Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
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Post by Warrender on Apr 24, 2015 14:35:11 GMT
Ard’jaous, Cakarian Escort Fleet
The golden jewel of the Cakarian military hung silently in the black sea of space. A Dreadnought Cakarian class ship that served as flagship for Ard'jaous himself, a vessel spanning 1 mile and with enough firepower to decimate an entire civilisation from off the face of a planet surface. The Highwind was modified version of the same dreadnoughts that served as command ships for the 6 main fleets of the Cakari, and while Ard'jaous could command all 6 when needed it suited his peoples purpose to be split into 6 fleets which could be then split into battlegroups as required.
The dark grey vessel was shaped like a cylinder with squared off edges, thousands upon thousands of tiny lights from the windows gave the vessel its depth. Huge engines were embedded inside the main structure and provided the immense thrust required to move. 4 short wings protruded from just before the rear, at its tip a huge engine was attached. Criss-crossed across its hull were literally thousands of weapon systems, each one protected within the storage compartments, ready to be activated should anyone foolishly enough should bring cause for the Highwind to engage them. Saving the best to last was the new Rail cannon, built using the same technology that went to Ard'jaous's own space cannon and housed at the front of the ship, its fire arc permanently dead ahead due to the complications in getting such a monstrous creation to work.
The Space cannon was a novel weapon for the Cakari considering they believed in defence over offense despite their already formidable power. Built after the Ardenti Cakari war the Space Cannon was designed purely for destruction. A vessel 10 miles long and shaped the same as Ard'jaous's dreadnought, the vessel was capable of launching a payload powerful enough to enter hyperspace and strike its target without warning. The first time the weapon was used in open war was against the Kraw'ven planet of Krassikan. A single blast creating a crater 18 miles wide and causing enough internal damage to send earth quakes and volcanic activity across the surface of the entire planet. The resulting devastation and nuclear style winter rendered the entire planet uninhabitable. Its first test firing showed off the emense battle computer that calculated and destroyed a moving comet a quarter of the galaxy away.
As Ard'jaous watched from aboard the flagship the view-screen displayed several dozen warships darting around and performing various manoeuvers, each in its own tiny window on the main view-screen. They had been performing these actions for over 16 hours without break and although Ard'jaous was keen to get back to shipping supplies to the other races under the noses of his superiors he also knew this needed to be done to not only avoid suspicion but also to ensure they would indeed be ready when the Necrapthim arrived. Walking forward, Ard'jaous's cloak swayed with his movements and his feet clinked against the decking. He clasps the round metal ledge that surrounded the ships pilot station. A leather backed pad that the pilot leaned against while standing, the controls either side of him with various dials and controls used to control the ships movements. "Give it 1 more hour and we'll call a close to todays drills" Ard'jaous ordered. An order of acknowledgement rose up from behind him. Tilting his head downward Ard'jaous addressed the pilot. "Alter course, 100 mark 45 mark 67, quarter speed. Councillor Lar'inous will be arriving shortly to see how things are preceding." The pilot nodded without looking, his hands moving and touching controls in a flurry as he entered the information "At once, Warmaster" Was all he said in response.
Ard'jaous released his grip of the metal ledge and pushed himself off as he turned, walking purposefully over to his chair where he'd continue to monitor the events before him and await the arrival he was not looking forward to.
Several vessels of the battlegroup were still practicing covering fire while others attempted a rescue of a dummy warship acting as a crippled vessel when 4 bright flashes lit up near the Highwind. A huge Cakari Dreadnought suddenly came into being, followed by 3 cruisers acting as escort for the Dreadnought. The inscriptions on its hull registered it as the Horizon, Capital ship of the Cakari 6th fleet, charged with the defence of the Cakari home system and acted as envoy for Cakari dignitaries on the rare occasions they venture away from the homeworld. The console bleeped as a communication came through onto the bridge of the Highwind and Ard'jaous gestured with his hand to put it through, the review of his battlegroup being replaced by a single image of Councillor Lar'rinous. "Warmaster Ard'jaous, I bring greetings and respect from the Cakari Councillor. I am eager to speak with you. I will arrive by shuttle shortly"". Ard'jaous nodded and rose to his feet, protocol demanding his stand when speaking to the council. "I return your greeting and respect, Councillor Lar'rinous. I look forward to your arrival. I admit I am curious as to why you have come all the way just to speak with me while out on manoeuvers". Lar'rinous responded, his posture giving away nothing but his tone made it clear that something was not quite right "All will become clear when we speak" Was all he would say before the channel was closed and the images of his battlegroup was displayed again in numerous little boxes. Ard'jaous was not looking forward to this discussion, the only time he had ever recalled a Councillor leaving homeworld was when he was first instated officially as Warmaster of the Cakari fleet.
The shuttle touched down inside the giant hanger aboard the Highwind, a gentle hiss as pistons within the landing gear settled with its weight upon them. The giant hanger doors descended from the ceiling and created a seal, allowing breathable air to pump back into the room. As soon as blue lights appeared the main hanger doors opened, 2 columns of fully armoured soldiers marched through in timed sequence. 20 men in either column made a line from the now descended shuttle ramp to the hanger doors as Ard'jaous marched down the middle along the path laid out by soldiers. The ramp touched the floor with a thud and Councillor Lar'rinous climbed down the ramp. His ornate robe and staff of office bright within the drab colours of the ship.
Ard'jaous met him at the base of the ramp and respectfully bowed, his hand gesturing towards the door which Lar'rinous promptly. Each time the Councillor passed a set of soldiers they would strike their fist to their chest in respect and protocol. Lar'rinous did not utter a single word as the two men walked, leaving Ard'jaous apprehensive as to his reasons for the visit. It wasn't until they passed the doors and started to walk down the corridors that he spoke. "Warmaster Ard'jaous, I must say we are disappointed. Did you think your actions would go unnoticed?" The Councillor asked as he strode ponderously down the corridor, his staff swinging back and forth. Ard'jaous sighed exasperatedly, the reasons becoming all to clear and realising that someone somewhere had decided to report on his actions behind his back. There was no point denying it, no point trying to come up with some explanation to give misdirection, his hand had well and truely been caught in ther cookie jar and he knew it, the Councillor would not have come all this way unless there was sufficient proof.
