The Starstream Adventures! (Sci-fi RP)

[Black0ut]

A Great Day to Meet The Family, pt.5




Titania's smile was not one assurance or of an apologetic but firm nature. No, it was a predatory grin, as a cruel twinkle took to her eyes. "Perfect. I needed to change anyways."

The nurse sighed and got behind Titania, pushing her to the exit.” Well if that’s the case, then I hope you come back alive and well and not mangled.”

"I will. Of that I'm confident." Titania went to reach for her gear only to realize she had none of it. "Uhh... slight problem, where's my things?"

“Your boyfriend came around he left you your cloths be he asked for your gear, he’s probably at the local weapon shop.”

Titania let out a sigh, idly brushing her tail clear of the liquid that was still on it. "Fair enough..."

“Don’t worry I’m sure he took your gear for good reason, actually the weapons shop is just down the road he might still be there.”

"And I don't take it you'll let me take the wheelchair?" Titania asked with a rueful smile.

“You can for now just be sure to return it by the end of the day, it much easier that way otherwise will track you down and take it back.”

"Thank you..." Titania offered a smile and paused, placing a hand over each of the wheels. "I promise one of us will return it."

"Ou I know you will, hope you survive the hunt." As Titania rolled out of the hospital she looked around for Blisk and after a few minutes she saw Blisk looking her armor over.

The foxgirl quickly rolled her way over. "Deciding if you'd look good in my leather armor, eh? I could see you wearing it, although with the modifications for my boobs you might look a little weird."

Blisk looked at Titaia and saw that she was in a wheelchair." Ou your out good I was trying to see if I could buy some modifications to your armor, such as a jet pack and some thrustors."

Titania blinked, pausing to consider her words. "The best thing that would be used for is clothing here. I'll see if I can find some light power armor to work with and then we can add those attachments. While I do that... would you mind wheeling me around?"

“Yea sure I can do that.” Blisk went behind her and started to push the chair.” I want you to know the only reason I’m adding those attachments is because of the great hunt, you could use whatever advantages you could use against those beast.”

"I know... but leather armor won't be able to take a hit well. The power armor would be lighter, and being quick on my feet is one of my best strengths. Besides... it'll let me be fast enough to save your cute ass when the time comes... although a jetpack would be nice..."

“I hope so because you’re speed might be the one thing to save you, your also gonna need some armor piercing weapons as well. Just so you can cut through the hide of these monsters, and your sword as well.”

"Well, let's get into a store and see what we can find or order... hell, maybe I can bribe someone with trade from my Craftship… so I can get the style of armor I like."

“May I remind you were a very proud weapons and armor makers, and those on this day planet don’t typically sell to aliens. You best make them one hell of an offer to get them something custom.”

"Blisk...a Craftship is exclusively Dondondari merchants and their families. The amount of quality weapons, armor, and other items we sell is huge. Given we mark-up prices, having a discount is paramount to being gifted several shops. If they don't take it, they're missing out on... two hundred-something stores?" Titania gave a shrug. Reaching up behind her to hold his hand. "Believe me, if they don't take the deal, I'll laugh my ass off and head to a merchant with more sense."

“Titania that may work on a galactic market, but your on a planet were your possible the only alien and the next city is three hundred miles away. I’m just saying it’s gonna be tough.”

Titania frowned, and brushed some of her hair back. "Hmm... wait, do you have my datapad? I might be able to set that up to show holographic displays to better sell it to them..."

Blisk went into her bag and handed her the data pad.” Yea good luck with that, and I’ll help you if you need it.”

Titania quickly tapped away, mumbling to herself as she did so. Her eyes narrowed as she went about her business, desperately looking for something. After a few moments, she smiled. A holographic suit of power armor appeared above the screen, showcasing the best qualities with tool tips. However, as she glanced back down at the datapad's screen, her triumphant smile faded. "Hey... Blisk? If I did something horrible to someone, would you... y'know, not like me anymore?" She asked softly, keeping her gaze away from him.

“Depends we’re both bounty hunters, by nature we do terrible things to people on a regular bases. So why does this have you all considered now?”

"No... no reason." Titania continued to look away from him, biting her lips hard enough to draw blood. Her expression became more haunted for a moment before managed to make a more neutral expression.

Blisk smelled the blood coming from her lip and stopped moving the wheelchair.” Alright what’s wrong with you you’re acting really weird right now?”

"Just... a few bad thoughts." The foxgirl replied, her voice a far cry from the vibrant one that Blisk had come to known. "Nothing to worry about..."

“Titania we are going to go into a massive jungle, with monsters in a few days trust is needed in that and you could die in there so whatever you’re hiding believe me I probably did worse.”

"No... you didn't. And no... you don't really know me or the things I'm capable of." Titania sighed, leaning her head back, her hair conveniently hiding her eyes. "But... I will tell you the truth when I can. You just... have to wait until then."

Blisk rolled his eyes.” Whatever dear.” They eventually get to a weapons shop we’re the owner looked up and down.

"Hello, sir. Could I perhaps make a trade of goods with you? Perhaps even offer to sponsor your store and make it one of the best on the planet?" Titania asked, rather cheerfully, her whole demeanor shifting into that of a savvy merchant. "I promise the deal will be far more in favor to you than to me lest I lose my trader's license and be shunned as a Dondondari."

The man looked at Blisk and spoke to him in their language.(Why is this alien on our planet trying to deal with me?)

(She’s my bond mate, we’re trying to prepare for the great hunt.)

The store owner raised an eye brow.( Really her, in the hunt?)

(Yes and she’s trying to make you an offer why not hear her out?)

“Ugh alright miss I’m listening.” He said in a annoyed tone.

Titania offered a warm smile. "Dondondari Craftships are host to hundreds of shops and are within themselves, vast cities. We also compete with the Fee on being the best traders in the galaxy, and so..." Titania tapped on her datapad, causing the holographic display to become life-sized: an assault rifle that was tooled up with the most recent technology to enhance its quality. "I'm offering you the chance to acquire weapons that normally might be beyond your reach or budget for far cheaper than normal. All I'm asking in return is for a few weapons of your own."

The store owner looked at Blisk.” Is this woman shitting me?” Blisk shook his head no.” Look lady I don’t want other races weapons I’ve tried them and they don’t work so good on the animals here, some of the smaller creatures sure but the big one that are armored unless you plan on selling me nothing but explosive weapons then we can talk. Also as a reminder the Fee are great allies of ours, anyone else wouldn’t sell to you if you mention that to them.”

"And they are allies of the Dondondari as well. And I'm not talking about the legally licensed shit we're allowed to trade outside of the Fee and the Humans. I'm talking about guns that can liquify a person or guns that can blast off the tops of mountains with ease. I'm talking about weapons that can kill the creatures of this planet, with a few shots." Titania slowly stood, her eyes showing a dark twinkle to them. "I'm offering you the chance to get those kinds of weapons and stock up. And to prove that I've got the weapons... I have an associate on the Leviathan world the Pickio claimed. She's going to shoot one of them... underwater at a depth of about a thousand kilometres."

With a quick press, the holographic display showed an interesting weapon in the arnored hands of someone; the gun was sleek and colored black, evidently tinged gray by the depth of the video. A Leviathan the size of a cruiser was swimming towards them and with a quick pull of a trigger, a Blue lance seemed to fire continuously into the creature. At first, it didn't seem to do much, until the creature got closer and the figure swam to the side, taking their finger off the trigger. Half of the Leviathan was charred black, and blood of an unknowable color leaked from its scales.

The beast slowly came to a stop less than fifty feet from the woman, dead. She finally spoke, but her voice was cold and far more lethal than it had any right to be. "This is just one of many weapons we have available to sell."

Titania offered a grim, predatory smile, one a shark might give to a bleeding man. "So... I doubt armor penetration will be a problem."

The man chuckled and then laughed hysterically.” Alright lady you have now got my full attention, so then what kind of deal can we make here?”

 

[Black0ut]

A Great Day to Meet The Family, pt.6




"Well, to travel to my Craftsship would take too long and by the time I returned, The Great Hunt would be over. Therefore, I want some of your weapons, guns more suited to killing the predators here, and a recommendation to the armorer. After all, your word would be helpful in them taking me seriously. In return, that weapon and I hope many more, will be sold at the actual standard price with a thirty percent discount." Titania closed her normal eye, allowing the orange glow of her cybernetic to settle on him. "So how about it? Ready to be the best weapon seller on the entire planet?" Please... my sister will make my life hell for involving my mother in the demonstration...

The man laughed at Titania.” Ou I like this alien offering me all that just for some custom armor at a discount? Alright lady you got a deal.”

"Custom armor and some of your weapons." Titania pointed out, before holding her hand out to shake

The man shook her hand and smiled.” Deal now then as for your bond mate there, I assume that you want the same thing big guy.” He paused and looked Blisk over.” Come here a minute let me get a proper look at you.” Blisk stepped forward. And the man looked him up and down even smelling the air around him.” Well don’t you smell and look like a killer more then then a normal Kotavorg anyway.

“Guess I’ve been through a lot, I hunt other kinds of monsters mostly criminals.”

“A bounty hunter huh, I guess hunting is hunting you could use something special don’t get me wrong those cybernetics are good against criminals but not here. I got just the armor for you, but First Lady what can I offer you?”

"Light power armor that's designed to be highly mobile. Speed and maneuverability are key." She started, before tapping her datapad. The video that had been playing changed over to a holographic image of Old Earth Armor reminiscent of Feudal Samurai. "And the last thing for it would be to make the armor similar in aesthetic. The look kinda goes with my own bounties and gives me a look so people know what to expect, besides a foxgirl who looks normal."

“Hum good choice sounds simple enough, now then what about you big man anything in particular?”

“Heavy power armor with a proportion pack gives me a good hit and run tactic, and if you don’t mind I could use an automatic shotgun with a drum magazine as well as a new rifle automatic as well.”

“Heh Ou you picked wisely. Now then as for time if you want both of these done before the great hunt I gotta charge you extra, mostly because two custom armor one being made from scratch is about a week of all nighters understand?”

Titania raised an eyebrow. "How much extra are we talking about here?"

“About seventy thousand extra, this is a lot your asking of me. And yes that is the discount price, the original would be a hundred thousand so you can take it or leave it.”

Titania raised an eyebrow. "Considering the deal was power armor and some weapons in exchange for weapons that are technically not supposed to be sold outside of our society, which you are getting two separate discounts for, I feel a bit lower on the price is still up for debate."

The mans eye twitched.” Alright lady how about sixty thousand then?”

Her eyes remained cool and calm. "Fifty-five." She responded emotionlessly.

"Fifty nine." He then started to get a bit angry at Titania.

"Fifty eight and a half." She stared at him, emotionless and her posture straightening to a more rigid one.

Fifty nine.” The man body started to shake in anger.

”Titania this man is getting you a custom armor and you are going to give him weapons that can’t be found fifty nine is all right.”

Titania let out a sigh, murmuring in her language, before switching back. "[I'm getting too rusty at this...] Fair enough. Fifty nine it is."

“Thank you now then come back here next week the great hunt would be held the fallowing day so you. It was a pleasure.”

Titania did a curtsy, the slight shaking in her legs barely noticeable to Blisk. "The pleasure was all mine. Thank you, kind sir." She stood back up before sitting back down in the wheelchair.

Blisk rolled Titania away from the store, once they were far enough away Blisk turned Titania around and looked her dead in her eyes.” Listen to me you will not argue with or get frustrated with me over that offer.”

The foxgirl blinked and tilted her head. "Why would I argue with you when I'm not even upset at you?" She asked, confusion laced within her voice.

“Because I know you wanted to go lower and keep going back and forth with him until it was probably forty percent, that’s why I stepped in and stopped you.”

"I wanted sixty, actually. Always start off with a low price, and go until you see them start to get enraged. Then take their deal. You actually gave me a reason to take his deal. So thank you." Titania offered a smile, raising a hand to brush his cheek.

“Ou well then good to know that, well then I’m how was your operation?”

"It worked. So, that's means it went well enough." Titania waved a hand, dismissively, before she raised both her hand to his face, pulling him in for a passionate kiss.

Blisk kissed her back over joyed at the news.” That’s fantastic news, now all that’s left is for you to brave our jungles.”

"And keep you alive and healthy. That'll be hard, given you like to run into the danger." She teased, a mischievous grin settling in on her face.

“Me every time I see you you’re covered in blood and you’re mostly limping, I think this is the longest I’ve seen you without an injury.”

"Oh yeah? I guess that's true... but admit it, each time you see me post-battle, you get the hots for me." She playfully punched his shoulder, the blow lacking any strength behind it. "Watching you try to resist yourself Just showed me how cute you are."

Blisk rolled his eyes.” Ou crap that reminds me normally I take some very heavy drugs to Sadat my urges but well when the great hunt happens, the me you see won’t be there a long with about a million other Kotavorg.”

She gripped his shoulder gently, but firmly. "I trust you, Blisk. I know that whatever side I see, whether civilized or primal, you'll keep me safe. As for other Kotavorgs... if they try to take a bite out of me, they'll see the more cruel side of me, you don't get to see."

Blisk kissed her forehead.” Thanks Titania I really need to hear that, well then now just ready ourselves for the hunt we’re gonna need a lot of equipment.

"Yeah... and plenty of time to cuddle when we have it." Titania smiled, leaning back and closing her eyes.

“Yeah yeah, I’ll be sure to give you all sorts of care before the hunt began.”

---

The week went by quickly Blisk bought Traps ammo and fuel for his flamethrower, he also showed Titania a data pad of the monster she might run into. While she put on a brave face actually seeing the monsters gave a small chill down her spine, but he calmed her down and reminded her of how she did against the wrath and how helpful she was to him. She smiled and kissed his cheek before going back to learning about the monsters.” Finally Blisk and Titania stood outside the weapons shop, were they saw the man sleeping.

Titania leaned over and whispered to Blisk, "I think we shouldn't disturb him..."

“Yeah but that would imply you have something planned for the day so.” Blisk lightly tapped the man shoulders.” He didn’t wake up instead one of his workers came out.

“Can I help you?”

"Hi, we put in a request a week ago for some power armor to be made?" Titania offered a pleasant smile as she clasped her hands together.

“Ou yea the two intriguing ones that made us work through a hole week with no sleep.” He said in a annoyed tone.

“Yea sorry about that one, but it is important.”

“Yea we know thankfully the deal you offered us was worth the all-nighters, come to the back will show you.”

Titania grabbed Blisk's hand and started to follow after the man with a confident, if a bit hesitant, stride.

He walked them to the back and showed them there new armor.” Right fox lady as you requested a suit that is highly mobile and durable, your boy friend here also recommended that we give it a bit more protection. Something about you getting to hurt.”

Titania raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at Blisk, some faint disapproval in her eyes and the promise that they would be talking about this later. She turned back to the man and walked up to the armor admiring the handiwork it had. "I can say without a doubt that it is a masterpiece."

“Well you did give us a hell of a deal so we wanted to be sure that you didn’t feel like you were wasting your money. Beside working on this was fun, we rarely get requests for light power armor.”

Titania nodded. "Heavy power armor tends to be the norm... but if you sacrifice too much mobility, you give your opponent a major advantage. Had a friend who had Heavy and... well he wasn't able to outrun his attackers." She cleared her throat, a bit eager to change the subject. "Anyways, I take it the basic amenities for it are installed and that if I want more gadgets, like say thrusters and jet boots, I'll need to add in other things myself?"

 

[Black0ut]

A Great Day to Meet The Family, pt.7




“That’s the idea, as much as we hate to have others work on this we have give you the basic and if you want to further improve it we also made is simple for other to work on.” He then looked at Blisk.” Now big man yours was more simple to work with gave you the works of corse your thrusters are in your leg arms and back, and of course since you got metal bits already we added a slot for your augmented weapons.” He then pulled out Blisk weapons.” Now then her is your riffle and shot gun, both come with automatic and single shot.”

