Having been the only one to see their ship, Wick gave a nod of confirmation. "If this really is everyone, then we should have just enough room for all of us on the Guinevere," He said. "There is just one thing I have to say before we go wherever it is we have to: I don't want any trouble between all of us. I don't know how long we'll be working together, so we should try our best to at least tolerate each other." He said, though from the mood of the table he doubted any trouble would come from within the group. He just hoped that everyone at the table would take him seriously. True, he was just their pilot and not their leader, but it would be easier for him if he could just fly the Guinevere Without any big arguments taking place.
Electric blue eyes shimmered, never faltering as she gazed upon her teammates. It appeared all the players had made their way into the game and all the pieces were falling into place. Already, she had marked her targets and claimed her favorites; it was only a matter of time before things started to get really interesting…
Realizing this, her devilish smirk only grew. Talis had her orders; The Master had made her remember them both forward and back, along with having her learn three different languages and their corresponding dialects. The learning had been fun and she had not been allowed to stop until she had perfected them.
Talis hadn’t mind though, she rather liked learning how to talk to people in different ways. Still, she wasn’t sure how it would prove useful when she was sticking them full of plasma arrows.
“No promises here, Wonderboy,” She responded after listening to the information relayed by the Detective and hearing Wick’s concern.
“What’s the point of doing all of this, if we don’t get into a little bit of trouble?” She asked with a simple shrug and a casual gesture.
“It can’t be all adventure and no fun, that’s just, well boring”
Realizing this, her devilish smirk only grew. Talis had her orders; The Master had made her remember them both forward and back, along with having her learn three different languages and their corresponding dialects. The learning had been fun and she had not been allowed to stop until she had perfected them.
Talis hadn’t mind though, she rather liked learning how to talk to people in different ways. Still, she wasn’t sure how it would prove useful when she was sticking them full of plasma arrows.
“No promises here, Wonderboy,” She responded after listening to the information relayed by the Detective and hearing Wick’s concern.
“What’s the point of doing all of this, if we don’t get into a little bit of trouble?” She asked with a simple shrug and a casual gesture.
“It can’t be all adventure and no fun, that’s just, well boring”
"The whole disappearing limb thing is a whole mess within itself, let's just say every time I get hurt, I lose something at the cost of fixing my wound. Like some spooky voodoo stuff." said Arnaldo, waving his hands over his head in a playful and sarcastic manner. "So are you guys ok with me tagging along? I mean I've got know where else to go..." Arnaldo said under his breath, looking at a flyer for some contest, before almost instantly throwing it away. They walked/hobbled by a few more shops before coming across one that sold prosthetics.
"I was thinking the one that looks like a crows foot could be cool," jeered Arnaldo, slashing in the air with it briefly attached. He hadn't quite pinpointed it till now, but after all of he shenanigans on board and becoming friends with these people, he realized he begun to talk a lot more and act more childish, a far-cry from the ex-PIs demeanor when he originally boarded the Perrygold. He was still annoyed by everything that was around him, but he voiced it less.
"Maybe a bit of Jackson rubbed off on me" whispered Arnaldo before loosing his footing on the prosthetic he had been using as a flimsy crutch. "WHAT IS THIS A $&%#ing CARTOON, HOW ABOUT YOU PUT DOWN THE WAX ONCE AND A WHILE, YOU OLD CODGER," yelled Arnaldo, who had been staring at the store clerk.
"I was thinking the one that looks like a crows foot could be cool," jeered Arnaldo, slashing in the air with it briefly attached. He hadn't quite pinpointed it till now, but after all of he shenanigans on board and becoming friends with these people, he realized he begun to talk a lot more and act more childish, a far-cry from the ex-PIs demeanor when he originally boarded the Perrygold. He was still annoyed by everything that was around him, but he voiced it less.
"Maybe a bit of Jackson rubbed off on me" whispered Arnaldo before loosing his footing on the prosthetic he had been using as a flimsy crutch. "WHAT IS THIS A $&%#ing CARTOON, HOW ABOUT YOU PUT DOWN THE WAX ONCE AND A WHILE, YOU OLD CODGER," yelled Arnaldo, who had been staring at the store clerk.
"Hey creepy-lady, how about we save some of the mischief for now, and wait till we are farther along in the game"
Jacobo had been a bit annoyed by the strange lady for a while now, when she first showed up, she seemed too content, and not at all nervous. To be fairly honest, the rest of the team seemed just as content, but there was just something about whosawhatsit. Then came the other thing that bothered Jacobo, her name. Not being too sure, Jacobo wondered if she introduced herself or not, and if she did, what her name was. To be quite frank, Jacobo was too preoccupied thinking of ways to use the heat sensitive tablet, and easily forgets things.
"Maybe if I used a hot coaster? But what got drinks are the serving at a bar? Maybe I could hear my graspy bits in my beard? Yea, that'll work!". Jacobo shoved the upper four limbs into his beard while trying to the stink eye to creepy-lady. It just ended up looking like a mixture of a smirk and a squint. Once again, Jacobo had forgotten what exactly "giving the stink eye" was. It was only used by humanoids and Jacobo had never really been suspicious of people, so he never felt the need to use it. It was things like that he deemed useless, and would have his brain "delete" it.
Jacobo had been a bit annoyed by the strange lady for a while now, when she first showed up, she seemed too content, and not at all nervous. To be fairly honest, the rest of the team seemed just as content, but there was just something about whosawhatsit. Then came the other thing that bothered Jacobo, her name. Not being too sure, Jacobo wondered if she introduced herself or not, and if she did, what her name was. To be quite frank, Jacobo was too preoccupied thinking of ways to use the heat sensitive tablet, and easily forgets things.
"Maybe if I used a hot coaster? But what got drinks are the serving at a bar? Maybe I could hear my graspy bits in my beard? Yea, that'll work!". Jacobo shoved the upper four limbs into his beard while trying to the stink eye to creepy-lady. It just ended up looking like a mixture of a smirk and a squint. Once again, Jacobo had forgotten what exactly "giving the stink eye" was. It was only used by humanoids and Jacobo had never really been suspicious of people, so he never felt the need to use it. It was things like that he deemed useless, and would have his brain "delete" it.
Maltese Station
No matter how in-tune Ketin was with someone, all too often it seemed that his words would fail him just when he needed them most. Indeed, he could talk himself out of almost any situation. He usually knew just what to say, or just what people wanted to hear. But no matter what, it seemed that he would never be quite perfect at the tenuous art of wordcraft.
A timidly abashed expression came over him briefly as it became very obvious that his words had failed him again. He had been trying to comfort her, reassure her - but had gotten the opposite effect. A silent, subtle apology that perhaps even she would overlook. Perhaps it would be best to drop the subject.
He appeared to be over that momentary slump by the time they had begun making their way out of the Perrygold - his usual, enthusiastic self.
”I knew it was voodoo!” he exclaimed sharply, pounding a fist into an open palm victoriously. Then, in a vaguely lecturing tone that would be very difficult to place between legitimate and jest, he went on ”It’s a well-kept secret among the humans that they have very deep connections with the voodoo arts. Some of them can actually morph into bats and hobgoblins! Halfies like me can’t do any of that though. Not quite human enough to have the gift,” He shrugged incnsequentially. ”The whole ’equivalent exchange’ thing doesn’t really suit me anyway. The best transactions are always one sided.” Exactly what a compulsive theif would say.
Stepping from the Perrygold to Maltese Station was like entering a different world. It was bustling with activity - passengers embarking on journeys, dock workers moving freight, vendors hawking their wares.Bright advertisements lit up the walls, even as they transitioned to storefronts lined up on either side of the wide corridors. There was the distinct, though subtle scent of buttered popcorn.
As if to punctuate his previous statement about ‘one-sided transactions’,the very first thing that Kete did after stepping onto the station was - predictably enough - plucking a paper cone of salted brittlenuts from a snack vendor as if it already belonged to him and moving on without the slightest hesitation. Another flawless heist. He offered some to both companions as they walked.
Arnaldo’s question about tagging along went conspicuously unanswered. Expertly dodged, glazed over and all but forgotten.
No need to make commitments. After all, it didn’t matter how fond he was of someone - if the situation demanded it he wouldn’t hesitate to ditch them without a word. At least, with a very few exceptions…
Just like a smooth-talker who loved to dodge problems, difficult conversations and inconvenient questions.
It didn’t take him long to polish off the brittlenuts. Rather than throwing away the paper cone, he fell a step behind Nirix and gave an agile little hop, deftly propping it over the tip of one of her black horns, where it would dangle obstinately like some parody of a party hat until she did something about it. Whatever her reaction was, it would get a good bout of mischievous giggles out of him.
The prosthetics store they came upon was called LIMBS 2GO and was essentially an overcrowded mechanic’s funhouse with various limbs of all makes and models upon all manner of displays and cases. The faint scent of motor oil and hydraulic fluid lingered in the air like an aftertaste.
Seeing Arnaldo start slashing the birdlike robotic appendage through the air, Kete didn’t skip a beat. Swiftly he grabbed the nearest arm he could get his hands on and brandished it before him like a sword, and giving a few dramatic swings while assuming a ridiculous “fighting stance”. The robotic fingers wiggled a little, which was slightly disconcerting because they weren’t plugged in.
”Tonight, on this week’s episode! Fox-FIngers faces off against the infamous Crow-Foot!” He announced grandly, proceeding with a brief play-fight between the two of them. An epic battle between the nimble fox and the sturdy P.I. that would only come to an end when Kete suddenly spun around and tossed the arm to Nirix at a velocity that only her masterful reflexes would be able to catch.
Regardless of how the “battle” would develop from that point, it would end with Kete in a fit of laughter - the kind of open, physical, positively joyous laughter that had him clutching his stomach and nearly knocking down a rack of legs from leaning on it.
And it wasn’t just because it was the most fun he’d had in a long time. It was also hilarious because he was, of course, in the eyes of the shopkeep the whole time - the shopkeep, who had been watching the ridiculous scene unfold with a distinctly deadpan disinterest. Apparently this sort of thing happened often.
It wasn’t until Arnaldo went stumbling that Kete’s fit would taper off. Wiping his eyes, it was a mighty effort to keep from snickering at the way the shopkeep was looking at the now fuming Arnie.
He looked as if he might be about to say something dry and brutally sarcastic, but Kete cut him off with a wave of the hand. ”Relax, Arnie, you don’t want that one anyway. It looks cool but it’s all flimsy.” Then, turning his attention back to the shopkeep he said, grinning earnestly ”Show us the best one you’ve got.”
The shopkeep hesitated only briefly at this. He didn’t have any stake in this business. What became of the merchandise was the company’s problem, not ihs. Turning, he took a long box down from a shelf behind the counter, setting it down before Arnaldo and muttering something about the specs.
It looked and felt exactly like a real human leg. Fitted with auto-elctrolic nerve relays that, once out of “demo mode”, would give the user the full experience. It was also lightweight and very sturdy...And came with a complementary pair of shoes, for some reason. It was a perfect replica and the ideal prosthetic.
It was also absurdly expensive.
