Tremulous Forum
Media => Other Tremulous Media => Topic started by: Conzul on July 26, 2010, 07:37:40 pm
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This is Part 2 of Kyp the Granger, an original composition by Conzul. Use with permission.
If you wish to read Part 1 (the Prologue), you can find it here. (http://tremulous.net/forum/index.php?topic=13785.0)
If you wish to read Part 3 (the Conclusion), you can find it here (http://tremulous.net/forum/index.php?topic=14463.0)
Kyp the Granger
Part II
Chapter One
The Second Awakening
The cage was cold, wet, and hard to stand in, even with six legs. The years past had shown Kyp that he was replaceable, so he understood clearly that he must survive, no matter what the humans did to him.
Turning gingerly in his metal cage, he wondered again why he tried to hang to life for so long. His was now a world of torture and neglect, of electrified prod-sticks, and sneering beings in dull uniforms.
The vague memories of the freedom to move as he pleased, as well as the faded grayness of his youth on Homeworld, barely sustained him anymore.
His will to survive was growing more reflexive, less meaningful.
Why keep at it? The humans would keep him here until he died, he knew that. He had seen it. Other grangers, some more fit and healthy than he, had come and gone. Most died in the arena; some were put down because they couldn't form a nest anymore; and others were vivisected for study.
Kyp was beginning to feel old, and that was a Bad Thing. Six years had given him some experience and shown him some things. He had undergone a slow, independent evolution on his own. The ability to walk on walls was no consolation here, however, since he lived in a 4x4 iron pen in a damp dungeon under the arena. Alongside a handful of other rotting aliens, he awaited his fate.
He had made it so far, though....for which reason?
Was his destiny to manifest itself somewhere else, finally free of these ignominious chains? He had wished so for ages and ages, but thought he knew that that would never be his lot.
There was a merciful rule here, at A.T.C.S. - if the starting builder survived for the first five minutes of the skirmish, a special door would open and the granger could leave to live another day. Kyp had been doing this two-to-three times per week for about five years now.
He was unique. His handlers would brag to others about him, but he was never treated any better. If his fortune in the arena had built anything inside of him, he did not know or feel it. He had to watch members of his race die nearly every day. They always gave the humans a run for their money, but the margin varied.
Sometimes, he would have time to look around briefly at his handiwork, large aliens muscling past him, the portal waiting open for minutes or more. More often, though, he would find himself three or four minutes in waiting at the door, with gunshots echoing behind him, and the gloom illuminated by flashes and sparks. Occasionally, he'd get a hot plug in the rump, and it would take hours to heal. His diet was not conducive to wellbeing, especially since it was close to the same fabrication that the humans gave to their canine underlings.
He had just made it back from a match several minutes ago, and it had been a close one. The hatch had opened for him just as the tide was turning. Once in "safety", a few taps from the technician's prod had sent him across the dirty floor and into his box. But...there was something different this time....
Oddly, the handler hadn't used the shock button on his prod, which wasn't like him since he was mildly entertained by Kyp's by-the-book reactions. What could be causing this new display of clemency? Kyp had come about as his cage had snapped shut, wondering what was going on. Surprised, he had seen the techie squatting down and peering at him intently. After a moment, the human had said,
"Someone's taken a specific interest in you, Kyp my little pug-ugly...."
After another moment of passing his eyes over Kyp, he had gone on.
"It seems that you're excused from combat for a few days. Your survivability has payed off,
I think. Somebody thinks you're interesting now. I wonder, what will happen to you?
Standing, he turned and walked slowly for the door, deep in thought. As he left, the room was left in darkness.
It had all happened in a minute, and Kyp was still going over it now. To his left, a cage of dretches stirred, and then went still.
Kyp could not understand very well what the words meant, but he knew that the human had looked at him with curiosity this time, not the usual condescension.
Was this a good sign? It could be....
Whatever its significance, it lit in Kyp a rare flame of hope, an experience that shook him from his doldrum. His memory stirred.
He was a Granger from the Homeworld. He had matured, and left dormant in a comet to serve the Hivemind. He had made a nest years ago on a green planet, a planet unlike this one. Something had happened in a sweet-smelling cave, and then he had been captured and brought here. And now, something was happening that might take him away from this dreadful place, or so he hoped.
The Girl.
Suddenly he remembered her face. It had been covered by curiosity, much like the handler's face tonight. It had also been bright and - Kyp searched for a feeling - cheerful. But she was human....this was all so confusing. Thinking about it, Kyp realized that when he was young, he had no enemies, nor had he wanted any. The human girl must have been the same way too, he pondered. In retrospect, they had met each other at the crossroads, both awakening to what they were, and both having since come to mourn what they had lost at that point. After her maiming, Kyp was sure that the girl would hate all aliens as surely as he hated all of the humans that he had met since his capture.
Kyp did a half turn, vying for a more comfortable position as he lay down to sleep. Change was coming, and tomorrow would bring it.
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Conzul, I like your lore. ;)
It's very interesting and I like your writing style, but the stories are...short, kinda?
Looking forward to reading more of it. :)
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continued from above...
Chapter Two
Departures
Transit Station was packed today, just like any other day - a nightmare of jostling elbows and foreign languages. Roslyn didn't mind, for she was far from living in the moment. She was looking forward, because that was the only direction that showed promise.
She had made it. The Corporation had awarded her an internship right out of school. She would be going on expeditions with the Coalition's top zoologists as an intern while finishing her last year of coursework. As far as she knew, none of her classmates had been awarded this accolade, this chance to explore the galaxy and discover new life and name exotic diseases after yourself.
She hadn't always been this way.
Just six years ago she had been a carefree minor, with decidedly the lowest grades that were tolerated. All that work just got in the way of the true meaning of life - roaming the woods and hills and having fun.
Then there had been the incident.
After waking from an induced sleep, she had been unsure of what had happened. She had been allowed to stand up, only to fall down. A new prosthetic foot and ankle had been fitted to her right leg. Both a pain and an embarrassment, it had been hard to adapt to. Taking her mind off of her classmates' signatures on her very person, she shook her leg to lower her cuff. Where was Jake? He was supposed to be here to say goodbye. And that guy in the leather trench coat kept looking at her, she was sure of it.
Turning around, she saw the train coming in through the tunnel on its final approach, electricity crackling down on its dual rails. It would leave in ten minutes, and she would be on it.
Where is he?! Just like a guy...
She peeked over at the man in the long coat. He was now at a hot dog stand, very slowly and ostentatiously purchasing a hot dog. As she was considering walking over to him and asking him exactly what his problem was, suddenly and unexpectedly, she got hugged.
"What's creepy and quiet and GRABS you from behind?"
She let out her breath and grinned. "Jake."
Letting go, they turned to face each other and hugged again. It had been a few months.
"Wha - oh my. And to think that it was you who saw me first...."
"Like it?" Jake asked.
He was wearing the uniform of Remdann Securities, who apparently didn't care about making its members nondescript.
"Well, aside from the glossy reflective bits, you look like security material to me", she said.
"Are you really sure you want to do this? We could use people like you. I've seen it." Jake said. He had been trying to dissuade her from leaving for over a month now, believing that she would do better as part of a mindless security corporation whose only benefit was travel.
Roslyn looked at him flatly. "If you keep at this any more, I'm going to make a ringtone out of it, I swear. I've gotten into something that's hard to get into, Jake. I can make a name for myself with this. Come on, security is too easy. Everyone gets in!"
Unphased, Jake crossed his arms in a serious manner.
"People need security. There are bugs everywhere. You should know that."
He tapped her foot with his, making a small metallic 'tink' noise.
"Hey - does that say Dave was here!?!" He mocked surprise.
"It says Have no fear, you nitwit," she was laughing now.
"I get the distinct feeling that yet another guy in a trench coat is following you." said Jake.
"They do that", said Roslyn. "blonds with duffel bags...."
"That reminds me," said Jake, "what is it that friend of yours keeps saying about us, the-"
"Norma," replied Roslyn. "She says that aliens and boys have a lot in common: They both come in waves, and they're both out to get my ass..."
"I like it," and before he could stop himself, "Tib woulda' loved that one."
"Yeah...." Roslyn grew quiet.
Outbound SST-942 to Ventas Spaceport, departs in two minutes The loudspeaker barked.
"Well..." Roslyn said.
"I know." Jake looked at the trench coat again, who in turn looked at something else and chewed more slowly.
He moved one of her duffel bags and looked at the markings.
Lucifer Corporation
PEACE THROUGH POWER
"Really?"
"Yes", said Roslyn.
"Nothing I can say?"
"Probably not."
Jake thought for a moment, then smiled and held out his hand. "Service guaranties friendship!"
"Mmm." said Roslyn, who smiled and clasped his hand anyway.
SST-942 Departing now for Ventas Spaceport, all aboard! the speaker barked again.
"You'll write."
"We will."
"What?"
"Write."
"That's right."
"Exactly."
"Silly," said Roslyn, shaking her head and starting to climb into the waiting traincar. Lifting her bags up, he said,
"Well. This is it!"
"I'll miss you."
"No you won't." said Jake, as the rails began to power up.
"Don't say that! I will. See you soon!" the traincar began to pull away.
"You know it!" called Jake, smiling sideways.
It would be a while before he saw her again, but that was okay. They had been inseparable after Tib died.
Jake walked steadily over to the trench coat man, who was putting away a comlink and taking the last bite of his hotdog. He looked at Jake innocently.
In as low a pitch as he could summon, and with a straight face, Jake leaned down and whispered,
"Don't eat the sausage".
Leaving the man bewildered, Jake walked off, satisfied.
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Conzul, I like your lore. ;)
It's very interesting and I like your writing style, but the stories are...short, kinda?
Looking forward to reading more of it. :)
Mkay here's some more. Thanks for reading it :)
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Excellent writing, looking forward to the next chapter.
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Excellent writing, looking forward to the next chapter.
^ This. :)
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hahahahaha
Man I love this.
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This is awesome. A+!
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continued from above...
Aliens are Weird
Humans are Weirder
~Hivemind Musings
Chapter Three
Civilization
In the beginning, there was nothing.
And then, there was the Overmind. . .
Whether by mysterious accident or Divine intention, the Overmind had been formed at the very beginning. Thrust into sudden consciousness by the power of existence, it had taken stock of its being.
Damn. No legs.
The Overmind kept testing itself. After five minutes, it had ascertained that it could not speak, see, feel, move, listen, or otherwise show outward signs of life.
Great. Now what. I can't even commit suicide. If there's a God, I hate Him. I think I'll kill Him, and anyone who looks like Him! Wait a minute. . . I'm thinking! I can think! It's so easy!
The Overmind quickly calculated Pi to more places than it could remember after nine seconds, in nine seconds.
This isn't so bad. I think I can go with this. . . .
After some time, with nothing to do but think, the Overmind became a powerful mentalist, conscious on more levels than the lesser creatures that crawled around it. It learned to dominate; to control, and to extend its will far beyond its physical bounds to manipulate other beings. It was having a hell of a time.
After a number of years, the Overmind developed abilities that resulted in a startling discovery: There were other Overminds! Excited, it called out to them. Sluggishly, they began to respond, one by one. Some were on different continents, but others were even on other planets. Over the years they had all followed the same intellectual course, and therefore were all able to discover each other due to having developed the same abilities.
Enthralled, they did what most groups of super-intelligent beings do when they encounter one another - they formed a network to conquer and rule all that they could see. Their initial efforts showed them that they were going to be good at this. After all, most of what they saw - if not unworthy of rule anyway - was easy to overcome and organize.
With their superior intellects, the Overminds decided to come together for the good of all beings, and the Hivemind was formed. Giving up their individuality, each Overmind gave itself up to the whole, in a mass act of historic selflessness. First on its agenda was the dampening of interspecies violence. Since all of the animals on all of its worlds were mostly weak of mind (or totally lacking), the Hivemind decided to just recondition them to be compatible with one another. There were no beings whose minds were too strong to control, so the Hivemind adopted this as the standard method for species that it discovered everywhere.
This worked quite well, until the humans came.
The Hivemind didn't know what to make of them. They were resistant to the probings of the Hivemind, almost not knowing they were being probed at all. Impudent in their metal ships, they passed through Hive worlds, intent on the Homeworld. The Hivemind wasn't sure why they showed such interest in that place. After all, it wasn't actually a planet in the classical sense. The Origin Mind lived on an asteroid structure, a sticky ball of space rocks held together by an unseen force that even the Hivemind was unaware of. Here, with the species most like it, the Origin Mind held absolute dominion.
Uneasy and cautious, the Hivemind rationed that any beings intelligent enough to employ spaceflight must be just as benevolent and advanced as it was, if not more. Maybe the humans just wanted to make peaceful contact. But how did they know about the Origin? There were great happenings afoot, noted the Hivemind, as it monitored the approaching human ships.
Once they arrived, they did nothing more complex than begin to siphon something out of the Origin Nexus. Apparently, they were harvesting something, but the Hivemind could not detect what. After several hours, the human ships were satisfied, and turned to depart. The Hivemind breathed out a collective sigh of relief.
Then it felt the weakness.
Whatever the humans had taken from the Origin Nexus had caused the Hivemind to nearly crash in exhaustion. This was a second nasty surprise. What was it that the Hivemind could not see, but that it needed to function? Were there forces at work that it did not know about? This revelation was met with much ambivalence and foreboding. The Hivemind was not all-powerful, as it had believed.
