Glein
Vaigarin Elder
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2021
- Messages
- 55
- Reaction score
- 19
Carmelian Expanse - 008016:7 (Empty Space)
'Fallen Shrine'
The crack of weapons fire echoed overhead, the snap of near misses echoing around the fox eared woman clutching a marksman rifle in her hands. With absolute calm, she pointed to a fox man nearby, and with a couple of gestures that only those who had been in this particular unit understood. With a nod, the man stood up but with a crouch, before running around the barricade which the squad, all 11 of them, had been settled into cover of.
As the man reached the edge of their barrier, he started to lean around it. And promptly lost the entirety of the upper half of his skull as the enemy took advantage of that moment to fire on the first solid bit of target they could.
Sophia gasped as she sat up in bed, sweat trailing down her body, and her bedding soaked through with it. Getting her breathing back under control, Soap couldn't help but pull her legs up and against her chest, hugging it for a few moments as she did the few mental exercises she'd developed to help her remember she wasn't in those hellish training programs anymore.
It never made it any easier, no matter how many times she did that. She was always thinking about the other 'scouts' she'd ordered to their deaths either gain an edge over the other team they had been pitted against, or they died for some mistake she made in reading the situation.
After several minutes to get herself back to the here and now, aboard the MV Fallen Shrine, she was nearly to the UNS, and only a few hours behind the clock after they turned the ship to point that way after the good doctor opted to not continue to the planet he had been intending to go to, what with joining onto her crew.
With a deep breath, she swung her legs off the side of the cot, and pressed her feet to the floor, letting the cold metal seep into her body. Standing up, she stepped over to her wardrobe, and pulled out some articles. Mostly undergarments really.
Some would claim she bore no body modesty, but the reality was, she just had nothing to hide. Scars, ranging from close calls with bayonets or combat knives, to bullet puckers from actually getting hit by enemy fire, scored across her body. Now that she had at least a bra and panties on, she opened the door to her cabin, and began to walk to the bridge. She'd get a cup of coffee once she got there, with the coffee machine installed in the bridge itself.
Since there was gravity, they clearly weren't in a jump, and a glance at the chronometer on the elevator told her she'd only been asleep about 3 hours this time. Thankfully, her nightmares, or maybe her memories, weren't a nightly occurrence. They were often enough, clearly, that she had developed a personal means of returning to reality after them, but not so often that she had become an insomniac.
But after each nightmare, she couldn't lay down or sleep for at least 12 hours. The hurt was just too raw for the first four, and the recovery from the drain took the remaining eight to get into some semblance of tiredness to try and sleep again. Hence why she figured she'd head up to the bridge and keep herself distracted with the ship's status till she could sleep again.
Theo sat at the helm, watching over the ship, the Dr. Had become accustomed to Soaps' occasional meetings mid-flight. Sifting through a long cold cup of coffee, he read, or rather re-read his notes, both from before the war, and his file of his newest companion." Morning Captain, another long night I take it? Was it the same dream or a different one?." His question was simple, not meant to be cold, yet seemingly distant..
Soap shrugged. "Hard to tell some nights. The details shift, but the overall stay the same." She replied, checking the pot and nodding in appreciation at seeing it full. Pouring herself a cup, she settled at one of the other chairs and just looked out the window. "But this time, different one, since you thought to ask." She replied, after sipping at the drink. "How are we on progress to our destination?" She asked, ear flicking slightly.
" We are on course, we should arrive in a few hours. As for your dream, I'd gather it was another of your training yes? Which stage, if you remember?" His questions now seemed to be an impromptu meeting." I don't mean to ask so soon after, but it will help me understand more, no need to worry about the ship, I am a rather quick learner."
"Mid-way through the program. Scout vs Scout model fight. One side had to hold a HVT, the other had to remove it. I was placed in charge of a platoon." She said, recalling the particulars of that moment in her life. "Dream ended up focusing on the start of the calls I made that led to us succeeding. If at the cost of half of my platoon. First scout I ordered to get us eyes on the enemy force lost his head as he leaned around a bit of debris." She said, not bragging, not freaking out, just.. Solemn as she recalled the event. Like she'd thought of this thing more than once before. And she was just worn out from the recollection itself.
"I see, the initial trials and much to my dismay, continuing trials…..were more harsh and damaging long term than they could have perceived. But beside that, what is it specifically that sits with you this long? Is it knowing you gave the order that got them killed, or is it wishing you were the one to die instead of them? Or possibly a thought process I didn't consider? I know these are tough, but we have made great work, in isolating parts of your episodes, and nightmares. If I can help find the underlying reasons as to why, I believe we can work to break through." His usually stoic face now relaxed with a warm smile, picking up his coffee to take a sip, before making a face, realizing the drink was now cold.
"Hard to say. Could be a bit of A, bit of B... Maybe C. If I had to put it on anything off hand though, I'd have to say it's because, in some way, despite all of the chaos of what we went through... in the end, I was the one that killed him. Even if I didn't pull the trigger." She mused after sitting there in silence for several moments thinking about the question. "I don't wish it had been me. I saw other's fall into that trap. They became... Suicidal as the training went on. But I do wonder what I could have done to prevent any of their deaths." She admitted, shrugging. "It's about the one thing I seem to fixate on the hardest. 'What could I have done better'?" She said.
Taking a drink of her coffee, she kept her focus on the view outside, as the ship slowly drifted through space hunting for the wormhole it needed to make the final jump to UNS space. "I try to tell myself I did the best I could with what I had at the time, it's just part of getting my mind out of the nightmare and back to reality. But it's hard, because I keep trying to think of what I could have done."