As Arnaldo was distracted trying it on, Kete and the shopkeep muttered something about price. To the shopkeep’s surprise, the Fox then produced from his pocket a fat envelope stuffed with standard bills - the money that Nirix had given him the night prior for personal expenses - and just handed the whole thing over. Thumbing through the bills almost superficially, he shrugged and pocketed the money, and that was that.
”Don’t lose that now~” He teased cheerfully with a broad smile, patting Arnaldo once on the shoulder as they left the shop.
The Koolest Qetan Scout Boat U Know
Nodding slowly, Ty noticed something on the floor close to the table that the unconscious Rin was lain upon. ”I’m guessing that’s what this was for.” He said, picking up the stunner that Tsuan had dropped. Of course, his reasons could only be speculated upon now. ”Well, honestly this is your show now.” He said, looking to the exhausted Rai. ”What we’re supposed to do from here is...sort of up in the air.”
It was true. Everything depended on Rin, now. What they did next would correspond directly. If the Qetan procedure had worked, they would need to find a way to reverse it, and the humans, at least, didn’t have the faintest clue as to how to go about that except for forcing the Qetans into it. Then there was the issue of dealing with Rin himself.
It seemed obvious now why Ova had taken such an interest in him. Her claims of having full access to Rin’s “universe” may or may not have been exaggerated, but there was no doubt that she had some means of acquiring information from it. She must have known of what value Rin, if “converted” to this Qetan war queen, would be for her armies. It meant that taking Rin to her home planet was going to be a death sentence either way.
If Rin was by some chance still himself, what would they do then? His friends would want to take him home - which would be fine, unless Ova’s boasts turned out to be more than empty threats. If she was able to follow them home, there would be nothing they could do to help.
There were too many unknown factors, and the only one who really had any solid grasp of what was going on was half unconscious.
So it seemed that all there was left to do now, was wait.
Ty stood by the table with the stunner in hand, reasonably sure he knew how to use it. Sands milled about, keeping a close watch on the Qetans and their...lizard thingy.
And they waited.
”Amputation.”
Dal tried to resist saying it, but failed. ”Well yeah, that seems kinda’ obvious.” She muttered, almost hesitant in her words. The simple fact that she was no longer alone in this horrible ordeal - let alone that her company was a trained medic - had put her somewhat at ease - at least enough to stop biting peoples’ heads off and start running her mouth a little.
There was a moment of quiet.
”Course he’ll wake up.” She said softly, as if it were fantastically obvious, gesturing loosely toward the unconscious man. ”Swan was on the case.” Then, tone changing to something a little harder and with a twinge of irritability, ”’Sides, he didn’t do that ‘cause of Rin. He did that ‘cause he’s a @#$%ing moron. Had this experimental cyber-@#$% that everyone told him was too @#$%in’ dangerous to use an’ I knew from day-@#$%ing-one somethin’ like this was gonna’ happen.”
Dal sighed again, shaking her head, running fingers through blue hair. ”Yeah, it’s all pretty crazy. I’m pretty sure none of us got our mind all there, this point...Well, let’s get this over with. I’ll help out if I can.”
The White Death
S o m e t h i n g w a s i n t h e w a l l s . . .
And yet, despite the vast computing power of that magnificent vessel, it had been as of yet unable to detect it. It was utterly unaware that anything was off in the slightest.
It was impossible.
And yet, it was so.
An absolute peak of human engineering. A weapon of tremendous power. A virtually indestructible fortress that leaped through space on wings of ether and yet, it was skipping over something. Missing something - a minute, insignificant detail that would be the most important thing ever to happen to it.
There should have been dozens of different sensors that detected the disturbance - but there were not. Everything was fully operational. There was no reason to suspect that there was some other entity aboard the vessel that was quite u n i n v i t e d . . .
It was intelligent. It was impermeable.
And yet, there was an i n t r u d e r . . .
An uninvited guest.
The crew and guests lay unawares. They had no reason to suspect that they might be watched at that very moment. That their conversations might be overheard by a being that was so magnificently powerful that it was able to breach the defenses of one of the greatest warships ever to exist, to dwell within it, to become one with it, all without leaving the faintest trace nor hint.
It was a virus that lay dormant within the body of the host, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As a microscopic invader could so dwell within the body of the afflicted, so could a rat lurk within the walls of a great structure - but surely no mere rat could infiltrate the immeasurable defenses that composed the glorious White Death - unless something was gravely wrong… And there was no reason to believe anything was wrong at all.
When at last the problem dared to rear its head, it was in a manner both subtle and brutal. As before, there were no alarms or warning claxons. No automated notification. Everything pinged normal.
Somewhere between the ship’s meticulously thorough monitoring systems and wild stroke of dumb luck, something happened. Just a little thing. An unknown thing, but a vital thing.
Despite that, according to all ship systems, all of the equipment was functioning properly, a simple ambient temperature sensor had picked up on an insignificant piece of trivia which only the immense intelligence within the belly of that mighty ship could relate to the grave reality of the situation.
A temperature spike of some fractions of degrees in the medical bay.
Jin was dying.
And the reason for it was the single most confounding dilemma ever to be faced aboard its reverent decks - because against all probability, it was a problem that literally had no answer.
It was as if the machine had been frozen in time. It still received power, but it did not function. It registered no change in the computer systems, despite the blatant system failure it was undergoing. There was no malicious virus. It was as if it was simply no longer compatible with anything - including the power source.
But the highly advanced medical technology present aboard the vessel had done much for Jin already, and it seemed that she would have many hours yet to live.
And they would have many hours to decide on how they would face a problem that had no possible solution - because apparently the laws of the universe no longer applied.
No matter how in-tune Ketin was with someone, all too often it seemed that his words would fail him just when he needed them most. Indeed, he could talk himself out of almost any situation. He usually knew just what to say, or just what people wanted to hear. But no matter what, it seemed that he would never be quite perfect at the tenuous art of wordcraft.
A timidly abashed expression came over him briefly as it became very obvious that his words had failed him again. He had been trying to comfort her, reassure her - but had gotten the opposite effect. A silent, subtle apology that perhaps even she would overlook. Perhaps it would be best to drop the subject.
He appeared to be over that momentary slump by the time they had begun making their way out of the Perrygold - his usual, enthusiastic self.
”I knew it was voodoo!” he exclaimed sharply, pounding a fist into an open palm victoriously. Then, in a vaguely lecturing tone that would be very difficult to place between legitimate and jest, he went on ”It’s a well-kept secret among the humans that they have very deep connections with the voodoo arts. Some of them can actually morph into bats and hobgoblins! Halfies like me can’t do any of that though. Not quite human enough to have the gift,” He shrugged incnsequentially. ”The whole ’equivalent exchange’ thing doesn’t really suit me anyway. The best transactions are always one sided.” Exactly what a compulsive theif would say.
Stepping from the Perrygold to Maltese Station was like entering a different world. It was bustling with activity - passengers embarking on journeys, dock workers moving freight, vendors hawking their wares.Bright advertisements lit up the walls, even as they transitioned to storefronts lined up on either side of the wide corridors. There was the distinct, though subtle scent of buttered popcorn.
As if to punctuate his previous statement about ‘one-sided transactions’,the very first thing that Kete did after stepping onto the station was - predictably enough - plucking a paper cone of salted brittlenuts from a snack vendor as if it already belonged to him and moving on without the slightest hesitation. Another flawless heist. He offered some to both companions as they walked.
Arnaldo’s question about tagging along went conspicuously unanswered. Expertly dodged, glazed over and all but forgotten.
No need to make commitments. After all, it didn’t matter how fond he was of someone - if the situation demanded it he wouldn’t hesitate to ditch them without a word. At least, with a very few exceptions…
Just like a smooth-talker who loved to dodge problems, difficult conversations and inconvenient questions.
It didn’t take him long to polish off the brittlenuts. Rather than throwing away the paper cone, he fell a step behind Nirix and gave an agile little hop, deftly propping it over the tip of one of her black horns, where it would dangle obstinately like some parody of a party hat until she did something about it. Whatever her reaction was, it would get a good bout of mischievous giggles out of him.
The prosthetics store they came upon was called LIMBS 2GO and was essentially an overcrowded mechanic’s funhouse with various limbs of all makes and models upon all manner of displays and cases. The faint scent of motor oil and hydraulic fluid lingered in the air like an aftertaste.
Seeing Arnaldo start slashing the birdlike robotic appendage through the air, Kete didn’t skip a beat. Swiftly he grabbed the nearest arm he could get his hands on and brandished it before him like a sword, and giving a few dramatic swings while assuming a ridiculous “fighting stance”. The robotic fingers wiggled a little, which was slightly disconcerting because they weren’t plugged in.
”Tonight, on this week’s episode! Fox-FIngers faces off against the infamous Crow-Foot!” He announced grandly, proceeding with a brief play-fight between the two of them. An epic battle between the nimble fox and the sturdy P.I. that would only come to an end when Kete suddenly spun around and tossed the arm to Nirix at a velocity that only her masterful reflexes would be able to catch.
Regardless of how the “battle” would develop from that point, it would end with Kete in a fit of laughter - the kind of open, physical, positively joyous laughter that had him clutching his stomach and nearly knocking down a rack of legs from leaning on it.
And it wasn’t just because it was the most fun he’d had in a long time. It was also hilarious because he was, of course, in the eyes of the shopkeep the whole time - the shopkeep, who had been watching the ridiculous scene unfold with a distinctly deadpan disinterest. Apparently this sort of thing happened often.
It wasn’t until Arnaldo went stumbling that Kete’s fit would taper off. Wiping his eyes, it was a mighty effort to keep from snickering at the way the shopkeep was looking at the now fuming Arnie.
He looked as if he might be about to say something dry and brutally sarcastic, but Kete cut him off with a wave of the hand. ”Relax, Arnie, you don’t want that one anyway. It looks cool but it’s all flimsy.” Then, turning his attention back to the shopkeep he said, grinning earnestly ”Show us the best one you’ve got.”
The shopkeep hesitated only briefly at this. He didn’t have any stake in this business. What became of the merchandise was the company’s problem, not ihs. Turning, he took a long box down from a shelf behind the counter, setting it down before Arnaldo and muttering something about the specs.
It looked and felt exactly like a real human leg. Fitted with auto-elctrolic nerve relays that, once out of “demo mode”, would give the user the full experience. It was also lightweight and very sturdy...And came with a complementary pair of shoes, for some reason. It was a perfect replica and the ideal prosthetic.
It was also absurdly expensive.
As Arnaldo was distracted trying it on, Kete and the shopkeep muttered something about price. To the shopkeep’s surprise, the Fox then produced from his pocket a fat envelope stuffed with standard bills - the money that Nirix had given him the night prior for personal expenses - and just handed the whole thing over. Thumbing through the bills almost superficially, he shrugged and pocketed the money, and that was that.
”Don’t lose that now~” He teased cheerfully with a broad smile, patting Arnaldo once on the shoulder as they left the shop.
The Koolest Qetan Scout Boat U Know
Nodding slowly, Ty noticed something on the floor close to the table that the unconscious Rin was lain upon. ”I’m guessing that’s what this was for.” He said, picking up the stunner that Tsuan had dropped. Of course, his reasons could only be speculated upon now. ”Well, honestly this is your show now.” He said, looking to the exhausted Rai. ”What we’re supposed to do from here is...sort of up in the air.”