One thing was certain. It could not allow any more beings in spaceships to enter its realm, no matter the cost, until this matter could be fully solved. As such, it arranged its minions to be hostile to the human aura that it had detected, and it began the construction of vast arrays of asteroids that could be launched from plasma vortexes to dissuade incoming humans.
If the humans came again, they would not be welcomed. The Hivemind would never be made to feel the weakness again.
Over a hundred years later, things had changed.
Battered on all sides by unending waves of human aggression, the Hivemind had gone from being an engine of order in a world of peace, to being nothing more than a tactical computer, visceral and without feeling.
Its children were sent again and again, to hurt the humans, to slow the humans, to do anything to hinder the tide of human expansion toward the Homeworld.
The Hivemind shot superheated plasma asteroids at the human ships.
The humans built more and kept coming.
The Hivemind tried to move Homeworld to a different location through mind-power.
The humans found it.
The Hivemind sent its aliens to human worlds to cause disorder and mischief.
The humans killed them and came back harder.
Nothing was working. For every human killed, a stronger one would take its place, with a better weapon. The Hivemind could not fathom their fervence, their will to keep coming and keep dying. Either they were incredibly stupid, or they were the greatest beings in the universe. Since the Hive couldn't figure it out, it kept its painful, unending course of war.
To its children, it swore that one day, peace would return. One day, the humans would not return to cause the weakness, and that, one day, order would reign again.
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Thanks for all the feedback: Keeps me going!
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continued from above....
Chapter Four
Over the Hill...
Sigig wished that Morig would just shut up. He'd been moaning like - well, like a wounded basilisk. Which meant that he shouldn't be moaning, because
Basilisks heal, you pathetic creep! Sigig snarled at him. If you are in such pain, let's have Mnoth put you down RIGHT NOW!
Because Mnoth can barely walk himself, that's why retorted Morig.
Well then be QUIET, hissed Sigig. We have a long way to go.
Hiding in the woods for five years had been easy. Healing had not. Far from the Hivemind or from friendly aliens, Mnoth, Sigig and Morig had undergone some serious story-sized hardships. Though they were basilisks, Sigig and Morig had been able to do little for Mnoth because of their weakened state. Without proper food or the minerals they had access to when near the Overmind, they were skeletons of their former selves. Mnoth was in even worse shape, having been stabbed, burned, and hit by numerous big-game hunters who thought it was their lucky day.
And they had to stay on the move constantly to avoid the patrols which still searched for them. The humans were meticulous, and knew that a dragoon had gotten away from the alien purge several years before. Some quarter had been granted this previous year, though, as no aliens had been spotted. The humans must have assumed that Mnoth died of natural causes, sickness or Ventas bears, or a big-game hunter on his lucky day. Either way, the trio had had nearly nine months to recuperate. They were still starving, though.
They could not risk killing a human to eat, for it would be missed, and they would start back at square one. And they couldn't afford that, because Mnoth had a plan.
Ventas Spaceport.
Every month, large herds of livestock were loaded onto waiting ships and taken to other planets for various uses. Most of these animals were from Earth, brought by settlers and chosen specifically for their environment.
Mnoth had been, in a previous life, a spy for the Hivemind, specializing in memorization of enemy positions, timetables, and other minutia that enabled covert OPS. From an outcropping of the mountain near Ventas Spaceport, he had been watching daily from the edge of the forest. Now, he was sure that he knew all of the arrivals and departures, and he had hatched (on his own) the daring plan of stowing away with a herd of the planet's indigenous livestock. The species he had chosen was a large, friendly reptilian with applications in, ironically, herding livestock. From a distance, Mnoth and the basilisks should be undetectable in a herd of Ventas Zirkis. And while all loadings were supervised, Mnoth had noticed that the humans avoided direct contact with the main herd.
Mnoth had seen stray animals get in before. Once, he had seen the humans completely ignore two dark canines who had run alongside the zirkis barking loudly.
Stupid humans.
This would be a piece of cake.
Two days later, he had it all worked out. In the evening, when the sun was two inches from the horizon, a local ranch would load its zirkis into waiting trucks, which would then drive fifteen miles to the spaceport. They were then unloaded in a mostly automated sequence from the trucks, and herded into large interplanetary cargo craft. What could go wrong?
Turning to Sigig and Morig, Mnoth prepared for the tedious task of communicating with them.
We've gone over this before, Mnoth said slowly. So there shouldn't be a problem. The night before, we'll sneak into the zirkis corral. They're inattentive and stupid, like you two, so they won't be bothered by us. Also - what Morig? No, you may not kill any of them - where was I? We'll wait for evening, and load up with the herd. Once on the spaceship, we'll take it all the way to its destination, a conflict world.
Morig raised a claw.
What? said Mnoth wearily.
How do we know where this ship is going? asked Morig in a voice like icicles in vinegar.
Its had some of its running lights disabled. They do that for "stealthy" landings on conflict planets.
After a pause, Don't question me again. Sigig?
Good here. said Sigig slowly and steadily. May I kill Morig? We will need energy for the ride, and we haven't eaten in days...
Mnoth twisted his mouth around his teeth in a crude, sarcastic smile, and turned back to the spaceport panorama.
We move out tonight.
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[deleted]
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I like how this is progressing so far. It's a bit short, but I think this is not so bad right now. :)
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/me
:( but w w h h h y y y ? ? ?
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/me
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You know I can't actually go on until he returns it. :angel:
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GIVE THIS MAN HIS KEYBOARD BACK DAMN IT!
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[deleted]
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ok you can take it back
* Takes keyboard huffily.
I'll have some more in a day or two. Crava_Loft messed up the backspace key :police:
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Ah that's nasty.
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continued from above...
Chapter Five
Stowaway Stupidity
The bay was large and smelly, full of the happy jostling of the contented zirkis. The cargo bay doors had closed several minutes ago, the ramp had retracted, and the internal lights had been dimmed for the coming departure.
They were still surprised that they had gotten in so easily, and wondered why this didn't happen all the time. Then, after ten minutes, Jeff realized why. It stank in here. And takeoff was no joke either, since artificial gravity was not as strong in the livestock areas.
Hearing a crunching sound off to his left, he started irritably,
"Already? You're going to starve. You're not getting any of mine, that's for sure."
"Maybe you forgot, we spent nine hours in that truck. That means I haven't eaten in almost eighteen hours."
"Just...keep it down." said Jeff irritably. He was feeling sick, from hunger, stench, and turbulence.
After another ten minutes, they were out of the atmosphere, and the shaking stopped. Jeff was driven to go over the reasons that they were here in the first place. Out of work. Out of money. Kids grew up and left. Screw this planet. Individually weak, together a strong argument for getting a free one to an interesting world. They wouldn't get to do any fighting, the recruiters had told them that they were too old and fat for that. It didn't matter. They were finally getting out. The only issue was that the getting part sucked.
"Remember that time -" started Adam.
"Yes." Jeff broke him off.
"You don't have to be an asshole. This was your idea."
Jeff was silent. "Munchy" turned away and watched the herd of zirkis settle down to doze for the trip. In a few minutes, the vault was nearly silent. Adam felt a sudden gush of cool air from a few feet away. There was a vent, and the grid had fallen off.
"See? This isn't so bad. Quiet, smell's leaving, lights are going out - hey! the lights are going out!"
"Coward." said Jeff smugly. "What did you expect? This is third class."
"I don't have a problem with it." Adam ate another crisp.
Though he couldn't see his face anymore, he knew that Jeff was looking at him like something from the bottom of his boot.
He reached in and took another crisp, and raised it to his mouth. Jeff kept looking at him. The crisp echoed as Munchy bit into it.
Suddenly, the bag was kicked from his hand.
"What's your problem?! Fuck....." Adam couldn't see where the bag had landed in the blackness.
"What the hell are you talking about?" asked Jeff, glad that the crunching had stopped.
Groaning, and getting up on hands and knees, Munchy started to grope around the dirty floor for the bag of crisps. A zirki grunted with annoyance as he planted a hand square on its tail. "Sorry!" said Munchy quickly.
"Idiot." Jeff scoffed from a few feet away. More carefully, Munchy groped farther, worming his way between the zirkis.
"Damn. They're spilled. Why did youuaanngth?"
"Why did I what? I didn't do anything. Looks like the zirkis are just as annoyed as I was."
"Eeenngth - aaAAaanth!" said Munchy stuffily, upsetting some more resting zirkis.
Wow. Can't even wait to pile them into his mouth! thought Jeff. "Get back here, if you worry those things they'll trample us to death."
A thrown object hit Jeff in the chest, and fell to his lap. More zirkis were getting up, moving away.
"If this is dung or something, you're a dead man."
Silence. The light level went up several lumens, apparently programmed to do so if the zirkis started moving a lot.
Jeff felt for the object. It was obviously zirki dung, it was still dripping wet. Disgusted, he threw it from him and started to stand.
"That's it. You're dead." Jeff took a step and landed on a crisp, which broke with a loud sound. Something dropped onto him.
One moment later, the object was off of him, and he couldn't feel his legs. He couldn't feel anything. Then he stopped thinking, as all feeling left him. Unable to sense anything below his neck, he fell lightly to the floor, sure that he was missing something. In the dimness he saw a man standing over him. A shock passed over him as he saw that the person had no head.
"That's m-"
Then he was dead.
**~**
Sigig dropped off the wall and landed next to the corpse of the fallen human. It had been so long since he'd had the chance to do this, it almost made him happy. Several feet away, Mnoth was limping up to Morig, who as usual had made a complete mess of things.
Sigig walked up to the two, stepping over the headless human. Weeelllll? he hissed.
For you, point-seven seconds.
Facing Morig, Five and-a-half seconds. You'd be retired if we were on Homeworld. They'd probably let a darky eat you.
It's been years, what do you expect? retorted Morig with his mouth full.
You were playing, we both know it. said Sigig. What an amateur. Mnoth, may I kill him now?
Mnoth didn't answer, his mouth was full too.
We don't have to be that perfect. No one knows we're here. No sound escaped. You don't have to be so professional. said Morig, blood dripping down his fangs.
Bad habit, mumbled Sigig, distasteful of Morig's repeated idiocy. Why must I put up with this imbecile?
Can't have your human and eat it too, said Mnoth through chews.
Sigig croaked sarcastically and went over to his meal. At least I got the lean meat.
Half-an-hour later, there wasn't much human left. Sigig had thought it comical that some of the more adventuresome zirkis had actually tried a few tidbits. Great chaps. They completely welcomed the trio in with them during loading, not making a complaint of any type. He must remember to let the Hivemind know about them.
Now lazing around, with a full stomach, and the room back in darkness, Sigig was beginning to heal again. He had been living a life of frugality for a blue moon. Now, stuffed with proper sustenance and having tried some of the high-sodium crisps, he was beginning to feel life returning.
It was a glorious sensation.
I'm thirsty. intoned Morig. He was dozing on one of the sleeping zirkis, and rose and fell with its rhythmic breathing.
As am I, agreed Mnoth.
Funny how they're both looking at me, thought Sigig.
Did you check their bags? I thought I saw a canteen. There it is."
They got up and gathered around it. Mnoth shoved it with his foreleg. They heard water sloshing inside. They kept staring at it.
It's got a cap on it. said Morig smartly.
The other two looked at him, and then back at the canteen. On the other side of the bay, a zirki sighed in its sleep.
Now what? moaned Morig.
There is an open vent over there. We can head into it and look for water or something, said Sigig. By we, he meant him, unless an opportunity to ice Morig could present itself.
What about the zirkis? What do they drink? asked Morig.
Not pure water, said Mnoth, I tried it, it won't work. Better to break out now than to wait for the ship to land. I won't die of dehydration after having come so far. Where there are humans, there is water; we have that in common. You two must try to find a way to open that access hatch. There are no hydrolics in here, so if I can get out, I'll find something.
Alright, said Sigig, feeling better than he had in ages. I'll go. Morig, you stay and heal Mnoth.
NO! said Month. You're more likely to find something if you both go. I'll be fine. And he winked at Sigig.
I'll interpret that as permission to get rid of Morig, thought Sigig. Okay. Lets go.
Sigig followed Morig into the duct. This was turning out to be the best day ever.
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Atkins basilisk? o.O
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continued from above.... disclaimer: alien speech isn't real speech, it's a series of grunts and expressions only they can understand. Just to get that out of the way.
Chapter Six
Threads
So, if we do find water, how do we get it to him? asked Morig for the umpteenth time. They had been crawling around the duct-work of the ship for about three hours.
We need to find some hydrolics near the livestock bay, and tear them apart so that water flows through the vent and down to Mnoth.
That sounds complicated, whined Morig. Can't we just kill another human and let Mnoth have the blood?
No. It'd be missed. Those we had were stowaways, like us, so no one was going to miss them. Of course, Mnoth could decide he's waited long enough, and break out and do that anyway, but that's bound to set off all kinds of alarms. Sigig was tired of explaining everything to Morig twice.
Two hours ago, the ship had made a stop at a large space-station, and the two had watched as crates, cages and passengers had been loaded into another large bay. Sigig had made a mental note to check on them later, because he was sure that he had heard familiar sounds from some of them. They had explored for a further two hours, and had seen nothing of interest except that the mammoth passenger ship had taken on some escorts in the form of a pair of Remdann destroyers. Apparently, Mnoth had been right. The ship was going to a conflict planet. Sigig had been doing some espionage of his own recently, and was taking a liking to it. And he would have the opportunity to learn from Mnoth, the master spy.
Having come full circuit, the basilisks arrived back at the livestock bay, and looked down at Mnoth through a second vent.
