Kyra laughed as she poured what remained of the water in the pouch into a bottle from her bag. "Well, I'll agree with ya there. 'Least the ones at the desert fringes us'ly have 'eir heads on straight."
She closed the bottle and placed it away once more. Her mind was already working at what sort of contract to offer this man - and how much of her reward she was willing to go without seeing upfront, as the man seemed to truly have little more than his... ship thing.
"'Course, they also have a way a' gettin' into everythin' else, to," Kyra said, smirking a little. Her issue was more with how many of them were just stupid, rather than humans in general, but she wondered what would happen if she prodded a little. "Both a' my parents were half-human after all, 'n you don't look all that different yerself. 'Least not compared to some'a th' other things runnin' around."
She closed the bottle and placed it away once more. Her mind was already working at what sort of contract to offer this man - and how much of her reward she was willing to go without seeing upfront, as the man seemed to truly have little more than his... ship thing.
"'Course, they also have a way a' gettin' into everythin' else, to," Kyra said, smirking a little. Her issue was more with how many of them were just stupid, rather than humans in general, but she wondered what would happen if she prodded a little. "Both a' my parents were half-human after all, 'n you don't look all that different yerself. 'Least not compared to some'a th' other things runnin' around."
Zeke only chuckled to himself as she pointed out his similarity to a human. "Ah, yes. I recall that the first humans my people encountered were described as small, weak, discolored Valtradi. I find the description to still be accurate." he replied. The alien seemed to suspect that she was trying to get a rise out of him, and so he actually responded back in kind. Even cyborgs could have a sense of humor, but his seemed somewhat mean-spirited. "I'm sorry about your parents. You seem to be quite capable though. I hope that in time you will be able to completely overcome a handicap like human ancestry." he replied with a smile of his own.
The alien suspected that he could still make her mad without much trouble, but he didn't feel any immediate danger like he had several hours ago. A knife through the hand was were the line had been drawn.. But, he'd have to keep looking over his shoulder.. "Shall we wait for nightfall? Or will it conceal more danger? If you are concerned about my ability to withstand the heat.. then your concerns are unfounded." Zeke didn't seem to be uncomfortable in the heat like the typical foreigner would have been. He did stand out though. Even if he hadn't been a giant, his scorched attire and yellow hide drew plenty of attention.
The alien suspected that he could still make her mad without much trouble, but he didn't feel any immediate danger like he had several hours ago. A knife through the hand was were the line had been drawn.. But, he'd have to keep looking over his shoulder.. "Shall we wait for nightfall? Or will it conceal more danger? If you are concerned about my ability to withstand the heat.. then your concerns are unfounded." Zeke didn't seem to be uncomfortable in the heat like the typical foreigner would have been. He did stand out though. Even if he hadn't been a giant, his scorched attire and yellow hide drew plenty of attention.
Rather than take any offence, Kyra chortled at the faux-apology. "A sense a' humor. I'm now slightly less likely ta murder ya in yer sleep."
It was only halfway a joke, of course, just as his had no doubt been.
"Don't really need ta wait'll nightfall, but midday's not a pleasant time t' be out even only this far inna the desert, an' I ain't leavin' any good meat behind." She smirked. "Midday'll help, though. You get th' rest a' that thing sliced up, jus' leave it up here 'n it'll dry up nicely. You stay up here, an' ya'll be red 'stead a' yellow."
Kyra shrugged and jerked her head toward the deeper desert. "Go deep enough, an' you'd turn ta jerky at midday too. Need either a cooling spell 'r a shovel, an' ya may've noticed 'at underground ain't really a good place t' be."
It was only halfway a joke, of course, just as his had no doubt been.
"Don't really need ta wait'll nightfall, but midday's not a pleasant time t' be out even only this far inna the desert, an' I ain't leavin' any good meat behind." She smirked. "Midday'll help, though. You get th' rest a' that thing sliced up, jus' leave it up here 'n it'll dry up nicely. You stay up here, an' ya'll be red 'stead a' yellow."
Kyra shrugged and jerked her head toward the deeper desert. "Go deep enough, an' you'd turn ta jerky at midday too. Need either a cooling spell 'r a shovel, an' ya may've noticed 'at underground ain't really a good place t' be."
Zeke was eager to put distance between the wreck and himself. It was technically his duty to guard it, but the alien was fast learning just how populated this planet was. The derelict was in an area that was easy to access too, and he doubted that it would be long before a larger, and more well armed, party showed up to investigate. "Very well. I'll finish setting the food out to dry, and then we'll take shelter in the ship until after midday. Then, I'll find some way to blow it up when we're at a safe distance. I can't allow it to fall into primitive hands."