It was true. Everything depended on Rin, now. What they did next would correspond directly. If the Qetan procedure had worked, they would need to find a way to reverse it, and the humans, at least, didn’t have the faintest clue as to how to go about that except for forcing the Qetans into it. Then there was the issue of dealing with Rin himself.
It seemed obvious now why Ova had taken such an interest in him. Her claims of having full access to Rin’s “universe” may or may not have been exaggerated, but there was no doubt that she had some means of acquiring information from it. She must have known of what value Rin, if “converted” to this Qetan war queen, would be for her armies. It meant that taking Rin to her home planet was going to be a death sentence either way.
If Rin was by some chance still himself, what would they do then? His friends would want to take him home - which would be fine, unless Ova’s boasts turned out to be more than empty threats. If she was able to follow them home, there would be nothing they could do to help.
There were too many unknown factors, and the only one who really had any solid grasp of what was going on was half unconscious.
So it seemed that all there was left to do now, was wait.
Ty stood by the table with the stunner in hand, reasonably sure he knew how to use it. Sands milled about, keeping a close watch on the Qetans and their...lizard thingy.
And they waited.
”Amputation.”
Dal tried to resist saying it, but failed. ”Well yeah, that seems kinda’ obvious.” She muttered, almost hesitant in her words. The simple fact that she was no longer alone in this horrible ordeal - let alone that her company was a trained medic - had put her somewhat at ease - at least enough to stop biting peoples’ heads off and start running her mouth a little.
There was a moment of quiet.
”Course he’ll wake up.” She said softly, as if it were fantastically obvious, gesturing loosely toward the unconscious man. ”Swan was on the case.” Then, tone changing to something a little harder and with a twinge of irritability, ”’Sides, he didn’t do that ‘cause of Rin. He did that ‘cause he’s a @#$%ing moron. Had this experimental cyber-@#$% that everyone told him was too @#$%in’ dangerous to use an’ I knew from day-@#$%ing-one somethin’ like this was gonna’ happen.”
Dal sighed again, shaking her head, running fingers through blue hair. ”Yeah, it’s all pretty crazy. I’m pretty sure none of us got our mind all there, this point...Well, let’s get this over with. I’ll help out if I can.”
The White Death
S o m e t h i n g w a s i n t h e w a l l s . . .
And yet, despite the vast computing power of that magnificent vessel, it had been as of yet unable to detect it. It was utterly unaware that anything was off in the slightest.
It was impossible.
And yet, it was so.
An absolute peak of human engineering. A weapon of tremendous power. A virtually indestructible fortress that leaped through space on wings of ether and yet, it was skipping over something. Missing something - a minute, insignificant detail that would be the most important thing ever to happen to it.
There should have been dozens of different sensors that detected the disturbance - but there were not. Everything was fully operational. There was no reason to suspect that there was some other entity aboard the vessel that was quite u n i n v i t e d . . .
It was intelligent. It was impermeable.
And yet, there was an i n t r u d e r . . .
An uninvited guest.
The crew and guests lay unawares. They had no reason to suspect that they might be watched at that very moment. That their conversations might be overheard by a being that was so magnificently powerful that it was able to breach the defenses of one of the greatest warships ever to exist, to dwell within it, to become one with it, all without leaving the faintest trace nor hint.
It was a virus that lay dormant within the body of the host, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As a microscopic invader could so dwell within the body of the afflicted, so could a rat lurk within the walls of a great structure - but surely no mere rat could infiltrate the immeasurable defenses that composed the glorious White Death - unless something was gravely wrong… And there was no reason to believe anything was wrong at all.
When at last the problem dared to rear its head, it was in a manner both subtle and brutal. As before, there were no alarms or warning claxons. No automated notification. Everything pinged normal.
Somewhere between the ship’s meticulously thorough monitoring systems and wild stroke of dumb luck, something happened. Just a little thing. An unknown thing, but a vital thing.
Despite that, according to all ship systems, all of the equipment was functioning properly, a simple ambient temperature sensor had picked up on an insignificant piece of trivia which only the immense intelligence within the belly of that mighty ship could relate to the grave reality of the situation.
A temperature spike of some fractions of degrees in the medical bay.
Jin was dying.
And the reason for it was the single most confounding dilemma ever to be faced aboard its reverent decks - because against all probability, it was a problem that literally had no answer.
It was as if the machine had been frozen in time. It still received power, but it did not function. It registered no change in the computer systems, despite the blatant system failure it was undergoing. There was no malicious virus. It was as if it was simply no longer compatible with anything - including the power source.
But the highly advanced medical technology present aboard the vessel had done much for Jin already, and it seemed that she would have many hours yet to live.
And they would have many hours to decide on how they would face a problem that had no possible solution - because apparently the laws of the universe no longer applied.
The Kingsbane
People dressed in grimy, work aprons crossed paths hastily. Soldiers shouted and rambled, trying to look useful. White coated people, of distinct fashion from the Captain, discussed feverishly. The mechanics made sure that the cosmic scanning were completely functional. The soldiers finally figured out they were making nose and simply left. And, the scientists just couldn't take their sights from the dotted screen. Nobody regarded the existence of the puny, frightened creature lying in the most inconspicuous corner of the Hall. But someone was certainly furious for a chair that went missing.
If it wasn't by that particular communications and signalling officer, The Girl would find herself in a situation akin to the Solitude she was stuck. Just a few femtoeternities ago. That stain of pitch black on the dotted screen appeared to be billions times more relevant than her 'invasion' into the Kingsbane. The best she could do at that point was follow the worthless mercenaries and grunts example: Get her presence away from working men.
The dual doors were left open by the soldiers, free for anyone within the Kingsbane to come and go at will. It was tempting. The soothing darkness below that desk. The soothing hum of computer fans killed the agonizing silence. Right now, nobody would be in the research department to bother, or threaten. Test or prove, nor take her to anywhere unpleasant. Yes, it was her only place in the Kingsbane.
When the Girl felt the impulse to leave this dreaded hall - hole - the place of her UnBeing, He looked over the shoulder. The same black void in the screen, however, plastered above a wrinkly, reassuring smile. For once, Severin was coming back together from the initial shock from origins unknown to her, and finally switched attention. Gently nodding with his head towards her, the ancient man dared to wave in his' strange acquaintance way, familiarly, the same signal for follow.
Daring, because that White Barbarian gritted his teeth, slammed his hands on the runed board in front of him, and darted his oceanic maelstrom eyes over a smaller screen in front of him, switching his furious gaze to the bigger screen, and then to the smaller again. His thundering voice rambled constantly, with the dreaded word being spoken several times, and she could swear he, too, was looking over his shoulder. At her.
However, in a very slow manner, the tactical hall was fading into quietness, with only Wanheed's yells breaking the calm voice of the scientists. If the Captain had the decency to not harm the Girl earlier, she would find his voice all but feared: Guttural. Misshapen. Too deep and coarse. Mockful. But, the most prominent: Annoyingly loud.
And then lit and took a lungful puff from a thick, Ssazharian pepper cigar.
People dressed in grimy, work aprons crossed paths hastily. Soldiers shouted and rambled, trying to look useful. White coated people, of distinct fashion from the Captain, discussed feverishly. The mechanics made sure that the cosmic scanning were completely functional. The soldiers finally figured out they were making nose and simply left. And, the scientists just couldn't take their sights from the dotted screen. Nobody regarded the existence of the puny, frightened creature lying in the most inconspicuous corner of the Hall. But someone was certainly furious for a chair that went missing.
If it wasn't by that particular communications and signalling officer, The Girl would find herself in a situation akin to the Solitude she was stuck. Just a few femtoeternities ago. That stain of pitch black on the dotted screen appeared to be billions times more relevant than her 'invasion' into the Kingsbane. The best she could do at that point was follow the worthless mercenaries and grunts example: Get her presence away from working men.
The dual doors were left open by the soldiers, free for anyone within the Kingsbane to come and go at will. It was tempting. The soothing darkness below that desk. The soothing hum of computer fans killed the agonizing silence. Right now, nobody would be in the research department to bother, or threaten. Test or prove, nor take her to anywhere unpleasant. Yes, it was her only place in the Kingsbane.
When the Girl felt the impulse to leave this dreaded hall - hole - the place of her UnBeing, He looked over the shoulder. The same black void in the screen, however, plastered above a wrinkly, reassuring smile. For once, Severin was coming back together from the initial shock from origins unknown to her, and finally switched attention. Gently nodding with his head towards her, the ancient man dared to wave in his' strange acquaintance way, familiarly, the same signal for follow.
Daring, because that White Barbarian gritted his teeth, slammed his hands on the runed board in front of him, and darted his oceanic maelstrom eyes over a smaller screen in front of him, switching his furious gaze to the bigger screen, and then to the smaller again. His thundering voice rambled constantly, with the dreaded word being spoken several times, and she could swear he, too, was looking over his shoulder. At her.
However, in a very slow manner, the tactical hall was fading into quietness, with only Wanheed's yells breaking the calm voice of the scientists. If the Captain had the decency to not harm the Girl earlier, she would find his voice all but feared: Guttural. Misshapen. Too deep and coarse. Mockful. But, the most prominent: Annoyingly loud.
And then lit and took a lungful puff from a thick, Ssazharian pepper cigar.
The instant the White Death dropped from supercruise, his console pinged. Kovacs stared at it in curiosity; it wasn't something that normally happened, simply because he was always alone. And yet, he no longer was. Therefore, this innocuous little report to somebody who always had a crew was a major event for the Commander.
There was a marked increase in power fluctuations by 0.12% in the medbay. Ordinarily, there wouldn't be any issues from it, as any other fully crewed vessel would have personnel entering and leaving the medbay casually, using the systems regularly.
But here, that was not normal.
His first thought was Dietrich messing about, but a swift check indicated that the slime was with Ellen in the rec room, playing with coloring books. His next was to run a diagnostic on Jin's prognosis. Lo and behold, therein lie the problem.
"Major, come with me," he swiftly halted the ship, all but storming from his seat with all the fury of a hurricane. It was of the utmost importance to reach the media as soon as possible.
There was a marked increase in power fluctuations by 0.12% in the medbay. Ordinarily, there wouldn't be any issues from it, as any other fully crewed vessel would have personnel entering and leaving the medbay casually, using the systems regularly.
But here, that was not normal.
His first thought was Dietrich messing about, but a swift check indicated that the slime was with Ellen in the rec room, playing with coloring books. His next was to run a diagnostic on Jin's prognosis. Lo and behold, therein lie the problem.
"Major, come with me," he swiftly halted the ship, all but storming from his seat with all the fury of a hurricane. It was of the utmost importance to reach the media as soon as possible.
Asya had taken the OSD from it's place and was inspecting it. In her head she was working out how exactly she could copy her files to another safe container on board the ship. Then she could send them to the ship's foundry to make the proper adjustments for her interface to be naturally compatible. Absorbed in this train of thought, she comments out loud "It should not be too hard to adapt. I just need the storage medium...a big one."
