Fusion: Metroid IV

Chapter Twenty Nine: The Truth

It was an incredible thing to watch, the complete destruction of a planet. It's cosmic brilliance probably visible from a dozen neighboring systems for the few moments that SR388 burned, but then it was gone. The world that had been the home to both the Metroids and the X Parasites, as well as a high-profile research site for the Chozo race, had vanished into the darkness as if it had never been there in the first place, and although this was probably for the best, it was still a shame.

"What a waste." She said as the last of the light faded. "Might as well leave a sign that says: Samus Aran was here."

Finally turning away from the site formerly occupied by SR388, Samus let out a long sigh of relief, deactivating her suit as she slumped down in the pilot's chair. The answer to her question of how the computer had been able to start up the ship without a Human pilot was answered by the creatures that she had rescued from the Quarantine Facility, the Etecoons and Dachoras. She had already known that these creatures were intelligent, being that they had helped her before during the second mission to Zebes, but even Adam was at a loss for how they knew how to start the ship.

"Well, the good news is that we're safe." Samus said, leaning back in her chair. "But what the hell are we gonna tell the Federation?"

"The truth." The computer's voice replied. "In the end, it is all we can do, Samus. There are sure to be tribunals and investigations where you and I are held accountable… but some of the leaders are sure to understand why we chose this course of action, as well as the danger to the galaxy that we barely averted. Some… or at least one of them has to understand."

She never understood how Adam Malkovich could retain such a calm and overly optimistic outlook on life, while at the same time remaining an emotional blank-slate in the face of what the Federation could possibly do to both of them over this incident. Of course, she also didn't quite understand when he explained to her that the electronically recorded minds of leaders and scientists were often placed inside of computerized AI systems, or even how such a thing could be even possible.

But regardless of which parts she did and didn't understand, her strange and incredible reunion with Adam had probably saved the universe from whatever fate the rapidly multiplying SA-X's had in store. Dr. Dolan, on the other hand, seemed to be doomed to go down in history as a madman who unleashed monsters onto the crew of the station, even though without his many illegal actions, Samus would have died on SR388, and who knows what would have happened onboard the station?

"Adam, do you still have a copy of the mission records?" Samus asked as the ship moved further away from the SR388 system. "Your logs, my suit's scan data, Richards research, all that?"

"Yes, I do, Samus." Adam's voice replied. "I am required to keep a copy of all mission data in the case of corruption during transmission. Why?"

It was a fair question, but the answer was not anywhere near as selfless as the computer's apparent faith in the Human soul's search for the truth. She planned on making a copy for herself, and if the Federation didn't listen to them… if the tribunals and investigations threatened to end badly in order to cover up the truth… then she would transmit everything onto public channels across the entire Galactic Federation.

"Richard was a hero, and I won't allow him to be vilified." She explained. "Nor will I allow you and me to be silenced or locked away in order to cover up what was happening on that station. I hope you're right, Adam… I hope that the leaders of the Federation are as open-minded and truth-seeking as you believe… but if they aren't… then, we'll try our luck with the people."

With that, their business was concluded in the SR388 system, or rather, what was left of it. So Samus took the controls, and set a course for Galactic Federation HQ. There was no point in waiting to be summoned… Adam wanted to show them the truth, so that was what she was going to do… whether or not they were ready for it.