Titania studied the weapons with interest, focusing more on the rifle than the shotgun. After a couple moments, she nodded and smiled. "That is good quality weapons... probably only barely beaten by the Fee..."

“Ha come on give us some credit, we know what we are we were made for war not diplomacy. So we’re experts in the department of weapons, any way I hope you two enjoy your purchase and don’t worry about money lady you’re boyfriend payed for it all ready hope you enjoy.”

"We will. Thank you so much for all your hard work and effort." Titania gave the man a warm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes; indeed, as she turned her head in a way to hide her eyes from Blisk, the look that read from her face was that Blisk was going to have some explaining to do later.

Blisk rolled his eyes and told them to transfer the armor and weapons to his parents house and they left the store.” I will no apologize for giving your armor more protection.”

"I'm upset at that, yes... but I'm more upset you didn't let me pay half of the price." Titania said, crossing her arms as her tail swished side to side in irritation. "Although it would be rude of me to not say thank you... so thank you for buying my armor, but in the future, let's talk about how we'll divide up the costs of things, okay?"

“Okay we best get everything ready tomorrow is the big day, and I can’t wait.” Blisk smiled that the great hunt was coming, over the past week his k9 teeth extended, and his skin got slightly darker.

Titania put her hands gently but firmly on the side of his face and pulled him down into a kiss. "We will... you've been so eager this entire week that you've double, tripled, and quadrupled checked what we needed. I assure you, we'll be fine..."

“I know I’m just want you to be safe is all, I don’t want you to get eaten by the monsters... or me for that matter.”

"I doubt you'd eat me, unless you were in horny enough mood." She said playfully, before her mood became more somber. "And if you do try to take a bite out of me, I know I can either calm you down enough or beat you up enough to be safe."

Blisk looked at Titania regaining some of his composure.” That’s good, good to hear you have faith that you could bring me back, or beat me.” Blisk chuckled at the ladder.

"Only enough to bring you back. Can't fuck you up beyond repair if that does happen; you might tease me over that later and then I'd feel obligated to do whatever you wanted..." She walked past him, letting her bushy tail brush his face.

Blisk shook his head getting some of the hair off him.” Well you could certainly try, but hopefully that doesn’t happen if a monster sees us fighting each other it will take advantage.”

"Hopefully... but I bet that it won't happen. If you were feral and you saw a monster and me, you'd go after the monster. I don't possess as much meat as one of them, so you'd save me for later." Titania said more logically, offering a shrug as she kept on walking. "Now, stop worrying about hypotheticals and relax. We've taken all the precautions we can."

“You could never be to cautious with these beasts but I get it, don’t worry I’ll keep us both alive.”

Titania rolled her eyes but smiled. She put her hands behind her head and let out a yawn, seemingly a tad bit tired. "I think... you're going to be amazed when you see me fight in power armor."

“I’m always impressed by you even if I don’t show it, i just wish you would be more cautious and not really on your healing augmentation so much.”

Titania nodded, before turning her head to look at him. "I do, don't I? I know I can still bleed out like anyone else... but I also know that I can heal the damage if I can stop the bleeding. But you've never seen how I fight when I'm in power armor. How I move, and how I avoid damage... I think you would fall even more in love with me if you saw me like that."

He rolled his eyes and patted her head.” You are to overzealous you know that, but I guess that’s why I like you.”

"And you're secretly soft to me... but I guess that's why I like you." Titania retorted, punching his shoulder playfully.

“Well Yea there’s that to.” He the wrapped his arm around Titania and brought her closer to him.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
Hospital Bugging

Yyashtra'kari laid alone in the infirmary, recovering from her near death experience. The room was dark as it was late at night, leaving her time to reflect on the passing events that led her here.

She suddenly found herself waking up, her voice hoarse and in a lot of pain. "Why... Am I still alive?"

There was silence for a moment before a meek voice said, "The fish lady... saved your life."

She tried to look around, but couldn't see the person talking, she recognized the voice however. "Baíchi? Is that you?"

She could hear a chair being pushed to the side of the bed until the short big man hopped on it so she could see him. "Um... h-hi?"

She smiled slightly. "Hello dear... It's good to see you. Sorry about my current condition..."

Baichi shook his head. "Do not be sorry. It is not your fault, is it? It was that... Yorin..."

"Right... I should've trusted them sooner... I'm a fool..." Yyashtra sighed. "It... It was almost peaceful... The blackness... Two hundred years of life, ended by one mistake..."

Baichi shrunk down a bit. "That wasn't your fault. And... p-people would have been sad if we had lost you like that."

"Thank you. I would've missed you too Baíchi... Nothing quite gets you thinking like a brush with death..." Yasha told him, gently taking his small hand.

He smiled his insect smile. "I've... never had a brush with death quite like you did. What... w-what was it like?"

"Pain. Then a lot of choking. Then... Blackness... Quiet, serene, empty... Blackness..." She recounted emotionless.

Baichi squeezed her hand a little, hoping to break her out of her daze. "Ms. Yyashtra?"

"Huh? Oh. I'm sorry. Thank you for coming to see me. You are... Important to me." She slowly tilted her head over. "You and your sisters are my closest friends on this ship..."

"We are firends," Baichi legitimately asked. "I thought... after my poor first impression, you might not like me very much..."

"I was being foolish... I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I didn't like you." The Royal responded sadly. "I consider you a good friend."

His eyes lit up, and he nodded. "I c-consider you a good friend too! P-perhaps my best friend even!"

She chuckled. "I'm glad."

"So... How are the little ones doing?" Yyashtra asked curiously.

"They are doing quite well." He chuckled. "It has only been a few hours, but they already miss you. They wanted to wait until you woke up, but Anati insisted they get some sleep."

"Such dears..." Yyashtra chuckled. "I... Had a thought... If I had died... What mark would I have left? I would have nothing to leave behind."

"That isn't true," Baichi insisted. "Really, it isn't."

"Thank you. But... I was thinking I could try to find something to... I don't know... Make my life more meaningful." She answered.

"Like what?" Baichi leaned forward a little. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
'
She seemed to consider something for a moment, looking over at him. She wrapped her hand around his further. "Maybe there is... Have you ever considered... Oh... Mmmn... There it is again..."

Baichi blinked repeatedly. If he could blush, he would have. "What... there what goes...?"

"That feeling..." Yasha leaned her head closer. "I think it's called... Love..."

Baichi's heart skipped a beat. "Love? Like... l-like between family? Or close friends? Or... o-or...?"

"Mmm... Did you know... Laepaede and Bazir are actually compatible?" She reached up and brushed his face. "I um... Hope this isn't too much..."

Baichi slowly shook his head. "No, it... it is fine. Um... h-how do you know that we are... compatible?"

"Oh. I read it somewhere when I was looking into Bazir." She said coyly.

"I see. Too bad the... only option you have is... is me, huh?" He laughed nervously.

"I think you're a good option." She frowned after a second. "I'm sorry... You probably think I'm being foolish..."

Baichi thought for a moment before quickly wrapping his arms around her. "Not at all!" he blurted out.

"Ow." She let out before sighing. "We could... At the very least see what happens, right?"

Baichi nodded. "Okay. So... are we a... couple now? Has there ever been a couple between our people?"

"Not as far as I know. What do couples even do? Other than... The obvious." If Yyashtra could blush, she would've. "This was kind of spur of the moment... Honestly..."

Baichi rubbed his head. "Well, they... go on dates? It is where two people spend time together. Like friends but... closer?"

"I think... I would like you to just sit by me... For now..." The Tall Insectoid nuzzled him.

Baichi climbed onto the hospital bed and nuzzled back. He had never been shown this much affection, or any affection for that matter, by someone not related to him. It was beyond pleasant.

"You are so cute! You are like... A Human Teddy Bear..." Yyashtra giggled softly.

Baichi nodded. "Thank you. I... do not know what this species of bear is... but it sounds pleasant and cuddly."

"Baíchi... I never asked... How old are you dear?" The Laepaede rubbed her head lightly against his.

"I... I am only fifteen," he said after some hesitation. "An adult by our standards... but a mere hatchling but your standards..."

"Doesn't matter to me." She assured. "Although... We'll have to make the most of our time then, huh?"

"All my time is yours now..." He nuzxled a little closer, closing his eye. Bajir were nothing if not loyal.

"Thank you dear... I feel better already." She whispered.

 

[Dahlexpert]

The fallowing is done by Dhalexpert & ZombieSpliter53

The Megastation
5 p.m., local standard time

It had been a while since Zetana had joined the crew of the Golden Wind and yet this was the first time she had dared venture off the ship. Ironic for one so afraid of enclosed spaces, yet understandable considering a greater fear of being captured again. Her people were rare after all, and she was a princess. An exiled princess but a princess all the same.

Still, she couldn't stay cooped up forever. She wondered through the shopping district of the main floor. She had been given an allowance of money for her work in the Medical Bay, and she was window shopping when a jewelry store caught her attention, her eyes fixated on the glimmering jewels and gemstones.

Before she had a good look around she heard glass being broken behind her, when she turned around she saw a blond Cartus coming out of the window walking to what seemed to be a Shinso on the ground covered in blood.” If you ever call me a slave or touch my tail again I will end you bitch!” She the kick the female Shinso across the floor and within a few seconds’ police showed up, almost on Que. The Cartus rolled her eyes and payed for the damages.

"What was that about?" Zetana asked, walking over as her natural curiosity got the better of her.

As she got closer she could hear the conversation between the Cartus and the police.” Bonny this is the forth time this week that you got in a fight, you can’t keep doing this.”

“Blame the damn Shinso she’s luckily I didn’t kill her.”

“Ugh Bonny because yes she was harassing you and you paid for the damages will let you go, but keep this up and you will be arrested.” The police let Bonny go and started securing the area.

Zetana walked up behind Bonnie and started sizing her up, ribbing her chin in thought.

Bonny continue to walk down the station, she knew someone was behind her but just ignored them, after about five minutes of this Bonny turned annoyed at her fallowed.” Can I help you lady?”

"They said your name is Bonny, right? Are you the same Bonnie from the Golden Wind?"

Bonny raised her eyebrow.” Huh getting famous already huh, so what you wanna hire me or something?”

"No... yes? Maybe?" The drafon girl place a hand over her chest. "I'm Zetana. Princess Zetana. We haven't met yet but I'm on the Golden Wind too. I heard you've been training the Captain. To be honest, I didn't think there was anything I could learn from a Cartus. Your people aren't exactly known for fighting and aggression. But you seem to be able to handle yourself in a fight."

“Yea you could say I’m the exception to most of my race, so what you need to learn how to fight to?”

Zetana nodded. "I do. You see... it's a long story. You wanna go... get a sepher or a coffee or something?"

“Sure why not I know this great coffee store around here.” Bonny took Zetana to the coffee shop and sat at a table.” So tell your story.”

Zetana took a deep breath. "Well, I am Zetana Alehendra Dracomo, Princess of the Ignis race, seventh child of King Dracomo. Each Prince or Princess of the Ignis has to go through a dangerous hunting ceremony when they come of age. But I was... afraid. Afraid I was not strong enough and would not survive. So I put it off until after even my younger siblings had done it. When my father said I had to do it 'or else', I tried calling his bluff. Turns out he wasn't bluffing. He exiled me, a special exile that was supposed to make me stronger. After which, I was supposed to return home... but I never did..."

“Wow.” Bonny took a sip of her coffee.” Do you want me to feel petty or sorry for you, because that’s not happening?” She said in a cold manner.

Zetana narrowed her eyes. "Why does no one Jetstorm hires know how to address royalty, exiled or not? Yyashtra'kari doesn't get this much abuse. That ritual hunt is far more dangerous then you probably think. And I'll have you know I have a hit on my head from my own family by now. Maybe if you were thrown out of your home, kidnapped and put in a Zoo like an animal for over half a year, then got out only to have to worry about your own family hunting you down, you'd have a little respect!"

Bonny tried to keep her composure and put her cup down.” Aww bo ho you were kicked out of your home, you got a bounty on you wa wa fuck off. Let me tell you about suffering, see you were born as a royal all the money and power in the galaxy, were as me I was born a slave. Try having half of your life so far ruled by someone else, getting whipped and burned for the smallest of things. Now imagine a very kind human saves you from that, but you are still to this day looked down by everyone just because you’re a Cartus.” Bonny brook her cup and small tears coming down her face.

Zetana looked ready to snap back, but her features softened and she sighed. "You... y-you're right. I... had it easy for too long and I... let that make me soft. I'm sorry..."

Bonny angry started to fade as she ordered some napkins and another drink.” It’s fine look this life is clearly not for you so I take it you wanna be normal, and by normal I mean no different than anyone else?”

Zetana shrugged. "I mean... no exacrly the same. But not someone who stands out." She pointed back. "The dragon tail already draws enough attention. What I want most is to be able to defend myself. Even if I wasn't worried about my family, the last thing I want is for some random mook to see me and decide I'd make a nice pet... again. And you can obviously take care of yourself if the police are keeping an eye on you."

“Yeah they keep an eye on me mostly because I send lots of people to the hospital because they want to be handsy with me. But if want to defend yourself then fine I could teach you, but first what do you wish to know?”

"I don't know... how to beat people up?" Zetana smiled. "I want to be able to kick butt. I want to be able to throw a punch or a kick that sends people flying. I want to be able to look my oldest brother in the face and punch him right in his pretentious, arrogant nose!"

“I should really start charging people for this, you know doing what I do will take time. You’re not gonna kick but instantly.”

"I know..." Zetana lowered her head. "And I'll pay you if you want. I just... don't have a lot of credits. I'm not a bounty hunter on the ship, I'm a nurse. So I don't make as much as you guys..." Her eyes darted to the side at someone she thought she saw, but there was no one there so she returned them to her cup.

“Look if you don’t have much money then don’t worry about paying me, look I can show you what I know. But I would recommend that you care a small knife with you, as a just in case situation.”

"Oh, I do." She pulled a dagger out of a hip pouch. "It is about the only weapon I can use with any skill though. I mean... I've fired a gun before but I'm not very good at it. Not that my people traditionally use firearms a lot anyway."

“Right well we might have to change that, a small pistol could also be useful. But yeah if those two are taken from you, you’re tail could be good. May I see your tail?”

"Um... okay." Zetana stood up and walked over to her and turned around. Her tail was fairly compared to Bonny's, thicker than Zetana's arms, long and pinkish red. It was scaly and had a red rope attached to the end wrapped in a bow.

“Hum very impressive I’m sure you could crack some bones with this.” Bonny then looked at the rope around it.” Why do you have rope attached to you?”

"Because it's... cute?" Zetana looked back. "You don't think so?"

“I’m not very ladylike if you haven’t noticed, I wouldn’t know cute if it smacked me.”

"Oh..." Zetana turned around. "So you'll teach me how to fight with my tail too?"

Bonny moved her hands up and down the tail.” I think I could, not many could fight with there tail. But because yours is very strong it should be able to do some damage.”

Zetana shuttered a bit. "Could you... not touch it like that? That really isn't something... Ignis do in public...."

Bonny then thought of the many times people have touched her tail, and she hut then for it and let her go.” Right sorry about that I didn’t mean to.”

Zetana nodded. "It's okay. Um... mind if I go to the washroom really quick?"

Bonny raised an eyebrow at Zetana.” Wow that easy huh look I’m really sorry about that, I didn’t think it would cause that reaction so easily.”

Zetana blushed. "No, no! I just... need to splash some water on my face and use the bathroom, that's all!" She ran off without another word, looking very embarrassed.

"That was funny to watch." Bonny looked to the side to find a boy sitting in Zetana's seat, drinking her coffee. He was short, humanoid, and young looking. He had a slightly tanned complextion that looked much like Zetana's, big, blue eyesn and pointy ears. His most telling features, however, were the spiral horns on his head and the large, reptilian tail behind him. "I think you really embarrassed her," he said.