Theodore's expression fell from a smile, to a more saddened smile, sighing he looked to Soap for a long moment, before looking out the porthole himself." That is the curse of it all. We live and hindsight is twenty-twenty, as a leader you made the choice for him to move to that location, yes. And that caused his death. But the what if scenarios only will drive you mad. Men and women die as a byproduct of war. That is a fact….but how we deal with death, and understanding why it is sometimes necessary…. Is what truly makes you human. Long story short. You are doing what any good leader would do, and those memories are still fresh. They hurt, they fester, and the sights, smells and feelings are all still very real." His gaze did not leave the porthole until briefly Theo looked to soap, lightly letting his hand tap her shoulder, before tussling her hair and ears. As he did so, the navigation console lit up, flashing a notification on its screen." Well it would seem the wormhole has been found, and our departure into UNS space will be taking place momentarily."
Soap made a noise as Theo tussled her hair and ears, giving him a sour look. Still, as the notice about the wormhole pinged, she nodded. Placing the cup on the console next to her, she began to buckle in. "I guess I'll go get into some proper clothes once we drop out of the jump then. Wouldn't do to be seen in just my skivvies when we call in to ask for docking clearance." She joked, trying to ignore just how cold the straps felt against her bare skin.
And as was the case with every jump into a wormhole, the gravity on the ship cut out. Her cup of coffee began to float up ever so slightly. She'd long grown into the habit of filling it only half-full, since any time they were in zero-g, the fluids inside would begin to float out. And since she didn't have any lidded cups, well, it was always a mess when a full cup dropped back onto the surface and the fluids splashed.
Theo chuckled, now used to the sight." You know, you probably should, it would be unbecoming of you for any potential clients." He chuckled again, securing his seat, beginning to work the terminal waiting patiently for his captain.
"Oh please, it would just add to my mystique as a wild and mischievous kitsune!" She joked, smiling over at him as they floated for the few moments that existed for the jump, and then gravity returned. A light began to blink on the console Theo was watching. Apparently the grav system was beginning to have failures in some sections due to the surges of power involved with the wormhole jumps.
"Alright, while I go get dressed, if only so I can be polite, you can talk to the authorities for landing clearance. We're looking to land on Lionis. Client's named Fredrick Firemane, and the manifest for our goods are in the ship's log, so if they ask, it's fine to send. It's all above board anyways, so it should already be registered. We're just here a few days early." Soap said, smiling as she undid her seat's harness and collected her cup of coffee.
"By the way, have you been messing with the coffee machine? Because I swear each time I get a cup here, it's better than the last."
First noticing the blinking light Theo began typing away at the console, isolating the location, he tapped the communication terminal, ”This is the Fallen Shrine, IFF code 11-09-20-19-21-14-05. We request permission to dock in Kabuhl Station.” the comms were silent, for several moments before a loud crackle came over the speakers, before resting with faint white noise and a gravelly voice responded. "Fallen Shrine this is Kabuhl Station Control, we have confirmed your IFF and manifest. You are cleared to land. Docking bay 3 is open and ready for receiving.” Theo chuckled to himself, lost in the idea that he was so well versed in ship Communications, thanks to his tiny FoxMod Captain. ”Confirmed KSC Fallen Shrine Out.” his last response was short and to the point as he began the descent into the planet's atmosphere,
The City coming into view and shows signs of bustling city life, ripe with commerce. Finally making his way into the large Stations Docking Bay. massive anchors protruded from the walls, locking into the ships Hull to steady the deck for offloading assistance. "Captain, ship has landed and we are ready to offload and make contact with the flight crew, when you are ready." He chuckled knowing how long it may take Soap to return to the Bridge.
Soap was finishing getting dressed. Unlike her attire back in the NDC's territory, which had been pretty simple and utilitarian, for her here, it was instead slightly more fancy. Not by much though. Full sized boots, a pair of old Hassani desert camo utility pants, bloused into the boots, and a functional tank top. Over that however, was where it got 'fancy'. With someone she worked on getting done, a more 'tactical' styled coat that was similar to an old religion that had held kitsune's as important parts. Something called a Meko Shrine Maiden. Thankfully, she only did the top instead of the whole thing, so it was easier, and this one had more NDC flair to it with the straps and pouches/pockets on it.
"Thanks Theo. I'll head on down once I'm done." She said, finishing the ensemble with her holster for her tri-barrel pistol. For many, the weapon was practically unusable, but for her, it was just an oversized revolver. And she had it for one reason, though she highly doubted she'd ever need it. Fucking DeerMods. Add that her body, despite it's small and lithe design, was still stronger than most humans meant she could actually handle the recoil of such a weapon. Once she was sure the holster was properly settled, she headed to the cargo deck, and smacked the control to lower the ramp.
The Doctor took his bag from the bridge, keeping his small,now antiqued pistol of Hassan design, in the bag with enough money for their trip, and a book with a list of supplies. He made his way to meet the pint sized captain , arriving just in time to see the cargo door fall as the natural sunlight flooded the cargo hold." Shall we offload first? Or get supplies captain?" His question was to the point feeling slightly out of his element, it was exciting. The new start to his life was now in front of his eyes.
"Well, first we gotta get all of this outta here before we can really think of squeezing anything else new in." Soap replied, grinning, and watched as the inspectors began to walk up as soon as the ramp's end touched the ground. "Welcome, Welcome! I am Sophia Brookmire, captain of the KSC Fallen Shrine. I can assure you that everything on board is above board and intended for a customer who's already paid for it here." She said, before getting a grunt from the large man who directed his underlings to begin checking things over.
"Your registration only pointed out one person. Who's this?" The inspector asked, voice deep as a pair of boulders grinding one another as he pointed to Theo.
"I can speak for myself," His tone changed to be more formal." I am the KSC Fallen Shrines resident doctor. Unless you have injuries, or a damn good reason to bother me…sir. I suggest you get on with your duties and not waste my goddamned time. Of which I have little to get the supplies I need. Does that satiate your inane hunger for useless questions? Or would you like my shoe size as well?" His eyes never left the man, pushing the satchel behind his back, revealing several medical pouches on his belt, some tools visible to the group.
