Outlaws, Soldiers and Complications - Part 3
OUTER SPACE – THE CLASS 7
Mentella pushed against Psion’s embrace, Psion reluctantly let her go, a wide grin plastered to his face. She rolled her eyes and sat back down, briefly checking the status of all the on board systems. Psion moved to her side and reached out, grabbing hold of the projection, twisting it as he examined the engines. He opened his mouth to say something when the projection wavered momentarily and one of the on board systems flashed red, an alarm sounded through the ship.
“Apparently we’re having engine trouble, odd. That wasn’t the case before, I’m sure J’asira had a look at this Class 7 before we started.” Mentella mused.
“I’ll have a look, it’s probably nothing. Imagine being stranded out here…then again…I’m with you so that’s not a bad thi-” Psion started.
He shut his mouth promptly as he noticed the look Mentella was sending his way and left the cockpit. He crossed his arms across his chest and rose into the air as he flew towards the elevation pad; he descended, landing on it as it descended. He sighed as the floor plates shifted allowing the elevation pad to progress to the lower floor. Psion was quickly surrounded by several holograms flashing in his face as he descended; he studied them intently, completely missing the minor sparking in the corridor that occurred in the corridor above…
The Class 7 – First Level
The sparks of energy merged, swirling clockwise as they formed a ring of energy, slowly expanding as it transformed into a circular portal. Three Graldeshi soldiers exited the portal, quickly followed by Shi’nar-Vos, Gristk and 6XC.
“Life form regulation protocols, alarms and security fields are all offline at the moment; it shouldn’t register or alert them, this is a dated model thankfully. Get to your positions and remember your orders.” Klow’r frowned.
Three of the Graldeshi soldiers split from the group, wedging open the slowly sealing floor plates, headed in the direction of Psion. Shi’nar-Vos, 6XC and Gristk made their way towards the cockpit, they stopped a thirty feet from the entrance and Gristk turned to his team. He took two slim cylinders from his belt, flicking them as they extended and tossing one to 6XC and the other to Shi’nar-Vos.
“Grenades go off in two point four five seconds, from when I hit the switch. Attach these to the walls in the cock pit; they have to have a precise square formation. Activate them as fast as you can.” he hissed.
The two criminals nodded, activating their protective head gear, poising themselves, ready to move once the grenades started working. Gristk rolled two sonic grenades in his hand, he edged closer to the open entrance, he paused, rolling them along the floor towards where Mentella sat and he quickly pulled back. Mentella frowned as she heard something moving across the floor, she stood up and turned around; spotted two small spherical objects rolling towards her. They stopped as they came close. Her frown deepened as they rocked slightly, Mentella cautiously moved back as she sensed two unfamiliar psychic signatures very close by, both of which seemed to have a form of psychic shielding. Mentella stripped away the psychic protection and began to delve into their minds when the two spheres emitted an incredibly high pitched noise at her, devastating her focus; the magenta telepathic manifestation adorning her head disappeared momentarily as she struggled against the intensity of the sound.
Gristk flicked out two more cylinders and gave the order as he moved with impossible speed, fusing the two cylinders to the walls directly behind Mentella, the crushing wall of air that followed him as he sped past disorientating her in the process. Gristk turned to see 6XC and Shi’nar-Vos fitting the same devices as the sonic grenades continued to sound. Mentella’s eyes snapped open and she slammed her heel down into the ground, crushing one of the grenades. She locked onto the nearest mind and began viciously tearing through it. Shi’nar-Vos’s mouth opened in shock as the white hot pain of her psychic attack tore through his mind uncontrollably. 6XC cursed under his breath and tackled Shi’nar-Vos into the corridor. He turned back and activated the psychic suppression field; the field had the intended effect as the solid energy walls activated. Gristk lashed out with a sweeping kick, knocking her to the ground. Mentella blinked quickly as she located the second sonic grenade, slicing it in half with a psionic blade. Gristk, jumped up, attempting to hold her down when a strong kick to his torso forced him onto his back as she stood up. The suppression field gave Shi’nar-Vos a much needed reprieve as he attempted to push himself up off the floor. 6XC looked at Shi’nar-Vos; his eyes were blood shot as remnants of psychic energy swirled in his head.