Find anything? Mnoth asked.
Yes, get over here, you won't want to miss any! said Sigig. Mnoth stood up and stepped over to the vent, ten feet above him, pushing zirkis aside.
Um. How? hissed Morig.
Back there. There's a line with water in it, not too hot. Go puncture it while I try to loosen this grating.
Morig crawled over to a bundling of lines, not noticing that two of the larger ones were humming. This one?
No, the one on the other side of it, replied Sigig, still pretending to mess with the grill.
Morig reached across the bundle to grab the line that Sigig had indicated. There was a sudden flash as Morig came into contact with the dual power lines, and a gush of fried-basilisk smell. All of the lights went out, and Sigig heard a motor stop in an adjacent deck. The vent ceased to blow cool air.
Was that Morig? grunted Mnoth.
That was Morig. affirmed Sigig.
Smelled like it. thought Mnoth aloud.
Hang on, you'll want to get it when it's still cool. I heard some motors go off. I think we lost some life support.
Sigig stepped over Morig's blackened body, towards the real hydrolic line. Cutting it cleanly with a foreclaw, he grabbed it in his mouth and pulled it over to the vent, with warm water flowing everywhere. Mnoth felt some splashing, and lifted his head up to get some.
Several minutes later, Sigig was on the move again. He had to find some food that wouldn't be missed. After all, Mnoth couldn't eat zirkis, and neither of them was going to eat Morig. This was the last deck that Sigig hadn't explored.
Crawling through more duct-work, he passed over a vent right as a pair of mechanics were making their way under it.
"I thought we just got a full going-over a month ago." One said.
"Doesn't matter. This needed to be scuttled years ago." the other said.
"We'll try the aux first. Probably won't get to the root till we dock next...." And then they walked out of range.
Sigig moved on, passing more machinery and moving on to the passenger quarters. He passed a few berths, peeking through the grid at sleeping bodies. Must be their night cycle, thought Sigig. It was starting to get very warm, almost hot, on this deck. Sigig was built for hostile environments, so it didn't affect him. He passed a room with an occupant who wasn't, however, doing so well. Peering through the vent lattice, he saw that she was short, blond, and very sweaty. She was standing at the console with her back to him, pressing a key, bringing up a communication.
"This is the captain speaking; We apologize for the bother, but it seems that some of our older life support systems have failed. We are switching to backup systems, so the vents should stop blowing hot air in about five minutes." With a wink in his voice, the recording ended.
Something seemed familiar, but Sigig became too distracted to focus on that. The human was pulling her shirt off.
Sigig usually admired human bodies as things to be taken apart, to be eaten slowly and thoughtfully, and appreciated for the many variations of flavor and consistency. This one was no different.
Feeling suddenly adventurous and reckless, Sigig double-tapped the vent lattice with his foreleg, and then darted back into the shadows. The human whipped around, and not all of her at the same time, Sigig noted with some satisfaction.
Heheh. Cheap shot. He shook his head to himself and started back on his way. He was a full ten feet down the duct when the double take hit, and it hit hard. Dashing back to the room vent as quickly (and quietly) as he could, he tried for a good look a target formerly low on his list, her face.
The Girl. . . . . . . . . . . .The Girl.
The cave.... Sigig remembered. She turned away the moment he got back, but it was enough. Her hair was a few shades darker, and her eyes had gone from a light blue to deep black, but she was definitely the same human from the cave. She had surivived. She was healthy. She was even looking good, Sigig punned to himself. This world was screwed up. NO one got to walk after Mnoth had his way with them. No one got to leave. No one healed. Screwed up, Sigig repeated to himself.
Six years. a wave was growing in Sigig's head. Six YEARS. And she lives. I was rising. I had a destiny. She waltzed in and MESSED it all up! And she's ALIVE! The wave was cresting. It was all Sigig could do to hold himself back from smashing through the grate and finishing a goon's work. Fortunately for both of them, his professionalism won out, as it usually did.
That's why I made it so far, he realized ruefully. I survive. And I will get my revenge.
Sigig sneaked away, wondering when he should break this to Mnoth. This had gone from the best day, to the worst day. Sigig passed more passenger berths, none of them as interesting as the one he had just left. The auxiliary cooling systems must have kicked in, because the air began to cool again. Sigig was so distracted that he almost passed the second livestock bay without checking it. There were some interesting looking crates, which Sigig remembered had been making some interesting sounding noises. Walking across the deserted floor to a stack of covered cages, he chose one at random and pulled the tarp off it.
Kyp was inside it.
GHASP! gasped Sigig. That made TWO blasts from the past in as many minutes. Sigig felt suddenly dizzy. Maybe this was all a dream. Yes, that was it. Roslyn and Kyp were both dead, far away, and it was Sigig, not Morig, who was roasting on the powerlines, finally out of his misery.
But that was too easy, and Sigig realized it.
Um. Hi. said Sigig.
Sigig. said Kyp. I remember you. You killed the boy. The one who was trying to save the girl.
Would it interest you to know, responded Sigig, that the very same girl is on this ship, right now?
I know. I'm her luggage. We all are.
We?
Kyp motioned toward some other crates with tarps on them. Sigig moved over to them unsurely. Lifting up the coverings, he spied the contents of several cages. There was a dretch, a basilisk, a marauder, and a dragoon. And they looked happy.
What's wrong with them? asked Sigig. They look - broken.
We're all part of an experiment. We all have things the humans put into us, to know where we are... Kyp indicated a healing scar on his rump. And guess what? They're going to let us go.
Is that so? Sigig was sure that Kyp, at least, had been tampered with.
Yes. But they are broken, I watched the humans take things out of their heads, and put liquids into them. Then they became broken. But not me. I only have the thing that tells humans where you are.
Come to think of it, they do have a funny look on their faces.... said Sigig.
They can't do things anymore, and they don't attack humans either! The humans changed them.
Will you stop saying things? asked Sigig irritably.
Like what? said Kyp.
You know. sneered Sigig. But what did you mean, 'her luggage'?
She is one of the ones who changes us. replied Kyp. Or she works with them, anyhow. I was surprised to see her, I thought Mnoth killed her. then after a moment: I think I like her.
Sigig looked at him condescendingly. Yes, I like her too.
No, I mean in a different way. She reminds me of - me. A long time ago.
Let's see....ditzy, emo, pain fetish.....sounds right.
My mistake. said Kyp quietly.
You're serious. said Sigig. Wow. You pervert. This is because she touched you, isn't it? If the Overmind had lived, it wouldn't have taken you back.
Very funny, Kyp snarled at him.
You're just as broken as these others. No - you're worse. At least your semi-conscious. My, do I have news for Mnoth....
He's here?!? exclaimed Kyp.
Wait a minute..... Sigig was looking at the dragoon and the basilisk.
Is Mnoth here? went on Kyp. What are you looking at? Sigig? . . . Oh no. No way."
It could work, said Sigig slowly. But where to hide the bodies?
And I thought I hated humans... Kyp mumbled to himself. Where are you going?
Sigig was walking off, back into the duct. Kyp wouldn't miss him one bit. He had half a mind to start bellowing until he attracted attention, and then he would tell .. .. them .. .. nonsense. I can't do that... Then he would be no better than a human, and he still had a thorough hatred of them.
Sigig made his way back to the zirki bay. He would tell his plan to Mnoth, and see if it met with approval. He would, after all, wish that his teammates would do the same to him if he were ever captured and - broken.
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awsome man awsome.
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Thanks. I was writing it the other day, when all of a sudden I knew how it was going to end. There's still enough left though I might have to do a Part III
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I love your take on the background of tremulous, how aliens are kept in cages and used as training devices.
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Removed Atkins reference. Too out of place.
I love your take on the background of tremulous, how aliens are kept in cages and used as training devices.
Well that's their perspective. The humans just want to beat them.
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Omg, this is awesome!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I can't wait for the next one! ::)
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Omy! I just remembered that I was writing this story. :P got carried away gaming. Let's see . . .
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chapter six, "Threads", is continued from above. . .
Ripping. . . Tearing. . .Blood everywhere. . . .
Such pain. . .the s c r e a a a a m m m . . . .
Roslyn shot up, barely catching her breath and avoiding hitting the upper bunk with her head. She had been dreaming again. It was so hot. . . she was sweating all over. What was wrong with her? Was it the room? She looked down at her foot, even though she knew it was still there. She wiggled a prosthetic toe. It moved back and forth, forlornly, its small servo humming just within hearing volume.
She got out of bed carefully, trying not to disturb Norma in the upper berth. Moving too fast, she almost collapsed.
So hot. . .
She steadied herself, shuffled over to the console, and noticed a green light flashing. Pressing it, she heard a recording of the captain's voice that was stamped from half-an-hour ago. He was saying that the heat was a malfunction, but that the ventilators would be back on in minutes.
"Right," she rolled her eyes, "A few minutes."
Stooping beneath the console, she tapped a pad that opened a drawer, a drawer with her effects. Opening a duffel, she took out one of the neatly folded T-Shirts and proceeded to relieve herself of her sweat-soaked tank-top.
Few more months, I'll have be able to afford a whole wardrobe she thought whimsically as she threw aside the used article.
Tap-Tap! a noise came from behind her.
Swinging around, her vision zeroed in on the vent, still gushing warm air. She stood completely still.
No further sounds came. She let her breath out, attributing the noise to her imagination. She had been having these dreams for years, and they always left her unsettled and melancholic.
Pulling the shirt over her head, she chanced to look out the portal. Space was always black and beautiful, she thought. In stark contrast, a silver-toned warship rose into view, its patrol parabola bringing it into full view. It had the same "Remdann" lettering on it that Jake had worn, and the same shameless glitter and color choices that his uniform had born.
Roslyn wondered if he were in that ship. It had only been two days, and she missed him more than she would have ever thought. He'd always been there to help in one capacity or another: First, helping her walk and adjust to her new "hardware", as they called it in an attempt at humor. Then with simple things like being there to talk to, doing homework together, going for walks in the woods.
Well, the edge of the woods anyway, she reminded herself. The world changes its people, not the other way around. She believed this firmly, though she acknowledged that she didn't have enough evidence to prove it.
The destroyer continued its circular pattern, passing out of sight of the portal. Roslyn went back over to her bed, and sat on the edge. Unable to go to sleep with the room this hot, she kept thinking of Jacob.
At 15, he had abruptly slowed his routine of scholastic accomplishment and unrequited friendship. Roslyn believed it was because of the news about his father. Henri had been a promising recruit, and like so many others had given his all in the Coalition Army. He was listed as missing, but the news had told them enthusiastically days before that the planet he was stationed on had been lost.
Jake became almost a different person. He stopped hanging out with her. He started noticing other girls. His grades suffered. He fantasized about running off and joining a security corporation to fight aliens.
Freshman psychology hinted to Roslyn that he was out for some kind of revenge, but he had been so much smarter than that.
The duct halted its heat flow, and there was a pause. Several moments later, she felt cool, soothing air on her face. Finally able to lay down, she thought about her own position, confident that sleep wouldn't let her do it long.
She (and Norma, in a lesser capacity) were accompanying Professor Wetz on a month-long study trip. Their directive was to observe a group of partially domesticated alien specimens on a neutral planet. These aliens had been given many drugs, and had brain surgeries. Many aliens had undergone these, and this batch was the first to survive the treatments. The military applications were obvious, since it was now possible to make a drug that could incapacitate the legions of the Hivemind. Before the drug could be deployed, testing had to be done to see if the aliens would revert to hostility, given time or certain conditions. No chances were being taken.
Roslyn's part in this was minor. The whole operation had been contracted to the Lucifer Corporation, and she was merely a student that they had selected to fill the role of intern. There was a certain stress, though, because minimal as she was, Roslyn was in fact the only Lucifer Corporation personnel on the entire expedition. While Wetz admired her academic skills, she knew that he was annoyed at the tactic that the company was using in this case.
Roslyn was being used to spy on him, and he had made it clear that he knew that. When she denied it, he dismissed her rebuttal, and explained how she would be interrogated after the expedition was complete.
Her duties were not critical, but involved her having access to all of the findings that the troupe would uncover. On top of this, there was more schoolwork, since she was technically still in school.
The Sandman dropped a few specs of relief. Her mind started to drift, her eyes close. The room was cooling again. In a few hours, they would arrive at their destination, a frozen planet with numerous private installations. There would be so much work to do. . . best to get some shuteye. .. . .. . .. . ..
Jake looked out of the portal of the mess-hall, and wondered idly if Roslyn might be on that passenger ship. It was entirely possible. She had said her trip would take about two days, and they were almost at the installation now. Well, in a few hours, anyway. The pair of destroyers had to keep pace with an outdated, outmoded passenger craft.
In Remdann, there was always a tangible esprit-du-core. The soldiers had much in common. They had all joined to avoid the Coalition draft; for the increased pay and benefits; and the high-tier training that Remdann was famous for. They even took you if you were underage, claiming that recruits were kept in training until of a suitable age.
Once in, it was up to the individual if they wanted Remdann to "lose track" of their age, and let them into the fray. Remdann Securities had the best survival rate of human soldiers anywhere. If Jake wanted revenge, this was the best and surest way to get it.
He was even on "assignment" now. Word was, some famous scientists were to be experimenting with live aliens in the infamous Arachnid Facility. While there was no reported threat, this would be Jake's first training security stint. Their presence was more of something for the books, since aliens were actually going to be let free for short periods of time. They even had tracking devices implanted into them. Nothing could go wrong.