"I had hoped that it would"He eventually answered, theorising that at this point he may as well go all the way. "I thought that seeing that our fleets are conducting training exercises that it would be a good excuse to help the other races, after all, I had legitimate concerns that we may well end up transporting vital supplies when facing the Necrapthim and want to ensure we are sufficiently prepared. The fact that my actions have helped support our neighbours is a happy coincidence."
The pair continued to wander the corridor, Lar'rinous not knowing where they were headed and presumably not interested. He did not initially respond to Ard'jaous's statement, allowing a long pause before speaking. "I did not come here to discuss the matter. I came here to inform you of our decision" Lar'rinous twisted his head to half look at the Warmaster before coming to a complete stop, both men turning to face each other. "You have disobeyed the Councils orders, by all accounts you should be stripped of your rank and dishonourably discharged." the councillor said, failing to hide the contempt in his voice. "However, considering the current crisis, and your previous exemplary service the council has decided not to take such action"
Ard'jaous pondered the words, he could read between the lines that there was another reason, the fact that to discharge him from his position would not only be detrimental to himself but would highlight to the Empire that the Council had made a bad decision. No, this was a calculated move to brush the discretion under the carpet. "I will stand by the decision of the Council" Ard'jaous replied.
"As you should" Lar'rinous responded quickly, still struggling to hide his contempt "You are to return immediately to the homeworld. You will conduct any training exercises from there. Equally, we have already sent a recall to all Cakari fleets, all cargo on-board is to be immediately ejected" Lar'rinous paused as he walked close to Ard'jaous, holding his head close to his so as to whisper "Should the Council find you breaching our orders again, you can be safe in the knowledge that your prior service to the Empire will NOT be taken into account". Lar'rinous grunted, turning on the spot and began marching back towards the hanger. Ard'jous knew not to follow and made his way to the bridge, tapping on his forearm computer to open a channel to the bridge. "Bridge, call the battlegroup into formation, as soon as the Councillors shuttle is a safe distance set a course to the homeworld and engage" He growled into the communicator, years of experience in hiding his emotions melting away as rage filled his mind. He barely registered the words coming back through in acknowledgment as he wrenched the device off his forearm and smashed it against the wall with enough force to splinter it into pieces. His sudden urge to destroy something satiated he stood there silently save for the sharp intake of breath as he tried to calm himself.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Apr 27, 2015 13:38:43 GMT
Council Members, Cakarian Council Chamber on Astara
The room was pitch black, no lights shone above, no walls were visible, a complete vacuum of light. The sound of a heavy door somewhere in the room slid to a close causing a low rumbling sound. Then the soft clicking of metal feet against floor echoed into the room, it's position hard to determine as the sound bounced from wall to wall in this unseen room. Suddenly it stopped and silence swept the room. After a short pause a dim blue light shone from below from a 1 foot wide light, then another, then another, 5 in total, forming a ring of evenly spaced lights. With each light that shone a face glowed as the light reflected off the metal masks they all wore, the tattered rags covering their suits barely visible. Bor'rious, Lar'rinous, Mor'kouf and Ta'rellis, the Council members of the Cakarian Empire. But a fifth figure stood in the fifth spot, the spot that Ard'jaous would stand when addressing the Council.
"Fellow Council members, I bid greetings" Ta'rellis began, the other Councillors all nodded in return but stayed silent. "The end of this galaxy is at hand, everything is in place for us to reclaim what is rightfully ours. For too long we have waited in shadows, for too long we have watched those who would be king rise and fall for their hubris. It is no longer enough to simply exist, the Cakarian Empire will rise again and not even the Necrapthim can stand in our way!" Ta'rellis clanged his staff hard against the floor, signalling his point and that he had finished speaking. "What of Ard'jaous?" Lar'rinous spoke up, "Even now, he disobeys the Council by conducting diplomacy with that witch! His vessel is currently en-route to her location despite my orders. This alliance of convenience is stretching my patience, we should brook no delay and use the Cannon against the Ardenti flagship, lest her interference cost us yet more lives when facing the Necrapthim.". A loud clang struck the floor as Lar'rinous spoke the last word and the room fell silent as they considered the statement.
Bor'rious finally spoke, his words thought out "Warmaster Ard'jaous may indeed be testing the patience of the council but we must not forget all he has done for us and all we have done to him. We were the ones who encouraged him to stray from doctrine by seeing the wisdom in his novel approach, it is we who authorised him to engage and rally the younger races against our enemies as our forces became depleted, surely we must take responsibility for our actions as well as the Warmaster?" Bor'rious clanged his staff, fearing being alienated in the Council for pointing out the flaw in their opinion. There was another pause as one by one the Council members looked at each other as if accessing one another, neither wishing to be the first to agree or deny the previous statement made by Bor'rious. Finally, Te'rellis spoke. "Perhaps. There is wisdom in your words, but we cannot deny that the embodiment of our strength in the galaxy has become tainted by those who are impure. The Warmaster will obey our commands regardless of his own opinions as he always has done. However, we cannot ignore the taint that spreads through him that is forming doubt in his mind. I fear he has reached a level that if pushed, would see him rather destroy the cannon than allow it to be used against the witch" Another clang echoed around the room. This time there were no pauses as Mor'kouf spoke up.
"My caste were the ones who built the cannon and we would be able to override and take control over the weapon should you desire it. We do not need Warmaster Ard'jaous's agreement nor knowledge in order to fire it. However, care should be taken to avoid knowledge of our actions from becoming known as it would only serve to undermine our authority and disgrace us." Mor'kouf raised his staff, but before he could bring it down the 5th figure spoke, his identity known only to the Council. The four Council members all looked to him in irritation for speaking out of turn but allowed him to speak. "I have a solution, Councillors. At the time of your choosing you simply order the Warmaster to adjust the heading of the Space cannon, then, you simply order him to fire the cannon while taking the control of it to fire it yourself. The Warmaster will have no choice but to take responsibility for firing the cannon as honour demands he not show any weakness in the Council."