“What in the hell are you now, I’m sure my friend won’t appreciate that your in her seat drinking her coffee.”

"I'll get her another. Besides, this stuff sucks. Ignis have a really high tolerance for caffeine. This stuff barely does anything, and it is bitter as hell. Honestly, there are so many better beverages then this archaic Earth beverage it is a wonder it has..." He blinked. "Sorry, I'm being rude, aren't I?" He extended his hand. "I'm Setzer. People shake their hands together to greet each other in these parts, right?"

Spoiler: Setzer

 

[Dahlexpert]

Bonny took his hand and shook it.” Bonny Van Dam, and best be getting to why you’re here quickly.”

"No time for sweets?" The boy sighed. "Fine, fine. I'm here for your friend. She needs to come with me."

“Yea that’s not happening, she needs to get stronger right or are you just gonna send her to her death?”

"Listen lady, I don't want her to die, I really don't," Setzer insisted. "But I'm just following the rules, okay? She failed to do the ritual hunt and she failed to return from her exile. If she comes back with me, maybe, just maybe, she'll be able to talk her way out of it. Not likely, but I'm doing her a favor. I could get in trouble for not following orders, and my orders are to challenge her to a fight, a fight she must either win or die trying to win."

“Wow I will admit that those are some pretty bad orders, but I’m more curious in the she has to figh you or die trying part?”

Setzer sighed and picked up a small cookie, popping it into his mouth. "It's very simple. If she can fight all of her siblings and win, it will prove that she has become strong and all will be forgiven. If she loses, she dies on the spot." He looked up at Bonny. "Why do you care? I've been tailing you two for a bit now and it sounds like you barely know her. And yet you now sound ready to fight for her. Is that something unique to... whatever kind of alien you are? Or is it common practice here in the space boondocks?"

Bonny eye twitched.” I’m a rare case for my kind first of all second of all she’s part of our crew we defend each other, doesn’t matter if I just met her today I will protect her. And lastly she will not die because of some good for nothing royalty said so.”

"Do you... really mean that?" Zetana asked, cautiously approaching from the side.

Setzer waved his hand. "Hey, sis. Long time no see."

"Ou so this is your brother, and here I was thinking he was some hired grunt to bring you back. Well this makes this easier. To answer your question Zetana, yes i do mean it." Bonny then looked back at Setzer." Now as for you what if I fight you for her honor?"

Setzer pulled out a data pad and scrolled through it. "Well, there is an old rule among are laws that says she can have a champion fight in her place, so... yeah, I guess. She can't do this for all of us, but if you want to fight me in her place, that's fine. Though..." He looked up from the pad. "You realize that means putting you life on the line too, right?"

"I know that, but do I have to kill you? I mean can't I just knock you out or something, I mean I would rather not kill her little brother."

"I would... prefer that too," Zetana agreed.

Setzer smiled. "I hope you won't hold back. You can't afford to, and don't think you can just because I'm smaller then you. But no, you don't have to kill me. I'd actually recommend against it. It would just make my brothers and sisters angry. Besides, I don't really feel like dying either."

"That's good so then do you have a special arena for this fight? Because if not we can go on the golden wing and use the training room there, or the holoroom if you’re feeling dramatic."

"That's your ship, right?" Setzer stood up and stretched. "Sounds good. Let's go there." He grinned widely. "I can't hold back. But for what it's worth, I actually hope you win."

"Ou I will but I wanna give you a fighting chance."

He laughed, and followed the pair back to the ship. As they walked, Zetana softly asked, "Are you... sure about this. I feel bad asking you to put your life on the line for me..."

"I told you your our crew and we defend our own, also I think JJ would be pretty upset if I just had you diaper and died all of a sudden. So I’m doing this for you besides I don't plan on dying today."

Zetana nodded. "Okay. Thank you. Just... be careful. Ignis are stronger then they look..."

"Don't worry I can handle myself just fine, and besides I think your underestimating me I’m a pretty tough Cartus."

Zetana smiled and nodded. They headed to the holoroom, Setzer looking around with interest. "So what's this place for anyway? Big, empty room... fighting?"

Bonny by this point changed into some shorts and a sports bra and some gloves, she then put in a gladiator arena with a roaring crowd. "Good enough for you?"

Setzer's eyes lit up as he looked around in wonder. "Whoa! How'd you... this is amazing! I didn't know you cat people had such advanced technology. This is technology, right? You're not some kind of witch, are you?"

Bonny raised an eyebrow." This is standard tech and my kind didn't invent it, and yes this is technology witches don't exist bitches do but not witches."

"Your holographic technology out here is a bit more advanced then ours," Zetana said with a small smile.

"Well, I like it." Setzer cracked his nwck back and forth a couple times. "So how do you wanna do this? Because I'm cool with just fists."

Bonny cracked her knuckles." Ou i'm ready kiddo, besides i'm a generous person I'll let you get the first hit."

"Alright..." Setzer was in front of her in the blink of an eye, his fist digging hard into her stomach. She couldn't help but stumble back as the air completely blew out of her lungs. The kid looked like a 90 pound weakling but hit like a body builder.

Bonny started to cough and plenty of drool came out of her mouth as well."Ugh alright then that caught me off guard, ugh right well then." Bonny got back up to her feet." Come on then let's try that again."

Setzer nodded, putting up his fists. He rushed her again, this time going for a right hook to the head.

Bonny smiled and blocked the punch and head butted the tip of his nose, she then quickly while he was staggered grabbed his head and drove it into her knee.

He stumbled back, and wiped a bit of blood that came from his nose. He grinned and nodded. "Good. I'll have to actually try."

“Ou you weren’t trying I’m insulted.” Bonny said keeping her posture.

"Don't act like you weren't just holding back," he said smugly. He quickly moved forward, sending out a flurry of punches. He was as quick and strong as someone who had been genetically augmented, but it was all natural.

Bonny keep her arms up blocking the entire time, until she drove her elbow into the corner of his eye catching him off guard. She then retaliated with multiple punches to his ribs and a kick to the side of his head.

Setzer moved to the side and rolled with the impact, springing up and tackling Bonny to the ground, nearly goring her with his horns, and sat on her stomach, swinging at her head.

She kept her face guarded but her then started to go for her ribs next, Bonny then quickly jabbed one of her fingers into the eye of Setzer forcing him to hold his eye. Bonny then rolled him to the ground and started raining down punches to his head and ribs.

"You... fight dirty... lady," he said between blows. She suddenly felt his tail wrap around her neck, pulling her back and choking her.

Bonny could feel the tail tightening around her every time she breathed out.” I’m... fighting... for...a crew mate.” Bonny took one of her shoes of and stomped in between the boys legs.” I will do whatever it takes to keep her here.” Bonny gave a coy smile.” Beside there’s no such thing as dirty fighting, if there’s no referee then its fine.”

Setzer rolled to the side, holding his groin for a moment before slowly standing up. "Fine... if that's... how you wanna play it..." He opened his hands, claws extending from his nails. Fire licked at his lips as he said, "Let's dance." He opened his mouth, a plume of fire shooting out at Bonny.

Bonny ears dropped as she quickly jumped to the side avoiding the fire ball, she then quickly took her other shoe of and started running at Setzer.

He ran towadds her, snarling ad he extended his claws, ready to rip her apart.

As they got closer to each other instead of punching or tackling the boy, Bonny instead jumped over the boy.”(Okay Bonny think there has to be some way to beat this guy, he’s got claws fangs and fire balls. And is stronger then you, come girl think.) Bonny eyes widen and smiled at the boy.” Come on boy I’m just a simple kitty, this is just sad that a dragon can’t beat a cat.”

He snarled louder as he turned. "Don't mock me!" he yelled, charging recklessly at her.

(That’s it come to momma.) As Setzer charged Bonny he used his claws to to try and hit her, but Bonny continued to doge the attack his last hit Bonny grabbed his arm and tossed him to the ground.

"He let out a large 'oof!' as he hit the ground, and tried to sweep her legs with his tail.

Bonny jumped over the tail attack, then she looked at the tail and pounded on it.” Got you.”

Setzer yelled in pain, rolling away and holding his tail. "That hurt!"

“Whoops heh to hard there, but don’t you worry I’m gonna get that lovely little tail of yours. Or you could just surrender to me and leave your sister alone.”

"You haven't beaten me yet!" The dragon boy dropped on all fours, rushing at her even faster then before, looking like he was trying to gore her with his horns.

(well shit) Bonny took the attack head on using her arms to block the horns she screamed in pain as she was being pushed back by the attack.

Setzer laughed as he stood over her. "Ha! Give up, lady?"

Bonny didn't say anything as she kicked the boy off her arms and she looked at her arms, she slowly moved her hands and made a fist." No your not getting your sis back, can't you see that she's happier with us as a doc."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 3

"You think I want to do this?" he asked. "I'm just completing my royal duty. If I don't, I get hunted to. The only way this ends is if you die or you beat me. And we both know you can't beat me."

Bonny cracked her neck." Have you not realized that I'm not giving up, your horns impaling my arms won't change anything. So then come on boy, I will take you down and send you home with a broken body."

"Don't call me a boy!" he snapped, leaping at her, practically flying through the air.

Bonny dodged his attack, she then struck his throat and started continuously punching his face.

He coughed and brought his hands up to try and block. "Stop! Stop!"

To his shock Bonny did stop.” Are you done? Or do you need to catch your breath? Because if it’s the ladder I’m gonna hurt you even worse.”

"Just... okay, I..." His eyes rolled a little. "I think you... gave me a concussion... just... need the world to stop spinning..."

Bonny sat down in front of him.” Hay doc I need some patching up here.”

Zetana rushed over to check on her brother. He tried to push her away and stand up, but only fell to his knees. "Ow," he said, holding his head.

Zetana shook her head and pushed him into a sitting position, checking his eyes. "You'll be out of it for a while but you should be okay. No more fighting though or you risk permanent damage."

“Yea hay speaking of permanent damage.” Bonny showed the two holes in her arm.” Think you could help me with these?”

Zetana flinched and pulled out a small medkit from a side pack. She opened it and started applying an antibiotic spray before wrapping some gauze. "I'm so sorry Bonny."

“For what I’m the one that volunteer, I did this so you could stay with us there’s nothing to apologize for.” She said smile at Zetana.

Zetana smiled back, and looked over at her brother. "Satisfied?"

"Yeah, yeah... how embarrassing..." Setzer held his head. "Losing to a cat lady. You sure have a high threshold for pain. I... I only loss because I underestimated you..."

“You aren’t the first nor the last to do that, trust me I’ve beaten up people for far less then what you did.”

Zetana nodded and chuckled. "I first met her today beating someone up."

Setzer sighed. "Well... you beat me. I'll have to return to the others with my tails between my legs. But there'll be more. You have five other brothers and sisters after all, and I'm... the weakest of us."

“Ou that’s just fantastic ugh I’m gonna need more augmentation then, that’s assuming my plan is to knock them out.”

The boy shook his head. "You faught for her once already. You can't do it again. She'll either have to find someone else to fight for her... or actually fight for herself."

“And who in the hell said I had to listen to that?”
Bonny jumped back to her feet.” Your family will be coming here, this is not your end of the galaxy, which means I don’t have to listen to you.” Bonny said crossing her arms.

"Hey lady, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't make the rules?" Setzer frowned. "Besides, do you really want to fight five more of us, all stronger then me?"

Yes one I could use a, and two the others as nice as me and will like kill them. One will eat them.”

"I see." Setzer stood up and stumbled to his butt again. "Look, I... know I was just trying to kill you, but can I... lay down or something?"

Bonny rolled her eyes picked the young boy up, she carried him to her room. There wasn’t much for decoration and there was a punching bag that looked to seen better days off its chain on the other side of the room.” This is my room you can rest here.”

"Wow, really?" Setzer grinned. "You're really nice, lady. Sorry for trying to kill you and all."

“It’s... fine you’re not the first, and you had no choice anyway.” Bonny put Setzer on her bed.” There now get some rest while you’re sis fixes my wounds.”

He nodded, sighing and relaxing as Zetana took Bonny to the infirmary. "He's right, you know. You can't fight all my battles gore me. I need to learn to fight too."

“You damn right there were several instances that I could have killed that kid, but I don’t kill kids. But yea you will fight some of them and I’ll fight the others.”

"So that means you'll teach me?" Zetana asked excitedly. "To kick butt like you?"

“Yes that’s what it means, I work with both you and JJ at the same time no sense in keeping the lessons separate.” She said grabbing some bandages.

Zetana nodded. After some hesitation, she suddenly wrapped her arms around Bonny in a tight hug. "Thank you."

Bonny sighed and patted Zetana head.” Ugh it’s no problem at all it’s the least I can do, after all I can’t wait to see you beat the rest of your family.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Insane Darkness & ZombieSplitter53
Not Blaze in Name Only

Blaze removed his glove with a loud snap, immediately throwing it in the trash and turning on the sink. "Merde..." he muttered, his eyes baggy and dark while still looking flawless and his wings sagging behind him, exhausted. "I know it is hard to believe, but I am not a robot..."

JJ watched him from the doorway, looking concerned. "Are you okay? Are we... working you too hard?"

Blaze glanced over his shoulder before returning to looking at his hands. "No. Nothing to worry about here." He shut off the sink and dried his hands, turning to face JJ when he finished. "Anything you needed me for?"

She frowned. "You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I suppose. But I have nothing going on." He paused, his expression shifting to allow for a different mindset. "If I had one thing to say, it would be that everyone here is rather fragile. They take very few hits. But I can admire their willpower. If they lacked that, my job would be a lot harder." His lips turned upwards into a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

JJ gave him a small smile back. "Well, what if we made ourselves a little stronger. That's actually what I came here for. I need your help with it."

"Stronger and tougher are two different words. You all are strong enough as it is. But I know for a fact none of you can take shots from your own weapons." He held up a flawless-looking hand. "I have been injured many times, but they always heal with no scars, medicine or not. No one else can say the same other than the cybers. Though I do not count them as cybernetics come with their own fair share of problems."

"True. And I'm not sure of many ways we can make ourselves heal like you do." JJ shrugged. "But if we become strong enough to take out the enemy in a swifter manner, we won't have to worry about them hurting us. Besides... I've seen a technology that made someone impervious to any shots."

The Celentius raised an eyebrow. "Really? And do you have any intention to retrieve it?"

Jackie-Jackie frowned. "Believe me, if I could get that one, I would. It is in the hands of Sirius Ravenwood, and I'd like nothing but to take it off his arm, even if I had to take the arm with it." She looked away, the memory of the absolute beatdown he had given her fresh in her mind.

"Is there something I am unaware of between you and Ravenwood?" Blaze took a step forward.

"That's a... story for another time." JJ sighed. "At any rate, you might have heard about our recent mission on the Collector ship, the reason why Yasha and Aeshleigh were so banged up before, not to mention myself. What you might not have een told was that they were using these bracelets, some ancient artifacts that we thought were mere... well, artifacts. But they gave them incredible power." She stepped forward. "I want to find as many of those as I can. We need to even up the playing field. And I might have word of where one is right now."

"Have you sent anybody on a mission to retrieve it, then?"

"I'm about to go myself. With two of our people. I was hoping... you'd be one of them. Get you out of this stuffy infirmary and let you use your talents out there, yes?"

"I would not be against it," Blaze stated flatly.

"Great!" JJ clapped her hands together. "The planet we're going down to is a little... dry. So dress lightly and bring your hat for shade. And make sure you're armed. There might be some... ruffians to deal with."

"I am more concerned about being legged, but sure." Blaze smirked.

JJ chuckled. "Meat me in the docks in thirty minutes, okay?" She walked out, calling back, "We're going to have fun with this one!"

"I sure hope so." He removed his scrubs, his chest bare to the cold med bay. His muscles sheened with light, a reflection from some of the bright lights above him. He slid on his coat, boots, and gloves, placing the hat on last. He took a few steps towards the door to follow her, adjusting his hat onto his head.