Soap shrugged. "I picked him up last minute, and haven't had a chance to update the registry properly, since I can't while in transit." She said, getting a snort from the man as his people continued to scan the codes marked on the boxes.
"It's all good Mister Alvarez. All of them show as being resource goods for Mr. Fredrick Fireman. I remember him talking to someone who captained a ship like this. Guess this is the captain." One of the inspectors said, walking over.
The inspector nodded. "Very well Ms. Brookmire. Enjoy your stay in Kabuhl." He stated, while leading his people off.
Soap huffed. "Gods, I damn well hate Alvarez. Gave me shit last time I was here too." She grumbled. "Still, I'll get started with this stuff, you go run off and get the things we need for the medbay." She said, gesturing with her head for Theo to get moving. She herself had to ring the client and get him to bring a crew to unload all this stuff anyways. Carbon, steel, some iron, a few pallets of plastics. All basic trade goods for the guy to see if they were worth more bulk ordering by being better than what the UNS could produce.
Theo quickly nodded, departing from his new home, into the hustle and bustle of the space port. The docks, seeming cleaner than expected, carried with them all sorts of life, species he had never seen before. Looking around for some time, it seemed Theo's luck finally paid off. Through a few winding roads, and tight squeezes through crowds. Theo found himself at the door of a general goods trader, hoping they had what he needed, he took one look over his shoulder before finally stepping into the almost cramped establishment.
The only thing behind was the crowd of bystanders, haiwa-.... Wait, when did UNS locals wear Hawaiian shirts?! Sure enough, mixed in with all those races of origin, and varying fantasy like backgrounds. Was a human man with that exact floral pattern, grinning like a damn tourist as he looked about the place. Sure the UNS has their own version of the attire, hence why he didn’t stick out too much it seemed like, but it was just so damn distinct. It would be hard for anyone from the NDC, not to take notice of it.
Looking like a young man lost in the sights, his eyes came upon the doctor as he was entering the store, which triggered a cheerful wave. Walking over with a suitcase wheeled behind him, approached Theo, “Ah you look like a fellow countryman. Can you perhaps point me to the nearest dock? I heard some others of home, were possibly in town, and maybe offering trade of work for passage.” He looked harmless enough, if a bit naive in how he walked up to a total stranger for info.
Theo carefully clutched his bag, his hand grasping his sidearm within the bag.” I-I beg your pardon? What country would that be sir? Also I would dissuade you from so naively approaching strangers, assuming their country of origin.” Theo looked around cautiously, as he began to search the store's shelves, primarily for medical supplies, finding little to none of what he was accustomed with.`` He looked at the woman surprised, almost taken aback before nodding, upon doing so his eyes narrowed, the woman’s light purple hued eyes locked with his."Do you not have or carry any major medical supplies? For being a rather bland general goods store im not terribly impressed.” Theo sighed, attempting to play off the young mans excitable remarks, before taking the odd man's arm dragging him out of the store.” we cannot talk here. You are either extremely naive or you are an enemy. However since we are in public I know I have a chance of surviving. Who sent you?”
“No one doc, just following a work lead. Specifically with a certain genemod you arrived with. I wanted to approach you before I did her, gauge if the work was worth it. So calm, I’m not some bounty hunter, at least, that isn’t on my job list right now.” Drake put an arm around the man’s shoulders like they were old pals, just a tourist finding a familiar face in an alien nation. Speaking low enough to just sound like a low chat between the two of them, “Name’s Drake, problem solver for hire. Heard your lass was looking for hands?”
Theo sighed, slightly agitated," yes, it would seem you are well informed. Come, this dealer didn't have anything of value. Let us talk somewhere else. We have some time while the Captain works with the docking authority." The Doctor stood from his almost hunched position walking back in the direction of the market." Do you know of a place to get a drink?" His words came out in an almost jovial note, committing to the bit of being old friends.
“Why of course my dear brother, we can hit up the Blitz Cabana, where you can tell me all about medical school!”, Drake replied with noticeable joy by onlookers. Well and happy enough to continue their shared schrade now, for appearances if nothing else. Said bar was the neutralist ground possible, being connected to places across the stars by means yet understood. It was in fact how he slipped out here to the outskirts of the UNS, where he took jobs and laid low every now and then.
Theos brow raised curiously before a smile grew on his face."That sounds perfect, let's not waste any time then. Lead the way." The Doctor motioned for Drake to take the lead, still unsure of this young man. However, with the failed prospect of medical supplies near the port, a drink sounded more welcoming than it had any reason to.
The place in question left a tingle as they passed through its door, the interior side of it surrounded by some sort of clockwork machination. The place was well furnished with leather and polished wood, giving a homey rustic feel of an old timey pub. Despite offshoot areas, and upstairs it seemed, the building looked rather small on the outside. Behind the bar counter was a couple of demonesses working further back with a short onikari of surprisingly human size, and a taller man at the main counter who had horns and draconic eyes. “Welcome in gentlemen, grab a seat where you can find one, and I’ll get those whistles wettened as they say.”, came his friendly introduction.
“See, ten seconds in and already great service, and even familiar faces of home.”, Drake commented as he ushered the pair towards the bar. Surely this would get the doc to relax, and he could pry into more information on the job he mentioned. “Now, let’s see about getting the man our order. What you want, I'll cover it.”
Theo looked in surprise, seeing other species always gave him a bit of a wake up."Thank you for the hospitality, I am quite thirsty." Looking around he quickly pointed to an empty booth."Let's sit here and we can talk shop if you will." Leading the young man to the booth, Theo sits down clasping his hands together resting them on the table between the two." What do you want to know?" His words were direct and almost impatient.