Still thinking on the problem, she actually missed Kovacs's words about flight training. What she did not miss, was when the Commander jumped from his seat like a man possessed. Hearing his words she too leaves her seat, dropping the OSD as she does. Following right on Kovacs heels she ask "What is going on?" While he could see her face behind him, her voice wavering with slight worry. She wasn't sure what was going on or why, but the way Kovacs had told her something was wrong, very wrong.
Still thinking on the problem, she actually missed Kovacs's words about flight training. What she did not miss, was when the Commander jumped from his seat like a man possessed. Hearing his words she too leaves her seat, dropping the OSD as she does. Following right on Kovacs heels she ask "What is going on?" While he could see her face behind him, her voice wavering with slight worry. She wasn't sure what was going on or why, but the way Kovacs had told her something was wrong, very wrong.
Kovacs' gut clenched in that hauntingly familiar way, warning him almost supernaturally that something was amiss. "Problem in medbay with life support, requires immediate attention," the words flew from his mouth hastily, sentences broken as the cyborg's focus was on the endangered crew member.
The medical airlock whoosed open at the commander's approach, like royalty to his own throne room. Kovacs swiftly went about his task of preserving Jin's life, examining and eliminating whatever issue he could. And yet, it was not enough. There was one thing he wasn't able to fix, and he did not know why! It was simple, should have been so fracking simple! Now, though, it was impossible to rectify the fatal error, and he had no idea why!
"I can't stop it," he growled after an extensive series of curses. "The best medical equipment in the galaxy, and she's dying." Judging by the diagnostics, she had at least a day left to live, but that didn't mean a darned thing to him in that moment. "I'm sorry," Kovacs hung his head as a rush of long-buried emotions reared its ugly heads. "She's got maybe a day, more or less."
The medical airlock whoosed open at the commander's approach, like royalty to his own throne room. Kovacs swiftly went about his task of preserving Jin's life, examining and eliminating whatever issue he could. And yet, it was not enough. There was one thing he wasn't able to fix, and he did not know why! It was simple, should have been so fracking simple! Now, though, it was impossible to rectify the fatal error, and he had no idea why!
"I can't stop it," he growled after an extensive series of curses. "The best medical equipment in the galaxy, and she's dying." Judging by the diagnostics, she had at least a day left to live, but that didn't mean a darned thing to him in that moment. "I'm sorry," Kovacs hung his head as a rush of long-buried emotions reared its ugly heads. "She's got maybe a day, more or less."
*drip*
*drip*
"Huzawhatsagoin" muttered Ringo as he awoke. He clutched his head and took a look around, his eyes still adjusting to the light that is the outside world. Realizing he was about ass deep in garbage, Ringo struggled to his feet, his hands ripping into the trash bags around him, causing various liquids to latch onto his hands.
"What in the $&@%? That was one weird ass dream, stone-cold cyborgs and hot babes...maybe that last part could've lasted a bit longer."
After wiping off the general filth, Ringo went about walking around, taking in all that he could. It took him a second to fully comprehend where in all of the known galaxy his was.
He knew a couple of things for sure, he was in an alleyway, that was wedged between two gargantuan buildings, he was Ringo Rodriguez, and he still had his holographic tumbleweed. Before he could even two steps out of the alley, he had to shield his eyes from the sudden burst of light coming from the great monoliths that crowded the street he had just realized existed. The mass of bodies that transversed it made it seem more like a cattle farm than a transportation space.
Then he tilted his head straight up. He must've been in too much awe of the buildings at the first glance; it was only now that Ringo saw the thousands, no, millions of flying transport ships and personnel vehicles. Off-world and racing ships passed each other casually as Ringo blinked his eyes in pure wonder.
Then he got hit with a hover bike. Like he had begun, Ringo was once again, ass deep in garbage.
This time he was more aware and instantly leapt to his feet, brandishing his modified slug revolver. He spotted the vehicle in the crowd, but before he could shoot or even shout, he got hit again, this time by a police hoverbike.
The last hit knocked him out and he woke up with a pain in his chest. Upon getting up, he pinpointed what and where the pain was. It was a small, golden encrusted box, with the name CB Torntherm embroidered on the top. Salivating over the prospective money this box could bring him, he sunk back into the alley. It was only after getting into the quieter alley that he could hear the sound of the first hover bike coming towards him. Panicking, Ringo called over the nearest and largest creature he could see walking the street. It stood at around 7 feet, with a green/grey skin tone, lacking many details that most creatures have.
*drip*
"Huzawhatsagoin" muttered Ringo as he awoke. He clutched his head and took a look around, his eyes still adjusting to the light that is the outside world. Realizing he was about ass deep in garbage, Ringo struggled to his feet, his hands ripping into the trash bags around him, causing various liquids to latch onto his hands.
"What in the $&@%? That was one weird ass dream, stone-cold cyborgs and hot babes...maybe that last part could've lasted a bit longer."
After wiping off the general filth, Ringo went about walking around, taking in all that he could. It took him a second to fully comprehend where in all of the known galaxy his was.
He knew a couple of things for sure, he was in an alleyway, that was wedged between two gargantuan buildings, he was Ringo Rodriguez, and he still had his holographic tumbleweed. Before he could even two steps out of the alley, he had to shield his eyes from the sudden burst of light coming from the great monoliths that crowded the street he had just realized existed. The mass of bodies that transversed it made it seem more like a cattle farm than a transportation space.
Then he tilted his head straight up. He must've been in too much awe of the buildings at the first glance; it was only now that Ringo saw the thousands, no, millions of flying transport ships and personnel vehicles. Off-world and racing ships passed each other casually as Ringo blinked his eyes in pure wonder.
Then he got hit with a hover bike. Like he had begun, Ringo was once again, ass deep in garbage.
This time he was more aware and instantly leapt to his feet, brandishing his modified slug revolver. He spotted the vehicle in the crowd, but before he could shoot or even shout, he got hit again, this time by a police hoverbike.
The last hit knocked him out and he woke up with a pain in his chest. Upon getting up, he pinpointed what and where the pain was. It was a small, golden encrusted box, with the name CB Torntherm embroidered on the top. Salivating over the prospective money this box could bring him, he sunk back into the alley. It was only after getting into the quieter alley that he could hear the sound of the first hover bike coming towards him. Panicking, Ringo called over the nearest and largest creature he could see walking the street. It stood at around 7 feet, with a green/grey skin tone, lacking many details that most creatures have.
The creature turned at the sound of Ringo calling for them. They approached with long looming steps that would terrify the average person. They stopped a few feet from Ringo to look down at him, if you could call it looking, with its faceless body mass. The sound of the hoverbike seemed to catch it's attention.
It stepped past Ringo and stood it's ground as the driver continued towards them. Not exactly the safest game of chicken. The driver continued ready to ram giant creature. Right as they were about to hit, the grey alien turned, moving just out of the way of the bike. It's giant clawed hand grabbed the driver's shirt as they were passing, proceeding to pluck the stranger of their vehicle. The bike stopped as it rammed into the walls behind them.
As the alien held off the ground, they spoke. "You aren't supposed to be driving here," they said in a surprisingly soft and calm voice. "You could have hit someone."
It stepped past Ringo and stood it's ground as the driver continued towards them. Not exactly the safest game of chicken. The driver continued ready to ram giant creature. Right as they were about to hit, the grey alien turned, moving just out of the way of the bike. It's giant clawed hand grabbed the driver's shirt as they were passing, proceeding to pluck the stranger of their vehicle. The bike stopped as it rammed into the walls behind them.
As the alien held off the ground, they spoke. "You aren't supposed to be driving here," they said in a surprisingly soft and calm voice. "You could have hit someone."
Christofer would take too long swishing his tail thoughtfully to come to a conclusion on what the other meant.
"Ah, the washing machine. It's rather simple to be honest. Mmm...." Bringing his index finger over to his muzzle, making him look more than just thoughtful as he eyed the room for a bit, head turning and scanning what he could. "You did say that this was a fancy ship, made to host things. So... If it is any good on preparing for accidents in the diner, there should be a room for fixing your attire and making sure things are in prime condition." He'd go about reasoning with things, leaving out the detective decision that they had no 'self regenerating clothes' for Roy said that the ship was old and Her clothes had not started patching themselves up yet, meaning that the technology was newer. Conclusion? Old ships should have something to manually maintain your clothing items.
"... I would prefer to stitch the holes shut before washing... But I guess they're small enough to not rip while they're cleaning..." Hopefully so, else Royanna was going to have to enjoy some 'fashion design nightmares' on her coat.
"You.... Had a map or something?" Question inched in as he looked towards her, ears falling towards his back a little and turning from alert to face the other direction. He really didn't know much of the structure of this whole... Ship. So Royanna would have to help him with that. If he had the map, he'd be able to navigate his way there, but walking around aimlessly was not all that desired.
Ears perked again as the coat was offered forward, eyes shifted from the coat to Royanna, then the coat again, then Roy, then the coat and so forth, until he just extended his own hands and held them stretched out for her to hand the folded dirt fabric over. Didn't want to just take it, if she started hesitating and decided that she did not want him touching it afterall.
"Mmmm... I'm not sure how fast these things work for you, and... This is just one cloth... But it might take half an hour for it to run through, if you want for us to stay at the station?" He didn't know what the station was like, not yet, so he wouldn't know if it was okay to stay there for a little longer or if they should just speed their way through it, grab the food, pay up and flee.
Broken. They had been running so much it was almost all that he could think about.
It had become something that his head saw as 'natural' to this time and age. Running. Barely any safety. Take and cherish the few calm moments you get.
It was starting to stress him up a little, fingers clearly curling more towards fists than open palms as his own eyes drifted slowly to the walls and towards the floor, all the while the fur in his body seemed to rise even as his whole form appeared as if it were slumping down...
It could still be a good experience. Maybe the station was like, this... Big but... Moderate sized place, with a good variety to choose from but nothing overwhelming. It being small would make him a little awkward as he had started to grow a little claustrophobic with the constant need of escaping. Being trapped in a small contained space would be like Hell itself to him currently. He did not want to visit any demons yet.
The coat finally being placed onto his hands had him jumping out of his ideas, standing on his toes for that one second, looking both surprised and startled, ears perked up and eyes wide, staring into nothingness prior to a blink that allowed him to shake his head and get back to the situation, silently nodding to the food priority.
It was likely that during their time waiting for the alarm, consciously or unconsciously, the two of them would be able to figure out where the possible laundry room was, and if there were any tools or substances to aid them there. Powder, liquid... Something to put in the possible washing machine, checking the temperatures, the fact that the power was on... He'd walk her through it, if Royanna stuck around and, well, if they even found such space. Depending on how long they'd have wandered around, it was not confirmed on how much they achieved.
That is, if Kallenger did not just run at the first chance and leave Christofer all alone with her clothes.
Regardless on how things went, the alarm that finally rang out had the canid straightening up and instantly seeking for the source around the room, ears perked. It may not have been alarming, but it was new. Could not be sure what it all was so he was cautious and took to checking the surroundings. Royanna might find this a little silly. He wasn't startled, but it was still an instinct reaction towards new and strange things.