The council fell silent until Bor'rious felt sufficient time had elapsed for the figure to continue and clanged his staff down on his behalf. "Then it is so!" Ta'rellis spoke "We will destroy the witch to prevent further corruption of our Warmaster. Without her interference he will come back fully into the fold ready to prepare to defend the Empire"
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Meanwhile
Mother sat in her crystal throne, her eyes closed calmly as she relaxed, the noise and bustle around her not affecting her as her people went about their duties. For all intents and purposes one would think her to be asleep while sitting in a queen like pose upon her throne. From the console behind her the Lieutenant looked over to her "Mother, Ard'jaous is requesting an audience". Mother twisted her head slightly, then her eyes opened quickly. "Tell him I am on my way to the holograph room" she responded, slowly rising to her feet. Her Lieutenant faltered for a moment before replying. "Erm, Mother, the message didn't come through the holographic channels, it came from a direct communication a few light-years out".
Mother was caught by surprised, from behind her a flash appeared on the ornate crystal lined view screen, the shape of the Ard'jaous's dreadnought loomed in front of Mother's Lifeship, it's thrusters bellowing out as it rapidly decelerated. Although huge in itself it was a tiny compared to the immense Lifeships of the Ardenti ""Mother, a shuttle is being launched under fighter escort, Warmaster Ard'jaous is requesting permission to dock" Mother rolled her eyes, speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Some things never change" she said, hinting about the arrogance commonly associated of the Cakari. "Yes, yes" She responded, waving her hand dismissively "Permission granted. Arrange an escort once aboard. Do not worry about them being armed, I fear trying to get that staff away from Ard'jaous will be harder than getting a Cakarian to admit he's sorry". As she turned to leave her command centre she could hear a couple of amused chuckles from her comment.
As Mother waited inside the conference room she heard the tell tale thuds of Ard'jaous and several others approaching. The doors hissed open and two Ardenti guards bounded through, looking as though fearing being trampled over by Ard'jaous who followed far to closely behind as he barged through. Four of his guards followed behind, forming a line behind their leader as they entered and leaving little room for the rest of the Ardenti guards to get by. Mother was pleasantly surprised to see his guards unarmed, leaving only Ard'jaous with a weapon in the form of his staff. She did not fear a confrontation, merely uncomfortably with the prospect of having 5 fully armed Cakarian's aboard. Whilst she herself could easily go toe to toe against the Warmaster should the need ever arise she knew just how formidable the Cakari were in combat and how much destruction 4 could do before being brought down, let alone that of a seasoned Warmaster.
"Warmaster Ard'jaous" Mother said in a cool and calm voice, "I believe this is the first time we have actually met face to face in all these years. The last time a Cakarian or Ardenti met face to face it was to try and slit the throat of the other" She cracked a smile, an attempt at humour, made more humorous by knowing how unlikely it would be for Ard'jaous to see the humour.
"Indeed it is, Mother" He replied, either ignoring or failing to see any form of humour as Mother predicted. "I came here en-route back to the Empire. It seems the Council have become aware of my actions and have recalled the fleets. I'm afraid you cannot expect anymore help from the Cakari"
Mother regarded the leader, she could almost sense sorrow in his voice. "You mean we cannot expect any more help from ... you. The Council has never offered to help" She replied sternly, her gaze drifting away and a low sigh passing her lips. "You know, I feel sorry for you Ard'jaous. I can snap my fingers and entire Empires will crumble at my word. But you, you have the exact same power, yet you must everything the Cakarian way, conferring with the Council the moment something doesn't conform to the outlines they give you." Her gaze returned to Ard'jaous and she gave him a deathly stare of anger, letting a pause pass before continuing, "And because of that, billions upon billions will pay the price because YOUR people aren't willing to help. I've seen the figures, the Cakari will not weather this storm gracefully, I fear you may not even survive. Even with your superior armies and advanced weaponry the Necrapthim are a danger to all." She allowed a pause, trying to read something through the emotionless mask of Ard'jaous's armour before she suddenly blurted out. "Come with us. Defy your narrow minded Council and take as many that will come through the Ardenti gate with us. We will be gone long before the Necrapthim arrive"
Ard'jaous's fingers flexed, rapping against the metal. "I will not abandon my people, and we will weather this storm as we have before. I am honour bound to the Council and cannot ignore them no matter my opinion"
"Then you are a fool!" Mother shouted forcefully from across the table. "We will do what we can for the other races and all are welcome to journey with us through the Ardenti gate. The Cakari included". Ard'jaous met her glare in equal measure and his voiced growled across the table as he leant forward, pressing his arm on the smooth crystal surface. "Be grateful Ardenti. I have taken great risk in giving the aid I have. It is not our way to interfere with other races"
"YOUR INTERFERENCE PROTOCOL BE DAMNED!" Mother shouted across the table, banging her fist against the table, cracks sheering across the table in all directions. "Dammit Ard'jaous!! I know that behind that stubborn Cakarian upbringing is a man who actually gives a damn about the people of this galaxy. If there wasn't then why the hell would you have taken such risks helping in the first place?!" She banged the table again, less harder, as though trying to temper her anger.