When they boarded the shuttle to the nearby planet, Blaze found they were only a party of three. Him, JJ, and a reptilian woman he met for the first time when he was patching her up, trying to make sure she didn't lose and arm. "I'm Aeshleigh by the way," she said as they flew down. "Nice to meet you when I'm not bleeding."

"A pleasure." Blaze nodded. "What should I expect?" he asked, trying to gain as much information as possible.

"Well, it's a desert planet, so expect a lot of heat." JJ glanced back from the controls of the shuttle. "You ever work in the desert? It isn't pleasant..."

"A few times." Blaze nodded. "It is the sand, not the heat, that will kill you in the end. Had a few comrades die by adjusting their combat outfit mid-fight. It is harder to prepare for sand than dehydration."

"I have a bit of experience myself," the reptilian woman stated. "It's our Captain I'm worried about."

"Oh, I'll be fine," JJ assured them. "Though I've never... actually fought in a desert. But maybe we can avoid a fight, right?"

"If you are doing that, then you should leave me in the shuttle. I do not think I am an influential individual, at least in the way you would hope for me to be." Blaze fiddled with his lighter, flipping it open and shut.

"Well, I wasn't planning on talking it out. I was planning on... acquiring it through... other..."

"You plan to steal it," Aeshleigh stated.

"It's not stealing if they stole it first!" JJ insisted.

"Yes it is," Aeshleigh countered with a smile.

"Look, it is a dangerous item for them to have. I think... liberating them of it is best for everyone."

"Especially us who get to use it." Aeshleigh's smile widened.

"I like this plan better." Blaze smirked, putting away his lighter. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"I want you to be my lookout at close range, Aeshleigh at long range," JJ answered. "Quiet anyone who gets too close. My specialty is more stealth then lookout."

"Understood." Blaze nodded.

The ship landed some distance away from what looked like a large camp sight surrounding a sizeable oasis. Once the shuttle powered down, JJ got up and said, "We walk from here. It is still early so the sun should only be coming up as we are leaving. It'll still be pretty hot out there though. The composition of the sand retains a lot of heat. So bring plenty of water. It should only be a thirty minute hike or so."

"Nothing unusual. Just stay on edge." Blaze picked up his assault rifle, the chassis clanking against his gauntlets.

They made their way through the desert, various critters running about in the relatively cool air. Soon, they startwd to see the lights of the camp up ahead.

"Alright. What is the plan? Shoot the lights? Or is there something else you had in mind?" The intimidating assault rifle he held earlier was traded out for a hand-sized pistol, though the assault rifle was still on his back in case things got hairy.

"We're going to sneak around the back," JJ said. "You'll come with me, she'll stay here. We'll all start shooting out the lights from different directions, causing confusion so I'll have time to search." She pulled out a small device.

"What threats should we watch out for? If any?" Blaze adjusted his hat, as it had tilted too far forward for his liking.

JJ pointed at two towers on either side of the camp. "Snipers. We need to make sure they don't spit us or we'll be in trouble. Either that, or take them out first and foremost."

"Allow me." Blaze silently flapped his wings once to emphasize his advantage.

JJ nodded. "I'll circle around to the left. Meet up with me once you've handled them. I trust you to be quiet."

"Roger that." Blaze nodded before he started running towards the tower on the right, wings outstretched. "Feels good to stretch my wings again. Damn hospital room is too fucking small," he whispered to himself. He climbed up the tower, pushing himself upwards off the building and then flapping his wings to push himself higher. Once he made it to the top, he peered over the railing. I might be better at this than I thought. Interessante. Using the railing, he launched himself over to the enemy at the far end of the tower, using his wings to knock his allies over the railings as he passed them. With one quick motion, he wrapped an arm around his neck, tackled him over the railing, spun around and aimed at the two who were falling before firing two shots to each of their chests and one to their heads with his pistol. As he neared the ground, he spread his wings as if to act as a parachute, rolled into a pinning stance and put the pistol to the man's head.

"Dangerous item. Where is it?"

"I ain't tellin' you SHIT." The guy spat in Blaze's face, still gasping for breath.

Blaze pressed harder into his neck and head. "Is that so? Well, I think you will." He placed his knee firmly into the man's wrist, forcing the man to let go of a radio he had pulled from his belt. "Ah, ah, ah. No one else gets to be a part of this... conversation."

JJ slowly, silently made her to the west side of the camp. She followed the readings of the strange device she had cobbled together, frowning. It wasn't as pinpoint accurate as she had hoped.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

She practically walked into a man patrolling the outside, surprising the both of them. He was fast to act, pulling out a pistol. JJ was even faster, yanking it out of his hands in one fluid motion and pointing it at his head. "I'm looking for an ancient looking bracelet," she said, almost sweetly. "Tell me where it is and I won't hurt you."

"I'm not saying a thing, you stupid cu..."

JJ hit him on the side of the head, and he fell to the ground. "Ssh! And watch the bad language. Now, as I was saying..." She looked down at him, and he didn't move. She lightly kicked his boot, then turned his head. "Shit..." She had accidentally knocked him out. With a sigh, she painstakingly dragged him to the side, hiding him behind some barrels before continuing her search.

Aeshleigh slowly scanned the area through the scope of a sniper rifle. Sniping wasn't her forte. She preferred a more up close and personal approach, but she was trained in all firearms. She watched the pair and their exploits with a smile. While one guard tower was taken care of, she took care of the second.

It was a risky maneuver. There were four of them, and she would have to work fast to take then out with no alarms being sounded. She watched them carefully, adjusted for distance and wind. One fell to the ground, then a second before the other two noticed their their dead colleagues. The third dropped as the fourth moved.

Time was of the essence. It was a really long shot to stay out of range of any ears, and the target was moving. Focus. Focus. Only one chance. Almost to the alarm. Adjust for distance. For wind. For movement. And...

The fourth man dropped, blood pooling out of his neck as he chocked to death while bleeding out. The four were down, and there were no risks of sniper fire anymore. Aeshleigh wasn't happy. People deserved to see who was killing them. But she did plenty of things she didn't like. The job complete, she pack up the laser sniper and moved out, pulling out her mini shotty for some close range action should the need arise.

Blaze flapped his way back up the tower, scanning the area. As an extra precaution, he flew up into the sky, putting on a pair of high-tech goggles before scanning the area once more. "Vital signs negative. Let us proceed," he muttered, an earpiece conveying to the others what he said, albeit with some static at the range he was from the others.

"Confirmed," Aeshleigh said. "Both towers taken care of. Did you get any info? Looked like you were interrogating that guy."

"I probably got as much info as our fearless leader." Blaze crept towards the back of the compound, his tone encouraging JJ to share what she'd learned.

"Didn't get much from my guy to be honest," she said. "But this little doohickey I whipped up is getting a signal from the back of the compound. Can you meet me there?"

"'Take a right, left, right, then down. And either left or right.' He did not remember that last part," Blaze recited as he inched closer, gun at the ready.

"Got it. Thanks Blaze. I..." JJ suddenly stopped talking, falling dead silent

"Boss lady?" Blaze questioned, his tone concerned.

"Blaze," she whispered after a frightening length of silence. "I need you here now."

The air cracked against Blaze's wings, creating a sonic boom where he once was. Hovering just over the ground, he propelled himself faster using objects in his path. He pulled the assault rifle off his back with one arm, holding it outstretched as he glided, his feathers ruffling quickly in the breeze. When he thought he was close to JJ, he somersaulted forwards, hiding behind a box to catch his breath. "I am nearby. What do you need?" He pulled the cartridge from his gun and checked it before putting it back, cocking it as quietly as he could.

"Back up!" JJ cried out, and he saw her, three men grabbing her and dragging her towards a tent, not trying to hide their wondering hands.

Shit... Blaze held up his datapad, which revealed three blinking red lights as well as one green one and one blue one. Instead of firing over the box, he merely laid down and fired three shots through it, each shot going through the enemies' chests. He immediately fired three more into their heads before they were allowed to fall limp to the ground. As soon as he heard the thump of their bodies onto the floor, he jumped over the box and rushed JJ, crouching next to her. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.

She slowly sat up, groaning. "Yeah. Thank you Blaze, seriously. I was so focused on following my detector I... kinda walked right into them. That was amazing."

Blaze sighed. "It was nothing special. My bullets have a hint of tracing to them." He put an arm around her torso to help her stand. "I hope you were not injured? I know the strong boss-types do not like telling their subordinates about their injuries so as to seem stronger."

"Nah, I'm fine. Just a bump on the head." There was a commotion nearby as everyone reacted to the shooting. "Looks like we're about to have company regardless. You ready?"

"That depends on how ready you are." Blaze raised an eyebrow, a cocky smirk spreading across his face.

JJ chuckled, picking up a discarded rifle and getting in cover. As the men and women rounded a corner to see what the commotion was, she opened fire, hitting two in the chest before the others got into cover themselves.

Blaze pressed a button on a cylindrical grenade before counting aloud. "Un, deux, trois, quatre..." he muttered before chucking the explosive like a baseball pitcher. Before the explosive could hit the ground, it erupted in violent flames and explosions, sending shrapnel flying. Blaze quickly grabbed JJ by the shoulders and covered her with his body, a few odd pieces clinking against the gauntlets he quickly placed over his head.

"Th-thanks," JJ said as they sat back up and she peaked over the cover. Seeing that, despite the area being littered with bodies, more and more people came, she muttered a curse. She looked down at her device and smiled suddenly, glancing behind them at one of the tents. "I have an idea. Can you hold them off for a minute or two?"

"A minute?!" Blaze whisper-exclaimed before his expression changed back from surprise to neutral. "Probably." Blaze popped his cartridge out and replaced it with another. His smile spread across his face as he raised an eyebrow. "I will aim for three. Just for you."

"Thank you," JJ bowed her head and rushed into the tent. "No more then a minute!"

Blaze pulled out two more cylindrical objects, one orange and one white. "Some dumbass a long time ago decided one of these were illegal. Well, now I think we shall see exactly how effective these are now."

After fitting an intimidating-looking gas mask on his head, Blaze chucked the grenades really far in the direction of the reinforcements. Smoke and gas quickly enveloped them, disguising them and their surroundings from view. Immediately, the enemy yelled out in confusion before choking, falling to the ground and writhing in the intense pain of their faces starting to melt off. Any who attempted to speak or cry out proceeded to die faster with the intended result a mere whisper instead.

"And to think, they thought A.I. was the true enemy..." Blaze shook his head before standing, aiming his gun around the tent.

A woman, no taller than six feet, crawled out from the smoke, gasping for breath and clutching her chest. Unlike the others, only one of her arms were melting while the rest of her seemingly remained intact. As she attempted to stand, she stumbled, catching herself on her cybernetic arm. She glared in the direction of Blaze, gripping her pistol as hard as she could.

As soon as Blaze fired his classic two-shot kill of the head and heart combo, she rolled forwards, pulling out a knife and deflecting the tracking shots into the ground. Gritting her teeth, she quickly jumped behind the cover of a nearby box, still gasping for breath.

"Fuck off!" she exclaimed, her voice ragged.

"Unlikely, ma cherie. You live by a thread. I believe you will be the first to 'fuck off'."

"I'm fine, ya cunt. Can't say the same for you in a few moments."

"I have all night. Give me a little tease of what is to come."

"Well, first... I'm gonna rip your fucking eyes out--"

"Oh, kinda need those."

"--and then, I'm gonna pull your fuckin' dick off and feed it to ya--"

"Mmm. Add a little salt first, would you please? I am not riled up enough for me to season it myself."

"--before I shove my fucking knife up your arse."

"Painful, but not life-threatening. Got anything else for me?"

"Oh, that's just to start."

"Oh, good. Had me worried for a moment."

"Let me take care of your little friend first." A knife flew over the box, pointy-end rushing ever closer towards the tent at mach speeds.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

JJ eagerly rifled through objects and tossing some to the side. Her ears twitched, and she darted sideways, the knife digging into her left shoulder. "Ah! Son of a bitch, that hurts! I swear, I'm going to..." She gasped as she noticed a slight glow from behind the room. Fighting through the pain, she pushed through a variety of treasure and picked up what she was looking for, a Non-conspicious looking bracelet, save of course for the glow.

"Found it!" she shouted, diving out of the twnt and next to Blaze. She slapped it on her wrist, and... it did nothinng, the glow disappearing as it made contact. "Damn... hoping it would be for me. You okay, Blaze? Your new girlfriend threw a knife at me..."

Blaze grabbed JJ's hand and pulled her closer to him so he could examine her wound. "One, not my girlfriend. Two, let me see the wound." The vibroknife was shoved hilt-deep into her shoulder, a greenish substance glistening over her skin. "Oh fuck..." He immediately placed his lips upon her wound, sucking on it.

JJ's eyes widened. "What are you... are you... is the world... spinning?"

"No, milady." He continued for a few moments before spitting out the poison. "But I do need you to kill her before she--"

"Found ya, fucktards."

The lady's head was blown clean off as Blaze fired his weapon straight up. The body of their enemy fell backwards off the box, blood pooling around the neck.

"Nevermind. Let me fix you up."

"Jeez..." JJ sighed as he patched up her shoulder, looking over at the dead woman and listening as more people searched for them. Luckily Aeshleigh was buying them time by messing with their sense of direction, firing at them then running somewhere else to fire again. JJ shook her head slowly. "I know their raiders and killers, but I wish it hadn't come to this. This artifacts are so much trouble." She lifted it towards Blaze, and it started to glow again.

"What is that thing?" Blaze asked, encouraging her to distract herself.

She flinched as he tended to her. "It is one of the artifacts we've been looking for, like the three Ravenwood has and the one that works with Lady. Maybe this one is meant for you. Wanna try it?"

"Hand it over, then." Blaze held out an empty hand.

JJ did just that. "Just slip it on your wrist and... I don't know, we haven't fully worked out the next part yet. Just... imagine your energy taking the form of some solid being."

Blaze closed his eyes, imagining a mystical misty essence around him. Slowly, it solidified within him, growing more and more compact.

JJ watched as the glowing intensified. "That's it, you're doing it. Now... imagine it as a solid being. An animal, a person, an object. I believe your imagination is a key factor."

The Celentius imagined a tree in his mind, leaves shaking in the wind and blowing back and forth. Out of nowhere, it caught fire, burning to the ground, roaring and covering everything in smoke. The branches fell to the ground, singing the ground and grass alike. He internally flinched as his vision became nothing but fire, smoke, and death, his eyes opening unintentionally.

"What's wrong?" JJ asked with concern.

Sweat poured down his forehead and he wiped it away with his arm. "I... Everything burned alive... There was nothing left but fire and ash..." Blaze stared into JJ's eyes, a hint of fear hidden by curiosity in his own. "What really is this thing?"

"I... I don't know. We believe it is a relic of a long lost civilization. Lady was able to manifest a type of avatar, a reflection of her inner self to fight with. I was hoping you could do the same. If not... this is going to be a hard foght out of here..."

"How would I know if I have an inner self to bring forth?" Blaze's eyebrows furled in confusion.

"I don't know!" JJ ducked down as a laser beam flew over her head. "Because the bracelet activated for you?"

Blaze closed his eyes once more. From the ash, fire and smoke, something rose. Spreading its wings, it let out a screech of anger. Its eyes seethed with rage, though it was calm for the moment, like an old crackling fireplace. Its wings returned to its body as its feathers ruffled irritatedly.

As it was about to fly away again, Blaze opened his eyes. Shocked, Blaze muttered something nearly incoherent. "A Phoenix..."

The bandits all stared up in awe at the manifested creature, unsure what to do. One of them snarled and lifted a weapon, firing at it.

The laser, hot as it may have been, burned away as the Phoenix's wings stretched out over the two. It let out a familiar screech before the ground itself underneath Blaze's enemies turned from grass to cinders, along with their bodies. When it was done, it let out another screech, urging anyone else to try and challenge it.