Only stopping when Kallenger finally told him what it was all about, he could allow for himself to relax a little bit.
As for her leaving and heading back to the control room? Christofer was left to pretty much having his foot shake at the nervous speed he was tapping it against the floor near his other one.
"... Okay... You go do that..." Classic, looking a little to the opposing direction from the door. "That is, unless... Unless you think I'd not be on the way, or something. Or.... Something..." Unsure if he should left any possible machines running or the like. Curious, but also clingy, not to the point where the other could go nowhere without him fully knowing what was going on. He would be fine with being told to stay and wait, if there was another promise of her coming back and picking him up or something instead of just leaving The Diplomat all alone. He was always a little concerned.
"Ah, the washing machine. It's rather simple to be honest. Mmm...." Bringing his index finger over to his muzzle, making him look more than just thoughtful as he eyed the room for a bit, head turning and scanning what he could. "You did say that this was a fancy ship, made to host things. So... If it is any good on preparing for accidents in the diner, there should be a room for fixing your attire and making sure things are in prime condition." He'd go about reasoning with things, leaving out the detective decision that they had no 'self regenerating clothes' for Roy said that the ship was old and Her clothes had not started patching themselves up yet, meaning that the technology was newer. Conclusion? Old ships should have something to manually maintain your clothing items.
"... I would prefer to stitch the holes shut before washing... But I guess they're small enough to not rip while they're cleaning..." Hopefully so, else Royanna was going to have to enjoy some 'fashion design nightmares' on her coat.
"You.... Had a map or something?" Question inched in as he looked towards her, ears falling towards his back a little and turning from alert to face the other direction. He really didn't know much of the structure of this whole... Ship. So Royanna would have to help him with that. If he had the map, he'd be able to navigate his way there, but walking around aimlessly was not all that desired.
Ears perked again as the coat was offered forward, eyes shifted from the coat to Royanna, then the coat again, then Roy, then the coat and so forth, until he just extended his own hands and held them stretched out for her to hand the folded dirt fabric over. Didn't want to just take it, if she started hesitating and decided that she did not want him touching it afterall.
"Mmmm... I'm not sure how fast these things work for you, and... This is just one cloth... But it might take half an hour for it to run through, if you want for us to stay at the station?" He didn't know what the station was like, not yet, so he wouldn't know if it was okay to stay there for a little longer or if they should just speed their way through it, grab the food, pay up and flee.
Broken. They had been running so much it was almost all that he could think about.
It had become something that his head saw as 'natural' to this time and age. Running. Barely any safety. Take and cherish the few calm moments you get.
It was starting to stress him up a little, fingers clearly curling more towards fists than open palms as his own eyes drifted slowly to the walls and towards the floor, all the while the fur in his body seemed to rise even as his whole form appeared as if it were slumping down...
It could still be a good experience. Maybe the station was like, this... Big but... Moderate sized place, with a good variety to choose from but nothing overwhelming. It being small would make him a little awkward as he had started to grow a little claustrophobic with the constant need of escaping. Being trapped in a small contained space would be like Hell itself to him currently. He did not want to visit any demons yet.
The coat finally being placed onto his hands had him jumping out of his ideas, standing on his toes for that one second, looking both surprised and startled, ears perked up and eyes wide, staring into nothingness prior to a blink that allowed him to shake his head and get back to the situation, silently nodding to the food priority.
It was likely that during their time waiting for the alarm, consciously or unconsciously, the two of them would be able to figure out where the possible laundry room was, and if there were any tools or substances to aid them there. Powder, liquid... Something to put in the possible washing machine, checking the temperatures, the fact that the power was on... He'd walk her through it, if Royanna stuck around and, well, if they even found such space. Depending on how long they'd have wandered around, it was not confirmed on how much they achieved.
That is, if Kallenger did not just run at the first chance and leave Christofer all alone with her clothes.
Regardless on how things went, the alarm that finally rang out had the canid straightening up and instantly seeking for the source around the room, ears perked. It may not have been alarming, but it was new. Could not be sure what it all was so he was cautious and took to checking the surroundings. Royanna might find this a little silly. He wasn't startled, but it was still an instinct reaction towards new and strange things.
Only stopping when Kallenger finally told him what it was all about, he could allow for himself to relax a little bit.
As for her leaving and heading back to the control room? Christofer was left to pretty much having his foot shake at the nervous speed he was tapping it against the floor near his other one.
"... Okay... You go do that..." Classic, looking a little to the opposing direction from the door. "That is, unless... Unless you think I'd not be on the way, or something. Or.... Something..." Unsure if he should left any possible machines running or the like. Curious, but also clingy, not to the point where the other could go nowhere without him fully knowing what was going on. He would be fine with being told to stay and wait, if there was another promise of her coming back and picking him up or something instead of just leaving The Diplomat all alone. He was always a little concerned.
"YEAH YOU PUNK!" yelled Ringo, wildly shaking his fist in the air. He got to his feet, wiping the filth off of his clothes, his brow sweat mixing with the dirt found on his forehead, dribbling down. "Alright, you hold him there, alright buddy?", Ringo walked towards the amorphous humanoid, originally fearful of its presence, but then realizing that they had saved his ass. "Ok buckaroo, why the hell were you running, and what the hell is this box?", but as soon as the gangster lifted his eyes to peer at the box, he started struggling.
Not the normal "I am trying to get out of here" struggle, it was the kind of struggle that a feral dog would make if its life depended on it. The gangster clawed at the beings hands with his left hand, to no avail, and reached out for the box with his right. Slapping it away as if it was a large bug, Ringo cracked a smile and walked a little closer to the suspended man. "What. is. in. the.box." this time Ringo pulled his gun and slid it slowly into the sternum of the man.
"20 @#$%in minutes, I give 20 @#$%in minutes to Jklan to give me the 500,000 Standard! And what does he do? HE GETS CAUGHT! It better not be the police, or I'll have the captains ass, I paid him 2 big ones to shutdown all police in that sector! Must've been some lowlifes, send in some Debtors, they've been sitting on their hands all day."
Not the normal "I am trying to get out of here" struggle, it was the kind of struggle that a feral dog would make if its life depended on it. The gangster clawed at the beings hands with his left hand, to no avail, and reached out for the box with his right. Slapping it away as if it was a large bug, Ringo cracked a smile and walked a little closer to the suspended man. "What. is. in. the.box." this time Ringo pulled his gun and slid it slowly into the sternum of the man.
"20 @#$%in minutes, I give 20 @#$%in minutes to Jklan to give me the 500,000 Standard! And what does he do? HE GETS CAUGHT! It better not be the police, or I'll have the captains ass, I paid him 2 big ones to shutdown all police in that sector! Must've been some lowlifes, send in some Debtors, they've been sitting on their hands all day."
The large creature put a velvety hand on Ringo's gun to encourage him to put it down. "I don't think killing him is going to help anyone," they informed. "His movements show he's terrified enough. If he doesn't tell us anything, we can give him to the police. They will know what to do better than us."
They watched the man interested. What they saw though was more of a collection of heat, scent, and sound. No eyes. No real sight. Even still it was accurate enough to do equivalent of what eyes can and was even an advantage in some situation.
They turned and took a step towards the street like they were going to get the police they had promised.
They watched the man interested. What they saw though was more of a collection of heat, scent, and sound. No eyes. No real sight. Even still it was accurate enough to do equivalent of what eyes can and was even an advantage in some situation.
They turned and took a step towards the street like they were going to get the police they had promised.
Vaxur smiled, eyes far away. "Call me a moron, but I was actually hoping it wouldn't come to that?" he said. There was no hurt in the statement- just a small, almost inaudible waver in his voice. "It's stupid, sure, but. I-" he paused.
A hand twitched.
And then Dal spoke, and his breath barely hitched. When she finished, he let out a breath, shooting her a smile that was more genuine than the one before. "Thanks. Hopefully this universe is not so different in terms of medical supplies," he said, and got to work.
When Rin came to, the first thing he noticed was that the light was considerably more bearable.
He only had a moment to contemplate this development before there was a sudden movement to his right, and... oh.
A foggy feeling, accompanied by the notion of knowing exactly where to go.
Commander Wyr.
He opened his mouth, choking out her name, and a cold metal chestplate pressed against a flushed pale cheek. "Rin."
"Commander Wyr," he breathed back. She was here. He had her. He wasn't alone anymore. She pulled back, and he turned slightly, spotting Ty before looking back at the Wylaseen. "Not a dream?"
She visibly softened, and he relaxed immediately. The Commander in his dreams was always hard. "Here, cadet," she replied, the high and low pitches of her tone a soothing melody, and he swallowed down the lump in his throat.
"V-vax-"
"He's with Tsuan," she said. Her tone was... strange. A mix of concerned, and avoidant. A metallic shoe clicked against the floor.
He furrowed his eyebrows. "What happened?"
She hesitated. He bit his lip- and started to push himself up with shaky elbows. She hissed softly. "Later," she said, pushing him down as he made a pitiful attempt to sit up. "You look tired, little one."
"I've rested too long," he protested. He fought against the urge to shrink before her disapproving look, squeezing the hand on his shoulder. "Let me see them, please?"
She paused. Casting a look over his head, she blinked, lessening the pressure on his shoulder, but still holding him up with a firm grip.
"I... yes. Of course," she said, and he narrowed his eyes. He could sense a vague presence nearby- one like a soft brush to his hair, another like a sharp chill in his spine. Needless to say the two different sensations made him twitch. " Here."
He blinked, realizing that he'd missed Commander Wyr holding out her arm for balance. "Right," he said, and he swung his legs off the platform, covered toes touching the cold floor. Placing his foot flat on the metal ground, he made to take his first step-
And promptly almost fell over.
Luckily his support caught him under his arms as soon as his knees buckled. "You move too quick, felinous child," she said, and he recognized the lilt in her voice.
"M'not a child," he sulked, and she snorted near inaudibly. She effortlessly swept him off the ground, carrying him bridal style. He squeaked, glaring up at the insectoid female. She just stared down.
He huffed, turning away. He knew she could tell that his lips were curving up.
They walked through a hallway, into an enclosed closet, and in a flash got out and into more halls, into a more familiar interior. The tingling sensation in his hands- stronger, when he woke- became a dull ache the farther from the ship they went. More manageable.
He opened his eyes- since when did he close them- just as Vaxur stepped out of the Koolest infirmary.
They both froze. For a moment, it seemed like nobody breathed.
Then he was tugging, pulling away, and the Commander didn't stop him, and suddenly he was on shaky ground and he was staggering toward his teammate and he was so close-
They collided with a whoosh, a thud, and so what if connecting with his chest armor hurt? It was fine, it was great, because, because-
His face was close. So close, he could feel his heavy breathing. Vaxur's neck seemed to bend at an uncomfortable angle, but Rin couldn't ease his grip on the Aksen's shoulders, nor care about the strain of being on his tiptoes.
"Hi," Vaxur whispered.
"Hi," he breathed back, and they stayed like that for a long time.
"I couldn't sense anything," Rai admitted. They squinted at the doorway where Wyr and Rin had gone through. "Then again, with so many years of their souls in close proximity..."