"The Mec-2 says we'll be touching down in four hours," said Marty, one of Jake's cohorts.
We should probably get some sleep before then."
Jake had made many friends. "Alright man," replied Jake, turning from the window and picking up his tray.
"I hope those aliens go haywire, I can't wait to plant some lead in some bug hide," said Gill in his usual uncouth tones.
"You just want the Remdann my-rounds-actually-hit-something bonus, I know you," returned Jake.
"Whaddaya mean? Don't you want some action?"
"Heh" smiled Jake sideways.
"I knew you would" grunted Gill. "It's not about the money, it's the pleasure".
"Okay, okay, I'll see if I can't arrange to have some additional scars put around the edges of your face," said Jake sarcastically.
He got up, threw out his tray, and headed for bed.
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continued from above. . .
Chapter Seven
Deja-Vu
Sigig's work had been admirable, worthy of double or even triple advancement. Mnoth was remembering this for when they reached an Overmind. Sigig's plan had been even better, amazing Mnoth and rekindling hope and certainty.
Mnoth was feeling the fires of fate, and he did not remember ever feeling that before. Kyp, that mediocre granger from the Ventas cave, had been found alive in a cage in the same ship on the same trip. Threads were coming together, weaving a plot that Mnoth was sure would be in his favor.
Standing by the personnel hatch, Mnoth waited for sounds of Sigig's return. Detecting him, Mnoth began muzzling the large, dim-witted zirkis away from the door, lest any of them should escape with him.
There was a scuffling noise, and then more scuffling noise. Mnoth bared his teeth, smiling to himself that Sigig could be such a professional killer, and yet have such trouble with the relatively simple task of swiping a security card through a slot.
Mnoth heard him try twice, drop the card, pick it up, and try again. On the fourth try, it slipped through with a beep, and the door slid upwards into the wall.
Mnoth looked at Sigig with an amused expression.
Don't. Say. Anything. hissed Sigig with a pained deadliness.
I wasn't about to, replied Mnoth levelly.
Well, you get to carry this around, I'm through with it.
Why?
You have a lower jaw.
Mnoth opened his mouth and clamped the security card under his tongue.
I hope you didn't kill anyone to get this. . .
He was sleeping, Sigig replied. Everyone is.
Then let's get moving. Mnoth began to follow Sigig through the corridors.
How far?
This door here, said Sigig, coming to a halt. Mnoth dropped the keycard, and Sigig climbed to the console and started swiping again. He got it on the second try this time, using his mouth and front two legs in unison.
The door slid open with a decompressing sound, and Mnoth looked into the cargo bay.
Sigig, what's wrong with this picture?
Nothing. That's Kyp. said Sigig, somewhat confused.
Yes, but why can I see Kyp? pressed Mnoth.
Because. . . Because I left...the....tarp....up - crap!
I'm surprised, growled Mnoth in a low pitch. You usually don't miss that kind of thing.
Yeah, well, I was a little distracted at the time.
I don't need to tell you what would have happened if a human came and saw your handiwork, said Mnoth, walking into the room. That's the first strike against you, in all the time I've known you.
Oh come off it. said Sigig irritably as the door closed behind them.
Mnoth walked up to the cages. Kyp was sound asleep, and the other aliens were dozing as well. Wasting no time, Sigig walked up to Kyp and pricked him through the bars.
Snorrrt! Aaah! said Kyp, opening all of his eyes one after another.
My Hovel!
Your cage. corrected Mnoth.
Mnoth's voice had an electric effect on Kyp, who stood straight up and and faced Mnoth like the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come.
Long time. said Mnoth, more interested in the dumb aliens near Kyp.
Kyp said nothing. Mnoth paced by the other cages as Sigig pulled the tarps up to reveal them.
Oh. Yes. They have been tampered with. said Mnoth, looking into the drugged aliens' eyes and sensing nothing from them.
All as I have told you, said Sigig.
Alright, let's get started, said Mnoth.
Wait, said Kyp suddenly. What about the girl?
Sigig's eyes opened wide. He had forgotten to tell Mnoth about her, due to reveling in his escape plan. Mnoth stopped suddenly. A piece of dust fell on the other side of the room.
Girl? inquired Mnoth, speaking slowly.
He didn't tell you? realized Kyp happily. The girl from the forest cave - she's here on the ship! She's in control of me, and these aliens!
Mnoth seemed to have choked on the information, and wasn't moving or speaking.
Did you hear me? grumbled Kyp.
"Distracted". Yes, you were. Why didn't you tell me? She's alive!? Mnoth was advancing on Sigig with murder in his eyes.
Backing up onto the wall, Sigig began to squeal pathetically:
I was going to! But then I found Kyp! Stay away! I got you out of there, you'd be no where without me! I forgot!
Standing at the wall, Mnoth looked up at him. ALIVE. . .
Sigig darted around the wall, sure that Mnoth was healed enough to pounce him into a pulp.
Such incompetence! You're just like Morig. I think I'll end it right now.
NO! Why did we put up with him for so long when he was so much worse? Why don't I have more leeway than he?
Morig was an ignorant moron, and when morons make mistakes, they pay. When professionals make mistakes, everyone pays. Mnoth kept right under Sigig, who was out of ideas and out of luck. Give me one reason not to kill you right now.
Help came from an unlikely quarter.
You need him to unfasten the cages and work the doors, said Kyp plainly.
Mnoth stopped, the reality of the situation fighting with the realization that the reason for the situation couldn't both be dealt with at the same time.
Sigig waited tensely. After a few moments, This is two strikes, Sigig. One more, and I won't even warn. And you can forget about using me as a reference, tell the Hivemind about your exploits on your own, see if they believe you.
Sigig breathed a sigh of relief. Two things were certain. He'd live now, and Kyp would die later. Coming down from the wall, Sigig walked up to the cages.
Which one first? Dragoon or Basilisk? asked Sigig.
Who cares. Dragoon, I guess. Mnoth was remembering the face of the girl, wondering what she looked like now, and how she could have lived.
Sigig climbed onto the cage of the dragoon, and saw how far down he could reach.
Ready?
Ready. replied Mnoth, who took a position in front of the stupefied dragoon.
Keep him occupied. said Sigig somewhat redundantly.
Hey! Mnoth snorted at the dragoon. The alien looked up at him with barely any recognition. Friend? it said.
Mnoth waited a moment, then said Friend.
The caged dragoon didn't have time to grin stupidly, because at that moment Sigig cut it's throat open from on top of the cage.
That was easy, said Sigig as he got down.
No it wasn't. said Mnoth lowly.
So now we drag him back to the zirki pen. Which end do you want?
Mnoth looked at him with mild disgust. What a shame. Sigig had shown such promise.
Though no one saw them, the sight of a Dragoon and a Basilisk pulling a dead body through the corridors, looking at each other and saying nothing, must have been quite a sight indeed. More comical was that they were both thinking the same thought, roughly translated to, "One day, I'm going to kill you."
this chapter will be continued below. . .
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You rock!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I'm gonna be watching this topic until this awesome series ends!!!
When it does, i will be sad. :'(
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You rock!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I'm gonna be watching this topic until this awesome series ends!!!
When it does, i will be sad. :'(
Stop it.
You're making me blush.
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You rock!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I'm gonna be watching this topic until this awesome series ends!!!
When it does, i will be sad. :'(
Stop it.
You're making me blush.
I found this story to be really boring, and is too long to possibly sustain my interest, also, I started bleeding out of my eyes upon seeing this mess. Feel better?
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...Lucifer Corporation...
That sounds a bit too evil to be a corporation name even if it was in 2000 years. :laugh:
Unless everyone in the future are satanists.
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I found this story to be really boring, and is too long to possibly sustain my interest, also, I started bleeding out of my eyes upon seeing this mess. Feel better?
Back to Normal! =D
...Lucifer Corporation...
That sounds a bit too evil to be a corporation name even if it was in 2000 years. :laugh:
Unless everyone in the future are satanists.
While Lucifer does refer to the devil, it was also his name b4 his downfall, which meant something nice, light-bearer.
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Light-bearer, as in radioactive, explodey and teamkill-y light balls. That makes perfect sense...
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Light-bearer, as in radioactive, explodey and teamkill-y light balls. That makes perfect sense...
Oh, I thought of Light-beerer, as in someone who delivers coronas to everyone.
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chapter Seven, Deja-Vu, is continued from above......
Blinding snow swirled around the vast grey passenger ship as it slowly alighted on the landing pad above the loading bays of the Arachnid Complex. The layers of fluff here hadn't been disturbed in months, since the planet wasn't exactly the main concourse of Coalition commerce. The Niveus Corporation had built this and several other stations on the remote ice planet called "Pluth". Much interesting work had been done in them by Coalition and corporate scientists alike.
A series of unfortunate events had occurred several years back, that had resulted in the closure and quarantine of most of the Pluth stations. One incident was related to experiments with the dark energy that humans had taken from the Origin Nexus. The Lucifer corp. had attempted to design a form of 'hand-cannon' that employed the tremendous power of dark energy. Early tests were promising, but progress was slow as the design teams kept underestimating the blast radius, and were consecutively replaced. The weapon itself, codenamed the Lucifer Cannon, had all but been dismissed as a functional alternative to the age-old grenade launcher, partly due to instability, and the constant lack of dark energy used to fuel it.
Other incidents had taken the form of explosions attributed to corporate espionage, and a number of devastating alien incursions had rendered personnel and equipment null and void. Only now, after extensive robotic probing, certain stations were being opened for operation. One of three specifically bio-science-oriented stations, Arachnid 1 (or Arachnid, as most called it), had been selected by the Lucifer Corp. as the sight of the proposed alien testing.
Roslyn stretched as she walked down the service ramp onto the tarmac, then quickly closed her arms around herself as she felt how cold it was. She waited impatiently as the servicemen defrosted a control console that hid below several years of ice and snow.
Such a hideous place... thought Roslyn. They were supposed to put the aliens through their paces, but not kill them outright. Or perhaps she was underestimating them again.
Best not to do that, she thought to herself.
The servicemen had finally melted enough ice to push the buttons that needed pushing, and a low, terrible groaning noise joined with the swirling as a huge bay door slid away, revealing a dark, subterranean room with numerous cargo lifts and mountains of unmarked crates. A burst of warm, stagnant air escaped, throwing snow and noses up and away.
"That's right. Things die here,"a technician told her with dark cheerfulness. Then,
"Hello Sir. Everything's in order, unloading will begin as soon as we've cleared the facility."
"And why," said Professor Wetz in a deep voice, "hasn't this been done yet? We landed half-an-hour ago.
"I'm sorry, sir, but orders are for the Remdann security-persons to evaluate the facility for safety before we can let you in. And they haven't landed yet," he said, but indicated two growing shadows that were materializing out of the snowfall.
"Considering what they're being payed, you'd think they'd be running a tighter operation," said Wetz sourly. He turned and began to walk back into the ship.
"Notify me when they have finished, please."
"Yes, Sir!" said the technician, enthusiastically. Roslyn rolled her eyes and shivered.
"I'm Richard," he said, turning to her with eyes that smiled a little too widely.
"I'm Carrie," she replied, and turned for the ship herself.
"I thought -", he began.
"Middle name. Friends only." She hurried into the ship. It was so cold out here.
He was still looking after her when the hatch closed. Nice to finally meet you, he said to himself.
Jake, Gill and Marty were all part of the same squad. That meant that they marched together, ate together, fought together, and died together. And they were just fine with that. There was also John, but he didn't say much.
Their shuttle dropped quickly onto the landing pad, dwarfed by the great cargo ship. Alongside them, shuttles were landing from the other destroyer as well, the troops ready to scour the facility and set up camp.
Marty, the Mec-1 or squad leader, stood in front of them as they lined up in the snow. Farther down the line, other squads lined up to receive their orders.
"Here's the story," Marty began. "This facility was probed two months ago by Remdann Electronic Spies. They found minor biosigns, probably stray dretches, and nothing else of import. Our job is to weed these out, if they are still alive, and to secure the facility. Then we will remain with the civilian team for the duration of their month-long stay."
Gill began to raise his hand.
"Orders. It's a formality for the records, okay?" Marty told him directly. "You didn't think it would all be glamor and glory, did you?"
Gill quieted down, visibly pissed off.
"We clear on this? Any questions? John?" Marty joked. The others let out a chuckle and John grinned slightly.
"Good. You've been briefed, we'll await the orders of the Mec-2 to move out."
They stood at attention as well as they could in the ankle-high, gusting snow. Finally, once all squads had been briefed, the Mec-2 transmitted the orders to move out. The landing bay slid open again, and the soldiers slid down metal cables into the darkness one after another.
"Okay, men, it's our job to get the lights on, that's one floor down. Jake, take point."
"Yes sir!" Jake started off down a long hallway, the other following. They had their rifles at the ready, sidearms, and the Mec-1 had a throwing knife that was more a status symbol than a tool.
"Floorplan says take a left at the junction." said Marty.
"Where's that?" said Jake, squinting through a pair of night-vision goggles.
"Twenty paces," replied Marty. "Who's got the scanner?"
No one answered.
"Good, John's got it. I trust him over any one of you."
"Turning left!" notified Jake, having reached the intersection. He walked hard into a solid wall of crates, upsetting several of the topmost boxes and making a general ruckus. Two bodies crashed into him from behind.
"This is stupid," complained Jake, rubbing his head. "I can't see a thing. Why don't we have flashlights?" The others looked at him, grumbling.