“Saav’d lerf, tranks.” he slurred.
6XC looked around as he realised Gristk was still within the suppression field, and on the floor. Mentella glared at Gristk. Her eyes began to burn magenta as she began overloading the psychic suppression field. Gristk rolled into a crouching position at the other end of the room as he looked at his target.
“You don’t scare me,” he tapped his finger against the side of his helmet, “I’ve got no mind to read. You’ve got one hell of a kick, though, I’ll give you that.”
“I don’t need to read your mind to know it’s in my best interests to defend myself from you.”
Gristk looked on as ribbons of magenta energy flowed down her right arm, gathering in her hand as it coalesced to form a solid psionic blade.
“Oh krzick.” he hissed.
He pushed up to his feet, crushing something in his left hand, a red light shone from his fist, quickly spreading up his forearm. He looked behind her as the third suppression unit exploded; the final one was moments from failing.
“Who are you?” Mentella asked.
“Your new best friend.” he snarled.
In a brief flash of light, her psionic weapon extended as she slashed forward, cutting deep into his armor; it fizzled and sparked as he backed away from her. As she moved forward he leapt towards her with incredible speed, sidestepping her and slamming his fist into the side of her head, knocking her out cold. He watched as the energy in his fist made contact with her; she gasped and slowly dropped to the floor. He caught her, laying her down on the floor, watching as the psionic construct faded. Klow’r’s words appeared on the gauntlet he was wearing, they glowed white briefly ‘Remember your orders’. He looked up towards where Shi’nar-Vos and 6XC were sitting. The final psychic suppression unit exploded above him, sparking as he watched the energy walls vanish.
“6XC, go and find team two, they could use your help. The first target is down; I’ll take care of Shi’nar-Vos.”
6XC hesitated momentarily and looked at Shi’nar-Vos and then at Gristk.
“Go!” urged Gristk
6XC nodded and ran off, heading back towards the floor panel which was wedged open. Gristk watched as 6XC activated his jet pack and floated down into the lower levels. Gristk then turned his attention to Shi’nar-Vos. The Andaarian’s head lolled to the side as a viscous, purple substance flowed out of his mouth. A quick scan confirmed Gristk’s suspicions; Shi’nar-Vos had suffered incredible brain damage from those few moments under the psychic’s influence. The only thing keeping him alive, barely at that, was his minor regenerative abilities and 6XC’s assistance. Gristk sighed as he pulled out a belt with tiny capsules embedded in them; he bent in close, leaning away from the purple substance as he wrapped the belt around Shi’nar-Vos’ midriff. The Andaarian let out a strange huff, as he pawed the purple liquid dribbling out of his mouth; his tail twisting oddly as he examined it. Gristk stood up; a part of his torso opened up as several sparkling wires snaked out of him, connecting to the surface of the Andaarian’s head. Gristk’s visor shifted, uncovering the sharpened metal features of his face, a red line from his forehead to his neck, glowing as he spoke to the brain damaged Andaarian. The Andaarian looked up, a blank expression on his face.
“Andaarian; allow me to liberate you from the burden of your disgusting existence.”
Without warning the wires plunged into Shi’nar-Vos’ head, delivering a fatal shock, killing him instantly. The wires withdrew as Gristk sighed, he pulled back standing away from the lifeless body of the Andaarian criminal, he swiped across on the screen of his gauntlet and typed in a code. He looked up as the belt lit up. His visor shifted back into place as he looked towards Mentella; he walked over, taking out a small device from his belt. He opened his palm as the device flew into the air; it encircled Mentella’s body, scanning it and then came to a halt. The cube emitted a wide beam of orange light that enveloped Mentella’s unconscious form, lifting her into the air. He gestured to the device as it slowly moved her body through the air. Gristk lifted his gauntlet to his face as he walked, speaking into it.