"How much is she paying, what's the deets of the position, and when do I start?
"Well, what are your skills? It would seem to me, that you portray yourself as more of a hired gun. Which a bit of muscle would be nice." He chuckles to himself quietly for a moment." Pay would be up to our captain."
“Guns, explosives, getting into places I shouldn’t be, distractions, being the incognito set of ears if needed, and anything else I deemed needed to survive in a job environment like this. Sorry, but I don’t print resumes for obvious reasons. So proof will just have to come from on the job review, so hopefully that won’t be a problem.” Drake began his pitch even as he pulled up the order display and tapped in his drink choice, then gestured for the doc to do the same as he spoke. Once the other man’s was in, he went ahead and deposited the coinage into the slot. Something that this establishment took as go between for currencies.
Theo nodded, the man before him seemed to be legitimate. Rather confident which seemed standard for most hired guns, however the good doctor had seen his fare share of dangerous individuals and knew this man was serious. "Well I believe that settles it. Once we finish our drinks, I will bring you to the Fallen Shrine and our small yet fierce captain." The doctor's eyes scanned the room, watching all walks of life enjoy their time, as if there was no other care in the world. His own thoughts trailing from the booth, to the dying fields of their homeworld. As the happiness of those around him began to dwindle with time, becoming a morose shell of masked empathy, to detract from the Apathy taking hold as others suffered just the same.
"Seeing as I hear she's a genemod, I don't doubt the accuracy of that description. Hope she doesn't have a peeve about calling her short though. Would be sad to have to limit my selection of wisecracks." Those thoughts, even if they could have been perceived by the younger triggerman, would have been completely foreign. Drake had been born far after such tragic times, and only knew of the world built by the NDC of today.
Terms like Hassani and great war, held little meaning to him outside historical curiosity. Sure there had been pictures, video clips, and even a few surviving propaganda posters preserved in museums. But none of it stirred anything in him, yet all the old folk had that unmistakable glaze of the eye when Drake observed them. He was seeing that glossing of the gaze as the doc looked around, bringing a quiet stillness as he observed, intently taking in the hints of emotion. "Thinking of dust and echoes gramps.", He said politely, jokingly teasing regardless, as if catching whispers of his thoughts somehow.
The good doctor's eyes scanned back to the young man, with a light chuckle, hoping to cancel what dark images came to his mind. Theo sighed quietly, still taking in the sights and sounds as well as the smell of the room, of liquor, the curious scents of other species, and of course the various herbs that people now smoked in this new system." Yes, you could say that. It is good to see so many people smiling and enjoying life, it is a stark contrast from the days prior to the exodus, I remember when our homeworld was beautiful, thriving and people enjoyed life much like this. However, all good things must come to an end. I'm sure it will not be for some time, until the generation after me is gone." His brow furrowed at the realization of what Drake had called him."I do not have any biological children and nor am I that old, however…I suppose I am older than most.." Theo chuckled again lightly.
“Male, with a later adult physical appearance, even with your lighter build. I’d peg your age about triple digits. Meaning you are likely even older then the current Archdukes. With how you talk of the past, and greenery, conflicts with stories from my mother as well, so I’d say that fits about right too. So sorry in advance, but that name might be sticking for a bit til I know you better to call you something more fitting.”, was the younger man’s reply with a small smirk.
“I know you’ll probably call me something like kid in retort, but I have no problem admitting i’m still rife with youth, and cunningly dumb at times. So maybe think about letting your age show.” Drake gave his own small chuckle now, settling as a waitress brought drinks over. Taking his, the merc raised the glass slightly as if in a proposed toast, “To hopefully lucrative business ventures, and that your cap will give me the job.”
Theo raised an eyebrow, his demeanor seeming to change. His eyes grew colder, his tone more blank as he took a deep breath before drawing a cigarette from his bag, upon lighting the cylinder he inhaled the smoke and through the exhaust the Doctor's eyes locked with the young man's own. In a low and cold, collected tone of a scientist Theo finally spoke." It would be my professional opinion as well as a personal boon for you to not refer to me as anything but a doctor. Or Doc if you are so bold. However there are eyes and ears everywhere, and I'd wish to keep them blind…and deaf. To your health." His hand raised before taking the drink like a shot. Adjusting his coat and standing up." Shall we not waste anymore time?" His words came curt yet not disrespectful.
“Alright Bones, I see your patience is thin, so let’s make way. Hopefully the captain enjoys my sense of humor more.”, Drake replied with a small chuckle, good hearted even in tone. Downing the glass, the younger man stood up as well. “Lead the way then.”, he added briefly before giving a slight bow and gesture towards the door. The merc was no stranger to veiled death threats, or intimidation, but it helped to always keep that smile through it all. After all, it all came with the job, one slightly manic time after another.
Theodore nodded, responding with a slight bow himself, walking back out of the door and Into the sun, he began making the short trek back to the Fallen Shrine, and her tiny…yet fierce captain. Moving through the crowd, the Doctor deftly made his way to the end of the street, turning into the entrance to the spaceport itself. The Fallen Shrine stood out among its updated and newer sister ships. Theo himself chuckled," Welcome Drake, that fierce little fox yelling at the foreman would be her captain."
Standing outside of the ship, watching the last of the cargo trucks drive away, leaving a wide open cargo hold on the ship, was said captain, her duo tails swaying in clearly happy motions as she stood there. One of her ears flick towards the pair walking up and soon her entire body followed, an eyebrow quirking as she looked on.
"I see you found a stray Doc... Should I get a headhunting fee ready for you?" Soap asked, expression not really giving anything away. "As it is, we're gonna be in port for a couple of weeks. Do a few odd jobs, see what we can arrange to take back to NDC space." She said, gesturing the pair into the ship. "Get comfortable. God knows I ain't."