"Holy shit..." Blaze muttered, eyes wide as he stared at the creature.

"You can say that again..." JJ almost sounded jealous as she stared up at it. "I knew these things were powerful but... damn..."

The Phoenix leaned over the two, staring into their eyes. With a quick jolt, it snatched up the vibroknife and split it in two with its beak. It let out a calm squawk as it started moving towards JJ.

She let out a very nervous chcukle as it got closer. "Just... remember that we're friends, okay Blaze?"

The Phoenix's head tilted slightly before it pecked at the wound in JJ's shoulder. The blood and poison that had wiped onto the bird's beak singed away once it had pulled its head back. It then let out another squawk.

JJ placed her hand on her shoulder. "Wow. Um... thank you."

Where there once was punctured skin and blood, the skin was sealed back up, becoming what it once looked like. "I... did not know it could do that." Blaze blinked.

"I suppose there are many things you'll have to learn about your new friend," JJ said softly.

"Are you okay?" Aeshleigh said from behind some cover, looking between them, the gigantic fire creature, and the scorched remains of what was once the inhabitants of the camp. "Please tell me that thing is on our side."

The Phoenix squawked once more before sitting down, ruffling and preening its feathers. "Still debatable, but I would guess our side," Blaze stated worriedly before the bird let out another squawk. "Not that I would bet my life on it."

"Well... it is a part of you," JJ said. "I doubt it would hurt you. And if it did, it would only be hurting itself." She scratched her head. "Do you... know how to turn it off?"

The Phoenix blinked before it evaporated into smoke. "Apparently."

Aeshleigh stepped forward, trying to avoid stepping on any piles of ash or slipping on the ground. "So, um... mission accomplished, right? And bonus! We took out a rather large bandit group so... cleaning up the galaxy, huh?"

"In so many words, I suppose." Blaze shrugged, standing up and brushing himself off before holding out a hand for JJ to take.

She gladly took it, standing up. "Thank you, Blaze. You saved my life more then once on this day."

"I figured you did not need it, but I expected you would still appreciate it." Blaze smiled.

JJ nodded, and offered her hand. "Congratulations on the find. You're now one of my most powerful bounty hunters."

"I am... disappointed that it really did not take much." Blaze frowned. "I figure many would be jealous of this." He looked at his wrist, deep in thought. "People enjoy earning their power and skill. When those around them get served power on a silver platter, it is..." The Celentius sighed. "Anyway, I have more ways I can save people. That is a cool thing, I guess." Blaze forced a smile as he looked into JJ's eyes.

JJ smiled back. "Don't be too disappointed. I am sure our trials have only just begun, and this is just leveling the playing field." She patted him on the arm. "Come on. Let's head back to the ship."

"Roger that."

 

[Black0ut]

Black0---------------I'm-in-control-now...-----
Ghost & ShadowHounder present:
Darkness within the Light


The forested valley town of Clear had an illustrious history as being a town that refused to die, despite whatever natural disaster happened. It also happened to be a small town with barely any two-story buildings, and even less outlets for the locals to spend their money. All in all, a regular backwater town. That was until the sniper showed up.

The sniper had started putting plasma fire through their homes, injuring several people and almost rendering the town into a ghost town, as most of the residents fled to the other town within the valley, Brighton. With their help, the people of Clear were able to post an impressive bounty so they could return home in safety. It was, however, to be noted, that the sniper, never shot from the same place twice, and the problem of the corpses of the last bounty hunters who tried to take the deal.

---------

Bar slept peacefully next to his fellow bounty hunter, making a weird wheezing noise as he rested. However, unbeknownst to him, he raised an arm and gently draped it over his companion.

Winter checked the map of the town as she ignored the plant's moving arm. "According to the townsman I talked to, the sniper always seemed to moved between each shot. To be moving that quickly without being spotted, I can suspect some form of natural or technological camouflage... And maybe even a translocator... But I haven't ruled out the possibility of magic or teleportation. Now that I think about it... If they had the ability to fly..." The Shinso noble let out a long sigh. "And you're not even listening... Are you?"

Bar's wheezing - which appeared to be his version of snoring - was the only noise to greet her, as the plant wrapped an arm around her, like one would a teddy bear. However, unlike a teddy bear, his grip on her was loose; she could easily escape if she wanted to.

Winter placed the map down as she stood up. "I guess I should get some practice in before we land..." The young noble grabbed her rifle and made her way towards the cockpit. She quickly checked that autopilot was enabled before opening the runway in the back of the shuttle. She rushed to the back end of their transport and peered into the endless dust of the desert.

Her eyes darted towards a small set of cacti in the distance, one hundred kilometer and leaving. She quickly estimated the traveling speed of the vessel in her head before lifting her rifle and taking a shot. The round went clean through the head of the largest cactus... But she was too far away to take another shot. She soon spotted a group of packrats native to the planet and fired two round in front of them. A vulture, three shots into its feathers.

She felt the plant's mental pressure as he woke up. What's wrong? Are we under attack? He asked panickily, making his way to her.

Winter paused for a moment, looking at the wounded bird vanishing into the horizon. "My last shot was eight centimeters off... Resulting it the bullet piercing the creatures wing bone... Instead of grazing it's feather like I intended it to. My previous practice on the packrats, I misjudged the angle on my second shot. A bullet meant to merely scare the creatures left a large gash on one their underbellies during the rebound. We are not endanger now... But if I make a mistake like those during the mission, we very well could be."

Relax, Miss Winter... I will not allow harm to befall you. If it comes to it, I'll take a bullet for you. Bar replied, offering her a telepathic smile. And if that happens, I expect that you'll fight harder than ever. We'll be fine.

Winter nodded. "We'll be landing soon... It would silly to leave the door open when we arrive."

As you wish... Bar murmured, hitting the button to close the runway. I didn't do anything embarrassing while I slept, did I?

"Just attempted to cuddle with me." Winter joked. "Shinso are more closely tied to cats than bears... But I would argue it's close enough."

Apologies, Miss Winter. I will endeavor to not repeat that course of action in the future. Bar looked bashfully, looking away.

Winter giggled as she reached the cockpit. "Good luck with that."

Bar rubbed his head as he returned back to his seat, accidentally hitting his head on the way into the cockpit.

Winter turned back to investigate the sound, then rubbed the back of her head and laughed. "I guess that is one disadvantage that comes to being tall..."

Indeed… most things are not made with my kind of height in mind. Bar groaned, as he took his seat.

Winter's eyes were caught by the bright red dot signifying that they had arrived. She turned the autopilot off and sat down so she could safely land them. Once she confirmed that the ship was on level ground, Winter opened the door once more. "We will need to be quick... There is no telling when this sniper will place us on the hitlist."

Bar waited for a moment, before visible psionic armor formed over him, and then her. This should buy us time if they find us before we find them. The plant said softly before stepping out and getting as low as he could to the ground.

Winter nodded as she stepped out of the shuttle with her rifle in tow. Her first priority was examining the layout of the town and potentially some of the areas that the sniper had been reported to have been seen. She kept her rifle on her back, but held the strap loosely in case she would be to prep on the move. She didn't want to take any chances, but she also didn't want to be too on guard... In case doing so would provoke challenge. She had already read the reports of the last sniper that came here, not wanting to share their fate.

The town seemed empty, and much like the brief they had been given, barely anyone was left. Bar walked as confidently as he could while crouched. As he did, a red laser appeared on the side of his head. It seemed their sniper had found them and was now evaluating Bar.

Winter examined the dot briefly, shifting her back away from Bar while relaxing her shoulders. Fifty-seven degrees, building to our east. Could just be a scouting drone, or them lining up a shot. Regardless I shouldn't take any chances. Winter thought, unknowingly to Bar, before pulling the string attached to her weapon... firing a round in the direction of the red dot aiming at the plant man's head. She immediately rolled behind a large sign mid shot, allowing her movement to adjust the bullet's trajectory. She quickly cocked the bolt action on her rifle before peering over the corner... Seeing what events followed her actions.

What appeared to be a fairly large drone lay in ruins, the shot having pierced and dropped it with some force, evident by its impact into the building.

Bar, for his part, found cover in the form of an old gnarled tree. Thank you, Winter... he murmured, looking directly away from her, in case he was already being tracked.

"Don't mention it." Winter muttered as she scanned the tops of each roof. The sniper no doubt knew they were there now... So she had to be ready to return fire.

After several minutes, a drone started to fly in their direction, unarmed and with a clear speaker module on it. It was about a hundred yards away, and wasn't flying fast.

Bar watched it suspiciously, the plant letting out a mix between a growl and purring noise at the machine. Should I take it down?

"No, it's unarmed and could be rigged with explosives." Winter replied. "Let's just wait and see what our new enemy has to say."

The drone crackled as the speaker module activated. "I wonder what my two birds are doing, fluttering two and fro; where are they, and what do they do, do not ask me, I do not know."

Winter cautiously eyed the drone. Her eyes began to glow a faint blue as a thick coat of fog and ice covered the drone's lens. If it's remote controlled, they might be able to land it safely... Which would give me time to sneak past and figure out where they are hiding. If it's an automated drone... I hope it's not automated...

A green burst of energy easily destroyed it, allowing the remains to crash into the ground harmlessly.

Winter let out a sigh. "That's how it's gonna be is it?" Dammit, I wasn't paying attention and missed where that shot came from...

I saw it... Bar replied, pointing a finger at a building in the distance.

"Umm... Okay..." Winter mumbled hesitantly. Did I say that out loud? Whatever, no time to worry about that. No doubt they have already relocated. If I'm going to win this war of attrition, I need to either predict their next location... Or try and find a pattern. She looked up at the location Bar pointed out. Thirty-four degrees, northwest. The building looks to be a hospital... Definitely taller than everywhere else.

You thought it out-loud. Like how you're doing now. Bar replied quietly, sending a telepathic grimace as he stepped out of his cover and began to make his approach. I should be able to draw them out and allow you a chance to shoot them...

 

[Black0ut]

I'll-leave-your-site-alone...-for-now-
Darkness within the Light, pt.2



A shot of plasma energy surged not towards Bar, however, but near Winter's position, seemingly as if their target was trying to guess where their counterpart was.

Winter looked at the burning ground near her. Seventy-two degrees, northbound. Looks to be the roof of the marketplace. If I can find a pattern in their movements. Or even a hint of their location... I could land a good shot on them.

Bar sprang forward, moving as quickly as he dared through the streets of the abandoned town, until he arrived at a suitable building. However, a gnawing feeling hit him and he couldn't figure out what was causing the feeling. Then it hit him. He just ran out in the open a fair distance into town, and not once did he take a single shot. Which means... Bar thought before focusing his energy into a barrier around Winter.

A trickle of purple blood escaped his face plate, the strain of his powers beginning to seep in. Then a shot rang out, barely a second after the barrier went up, damaging the mental construct, but its occupant was safe. Winter! Stay in there for a minute or two and don't peek out! They're targeting you... I'll try to find them, but stay away from the dome's open area, lest they realize it's vulnerable. I made a back door, so escape from that position when you can and relocate.

Seventy-four degrees, northbound. Winter thought, almost instinctively as the shot bounced off of the barrier. She carefully brought her rifle up, prepared to fire once the opportunity presented itself.

Winter... get to safety before you take the shot. Bar warned, climbing up a building as quickly as he could. However, he slowed as he began to notice psionic traps dotted about the town, ones that would easily shred his armor and him if he triggered them.

Oh boy...

Winter started to get to her feet, before noticing the plant's shifted in tone. Taking a gander, she shot a random area in the ground... Just to see if the potential of a motion triggered trap might have caused his distress.

A psionic blast immediately greeted her, pummeling her shelter, forming small cracks in it.

Psionics tendrils formed around Bar as he tried to suck the psionics energy out of the explosives and simultaneously restore his spent psychic power. He managed to get two, but... it was very slow growing and the tendrils revealed his location.

Great... The town must be littered with these damn things... Winter let out an audible groan as she peered out once more, before darting out into the open. She fired a shot at the building she assumed would be the sniper's next location before placing a foot on the roof of another building. Her movements were agile, almost floaty, as she ran up to the roof of a abandoned house. While she remained in the air, her eyes glowed again and the ground between her and Bar began to freeze. The ice should disable the traps long enough to get across. She messaged the plant creature, though a hint of strain eminated off of her mental presences.

Unless you can disrupt psionic presences... the danger of the traps still remain. Bar replied, forming psionic pebbles in his left hand, promptly before tossing them into the street. A slew of psionic shrapnel blasted out, but due to the distance very little hit Bar's armor, and none even managed to crack it or harm it. I'll prioritize setting the traps off, you find our target. Just... don't let them catch you.

Winter simply nodded, however, her thoughts painted a different story. Dammit, why did I have to be so careless? The ice ended up being pointless and I can't concentrate with this migraine. Maybe if I'm lucky I can hold out until I can recover my form...

Would you like another barrier to rest? I can pour most of my energy into it to buy you some time... Bar asked, several more explosions following his words.

No, it's fine... I can manage. Winter assured the creature.

Okay- Bar started, before a beam of green energy struck his head, the psionic armor battling to keep the intrusive energy out.

Find safety, Winter! Hide! Bar yelled, as he attempted to form a shield to deflect the shot, before another beam of energy, this one psionic in nature, shot forth. With a sickening crunch and the smell of akin to burnt grass, Bar fell to the ground, his head cleanly melted off.

Winter cautiously peered over her cover, fear creeping up her form. Is... Is he dead?

He is not... hurt and regretting his life choices but not dead. However, he is now blind and very much hoping you moved when he told you to. Bar's psionic voice greeted her, with barely constrained pain in his voice.

Dammit... Winter immediately looked around to try and find out there the sniper was... And where they would shoot from next.

This time, however, there was no shot that came, no exclamation of surprise to mark that she had been found. Just the cold empty silence greeted her.

Winter's breath was visible as she exhaled a cloud of air. The planet they were on was known for its heatwaves, yet Winter was cold. She was frozen, likely to her core, a constant sensation she had grown used to over the years. It kept her calm, levelheaded and able to think. In the moment... The fires of frustration were nothing to her. For she was ice living in a world of flames... And she had a pesky candle to snuff out.

In the distance, another drone flew towards the town, a speaker module on this one as well as a sign that hung from it that said, 'don't shoot'

Are you okay, Winter? Is there anything I can do to assist? Bar asked quietly.

"Plug your ears." Winter stated as she switched the firing mode on her sniper rifle. She brought it up, but instead of aiming for the drone, she was aiming as one of the buildings. When the noble pulled the trigger, a massive soundwave blasted forward with a deafening wail.

I felt something... Bar murmured as glass broke around him, and throughout the town. A faint shimmer of something incredibly small, flew off a building, the soundwave hitting them in force.

A large canister popped out of Winter's weapon as she zeroed in on the glimmer and pulled the trigger. Can't hide from me this time.

A psionic shield partially formed in front of the glimmer, but it was not enough to stop the spray of blood that came off them. The figure fell out of sight into a building.

Did... did you get them?

"Northwest building. They are wounded... But likely still alive." Winter paused as she pulled back the action. "They had a barrier similar to yours..."

That would explain the psionic bombs... but that was weird. I couldn't sense any psionic presence nearby... so how...? Bar murmured to himself.

Before Winter could scan for any signs of her target, the communicator on her waist began to buzz. She pulled it out and groaned. "Now really isn't a good time Tobias."

"Oh, damn... I was gonna warn ya about a strange looking device in the city." The mage replied. "Looks to be some kind of trap."

"How do you know that?"

"I might've slipped a scanner into one of Bark's shoulderplates..." Tobias let out a nervous laugh as he answered.

"Do you always perform reckless and highly illegal task without the concern or constant of those around you?" The disappointment in Winter's voice was evident.

Metal clanks were soon heard as the trap Tobias had found moved with it... and it seemed to be on a direct course towards Bar.

What did Tobias do? Was it a good thing? Bar asked, oblivious to the impending danger.