While he didn't want to admit it, the locals might be a little more capable than he'd first assumed. If she knew what a cyborg was, then well.. it took a fairly advanced level of medical and engineering know-how to make cybernetic improvements to a person. While he doubted that this exile living on the fringes of civilization would be reverse engineering anything.. a scientific survey team supported by soldiers from whatever human-hive was prevalent on the planet would be a lot more capable.
It took the cyborg a while to get the worm properly cut to bits. He gradually pulled it upwards onto the top of the wreck, cut up everything that was in reach, and then tugged up another length of it. Eventually, the entire top of the ship would be covered with simmering sandworm meat. Each slice was cut identically, and then placed in a highly organized layout that made the cyborg seem a little.. OCD. While he hated the idea of reducing a highly advanced space vessel into a stove to bake sand worm, it was working fairly well in that regard..
Zeke used a hand full of sand to wipe the grime off of himself, collected everything of value, and then proceeded to dig his way back into the vessel. It didn't take long for him to burrow a Valtradi-sized hole all the way to the vessel's side. A great metal chasm was torn across the underside of the vessel, with tortured, warped metal melted in strange patterns around what had once been a solid frame. No doubt the initial impact with the sand had devastated the vessel.
While he didn't want to admit it, the locals might be a little more capable than he'd first assumed. If she knew what a cyborg was, then well.. it took a fairly advanced level of medical and engineering know-how to make cybernetic improvements to a person. While he doubted that this exile living on the fringes of civilization would be reverse engineering anything.. a scientific survey team supported by soldiers from whatever human-hive was prevalent on the planet would be a lot more capable.
It took the cyborg a while to get the worm properly cut to bits. He gradually pulled it upwards onto the top of the wreck, cut up everything that was in reach, and then tugged up another length of it. Eventually, the entire top of the ship would be covered with simmering sandworm meat. Each slice was cut identically, and then placed in a highly organized layout that made the cyborg seem a little.. OCD. While he hated the idea of reducing a highly advanced space vessel into a stove to bake sand worm, it was working fairly well in that regard..
Zeke used a hand full of sand to wipe the grime off of himself, collected everything of value, and then proceeded to dig his way back into the vessel. It didn't take long for him to burrow a Valtradi-sized hole all the way to the vessel's side. A great metal chasm was torn across the underside of the vessel, with tortured, warped metal melted in strange patterns around what had once been a solid frame. No doubt the initial impact with the sand had devastated the vessel.
"Primitive," Kyra repeated, and rolled her eyes. "Of course."
While he worked at the sandwyrm meat, Kyra continued tending to the elf meat. Each successive batch took less time as the salt and rising heat was slowly drying it before it even made it into the hotbox. It was still taking awhile though, so she stuck some more of it into the fire and actually ate a few slices raw. Once the "valtrini" or whatever it was he called his kind appeared to be finished, she packed up the the last batch of jerky, laid out the uncooked pieces, and poured the water collected from the drying meat into her bottle. Once all was packed, the fire was out, and the meat that'd been in it was in hand, the Sand Elf followed the man into his ship.
Inside, she looked around, nodding. She didn't really understand anything she saw, nor was it in her taste, but she supposed it was interesting enough. With a smirk, Kyra looked to her "host" and commented, "I'm guessin' I ain't allowed t' touch anythin'?"
While he worked at the sandwyrm meat, Kyra continued tending to the elf meat. Each successive batch took less time as the salt and rising heat was slowly drying it before it even made it into the hotbox. It was still taking awhile though, so she stuck some more of it into the fire and actually ate a few slices raw. Once the "valtrini" or whatever it was he called his kind appeared to be finished, she packed up the the last batch of jerky, laid out the uncooked pieces, and poured the water collected from the drying meat into her bottle. Once all was packed, the fire was out, and the meat that'd been in it was in hand, the Sand Elf followed the man into his ship.
Inside, she looked around, nodding. She didn't really understand anything she saw, nor was it in her taste, but she supposed it was interesting enough. With a smirk, Kyra looked to her "host" and commented, "I'm guessin' I ain't allowed t' touch anythin'?"