'Fallen Shrine'
The crack of weapons fire echoed overhead, the snap of near misses echoing around the fox eared woman clutching a marksman rifle in her hands. With absolute calm, she pointed to a fox man nearby, and with a couple of gestures that only those who had been in this particular unit understood. With a nod, the man stood up but with a crouch, before running around the barricade which the squad, all 11 of them, had been settled into cover of.
As the man reached the edge of their barrier, he started to lean around it. And promptly lost the entirety of the upper half of his skull as the enemy took advantage of that moment to fire on the first solid bit of target they could.
Sophia gasped as she sat up in bed, sweat trailing down her body, and her bedding soaked through with it. Getting her breathing back under control, Soap couldn't help but pull her legs up and against her chest, hugging it for a few moments as she did the few mental exercises she'd developed to help her remember she wasn't in those hellish training programs anymore.
It never made it any easier, no matter how many times she did that. She was always thinking about the other 'scouts' she'd ordered to their deaths either gain an edge over the other team they had been pitted against, or they died for some mistake she made in reading the situation.
After several minutes to get herself back to the here and now, aboard the MV Fallen Shrine, she was nearly to the UNS, and only a few hours behind the clock after they turned the ship to point that way after the good doctor opted to not continue to the planet he had been intending to go to, what with joining onto her crew.
With a deep breath, she swung her legs off the side of the cot, and pressed her feet to the floor, letting the cold metal seep into her body. Standing up, she stepped over to her wardrobe, and pulled out some articles. Mostly undergarments really.
Some would claim she bore no body modesty, but the reality was, she just had nothing to hide. Scars, ranging from close calls with bayonets or combat knives, to bullet puckers from actually getting hit by enemy fire, scored across her body. Now that she had at least a bra and panties on, she opened the door to her cabin, and began to walk to the bridge. She'd get a cup of coffee once she got there, with the coffee machine installed in the bridge itself.
Since there was gravity, they clearly weren't in a jump, and a glance at the chronometer on the elevator told her she'd only been asleep about 3 hours this time. Thankfully, her nightmares, or maybe her memories, weren't a nightly occurrence. They were often enough, clearly, that she had developed a personal means of returning to reality after them, but not so often that she had become an insomniac.
But after each nightmare, she couldn't lay down or sleep for at least 12 hours. The hurt was just too raw for the first four, and the recovery from the drain took the remaining eight to get into some semblance of tiredness to try and sleep again. Hence why she figured she'd head up to the bridge and keep herself distracted with the ship's status till she could sleep again.
Theo sat at the helm, watching over the ship, the Dr. Had become accustomed to Soaps' occasional meetings mid-flight. Sifting through a long cold cup of coffee, he read, or rather re-read his notes, both from before the war, and his file of his newest companion." Morning Captain, another long night I take it? Was it the same dream or a different one?." His question was simple, not meant to be cold, yet seemingly distant..
Soap shrugged. "Hard to tell some nights. The details shift, but the overall stay the same." She replied, checking the pot and nodding in appreciation at seeing it full. Pouring herself a cup, she settled at one of the other chairs and just looked out the window. "But this time, different one, since you thought to ask." She replied, after sipping at the drink. "How are we on progress to our destination?" She asked, ear flicking slightly.
" We are on course, we should arrive in a few hours. As for your dream, I'd gather it was another of your training yes? Which stage, if you remember?" His questions now seemed to be an impromptu meeting." I don't mean to ask so soon after, but it will help me understand more, no need to worry about the ship, I am a rather quick learner."
"Mid-way through the program. Scout vs Scout model fight. One side had to hold a HVT, the other had to remove it. I was placed in charge of a platoon." She said, recalling the particulars of that moment in her life. "Dream ended up focusing on the start of the calls I made that led to us succeeding. If at the cost of half of my platoon. First scout I ordered to get us eyes on the enemy force lost his head as he leaned around a bit of debris." She said, not bragging, not freaking out, just.. Solemn as she recalled the event. Like she'd thought of this thing more than once before. And she was just worn out from the recollection itself.
"I see, the initial trials and much to my dismay, continuing trials…..were more harsh and damaging long term than they could have perceived. But beside that, what is it specifically that sits with you this long? Is it knowing you gave the order that got them killed, or is it wishing you were the one to die instead of them? Or possibly a thought process I didn't consider? I know these are tough, but we have made great work, in isolating parts of your episodes, and nightmares. If I can help find the underlying reasons as to why, I believe we can work to break through." His usually stoic face now relaxed with a warm smile, picking up his coffee to take a sip, before making a face, realizing the drink was now cold.
"Hard to say. Could be a bit of A, bit of B... Maybe C. If I had to put it on anything off hand though, I'd have to say it's because, in some way, despite all of the chaos of what we went through... in the end, I was the one that killed him. Even if I didn't pull the trigger." She mused after sitting there in silence for several moments thinking about the question. "I don't wish it had been me. I saw other's fall into that trap. They became... Suicidal as the training went on. But I do wonder what I could have done to prevent any of their deaths." She admitted, shrugging. "It's about the one thing I seem to fixate on the hardest. 'What could I have done better'?" She said.
Taking a drink of her coffee, she kept her focus on the view outside, as the ship slowly drifted through space hunting for the wormhole it needed to make the final jump to UNS space. "I try to tell myself I did the best I could with what I had at the time, it's just part of getting my mind out of the nightmare and back to reality. But it's hard, because I keep trying to think of what I could have done."