“Team Two? Target One has been secured. Charge One is set up. I’ve sent Charge Two to you. What is Target Two’s status?” he asked.
-Meanwhile-
The Class 7, Lower Levels
Psion reached the engine room, surprised to see the door already open.
Mentella’s doing most likely. he reasoned.
Thinking little of it, he stepped into the room, waving his hand through the mass of green wisps floating through the room, as they dived from machine to machine. They responded immediately, encircling his hands, forming hard light constructs as he flew through the air to the back of the room to begin working on the engines.
Minutes later the three Graldeshi soldiers appeared outside the engine room; Klow’r looked up, studying the mass of green wisps that filled the room. He looked back as his fellow soldier tapped his shoulder. 6XC had found them. He made a hand signal for them to back up.
“Wisps, from what I can tell are engine overseers of some kind; they likely have no offensive capability. Once the KVD’s are deployed they’ll seek him out and then activate, that’s when we move in.” Klow’r whispered.
He looked down as his gauntlet flashed angrily; he turned to the side as he listened to Gristk’s message.
“Team Two? Target One has been secured. Charge One is set up. I’ve sent Charge Two to you. What is Target Two’s status?”
“Team Two here, nice work Gristk. I’ve got the second target in our sights, about to engage. We’ve received Charge Two. Contact Saal, let her prep the exit.” replied Klow’r
Klow’r nodded towards the third soldier as he stepped forwards, accompanied by 6XC. They rolled three miniature cylinders into the room; they beeped in harmony and sought out their target. Psion closed another display as he moved onto another system. He picked apart the holo-projection of the machinery, studying each part when a spark from a nearby machine startled him. Psion looked down, a series of small cylindrical devices skid towards him, resting by his feet. He reached down, picking them up, frowning as he brought them up to his eye level. The wisps around his hands suddenly wavered, flaring up around the cylinders, as if to protect him from something when the cylinders all exploded in bursts of white light. Psion cried out as he staggered backwards, crashing into several engine parts; he blinked fervently as he attempted to clear the intense white light clouding his vision. Psion soon realised that he had been blinded; his anger at the attack was quickly crushed by an overwhelming sense of dread when he tried to contact Mentella but there was no response. He started as he heard multiple unfamiliar footsteps; he closed his eyes, reaching out with his telekinesis, allowing him to orientate himself.
Klow’r eyed 6XC who was looking at the target, an extremely faint field of energy wavered around him.
“He’s remaining unusually still for someone just blinded. Wonder what the fields for…” 6XC mused.
“Come on, these non-lethal rounds only work at a very close range. Here take this gun instead.” Klow’r hissed.
Klow’r turned to his side, hidden from 6XC’s sight and removed the ammunition from the weapon. He handed 6XC the smaller pistol and nodded towards him, as they both advanced towards the target. Klow’r made a hand gesture to the other two Graldeshi soldiers who backed out of the room. Once they had backed out, Klow’r whispered to 6XC. 6XC’s eyes narrowed as Klow’r spoke:
“Whatever happens now just know this, this isn’t personal.”
Before 6XC could think to question him or even respond; Klow’r spun round behind him, slamming his boot into 6XC’s back, sending him across the floor towards Psion. 6XC released a string of curses as he landed at Psion’s feet. Psion sensed an object scrapping along the floor towards him and he seized it. 6XC instantly felt the firm grip of the target’s telekinetic grip all around him.
Psion’s voice was cold and sharp as he spoke.
“What have you done to my al'skiine? Where is she?” he asked.
6XC pointed his weapon at Psion, his eyes widened as he pulled the trigger and nothing happened. He gasped as the gun floated upwards surrounded by a cyan energy field and disintegrated moments later.
“N-No idea what you mean, I’m just…a space pirate. Get the krutuck off me!” 6XC spat.
