Delivery
#17 of Fallen Sky Tales
Titus was rubbing the back of his head, "So, uh... how do you do that ghost thingy?"
Zero Unit was assigned a rather easy mission, simply escorting the Goddess to a dock colony to pick up some goods. She smiled, "Well, I was a survivor of an incident that I don't really remember. I was told something about a radiation, and I'm like this now. They said something like magic, but I'm not sure. Fallen Sky took me in and made me important."
Mira clapped her hands, "Wow! People from other planets have interesting stories."
The Goddess nodded, "Indeed. I wasn't allowed to leave headquarters before, but since Isa took over I've had more freedom. I volunteered for this mission. Not to mention I'm allowed in public if I keep a low profile and hide my 'ghostly' appearance."
Ratchet was still curious, "What are we picking up anyway?"
"Well, stories. From Earth. There are a few groups dedicated to knowledge and preservation, they were willing to visit and collect books and any information they could find. I personally requested certain titles if they could be found." She looked around, "The Albatross truly is a spectacular ship."
Sere jumped over the back of the couch and sat on the cushion, "Thanks! I've made a lot of upgrades to the weapons, shields, and energy use of the ship!"
"One so young did so much? Dante truly has a good eye for people. Where is he? I heard the last mission was successful, but he was gravely injured. Is he on bed rest?"
Miss Star turned off her cloak, "He's somewhere, we haven't had time to celebrate, though I hear Chey and Jill have something planned. So what kind of books did you want? Educational ones? History?"
The Goddess smirked, "Books for enjoyment, and a gift or two. When will we be arriving?"
"Uh..." Sere looked at her personal computer, "A few hours I think. At least we aren't being shot at this time around. I'm not sure Dante can take anymore fire. Oh! Did you know we have another human?"
The Goddess was a bit confused, "What do you mean?"
Jill popped her head around the corner, "Oh, you're talking about Wendy! She's busy cooking right now, can't work on an empty stomach! I think Dante is sleeping by the way."
The Goddess giggled to herself, "What's the matter?" Cratis was concerned, "Feeling sick?"
"I saw into his memories, and I can see into his dreams. I can show you all too if you want."
Shock quickly spread through the crew, "Food's ready-AH!" Wendy almost dropped her tray when she saw the Goddess, "Wh-who are you?"
Jill pat her head, "This is the Goddess. She's one of the important people at Fallen Sky. No, I'm not entirely sure why she's glowing, but she's good. We were talking about breaking into Dante's dreams."
Wendy passed out some food, just small sandwiches, while constantly keeping an eye on the Goddess. Ratchet took a bite, "You know... this is Dante we're talking about. Can we bring like... a cannon or ten with us?"
"We can bring the Sere Rifle! I mean, wait, you don't know about that. And I haven't tested it... I have guns though!"
The Goddess took a bite, then another, and another, "This is delicious! Thank you Wendy." She cleared her throat, "The dream should be safe, even for Dante. Not to mention I can allow us to exit at any time."
The crew finished eating, then gathered everyone and attempted to enter Dante's room, "Damn, I can't pick this lock." Miss Star was scratching her head, "I got predictable somehow."
"Allow me." The Goddess walked right through the door and opened it from the inside, "This body does have a variety of uses. Come, let us take a journey." Dante was asleep on his bed, facing the wall. The Goddess was impressed at the trophies he had, and could feel the emotions of those who placed them there, "Everyone, let's visit him."
.......................................
The landscape was quite imaginative, and peaceful. Bright colors and odd objects spread all around, like a paradise with a touch of insanity, "Woah, I feel kinda nice, but also like I wish I had those cannons Ratchet was talking about." Chey looked around, "Are we... floating?"
Jill looked over the edge of a cliff, blocked from entry by vines and flowers, "I think so... this is weird. Better than what it could have been."
Titus focused, "I hear someone in the distance. Over that hill, come on." Jill moved ahead, wary of what would be hiding in Dante's mind, while Titus and Cratis took the lead and rear respectively.
Jill took a step back, "You can't be serious..."
They all ran to the top of the hill. Dante was lying down, leaning against a mushroom of some kind, laughing at someone, "This is the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Now if you were covered in blood and had those striped sock things, this couldn't get any better." The woman was wearing a blue dress and white apron.
"I am unable to determine... scanning... scanning... oh. I will need time to determine the specifics."