Theodore's expression fell from a smile, to a more saddened smile, sighing he looked to Soap for a long moment, before looking out the porthole himself." That is the curse of it all. We live and hindsight is twenty-twenty, as a leader you made the choice for him to move to that location, yes. And that caused his death. But the what if scenarios only will drive you mad. Men and women die as a byproduct of war. That is a fact….but how we deal with death, and understanding why it is sometimes necessary…. Is what truly makes you human. Long story short. You are doing what any good leader would do, and those memories are still fresh. They hurt, they fester, and the sights, smells and feelings are all still very real." His gaze did not leave the porthole until briefly Theo looked to soap, lightly letting his hand tap her shoulder, before tussling her hair and ears. As he did so, the navigation console lit up, flashing a notification on its screen." Well it would seem the wormhole has been found, and our departure into UNS space will be taking place momentarily."
Soap made a noise as Theo tussled her hair and ears, giving him a sour look. Still, as the notice about the wormhole pinged, she nodded. Placing the cup on the console next to her, she began to buckle in. "I guess I'll go get into some proper clothes once we drop out of the jump then. Wouldn't do to be seen in just my skivvies when we call in to ask for docking clearance." She joked, trying to ignore just how cold the straps felt against her bare skin.
And as was the case with every jump into a wormhole, the gravity on the ship cut out. Her cup of coffee began to float up ever so slightly. She'd long grown into the habit of filling it only half-full, since any time they were in zero-g, the fluids inside would begin to float out. And since she didn't have any lidded cups, well, it was always a mess when a full cup dropped back onto the surface and the fluids splashed.
Theo chuckled, now used to the sight." You know, you probably should, it would be unbecoming of you for any potential clients." He chuckled again, securing his seat, beginning to work the terminal waiting patiently for his captain.
"Oh please, it would just add to my mystique as a wild and mischievous kitsune!" She joked, smiling over at him as they floated for the few moments that existed for the jump, and then gravity returned. A light began to blink on the console Theo was watching. Apparently the grav system was beginning to have failures in some sections due to the surges of power involved with the wormhole jumps.
"Alright, while I go get dressed, if only so I can be polite, you can talk to the authorities for landing clearance. We're looking to land on Lionis. Client's named Fredrick Firemane, and the manifest for our goods are in the ship's log, so if they ask, it's fine to send. It's all above board anyways, so it should already be registered. We're just here a few days early." Soap said, smiling as she undid her seat's harness and collected her cup of coffee.
"By the way, have you been messing with the coffee machine? Because I swear each time I get a cup here, it's better than the last."
First noticing the blinking light Theo began typing away at the console, isolating the location, he tapped the communication terminal, ”This is the Fallen Shrine, IFF code 11-09-20-19-21-14-05. We request permission to dock in Kabuhl Station.” the comms were silent, for several moments before a loud crackle came over the speakers, before resting with faint white noise and a gravelly voice responded. "Fallen Shrine this is Kabuhl Station Control, we have confirmed your IFF and manifest. You are cleared to land. Docking bay 3 is open and ready for receiving.” Theo chuckled to himself, lost in the idea that he was so well versed in ship Communications, thanks to his tiny FoxMod Captain. ”Confirmed KSC Fallen Shrine Out.” his last response was short and to the point as he began the descent into the planet's atmosphere,
The City coming into view and shows signs of bustling city life, ripe with commerce. Finally making his way into the large Stations Docking Bay. massive anchors protruded from the walls, locking into the ships Hull to steady the deck for offloading assistance. "Captain, ship has landed and we are ready to offload and make contact with the flight crew, when you are ready." He chuckled knowing how long it may take Soap to return to the Bridge.
Soap was finishing getting dressed. Unlike her attire back in the NDC's territory, which had been pretty simple and utilitarian, for her here, it was instead slightly more fancy. Not by much though. Full sized boots, a pair of old Hassani desert camo utility pants, bloused into the boots, and a functional tank top. Over that however, was where it got 'fancy'. With someone she worked on getting done, a more 'tactical' styled coat that was similar to an old religion that had held kitsune's as important parts. Something called a Meko Shrine Maiden. Thankfully, she only did the top instead of the whole thing, so it was easier, and this one had more NDC flair to it with the straps and pouches/pockets on it.
"Thanks Theo. I'll head on down once I'm done." She said, finishing the ensemble with her holster for her tri-barrel pistol. For many, the weapon was practically unusable, but for her, it was just an oversized revolver. And she had it for one reason, though she highly doubted she'd ever need it. Fucking DeerMods. Add that her body, despite it's small and lithe design, was still stronger than most humans meant she could actually handle the recoil of such a weapon. Once she was sure the holster was properly settled, she headed to the cargo deck, and smacked the control to lower the ramp.
The Doctor took his bag from the bridge, keeping his small,now antiqued pistol of Hassan design, in the bag with enough money for their trip, and a book with a list of supplies. He made his way to meet the pint sized captain , arriving just in time to see the cargo door fall as the natural sunlight flooded the cargo hold." Shall we offload first? Or get supplies captain?" His question was to the point feeling slightly out of his element, it was exciting. The new start to his life was now in front of his eyes.
"Well, first we gotta get all of this outta here before we can really think of squeezing anything else new in." Soap replied, grinning, and watched as the inspectors began to walk up as soon as the ramp's end touched the ground. "Welcome, Welcome! I am Sophia Brookmire, captain of the KSC Fallen Shrine. I can assure you that everything on board is above board and intended for a customer who's already paid for it here." She said, before getting a grunt from the large man who directed his underlings to begin checking things over.
"Your registration only pointed out one person. Who's this?" The inspector asked, voice deep as a pair of boulders grinding one another as he pointed to Theo.
"I can speak for myself," His tone changed to be more formal." I am the KSC Fallen Shrines resident doctor. Unless you have injuries, or a damn good reason to bother me…sir. I suggest you get on with your duties and not waste my goddamned time. Of which I have little to get the supplies I need. Does that satiate your inane hunger for useless questions? Or would you like my shoe size as well?" His eyes never left the man, pushing the satchel behind his back, revealing several medical pouches on his belt, some tools visible to the group.