"This meeting no longer serves a purpose!" Ard'jaous declared angrily banging his staff hard against the floor, causing several of Mother's guard to instinctively reach for their weapons, pausing when they realised it wasn't an attack. Ard'jaous turned on the spot, his guards filing out through the doors without prompting as they made their way to the shuttle. Ard'jaous was seething with anger, he was angry at the audacity of the woman to address him in such a manner, but his anger was multiplied by the fact that deep down he feared she was right, ever since the Ardenti Cakari war he had started to see fault in the leadership of the Council, what started out as tiny drips of doubt dropping into a bucket was fast becoming a steady flow. But what was he to do? From birth he was raised to believe in the wisdom of the Council, indoctrinated to obey the Council without hesitation. His mind began to fill with self doubt as he climbed aboard the shuttle in the Ardenti launch bay. His mind was splitting in two, one part heeding Mother's words and doubting the Councils wisdom. the other side of him battling to split the woman in two, his entire being etched to revere the Council that has served for thousands of years. He would meditate on the last few days on the journey home, ensuring his mind was cleared before he arrived and faced the wrath of the council once more.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 16:13:44 GMT
The more I read this, the better it gets.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on May 1, 2015 11:11:51 GMT
Krish - Melathina, unknown pirate base
"What do you think they'll do to us, Krish?" Melathina asked, looking fearfully to him as she lay against her husband, both leaning against the cold wall of the cell they were in. Krish continued to stare straight ahead, his eyes transfixed on some random mark on the wall as though in a trance. He let out a short sigh, his gaze unmoved as he answered. "I don't know, Melathina. Our chances of being spared are a million to one. As soon as get everything of value from us they'll probably throw us out an airlock". Krish realised his words were of no comfort, but couldn't bring himself to lie to her as she tilted her head to rest it against his arm, her gaze joining his of the wall opposite. "If there's a chance, I'll do anything I can to get them to let you go, anything"
Krish and Melathina were slowly slipping into sleep from the prolonged silence when light blasted into the dim room from the cell door opening. Both of them instinctively wincing from the sudden brightness. Before their eyes could adjust they heard two sets of footsteps enter the room and the door closing behind them, dimming the room to normal. They both glanced up at the new comers into the cell, a female and male Banshai stood in front of them, guns pointed ready to fire at the two prisoners. With their uniform on only their faces and hands were visible. Humanoid and fairly tall, their faces were plump and dirty grey, ridges could be seen along their cheeks and over their eyes, each bone in their faces were pronounced. One of the pair addressed them, his voice low and difficult to follow. "You will answer my questions. Fail to answer, I shoot a leg, fail to answer again, I shoot the other. Do I make myself clear?". Krish and Melathina glanced at each other quickly, then back to the guard asking the question, nodding in unison. The guard, satisfied pulled a palm sized datapad from a pocket and seemed to read something before placing it back in his pocket. "Where are you?" he demanded
The pair looked at each other, as if sharing their mutual confusion before answering. "Erm, we don't know. Last thing we knew was being attacked by you in the Octoro sector. After that I've no idea as wasn't in the cockpit". The guard didn't respond and simply picked up the pad, keeping it in his hand this time as he spoke. "How much have you seen?" he continued in the same gruff manner.
"Nothing really. Again, we were kept out of the cockpit, heck, I'm pretty sure I'd never even be able to remember anyone's face, you know what I mean?" Krish replied, hoping to somehow persuade them into letting them go unharmed. The guard snorted in contempt "hhhmppht, I'm sure the moment you got to the nearest station you'd be plastering our faces all over GNN, so don't try my patience"
Krish face wrinkled as much as it could as the likelihood of them being released unharmed seemed to diminish. "Are there any redundant tracking devices aboard your vessel?" the guard continued, staring down at the two prisoners for a moment as they paused to consider the question, looking at each other as though deciding whether or not to answer truthfully or not. Without warning he aimed his rifle at Melathina and pressed the trigger, a loud bang followed by a flash erupted from the muzzle, Melathina instantly went to grab her leg and screamed in pain as cartilage and red blood bubbled from the wound caused. Krish's eyes widened, grabbing hold of his partner in an instinctive attempt to comfort her as he screamed "YES, YES! ... There's another transmitter next to the backup generator" he yelled loudly.
The guard didn't react, merely looked at his datapad and then back to the pair on the floor as Melathina writhed in pain. "What was your destination? And what was your expected arrival time?" he continued without any compassion whatsoever. "Are you crazy?!! She need medical attention!!" Krish screamed. The guard tilted his head slightly, giving the best incredulas look he could as he aimed the rifle back at Melathina. "Wait! Wait!" Krish screamed in response "We were headed to Galapabay, we're expected in 10 days"
The guard looked back to his datapad "That will do, for now" was all he said as he walked out of the room leaving the female guard looking a little bewildered, glancing back and forth to the injured woman as if questioning whether they were going to leave her to bleed out or not. Krish stared up at her, trying to appeal to her better nature. Instead however, the Banshai woman composed herself and walked out of the cell, leaving Krish and Melathina alone once more in the dim lit cell as the doors slid shut. Krish tore the sleeve off his jumpsuit, a difficult task due to its thickness and did his best to compress the wound and comfort his partner.
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Bartalo sat at his desk while flipping through various documents that lay strewn around his desk. He was reading the latest information on an expected shipment of Hormite metals due past this sector in the next week when the door to his office slid open and the male guard from the cell walked in. "Grax, what can I do for you?" Bortalo asked pleasantly. Grax stood in front of the desk and struck an at ease style pose "I asked the prisoners some questions as requested. I don't believe there is any threat to the station and have removed a backup transmitter they had. I still strongly urge you to just shoot them though, I don't see why we should waste our supplies on them". Bartalo smiled and casually picked up a report and placed it down in another spot on the table. "Because ... we're short handed in the cargo bay, we need extra hands to unload our loot" Bartalo replied.
Grax snorted and looked away dismissively "Fine, but you'd better split them up or they'll conspire to escape and I really can't be bothered to watch their every move". Bartalo smiled, picking up a datapad without looking, holding it lightly in his hand he suddenly gripped it, his face grimacing as he flicked his wrist, throwing the pad at Grax, watching as it hit the unprepared guard in the chest and clattered on the floor. Grax grunted in annoyance and bent down to pick it up, turning it over and reading the display. Bartalo stared at him "No, you'd better stop telling me what to do, Altran decided I was better suited for this job, NOT YOU! Now that pad will tell you exactly what I want you to do with them, so get to it!" he growl at Grax. The guard exhaled quickly in anger and turned on the spot, walking out through the door. Bartalo tilted his head to yell out the open door as Grax walked away"And if I find one of them is dead it'll be YOU that gets airlocked"
Krish had managed to stem most of the bleeding from his wife's leg, but blood was getting everywhere and the wound wouldn't fully coagulate. Melathina had already passed out and Krish had to dismiss the thought that maybe she was the lucky one. If he didn't get the bleeding stopped soon she'd be dead, but at least he'd be with her.
With his back facing the door he wasn't blinded as the door opened behind him, flooding the room again with bright light. Krish paused his efforts, thoughts filling his mind that maybe he should try jumping them, if his wife was to die at least he'll die with her. He pushed the thought away and slowly turned his head to the door and saw the previous female guard. He stared at her and she did him, neither speaking as she reached into to jacket over her jumpsuit and pulled out a palm sized bundle, throwing it to him "I'm only doing this because if she dies, Bartalo will kill Grax, and I don't want that" She said, but Krish could sense something else from her than just that of saving this Grax person.