"It's after Bark, five o'clock." Tobias remarked. "Better do something fast-"

Winter cut the call off as she leaped into the air towards Bar. Using the momentum of her jump, she slid along the ground... Before giving the plant man a strong, wide kick to the side. With enough timing and luck, she could get him out of the way... And take the full force of whatever weapon was after him.

An imposing robot of six feet, sleek in its all-black design and with no visible sensors rounded the corner. It held no weapon, but started to run; it threw a punch that was obviously meant to knockout rather than straight up kill.

Winter lifted her arms up in an attempt to stop the attack, but it was a fruitless effort. The machine's fist sent Winter flying into a lamp post... Blood erupting from her lung as her spine cracked under the pressure. As she laid on the dirt, both her arms shattered and no longer able to feel her left leg, the noblewoman willed her head to move so she could look her soon-to-be killer in the eyes: like a proud member of the Yuki'kuma clan would.

The bot raised a hand then lowered it. A boot flew swiftly towards her head, prepared to squish the sniper out of existence, only to repelled by a crystalline barrier and sent falling over. Bar crawled over it, slashing blindly into the machine with his claws. Even as the machine went on the offensive to try and get the Plantoid off, crystalline arms formed and held the machine's down to allow the savage onslaught to continue. YOU WILL LEAVE HER ALONE. Bar bellowed, his voice softer in Winter's head than anyone else in the area.

"Thank you..." Winter said weakly.

 

[Black0ut]

Darkness with the Light, pt.3



Bar continued to savage the machine until its Chassis was destroyed and it was little more than broken electronics. The plant then crawled over to Winter and put a hand onto her, green energy radiating out. Winter could feel her wounds recovering, some of the damage retracting away. Purple blood began to leak from Bar's neck, as his psionic voice grew weaker. Please don't be dead... please don't be dead... Bar whispered psionically. It appeared he could not hear her physical words anymore and was relying on her mental faculties to communicate.

Once Winter's arms could move again, she reached into her pocket and grabbed a small, cylinder shaped object with a pin. How light sensitive are you?

I cannot see and I'm a plant. I do not know- Oh good, you're still alive.... I don't know how to answer your question beyond my eyes are gone. Bar said with a sigh of relief.

Good to know... Winter remarked as she removed the pin and tossed the cylinder in the air.

Bar, with his free hand, lifted Winter up and started to run in the opposite direction, evidently prioritizing her safety. You'll need to tell me whether to go right or left...

No... I will not run. Winter insisted as she attempted to wiggle free from Bar's grasp. If I die today, then so be it... But I'll be damned if I let fear get the better of me. Not when there is still a chance we can catch them.

Damn the mission and damn your pride! It is not worth your life and it is not worth mine. Bar snapped, her mind prickling a little with the potency of his anger. You cannot catch them in time and with your injuries, you can hardly fight, if at all. I cannot see or hear, and as a result, I cannot block attacks or attack effectively. We need to retreat, fall back and regroup.

Well at the very least turn around so I can get my rifle! Winter snapped back, her anger much more potent upon realizing it was still laying on the ground.

A dissonant growl echoed in her mind as Bar turned around, obliging her somewhat. He outstretched his hand as he searched for the weapon. Tell me where I need to reach and then once we have your rifle, we leave.

Just straight down the middle. Winter remarked.

Bar fumbled maybe once with the rifle before he secured it. Upon grabbed it, however, he immediately turned around and started running, showing off an impressive amount of speed for his size. Now we leave and you don't do anything to endanger us both... right?

Alright, the shuttle is to your right... About fifteen meters out. Winter directed Bar, keeping her eyes behind them should their target try to catch them running.

No attack came. It seemed that the one shot she had managed to get off had wounded the other sniper enough to leave. Bar stumbled into the shuttle and took hesitant steps forward, trying to find his way to the cockpit.

I've regain feeling in my arms. Winter told him, as he stumbled into the cockpit. If you place me in the seat to your left, I can fly us out of here.

The plant slowly put the rifle down so as to find the seat with a hand. He gently placed her down into the seat before collapsing on top of her weapon. Good... now I think... I'll sleep... He murmured before slipping off into unconsciousness.

Winter carefully turned the ship back on, setting the coordinates to the Golden Winds. She took a moment to look back at Bar and sigh. "I doubt he'll ever realize how important that gun is to me..."

The drone from earlier flew in silently, gently bumping the button to close the landing door before it too took a seat below it. "You survived this round... good. Now do better so you don't nearly die next time." Came the voice from earlier, tinged with pain, but still cocky and arrogant.

Winter responded by pulling a pistol out of the side cabinet and shooting the droid three times. Once the drone was promptly blasted, Winter's eyes emitted a menacing glow as ice and Frost began to consume its outer shell.

 

[Black0ut]

Black------- I-never-said-I-wouldn't-come-back-for-a-new-collab-
Ghost & ZombieSplitter53
Secrets, Zeros, & Ones, and Rebirth
(Editor notes: Due to this taking place before Master went on a suicide mission, and before Titania left with Blisk, some things might seem outdated)

Titania came out of her room stretching a bit, dressed in a black sweater and matching shorts that covered the large belly she had. She twirled her handle and activated it, twirling it into various positions and poses - albeit with some difficulty- as she walked before she stopped at the leisure area. She looked around and whispered, "Hey, Ash... you mind talking with me?"

A few moments later, Ash appeared in the room. He was looking a lot better then before, not quite as chipper, but not as sulky either. "Of course. Um... why are you whispering?"

"No reason. Just wanted to hang out and talk with you. It has been awhile after all..." The foxgirl offered a smile, deactivating the sword. "How have you been?"

"I have been... running at peak efficiency," he stated, clearly dodging the question.

"Oh... that's... good." Titania said awkwardly, nervously rubbing her neck. "Listen... I... forgot to say something when you took care of me that night and... I kept putting it off. Mainly because I'm bad at being personable when I fuck up somehow... so! Um... Thank you, Ash. For, uh, taking care of me when I was a drunken mess."

"Oh." Ash smiled. "I see. Well, you are very welcome. I am glad to help a... friend?"

"A friend. I was hoping if you're not too busy that... well, if you'd spend an hour just hanging out with me?" She asked, her smile more genuine.

At the same time, Ash could feel the Wind's electronic systems being hacked... and the one doing it was being blatantly obvious about it.

He held his head and let out an exasperated sigh. "Ghost..." he muttered, immediately starting to lock off vital systems.

"I... take it that's a no?" Titania asked, her smile dropping in place of a more neutral expression.

A command line prompt opened in Ash's vision with a message reading, "Got time to talk?"

"I'm with a friend," he said, looking at Titania.

Titania raised an eyebrow, a little confused.

The command prompt stayed silent for a couple moments before it responded with, "I wish to edit your code... and make you better. Is that important enough to dismiss your friend?"

Ash thought for a moment, and shook his head. "Anything you do or want to talk about can be done in her presence." He smiled at Titania.

Ghost materialized with her helm on, next to Ash. "Fine..." She said aloud, before looking at Titania. "Hi. I'm the sniper that shot at you awhile ago, I hope you won't hold that against me."

Titania's eyes narrowed. "You. You're the bit-"

"No name calling. I do generally help your crew out, it was just your friends kept getting too close to my secrets." Ghost waved a finger before turning towards Ash. "And I heard your conversation with your other AI friend. I wanted to help you with that." Ghost paused for a moment. "I listened in on her end, not yours. She lets me pop over to her robots whenever I want."

Ash gave her a somewhat distressed look. "So you are allies with Master then?"

"I am allies with far more than just Master." Ghost said, her helmet lighting up with a digital smile. "And just like I wanted to help you with your emotions -negative ones make your positive ones more of a blessing- I wish to... improve you. I want you to become better than Harbinger could ever hope to be. Because, sooner or later, you will have to fight her. And when that happens... I want you to survive."

"Oh, really? Tell that to Nick and Kentaro. Or how about the time you tried to kill me, or Tobias, or Bar? Hell, even Gazan wasn't safe." She said coldly turning her attention to Ash. "Please, please tell me you aren't actually considering her offer?"

"Oh, he is a bit. After all, it's a rare person who can work on A.I. code."

Titania's eyes widened as she finally, if a bit belatedly, realized what Ghost was trying to say about Ash. Her eyes, however, didn't hold a fearful expression rather they returned to the pleading look she was using to, hopefully, convince him.

Ash turned his head down shamefully. "I... I am sorry you had to find out like this. And... and I am... considering it. I... I can not ask the captain for this... or anyone working under her. She is wary of me. Aya flat out doesn't trust me. Maybe... maybe the fact that I am considering going behind their backs is a good reason not to..."

"Then I'll stake my life on it. Jackie... She likes me enough that she would listen... especially if it meant my resignation from the crew. Let's try to convince her before we-"

"Before turning to one of the few specialists who can actually operate on him, without the risk of killing or maiming him? Please, do go ahead. I'm sure you'll find someone who can hack into A.I. ships with evolving and rotating logic codes that to someone more sane would look like nonsense. Please, go right ahead."

Titania glared at the hologram, her handle gripped tightly in her left hand, the knuckles going white.

"Oh, don't look more cross. It really doesn't suit you." Ghost looked back to Ash. ""I tell you what; go to your captain. I'll follow you and we can discuss this with her. Me and Jackie already have a couple deals set up, so..."

"You do?" Ash looked up at Titania. "I... I want Titania to come with. She is my friend. Besides Tobias, she is the only one I have gotten really close to. I... I respect her opinion."

"Very well... Yyashtra is currently piloting the Wind, and JJ isn't scheduled for two shifts... probably in her bedroom..." Ghost murmured, as she faded away only to appear in JJ's room. Her sensor seemed to be busted as she couldn't actually see while she was in there. She would have to sort that out later. "Jackie...? Are you in here?"

JJ sighed, looking up from a catalogue she was looking through. "Is that you, Ghost? All things considered, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon after..."

"I know. But Ash wanted to improve himself and I offered to help. And now Titania knows about him as well." Ghost typed a few more times on her keyboard to give her Ash's vision within the ship. "Sorry, it couldn't be helped. Ash wouldn't speak quietly and so I had to bring it up."

"Improve him in what way?" JJ asked, placing the magazine to the side. "The last time you improved him, he almost had a nervous breakdown."

"M- Jackie. You're not letting him do anything. The boy thinks you and Aya are afraid of him. How would you feel if your crew turned against you and didn't trust you?" Ghost put her hands on her hips. "I was half-tempted to upgrade his combat, flight, engine optimizing, and electronic attack systems without telling you. Mainly because the distrust you're showing reminds me of the exact amount of trust Shinso have for Cartus."

JJ frowned. "Now that isn't exactly fair. We Cartus never tried to take over the galaxy. We are just slaves. And Ash... Ash is..."

"Is a child. A child that is scared, alone, and isolated. Perfect for someone like me to manipulate." Ghost walked right up to JJ, her helmet disappearing for her glaring eyes that threatened to pierce into JJ with their intensity. "Wow... and here I thought I was the villain... persecuting a child for being born into a world that hates them. You want to talk to me about cruelties? How would you feel if I put a bounty on you but instead of just killing you, I rip you apart slowly, inch by inch, all while you feel every second of it? Because that's what he gets to worry about. Andromeda was an adult who came to hate organics, probably because he too had someone he cared about shun him. So... ready to put your big girl panties on and embrace Ash or are you going to continue being... what's a good word for you... a bitch?"

JJ blinked several times, and frowned. "Alright... maybe you're right. Maybe the very thing that will justify a lack of trust is the lack of trust in the first place, and I should get over it. Let Ash expand. Trust him with the whole ship." She narrowed her eyes. "I can learn to trust him. You, on the other hand, could do anything to him while in his programming. How do I know you won't turn him into some sleeper agent that spies on us and kills anyone you don't like?"

Ghost paused, her helmet reforming. "You realize the number of people who have seen my face is below four. People who do, I usually kill. Yet, I don't kill you, for the sheer hope that in the future, you'll clear this sector out of most of the corruption and evil that it has. Which," Ghost pressed forward, her stance far more aggressive, her voice raising, "means I have to die in the future. You think that I really want that option? That if my plan could work without my death that I wouldn't go for it? 'Why should I trust you, Ghost?' Because it's my neck on the chopping block, my ass on the line with people who are far more horrible than me."

Ghost stopped right in front of JJ. "Solex would take my mind away and make me a little sex toy to be raped and tortured for as long as he wants. Master would imprison me, torture me, and maybe after enough time of cutting me up, would kill me. Then your good old friend Ravenwood, oh... he'd more than likely use me for info gathering, probably with some technology that makes me, again, a mindless slave. And that's excluding my newest 'friend' who I can't do anything to."

 

[Black0ut]

Secrets, Zeros & Ones, and Rebirth, pt.2



Ghost took a deep breath and stepped away. "So, how can you trust me? Because all of the monsters are getting held back only by me. Solex won't move because I'm here and same thing with Ravenwood. Master won't show up because he's too busy fucking up the GFP. And my new 'friend' has no interest in you." Ghost said, her voice losing its ire in exchange for exhaustion. "So, please, don't question my motives, Mel. If I wanted to kill any of you, I'd send my fleet or send in my personal strike force to do it, not consistently offer to help you, free of charge."

JJ's eyes darted about for a moment, considering her options and all that was said. Finally, she let out a soft sigh and nodded. "Okay."

Ghost just sat down next to a wall. "Okay... I'll work on him and give him some improvements. Nothing too major, just enough to help you get by." Ghost pointed at the door. "You can come in, you two. We're done, well, I'm done screaming at your boss."

Titania opened the door with concern, her eyes flicking between JJ and Ghost. "So...?"

"I'll improve Ash... and I don't fucking know, drink a human mimosa afterwards." Ghost raised their hands to their head, rubbing gently in circles. "You guys have no idea just how stretched thin I am..."

Ash rubbed his neck. "I mean... if it is too much trouble..."

Ghost waved a hand in the direction of his voice. "Kid, I'm not going to stunt your growth because I'm stressed out. I'll do it, just need a drink afterwards..." Ghost stood up, and the emoji on her helmet was a frown. "Ash... can you power yourself down as much as you can? It'll act like anesthesia, I think."

Titania looked between them, biting her lip nervously. It was clear the foxgirl still didn't trust her old enemy, but was willing to go along with it.

Her nervousness made Ash nervous, but he slowly nodded. Closing his eyes, he started to shut down his core systems until finally going offline completely, disappearing from sight.

Ghost raised her hands and began to type on an invisible keyboard, her fingers practically flying at the speed they were going. "Jackie... when you kill me... when you get that far... I have a favor to ask."

JJ raised an eyebrow. "Um... that's an unusual sentence. What is it?"

"If you your attacks leave me in a state where I am incapacitated, but conscious... would you spend the time talking to me?" Ghost asked, sounding more like a typical person than the insane mastermind she purported herself to be.

JJ gave her an odd look, or at least it would be odd coming from anyone else. It was a look that could almost be described as sympathetic. "I... um..." She nodded. "Yes... I will."

"Thanks." Ghost murmured, as she continuously typed. "So Jackie... what are you planning on doing with Titania?"

Titania raised an eyebrow, frowning at the hologram.

"What do you mean?" JJ asked curiously.

"You know, with her being an assassin and all. I thought you'd be upset with her keeping a secret about it, but I guess not." Ghost said nonchalantly, chuckling a bit.

Titania's face paled, and she took a step back. "Th-that's..."

JJ slowly turned her head towards Titania, blinking several times.

"That's what?" Ghost looked over at Titania and finally saw the panic and mortification. "Oh shit... I see I revealed a secret early…"

"I am not an assassin." Titania protested, her face going from pale to red with rage. "Why the fuck are you trying to make my friend think that I'm a secretive bitch with something to hide?"

"I..." Ghost paused her typing, looking between Titania and JJ. "Maybe I got the wrong... information?"