The interior of Zeke's ship was dark, especially compared to the sun-soaked desert that waited just outside. Of course, the cyborg didn't need to wait for his eyes to adjust. They were built to handle that sort of thing instantly.. From what could be gathered, the same sort of ultra high-tech design had been employed in the ship. Even the broken parts had broken parts! There was a large amount of small, scattered debris and what were once probably tools, indicating that Zeke was perhaps more of technician than he was a soldier. But of course, all of his kind were molded to be soldiers in some degree.
If one could focus long enough to try and imagine the ship in its previous state, it would hint at a simple, clean black and gold interior. The sort normally found in military settings, or just in homes were the owner had absolutely no personality.. or both. It lacked the sort of things that would make a place homey.. like.. chairs for instance.
Arcs of electricity still jumped out from smashed panels every so often, and the occasional ghostly moan from the vessel gave the impression that it might just have some small amount of life in it. The alien approached a single, central chair that was broken in two... on the ceiling. "I doubt even you could do any more damage to this vessel. Just resist the urge to mark my consoles with cave paintings." he bantered back.
After several minutes, the cyborg went on a scavenger hunt to find a replacement cable. It was no easy task with his workshop so out of order, but eventually he rummaged one out of a bent drawer that gave way with a heavy clatter. The alien plugged one end of the cable to his command chair, and then plugged the other end.. to a port just behind his ear. He focused intently, and the ship whined dangerously in response. Panels cackled and sparked, the ship groaned and shifted, and after several heavy clunks.. some sort of generator whirled to life.
Zeke was on somewhat of a short cord, and there was barely enough slack for him to turn around and face her. He looked annoyed, but that was pretty common here lately. "I managed to get the ship's auxiliary power unit online for a time. I doubt it will last. More than likely, it will rupture and detonate, producing a sizeable explosion in several hours. Good." The alien glanced around, trying to restart the lighting systems, but most either didn't respond.. or just burst, showering the pair with glass. The few panels that lit did provide a bit of light, though. One system did respond, and projected a holographic image from the ceiling. It was her world, and while it was upside down for a moment, the alien managed to reverse the projection. "Until then, perhaps I could answer a few questions." he offered, motioning towards the hologram.
Normally, Zeke wouldn't have cared. But, he'd never really had anyone suggest that his species didn't exist. It had just.. never happened. While the idea that it could have been some sort of delusion held merit, especially in a place so backwards as this world, the alien was determined to prove her wrong. After all, if she accepted the fact that he was an alien, his offer of belated payment would hold more merit. And well, while he would never admit it, the idea of someone denying the existence of his people annoyed him to no end.
If one could focus long enough to try and imagine the ship in its previous state, it would hint at a simple, clean black and gold interior. The sort normally found in military settings, or just in homes were the owner had absolutely no personality.. or both. It lacked the sort of things that would make a place homey.. like.. chairs for instance.
Arcs of electricity still jumped out from smashed panels every so often, and the occasional ghostly moan from the vessel gave the impression that it might just have some small amount of life in it. The alien approached a single, central chair that was broken in two... on the ceiling. "I doubt even you could do any more damage to this vessel. Just resist the urge to mark my consoles with cave paintings." he bantered back.
After several minutes, the cyborg went on a scavenger hunt to find a replacement cable. It was no easy task with his workshop so out of order, but eventually he rummaged one out of a bent drawer that gave way with a heavy clatter. The alien plugged one end of the cable to his command chair, and then plugged the other end.. to a port just behind his ear. He focused intently, and the ship whined dangerously in response. Panels cackled and sparked, the ship groaned and shifted, and after several heavy clunks.. some sort of generator whirled to life.
Zeke was on somewhat of a short cord, and there was barely enough slack for him to turn around and face her. He looked annoyed, but that was pretty common here lately. "I managed to get the ship's auxiliary power unit online for a time. I doubt it will last. More than likely, it will rupture and detonate, producing a sizeable explosion in several hours. Good." The alien glanced around, trying to restart the lighting systems, but most either didn't respond.. or just burst, showering the pair with glass. The few panels that lit did provide a bit of light, though. One system did respond, and projected a holographic image from the ceiling. It was her world, and while it was upside down for a moment, the alien managed to reverse the projection. "Until then, perhaps I could answer a few questions." he offered, motioning towards the hologram.
Normally, Zeke wouldn't have cared. But, he'd never really had anyone suggest that his species didn't exist. It had just.. never happened. While the idea that it could have been some sort of delusion held merit, especially in a place so backwards as this world, the alien was determined to prove her wrong. After all, if she accepted the fact that he was an alien, his offer of belated payment would hold more merit. And well, while he would never admit it, the idea of someone denying the existence of his people annoyed him to no end.
