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The X-Parasites ran rampant around the facility, the only option she had left was to destroy the station before the X could escape, if she didn’t, this universe alongside every other one would be taken over by this parasite. Fortunately, she was right and the X was destroyed alongside the facility, however, the Federation did not approve of her decision. They labeled her a terrorist for destroying government research and property, they order her to turn herself in. Samus argued that she did what she did to save everyone, but they weren’t budging. They threatened they would make her Galacter Enemy #1 if she didn’t willingly turn herself in. She was shocked, angered, and confused by their sudden decision, after everything she has done for them, this is how they decide to repay her? Samus was not having it, she denied the call for her arrest and the Federation did what they said they would…
“... You have been labeled Galactic Enemy #1 by the Federation. Every planet you go to from now on will be on the lookout for you, Samus Aran.” Said her A.I. companion, ADAM.
‘We need to find somewhere to hide. ADAM, find a planet that isn’t on the Federation’s radar.” Responded Samus.
“... We? I am hooked up to the Federation’s Database. They could be listening to this conversation as we speak, tracking our current location. There is no “we” in this situation.”
“I’ll find a way to remove you from the system, just find us somewhere to go, please.” The bounty hunter sounded annoyed and frustrated. There were a few seconds of silence.
“ADAM-”
“Very well. I have found a location. I will send the coordinates to your suit to lower the risk of the Federation knowing where we are going-”
The coordinates were sent. It was to a place called Zen-Tric. She heard about this place one time when looking through a database of planets. It was home to a city that had a very high crime rate and the Federation has attempted many times to deploy soldiers there or beacons to clean up the city but the soldiers would be killed or run out and the beacons would be destroyed the day after they were built. Seems like a perfect fit-for-the-now Galaxy’s Most Wanted.
“Any objections, Lady?” Asked ADAM.
A smile appeared under her helmet and shook her head. Samus put her ship on autopilot to her destination and began to work on finding a way to disconnect her A.I. friend from the system.
It’s been three months since Samus Aran has been labeled an enemy of the galaxy. Many were shocked to hear that the hero known for protecting the galaxy countless times had become a terrorist in the span of a night. The Federation didn’t explain her motive, so many people were angered at her. Although, some people defended her actions and said she must’ve had a reasonable explanation for blowing up an entire research station. The stigma around her did not die down as she hoped. A bounty was even put on her, 1,000,000 Seguru, the highest bounty put on someone ever. They wanted her alive. With a price that high, everyone was sure to be after her, but the thing is, no one knew where Samus Aran went. She was completely MIA.
For these three months, the fugitive had been living on Zen-Tric. After being able to successfully disconnect ADAM from the Federation, Samus went into hiding on this planet. She hid her ship deep in the far mountains, away from the city. She was forced to retire the use of her suit and change her Zero Suit, two features that would make her immediately recognizable. She was stuck with wearing blue gym wear until she could find a different outfit. For extra protection, she wore a cloak and a mask and changed her name to Talus. She has either been sleeping in hotels or on her ship as a means of shelter. The many times she went into town, she has been approached by many crooks and criminals in an attempt to rob her, all have failed. She always makes sure to keep her Paralyzer Gun on her. Fortunately, no one has yet to find out her true identity.
“Are you getting ready? Why? We have plenty of supplies already.” ADAM asked. Samus managed to take his programming and put it inside a watch, making him portable.
“I want to go to the bar. I need a drink.” Reasoned the bounty hunter.
“Do you think that’s wise? What if you are spotted? Aren’t you supposed to be hiding?”
“Relax. We’ve been here for- what now? Three months? Nothing bad has happened. Besides, I won’t be there for long.”
ADAM didn’t respond. Samus put her cloak and hood and mask on. She exited her ship and went to the city. It was quite a long walk from the mountains to the city but she eventually made it. Just like all the previous times, she got looks from the residents from all sides. From her research, not a lot of humans visited this planet due to its danger level, so the looks were mostly justified. She ignored them and went her way to the bar. She saw some new bounties posted on the wall, none of her, fortunately, hopefully, it can stay that way. Samus entered the bar, not too crowded but not too barren either. She took a seat in front of the bar counter.
“Ah, Talus! Welcome back!” Said the bartender. It was an alien who was pretty old. About 350, he was nearing the expected age of his species. He has said he has owned this bar for about 100 years or more. He was the only person Samus would talk to, he had some pretty interesting stories from his life. Although, she had no clue what his name was. She asked him but insisted she just calls him Bartender.
“Greetings, Bartender. How’s business?”
“Same as usual. Not a single cent!” He said with a chuckle. Samus chuckled as well.
“What would it be? The usual?” Samus nodded. The bartender went back to the only-for-human-consumption alcoholic beverage. While she waited, she looked around the store. A few old people were enjoying their drinks, some punks making noise, bounty hunters preparing for their next hunt, etc. The Hunter looked down at the table. “This really was her life now, huh?” She thought to herself. Eventually, the bartender came back with her drink.
“Thank you.” Before she could pull her money out and pay, the sound of slamming came from the front door. Samus turned her head and what she saw made her heart drop. It was three Galactic Federation troopers. Out of all the days and time, they finally decided to appear. She immediately turned and looked down. How the hell is she gonna get out of this?