6XC felt the cybernetics within him strain as wires snapped and the pressure on his body intensify, what was once a faint tugging sensation now had escalated into excruciating pain as Psion stretched out 6XC’s limbs.
“You are lying. WHERE. IS. MY. AL'SKIINE?!”
“SHOOT HIM! HUR-” 6XC chocked out.
6XC’s mouth just hung open as the pain became unbearable, cutting himself off as his sensory circuits overloaded. He could only watch in horror as his arms and legs were ripped off his torso; the wiring sparking wildly as he floated through the air. His limbs were flung to different parts of the room, and his torso was slowly being ripped into. Psion exposed 6XC’s power core, slowly pulling out the reactor as he beckoned it towards him. 6XC’s facial features shorted out as his power source was ripped out of his chest. 6XC’s head hung down as Psion dropped him to the floor and crushed the mini reactor, containing the explosion within a sphere of telekinetic energy. He moved towards the entrance as he felt the movement of their weapons. Klow’r cursed under his breath as he saw Psion coming for them.
“He can’t see us but if he gets to close we’re done. After I fire the light round, fire the non-lethal rounds.”
The two Graldeshi soldiers got into position, aiming at Psion. Klow’r quickly set his weapon to fire harmless light rounds at Psion and fired. The light rounds passed through the weak telekinetic field, quickly followed by the two non-lethal rounds. Psion stopped as he felt two strange objects slam into him, one on his chest and the other to his left thigh; he moved to remove them from him when his head started to feel heavy. His telekinetic field dissipated as his head started swimming; his legs gave way as he fell to the ground, helpless as an unusual form of paralysis overtook him. He felt the vibrations of several boots as they drew closer. As the rounds started to take full effect, his mind started to slip into unconsciousness, he managed to catch one thing before he blacked out.
“Target Two has been taken down.”
Klow’r nudged the unconscious Xenian with his foot, nodding as he took a small device from his belt, placing it over Psion’s body; it hovered and emitted a beam of orange light, lifting him up into the air. He looked over to the mess of cybernetic limbs and sparking circuitry that used to be 6XC, he whistled. The wisps of green had long since left the open space of the room, presumably hiding within the machines.
“Sir, what…part of him…do we wrap the charges to?”
“Torso, it’ll probably stay in place.”
The soldier nodded and secured the belt to the torso of 6XC, it activated as he stepped away. The three soldiers made their way back to the upper level, followed by the floating body of Psion. Klow’r nodded towards Gristk who stood in front of a swirling portal.
“Any trouble?” he asked.
“Nothing we couldn’t handle, I’m guessing it was the same for you?”
Gristk nodded and stepped through the portal, the floating bodies of Mentella and Psion accompanying him. Klow’r made his way to the cockpit; an appendage shot out from the top of his head and slotted itself into the cylindrical mechanisms. A sharp shock travelled back through the appendage to him. Klow’r cursed colourfully as he withdrew the appendage from the mechanism.
“Damn safeguards…who the hell worked on this thing? I thought it was supposed to be dated…never mind.” he mused to himself.
“Sir, Saal has the asteroid belt in full acceleration.” the final soldier stated.
Klow’r’s fingers flew across the control panel as he steered the ship towards the accelerated asteroid belt and activated the engines.
“Done. Let’s go soldier.”
Klow’r stilled for a moment as the ship lurched towards its new destination. He smirked beneath his helmet as he stepped through the portal.
OUTER SPACE - THE KULI’MOEAN
Sidren-Tos watched with two of the Graldeshi soldiers as The Class 7 flew towards the accelerated asteroid belt. Moments later a particularly large asteroid slammed into the side of The Class 7, triggering the highly explosive charges on board the ship. They watched as the blue fire enveloped the ship leaving nothing but the faintest wisps of green against the vast darkness of space. Sidren-Tos curled his lip up at the light show, his tail curling around his hand as he turned to Saal who was currently staring at the two Xenians, who were now on his desk, side by side. Sidren-Tos looked on as the swirling blue portal, now showing the darkness of space, closed. He looked around quickly noticing that Shi’nar-Vos and 6XC were not present.