Had any other Sand Elf entered, even after their eyes had adjusted as much as they could, it would have been difficult for their burned-out vision to make much of anything out. Her eyes, however, managed to adjust well enough that the sparks here and there soon became noticeably unpleasant to look at. Pretty much everything looked dangerous, so Kyra opted not to touch more than needed anyway.
"Aw, but I think some cave paintin's would look purty. Really brighten th' place up."
She quirked a confused eyebrow when the man stuck a wire into his head, but shrugged it off. That is, until the ship started making more noises. Kyra fingered a knife as her eyes darted around in search of some sign that this was a trap, wincing whenever a spark would flash in her vision and generally inching back toward their entry hole. All the man got when he spoke again was a scowl. When a few lights burst, she backed even closer to the hole and emitted a low growl.
The elf glared at the man when he offered answered, ignoring the hologram entirely. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she was sure it had something to do with him and that wire. "Are you done?"
((Heh, just realized... I'm pretty sure neither's bothered to mention a name yet.))
"Aw, but I think some cave paintin's would look purty. Really brighten th' place up."
She quirked a confused eyebrow when the man stuck a wire into his head, but shrugged it off. That is, until the ship started making more noises. Kyra fingered a knife as her eyes darted around in search of some sign that this was a trap, wincing whenever a spark would flash in her vision and generally inching back toward their entry hole. All the man got when he spoke again was a scowl. When a few lights burst, she backed even closer to the hole and emitted a low growl.
The elf glared at the man when he offered answered, ignoring the hologram entirely. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she was sure it had something to do with him and that wire. "Are you done?"
((Heh, just realized... I'm pretty sure neither's bothered to mention a name yet.))
Zeke seemed entirely unaffected by the ship's deplorable condition. He stood mostly unmoved while glass showered over him. The alien did frown angrily as she asked if he was done, though. Here he was offering her the secrets of the universe, or even better, a series of very informative holofilms about the glory of the Valtradi State, and all she could do was worry about some glass and a paltry exploding fusion reactor. Barbarian.
"Yes, I believe that the ship's systems have stabilized for a time. If you're done being scared of your own shadow and a bit of broken glass, I will direct your attention to the holofilm. It can display nearly any bit of information that you might find useful. Perhaps there is a place on the planet's surface that you would like to view? I timestamped a scan of your entire world about seventeen hours ago. It should still be available on the terminal."
Zeke hadn't really considered that she might still be concerned over traps. But, the realization did eventually roll into his mostly mechanical brain. "Oh, you thought I was going to ambush you in here?" he asked with a chuckle. "No. You give me entirely too much credit. If I wanted to kill you, I would have shot you in back earlier. Despite your barbaric mannerisms, I need you to survive and eventually escape this sandpit of a planet. And besides, when my people make a deal, we honor it. I suspect that your people are the same in that regard... What's your name, anyway? I am Ezekel of the House Voraine. Less enlightened lifeforms often refer to me as 'Zeke'. I would half-expect you to do the same."
"Yes, I believe that the ship's systems have stabilized for a time. If you're done being scared of your own shadow and a bit of broken glass, I will direct your attention to the holofilm. It can display nearly any bit of information that you might find useful. Perhaps there is a place on the planet's surface that you would like to view? I timestamped a scan of your entire world about seventeen hours ago. It should still be available on the terminal."
Zeke hadn't really considered that she might still be concerned over traps. But, the realization did eventually roll into his mostly mechanical brain. "Oh, you thought I was going to ambush you in here?" he asked with a chuckle. "No. You give me entirely too much credit. If I wanted to kill you, I would have shot you in back earlier. Despite your barbaric mannerisms, I need you to survive and eventually escape this sandpit of a planet. And besides, when my people make a deal, we honor it. I suspect that your people are the same in that regard... What's your name, anyway? I am Ezekel of the House Voraine. Less enlightened lifeforms often refer to me as 'Zeke'. I would half-expect you to do the same."
She glanced over toward the hologram, and based on the maps she was familiar with, was able to identify that it was, indeed, her world. There was even the unusually large patch of desert they were presently in, but there was also plenty that wasn't so familiar. Still, she showed little interest in the floating globe.
His claim that his people honored deals was a plus, at least. And if he felt he could simply take her word... then maybe she wouldn't need to worry about any contractual obligation to not kill him.