“Hello everyone. We are the Galactic Federation and we are here to ask something of all of you-” The officer put his hand out and out appeared a hologram. It was of her and her bounty reward. “This is Samus Aran, some of you may know that name due to her heroic deeds for this Galaxy. But unfortunately, we are not here to congratulate her on her accomplishments. As you may or may not know, Samus is wanted by the Federation for committing acts of terrorism. If any of you have any information about where she could be, please let her know. She is a dangerous individual and needs to pay for her crimes against the Federation. To give you a description, she is a white human female, 6’3”, with blonde hair that’s usually tied, blue-greenish eyes, and can be seen wearing a power suit or a blue latex suit.”
As the trooper talked, the other two walked around the bar. They were looking at all the attendants, trying to see if anyone matched her description. It was only a matter of time before they reached her. She had to do something, but what was there to do? Everything she thought of would cast attention on her. Was this it? Was this the end of Samus Aran? No, there must be some way- There has to be a way out of here! But there was nothing she could do now, the officer was standing next to her.
“Excuse me, may I see your face?” Asked the officer. Samus didn’t move from her position. Instead, her hand was reaching for her gun. If there was truly no escape, she wouldn’t go down willingly.
“I said, can I please see your face-”
“Uh excuse me, officer? My friend here has had a long day, they can barely move or speak. I can assure you they aren’t the person you’re looking for.” The Bartender said. The officer looked at the alien and then back at Samus who hadn’t moved an inch. They then nodded and went off with the rest of their group. Eventually, the three officers thanked everyone for their time and left the bar. A wave of relief and confusion spread throughout her body. She looked up at the bartender. Why did he cover for her? Did he know who she was? No, that couldn’t be-
“Talus. Could you come with me in the back? I need help carrying something.” He proceeded to go to the back. Samus froze for a second. She looked around before slowly getting up and following the alien. A ting ring sound came from her watch. It was ADAM.
“Do you think you should be following the bartender? Especially after what just occurred?” The A.I. asked.
“I don’t think he knows anything, but if he does, I’ll just have to neutralize him…” She said with her hand on her pistol. The two eventually reached the back room. It wasn’t big and was crowded with boxes but it was spacious enough to hold two people. As she walked inside, she heard the sound of the door being locked. She immediately grabbed her pistol and aimed it at the old alien.
“What are you doing?” She asked.
“Relax, relax. I’m not here to hurt you, in fact, the opposite. I know who you are, Samus Aran…” He responded with his hands in the air. She didn’t react to hearing her real name, she couldn’t blow her cover just because he thinks he knows who she is.
“What are you talking about? I’m not Samus Aran, my name is Talus.”
“There’s no point in keeping up the fake identity. I know who you are. I found out last month. When I went to buy more supplies for the shop, I came across some wanted posters for you. Now, I didn’t automatically suspect it was you but when I saw your mole, it was a perfect match with the woman I saw on the poster.”
“...” Samus stayed silent.
“To cause an act of terrorism against the Federation. What could’ve possibly pushed the legendary hero Samus Aran to do such a thing?”
“... I did what I had to do… But enough of that, you said you wanted to help, right?” She said as she put away her weapon.
“Oh yes! You see-” The sound of a door being slammed open could be faintly heard outside. The Bartender opened the door slightly and peeked outside. The Federation Officers had returned and they looked more attentive than before. “Oh heaves. It seems the officers have returned and I think they know you’re here…”
“What?!” Her eyes widened.
“Do not fret! I will get you out of here.” The alien locked the door and began to move some boxes. Behind one, a button appeared. He pressed it and seamlessly, a hatch appeared on the ground. “When you go down this hole, keep going until you get to the end, take a right, and from there, go straight. Someone will be there to meet you. They’ll be more than willing to help.” Samus looked down the hatch and then to the old alien.
“Why? Why are you helping me? Why didn’t you turn me in when you figured out my identity?” She asked.
“You’re a hero, Samus Aran. I believe in your innocence and whatever you did, I’m sure you had a righteous reason for doing it. Besides, you’re the only person here who actually pays me!” The Bartender said with a chuckle. She smiled in response. Suddenly, they heard someone trying to turn the knob.
“We know you’re in there! Come out with your hands in the air! Resisting will resort to open fire!” Shouted one of the officers.
“Go, quickly!” The alien pushed Samus to the hole. Before she jumped down, she looked at the old alien one last time and nodded.
“Thank you, for everything.” It was the last thing she said before jumping down. The bartender then closed the hatch and began to move the boxes back to their original place. Eventually, the door was rammed through by the officers, they all aimed their weapons at the alien.
“Where is she?!” One asked as they hit the man with the stock of their rifle. The old alien fell to the ground.
“W-Where is who? I’m just here to get some more drinks. It’s quite the crowd I got out there!” He laughed.
“We know she’s in here. Someone saw her walk in here with you.”
“Well someone needs to get their eyes checked. I would know if someone else walked in here with me.”
“... We don’t have time for this! You’re under arrest for the suspicion of hiding a terrorist. Anything you say can and will be used against you.”
“Very well! Getting arrested was one of the things on my bucket list.” The officers placed handcuffs on the alien and escorted him out of the building.
“Everyone! Evacuate the premise! This place has been labeled a crime scene.” Everyone got out and the bartender was put inside the Federation’s ship.
“Samus Aran… I wish you luck on your mission.” The Bartender said to himself as he was hauled off Zen-Tric and to the Galactic Federation’s prison.