, determined to reach their destination and confront the enigma that awaited them.

As the chaos continued to unfold, Saturn swiftly grabbed Plutonia, the purple box securely tucked under her arm, and signaled Lazuli to follow. With determined strides, they sprinted toward the ship's ramp. Reaching the ramp, Saturn turned to Lazuli with a grin, her eyes reflecting a mix of confidence and madness. "Wait for me, Lazuli. We'll be back before you know it!" The ramp lowered, and the trio rushed onto it, ready for the daring maneuver about to unfold.

The ship's exterior hummed with energy as Lazuli positioned herself for the upcoming throw. Saturn, with a confident smile, handed Plutonia the box and clutched her hand tightly. "Hold on tight, Plu!” The Dae Turris loomed closer, a towering structure surrounded by the ongoing aerial battle. Lazuli, true to her eccentric nature, delivered a forceful drop kick, launching Saturn and Plutonia like a rocket through a pair of windows near the top of Polanoire's tower. As Saturn and Plutonia soared through the sky, everything around them seemed to succumb to a surreal slowdown. The explosions, the streaks of energy beams, and the chaotic dance of aircraft all transformed into a dreamlike ballet. In that suspended moment, the world hung in delicate balance, offering a glimpse of beauty amid the chaos.

However, reality swiftly snapped back as they crashed through a towering stained glass window. The shattering of glass echoed through the air. Time resumed its normal pace, and the two intruders tumbled into the heart of Polanoire's Dae Turris.

Saturn, fueled by adrenaline, managed to execute a skillful roll upon impact, immediately regaining her footing. On the other hand, Plutonia slammed down ungracefully, the force of the crash momentarily overwhelming her. The room they found themselves in was bathed in the vibrant hues of shattered glass, the remnants of the once beautiful window now a testament to the abrupt intrusion.