"Well?" he pressed.
"There will be no flashlights," Marty said in a godlike monotone.
Jake let a sigh out and took the scanner from John.
"It's the next junction, not this one," he corrected, breathing heavily. A box that had been grandstanding on the edge fell loudly, breaking and spilling its anonymous contents. They all jumped. The other squads were out of sight and hearing now.
"Okay, let's get moving."
They went on, turning at the junction, and passed through more bays full of stacked boxes, crates and containers. Finally they arrived at a long, gradual ramp that led into blackness.
"This is it, the generators are down there. Now, who wants to go first?" Marty may have been joking, and may not have been.
"Heck wid' it." snorted Gill, and started off down the ramp, rifle held in a firing position. The others fell in behind him.
"John, I want you up front with Gill. Otherwise we'd have no way of knowing if you got nabbed." John shrugged, and moved up in the line.
"Is he mute?" whispered Jake, checking the crevasses in the ceiling.
"No." said John suddenly.
"That's good to know," Jake said.
The scanner beeped.
"Twelve-thirty, multiple contacts!" Jake announced in a hushed voice.
"Awwww, dey're cute!" said Gill.
They had come upon a gathering of three or four dretches at the bottom of the ramp. There was a huge room beyond them. The dretches did not attack or scurry away, just parted and looked at the humans curiously.
"Musta been without an OM for too long," observed Gill roughly. "Hey, little guy...c'mere! I won't hurt ya..." he coaxed the nearest bug with wiggling fingers. It didn't move. Gill stepped closer.
"That's it...come to Papa!" with a sudden motion, Gill stepped firmly onto the dretch with his full weight. The alien burst like a pinata, mucous and guts painting a fan on the metal deck plating. The other dretches exclaimed fearfully in insectoid jitterings, and sped away.
"Nice, Gill, now you go chase them," Marty said dryly. "We could have had them. What did you want, an autographed photo?"
"No problem, Sir." said Gill in a low voice.
Marty shook his head. "Fan out, cover the room. We'll meet on the other side at the generators. When we've - "
He was interrupted by shots from Gill's rifle, aimed into the darkness. A moment later they heard the splat of a small, falling body.
"Nice," said John, startling all of them.
"Looks like competition," said Marty aside to Jake, as they began to separate. Gill grinned and pretended to chew something messily.
All right! Jake thought to himself. Level One, target practice with retarded bugs.... He moved toward the left wall of the room.
"Got more contacts, the original three and two more on Jake's side," called Marty softly, who had taken the scanner. Jake braced himself and walked along the wall, checking every platform and pillar for hiding dretches. This was certainly a strange room. As he passed another row of pillars, he looked up.
A streak of red filled his night-vision. He raised his rifle, but wasn't fast enough. He was knocked sideways by something with serious momentum, and felt a large claw pass through his armor like hot butter. Part of his shoulder pad fell away dreamily, the razor-sharp claw barely missing his skin. Adrenaline blurred his vision and clouded his hearing.
From where he fell, he faced the red blur and squeezed off a dozen blind shots. The muzzle flashes illuminated the room, and drew the attention of the others.
"I see it!" called Marty, and he and John both took a knee and fired single shots at the alien. Moving fast, it didn't stop at the wall, but began to bound up it as if it were still moving across a level floor. Sparks lit it up from near misses as it kept its unreal movement tack. Jake struggled up and held down the trigger, praying for a hit. Several rounds seemed to pierce the red alien, but they did nothing to slow it down. It reached a high platform over the generators and crashed through a vent, out of sight.
Jake breathed a big sigh of relief and reached for another clip. His hand met with stinging pain halfway down, and he cursed loudly as a dretch dug through his glove. Dropping the rifle from his other hand, he reached for his service pistol, grabbed it, and fired into the bug. The bullet tore the small alien to shreds, but also clipped his finger on the way out.
"AAaaah, shit!" cried Jake carelessly as his blood mixed with alien goo. "DAMMIT!" He reached for a small pack on his belt, pulled out a syringe, and thrust it into his arm above his wounded hand. If anything, the effects of the drug were more painful than the bite, but at least the wound began to foam and close in what seemed fast-motion. Jake held his breath, sweating heavily. The others had arrived at his side.
"That," said Jake haltingly, "was not, a dretch."
"No kidding," said Marty, assessing the damage. "The signals have vanished, so we sent them running. Our priority is the generators. Can you stand?"
Jake stood up painfully, discarding the syringe and torn glove.
"Respect it," he waved his pistol shakily, trying to smile. Marty clapped him on the back, and they walked the rest of the way toward the generators.
"You know, this would never have happened if we had had flashlights," Jake couldn't help but bring up.
"There will be no flash- " Marty began, but Jake cut him off.
"If you say that one more time. . ."
"You'll what?" said Marty, grinning crookedly. They had reached the large, cylindrical engines that powered the station.
"Where's the 'on' button?" asked Gill loudly.
"There," said Marty, pointing to a console. "You've gotta prime it first with that crank-handle."
Gill slung his rifle over his shoulder and began to crank the handle clockwise until he heard a beep. Then he pulled up on a toggle that said simply, "Main Power".
For a moment, nothing happened. Then a loud humming noise began, and lights came on everywhere. The room was flooded with light, revealing the bullet holes and blood splotches of the last minute. Marty walked over to a com station on the near wall. He picked up the antiquated mouthpiece and spoke into it.
"This is R-Squad, reporting in. The Power is on."
Two tries later, "We read you R-Squad. Good work. Head back to camp for debrief."
"Yes, Sir," Marty said crisply.
They began to make their way back up the ramp, toward the main hold.
"Could have been worse," Gill tried to console Jake. "You coulda lost your hand. Imagine where you'd be then."
Jake thought of someone he knew who had lost a bodypart, and didn't relish the thought. Oh, well. At least she wasn't in this hell-hole.
-
chapter seven, Deja-Vu, is completed below....
Everything was ready. The bodies had been moved, the blood-stains had been licked up, and the tarps had been pulled down. Sigig had even managed to latch the cages properly, and he had done his from the inside.
All that remained was to act docile and stupid. Mnoth figured that this would be simple enough for Sigig and Kyp, one by nature and one by skill, but he actually was unsure of his upcoming reactions. He had never seen a human at close range that he hadn't attacked or maimed in one form or another. His spying missions had always been distanced. Would his act be convincing enough? Would he be able to act at all?
As if the anticipation wasn't enough, he couldn't focus because he had just learned that the girl was alive.
She was on this ship, in charge of these aliens.
And he wouldn't be able to attack her the moment he saw her.
Mnoth's mind was thoroughly blown. He had to get revenge, he was sure of that, but his only opportunity was turning out to be no opportunity at all. Their only chance was for Kyp to build an Overmind, if the aliens were allowed to move freely as Kyp had intimated. Then that Overmind would have to be briefed, and it would have to decide that the troupe's lives were worth saving. This wasn't always the case, since Overminds who knew their doom was nigh often commanded their children to suicide missions, drugged them into the belief that this was the reason and the meaning of their life.
Mnoth realized that having lived for so long without Overmind direction might have warped his thinking, even his perception of what was right and wrong. He knew however that it was wrong for Roslyn to live, and since they were so far from the Hivemind, perhaps the Overmind they built could be convinced to Mnoth's line of thought.
Silent in their cages, they heard approaching humans. They were talking loudly, banging crates as they ferried them around, and generally unafraid.
The door to the bay opened, and several humans entered. One was an older man with gray hair, who was looking at an accompanying technician. This was probably because that technician was looking too much at - a short woman with blond hair.
It was true. This was her. She smelled the same way, she breathed the same way, she walked - well, not exactly. Peeping from under the edge of the hanging tarp, Mnoth noticed that part of her foot was metallic, and made the slightest of clinks when used.
So she got patched up.... Mnoth was amazed. From the next cage over, Sigig tapped him rudely. Mnoth must have started breathing differently, or let his eyes go into focus. Either of those might give them away. So Mnoth quickly sagged his eyes to the floor.
"Well," said Wetz in a deep voice. The technician looked away quickly, realizing he was caught.
"Well," continued Wetz, "they don't look too much the worse for the trip."
He grandly pulled the tarp up, casting light upon the aliens. Taking their cues from the still-dozing dretch and marauder, Sigig and Mnoth stayed still. Kyp woke up quickly, however, and began looking at them all excitedly.
"Huh." Wetz peered at the newcomers. "Our 'goon' and 'basi' appear to be more lucid than I would have expected. We may have to give them a maintenance shot once they are installed. Interesting. Did you get that, Carrie?"
Roslyn had so far been hiding in the back, always taking notes for Professor Wetz. Now, she made a note of what he had said, and had to come forward as he beckoned her.
"Yes, Mr. Wetz," she replied, trying not to shake. I haven't been this close since...
"Excellent. Administer them in about six hours, 90 cc's of Xemalta."
Apparently satisfied, Wetz turned to leave. "Richard, please arrange for their movement down to level one, as planned."
The technician acquiesced, and walked out ahead of him.
"Uh, sir?" Roslyn was a bit thrown off. "Me?"
"Me what?" asked Wetz.
"You want me to administer the shots? By myself?"
"Yes, you," said Wetz, frowning. "You have the training for this, yes?"
"Oh, yes, I do, but - "
"Then it's settled. There's nothing to worry about." He walked out.
She didn't have time to tell him that her training during her advanced Bio courses only extended as far as injecting large, furry, nice-looking mammals with needles. Still, she had to do it, or forfeit her chances at advancement. It would look very bad for Norma to have to do it. Norma wasn't being as honored as Roslyn. Roslyn wished that she would be there, if only to watch.
Roslyn finished the note on the pad, and looked up, realizing that she was alone in a room full of aliens, and that the door had closed behind Wetz.
"Hi." she said quietly.
The granger kept walking in circles, but the dragoon shifted slightly. Wetz was right, it did look more awake than the others. She was sure it had looked at her several times, even though she had been in the back. This was uncommon for the drugged specimens she had seen before.
Richard walked in, humming to himself, and ostentatiously checked something behind a different stack of crates. Still humming, he took a note, and walked back out, leaving her alone again.
Sigig was disturbed, both because he was seeing the girl again, and because Mnoth was doing a miserable job pretending to be drugged. He kept changing his breathing rhythm, kept looking at individual humans, and other mistakes. Sigig though for a moment about what he was doing, and where he was. And he was amazed.
For his part, Mnoth was trying as hard as he could. The distraction was too powerful, though. She was standing right there. This was inconceivable. It was hurting his diminutive brain. When the other humans walked out, leaving the girl, it was even harder to stay still.
She said something. Though he didn't know the word, he remembered from his espionage days that this was something humans said when they came together, or met new humans. It must have been directed at him, he thought.
The nerve.
After another minute, a techie interrupting briefly, she started for the door with a "bye".
All we need is a cave, thought Mnoth as she left.
chapter eight will appear below....
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continued from above.....
Chapter Eight
Turning Point
Sigig accepted the needle with uncannily realistic inertia. He didn't move, make a sound, or do anything that might indicate his presence of mind. The girl looked nervous.
Mnoth pretended to be disinterested in their surroundings. The alien "specimens" had been moved into a circular room with blue lighting. Many tall machines, probably computers, kept humming and displaying data on small screens. The professor's desk was a mess of graphs and bio-readouts. A bobble-head doll was the only hint of personality, goofily depicting one of the more outspoken Coalition politicians.
It was his turn, he noticed. The girl inserted a second cartridge into the injection-pistol, taking her time and glancing repeatedly at him. She finished as slowly as possible, and walked toward Mnoth. In front of his cage, she didn't stand much taller than two feet above him. Her hand was shaking, which shook the needle in turn. He watched her eyes travel over him, her breathing quicken. Her gaze alighted on the green scar which Mnoth still bore after all these years.
Uh-oh, thought Mnoth. The cave had been dark, but there was a chance that she had seen his scar and remembered it.
Oh - guess not! Mnoth smiled inwardly as she slid the latch open on the door of the cage.
Tremulous, Roslyn slid the cage door to the side. The alien was laying down, not moving, but she watched it's eyes follow her general position. She had to do this, otherwise she'd be blown out of the project, and her future.
But the memory! Roslyn had an electric flashback to the day she lost her foot. The same alien...or it could be.
Easing down to hand and knees, she got right up to the cage and held the injector in front of her. She couldn't look away. She saw her face in its glassy eyes. She heard a tapping, and looked down to see that her shivering had been hitting the needle against the bars. She took a deep breath, and reached forward for the forleg.
Shocked, she saw all of its eyes snap to face her. Her heart skipped a second beat when a hand fell on her shoulder from behind.
"Wait!"
"Oh God, Richard! Don't you ever do that again!" She slumped, visibly trembling.
He let go and knelt beside her.
"Wetz says he changed his mind about the shots. He wants them observed for several more hours first."
"T-Too late," said Roslyn. "I already took care of the basilisk."
"Huh. I'll tell him, don't worry. I got held back anyhow."
Roslyn, looking at him for the first time, noticed that he was sliding his service pistol back into its holster. There was also red.
"You're bleeding!"
"It's nothing. Some of the guards have been taking care of our dretch problem, and they killed a larger red alien too."
"But - "
"A dretch bit me, but I'm fine. It's just a scratch," he said with a hint of humor.
"Okay," said Roslyn. "What else?"
"Wetz wants to see you. Meanwhile Arnold and me will be releasing this batch into section four. You better get going."
"So soon? We've only been here for a day!"