Without a word he grabbed the bundle and tore it open as the door slid closed. he skimmed through the medical supplies that had been place inside and grabbed the item he needed. With shaking hands he removed the makeshift bandage and pointed the tube at the wound. His hands started to shake even more with the knowledge that if he wasted any of this precious liquid he'd never get anymore. He depressed the tiny button on the end and purple liquid sprayed out, coating Melathina's leg and wound, sticking like glue and prevent blood from seeping out. He looked at his worked and was relieved to see the entire wound was covered in this purple liquid that served as a barrier. He exhaled sharply and started gasping for air, not realising he had held his breath for almost 2 full minutes. He lumped down next to her, moving her against him so she was comfortable and so he could hold her in his arms. He had learnt four things in just a few seconds. Firstly, Grax would not hesitate to hurt them if it served his purposes. Secondly, he wanted Grax dead!, thirdly it might be worth befriending the female guard. Lastly, this Bortalo must be the leader here, perhaps he could speak with him, come to some arrangement.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on May 1, 2015 13:32:07 GMT
Bajiri, Trade Station 17
The Formian Battleship dropped out of Hyperspace near to the Trade station that had not so long ago called in distress. As soon as the wake of the hyperspace dissipated the bridge hummed as information started to be received by the numerous consoles along the walls. The admiral had already instructed the crew to collate information on the tactical console as it came in to get an overview of the situation. A Large sleek reflected black table had risen from the ground and all manner of information was now appearing over its surface. The Comms officer was in contact with the station personnel for status updates that hadn't yet been registered on their system, Formian pilots were scrambled in their various cargo and fighter crafts, ready for launch at a moments notice and medical bays were on standby to receive casualties.
Bajiri almost bawked when he saw the casualty report, over 35,000 people had been killed by a foreign biological attack on the station before lockdown could be initiated. A brief analysis showed that the bio-filters aboard hadn't been able to identify the substance as hazardous until a large portion of the chemical had already been pumped through the air system. Once analysed the lockdown procedure had started in the effected areas but not before it had managed spread into non-effected area's by those already infected and increasing the size of the spread. The crew had had to initiate a station wide lockdown to gain control and halt its continued spread into other areas. Scanners picked up numerous ship debris from vessels that had tried to flee the area despite the quarantine orders to remain and the nearby patrol ships were having a difficult time in maintaining order from all those who had managed to undock from the station and flee the area, others drifted lifelessly in space, the occupants presumably dead from this new weapon.
"Who could do such a thing?" Bajiri asked himself under his breath as he stared at the data to formulate a plan. A report caught his attention, a freighter that had previously been attacked by pirates was listed as having fled the station shortly after the attack, it had failed to respond to hails and evaded the nearby patrol ships who too far away to prevent its escape. The ID of the ship was Kebnezer and suspicions were now raised over it's involvement in this attack. Bajiri noted that no one had been able to give chase to the vessel and instantly ordered a squadron of fighters in pursuit, hoping they could catch up before needing to refuel. As for everything else he ordered the giant battleship closer, launching all ships in order to give aid.
"This is Admiral Bajiri of the Formian fleet, we are here to lend aid to our allies, my vessels are at your disposal, please contact them accordingly as they are awaiting instruction. My ship is more than capable of taking on casualties and refugees, again, just instruct us where you need us." Bajiri closed the channel and waited. This attack could not have come at a worse time and he was left confused as to why anyone would purposely attack a space station whose primary role was in helping the races of this galaxy prepare to evacuate. It still amazed him how several of the larger races had managed to adapt so quickly, his own race included. Only 6 more months until the Necrapthim would arrive and over half the galaxy were almost halfway from being to evacuate their entire people into space. This is why these space stations were so important in the galactic efforts of ensuring as many lives could be saved as possible.
Making a profit had gone out the window for most, with many races either swapping or even gifting surplus materials to other the races to aid in their ship building. The freighter pilots of the Dre'kzl had become revered as bringers of hope as their ships arrivals brought with it the vital supplies to build the vast quantity of vessels required to move an entire civilisation. There was even rumours of some races even promising places aboard their own vessels should they be able to make surplus ships. But attacks like this were crippling, the delays and even loss of lives meant that the network of trade was diminished substantially and its repercussions would be felt throughout.
His comms officers blurted out a few transcripts that had come from the station, interrupting Bajiri's train of thought. He nodded in reply and the lumbering battleship moved into position as requested. He watched on a tactical screen as 5 blips were moving away then suddenly disappeared as one by the Formian fighters engaged their Blip drives, a small short ranged Hyperdrive engine capable of allowing small vessels to use hyperspace travel over short distances.
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Meanwhile, aboard the Kebnezer, Yaraseff slowly came too, intense pain screeching across his head, face and leg as a result of the shots and blow to his head that Cortez had given him. His head tilted groggily back and forth as he came too. He glanced around, noticing he was still on the bridge at the back along with the other passengers, several of which were sporting injuries no doubt sustained from his little manoeuver back there. He wanted to apologise but thought better of it for now. Cortez was in the chair piloting, he could only see the top of her head and wondered how she knew no one would try to overpower her. He soon saw the reason why as he shuffled slightly to get himself into a more comfortable position as a small robot on six legs no bigger than a basket ball turned quickly to face him, its single yellow eye focusing, watching him. "Its got a gun too you know" Came a voice from the chair. "Keep still and maybe it won't shoot"
Yaraseff cussed himself, he had no idea where they were and some damned woman was flying his ship. What's more she most likely responsible for all the deaths he'd seen, why else would she be so eager to escape. "Could I at least get something for the headache?" he asked her, eyeing up the other prisoners pressed up against the bulkhead opposite, noting that they'd manage to bandage up the injury on the Orca's head after his fall.
"Fine, but I'm watching you on the robots camera. Try anything and you'll leave me no choice but to kill you this time" he blurted out, clearly concentrating on piloting the ship through hyperspace. Yaraseff slowly and painfully got to his feet, wobbling and trying to stay balanced, his leg had been bandaged whilst he was unconscious but it still hurt like hell. Ponderously he wandered over to a small cabinet in the wall, glancing at the robots= whose eye seemed to follow him around the room. He opened the cabinet and took out his pain pills, palming a needle used to numb pain. If he could get close enough he might just be able to use this on her. It wouldn't be anywhere enough to knock her down, but it might be enough to gain an advantage when the time was right.