"Angel!" Sere ran forward and jumped at Angel, hugging her tightly, "I thought you were dead! We all did!"
Dante let his head fall backwards, "So, you aren't part of the dream. Should have known it was the glowing one."
"What is all this? Kinda scary for you." Rachel was sticking close to the others.
"Through the looking glass almost." Wendy stepped forward, "But different. Who is that? Is she a figment of you mind too?"
Angel bowed, "You are Wendy." She jumped and grabbed Jill, "No, I am not a figment in the way that you use the word. I am a part of Dante's mind, as well as a part of him. This is where I can manifest in my own form, but his mind is not fully known to me."
The Goddess mumbled something, but Miss Star was bouncing around, "This is so cool! I wish my stages could be this detailed!"
"I don't mean to be cruel here," Dante stood up, "But this is my most treasured place, my mind. Is there a good reason you've invaded my only private place?"
Angel put a hand on his shoulder, "I believe the Goddess initiated this invasion, but there isn't much more than that. They simply wished to take advantage of the opportunity." She looked at Zero Unit and the Goddess, who were all standing in line, "For this invasion, a punishment is necessary. A full upgrade of Dante's weapons without sacrificing any existing parameters should do for now." Dante rested on a giant leaf, Angel rested on top of him, "I know this, since no person will ever be closer to Dante than I. I mean that metaphorically and literally, in case you weren't able to make the connections."
"You heard the lady. I'll give you until I wake up. Move it!"
................................
They all popped out of the dream, "What? I didn't send us out..."
"Dante is... well... Dante. I'm surprised he let us in that long." Rachel rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the light.
Sere had dashed off, "You know," Ratchet looked at Chey, "We should get to work. I don't want to have to do laps or something again."
The Goddess watched as most of Zero Unit left, save for Jill, Mira, and Wendy, "So, what can I do? I feel like-"
Mira interrupted, "You are not required to do anything. You are the guest, or escorted party, or whatever is assigned in the itinerary. Please go rest, they can take care of most of it and add what they can."
Jill nodded, "Yep. I pretty much maxed out what I could do when he first joined us. I wanted to impress him, and I think I did a good job. All I have left is a party to plan and to make sure that nothing explodes because of Chey's enhancements... on second thought I should go!" Jill ran off.
Wendy was shifting and looking at her feet, "So, I haven't seen a female human in person before. Where did you come from?"
"E-Earth."
It was a stupid question, and the Goddess knew it, "Oh, right. Is it as bad as they say?" Wendy nodded, "Sorry, I'm not really used to conversation. I was kept in isolation for most of my life, so this is all pretty new to me. Has Dante been nice to you?"
"He is scary, but they told me that if things were bad I should pray for him to save me. He's really strong and nice when he talks. I can't do what he does, but I'm happy he saved me."
The Goddess pulled the bullet necklace out from under her wispy dress, "I guess... it was Anima who saved me. Marie helped me make this into a necklace. He has been through quite a few tragedies, I was surprised that he hasn't changed who he was."
Mira looked around, "Dante is the most ridiculous man I've ever known, and yet I feel safer around him."
The AI spoke, "We have arrived at the destination. Three crates are to be loaded onto the Albatross, they are all prepared. However, there are more people than specified... Dante has suggested that the Goddess stay on board. Titus, Chey, and Ratchet are to be equipped and oversee the delivery. Your positions have been sent to your computers."
"Well, Dante does know what he's talking about."
It only took a minute for everyone to be ready and in position. A general announcement was delivered over their earpieces and the AI intercoms, "Slow, 50 when this is done."
Titus and Chey were just inside the main door looking out, "Dammit... I'm too tired for that stuff. Just had to work on his special weapons. Titus, did you see that thing Sere was working on? It looked crazy."
"Right. She does read a lot about guns and engineering. Not to mention Dante putting those thoughts in her head. All I know is, I don't want to be the one to use it first."
Ratchet radioed in, "I'm in position. Dante's being careful for some books. Well... that shut me up. Automatic weapons on their backs, handguns on their belts. It's an ambush. Dammit."
"Ratchet? Come in Ratchet." Cratis was tapping on her earpiece, "Is everything alright?"
"No, I owe Wendy 500 credits. She confused me!"