Soap shrugged. "I picked him up last minute, and haven't had a chance to update the registry properly, since I can't while in transit." She said, getting a snort from the man as his people continued to scan the codes marked on the boxes.
"It's all good Mister Alvarez. All of them show as being resource goods for Mr. Fredrick Fireman. I remember him talking to someone who captained a ship like this. Guess this is the captain." One of the inspectors said, walking over.
The inspector nodded. "Very well Ms. Brookmire. Enjoy your stay in Kabuhl." He stated, while leading his people off.
Soap huffed. "Gods, I damn well hate Alvarez. Gave me shit last time I was here too." She grumbled. "Still, I'll get started with this stuff, you go run off and get the things we need for the medbay." She said, gesturing with her head for Theo to get moving. She herself had to ring the client and get him to bring a crew to unload all this stuff anyways. Carbon, steel, some iron, a few pallets of plastics. All basic trade goods for the guy to see if they were worth more bulk ordering by being better than what the UNS could produce.
Theo quickly nodded, departing from his new home, into the hustle and bustle of the space port. The docks, seeming cleaner than expected, carried with them all sorts of life, species he had never seen before. Looking around for some time, it seemed Theo's luck finally paid off. Through a few winding roads, and tight squeezes through crowds. Theo found himself at the door of a general goods trader, hoping they had what he needed, he took one look over his shoulder before finally stepping into the almost cramped establishment.
The only thing behind was the crowd of bystanders, haiwa-.... Wait, when did UNS locals wear Hawaiian shirts?! Sure enough, mixed in with all those races of origin, and varying fantasy like backgrounds. Was a human man with that exact floral pattern, grinning like a damn tourist as he looked about the place. Sure the UNS has their own version of the attire, hence why he didn’t stick out too much it seemed like, but it was just so damn distinct. It would be hard for anyone from the NDC, not to take notice of it.
Looking like a young man lost in the sights, his eyes came upon the doctor as he was entering the store, which triggered a cheerful wave. Walking over with a suitcase wheeled behind him, approached Theo, “Ah you look like a fellow countryman. Can you perhaps point me to the nearest dock? I heard some others of home, were possibly in town, and maybe offering trade of work for passage.” He looked harmless enough, if a bit naive in how he walked up to a total stranger for info.
Theo carefully clutched his bag, his hand grasping his sidearm within the bag.” I-I beg your pardon? What country would that be sir? Also I would dissuade you from so naively approaching strangers, assuming their country of origin.” Theo looked around cautiously, as he began to search the store's shelves, primarily for medical supplies, finding little to none of what he was accustomed with.`` He looked at the woman surprised, almost taken aback before nodding, upon doing so his eyes narrowed, the woman’s light purple hued eyes locked with his."Do you not have or carry any major medical supplies? For being a rather bland general goods store im not terribly impressed.” Theo sighed, attempting to play off the young mans excitable remarks, before taking the odd man's arm dragging him out of the store.” we cannot talk here. You are either extremely naive or you are an enemy. However since we are in public I know I have a chance of surviving. Who sent you?”
“No one doc, just following a work lead. Specifically with a certain genemod you arrived with. I wanted to approach you before I did her, gauge if the work was worth it. So calm, I’m not some bounty hunter, at least, that isn’t on my job list right now.” Drake put an arm around the man’s shoulders like they were old pals, just a tourist finding a familiar face in an alien nation. Speaking low enough to just sound like a low chat between the two of them, “Name’s Drake, problem solver for hire. Heard your lass was looking for hands?”
Theo sighed, slightly agitated," yes, it would seem you are well informed. Come, this dealer didn't have anything of value. Let us talk somewhere else. We have some time while the Captain works with the docking authority." The Doctor stood from his almost hunched position walking back in the direction of the market." Do you know of a place to get a drink?" His words came out in an almost jovial note, committing to the bit of being old friends.
“Why of course my dear brother, we can hit up the Blitz Cabana, where you can tell me all about medical school!”, Drake replied with noticeable joy by onlookers. Well and happy enough to continue their shared schrade now, for appearances if nothing else. Said bar was the neutralist ground possible, being connected to places across the stars by means yet understood. It was in fact how he slipped out here to the outskirts of the UNS, where he took jobs and laid low every now and then.
Theos brow raised curiously before a smile grew on his face."That sounds perfect, let's not waste any time then. Lead the way." The Doctor motioned for Drake to take the lead, still unsure of this young man. However, with the failed prospect of medical supplies near the port, a drink sounded more welcoming than it had any reason to.
The place in question left a tingle as they passed through its door, the interior side of it surrounded by some sort of clockwork machination. The place was well furnished with leather and polished wood, giving a homey rustic feel of an old timey pub. Despite offshoot areas, and upstairs it seemed, the building looked rather small on the outside. Behind the bar counter was a couple of demonesses working further back with a short onikari of surprisingly human size, and a taller man at the main counter who had horns and draconic eyes. “Welcome in gentlemen, grab a seat where you can find one, and I’ll get those whistles wettened as they say.”, came his friendly introduction.
“See, ten seconds in and already great service, and even familiar faces of home.”, Drake commented as he ushered the pair towards the bar. Surely this would get the doc to relax, and he could pry into more information on the job he mentioned. “Now, let’s see about getting the man our order. What you want, I'll cover it.”
Theo looked in surprise, seeing other species always gave him a bit of a wake up."Thank you for the hospitality, I am quite thirsty." Looking around he quickly pointed to an empty booth."Let's sit here and we can talk shop if you will." Leading the young man to the booth, Theo sits down clasping his hands together resting them on the table between the two." What do you want to know?" His words were direct and almost impatient.