"No shackles." He looked at them edgeways. "There really is no worry. They have tracking devices, and we have troopers."
He stood her up and began to beckon her out. Four Remdann security guards walked in, accompanied by Arnold, the other technician.
"Tell Wetz we're starting," he was practically pushing her out of the door.
"O - Okay." Not feeling much in her legs, Roslyn walked out of the lab toward the dorms, where Wetz would probably be. She was glad that she didn't have to touch the beast. At least not yet.
Mnoth had almost let her prick him. Her display of total weakness and fear didn't help either, since it stirred in him the workings of a predator on top of its prey. Then, he couldn't help but notice as a man sneaked in, obviously trying to be quiet. His weapon was drawn, and he had blood on his hands. Creeping up on the girl, he had put his hand on her shoulder and made her jump.
He started and continued to speak to her, all the while Mnoth noticing that he was hiding something, acting with bravado. When she left, and others entered, his demeanor changed entirely.
Quickly issuing orders, he began to direct the soldiers to take up prods, and herd the group out of the lab and toward section 4, several-hundred meters-of-hall away.
Following the marauder, Mnoth and Sigig slowly stood up, and walked in front of the tapping prods. Trying to behave dreamily, and struggling to keep the tracking device firmly in his mouth, Mnoth sauntered past Richard.
Oh ho! That is not your blood. . . . it smells of the gray-haired one! This human had apparently been up to some subversion. Perhaps he had killed one of his own. That would explain the blood, the deceit, and the demeanor.
It seemed like forever that they trudged down the causeway, past room after room of anonymous contents. Finally they reached a large room with red lighting, at the bottom of a long ramp. It was full of odd pillars, and a huge, whirring generator occupied the far end of it. The room (if it could be called that, for it was truly large) was also tangibly warm, almost hot. Kyp started sneezing. Mnoth rolled an eye. That granger was so backwards.
Once in the room, Richard spoke to the guards, dismissing them. They walked back up the ramp, talking to each other. Alone with Richard and Arnold, it appeared as if they were in fact going to be let free, unsupervised.
Arnold was writing something down on a pad. Richard was leaning down over Sigig, who had been drugged by Roslyn and didn't have to pretend anymore.
"Well, everything's in order," said Arnold, looking up from the pad and scratching his chin.
"Not everything," said Richard in a low voice, staring intently at Sigig. This must have woken the poor basilisk up enough to be a little freaked out.
"I'm sure we didn't miss anything. What are you - "
With his back still to Arnold, and right up in Sigig's face, Richard pulled his blaster out.
"I'm sorry, Arnold." In one motion, Richard stood up, swung around to Arnold, and pulled the trigger.
Arnold's face never lost the bewildered expression that it died with. The shell sped through his forehead, knocking him spectacularly over backwards.
Sigig was stunned. So was Mnoth, but he recovered more quickly. Dropping all pretense, he jumped up and swung a forearm at Richard. The man ducked with great speed, falling to the floor, the swipe passing far above his head. Before Mnoth could recover, Richard had pulled his sleeve up to reveal a small device attached to his wrist. He dug his other hand into a button, and Mnoth felt electric pain, followed by a draining nausea. The dragoon collapsed almost on top of Richard, writhing painfully. Kyp and Sigig also were down on the floor, one squealing miserably, the other throwing up a green bile.
Releasing the control, Richard stood up carefully, hand still at the ready.
"Twelve hours ago, a large cargo ship reaches it's final destination. Its livestock pens reveal two dead humans and two dead aliens," he said, breathing heavily.
"You're just what I needed, just what I've been waiting for. You might not understand me, but I know you've got brains.....more than the others."
Mnoth snarled at him and tried to get up. The man hit his key again, and a reverberating crescendo of pain and weakness seemed to flow from it. Four seconds, or four years, later, he released his key again. Mnoth and Sigig had slumped to the floor, on the edge of oblivion, both throwing up.
Richard walked confidently over to Mnoth's head. The tracking device had fallen out of his mouth. Richard toed it away, slime and all. Mnoth was sure that the pistol of treachery would send him to a quiet end, but he was wrong yet again. The man pulled the chip to him with his foot, and crushed it under his heel. This was so weird.
Striding over to Sigig, he found his tracking chip as well, and destroyed it. Neither of the aliens could move. Richard stepped gingerly over Mnoth, and crouched near Kyp. Taking a small pocketknife out of a hidden pocket, he slit an opening in Kyp's rump. Kyp squirmed a little and cried with low howls of pain. The man reached his fingers into the recess and pulled a metallic chip out of Kyp. This he also dropped to the floor and crushed.
Standing up, he flailed the goop off of his hand, and made for the ramp. At the base of the exit, he turned. With a face made of sarcastic malice, he said, "Don't fail me." Then he turned and walked up, away from the pools of gore. When he reached the top, he must have flipped a switch, because the lights went out. Mnoth and Sigig were left to struggle in the darkness.
to be continued....
-
:(
-
Awesome!
-
=D
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IT MAKES ME SAD.
-
IT MAKES ME SAD.
You know what's even sadder? I FORGOT WHAT COMES NEXT!
j/k
-
continued from above....Roslyn and Jake are confronted with the horrors of betrayal, and Mnoth gets the chance for revenge....
Chapter Nine
The Grand Buffet
Kyp's head hurt very badly. His vision was blurred, and his rump was still bleeding. Over to his right, Sigig wasn't moving. To his left, Mnoth was slowly standing up, shuffling about on his forelegs. The room was black, almost pitch, since the lights had gone out several minutes ago.
It was a good thing they were built to take it.
Mnoth was hurt the worst of them, since he had been the closest to the emitter. Still he was managing to move about, and had spotted a torn package lying on the floor. Richard must have dropped it intentionally, because it was full of chemicals that the aliens ingested natively. It was clear now to Mnoth that the man wanted them to get going, to break out and do their thing.
Mnoth took a lick of the green powder. It tasted horrible, but he remembered that it had "grown" nearly everywhere on homeworld. He knew that in a few minutes, he would begin to feel strong; that his healing rates would shoot through the roof; and that concentration and focus would be his servants.
He dragged it over the floor to Sigig, spilling rather a lot of it.
Sigig. Wake up. I have nutrients! Sigig didn't move.
Come on! We have a chance! And I need healing... Mnoth's voice was hoarse, even though it was at all times a low growl.
Sigig wasn't moving. The film had crossed his eyes.
I think he's......gone, said Kyp, getting up. He should never have let her stick him. We all had - he winced - other shots that must have gone with it...
Still shaking, Mnoth finally got up on all six. It was amazing. He had almost let her inject him with that stuff. Oh well. At least he wouldn't have to take care of Sigig later, as he had vowed. Still, the timing of this was horrible.
Turning to Kyp, he said I'll take care of this. This is our only chance, so build.
Kyp was licking some powder off the floor, trying not to puke again. Mwhat?
Very slowly, Mnoth repeated himself. I said BUILD!
Kyp was taken aback, but headed for a platform anyway. One tormentor to another...
He thought to himself. He wished, not for the last time, that he had a warm hovel to curl in and heal.
Once on the platform, about forty feet above the room's floor, he headed for the back and began the all-too-familiar formation of a new Overmind. He would have been unable to move, let alone build a minute ago, such was the strength of the nutrient. He wondered how the human had got his hands on it, since it only grew on Homeworld and a few other alien planets.
It was definitely working for Mnoth, if only as a painkiller. The once wheezing dragoon leapt high up, onto the platform near Kyp, bringing the parcel. A second trip brought Sigig up. Kyp experienced a moment where he though Mnoth would eat Sigig, but Mnoth just dropped him by the parcel.
Faster! said Mnoth like a whiplash. Kyp cursed inwardly. This usually took hours, to be done correctly. Halting his vepositors, Kyp gulped another mouthful of the dreadful vitamin powder, and returned to work.
Mnoth paced back and forth at the top of the platform, keeping guard.
A tearing noise from below froze him. After a few more moments of silence, Mnoth dropped down. There were no further noises. Mnoth remembered that there had been a power line running along the base of the wall. Finding it in the dark, he slashed at it, then spat on it. It began spewing steady sparks, illuminating part of the great room.
Another tearing sound. Mnoth whipped around, and saw a low red figure over the body of Arnold. It was eating quickly.
A marauder! snarled Mnoth, loud enough to be heard. The red alien glanced up at him, then went back to its meal as if nothing unusual was afoot.
Mnoth walked up to it and stared at it. It must have survived here for years without its Overmind, so crazed was its visage. It still wouldn't pay any attention to him.
Mnoth took a few steps back, and kicked a cloud of the spilled powder into its face. It gagged momentarily, then stopped chewing, eyes widening.
W-w-w-where d-d-d-did - its speech was of an older variant, stuttered and hard to understand.
There's more, if you're functional, said Mnoth flatly.
He watched the marauder shiver a bit, and start taking deep breaths as if it had run a great distance. Color returned to its face, and its eyes darted more quickly. And too, on its legs, a faint shining began, like the oscillating of a lava-lamp.
You're an Electric... said Mnoth with some interest.
It-it-it's b-been so lo-lo-long, it stuttered. G-got a healer?
Dead, but creep's coming, replied Mnoth. Up there...
The Marauder looked up at the faint blue glow of the building Overmind and grinned toothily. It skipped up the wall and landed on the platform gleefully.
Scratch one, get one, thought Mnoth, taking a bite himself.
*******
Jake's beat took him past the barracks. Though his hand had healed, it was still in a wrap, hidden under his glove. His squad had split the hour into four watches of 15 minute patrols each. The aliens had all been mopped up except for the red walljumper, who was injured anyhow. There wasn't really anything left to guard against.
The tame specimens had been released half-an-hour ago, but they all had tracking devices and warning systems. If any of them began to be hostile, he had been told, a technician in the control center named Richard could zap them into submission with a special device.
He rounded the corner and began the beat through the professor's corridor. In the shadows of the far end, a human figure also turned toward him from another hallway. He prepared to salute in case it was Marty, giving him a surprise inspection, but instead a short woman with sandy hair came into the light.
"Roslyn!" Jake gasped.
"Jacob!" she exclaimed and ran up to hug him.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm stationed here! What are you doing here?!"
"This is my scholarship expedition! I had no idea - "
"Neither did I! This is great! Unless it's an elaborate ruse by Marty to catch me talking to myself..."
"I'm real, you twat," she laughed. "Well...wow."
"Yeah...." said Jake. She was wearing a grey jumpsuit with blue patches, a civilian science marking on her shoulder.
"I was just going to see Professor Wetz. Richard says he wants to see me."
"Well, you've come to the right place. This is his door." Jake wondered why he hadn't come out and the sound of them already.
"Hey did you know? I had to inject some aliens just now! It was wild. I was shaking the whole time." She reached up to knock on the door.
"Heh, you probably killed a few of them, with your treatments...." She was knocking on the door now.
"I wouldn't know," she said seriously. "Richard took over."
"I was being facetious," Jake rolled his eyes. Roslyn knocked again.
"That's strange...he isn't anywhere else, I checked." Roslyn said.
"Sleeping, maybe?" Jake suggested. He checked his timepiece. As great as it was to see her, he had a beat to walk.
"He asked to see me," said Roslyn levelly. "He wouldn't doze off - "
"Here, I'll just check." Jake knocked and turned the handle. The door opened a few inches.
"Funny, he usually locks it." observed Roslyn.
Jake swung the door open. The light was off. Roslyn reached past him and flicked the light switch.
Wetz was on his cot, lying in a pool of blood that dripped from his slashed throat.
Stuck in a soundless scream, Roslyn slumped to the floor. Jake grabbed his rifle from his shoulder and stepped into the room. It was empty except for the professor. The light revealed however that a grating had been broken. Breaking into a sweat, he realized that the red alien must have come through the air ducts and broken in on the professor.
He wanted nothing more than to stay and comfort her, but there was a job to do.
"Come on, it's not safe here!" he pulled her up and hurried down the hall. The corridors that had seemed so short now stretched for endless miles. The base was in the main hold, right below the landing pad on the main level. Running into the bay, Roslyn gasping behind him, he drew the attention of the soldiers there. Marty ran up to him.
"Sir, Professor Wetz is dead. His throat's been cut!" Jake stood at attention.
Marty and the other soldiers showed silent surprise, and all conversation stopped.
"I think the walljumper got him, the grating in his room's vent is smashed."
"That's not possible," said the Mec-1. "We've got it cornered in a dead-end section of the facility. Leo's squad is hunting it right now."
"What's all this?" said the Mec-2, walking out of the reactor room. Jake and Marty turned and saluted. The other Mec-1's were bringing their troops into order.
"Sir," said Marty, "it appears that Wetz is dead. We suspect alien action, though we don't know how this could have happened. We blocked all the vents into the barracks, it's running on reactor power."
"Do you know what this means?" asked the Mec-2, rhetorically. "Wetz was the anchor of this expedition. Our assignment is over, and we won't be payed for it. That's what this means." He looked like he was about to rip heads off.
Raising his voice, he spoke. "We pull out. Get Leo back here and notify Richard. Marty, contact the ships."
"Yes sir!"
Turning to Jake, the Mec-2 told him to get Roslyn, Arnold and Richard ready for departure.
Jake complied and turned to Roslyn.
"We have to pack up again," he said, trying to smile. She kept giving him the thousand-yard-stare. "Head for the lab, Richard probably needs your help."
"No I don't." said a voice. Richard had walked up behind them. "What's all the ruckus about? Why are we leaving?"