Dante was standing in front of the twenty man crew. The crates were scanned and confirmed by the AI, "So, not who you were expecting?"
One of the men in front, a merchant by the looks of it, was tapping his foot, "Where's that glowing bitch? She's worth some money to my friends here."
They reached for their weapons, "One move and you'll all drop dead." They stopped, "You think we're stupid? My people will mow you down in a second. I'm interested in your friends, especially the one's who want her. Tell me and I'll let some of you live."
"Tch, you think I'm that stupid! Fi-" Dante snapped his fingers and they started dropping like flies. One of the men tried to run, but Ratchet made sure he didn't get far.
"Easier when they're dead." Dante searched the Merchant, "A note with the information... people cannot get more idiotic than this." He walked back onto the Albatross, "Jill, get this information to Marie. Let her handle it. Everyone else prepare to move out. When we're clear of the base, into the lounge."
The process didn't take long. Zero Unit and the Goddess were standing in line, "What are we supposed to be doing?"
Jill scratched her cheek, "Well, three people weren't fast enough, so now we have to do push-ups... sigh."
Dante walked over, "50, let's go!"
"Um," the Goddess raised her hand, "Do I have to do them as well?"
"You invaded my dreams, get started. Wendy, Rachel, and Mira are exempt, they have nothing to do with combat."
......................................
A few hours later, everyone was done the push-ups, dinner, and were mostly just unwinding and resting. Dante was in the lounge, staring out into empty space. The Goddess was exhausted, she had never done so much exercise in her life, but she was curious. So she walked next to Dante and looked out the same window, "You can't save them all you know."
"Trying to read my mind?"
"I don't need to read your mind to know that's your goal. I can see it in the way you act."
Dante didn't budge, "I may not be able to, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop what I'm doing, even if it kills me."
"I have a question... can you die? I've heard some troubling stories, and yet you still stand."
His gaze was fixed onto an invisible target, "Don't know, don't care." A simple answer, something the Goddess both expected and not expected, "Is there a reason for the question?"
"Well, curiosity mostly. Ignoring your... humanity... you are an interesting man. Would you like to see something interesting?" Dante looked over as her glow faded. The wispy dress fell flat, and her fur became more visible. She wasn't a known species, something must have changed her, but her fur was very short and fine. Not to mention dark with hints of blue, "I can show this to you."
"I swear, you people all like me way too much. I need a drink." Dante walked over to the bar and pour a bottle of green liquid into a cup, "I'm a mercenary. I get paid to do whatever. I'm not that special, okay?"
She giggled, "Says the man who almost single-handedly took out the Redblood gang with farm equipment, and led the assault to take down the original Fallen Sky on their home planet. You still think you are ordinary?" She watched Dante down the whole drink in a second, "You are as special as they come Dante."
He looked out of the window again, "No. They were just weak."
"Only because you are strong." She walked over to the bar, "And very handsome."
"Why did you ask for us to help you get books?"
The Goddess was momentarily confused at the change in topic, "Oh, I like reading. I wasn't allowed anything else under the old Fallen Sky rule. And," She lifted a bag she was hiding, "These are for you. I did see into your mind you know. Open them on your own time please." She set the bag on top of the bar. Dante motioned for her to continue, "Oh! Well, It was Isa's idea. She didn't trust anyone less than the 'Lord of Fallen Sky' to escort me."
"Lord now... I swear." Dante poured another drink and downed it, "No more diving into my mind and I'll let you stay on the Albatross."
She giggled, "You'll toss me overboard? You're funny too." His expression was as stern as ever, "You're... you're serious?!"
Dante nodded, "I don't mess around. Break my rules and you're gone." He drank yet another glass, "Easier doing that than having to fight my way out of my own ship."
The Goddess smiled, "Yes sir, this is your ship. So I'll follow your rules. If you would be so kind as to show me to my room, I think it's time for me to turn in."
He nodded, "Fine, let's go." He grabbed the bag and led her to the rooms, "Here you are."
"It's dark."
"Fine." Dante walked in first and hit the light switch on the far wall, "Better- dammit."
The Goddess had shut the door and lowered part of her dress from a shoulder, "All I ever wanted was to be a normal girl, but I don't know how. Maybe you could teach me some things."
Dante facepalmed, "You're all crazier than I thought, going after a one-eyed psychopath." The Goddess ran up to him and kissed him.