"Kyra," she snapped, still irritated. "Ya' said several hours 'til this thing blows up? How long t' get outta the blast zone?"
His claim that his people honored deals was a plus, at least. And if he felt he could simply take her word... then maybe she wouldn't need to worry about any contractual obligation to not kill him.
"Kyra," she snapped, still irritated. "Ya' said several hours 'til this thing blows up? How long t' get outta the blast zone?"
Zeke didn't really have any reason to doubt her. From he could gather, her society was regimented enough to at least have rules about eating each other's dead bodies. It was likely some misguided religious tradition. Or, perhaps this planet was just unpleasant enough to make cannibalism a more practical prospect.. In his experience tribes, or.. individuals who existed on the fringes of more established societies tended to be more trustworthy. Either way, he didn't really have any other options right now.
The alien set about studying the flickering hologram with a bit more interest. None of it was familiar to him, and until just recently, it hadn't been all that important. "It should take us about ten minutes or so, provided that you don't get bogged down by the sand. We should stay here as long as we can to reduce our exposure to the sun. In the meantime though, you need to relax, Kyra. I have no desire to blow myself to pieces. And besides, don't you think that trapping you in an exploding ship is a bit... dramatic? There would be too many variables involved. I would just shoot you." he reiterated.
Zeke searched to try and find the premiere human-hive that she'd made mention of earlier. It wasn't easy, but he had a few hours to kill, and he might as well relish in the warm glow of technology until it went up in smoke.. and left him stuck in the desert with nothing but sand and an angry exile for company.
The alien set about studying the flickering hologram with a bit more interest. None of it was familiar to him, and until just recently, it hadn't been all that important. "It should take us about ten minutes or so, provided that you don't get bogged down by the sand. We should stay here as long as we can to reduce our exposure to the sun. In the meantime though, you need to relax, Kyra. I have no desire to blow myself to pieces. And besides, don't you think that trapping you in an exploding ship is a bit... dramatic? There would be too many variables involved. I would just shoot you." he reiterated.
Zeke searched to try and find the premiere human-hive that she'd made mention of earlier. It wasn't easy, but he had a few hours to kill, and he might as well relish in the warm glow of technology until it went up in smoke.. and left him stuck in the desert with nothing but sand and an angry exile for company.
The elf snorted. "Get o'er yerself. I already ain't afraid of you. I jus' wanted t' make sure I'd have time t' sleep."
Yep. Surrounded by technological wonders, even a glowing globe floating before her - and she didn't give a damn. Survival tended to work better with sufficient rest, and that was of far more interest to the woman who lacked any sort of specialized genetic or mechanical alterations.
She found a reasonably open spot, kicked the debris out of her way, and dropped her bag. Metal didn't exactly make a comfortable bed, but she lay down anyway, using her bag as a pillow. Adjusting to get as comfortable as she could manage, she said quite simply, "Wake me when it's time t' pack up 'n go."
Yep. Surrounded by technological wonders, even a glowing globe floating before her - and she didn't give a damn. Survival tended to work better with sufficient rest, and that was of far more interest to the woman who lacked any sort of specialized genetic or mechanical alterations.
She found a reasonably open spot, kicked the debris out of her way, and dropped her bag. Metal didn't exactly make a comfortable bed, but she lay down anyway, using her bag as a pillow. Adjusting to get as comfortable as she could manage, she said quite simply, "Wake me when it's time t' pack up 'n go."
Zeke was somewhat surprised that she could bear to sleep. The elf always seemed so.. jumpy. And, rightfully so considering the situation. "I'll wake you up when it's time to leave, then." the alien replied. Sleep was something that he would worry about much later when he was in a suitably safe and technologically advanced area..
Until then, the alien decided to watch a few recordings to pass the time. He was considerate enough to mute the volume, but the flashes of light were probably distracting. Zeke watched recordings of home. Massive steel cities ascending into the skyline, ships darting to and fro, and columns of troops marching in perfect mechanical unison on the parade-grounds. Oh, how he longed to return.
It was odd for the cyborg, thinking on the possibility of death. After a lifetime of service to the State, his end could be so much less glorious than he desired. There was even a chance he'd be charged with desertion or negligence for being stranded on this world! It was a far cry from his preferred death... a beautiful one where he died as a martyr for his people, firing some terrible large-caliber weapon from atop a pile of dead humans.