After two hours bored out of his mind sitting against the bulkhead he finally got a glimmer of hope as a proximity alarm went off. 5 Formian signatures appeared on radar and were closing fast.
"Shit!" Cortez yelled. Getting up out of the seat. "You, what's your name?!" She barked at Yaraseff. "Captain Yaraseff" he replied. "Fine, Yara, get up here and fly, these guys mean business"
Yaraseff grunted as he got to his feet, he knew the reason why she wanted him to fly, she didn't know all the controls, heck she might only even have basic flight knowledge. Whatever the reason he wasn't about to help her, if he could communicate with them he'd be able to tell them he is a hostage. "I refuse" he replied to her sternly.
Cortez eyed him through the black tinted helmet, tapping her gun a couple of times idly against her leg as though deciding what to do. She turned her head to the injured Orca, raised her gun and fired, the shot striking the Orca in the side of his head and exploding most of it against the bulkhead and showering them in his blood and causing them to shriek. "Shall I kill another?" she asked coolly
Yaraseff didn't answer, part in shock because of what he had witnessed and from not wanting to give her another excuse to shoot another innocent. He painfully hobbled to the chair and slumped down, wincing in pain, the image of that poor Orca etched in his mind and he doubted he'd be able to sleep peacefully anytime soon. Cortez leaned closer, not noticing Yaraseff sliding the needle under his leg out of sight. She pressed the gun against his temple and spoke softly into his ear "Try another trick like before and I'll shoot them one by one as you watch, am I clear?". Yaraseff grunted and nodded. "What do you want me to do?" he asked.
"I want you to get rid of them" She barked in response. "I don't care how". Yaraseff nodded and brought up a display, tapping a few commands into the console as she watched his every move, "I'll take us out of hyperspace in the Util system, there's quite a lot of debris in there so we might be able to lose them in there". Cortez nodded, allowing him to enter the final commands to drop them out of hyperspace. As the ship shuddered into normal space Yaraseff plotted the course into an asteroid field, his mind already trying to come up with a plan to overpower this woman and get help. He didn't even want to think of the other prisoners behind him, covered in blood.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Jun 19, 2015 1:15:54 GMT
Mother, Retyu Star System
Mother slowly walked along the marble path of her private crystal garden. The glistening white marble path steered gently side to side like a flowing river through the huge tall room, white pebbles forming a border between path and garden. Huge coloured crystals grew like flowers, some huge and thick, eons old and stretching towards the ceiling, others were short and thin like bushes and shrubs with many centuries to go before they'd grow tall like their brothers. Her fingers danced lightly over the crystals within reach as she walked along the path. She knew each crystal by sight and even knew the many children that each crystal had grown as it aged and grew in size.
She saw one of her vassal officers waiting for her further down the path. A large wolf like creature walking upright, its fur extremely short and allowing for her face to sport a black painted motif around her eye and down her cheek. Mother maintained her pace as she approached, only glancing up when she neared closely to her. "You are concerned, Rafui. I can see it in your face. You wish to have your mind put at ease following the discussion with the Warmaster of the Cakari" She smiled, watching as Rafui inhaled deeply and nodded "Mother, We have always seen things differently than the Cakari, and nearly destroyed ourselves in what we believed is right. But for all those years the Cakari spoke with one voice, fought with one hand and saw with one eye. But now, now I'm not so sure. The Cakari are changing, the voice we could hear so clearly now seems to be diluted as though many voices are coming from the dark"
Mother nodded as she walked past, Rafui turning to walk alongside the great white leader. "For better or for worse, the Cakari have now written themselves out of the equation. We still have many moons to go before we are forced to leave this galaxy, hopefully by then the Cakari will see sense. Have our scouts returned from the outer edges? I'd like to have my own intelligence than just relying on that which the Cakari gracefully divulge". Rafui shook her head, "No Mother, they have not returned, nor have we received any communication from them, we are preparing to send another squadron to investigate"
"Very good" Mother said. "Keep me informed of their progress"
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In a large dimly lit room a lone figure stood in front of a console. Wearing black armour that reflected the light like plastic the figure waited patiently. His red ankle length cloak rippled slightly every time he shuffled. A low bleeping sound emitted from the console, causing the figure to push off from the console and take several steps backward and clasp his hands behind his back.
After several bleeps sounded three giant screens in front of him lit up, the image of three creature now appearing one in each screen and flooding the room with low level light. The lone figure scoffed a grim smile, a thick short beard and mustache of wiry hair covering the pale skin, the ridges running from top to bottom of his forehead showing his heritage as that of one of the Kraw'ven alliance members.
On the screens were two figures clad in armour, one similar to that of Cortez, the other hiding large and dangerous limbs under cloth and armour plating. The third and final image were that of the Excelsior, a race demonised by the galaxy for its wanton destruction upon the inhabited worlds from it Gravious weapon that were launched at the climax of the Kraw'ven war. Thousands of ships equipped with sensor deflection and stealth missiles wrecked havoc upon the worlds of the galaxy, releasing their weapons of destruction and causing mass damage across the surface. Many worlds were still suffering the effects from reoccurring seismic activity as tectonic plates continued to shift as the elements released into the cores of the world destroyed the plates from within.
The huge gaseous form of the Excelsior rippled on the screen, its tendrils swaying slowly and a blurred purple mass within it's body slowly moved around. Loud clicks and wails broadcasted through the speakers as it spoke, the translator taking a moment to process and transmit into each language.
"Loyal members, the testing of the biogenic weapon has been a resounding success. Where once we stood alone against the evil we now stand together as one to rid the galaxy of those undeserving. None but us understand that to save ourselves from the Necraphim we must destroy ourselves. Only those that truly understand our cause will be saved. We alone will weather the storm that comes upon us by destroying that which the Necraphim feed upon, and now, we have the weapon to succeed"
The figure on the far side then spoke, picking up from where the Excelsior had finished, his voice from gruff and thick, making it difficult to pick out individual words or phrases.