They could have overlapped.
"Yes, Shen," they said, like talking to a chirping bird was normal. "All we could do right now is watch him. And... I should check up on him in intervals. Not too close though, with my family's..." they bit their lip, "history, he might be triggered and..."
They scratched the back of their head, letting out a tired sigh. "I'll talk to the Qetans tomorrow," they said. "Hopefully I get through to them." They rubbed at an eye, then stroked Shen's head. "Have a room I can crash in?"
A hand twitched.
"I really don't like doing them."
"J-just let me die- I CAN'T LIve wIthoUt A-"
"J-just let me die- I CAN'T LIve wIthoUt A-"
And then Dal spoke, and his breath barely hitched. When she finished, he let out a breath, shooting her a smile that was more genuine than the one before. "Thanks. Hopefully this universe is not so different in terms of medical supplies," he said, and got to work.
When Rin came to, the first thing he noticed was that the light was considerably more bearable.
He only had a moment to contemplate this development before there was a sudden movement to his right, and... oh.
A foggy feeling, accompanied by the notion of knowing exactly where to go.
Commander Wyr.
He opened his mouth, choking out her name, and a cold metal chestplate pressed against a flushed pale cheek. "Rin."
"Commander Wyr," he breathed back. She was here. He had her. He wasn't alone anymore. She pulled back, and he turned slightly, spotting Ty before looking back at the Wylaseen. "Not a dream?"
She visibly softened, and he relaxed immediately. The Commander in his dreams was always hard. "Here, cadet," she replied, the high and low pitches of her tone a soothing melody, and he swallowed down the lump in his throat.
"V-vax-"
"He's with Tsuan," she said. Her tone was... strange. A mix of concerned, and avoidant. A metallic shoe clicked against the floor.
He furrowed his eyebrows. "What happened?"
She hesitated. He bit his lip- and started to push himself up with shaky elbows. She hissed softly. "Later," she said, pushing him down as he made a pitiful attempt to sit up. "You look tired, little one."
"I've rested too long," he protested. He fought against the urge to shrink before her disapproving look, squeezing the hand on his shoulder. "Let me see them, please?"
She paused. Casting a look over his head, she blinked, lessening the pressure on his shoulder, but still holding him up with a firm grip.
"I... yes. Of course," she said, and he narrowed his eyes. He could sense a vague presence nearby- one like a soft brush to his hair, another like a sharp chill in his spine. Needless to say the two different sensations made him twitch. " Here."
He blinked, realizing that he'd missed Commander Wyr holding out her arm for balance. "Right," he said, and he swung his legs off the platform, covered toes touching the cold floor. Placing his foot flat on the metal ground, he made to take his first step-
And promptly almost fell over.
Luckily his support caught him under his arms as soon as his knees buckled. "You move too quick, felinous child," she said, and he recognized the lilt in her voice.
"M'not a child," he sulked, and she snorted near inaudibly. She effortlessly swept him off the ground, carrying him bridal style. He squeaked, glaring up at the insectoid female. She just stared down.
He huffed, turning away. He knew she could tell that his lips were curving up.
They walked through a hallway, into an enclosed closet, and in a flash got out and into more halls, into a more familiar interior. The tingling sensation in his hands- stronger, when he woke- became a dull ache the farther from the ship they went. More manageable.
He opened his eyes- since when did he close them- just as Vaxur stepped out of the Koolest infirmary.
They both froze. For a moment, it seemed like nobody breathed.
Then he was tugging, pulling away, and the Commander didn't stop him, and suddenly he was on shaky ground and he was staggering toward his teammate and he was so close-
They collided with a whoosh, a thud, and so what if connecting with his chest armor hurt? It was fine, it was great, because, because-
His face was close. So close, he could feel his heavy breathing. Vaxur's neck seemed to bend at an uncomfortable angle, but Rin couldn't ease his grip on the Aksen's shoulders, nor care about the strain of being on his tiptoes.
"Hi," Vaxur whispered.
"Hi," he breathed back, and they stayed like that for a long time.
"I couldn't sense anything," Rai admitted. They squinted at the doorway where Wyr and Rin had gone through. "Then again, with so many years of their souls in close proximity..."
They could have overlapped.
"Yes, Shen," they said, like talking to a chirping bird was normal. "All we could do right now is watch him. And... I should check up on him in intervals. Not too close though, with my family's..." they bit their lip, "history, he might be triggered and..."
They scratched the back of their head, letting out a tired sigh. "I'll talk to the Qetans tomorrow," they said. "Hopefully I get through to them." They rubbed at an eye, then stroked Shen's head. "Have a room I can crash in?"
The Diplomat
Roy did flush a little, at that.
...Simple?
Well, she consoled herself silently, she talked about things like hacking and recon like they were simple. Familiarity came with the skillset, right? Not something to feel dumb over. Though it was her lack of exposure, rather than her intelligence, that bothered her. It was just another aspect of life she was unprepared for - not a comfortable idea for someone who’s entire life revolved around bing ready for every potential situation…
His asking for a map kept her from dwelling on that unhealthy line of thought. She nodded, stepping to the wall beside the door and pressing a little button - which, due to the overall fanciness of the Diplomat, was wood paneled. On that previously bare section of (Also wood panelled) wall appeared a semi-holographic map of what one could only assume was the Diplomat.
Stepping back, she pored over it as though addressing the tactical map of a battle and trying to get a basic idea of the flow of combat. Gesturing to the far right of the map to what must have been the tail-end of the vessel, she glanced sidelong at Toffi. ”Over where the other maintenance equipment is? There’s a small machine shop in the engine room.” she suggested - but it was a poor choice. She tried again, pointing at one of the small side rooms on the upper deck. ”That would be the most strategic place, then.” She said, talking about the location of the washing machine as if it were the secret vault containing top-secret information, or some other special objective. ”It’s out of the way, but accessible to staff, and also a nonessential room.”
As it happened, she was right - and the satisfaction of it almost made her grin. Given that the entire ship was no bigger than a large statehouse, it was not at all a long walk. They found themselves in a room which, among other amenities and some miscellaneous storage, contained a simple washer/dryer device.
It was one of the things that had not changed much - though likely only because it was improved into something unrecognizable, and then re-invented somewhere else from the ground up. That was how most of the Galaxy was, with all varying levels of technology. Regenerative, self-cleaning clothing did exist - just not here.
It would prove a simple process for someone vaguely familiar with the common household task of washing clothes - but it wouldn’t stop Royanna from looking positively fascinated. Not the enthusiastic kind, obviously - but the subtle, more characteristic kind that had her leaning over him, watching owlishly as he put the little soap tablet in, set the machine to cycle, and made it all look much more simple than she would have made it on her own.
Then, when he turned around again, she had made a valiant, but utterly futile attempt to pretend as though she hadn’t been interested at all.
And when she was just about to leave for the control room, hearing the meek words, she halted. Then she gave an irritated sigh. Great, he’d gone and annoyed her again! But when she turned to face him, there was only a wry, slightly tired look about her. It was not hostile or angry, clearly. It was almost as if she were about to tell him something she’d already told him a thousand times.
Stepping back toward him, Roy put both hands out before her as if she were demonstrating the length of a meter. ”Christofer, listen to me.” She began, as if exhaustedly implying ’this is the last time I’m going to say it’ ”If you ever get in my way…” Surely she was starting to get angry now, right? But when she finished the sentence, it came out in words much softer than one might have expected. ”I will move you. Okay?” She shifted her hands to the left, as if moving the invisible meter stick.
If Royanna Kallenger was capable of sounding both earnest, warm and reassuring, this was probably the closest she was ever going to come to it. There might have even been the slightest hint of a little grin at the corner of her lips, though that could have been Toffi’s imagination.
”Trust me. I’ve dealt with much more difficult obstacles than someone who I like having around.” She froze then, blinked, turning just a little bit pink. ”I mean...an ally. Someone...who is an ally.” It was a much better recovery than before. Hardly more than skipping a beat, and she didn’t even seem awkward after. Well, she did like having him around. And so what? She was entitled to enjoying company, right? There was nothing awkward or unprofessional about that, right? Right? That’s what she was telling herself for the moment, at least.
”So, don’t be afraid to...k-keep a close proximity.” She added as she turned to make again for the door.
Smooth.
With Toffi in tow - If he still hesitated, she would make irritated, impatient ’come on gestures until he did Roy returned to the control center, where they were greeted with the image of a large, mostly grey structure hanging among stars. Hundreds of smaller structures of varying sizes and shapes scuttled slowly, almost dreamlike around it.
In what must have been huge white and red letters across the uneven surface of it was TORA STATION.
It lacked the traditional spindle and rings layout of many stations, instead going with granite decking, like a gigantic starship. As such, it was blocky, generally cubular in shape, with countless uneven protrusions all over the surface.
Roy flopped into the pilot’s chair just in time for a friendly enough, but bored voice to come over a speaker somewhere in the console. ”Tora Control to unidentified vessel, please identify.”
Roy did not hesitate - the way she spoke back implied that this was a very common procedure for her. ”Tora Control this is C-Ship Diplomat, requesting entry on personal business.”
There was a pause on the other end, then ”Cleared, Diplomat. You may want to get your ID codes checked up, looks like they’re pretty out of date. You may proceed, have a nice day.”
Roy cut the transmission, and wend about pressing buttons and moving controls. On the other side of the front window, the great structure seemed to move. It looked like little more than a screen panning a digital image, for there was no sensation of movement on the ship - but gradually, they began growing closer, slowly, gingerly navigating around the other ships of all different shapes, colors and sizes.
Roy did not seem on edge. That extra notch of alertness she had about her when going into trouble was not present, and she seemed casually confident that they were not walking into any danger.
The Qetan Boat Ship U Know Koolest Scout
The key difference Rin would have noticed upon seeing Ty was his smile. It was not the usual suave, sexy grin that seemed so natural to him. It was wider, more open, and light with relief. Even if the conniving Qetans’ procedure had caused more subtle, insidious effects, it was better than what Ty had expected. The visions of Rin waking up with no memory of who he was, spouting exposition on his rightful throne, and/or leaping off the table to liberate his Qetan ‘comrades’ - none of that happened, and for now that alone was good enough for Ty.
He glanced to Sands, who was smiling in a similar way. They hadn’t been this cheerful since they had managed to escape that deathtrap Earth IV Dropship with Boss. Hopefully, the fact that last time, the celebration lasted only long enough to proceed with the dark task of commandeering the ship they had escaped to in the name of Ningo would not portend to this situation. Having something go right only to follow it up with something dark…
”Alright, let’s wrap this show up.” He said, sobering. Putting a hand to his chest, he tapped the communicator hidden beneath the arctic poncho. ”Jackson, mind helping us out again?” It was becoming clear that this group did not give orders or adhere to ranks. ”We need someone to put these two Qetans in a broom closet and make sure they don’t get out until our friend Rai decides what to do with them.” He figured that on its own, the simple door to the storage closet on the Koolest wouldn’t do much - but with Jet Jackson standing outside, it might as well have been a prison stronghold.