Zeke's thoughts were interrupted by the screech of a failing generator. The device was clearly falling apart, and its internal workings crashed against one another in a way that promised both failure and a large explosion. He kicked a piece of debris towards the elf, but he suspected she was already up. "We should leave." It didn't take him long to unhook, stow his cable, grab his supplies, and book it.
While he would wake her up, the alien didn't seem to keen on waiting on her. Even with his hands full, he plowed through the sand in record time and set to running full bore across the desert. Despite his cumbersome size, his long legs carried him very quickly as he bounded for his life.
Until then, the alien decided to watch a few recordings to pass the time. He was considerate enough to mute the volume, but the flashes of light were probably distracting. Zeke watched recordings of home. Massive steel cities ascending into the skyline, ships darting to and fro, and columns of troops marching in perfect mechanical unison on the parade-grounds. Oh, how he longed to return.
It was odd for the cyborg, thinking on the possibility of death. After a lifetime of service to the State, his end could be so much less glorious than he desired. There was even a chance he'd be charged with desertion or negligence for being stranded on this world! It was a far cry from his preferred death... a beautiful one where he died as a martyr for his people, firing some terrible large-caliber weapon from atop a pile of dead humans.
Zeke's thoughts were interrupted by the screech of a failing generator. The device was clearly falling apart, and its internal workings crashed against one another in a way that promised both failure and a large explosion. He kicked a piece of debris towards the elf, but he suspected she was already up. "We should leave." It didn't take him long to unhook, stow his cable, grab his supplies, and book it.
While he would wake her up, the alien didn't seem to keen on waiting on her. Even with his hands full, he plowed through the sand in record time and set to running full bore across the desert. Despite his cumbersome size, his long legs carried him very quickly as he bounded for his life.
The shrill noise blended into Kyra's bizarre and unpleasant dreams so well that, for a moment, she didn't recognize the difference between dream and reality. The man's words quickly brought her mind to focus though, and she promptly rolled to her feet and grabbed her bag. She cursed him silently when she realized he hadn't left them with enough time to retrieve the remaining meat, but at least took some solace knowing that the majority of her kin was safely stashed in her bag.
She dashed with the "alien," and while her legs were far shorter, the tightly-wound muscle, refined over generations for efficiency in sandy travel and fast combat - along with a little unnatural help from her magic taint - propelled her forward faster than any human, even with her heavy bag. Along the way, it crossed her mind how happy she was that she rarely dealt in heavy gold.
She dashed with the "alien," and while her legs were far shorter, the tightly-wound muscle, refined over generations for efficiency in sandy travel and fast combat - along with a little unnatural help from her magic taint - propelled her forward faster than any human, even with her heavy bag. Along the way, it crossed her mind how happy she was that she rarely dealt in heavy gold.
The alien's vessel exploded behind them in an unnatural display of tremendous, firey power. Whatever propelled the craft must have been incredibly volatile. The initial explosion was enough to knock Zeke forwards into the sand. He hunkered down and covered his head and debris of all size streaked through the air just past them.
The explosion was so heated that it burnt the remaining husk of a ship to nothing as liquid sand smoked and bubbled away from the smouldering crater. The cooling glass would likely mark the area, but Zeke was more worried about the massive smoke signal that he'd just sent out across the relatively flat desert terrain. No matter, there was nothing left for the locals now.
Slowly but surely the cyborg stood and brushed himself off. "Oh, I forgot the meat." he remarked second-handedly. Hrm, hopefully the journey to this human hive wasn't too long. And, hopefully there were more appetizing things on this world than worm meat.
The explosion was so heated that it burnt the remaining husk of a ship to nothing as liquid sand smoked and bubbled away from the smouldering crater. The cooling glass would likely mark the area, but Zeke was more worried about the massive smoke signal that he'd just sent out across the relatively flat desert terrain. No matter, there was nothing left for the locals now.
Slowly but surely the cyborg stood and brushed himself off. "Oh, I forgot the meat." he remarked second-handedly. Hrm, hopefully the journey to this human hive wasn't too long. And, hopefully there were more appetizing things on this world than worm meat.
After the blast, it may well have looked like Kyra was simply gone. There was the bag, partly buried, and only sand and debris scattered around. Until a low mound of sand stood up, anyway, and Kyra dusted herself off while sand poured off her perfectly-matched cloak. The elf hoisted her bag back up and frowned back at the smoldering remains of what, to her, had been a giant chunk of interesting and probably valuable metals.