"We have already begun mass producing the weapon in large quantities, with the aid of the Excelsior we can begin distributing the weapon across the galaxy undetected. However, I would recommend a trial run on a planetary body to ensure that dispersal rates occur as predicted. We can make any alterations as required based on our findings. With the aid of our new allies we will be able to hide away from the Necraphim when they arrive and without their food source will surely pass through far quicker, allowing us to populate this galaxy as we see fit"
The Kraw'ven figure nodded quickly "This galaxy will pay for what they have done and for not seeing the wisdom of a united rule. Although the Kraw'ven Empire will not exist as I envisaged, it will be reborn into a new empire, an empire that we will shape!"
A unison of nodding and agreement came from the figures and each would begin their parts in the grand scheme they had concocted. The Excelsior and Ra'yta's screens went blank, leaving that of the unidentified still transmitting. "A courier will be sent to you with a sample of the weapon, I will leave it to you to pick the planet of which will be the testing ground. Monitor its progress as you did the space station, report your findings once have completed your task"
The Kraw'ven figure nodded quickly "Yes, my lord" he responded, just in time as the last screen went blank, leaving him once again in the dark room.
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Post by Darko on Jun 19, 2015 11:58:36 GMT
I'll definitely set aside some time to read all of this soon! Lots of work has gone into it clearly, and I have fond memories of playing in the original cake star.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Jun 22, 2015 18:18:57 GMT
Krish – Melathina, Unknown Pirate base
Melathina awoke to a deadly quiet room, a nauseating feeling spreading from her head down to her stomach. She felt like hell with a dull aching pain throughout her body as though she had run a marathon. As her mind started to clear and recall the last events she remembered she willed herself to move, pushing up with her arms. Her eyes darted around but she could not see Krish anywhere. As she moved her leg to stand she was met with a splitting pain from her knee to her hip, reminding her of the shot, her hand moving towards the injury to see the ugly purple plaster covering the wound. she knew she wouldn't be standing up anytime soon.
She had no idea where Krish was, nor what time it was, if or when she'd see him again. She willed herself to move again and forced her body into a sitting position against the wall, battling the pain and nausea from the aftershock of her injury. She had little choice but to sit and wait, not daring to shout out for fear of being the excuse they needed to finish the job properly.
Barely a few hundred meters away, Krish struggled with a large container, carrying it from the airlock to the room next door as the pirates on the otherside of the airlock continued to offload there latest spoils. Krish tried to blank out the blood splatter against the container in his hands, wishing it to be pirate blood but knowing some poor soul had met his maker. He tried to blank everything out, concentrating on the job he'd been assigned. It seemed that someone higher up had decided to put him to work while they decided what to do with him.
As he lowered the container in the designated spot he grabbed the large bulky bracelet on his arm that had been digging into him while he was carrying the container. He twisted it on his arm like it was a watch, letting it sit more comfortably for a brief moment before it would once again work its way back to being uncomfortable as the weighty block on the top with flashing lights caused it to tilt over.
"You get used to it" Came a voice beside him, and Orca placing down a similar sized container and grinning towards Krish. Krish stood there for a moment in surprise, noticing he wore a similar bracelet on his wrist. With the same uniform as the other pirates he had assumed he was one of them, but now he seemed he was as much a prisoner as he was. "The names Alocka, but get moving, they'll shock you if you stop working"
Krish caught himself, looking to the side and seeing two of the guards looking in his direction, leaning against a rail on a raised platform. As his eyes met theirs one of them shuffled from a lean position to an upright. Realising he had caught their against he quickly averted his gaze and walked back to the airlock to grab the next container. Having been shown once what the shock was like he was in no hurry to experience it again. He'd try to talk to this Alocka fellow as much as he could in hopes of finding out more about this place.
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Inside Bartalo's cabin, Bartalo sat in his reclining chair, flipping through an old fashioned book, the plastic pages slipping easily past his fingers as he went from page to page slowly. When he had sat down he was in quite the mood to read something, but now he had the book in his hands he wanted to do something else more constructive, but knew the moment he went somewhere else his mood would change again and he'd want to do something completely different again. He hated these moods and they were becoming more and more common place as the months dragged on. He hadn't left this rock in over 8 months and had been due some time off but with the sudden bombshell being announced by the Cakari everyone had gone into overdrive and all leave had been cancelled to prepare this crazy project by his superior.
He longed to take a break, see something other than rock, ducts and dirty workers. But a job was a job and he was thankful for it. By the time they were done they'd have enough supplies to support the entire K'Klarion faction until the threat passed through the system, so as painstaking as his task was, he understood the importance of his role. Everything would need to be ready and in place to receive everyone, if he wasn't already tired of the same 4 walls then after several thousand people were crammed inside he most certainly would.
The door of his cabin chimed, Bartalo exhaled in annoyance and casually flicked the book away, letting it spin until it landed randomly somewhere from his uncaring dismissal of it. "Yes, come in" He shouted, his voice showing his irritation. As the door slid open the large form of Grax stood in the doorway, causing another exhale from Bartalo who was fed up of talking with the man.
"Scanner have detected a freighter of Dry'kzl design and heading towards the asteroid belt" He said, causing a raised eyebrow from Bartalo. "That's a little too convenient, wouldn't you say? Grax?" He responded, giving Grax a questionable look as he pondered the implications.
"I agree, what's more, we've detected 5 Formian fighter craft in pursuit. It's possible that the freighter has committed a crime and is using the field for cover ... or ... it could be a trap, to lure us into thinking the cargo is valuable and to commit our forces to it's capture, exposing our defences"
There was a long pause as Bartalo pondered the information, scratching his cheek. "Have our pilots on standby but leave them in the hanger bays. I'm coming up to the command deck and will decide what to do once I gather more information"
Grax nodded and left the doorway, allowing the door to automatically close as Bartalo straightened himself up ready.