"Because - " Jake started. An explosion cut him off, shaking the whole station. The lights flickered, and gunshots began to echo in from the surrounding hallways.
"They're coming!" a soldier yelled from out of sight. There was loud gunfire from the western section of the station, near its powerplant.
"You two, into the reactor room!" cried Jake, and hurried after Marty. Gill and John were zipping up and loading their weapons. Another shock rocked the station.
"Switch all defenses to reactor power!" A voice yelled. The lights kept flickering.
Richard and Roslyn ducked into the reactor room, a small hold adjacent to the main bay.
"Where's Arnold?" asked Roslyn.
"I thought he was with you, Carrie." replied Richard. "Where's Wetz?"
"He's dead," said she, trembling.
Richard stared with wide mouth at her for a long moment, then, "What? Impossible! I was just speaking with him in his room!"
Because the door was open, the two had a first class view of the main bay. The great doors of the landing pad were slowly opening, and snow began to sift down. The yelling and shooting was getting louder. From across the hold, a swarm of dretches burst from the battlefield. They were running right into the teeth of the auto-defense system, and the two watched as they were gunned down by turrets and soldiers. A single dretch made it past the turrets and was unnoticed by the soldiers. It sped for the reactor room, right for Richard and Roslyn.
"Oh crap! Better find a box to STAND ON!" They jumped back as it ran through the doorway. An arc of lightning reached out from a Tesla Pillar and fried it in mid-air. Its charred body slid to a halt at their feet.
"Whoooo....." said Roslyn.
*******
Mnoth hadn't felt it in ages. He was on top. His side was out there, wreaking havoc. The Overmind was up, the eggs were up. The dretches had come quickly, the Overmind marshaling them until they were of sufficient numbers. They sped forth from the dungeon with the red pillars, first picking off individual soldiers on beat, then evolving to basilisks and marauders. These were led by the stuttering Vesh, who kept letting Mnoth know that he was the marauder he hadn't been in years.
I f-f-f-feel s-s-so - and so on. Mnoth didn't need to understand his language to know what he meant. It had been more than six years since Mnoth had been a working soldier for an Overmind. He was in complete accord with Vesh.
Next to him he heard a splat, and turned to see that one of the new grangers had fallen off the platform. It couldn't wallwalk, so Mnoth directed it to form acid throwers near the entrances. He was sure that these newbies would make Kyp look like a gnarled veteran. Oh well.
A basilisk bumped into him. They didn't work as a team, he thought sadly. Sigig was an ass, but at least he knew what was going on. What a shame.
Mnoth pounced up the ramp and into the hallway, ready for another foray. The shooting was getting closer. Mnoth bounded past a fallen soldier, dretches tearing at the corpse. He rounded into a dark hallway, hordes of dretches at his feet. They preceded him, launching themselves at a pair of soldiers at the other end. A wave of fire spewed from the crouching one, singeing the dretch motormen. The two got up and advanced. Mnoth stepped into the light, and they saw him, dretches circling under his feet and on the walls.
Mnoth laughed inwardly, and pounced at the flamethrower. The weapon was knocked away as the human was smashed into the wall, completely winded and broken.
The dragoon moved on, letting the dretches finish the work. The other human was running for the fallen flamethrower, intending to dual-wield them. A streak of red, and then blinding white, told them that Vesh had arrived. A crackling bolt of lightning reached out and shocked the soldier as Vesh skipped past. He dropped his gun in pain and fell. Prone, he reached for the flamethrower. Mnoth walked up behind him as he struggled to stand up.
The human turned and aimed for the masses of dretches, but only met Mnoth. The dragoon drove his forlegs into the soldier's feet, pinning him in place. Savoring the look of anguish, he plunged his head - tusks, teeth, eyes and all - through the man's gut and out to the other side.
The marine was flung aside with blood spraying everywhere. Another squad of soldiers spotted them from the next room. The dretches swarmed past him at them. Turning to pounce again, covered in steaming red, Mnoth internalized the moment with an
Oh, yes
-
This story is begging for a machinima.
-
One more chapter before the end of Part 2. I just gotta grit mah teeth and write it.
-
Oh, yes.
-
YO!!!
this is EPIC!
I WANT MOAR!!!
PS, how do i give people turrets?
-
YO!!!
this is EPIC!
I WANT MOAR!!!
PS, how do i give people turrets?
You have to have quoted someone at least 15 times in order to give them a turret. This was just my 15th quote of you, so I just gave you a turret to celebrate.
-
Yeah, what mooseberry said. He beat me to it! >:|
-
YO!!!
this is EPIC!
I WANT MOAR!!!
PS, how do i give people turrets?
You must post approximately 78 more posts (4 a total of 300).
I'll probably write the last chapter tomorrow night.
You should know that there are watchgroups on this forum who will blacklist people and assign them one negative ret for every positive ret that someone gets. I know this because I'm......not.....in....such....a....watchgroup.
-
YO!!!
this is EPIC!
I WANT MOAR!!!
PS, how do i give people turrets?
You have to have quoted someone at least 15 times in order to give them a turret. This was just my 15th quote of you, so I just gave you a turret to celebrate.
Or simply form a quote stack 15 deep. This makes 2.
-
YO!!!
this is EPIC!
I WANT MOAR!!!
PS, how do i give people turrets?
You have to have quoted someone at least 15 times in order to give them a turret. This was just my 15th quote of you, so I just gave you a turret to celebrate.
Or simply form a quote stack 15 deep. This makes 2.
3
-
MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!What happes to kyp= :granger: mnoth= :dragoon: is sigig= :basilisk: dead? and all the :human: :battlesuit: :helmet: are screwed. oh yeah one question, do any :human: s :jetpack: camp?
-
YO!!!
this is EPIC!
I WANT MOAR!!!
PS, how do i give people turrets?
You have to have quoted someone at least 15 times in order to give them a turret. This was just my 15th quote of you, so I just gave you a turret to celebrate.
Or simply form a quote stack 15 deep. This makes 2.
3
I'm staying out of this.
-
lol i don't even know what's going on. :P
:basilisk: FTW!
-
Don't ruin the thread now guys.... :/
-
MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!What happes to kyp= :granger: mnoth= :dragoon: is sigig= :basilisk: dead? and all the :human: :battlesuit: :helmet: are screwed. oh yeah one question, do any :human: s :jetpack: camp?
Crap I was supposed to write the conclusion last night.
Guess I'll get started on that now.
-
Heh. Win
-
The conclusion to Kyp the Granger - Part 2. It'll be way exciting.
Chapter Ten
Unfinished
Business
Kyp pushed the last few ounces out and into the trapper. The structure wobbled a little on it's perch, then its tentacles flowered outwards into a readiness position.
Kyp stepped back and shook himself, knocking the kinks out of his back. He dropped off the wall and slid down a pylon onto the platform. With a sigh he surveyed his work. The base was fully built, mostly by his hand. Some of the newer grangers had moved buildings to the ceiling - like the eggs and acid throwers - but for the most part Kyp had been the MC. Some of the grangers had formed buildings in the wrong places and had to be corrected. Some had been stupid enough to form barricades, and others had opted to go out and fight with the combat aliens. Surely the Overmind would realize what a gem Kyp was and reward him. And as if to answer his wish -
Come here! - the Overmind commanded.
Hovel!hovel!Hovel!hovel! - Kyp repeated inwardly, as he approached the Overmind.
I have seen you, and what you have seen, and I believe. - said the Overmind.
You have survived long and endured much. You have seen many human worlds and provided us with invaluable information about their alien training facility. You deserve a reward, more than anyone I have seen or heard of. - the Overmind beckoned him closer.
Hovel? - squeaked Kyp, dizzily.
Evolution! - replied the Overmind.
Kyp landed back on earth abruptly. But....but I'm -
Any granger can build a hovel, - intoned the Overmind - But I am awarding you further. You will be a Black Granger. An elite overseer, the first of your kind.
Kyp supposed he should be happy, and tried to act it. Hey, this could be cool.
The Overmind beckoned him closer, and laid a tentacle on him. Kyp felt suddenly much smaller than himself, then much bigger. Somewhere in the few seconds after that, he felt normal again, and after an amniotic explosion, he was able to move.
He felt a little heavier, he noticed. Looking down into the pool of fluid, he saw that his dark green hide had been covered in places with a sturdy dark armor, of the type that Black Dragoons had. His awareness had been upgraded as well, and he seemed to feel the life and location of every structure within a large area, even in distant rooms.
A dragoon (not Mnoth) bounded out of the room after healing itself. As it went it clipped a trapper that began to bleed. Irritated, Kyp began to walk toward it to rebuild it, but was amazed as his mere proximity caused it to heal quickly and mend in a moment.
Thank you! - said Kyp to the Overmind. This is pretty neat.
Drag that Basilisk over here! - ordered the Overmind.
But it's dead, - said Kyp, who was complying anyway.
I'll take care of it - said the Overmind. Now, get me Mnoth.
Kyp left and did a quick search of the base and perimeter. Not finding him, he told several outbound marauders to bring Mnoth back if they saw him. A minute later he returned to the Overmind's platform. Sigig's body was gone.
Where - , began Kyp.
Ah, - said the Overmind. Mnoth had leaped up and joined them.
I've killed 15 humans in the time it takes to build a tube, and my teammates aren't worth a damn, they keep messing up my pounces and whaaaaaaaaat? Mnoth had only just noticed Kyp.
Kyp tried to grin.
The GRANGER gets the promotion? What kind of sick joke is this? Mnoth looked like he was going to go nuclear, and the human blood on his hide was boiling.
Hold your tongue! - commanded the Overmind. Your exploits are worthy as well, merely in a different category than Kyp's. I am planning on promoting you too, conditionally.
Oh.....Okay. said Mnoth, slightly less phased.
But first, I think Kyp has something to ask you, said the Overmind.
I do? - thought Kyp. Oh, wait!
Can I build a hovel? It's okay with the Overmind...
Still very angry, Mnoth was happy to rain on Kyp's parade.
Let me see....ah, I thought not. he snorted evilly.
Kyp, which stage would you say we are at?
Three.
Uhuh. And how many times has the base been attacked?
Not once.
I see. So where. Is. The. Booster? said Mnoth, right up in Kyp's face.
Ahhh, I....haven't....built....one, - said Kyp sure he was going to snuff it.
Practically bellowing now, Mnoth wasn't finished - Then WHY should you get a HOVEL? Why is there NEVER a booster around when we need it? What is the PROBLEM? I'm out there getting my ass kicked again and again, and I can't even get a friggin :booster: BOOSTER :booster: !!
Kyp's ears were ringing. So - this means -
Yes, it means NO!
Turning to the Overmind, Mnoth took a deep breath.
Now...what was that condition again?
Inscrutably, the Overmind began. Your feats are many, but your choices have been flawed, and your treatment of team mates somewhat....inappropriate. I will promote you to Black Dragoon, therefore, if Kyp will vouch for you.
Mnoth was stunned. You mean....
Yes, it's up to Kyp.
Mnoth had seen one sick turn of events after another, had had one trial after another, and now this. It was too much.
Head down, Mnoth said I guess I'll just go rush the reactor room......I wish I had died on the forest planet.
Ohhh, Mnottthhhh! - chanted Kyp, looking like the cat who had got the mouse.
What? said Mnoth, raising his head and looking dully at Kyp.
In a matter-of-fact voice, and very deliberately, Kyp said
H
O
V
E
L
Yes, said Mnoth wearily.
Really? YES! Okay then!
Is that a yes? - asked the Overmind monotonously.
It is! I'll vouch for him. said Kyp.
Mnoth could barely believe his ears. You...you mean it?
No, I was kidding. OF COURSE I MEAN IT.
Wow. Mnoth's legs were shaking, all six of them.
Enough of this! Come here. - the Overmind summoned Mnoth.
Trembling, Mnoth let the Overmind place a tentacle on him. This was necessary for an alien to evolve to the advanced version of his class, since they could evolve to different classes independently.
The familiar feeling of warping scale crept over Mnoth, and he would remember it.
to be continued - my bad,
I need to write one more chapter to finish this bit. I'm on it.
-
The REAL conclusion to Kyp the Granger - Part 2. It's even more exciting!
Chapter Eleven
Passing Go
The shots were farther from them, now that they were loading the science shuttle on the far side of the main bay. This smaller bay opened at the top, part of a smaller launch platform. With the main bay and fighting between them and the alien advance, they had only been assigned two soldiers to guard them. Roslyn also noticed that they had a repeater with two turrets, but that wouldn't be much help if the low-pitched roars they were hearing were Tyrants.
"Faster!" Richard called, perspiring heavily. The two of them had been loading his shuttle with the remains of the lab and all possible test results. There were just a few crates left. With just a minute or two of evacuation left, he hit the controls to open the bay doors.
Snow began to drop in sheets as the white sky grew from a slice to a grand oval. Coming out of the shuttle for another load, Roslyn heard, then saw one of the Remdann shuttles pass overhead, removing another few squads of troops.
"We gotta go!" pressed Richard again, dropping his last load off and making for the repeater.
"I'll be right there, but Wetz left a dossier in his room. It has all of his research notes!"
"Can't believe that stiff didn't use a computer for that, he should have known - don't go, it's too far."
Roslyn was out of sight anyway.
A dragoon pounced through the door, knocking one of the marines over. The other marine fell back to a position behind the turrets, dropping his shotgun for a 'painsaw'. A few feet from the carnage, Richard saw himself presented with a win-win opportunity.