"Such waste," she commented. After a moment to to let her lungs recover, Kyra turned and started walking, no invitation of any kind. "So here's where me 'n you stand. Ya' can follow me t' the next outpost. You don't piss me off too much, I don't intentionally kill ya' on th' way. Af'er that... we'll see then."
The Sand Elf looked back, clearly serious and fully confident in all she said. "Got it?"
"Such waste," she commented. After a moment to to let her lungs recover, Kyra turned and started walking, no invitation of any kind. "So here's where me 'n you stand. Ya' can follow me t' the next outpost. You don't piss me off too much, I don't intentionally kill ya' on th' way. Af'er that... we'll see then."
The Sand Elf looked back, clearly serious and fully confident in all she said. "Got it?"
Zeke looked back and forth as he stood, turning in place. Where had she gone? If this was a trick, it was an impressive one.. He felt a sense of relief as she finally rose out of the sand. Oh, sand elves, hiding in sand.. He should have caught that one earlier. When she delivered her ultimatum, the cyborg looked as if he was about to get really, really mad. But, the giant managed to swallow his anger and let logical thinking win out..
It wasn't what she had said that seemed to upset the alien. It was likely that he just wasn't used to being spoken to so dismissively. He resisted the urge to make good on his promise to shoot her in the back, and slung the rifle over his shoulder. "Yes." was all he said when prompted.
Zeke had little trouble keeping pace, though after a time he began to fiddle with his supplies. Where ever they were headed, it was likely manned by criminal scum, like her, and pickpocketing would be a problem. He opted to stuff everything that wasn't a weapon into the backpack he'd stolen from one of the dead elves. His attempt to squeeze it onto his back was unsuccessful, impaired his breathing.. and looked goofy. He grumbled something in his native tongue, and opted to simply tear the straps and then tie the pack to his belt like a satchel.
It wasn't what she had said that seemed to upset the alien. It was likely that he just wasn't used to being spoken to so dismissively. He resisted the urge to make good on his promise to shoot her in the back, and slung the rifle over his shoulder. "Yes." was all he said when prompted.
Zeke had little trouble keeping pace, though after a time he began to fiddle with his supplies. Where ever they were headed, it was likely manned by criminal scum, like her, and pickpocketing would be a problem. He opted to stuff everything that wasn't a weapon into the backpack he'd stolen from one of the dead elves. His attempt to squeeze it onto his back was unsuccessful, impaired his breathing.. and looked goofy. He grumbled something in his native tongue, and opted to simply tear the straps and then tie the pack to his belt like a satchel.
Though her back was to him, she could guess at why he'd taken so long to respond. When he did finally respond she was certain it was done grudgingly - a thought that made her smirk, though she didn't show it to the "alien."
The trip was... fairly uneventful. Kyra hardly even acknowledged Zeke's presence, though she did grin when she caught him struggling with the bag. The most excitement actually came from a poisonous snake that crossed their path after they'd reached harder, rockier ground. Rather than avoiding it, the elf actually grinned wide and started pestering it. She moved around it, legs quick in what was almost a dance. It seemed to confuse the creature, which hesitated to strike. When it finally did, twice, it didn't quite manage to bite her. On its third attempt, she brought her foot down swiftly on its head. Catching the tail as it started to whip about like crazy, she tugged, then proceeded to casually swing it in circles as soon as she lifted her foot from the head.
"Gotta have fun somehow," was all she said concerning to whole thing. After she'd spun it for a bit, she pulled out a knife and started cutting it up, separating different bits and stashing them in different containers. It was actually pretty efficiently done, despite the fact that she was walking as she worked and had a large bag hanging from her shoulder. It was obvious she'd done this many, many times before.
The trip was... fairly uneventful. Kyra hardly even acknowledged Zeke's presence, though she did grin when she caught him struggling with the bag. The most excitement actually came from a poisonous snake that crossed their path after they'd reached harder, rockier ground. Rather than avoiding it, the elf actually grinned wide and started pestering it. She moved around it, legs quick in what was almost a dance. It seemed to confuse the creature, which hesitated to strike. When it finally did, twice, it didn't quite manage to bite her. On its third attempt, she brought her foot down swiftly on its head. Catching the tail as it started to whip about like crazy, she tugged, then proceeded to casually swing it in circles as soon as she lifted her foot from the head.
"Gotta have fun somehow," was all she said concerning to whole thing. After she'd spun it for a bit, she pulled out a knife and started cutting it up, separating different bits and stashing them in different containers. It was actually pretty efficiently done, despite the fact that she was walking as she worked and had a large bag hanging from her shoulder. It was obvious she'd done this many, many times before.