"How much is she paying, what's the deets of the position, and when do I start?
"Well, what are your skills? It would seem to me, that you portray yourself as more of a hired gun. Which a bit of muscle would be nice." He chuckles to himself quietly for a moment." Pay would be up to our captain."
“Guns, explosives, getting into places I shouldn’t be, distractions, being the incognito set of ears if needed, and anything else I deemed needed to survive in a job environment like this. Sorry, but I don’t print resumes for obvious reasons. So proof will just have to come from on the job review, so hopefully that won’t be a problem.” Drake began his pitch even as he pulled up the order display and tapped in his drink choice, then gestured for the doc to do the same as he spoke. Once the other man’s was in, he went ahead and deposited the coinage into the slot. Something that this establishment took as go between for currencies.
Theo nodded, the man before him seemed to be legitimate. Rather confident which seemed standard for most hired guns, however the good doctor had seen his fare share of dangerous individuals and knew this man was serious. "Well I believe that settles it. Once we finish our drinks, I will bring you to the Fallen Shrine and our small yet fierce captain." The doctor's eyes scanned the room, watching all walks of life enjoy their time, as if there was no other care in the world. His own thoughts trailing from the booth, to the dying fields of their homeworld. As the happiness of those around him began to dwindle with time, becoming a morose shell of masked empathy, to detract from the Apathy taking hold as others suffered just the same.
"Seeing as I hear she's a genemod, I don't doubt the accuracy of that description. Hope she doesn't have a peeve about calling her short though. Would be sad to have to limit my selection of wisecracks." Those thoughts, even if they could have been perceived by the younger triggerman, would have been completely foreign. Drake had been born far after such tragic times, and only knew of the world built by the NDC of today.
Terms like Hassani and great war, held little meaning to him outside historical curiosity. Sure there had been pictures, video clips, and even a few surviving propaganda posters preserved in museums. But none of it stirred anything in him, yet all the old folk had that unmistakable glaze of the eye when Drake observed them. He was seeing that glossing of the gaze as the doc looked around, bringing a quiet stillness as he observed, intently taking in the hints of emotion. "Thinking of dust and echoes gramps.", He said politely, jokingly teasing regardless, as if catching whispers of his thoughts somehow.
The good doctor's eyes scanned back to the young man, with a light chuckle, hoping to cancel what dark images came to his mind. Theo sighed quietly, still taking in the sights and sounds as well as the smell of the room, of liquor, the curious scents of other species, and of course the various herbs that people now smoked in this new system." Yes, you could say that. It is good to see so many people smiling and enjoying life, it is a stark contrast from the days prior to the exodus, I remember when our homeworld was beautiful, thriving and people enjoyed life much like this. However, all good things must come to an end. I'm sure it will not be for some time, until the generation after me is gone." His brow furrowed at the realization of what Drake had called him."I do not have any biological children and nor am I that old, however…I suppose I am older than most.." Theo chuckled again lightly.
“Male, with a later adult physical appearance, even with your lighter build. I’d peg your age about triple digits. Meaning you are likely even older then the current Archdukes. With how you talk of the past, and greenery, conflicts with stories from my mother as well, so I’d say that fits about right too. So sorry in advance, but that name might be sticking for a bit til I know you better to call you something more fitting.”, was the younger man’s reply with a small smirk.
“I know you’ll probably call me something like kid in retort, but I have no problem admitting i’m still rife with youth, and cunningly dumb at times. So maybe think about letting your age show.” Drake gave his own small chuckle now, settling as a waitress brought drinks over. Taking his, the merc raised the glass slightly as if in a proposed toast, “To hopefully lucrative business ventures, and that your cap will give me the job.”
Theo raised an eyebrow, his demeanor seeming to change. His eyes grew colder, his tone more blank as he took a deep breath before drawing a cigarette from his bag, upon lighting the cylinder he inhaled the smoke and through the exhaust the Doctor's eyes locked with the young man's own. In a low and cold, collected tone of a scientist Theo finally spoke." It would be my professional opinion as well as a personal boon for you to not refer to me as anything but a doctor. Or Doc if you are so bold. However there are eyes and ears everywhere, and I'd wish to keep them blind…and deaf. To your health." His hand raised before taking the drink like a shot. Adjusting his coat and standing up." Shall we not waste anymore time?" His words came curt yet not disrespectful.
“Alright Bones, I see your patience is thin, so let’s make way. Hopefully the captain enjoys my sense of humor more.”, Drake replied with a small chuckle, good hearted even in tone. Downing the glass, the younger man stood up as well. “Lead the way then.”, he added briefly before giving a slight bow and gesture towards the door. The merc was no stranger to veiled death threats, or intimidation, but it helped to always keep that smile through it all. After all, it all came with the job, one slightly manic time after another.
Theodore nodded, responding with a slight bow himself, walking back out of the door and Into the sun, he began making the short trek back to the Fallen Shrine, and her tiny…yet fierce captain. Moving through the crowd, the Doctor deftly made his way to the end of the street, turning into the entrance to the spaceport itself. The Fallen Shrine stood out among its updated and newer sister ships. Theo himself chuckled," Welcome Drake, that fierce little fox yelling at the foreman would be her captain."
Standing outside of the ship, watching the last of the cargo trucks drive away, leaving a wide open cargo hold on the ship, was said captain, her duo tails swaying in clearly happy motions as she stood there. One of her ears flick towards the pair walking up and soon her entire body followed, an eyebrow quirking as she looked on.
"I see you found a stray Doc... Should I get a headhunting fee ready for you?" Soap asked, expression not really giving anything away. "As it is, we're gonna be in port for a couple of weeks. Do a few odd jobs, see what we can arrange to take back to NDC space." She said, gesturing the pair into the ship. "Get comfortable. God knows I ain't."