”Yeah, we got a room for you.” Sands was saying, offering to help Rai back to their feet, if they needed it. ”Comfiest beds you know.” He grinned a little.
The minutes that followed were spent on wrapping up the ordeal. The Qetans would be shoved into a broom closet. Rai would be showed to his room on the Koolest. The airlock doors of the Koolest were shut and locked, with the Qetan ship still attached, and Tahil’s familiar still on board.
The plan was to head back toward the Skadi at a slow enough pace to tug both the Qetan and Nyran ships along. That would give Rin’s friends time to decide how they were going to proceed - though everyone had a pretty good idea as to what direction that would take. In the meantime, if the Qetans did manage to start trouble, they would simply disconnect from the Qetan ship and riddle it with PDC fire until not a cubic inch of atmosphere remained. Ty laid out the plan, and they would proceed as soon as Jackson was ready.
A long moment passed between Rin and Vaxur, and was only interrupted when Dallen spoke up from inside the small medbay. ”Oh @#$%, s’that Rin?” She said tiredly, appearing behind Vaxur a moment later, drying her hands in a hand towel. ”Told you he’d be fine.” She said quietly, with the appropriate smugness that came with every ’told you so’ ever. She even gave him a little nudge with an elbow. It hadn’t taken Dal long at all to start growing fond of the ’aquatic-land-alien’.
If her voice was tired though, she looked positively exhausted. Haggard and weary, but with a low grin on her face. She tossed the hand towel aside. ”’Ey Scout. Doin’ a’ight?”
Roy did flush a little, at that.
...Simple?
Well, she consoled herself silently, she talked about things like hacking and recon like they were simple. Familiarity came with the skillset, right? Not something to feel dumb over. Though it was her lack of exposure, rather than her intelligence, that bothered her. It was just another aspect of life she was unprepared for - not a comfortable idea for someone who’s entire life revolved around bing ready for every potential situation…
His asking for a map kept her from dwelling on that unhealthy line of thought. She nodded, stepping to the wall beside the door and pressing a little button - which, due to the overall fanciness of the Diplomat, was wood paneled. On that previously bare section of (Also wood panelled) wall appeared a semi-holographic map of what one could only assume was the Diplomat.
Stepping back, she pored over it as though addressing the tactical map of a battle and trying to get a basic idea of the flow of combat. Gesturing to the far right of the map to what must have been the tail-end of the vessel, she glanced sidelong at Toffi. ”Over where the other maintenance equipment is? There’s a small machine shop in the engine room.” she suggested - but it was a poor choice. She tried again, pointing at one of the small side rooms on the upper deck. ”That would be the most strategic place, then.” She said, talking about the location of the washing machine as if it were the secret vault containing top-secret information, or some other special objective. ”It’s out of the way, but accessible to staff, and also a nonessential room.”
As it happened, she was right - and the satisfaction of it almost made her grin. Given that the entire ship was no bigger than a large statehouse, it was not at all a long walk. They found themselves in a room which, among other amenities and some miscellaneous storage, contained a simple washer/dryer device.
It was one of the things that had not changed much - though likely only because it was improved into something unrecognizable, and then re-invented somewhere else from the ground up. That was how most of the Galaxy was, with all varying levels of technology. Regenerative, self-cleaning clothing did exist - just not here.
It would prove a simple process for someone vaguely familiar with the common household task of washing clothes - but it wouldn’t stop Royanna from looking positively fascinated. Not the enthusiastic kind, obviously - but the subtle, more characteristic kind that had her leaning over him, watching owlishly as he put the little soap tablet in, set the machine to cycle, and made it all look much more simple than she would have made it on her own.
Then, when he turned around again, she had made a valiant, but utterly futile attempt to pretend as though she hadn’t been interested at all.
And when she was just about to leave for the control room, hearing the meek words, she halted. Then she gave an irritated sigh. Great, he’d gone and annoyed her again! But when she turned to face him, there was only a wry, slightly tired look about her. It was not hostile or angry, clearly. It was almost as if she were about to tell him something she’d already told him a thousand times.
Stepping back toward him, Roy put both hands out before her as if she were demonstrating the length of a meter. ”Christofer, listen to me.” She began, as if exhaustedly implying ’this is the last time I’m going to say it’ ”If you ever get in my way…” Surely she was starting to get angry now, right? But when she finished the sentence, it came out in words much softer than one might have expected. ”I will move you. Okay?” She shifted her hands to the left, as if moving the invisible meter stick.
If Royanna Kallenger was capable of sounding both earnest, warm and reassuring, this was probably the closest she was ever going to come to it. There might have even been the slightest hint of a little grin at the corner of her lips, though that could have been Toffi’s imagination.
”Trust me. I’ve dealt with much more difficult obstacles than someone who I like having around.” She froze then, blinked, turning just a little bit pink. ”I mean...an ally. Someone...who is an ally.” It was a much better recovery than before. Hardly more than skipping a beat, and she didn’t even seem awkward after. Well, she did like having him around. And so what? She was entitled to enjoying company, right? There was nothing awkward or unprofessional about that, right? Right? That’s what she was telling herself for the moment, at least.
”So, don’t be afraid to...k-keep a close proximity.” She added as she turned to make again for the door.
Smooth.
With Toffi in tow - If he still hesitated, she would make irritated, impatient ’come on gestures until he did Roy returned to the control center, where they were greeted with the image of a large, mostly grey structure hanging among stars. Hundreds of smaller structures of varying sizes and shapes scuttled slowly, almost dreamlike around it.
In what must have been huge white and red letters across the uneven surface of it was TORA STATION.
It lacked the traditional spindle and rings layout of many stations, instead going with granite decking, like a gigantic starship. As such, it was blocky, generally cubular in shape, with countless uneven protrusions all over the surface.
Roy flopped into the pilot’s chair just in time for a friendly enough, but bored voice to come over a speaker somewhere in the console. ”Tora Control to unidentified vessel, please identify.”
Roy did not hesitate - the way she spoke back implied that this was a very common procedure for her. ”Tora Control this is C-Ship Diplomat, requesting entry on personal business.”
There was a pause on the other end, then ”Cleared, Diplomat. You may want to get your ID codes checked up, looks like they’re pretty out of date. You may proceed, have a nice day.”
Roy cut the transmission, and wend about pressing buttons and moving controls. On the other side of the front window, the great structure seemed to move. It looked like little more than a screen panning a digital image, for there was no sensation of movement on the ship - but gradually, they began growing closer, slowly, gingerly navigating around the other ships of all different shapes, colors and sizes.
Roy did not seem on edge. That extra notch of alertness she had about her when going into trouble was not present, and she seemed casually confident that they were not walking into any danger.
The Qetan Boat Ship U Know Koolest Scout
The key difference Rin would have noticed upon seeing Ty was his smile. It was not the usual suave, sexy grin that seemed so natural to him. It was wider, more open, and light with relief. Even if the conniving Qetans’ procedure had caused more subtle, insidious effects, it was better than what Ty had expected. The visions of Rin waking up with no memory of who he was, spouting exposition on his rightful throne, and/or leaping off the table to liberate his Qetan ‘comrades’ - none of that happened, and for now that alone was good enough for Ty.
He glanced to Sands, who was smiling in a similar way. They hadn’t been this cheerful since they had managed to escape that deathtrap Earth IV Dropship with Boss. Hopefully, the fact that last time, the celebration lasted only long enough to proceed with the dark task of commandeering the ship they had escaped to in the name of Ningo would not portend to this situation. Having something go right only to follow it up with something dark…
”Alright, let’s wrap this show up.” He said, sobering. Putting a hand to his chest, he tapped the communicator hidden beneath the arctic poncho. ”Jackson, mind helping us out again?” It was becoming clear that this group did not give orders or adhere to ranks. ”We need someone to put these two Qetans in a broom closet and make sure they don’t get out until our friend Rai decides what to do with them.” He figured that on its own, the simple door to the storage closet on the Koolest wouldn’t do much - but with Jet Jackson standing outside, it might as well have been a prison stronghold.
”Yeah, we got a room for you.” Sands was saying, offering to help Rai back to their feet, if they needed it. ”Comfiest beds you know.” He grinned a little.
The minutes that followed were spent on wrapping up the ordeal. The Qetans would be shoved into a broom closet. Rai would be showed to his room on the Koolest. The airlock doors of the Koolest were shut and locked, with the Qetan ship still attached, and Tahil’s familiar still on board.
The plan was to head back toward the Skadi at a slow enough pace to tug both the Qetan and Nyran ships along. That would give Rin’s friends time to decide how they were going to proceed - though everyone had a pretty good idea as to what direction that would take. In the meantime, if the Qetans did manage to start trouble, they would simply disconnect from the Qetan ship and riddle it with PDC fire until not a cubic inch of atmosphere remained. Ty laid out the plan, and they would proceed as soon as Jackson was ready.
A long moment passed between Rin and Vaxur, and was only interrupted when Dallen spoke up from inside the small medbay. ”Oh @#$%, s’that Rin?” She said tiredly, appearing behind Vaxur a moment later, drying her hands in a hand towel. ”Told you he’d be fine.” She said quietly, with the appropriate smugness that came with every ’told you so’ ever. She even gave him a little nudge with an elbow. It hadn’t taken Dal long at all to start growing fond of the ’aquatic-land-alien’.
If her voice was tired though, she looked positively exhausted. Haggard and weary, but with a low grin on her face. She tossed the hand towel aside. ”’Ey Scout. Doin’ a’ight?”
Standing in the medbay entrance, every word felt like a hammer blow to Asya's chest. She was going to lose one of her team after everything they had been through to escape. Hanging her head Asya's hair partially obscures her face from view for several moments before she speaks, her voice like the brittlest of glass "Understood. Please see to it that she continues to sleep for now....and send a message for Sergeant Black to report to medbay."
Moving to take a seat Asya simply stares at the deck, unsure of what else to do. She was not a surgeon. The machines she had been told performed miracles had failed. Sitting as she was, she lamented "I've lost people before in combat. That's part of our job as soldiers. But I have never lost one of mine like this, directly outside of combat." Glancing up at Kovacs and where Jin lay in the machine, she sighs heavily "We Niven believe in fate. I-I want to tell you to continue to try and help her...but this is twice that fate has come to claim her. Truth is, you've allowed her to live longer then when you found us and I am grateful for that."
Moving to take a seat Asya simply stares at the deck, unsure of what else to do. She was not a surgeon. The machines she had been told performed miracles had failed. Sitting as she was, she lamented "I've lost people before in combat. That's part of our job as soldiers. But I have never lost one of mine like this, directly outside of combat." Glancing up at Kovacs and where Jin lay in the machine, she sighs heavily "We Niven believe in fate. I-I want to tell you to continue to try and help her...but this is twice that fate has come to claim her. Truth is, you've allowed her to live longer then when you found us and I am grateful for that."
Hearing the resignation in Asya's voice, Kovacs clenched his fists tight enough that, were he not wearing the suit, his knuckles would have made printing paper look black. He, too, had dealt with loss of teammates outside of combat, but many would say that he had not taken it well whenever it happened.