Zeke was actually quite pleased to get out of the sand. The planet's bandits and scavengers had been lackluster so far, but the sandworms had found a special place amidst his thoughts.. and concerns. He had pondered how he would ship them off world, too. Perhaps with some sort of control implant they could be made useful. The trick would be getting them out of the ground, and the cyborg theorized that he might be able to use some manner of subsonic pulse to stun the creatures. It would probably take a few tries to find a wavelength that reached the worms through all of that sand without killing them, or driving them into an insane, murderous frenzy. Though, he could probably find uses for that too.
Kyra's show with the snake brought him back out of his scheming. He was tempted to try and shoot the head off of the snake before the elf had the chance to either show off or get bitten. But, it was probably best to let her have her fun. "So, does any of the local fauna not present a serious health threat? So far I have only seen carnivorous worms and poisonous snakes." Zeke wanted to know how much longer they would be walking, too. Despite having the brief chance to study the entire planet, he hadn't actually looked too intently at his current surrounding area. "Perhaps when we reach civilization someone will have a vehicle that we can utilize for ourselves."
Kyra's show with the snake brought him back out of his scheming. He was tempted to try and shoot the head off of the snake before the elf had the chance to either show off or get bitten. But, it was probably best to let her have her fun. "So, does any of the local fauna not present a serious health threat? So far I have only seen carnivorous worms and poisonous snakes." Zeke wanted to know how much longer they would be walking, too. Despite having the brief chance to study the entire planet, he hadn't actually looked too intently at his current surrounding area. "Perhaps when we reach civilization someone will have a vehicle that we can utilize for ourselves."
"S'only a serious threat if it catches ya'!" Kyra said with laugh. She glanced back, smirking. "Yer desert soft 'r somethin'? Or maybe it's just yer city's made ya' soft. 'Cause yeah, there's a whole lot that'll kill ya' here, whether it's attackin' 'r defendin'. Flora too. Not everythin' is deadly, though."
She'd made quick work of the snake, and once it was all away, she stretched a bit, swapped her bag from one shoulder to the other, and rotated the one that'd been carrying the load to loosen it back up.
"Vehicle, huh? Y'know, yer already gettin' a lot onna credit of yer word. If you wanna get off yer feet, you'll needa either find somethin' worth a good sale 'r win enough in the pits." Again she glanced back, though this time she looked a bit bored. "Those legs'll have to hold up 'til tomorrow, though, or at least 'til I stop for camp. I won't wait."
She'd made quick work of the snake, and once it was all away, she stretched a bit, swapped her bag from one shoulder to the other, and rotated the one that'd been carrying the load to loosen it back up.
"Vehicle, huh? Y'know, yer already gettin' a lot onna credit of yer word. If you wanna get off yer feet, you'll needa either find somethin' worth a good sale 'r win enough in the pits." Again she glanced back, though this time she looked a bit bored. "Those legs'll have to hold up 'til tomorrow, though, or at least 'til I stop for camp. I won't wait."
Zeke would have liked to point out that the entire planet and everything in it belonged to his people's government according to several centuries-old territory agreements. If there were more Valtradi around, he no doubt would have. But.. in his present circumstances he'd need to either steal a vehicle or participate in these 'pits'. "Pits? No doubt those are some sort of barbaric sparring arena. Then again, the chance to meet interesting new creatures and assess their usefulness to the State as mercenaries while earning money... could be stimulating." It had been awhile since he'd had the luxury of spilling someone's brains all over his cybernetics.
The alien didn't exactly look soft. Between his leathery skin and cybernetic enhancements, there was very little soft to work with. But, he was most certainly civilized. Everything about him, his speech, his dress, and his mannerisms, stank of protocol. "Do not concern yourself. I exceed you in every aspect of performance other than knowledge of this world. I am simply in a hurry. The longer I remain outside of the State's guidance, the more likely I am to be executed for desertion upon my return."
The alien didn't exactly look soft. Between his leathery skin and cybernetic enhancements, there was very little soft to work with. But, he was most certainly civilized. Everything about him, his speech, his dress, and his mannerisms, stank of protocol. "Do not concern yourself. I exceed you in every aspect of performance other than knowledge of this world. I am simply in a hurry. The longer I remain outside of the State's guidance, the more likely I am to be executed for desertion upon my return."
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