Having decapitated the human, the dragoon looked over at the other one. It hesitated, knowing that it would have to practically walk past the turrets in the confinement to get to the other soldier.
Richard toed the switch on the repeater. A small hum died, and the turrets drooped.
"Are you out of your mind?!?" called the soldier. It didn't matter, the alien was already on him, gorging his vitals out.
With the dragoon locked into a corner, Richard switched the repeater back on. Both turrets homed in and started firing away. Caught by surprise, it didn't have time to escape, and died in a hail of bullets.
With a look of satisfaction, Richard noted the large transport lifting off from the adjacent bay, laboring skywards. That meant that only one shuttle's worth of troopers were left in the main hold, about to abandon the base and retreat. They just had to wait for the shuttle to return for them.
Richard walked into the cargo bay and hit the 'close' control just as Roslyn was rounding the corner.
"What does he expect me to do, fly in?" Roslyn thought as she hurried toward the shuttle. Nearing the shuttle hatch, she threw the package in just ahead of herself. It slid across the cargo hold floor, past Richard's feet. He kept looking at her as the hatch closed. As she was about to duck in, a hand reached out and pushed her back. It was such a strange thing to happen that she didn't register it at first. Then the hatch was closed.
"Richard? What - open the door, it closed on me." She heard footsteps walking away from her, toward the cockpit.
Stepping over the turrets, she walked around to the bow and waved at him through the glass-bubble viewport.
"Let me in! What's the matter with you?"
He looked at her, and shook his head. Only then did the full realization hit her. He was leaving her here, to fulfill some cruel, perverted dream of his or something. Frozen on the spot, she realized that she was alone, in a cave full of aliens, again, and that her life was over, again.
"I don't expect you to understand any of this, but you'll thank me someday." a voice said from an intercom. Richard put down a headset and sat down to the controls. Roslyn sat down on a crate, limply, mind turned to mush. She didn't understand anything anymore.
Gases shot from the nozzles of the shuttle, and it slowly lifted itself out of the bay. A dollop of snow floated down and covered her head, but she didn't notice. By remote control, the landing bay doors began to close, the oval of sky becoming a slice, and then a thread. Then she was left in darkness, hearing only random shots and alien screaming from the rest of the facility.
************************************
Jake had volunteered to accompany the last shuttle down to retrieve the remaining troops. As it neared the large bay doors, they were met with a memorable sight. The remains of the base were being overrun. A Tyrant was smashing it's way through the defense grid, and countless dretches were taking advantage to skip past turrets and annihilate the remaining soldiers.
"A sad day," said Marty, standing next to him, leaning with him out the open hatch that had been meant to pick up any survivors. They saw two Remdann soldiers hiding from the fray behind a stack of crates. Somehow, the Tyrant was able to climb the stack unsteadily and drop down onto them. Jake shuddered.
With nothing but smoke streaming from the reactor room, and no more audible gunshots, Marty turned to the pilot.
"No survivors, John. And even if there were, it'd be suicide to drop in and get them. Let's call it a day." Marty returned to sit opposite Jake, and the shuttle began reverse thrusting, heading back for space, just feet above the landing pad.
Amazed at how a person could issue such an order, Jake turned away from him and kept gazing down into the bay. John, the pilot, must had activated the huge doors, because the bay began to close slowly.
It was then that Jake saw a girl in civilian garb walking into the bay. She wasn't hurrying or even noticing the hordes of aliens that had rushed past. She looked up at the sky, and then he knew that it was Roslyn.
"No way! It's Roslyn! We have to go back!"
"What?" said Marty, alarmed, and turned to lean out for a look. The bay doors closed over her, and John hit the switch on the shuttle hatch as well.
"I didn't see anyone." said Marty.
"Would I lie to you? That was Roslyn!" Jake was freaking out. He would not run away from her again. History was repeating itself.
"Look," said Marty, "even if that was her, I'm not risking this shuttle and those aboard for someone you think you saw - "
A fist slammed into his head, showing him stars.
"The fuck you won't! John! Turn back! We need - "
Jake felt the cold end of a service pistol touch the back of his head.
"Step away from the Pilot, soldier." ordered Marty. Jake turned to find him standing somewhat shakily aiming his weapon at him.
"If you ever disobey an order again, OR hit your Mec-1, I will shoot you dead. Is that clear soldier?"
Jake experienced a moment of uncertainty, then said through gritted teeth, "Yes, sir."
"Now sit down," ordered Marty, holstering his sidearm. Jake sat down, and strapped in. He wished he were dead.
"Jake," said Marty, trying to reach through to him, "I made sure that that Carrie girl got out with Richard. She's on his shuttle, probably already at the rendezvous point. I even provided them with escort."
"You sure?" Jake was still convinced that his vision had been real.
"I give you my word. Just.....don't do that again."
Jake said nothing, just stared off into the space that they were entering.
******************************************
Mnoth was returning to consciousness. The blur of his vision was clearing up, and his whole body had that 'new body' feel. He had turned a slick black color, his armor feeling both lighter and tougher at once. He felt so good, he just had to howl. Opening his mouth to do so, he choked on a new organ that seemed to occupy the back of it.
Barbs, - said the Overmind. To shoot one, just imagine that hot saliva has hit the back of your tongue.
Mnoth tried to envision that. No! No! Face that way! - cried the Overmind.
Oh, sorry, - said Mnoth. I'll just use them when I need them. Do they explode like grenades?
I'll have to see it to believe it - said the Overmind. Now hurry, the humans are retreating!
Mnoth dropped down off the platform and raced up the ramp. There weren't many humans left, just about twenty or so, and some of them had acquired large, noisy armor that told you where they were from half a mile away.
Stupid Humans.
Mnoth could pounce farther and take more hits than ever before. He quickly passed the slow dretches and marauders and attacked from the humans' flanks. Seeing two lightly armored targets, he pounced at them, taking them by surprise. One flew across the floor and didn't get up, but the other regained its balance and hit him with a rifle butt.
Mnoth barely felt it, and went for the human's neck between its armor. The thing struggled for a few seconds then went limp.
Licking his chops, Mnoth thought to himself. Thank you for helping to test drive our all-new Advanced Dragoon. Your feedback was appreciated.
Mnoth faced down to lick some more 'feedback' off of his foreleg, and continued onwards.
He came to a room that was unnoticed by his allies, containing three humans and a battlesuit. A repeater powered an armory and a tesla, all of which were poorly placed and snipeable.
Good a time as any, - thought Mnoth, and fired a barb through the doorway. It landed at the feet of the unarmored humans and exploded, killing both of them.
Whaddaya know? - said Mnoth to himself. The battlesuit walked up to the armory and inspected the dead pair, and looked around for the perpetrator. It was holding a mass-driver.
Mnoth loosed another barb at it. It landed in the same place, exploding and knocking the battlesuit up into the air.
Now that's just not right. Mnoth didn't have much time to think, because the battlesuit reacted quickly. A shot hit Mnoth's leg, chipping the heavy armor down to the flesh. A second shot found its way between armor plates, and stung badly.
Mnoth didn't hang around to see how many more shots would hit, and pounced away down the hall. The suit gave chase, hitting him more times. Mnoth's blood squirted out of holes, leaving a trail for the human soldier.
Not now! - thought Mnoth - Not right after evolving! Not now!
He reached the end of the hall and entered the only door. It was a dead end room.
NO! Mnoth couldn't believe his luck had run out. Surely the battlesuit would be able to finish him before he could kill it. He was already panting and bleeding in several places.
The battlesuit reached the door, and it had reloaded whilst approaching. Another shot hit Mnoth's shoulder, and he ducked behind a large crate. The human laughed, taunting him through his onboard speaker system. Mnoth was sure it was over, but he would not die hiding. With his remaining strength, he dodged out from behind the box and prepared a pounce.
The battlesuit roared and jumped forward - wait, that's not right, Mnoth realized.
It regained its balance, but was knocked forward again. A third hit threw it to the floor on it's face at his feet. Mnoth had just enough strength left to spear his long foreleg down through the electrical system (mounted on the back) and into the human occupant.
Pulling his leg out, he exhaled with relief. A great shadow filled the room - Mnoth's saviour. It was a Tyrant, and it stood in the doorway, not even sweating.
Thanks, I think. said Mnoth, embarrassed.
You think? - spoke the Tyrant, still in the doorway.
Mnoth recognized that voice. It was the heavier tones of a Tyrant, but the acidity and lethality of -
Sigig?!? Mnoth was awestruck.
Indeed. You threatened me with death many times, made me put up with that ingrate, and then left me to die. And now I, I am your master.
Mnoth was in disbelief. But how?
I was in a coma, but the Overmind revived me. That package you dropped me on helped out too....I thought you'd like to know that.
Mnoth kept stammering.
Remember how you said I could tell my story, and see if I would be believed? Sigig started stepping towards Mnoth.
Well I did. And the Overmind knows everything now. It knows about you, me, the girl, the six years of forest, the failure on Ventas - everything. And it promoted ME. It also said it wouldn't notice if you were to go...missing.
Mnoth had been threatened with doom so many times recently, he wasn't too shaken by this.
Well go ahead if you must - I'm sick of the suspense. Just know that you wouldn't have made it off of that planet without me, would not have lived to be a Tyrant. You owe me everything.
Sigig raised a large claw over Mnoth's head. Mnoth closed his eyes, all of them. He only left a tap.
Of course I do! I'd never hurt you, we've got history! Come on mate, the Overmind has something to show you.
Mnoth limped out of the room, Sigig walking next to him.
So the humans are beaten?
Yes, roared Sigig with self-satisfaction. I'm to blame for that.
Mnoth rolled his eyes. Sigig went on.
With the infestation eradicated, the Overmind has authorized the construction of Pod-Launchers. That's right, we're going back to Homeworld! I don't have to tell you what a rare treat that is.
So the Overmind was able to contact the Hive? From this far out?
I didn't think it would work, either, - said Sigig, as they reached the ramp.
Once at the bottom, Sigig stopped.
That's not what the Overmind had to show me, is it? - asked Mnoth.
No, that is up there. I'll be down here if you need me.
Mnoth pounced up onto the platform. Before the Overmind, there was a small ring of aliens surrounding a crumpled form. On the left was Vesh, to the right was Kyp, and in the center - was Roslyn.
Her eyes were closed and she wasn't moving; she just laid there on the creep, in front of the glowing Overmind.
For me? - asked Mnoth, trying not to hope.
For the Hivemind. - replied the Overmind. Mnoth looked at it flatly.
Surely the Hivemind doesn't see something interesting in her?
Apparently, they do. Don't worry, I hear they have something special cooking up for her. She gets packed in an asteroid and she returns with us. The most you'll probably get is to watch. Be grateful.
Very well, - said Mnoth. He took a moment to think about it. He had won. He had joined the order of Black Dragoons. His nemesis would come to a slimy end, and his 'friends' had even survived and thrived. But for the postscript, this story was having a happy ending.
To his right, Kyp sighed longingly.
She was nice to me. Maybe the Hivemind will let me keep her....
Mnoth scoffed. Some things never changed.
He turned back to look at the girl who slept in the ring of aliens.
This concludes Part 2. Sigig has become
a tyrant, Kyp will be allowed to make a
hovel, and who knows what will happen to
Roslyn? Stick around for the final part,
Part 3.
On a separate note, thanks for bearing with
my inconsistent writing and for all the
feedback. You've been great! Expect me to
begin Part 3 in a week or two.
-
:o
Twist ending!
-
yay! Sigig= :tyrant:
-
SO AWESOME!!!!!!! KEEP WRITING!!!!!!!! ;D
-
This concludes Part 2. Sigig has become
a tyrant, Kyp will be allowed to make a
hovel, and who knows what will happen to
Roslyn? Stick around for the final part,
Part 3.
On a separate note, thanks for bearing with
my inconsistent writing and for all the
feedback. You've been great! Expect me to
begin Part 3 in a week or two.
no, you are GOING to make it go for part 7
-
This concludes Part 2. Sigig has become
a tyrant, Kyp will be allowed to make a
hovel, and who knows what will happen to
Roslyn? Stick around for the final part,
Part 3.
On a separate note, thanks for bearing with
my inconsistent writing and for all the
feedback. You've been great! Expect me to
begin Part 3 in a week or two.
no, you are GOING to make it go for part 7
Nah, I'm not gonna make the same mistake that LOST did. Besides, I already have it all worked out. I just have to put it into words.
Oh and I'm a tarrantino fan. Know what happens in tarrantino films? All the main characters die messily. I <3 it.
-
Hovel!hovel!Hovel!hovel! - Kyp repeated inwardly, as he approached the Overmind.
This made my day ;D
-
For the first time ever I'm having plan it out before I write, because so many parts are coming together and I would mess up badly otherwise. Combine that with my already - suffering attention span, and you've got delays.
-
What's creepy and quiet and GRABS you from behind?
More like a Basilisk than a Jake :P
-
What's creepy and quiet and GRABS you from behind?
More like a Basilisk than a Jake :P
(http://myveryworstjob.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/good-job-gold-ribbon.jpg)
Now you know what Jake was making referrence to.
-
What's creepy and quiet and GRABS you from behind?
More like a Basilisk than a Jake :P
[img]
Now you know what Jake was making referrence to.
I believe cookies are also in order.
-
I'm writing the last part of this story, in a new thread. Enjoy.
>> Linkage << (http://tremulous.net/forum/index.php?topic=14463)
-
THANK YOU CONZUL YOUR AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! ;D