"No, I'll keep trying. You deserve that much. She deserves that much," he immediately went about the systems, pulling out what wasn't working and replacing it with properly functioning equipment where he could. The parts that weren't easily replaced were discarded until the manufacturer could fabricate more, and he found himself wondering if perhaps older models and methods might perform better.
He would always place the mission first. He would never acept defeat, quit, or leave a fallen comrade. And when he made a promise....he kept it.
"No, I'll keep trying. You deserve that much. She deserves that much," he immediately went about the systems, pulling out what wasn't working and replacing it with properly functioning equipment where he could. The parts that weren't easily replaced were discarded until the manufacturer could fabricate more, and he found himself wondering if perhaps older models and methods might perform better.
He would always place the mission first. He would never acept defeat, quit, or leave a fallen comrade. And when he made a promise....he kept it.
"POLICE? ARE YOU @#$%ING CRAZY? DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY WARRANTS I AM WANTED FOR? LIKE 2!"screamed Ringo in a hushed tone, looking around to see if anyone heard him, whilst trying to grab the amorphous creature. "What we need to do is lay low, and kill the guy; no loose ends, we'll skip town after that, living off of whatever money this sweet little honeypot can provide..", Ringo began to physically salivate towards the end of his little rant, forgetting that the bike man and the unidentified creature even existed. Giving the box a hug only a terminally-ill mother could give, Ringo looked around once more and then focused on the creature. "Before we do this whole ditch town thing, I've got to learn your name, son. I'll start off, I'm Ringo Rodriguez, the best $%&#in space cowboy around *holographic tumbleweed flies by*, and yours would b.." and before Ringo could finish his sentence, three men clad in normal clothes with mighty baseball bats had walked onto the scene.
"Heard you beat up my boy here *pointing towards bike man*, and stole OUR property, and we've come here to #$%& you up!"
Really? Thought Ringo as he tried running away screaming it was the creature fault, box under poncho. He got a total of 15 feet before getting his foot stuck in the concrete and falling face first. "AGH HOOAGHAHGHA, ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN" screamed Ringo, shifting to face the thugs, and drawing his pistol. Ringo's battlecry was anything but intimidating, and all it did was make the thugs crack up. That was until Ringo shot one in the kidney...on purpose...totally.
"GOO MAN, WANT TO HELP SOME MORE? IF YOU DO, I MIGHT GIVE YOU 15% OF THE MONEY FROM SELLING THIS BOX!"
"You sent lowly Debtors? Really Ray? I mean we can stand to lose Jklan, jackass, but you've got to send better guys to pick up something that valuable, your uncle should've taught you this."
"Heard you beat up my boy here *pointing towards bike man*, and stole OUR property, and we've come here to #$%& you up!"
Really? Thought Ringo as he tried running away screaming it was the creature fault, box under poncho. He got a total of 15 feet before getting his foot stuck in the concrete and falling face first. "AGH HOOAGHAHGHA, ALL ACCORDING TO PLAN" screamed Ringo, shifting to face the thugs, and drawing his pistol. Ringo's battlecry was anything but intimidating, and all it did was make the thugs crack up. That was until Ringo shot one in the kidney...on purpose...totally.
"GOO MAN, WANT TO HELP SOME MORE? IF YOU DO, I MIGHT GIVE YOU 15% OF THE MONEY FROM SELLING THIS BOX!"
"You sent lowly Debtors? Really Ray? I mean we can stand to lose Jklan, jackass, but you've got to send better guys to pick up something that valuable, your uncle should've taught you this."
The Kingsbane
It did not matter that an apparent state of emergency had been issued. It did not matter that everyone was freaking out and going nuts over that little black spot on the beautiful, dot-spattered wall. The fact that there were so many people, all running around and doing things - that was enough for her.
She was, of course, still put on edge by it. By everything, really. The whole ordeal was not becoming any less stressful or harrowing any time soon.
But she was not overwhelmed by the chaos. She had no desire to get any further out of their way than she already was. She did not want to follow the sullen ones that were leaving for whatever reason - she wanted to stay there, where the wrinkly man was.
It had occurred to her in a swell of delight some moments prior why - most likely - he had dragged her over here when clearly nobody had anything to do or say to her. Indeed, probably she was just getting sentimental again - always a terrible trap she walked into again and again - but she wondered if maybe he just did not want to let her out of his sight.
He had been happy to see her when she reappeared. He had wept when she lay dead on the floor. He was no guard, intent on keeping her confined, nor was he a Bird, demanding things of her. She wasn’t sure what he was, but she liked him. She felt safe around him.
It was the white one that was a Bird. A White Bird, since clearly there would be no Red ones here. And as much as she dreaded and feared that White Bird, her loyalty would not be swayed.
She tried to remember more about them - the heretical Users of Tools - but found her memory fuzzy. This was no surprise. Visions of the distant past came only in fleeting, vague glimpses - and at that, it was a world which she could barely comprehend, now. There was so much she couldn’t remember - and if the memories did lay in waiting deep within her being, she knew not when they would rise to the surface.
Perhaps, she decided, it would be best not to think back.
It was more interesting to watch the people doing things anyway. Comparisons could be drawn, but she had already seen that learning new things was going to become a regular part of her existence now, and what she saw going forward was infinitely more important than what she remembered going back...
It took her a moment to adjust when the angry person approached her. She blinked rapidly, leaning back wide-eyed as they looked down at her, fuming. Almost as if a bug had landed on her nose and she was trying to avoid getting stung.
What did they want?
She was scared, of course - but she had known real terror. The White Bird was terror. This was just an angry person. And yes, they were angry at her, but they weren’t going to kill her.
She assumed.
It took them gesturing wildly for her to finally realize that they wanted the chair. Understanding dawned over her, and she stumbled off the chair to back away as if they were a weird, crazy person with a knife, hands up just a little in surrender.
Once they had the chair back, she was once again ignored.
Well, that was fine. Glancing around, she found a better place to stand - right by the doors - and went there, and stood with back against the wall, leaning on it a little.
She could have left, the. Could have retreated to the quietude and peace of the place she was becoming pretty sure was called Research Center. It was nice there.
But it seemed to her that with the commotion, almost everyone was up here, in this room. She did not like the room very much - but probably ’Research Center’ would have nobody in it.
Much more than not wanting to be in the way, than not wanting to be in the presence of the Bird - she didn’t want to be alone. She didn’t want to be alone ever again.
So she stood there. Pressed up against the wall beside the door, she would be in nobody’s way. Those stationed near the door might be irritated at her presence, but she was oblivious to that if it was the case.
And gradually, things started to settle down. There were less people. It was quieter. And-
the instant that the wrinkly man looked at her, she was looking back. It was as if he had gotten her attention with a mere glance. It was almost uncanny.
He was beckoning to her in the gesture that meant ’come’ and smiling reassuringly. She looked at him in a brief, uncomprehending stupor as if saying ’Are you insane?!’. The White one was furious! Probably not at her, she figured - but he did keep glancing over her shoulder at him, and she kept pointedly avoiding his gaze each time.
After a moment, her expression turned to uncertainty, looking out from the feathery white-blonde hair as if saying ’Are...are you sure?’
Then at last, she glanced around, and walked toward him, arms glued to her sides and hands hooked in pockets as if to make herself that much smaller. Reaching them, she took her place standing behind the old man, keeping him between her and the Bird. And, of course, she was standing too close for comfort as usual.
It did not matter that an apparent state of emergency had been issued. It did not matter that everyone was freaking out and going nuts over that little black spot on the beautiful, dot-spattered wall. The fact that there were so many people, all running around and doing things - that was enough for her.
She was, of course, still put on edge by it. By everything, really. The whole ordeal was not becoming any less stressful or harrowing any time soon.
But she was not overwhelmed by the chaos. She had no desire to get any further out of their way than she already was. She did not want to follow the sullen ones that were leaving for whatever reason - she wanted to stay there, where the wrinkly man was.
It had occurred to her in a swell of delight some moments prior why - most likely - he had dragged her over here when clearly nobody had anything to do or say to her. Indeed, probably she was just getting sentimental again - always a terrible trap she walked into again and again - but she wondered if maybe he just did not want to let her out of his sight.
He had been happy to see her when she reappeared. He had wept when she lay dead on the floor. He was no guard, intent on keeping her confined, nor was he a Bird, demanding things of her. She wasn’t sure what he was, but she liked him. She felt safe around him.
It was the white one that was a Bird. A White Bird, since clearly there would be no Red ones here. And as much as she dreaded and feared that White Bird, her loyalty would not be swayed.
She tried to remember more about them - the heretical Users of Tools - but found her memory fuzzy. This was no surprise. Visions of the distant past came only in fleeting, vague glimpses - and at that, it was a world which she could barely comprehend, now. There was so much she couldn’t remember - and if the memories did lay in waiting deep within her being, she knew not when they would rise to the surface.
Perhaps, she decided, it would be best not to think back.
It was more interesting to watch the people doing things anyway. Comparisons could be drawn, but she had already seen that learning new things was going to become a regular part of her existence now, and what she saw going forward was infinitely more important than what she remembered going back...
It took her a moment to adjust when the angry person approached her. She blinked rapidly, leaning back wide-eyed as they looked down at her, fuming. Almost as if a bug had landed on her nose and she was trying to avoid getting stung.
What did they want?
She was scared, of course - but she had known real terror. The White Bird was terror. This was just an angry person. And yes, they were angry at her, but they weren’t going to kill her.
She assumed.
It took them gesturing wildly for her to finally realize that they wanted the chair. Understanding dawned over her, and she stumbled off the chair to back away as if they were a weird, crazy person with a knife, hands up just a little in surrender.
Once they had the chair back, she was once again ignored.
Well, that was fine. Glancing around, she found a better place to stand - right by the doors - and went there, and stood with back against the wall, leaning on it a little.
She could have left, the. Could have retreated to the quietude and peace of the place she was becoming pretty sure was called Research Center. It was nice there.
But it seemed to her that with the commotion, almost everyone was up here, in this room. She did not like the room very much - but probably ’Research Center’ would have nobody in it.
Much more than not wanting to be in the way, than not wanting to be in the presence of the Bird - she didn’t want to be alone. She didn’t want to be alone ever again.
So she stood there. Pressed up against the wall beside the door, she would be in nobody’s way. Those stationed near the door might be irritated at her presence, but she was oblivious to that if it was the case.
And gradually, things started to settle down. There were less people. It was quieter. And-
the instant that the wrinkly man looked at her, she was looking back. It was as if he had gotten her attention with a mere glance. It was almost uncanny.
He was beckoning to her in the gesture that meant ’come’ and smiling reassuringly. She looked at him in a brief, uncomprehending stupor as if saying ’Are you insane?!’. The White one was furious! Probably not at her, she figured - but he did keep glancing over her shoulder at him, and she kept pointedly avoiding his gaze each time.
After a moment, her expression turned to uncertainty, looking out from the feathery white-blonde hair as if saying ’Are...are you sure?’
Then at last, she glanced around, and walked toward him, arms glued to her sides and hands hooked in pockets as if to make herself that much smaller. Reaching them, she took her place standing behind the old man, keeping him between her and the Bird. And, of course, she was standing too close for comfort as usual.
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