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Krish knew something was up when all the guards bar one left the room. There was nothing to suggest something was wrong but he certainly wasn't going to give up the chance to catch his breath. As he rounded a pile of boxes which obscured him from view he tried to catch Alocka's attention. Perhaps this would be the best chance to get more information before the guards came back.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Jul 10, 2015 11:26:23 GMT
Lacey, Cathar Prime
Lacey darted past the ruined remains a brick built building at break neck speed. Powdered cement and shattered brick blasted against her as a group of Krick soldiers chased her, shooting at the human woman with their primitive weapons. Lacey was one of the freedom fighters who had fought in the war of independence for control of their world after their former masters left for the great void of deep space many years ago. And although the Caffrey faction had won overall, there were still a great many pockets of resistance from the Krick, a short stubby reptilian species who also were once slaves to their Cathar masters before they left.
She could hear shouts coming from her left as she continued to run as fast as she could, her olive green trousers and jacket loose enough to not restrict her movements to which she was currently extremely thankful for as the new group on her left spotted her as she rounded an alley and joined the others in trying to shoot her. She didn't know whether they were trying to incapacitate for or simply drop her to the floor by any means, she didn't really care, she simply had to get her information to someone at the Galactic Council, to anyone who would listen. Though in truth, she did not really know why she should.
When the Cathar left their world, taking with them all the useful technology they could, the subservient races had to fend for themselves using the meager scraps they could find to rebuild their world. However, rather than working together the subservient races tried to impose their own order on the other races which in turn ignited a civil war of sorts as each faction or race tried to become the dominate power. The Caffrey were one such faction, comprised almost entirely of humans. They spent all their available resources into getting a communication device working in order to contact the Galactic Council to beg for help. They achieved their goal, however were met with demands for control should they lend aid or were entirely dismissed by others. Even the mighty Cakarian Empire would not aid them despite being in the neighbouring star system and would only offer them supplies for the sick and wounded. Dejected, the Caffrey continued their struggles alone against the Krick.
A year into the struggle with no clear winner in sight, aid finally came in the form of a battlegroup from the Formian, Cakari and Kal-mari races. Fearing the instability that would arise from a Krick lead government after learning their intentions of joining the Kraw'ven alliance, the three races descended on the world to drop troops from orbit to aid the Caffrey. After a few short months the Cakari withdrew from the battlefield, leaving the Caffrey, Formian and Kal-mari troops to continue securing key locations. Before the year was out the Caffrey had control of the planet and any pockets of resistance were few and far between. However, the world was already in ruin and it would be many generations before any progress in the worlds development could be measured as manufactoring, agriculture and society would all need to be rebuilt for life to continue on this world.
Lacey ducked her head down using her hand to shield the back of her head, hoping by some miracle that it would somehow protect her or make her less of a target. Blasts of dust and debris flicked around her as the Krick soldiers chased her down the alley, causing her to dart side to side to avoid their fire. She rounded a corner, giving her a brief moment of safety as she planned her next move. Her eyes darted side to side, trying to find someway to get off the streets and to safety. Krick soldiers never spent so much energy trying to kill a Caffrey as normally they were too fearful of being killed themselves by Caffrey forces. But the information contained on this disk and the knowledge she possessed was well worth the risk as long as the courrier was stopped.
She saw a group of chimmeys behind a rooftop, knowing a factory was just behind this set of ruined buildings and she would be able to find a place to hide or escape. Being in an area filled with ruined buildings not only made a good base of operations for the Krick as nothing of value was here, but it also meant there were plenty on gaps and tunnels to squeeze through, and as the Krick were almost twice the width of a human, they served the Caffrey extremely well.
"I hope this is worth it" She muttered under her breathe, dodging more incoming fire as she round the bend and launched herself through a smashed window.
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Warrender
Rising Legend
Currently suffering longterm absence from the site
Posts: 698
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Post by Warrender on Jul 16, 2015 11:54:48 GMT
((Seeing how I wish I introduced human characters much earlier I'll try to do a few more before moving on. When I repost this story I'll shuffle them to where they are supposed to be.
The loud echo'ing of footfalls and chatter seemed to echo around the abandoned factory as the Krick guards searched the area, trying to find her. Lacey was in an old office ducked under a large desk that looked out onto what was once the factory floor. The windows were long since gone and a fine dust covered everything and she hoped that she hadn't disturbed too much as to give her position away, the loud shouts from the guards to keep searching relieved her greatly that she hadn't.
Hiding under furniture reminded her of when she was a child in the manor house, hiding from her Cathar Masters whenever she heard raised voices. Although the Cathar looked after their servants, if they ever became angry then all bets were off and many servants bore scares for deeds that were nothing to do with them. The sound of metal clinking from their ornate robes and loin cloths filled her with dread and despite only being a child she knew that she wasn't beyond being the recipient of their rage.
Lacey heard one of them enter the office and she held her breath, praying that they'd just look in from the doorway and then move on. She closed her eyes as she heard the footsteps continuing into the room and tilted her head to see the large tree trunk like legs of the reptile guard walking in front of the desk, clacking it's clawed feet against the concrete floor from its bootless foot. Lacey swallowed hard as she stared at the legs of the creature, she had no weapons, no way to call for backup and was frantically trying to think of which way to run.
Her gut wrenched as she saw the figure kneel down next to the desk. The creatures gun and then lizard like head came into view as he stared at the young woman with beady little eyes, unproportionate to its head. She was sure she looked like a deer caught in a vehicles headlights to him and all she could do was wait for him to grab her as he leered in and gave her a sly smile.
She heard a grunt from somewhere else in the office, catching both of their attention and presumably came from the doorway which he had first entered. Slowly the Krick rose to his feet and started to walk back the way he came "Was nothing" he grunted to the other guard "Just some dirty old rags that caught my attention"". Lacey could swear she heard the other laugh as though it was some sort of joke as the pair walked away to continue searching.
As the office fell quiet again, Lacey couldn't help but be completely confused. "He had seen her", she thought to herself. "He had seen her and smiled right at her with a wicked grin. Why didn't he grab her?" Lacey tried to calm her breathing as she caught her breath after holding it so long and didn't want to breathe so loudly that she'd be heard. She wasn't sure why this Krick guard didn't turn her in, but she certainly wasn't going to let this opportunity go to waste as she crept out from under the desk to look for a way out. As this area had been cleared she hoped she'd be able to backtrack where she'd come in and slip away unnoticed. She had already had one huge stroke of luck, she wasn't hopefully it would hold out.
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