“What happened to Shi’nar-Vos and 6XC?” he asked.
Saal’s eyes did not turn away from the two Xenians as she answered.
“Whenever there is conflict there are…casualties. It would seem your fellow Andaarian and the cybernetic were such casualties. But they died for a glorious cause. Fear not, you will get your reward…as well as theirs.”
Sidren-Tos’ tail twitched nervously as he suddenly realised how unarmed he was compared to the rest of the room. Saal reached out and her hands hovered on either side of Mentella’s head, her assistants placed the disc on the desk, they watched as the hologram of Elyisaus’ face appeared. They turned towards Mentella’s head as well; their hands hovering over her head.
“High Consulman Krolos, we have obtained the two targets. I am attempting to enter the mind of the telepath, in order to assess her with help from my assistants.” Saal explained.
As they stood in position, their eyes glowed brighter. As soon as they started the process, a powerful psychic explosion occurred; Saal and her two assistants were flung in separate directions, the Graldeshi soldiers and Sidren-Tos looked on in confusion. Saal’s eyes widened as she struggled to pick herself up, soon aided by Gristk. Her head pounding as she realised her psychic shields were shattered.
“What happened?” demanded Elyisaus
“I-We did not even hit her surface barrier and we were thrown out, almost killed.” Saal explained quickly.
Saal stood up somewhat shakily and composed herself. She stared daggers at Mentella’s unconscious form, seething at the humiliation.
“I see, what will need to be done?” asked Elyisaus.
“I would advise the preparation of a GPSI-C for telepath; she should never be conscious, not even for a moment. Be sure it is a GPSI-C or you will not be able to separate her body from her mind, it can cause significant…discomfort.” Saal explained with thinly veiled delight.
“What of the telekinetic?”
“PSI-U for the telekinetic, it is imperative that he is unable to concentrate or sense anything, especially her suffering. They seem to share a bond of some kind, it is not something I am familiar with or would advise attempting to break. Such an attempt will likely result in death.”
Elyisaus’ projection nodded and a golden portal opened up beside the Graldeshi soldiers.
“I will have the holding facility adjusted to suit these necessities. You and the Graldeshi are to return with the telepath and the telekinetic. Sidren-Tos of the KULI’MOEAN, your reward is here, I shall send it through.” Elyisaus stated.
The projection shut off as Elyisaus disappeared; the assistants collected the disc and stepped into the portal followed by the Graldeshi, Mentella and Psion. A box was produced from the golden portal. Saal passed it onto Sidren-Tos.
“The combined total of your fees is one million, seven hundred and seventy thousand shem’raj, and as promised, this is what you have received. I trust this will keep you satisfied?” Saal stated smoothly.
Sidren-Tos’ tail twitched excitedly as he opened the case and checked his incredibly enhanced account balance. He licked his lips as he eyed the money.
“Definitely, I won’t tell a soul. I swear.” he nodded.
Saal’s eyes glowed purple as Sidren-Tos put the case on the control panel and sat down. He felt a minor wave of nausea as she accessed his memory system. Her voice layered thick with psychic persuasion.
“I know you won’t because this transaction, this job, the soldiers, my assistants, your client and I never existed, you simply came into a lot of money by chance. Isn’t that right?”
Sidren-Tos looked up at her and he nodded slowly as he spoke, slowly becoming bolder.
“Y-Yeah…Yeah…YEAH! I must have hit the Spiral Galaxy’s Jackpot! I’m rich!” he cheered.
Saal’s eyes narrowed in amusement as she slid into the golden portal. Sidren-Tos turned around moments after the portal snapped shut, leaving only a faint glow of golden energy. He shrugged to himself and continued dancing around his vessel, blissfully unaware of the way the case had sunk itself into the control panel, integrating with the on board systems as a countdown began…