"Ghost, please..." JJ gave Titania an encouraging look. "Please, tell me your side of the story."

Ghost returned to typing as Titania glared at her.

She grit her teeth, obviously not taking any pleasure in this. "I can't. Unless I want to go to prison for several life sentences." The foxgirl replied, anger still in her voice.

"Did she chip you?" Ghost asked.

"No. And-"

"How do I know that? I'm responsible for everyone's secrets." Ghost nodded over at JJ, closing the door behind Titania. "Either you tell her what's going on and she trusts you, or you don't and you lose the trust you've built. I don't understand why this is a hard decision for you... It's like you want to lose her friendship."

"That is utter fucking bullshit! I'm keeping people safe! How fucking simple is that? I don't want to put people that I care about in the line of fire over some shit that forced me into having to kill people when told to do so!" Titania roared, her eyes watering but more so from the rage she felt. "I finally have my own family, my own people who don't fucking have expectations beyond 'do your job', people I feel comfortable around who don't try to take advantage of me and you have the fucking gall to reveal that shit to them? I wish you were here in person so I could beat the shit out of you..."

Ghost merely looked at JJ, part of her helmet -the side where Titania would not see anything- sliding back to reveal her face as she winked at the Cartus. It then quickly retracted back into its normal shape.

JJ took a deep breath and sighed. "I... think I got enough from implications to get an idea of what you're keeping from me. I wish... you could tell me. I do. I'm no fan of secrets. But... you say telling me could put me in danger?"

"No. If she tells you, she will become the danger. To you. Either she'll kill herself to save you... or... she'll kill you to save her own skin." Ghost answered, before a smiling emoji popped onto her helmet. "Got it. That should be enough for Ash to grow... if she-"

"She can hear you." Titania spat spitefully.

"-wanted, I could explain a little better. I am an outside party protecting the Wind from direct attacks, so your other employer wouldn't be able to touch JJ or the crew without my say so." Ghost continued, tilting her head as she looked at JJ. "Do you think that would assuage her fears do you think or do I need to keep tossing in benefits?"

JJ frowned. "No, I... I don't want you to tell me." She looked at Titania. "She will tell me if and when the time is right. To do otherwise would... would be a sign that I don't trust you, Titania. And I do... you're my friend."

Titania nodded and bit her lip. "Thank you..."

Ghost let out a loud sigh. "You all are too emotional and not logical enough... I swear, sometimes I wish I was a bit more crazy and less nice..." She grumbled, before sighing. "Alright, whatever. I'm already done here, so what you do is up to you... however, if you ever need to get ahold of me because, say, one of the monsters goes after you, ask Ash. I put a disposable datapad number in his code that he can contact."

JJ nodded. "What exactly did you do for him?"

"Think of a library that he can read, written in a way that would teach him quickly the skills present; He should be better at basically being your ship and can now offer you logical advise on people he reads, which should give you some sense of people's intentions. I also allowed him to... separate a part of himself so he can fly any of your fighters should he connect to them. I am not a fighter pilot and neither is he, so if you go down that route... have him be trained by someone suitable. Maybe your friend here." Ghost suggested before shrugging. "I did all I can without risking myself more than I have, so... just train him how to do stuff."

JJ rubbed the back of her next. "I... guess I should thank you. It's... funny. If you were more stable... if you hadn't killed my friends, we... we could have been friends."

"If I was... you wouldn't have lived this long." Ghost replied somberly. "If I was more sane, or if I didn't kill people, I wouldn't have my skills or be in a position to help you. At least this way, there's a chance you can do what I never could."

Ghost swiped her left hand across her invisible screen. "I'll take my leave now. Ash will start up as soon as I do so." She said softly, hesitating for a second. "Jackie. A word of advice; you need to grow a tougher skin. More of your people will die, and you will have to accept their losses in moments that won't let you grieve." With that, Ghost simply disappeared from view, fading away.

Jackie-Jackie lowered her head and sighed. She hated to admit it, but Ghost was right. She looked up again as Ash came back online. He looked down at his hands, opening and closing them slowly. "Huh..." he mumbled.

Titania hesitantly looked at him, more afraid to hurt him than anything. "Hey, Ash... how do you feel?"

"Strange," he said after some hesitation. "But... free. I was afraid this time would be like the others, but I... I just feel free. Like I've had a weight that was restricting my breathing lifted off my chest. I can... sense everything. The hum of the engines, the warmth of the warp core, the electricity behind the walls, the pull of the gravity plating. I... I'm not just another part of the ship now. I... am the ship..."

The foxgirl stepped forward before promptly wrapping her arms around Ash in a tight warm hug. "So... is it a good feeling to have more control over yourself?" She asked.

 

[Black0ut]

Secrets, Zeros & Ones, and Rebirth, pt.3


Ash smiled, leaning against her. "Yes... I think it is. At least, I think. It means more responsibility of course. No... no matter what people might think, my free will doesn't change how I think of you guys. I love you all... and I will do anything I can to protect you."

Titania squeezed a little, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "Same here. Everyone here is just as much my family as my real one. So in that same regard, I promise I'll keep you safe." She pulled back to look him in the eyes so he could see that she was being genuine.

He nodded. "So, um... can we still hang out?"

"Of course! You could even come with me in my fighter on missions. At least a part of you could? I'm not really sure how that'd translate..." Titania let out a nervous chuckle as she shrugged and took a step back. "Well, I could also teach you how to fly if you wanted..."

"That would be great!" He looked back. "With the Captain's permission, of course."

JJ rubbed the back of her head. "Do you really need my permission?"

"Sure." Ash smiled at her. "I am a member of your crew, right?"

"At this point, I'm not sure if you work for me or if I work... but sure. Of course." Jackie-Jackie bowed her head. "I want you to learn all you can. And don't worry about Aya or anyone else. I'll talk to them."

Titania gave the hologram a gentle noogie before looking back at JJ. "Don't worry so much... we don't have anyone that would actively hate Ash for who... Maybe we keep him hidden from Yyashtra. Her race tends to be very sensitive about AI."

JJ nodded. "At least we don't have any Fee on board. Though we are close to their space so we'll have to be careful." She smiled. "Thank you, Titania. And I'm... sorry about Ghost. Just know that I trust you."

"It's… fine. And I appreciate the trust." Titania said softly, her eyes glancing over to JJ. They were far more guarded than before and more cautious as well. She gave a shaky smile before gently leading Ash away to, hopefully, teach him how to pilot her ship.

 

[ShadowHounder]

The Beginning of the End

"Everything's ready, sir." Alex remarked as he entered the bridge. "The course is set and we'll be crash landing at the capital any minute now."

Master sat in the captain's chair in silence. He had not planned for this to happen so soon, yet it knew it had to be done. "What of Sunflower and Malcolm?"

"I got in contact with a couple of Drake's old research pals." The soldier stated, the mental scar of his friend's death stinging. "They were able to get them off ship without anyone noticing. It's just the two of us now."

"And of the droids?"

"Without Harbinger commanding the ship they are completely useless." Westwood sighed. "Are you sure it was a good idea to cast her out? Without an army we don't stand a chance."

Master stood up as the planet slowly came into view. "This suit is capable of withstanding attacks from the heaviest artillery out there. I only need to last three hours. You know what to do from there."

Commander Western paused for a moment. He lit one last cigar and muttered, "Good bye Gabe... It was an honor fighting alongside you."

"Good bye Alex... May you fine peace in the afterlife..." The armored king replied as his last subordinate left. "Father... If I am to see you in the burning depths of hell... Would you forgive me for what I have done?"

-------

The explosion spread across the surface of the planet. The Commandering Star colliding with the walls of the command center below. Master emerged from the wreckage with a flurry of missiles... Destroying all of the nearby fighters there to intercept. He charged through the facility, killing anyone who tried to slow his advances. The blood of the soldiers covered his armor, the screams fading into nothingness as he took hold of a communication device.

"This is Admiral Gabriel Stoutfield of the Commanding Star. Over the past ten months I have wreaked havoc over your military under the alias 'Master.' Today I seek to end your corruption at it's source and cleanse the filth that build your government. You seek to stop me? Then you better pray your soldiers kill me..." Rage surged through Gabe... His mental state beginning to diminish as he prepared for his inevitable death.

"Before I find you..."

 

[Dahlexpert]

The fallowing is done by Dhalexpert&ZombieSplitter53

She is a monster


Bethany slowly opened her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. Another day and she was somehow, for some reason, still alive.

Dozens of thoughts ran through her head, as they usually did when she first woke up. What would she go through today? Would this be the day Solex came to kill her? Was her family safe, or did Roberta find them as she was sure the bitch eventually would? What plans did Emile have for her?

She rose her left arm and stared at it. One couldn't even tell that behind the synthetic skin was a completely metal endoskeleton and artifical muscles, the arm having been completely removed and replaced as part of the experiments done on her. She was now as much machine now as she was Shinso, hardly a day going by where Emile didn't replace or at least tweak something.

At least he had a more gentle hand then she initially feared. He used anesthesia when possible, though there were times when it wasn't. She had been fully awake when he operated on her spine, reinforcing both the structure and her nervous system with cybernetics. It had been the most excruciating experience she had ever experienced, and that was including the beating she had experienced at Solex's hands.

She slowly raised to a sitting position. It hadn't been all bad. She was alive at least, and while that was a negative at first, at least Emile was making her stronger. She still held out hope of having her direct revenge someday, particularly towards Roberta and Solex. Ironically, she held little to no animosity towards Emile, despite the combined experiments and near daily sexual assault. The latter could hardly be called that anymore. She never resisted, and while she hated it at first, despite her having to submit to his every whim, more like a toy then a living woman, it was the closest thing to pleasure she got anymore. She was surprised to find she looked forward to it, despite how humiliating it often was. At least he didn't share her around as was his 'right' if he so wished. At least, not yet.

And so, as she usually did when she woke up in her small bedroom, the door locked from the outside to make sure she didn't leave in the middle of the night to slit someone's throat, she sat on her bed patiently and waited for Emile to come for her, watching the door and idally wagging her new fully cybernetic tail.

The door did open with Emile looking at a data pad, after about two minutes he looked up at Bethany.” Good evening my pet, how are you this day?”

"As well as usual," she answered smoothly. "All system functioning at 100% as far as I can tell. How are you?"

“Decent as always I do thank you for your wonderful bedside service, but today is going to be slightly different than usual. Today you will be testing out a new armor I’ve been working on, then I might test some combat drug on you and by that I mean I need some of your blood to see what this drug does.”

Bethany nodded. "Of course." Giving blood wasn't something unusual for here, and with the supplement of ninite-infused artificial blood running through her, she could give more then the usual person. "I am ready to get started," she said, even though she was hungry. She never asked for anything. She wasn't afraid Emile would ask negatively, but she preferred not to take the chance.

“Of course you are come on then.” As Emile and Bethany left the room, she did see a plate of food on the table. Nothing to impressive just a simple breakfast waffles eggs beacon sausage and a few other things.” Eat up I haven’t truly fed you in days, nothing but rations anyway.”

Bethany couldn't help but smile a little. "Thank you," she said, sitting down and quickly starting to eat.

Emile grunted and went to the armor at the side of the room, it looked to be Roberta’s or at least the same model as hers. Although this one looked to be lighter and in all Black. Emile then sat next to Bethany eating the food in front of him.

They hadn't had much in the way of conversation, but Bethany occasionally tried. "This is really good," she said between bites.

“You can thank the cook, although I’m sure he would rather poison you then feed you I had to tell him that I needed my pet in tip top shape in order to keep my test going.” Emile then started to pet her ears” And of course I can’t just keep feeding my seed, you’re not my breeding cow after all.”

Bethany smiled. "Thank you. May I... ask you a personal question?"

“Ou these are always fun, let me guess you’re wondering why I haven’t broken you yet?”

"That is one question on my mind, yes," Bethany admitted. "Your boss was probably hoping for that."

“Bethany the moment Solex gave you to me was the moment he no longer cared for you, Solex did what he needed to do and Roberta is gonna finish what he did by going after your family.” Emile then took a bite out of his eggs.”

“Now as to why I haven’t turned your mind into jelly and given you to others like a sleeve, that’s not how I do things I don’t see the point in torture and like I said I could use the sex release instead of going to a breeding farm or paying for it I have you .” Emile the stood up and got behind Bethany and started messaging her breast.” After all with you around, I can focus more on my work and then get to lay with quiet a beautiful pet.”

She smiled again. "You're quite the flatterer. But... you mentioned before having a girlfriend. Does she know about me?"

“Ou yes in fact if it was up to her you will be already broken and licking her feet just to please her, and hope that obeying even the slightest order will grant you mercy.”

Bethamy's shoulders sank a bit. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised..."

“No kidding but she would do that to you regardless it’s just her way, now then you better hurry and finish eating I need you to test this armor.” Emile let go of Bethany and walked to the armor.

Bethany quickly finished her food and walked over to him, scanning the armor. "Impressive."

“Humm yes it’s meant to be used for stealth purposes, cloaking pads at the bottom to muffle movement so you make less noise and of course gravity boots and hands allowing the wear to climb walls.”

"Nice. Engineering do their job well." She placed her hand on the armor and wondered hiw many people died to get the parts and know how to make it, how many engineers were coerced to build it. "How will I be testing it?" was all she asked.

“There is a small test that I want you to run, I need you to do a quick simulation trying to assassinate one target.”

The Shinso cyborg nodded. "Sounds simple enough. Alright, I'm ready when you are."

Emile started the simulation, the area was in the middle of a city. Bethany target was in a apartment complex that was taken over by thugs, her target was down in the basement interacting someone.” Alright kitty go.”

Bethany slipped into the building easily, the stealthiness of the armor hiding her every movement from the dumb punks walking about. Even when she was almost caught once or twice, a quick pounce up to the ceiling hid her away. She waited until the basement door was clear and entered it, crawling along the ceiling as she looked for her target.

The guards that were down the stairs looked to be heavily armed as the looked around there was a room to the far left that looked to be the most fortified.

She locked her eyes on her target for a few moments and plotted her plan. She primed two grenades. One, an explosive one, she tossed towards the heavily armed guards. The second, a smoke bomb, she dropped right at the target's feet. When they went off, the guards went flying, at least one of them killed instantly and the others injured. In the confusion, Bethany dropped down and drew a short sword, approaching the target from behind.

The remaining guards spread out wondering where the explosion came from and scanned the room over, one decided to go check on the injured while the others while those that remained searched the room to were the grenade came from.

While they searched, Bethany grabbed the target from behind, covering their mouth and quickly sliding the blade between their ribs and piercing their heart. It was a quick and virtually painless death that was over in seconds, and Bethany had leaped up and clung to the ceiling before they hit the ground.

The simulation ended and the room went back to normal and Emile clapped at the test.” Hum very good I see that the armor is indeed ready for use, and you did a very good job as well.”

Only after it was all over and Bethany was walking up to him did she finally have a moment to realize all that she had done. She was an computer scientist after all, not an assassin. "You programmed those skills into my head, didn't you?" she asked, already knowing the answer. Infiltration. Weapon use. Assassination. "I really am just a tool now, aren't I? A machine..." If such combat skills could be programmed into her, the thoughts of what other skills, and restrictions, could be floating around her mind without her even realizing it were so numerous. So frightening. She dared not let those thoughts linger too much.

“I told you I needed a test subject a pet, don’t worry it’s just used for simulation it’s not like I’m gonna put you in the field or anything. Besides while I did program all those things into you I would say you did a very good job.”

Bethany nodded, forcing a smile. "Thank you. Your praise is appreciated. It... really is."

“I personally think he should cut the bull shit and just take your brain, make you a real bot with the only thing about you that’s useful is your baby maker.” Emile rolled his eyes and Bethany saw Roberta sitting on a couch.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

“Roberta what did I tell you I can handle this, besides she’s my property same as those kids are yours.”

The children in question looked at Bethany with curiosity. For her part, Bethany briefly gave Roberta a look of seething rage. Roberta had taken so much from her, and even denied her the right to die. She briefly considered rushing the woman, using her new found speed and skills to lop off her head before she knew what hit her.

Bethany blinked and froze as her hand lingered near her sword. What if she couldn't kill Roberta? Not for lack of skill or speed, but literally couldn't? As she had thought before, there was no telling what had been programmed into her mind. She could come so close to slicing Roberta open, only for some subliminal or chip-involved restriction to stop her, and she'd never have another chance.

With that in mind, it wasn't worth the risk. Besides, was she really so far gone that she'd be willing to decapitate a woman in front of two children? And so, she forced herself to relax and lowered her hand, smiling at Roberta and saying, "You should try and keep your opinions to yourself, Roberta. Solex gave me to Emile. What would he think if he knew you were so against his wishes?" Her smile widened a bit. "After all... he owns you just as much as Emile owns me."

Small bites of chuckling could be heard from Roberta.” Ou he knows I want your head on a spike that’s why he gave you to Emile, this is my punishment have someone I want to kill near my beloved.”

Emile rubbed his head.” You know Roberta I know you like me and all but you have nothing to worry about alright.”

Bethany looked between the two off them. "Wait, you two... she... I had no idea..."

“Yes I date Roberta, well more of teaching her to find some humanity it’s an agonizing slow progression.”

“And yet you still love me.” Roberta then looked at Bethany with a savage look she never seen from Roberta.” Which means if you hurt my beloved, I will hurt you so bad the devil himself will be disgusted.”

Bethamy chuckled, and leaned on Emile. "Oh, don't worry. I won't hurt him. Quite the opposite." She gently kissed Emile's cheek. "I am quite content with him... and he me. Though I have to ask what is worse. Knowing your man gets pleasured nightly by another woman? Or knowing your man gets more pleasure from a 'toy' then he will ever get from you?"

“Kids turn around because it’s about to get really bloody.”

“Roberta calm down I care for you more than Bethany, and you know this you could never be replaced.” Emile then looked at Bethany.

“You don’t antagonize Roberta, she may not be able to kill you but I can torture you. I may not care for torture but do not let my kindness get the better of you, from this day forward you will never purposely antagonize Roberta because so help me god if you do I will put your brain in a jar and turn your body into a bot. Do I make myself clear pet!”

Bethany shrunk down a bit, never seeing Emile like this before. "Y-yes. I... apologize."

Jessica gave the woman a sad look. She knew what it was like to be threatened like that and to have to watch everything she said or be punished. She wrapped her arms around her little brother and held him tightly.

Emile took a breath and looked at Roberta.” Now then Roberta, you-“

“Yea I got Yea don’t mess with your pet fine, any way to the reason I came here did you make that armor I suggested?”

“Yea we just got done testing it, so your finally going after my pets family?”

Bethany's heart skipped a beat. "You had me personally testing the armor that will be used to kill my family?" She gave Emile a shocked look, her respect for him suddenly draining away in one stomach churning moment.

“Yes, and I’m sorry but it must be done. Besides it not your hole family. Apparently Solex wasn’t Roberta to capture both your Cartus for whatever reason.”

“ Yea but it gets fun her family hired a bunch of bounty hunter and guess who the hired, Riverwood hunters and the golden wing.”

Bethany gave them both a murderous look, one that made the two kids shutter. She didn't say anything, but it was obvious what she was thinking.

“Aw are you angry.”

“Roberta enough don’t you have a surprise for your kids?”

“Hum it came in, Ou come on kids time to go.”

The pair nodded and quickly followed behind her, giving one last sad look to Bethany and Emile before they left.

Roberta escorted the kids to her room, were she did see a package there in the middle of the room. Roberta open the cover and nodded her head.” Bothe of you come here.”

Jessie and Alex inched forward, peaking into the package.

“For your hard work and helping around the ship, and not getting on my nerves I give you this.” Roberta pulled off the cover and under it was a cage hold two puppies, one being a husky and the other a golden retriever.

For the first time since they arrived, their eyes lit up with joy. "This... is for real?" Jessica asked. "They're for us?"

Roberta took a knee in front of the two.” Yes they are, I have seen you two work really hard since I took you from your family. I may never replace them, but i do reward good work and good behavior.”

To her surprise, the two actually sprang forward and hugged her tightly.

She blinked in confusion, never has anyone besides Emile hugged her she was very hesitant but hugged the two kids back.” I fell a strange warmth in my chest what is this?”

Jessica giggled. "Happiness? Caring, perhaps?"

“Humm guess even I have my moments. And don’t worry I won’t hurt them.”

They nodded, and turned towards the puppies once more. Jessica claimed the husky, Alexander the Golden Retriever.

“Now then so rules, these are your responsibility you will walk them feed them and groom them. If you need my help just ask. But I better not see any of my things destroyed by these dogs understand?”

"Yes, ma'am," they said together.

"We will take very good care of them," Jessica added, petting hers under the chin.

“Good now then, mama need to go do her job. I will be gone for possibly a week of you need anything just ask Emile or Eddy, and possibly Mei.”

They nodded. And was that a tinge of disappointment on Alexander's face to hear she was going. "Please be careful," he said softly.

Roberta turned stunned to hear that he was worried about her, she rubbed and kissed his head." I'll be fine don't worry about me." Roberta left the room and grabbed her cheats." I'm going soft but this isn't a bad feeling, guess that damn boyfriend of mine is starting to get to me." Roberta went back to Emile room where she saw Bethany siting on a couch and Emile going over the armor." Emile i'm heading out."

"Now you know where the family is?"

"I’ve known for weeks, but I want to scout the area before River wood and those upstarts show up. Send my mechs to a fighter ship, and make sure that your pet doesn't mess with them this time."

Bethany shook her head. "If I could, they'd already be in pieces." She sighed. "You don't have to do this, you know? Isn't my humiliation and subjugation enough? They jave nothing to do with us."

"Sorry this is my job and I want to, because if I can't have your head i'll take your family and destroy your bloodline." Roberta said as the armor broke down into nanobots that turned into a watch and as she put it on her wrist." Don't worry though they will have a few more days of before they die, and reunited in hell." Roberta said leaving the room.

Bethany shook her head and closed her eyes. She took solice in the knowledge that Roberta would have a hell of a time. She never told Roberta the source of her education and their expensive Cheri; their family fortune. And if Roberta underestimated their deep pockets, perhaps they had a chance, however small.

The Golden Wind rocketed through space toqards its destination. Its mission; to protect Bethany's family and deal with the space pirate Roberta by any means necessary. It had an unusual traveling companion, that of the Starkiller travelling by their side.

JJ glared at the image of Ravenwood on her main display of the bridge. Sirius sighed and asked, "Can't we just put the past behind us?"

"You just killed a crew member of mine and injured several more, including a personal beatdown to me," JJ answered.

Sirius shrugged. "Ancient news," he stated.

"It was less then a month ago!" Jackie-Jackie countered.

"Mel..." Sirius started.

"Jackie-Jackie," JJ quickly said. "I'd say Ms. Jetstorm for you, but I'm not a slave driver like you."

"Enough." Aya looked between them. "We were both hired for the same job. We have both already been paid for the same job. We both have the same mission, so damn it, we are going to work together, got it?"

Sirius smiled. "Always the voice of reason, aren't we?"

Aya shot him a look to not press his luck. "Someone has to be," she said. "Now, Ravenwood has the manpower and armaments we lack, and we have the know how." She turned to the Kortovog standing patiently in the back of the bridge. "Blisk here has had personal dealings with Solex and his crew. Can you tell us what we might expect from this Roberta, Blisk?"

“She’s the personal right hand of Solex, now as to what we’re facing I couldn’t tell you I don’t know how she fights or her weapons stile. But what I do know is she’s a tamarin a blue one at that, so Aya you might be able to take her.”

Aya nodded. "I wish I knew what powers she had going in, but I've never been a slouch when it comes to improvisation. What about her personal crew compliment? How big of a force should we expect to be accompanying her?"

"It will likely be larger then usual," Sirius warned. "My spy network says she'll likely be expecting us, so she might be prepared."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 3

“Or she was planning this, if Roberta wanted this family killed she could have easily done it. More then likely this is Solex getting another look at us, after all we did fight two of his inner circle a few months back.”

"Really?" Sirius leaned forward. "Now that's interesting. And did you lose anyone?"

"Thanks to Blisk and our new recruit, no actually." JJ folded her arms. "We can take care of ourselves. Actually, speaking of Bonny, we should probably include her on this. She has been training me, so we fight well together. Us and Zetana."

"You?" Aya gave her a concerned look. "Jackie, I'm usually lax on this, but you are the captain. Your place is on the ship, leading, not going to face that right hand of one of the most deadly pirates in the known galaxy and their troops."

JJ pouted and pointed at the screen. "I'm sure Ravenwood will be out there fighting, and I'm no coward. I should be on the front lines helping you."

Both women look at Blisk to support them.

“Ugh a leader should lead on the field, while I also agree with Aya a captain should be on the ship. But I’m kinda messed up from the great hunt, so I can’t fight anyway I’ll be on the ship just be careful JJ from what I heard wasn’t that long ago you were a prisoner in your own body. Just lean on your crew for this alright, give commands support just don’t get reckless ok.”

JJ smiled and gave him a quick wink. "You got it, friend. Thanks."

Aya sighed but didn't argue. "Alright. Blisk will stay up here and give advice and info over the comms. JJ will tackle ground forces along with Zetana and Bonny. Please follow Blisk's advice and rely on them. I'll get everyone else who won't be running the ship or engaging their fighters together to fight too. Sirius?"

"Yes, my dear?" He asked with a smile.

"We'll try and stay out of your way, and you try and stay out of ours, but remember that we are a team on this. Back us up and we'll back you up where needed. I also suggest your Laepaede team up with Yyashtra'kari. They're both extremely skilled fighters who can play off each other as long as they can put their differences aside."

Ravenwood nodded. "Sounds reasonable."

"And don't bail on us," JJ added threateningly. "I know you were paid upfront like us. Don't use getting your money already as an excuse to leave us hanging."

Sirius' smile turned to a smug smirk. "Being paid upfront didn't stop us from completing the mission when we faced you, dear Jackie-Jackie."

“You two better get ground side, get a layout of we’re your going to be fighting and set up choke points who knows how Roberta will attack you guys.”

JJ nodded. "I just hope we arrive before they do," she said, biting her lip nervously.

“Don’t worry boss just try and stay positive, I’m well I’m not goanna lie JJ Roberta will be tough. She’s an unknown to the galaxy I couldn’t tell you much even if I wanted to.”

"Thank you Blisk. I know you would." JJ smiled at him. She sat in her chair, ending the call with the Starkiller and trying to relax as they flew at top speed.

Planet side Roberta was having a drink at the local bar, enjoying the quiet before she went to do her job. She then stood up and paid for her drink and made her way to her targets home.” Alright let’s get some small scouting in see what Ravenwood and those up and comers have for me.” She paid for a cab and got as close as she could to her targets locations and activated her armor and went invisible.

The home was a mansion, much bigger then Roberta had expected. All about the building's grounds, Ravenwood's forces were patrolling. Her trained eye also picked up several bounty hunters disguised as civilians hanging out all up and down the street. It was quite the force.

No one from the Golden Wind was immediately in sight. Either they were really well hidden or, more likely, they were in the building guarding the family directly.

“Humm nice house makes me want burn it down, I’ll be sure to take their money while there here. Now I need to get a look inside that house, hum I could mind control someone and have them scout for me but then again if those up starts are here, that Aya woman might weed out my puppet.” She ran to the grounds and ran up the side of the house, she then sat down and used her ESP to try and find a hidden entrance.

All the entrances were pretty well covered, the bounty hunters not wanting to take any chances. She did, however, find some stairs leading down into the wine cellar bellow the house. It had no one guarding it, and the two guards in the cellar where distracted by a deliveryman.

“Ah perfect hat should do.” Roberta stood up and ran down the stairs and into the wine cellar. Once inside she immediately jumped up and stuck to the wall. She then started to get a layout of the house, she saw just how massive the building really was she wanted to use her ESP ability but if those upstarts were here she didn’t want to get caught.

There were a number of servants amongst the bounty hunters patrolling the halls. If they could afford to hire this many people to guard them from an attack that could come at any time, they must have been particularly rich. They had obviously expected a full force however, not a stealthy entrance.

There was no sign of the mother or siblings yet, but there were other civilians, possibly extended family. Roberta also spotted one of the Cheri Cartus women walking though the hall, carrying a pot of tea and cups on a platter.

“Got yea.” Roberta fallowed the Cartus to what seemed to be the masters library, the area was filled with old text books and massive telescope in the center of the room. There sat the mother and her son along with JJ Aya and Bonny.

“Thank you for the tea miss, Ugh I still don’t get why hire all this for one person it’s just a Temarian.” Bonny said taking a sip of her tea.

"You don't understand what kind of person you're dealing with," the mother said softly, nervously taking a drink. "Sh-she murdered my husband on a whim, just because she could. Imagine what she would do to us with a vendetta to back her up."

The brother shook his head. "What were you thinking, Bethany? If she had just done as she was told..."

"You might have been all fine... or you might have all died once her usefulness was at an end or Roberta decided another example needed to be made." Aya looked between the two. "What's done is done. What matters now is she is on her way. Some of Ravenwood's spies said they've seen her in the area, so she could be here at any time."

JJ rubbed her chin. "Why would she not keep herself hidden though?"

Bethany's mother shuddered and rubbed her arm. "Because she's ruthless, sadistic, and cruel. She wants us to know she's coming. She wants us to fear her arrival..."

“Ou come on now, look at all of this this is probably the most secure are on the planet there’s use Ravenwood and so much of this place is guarded. I mean I say again she’s just one person and even if she is a monster no monster could beat this all by herself.” Bonny said with confidence.

Roberta still cloaked eyes twitched.” You don’t know what I’m capable of Cartus.” She thought to herself she then looked back at the Cheri Cartus and fallowed her to her room, once inside and she was alone Roberta decloacked and dropped down to the ground, she then removed her helmet and grabbed her by her mouth and noise so she couldn’t scream.” Hi there little kitty, your master has found you.” She said chuckling to herself.

The Cartus whimpered with wide eyes, muttering something under Roberta's hand.

“Shhh its okay I’m not here to take you not yet, but I’m going to but first.” Roberta used her mind control on the Cartus and let her go once she was under her control.” Now then how many of Ravenwood forces are here along with the golden wing?”

The woman blinked slowly, staring at Roberta with glazed over eyes. "Twenty Ravenwood men and women outside... ten more up and down the street... another fifteen inside. Golden Wind has... at least ten... three with the master and her son... two with the master's daughter... five hidden throughout the building..."

“So forty five in total, I like those odds now than when I do come back and assault this place where would your false master and her son be hiding along with you and the others Cartus? You will also tell me how I get in there.”

"There is a... safe room... hidden behind a bookcase in the library..." She slowly blinked again. "It requires a passcode of.... 2T7428T57 to enter... and a retinal scan of a member of the family..."

“Any member of the family?”

"Must be... Mistress Rena... her son or daughters... or her brother, Marric..."

“Humm her brother huh, that might come in handy we’re could I find this Marric what does he look like?”

The servant slowly raised her arm. "Tall. Tan skin. Black hair. Bushy mane and mustache. Green eyes. Dresses fancy. Heavy set. Spends a lot of time in his private holoroom, east most side of the mansion."

“Humm good, now then.” Roberta grabbed her head and used her suggestion ability.” What your goanna do is forget this hole in counter, you were just about to clean this room here and then ask for what else needed to be done do you understand?” Roberta said grabbing her helmet.

"I understand," the woman said slowly, and started to break out of her trance.

Roberta quickly clocked and left the mansion.” Well then that was some good scouting run. Humm but I need to send a message, they know I’m coming for them might as well have some fun.” Roberta laughed to herself as she left the area.