When Fawkes returned from his excursion to the Ethologe cave, Nyx immediately had her tail perked and wings wide, watching him expectantly. When she noticed the expression on his face, her tail drooped a little. “What’s wrong?” she asked, gliding over to his side.
“We have to visit the Vorchan Empire again.” Fawkes said.
He started explaining what had happened. He got to “I entered the cave” when he realized Nyx was staring at his groin. So he jumped her, and after a short session, she was more interested in listening, until she fell asleep… she always fell asleep.
“This is important!” Fawkes growled, nudging her awake.
“Ok, go on. Did you kill them?”
“No.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Which is why I’m trying to explain it to you!” Fawkes was getting frustrated.
“Okay.”
“Stop looking at me like that.”
She looked away from his thighs, pretending to be gazing at one of the shuttles instead. “Like what?”
“Like an adolescent.”
“What? I’m in heat!” she exclaimed.
“You have never said that before.”
“I know! I didn’t know until Hannah told me. We have cycles!”
“That was a joke, we don’t have cycles.”
“We do! It’s summer now, in my internal clock. So I’m in heat!”
“Right.” Fawkes sighed.
“So I was thinking.” she said, coalescing her tail around him, her snout right up against his ears. “Let’s go on vacation!”
“Didn’t you hear what I said before?” Fawkes asked.
Nyx had Fawkes on his back again, and was poised over him. “You said something?”
“We have to visit THE VORCHAN EMPIRE!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” she said, staring at him with those blood red eyes.
“I know, which is why I’d like you to stay on Emerald.” Fawkes said.
“Isn’t happening! Who can I satiate my urges with then??” she growled, mounting him casually.
“You’re insatiable, Nyx. But we have to go – go there. Because…” it was getting hard to talk from her annoying rhythmic screwing.
He got her on her back and finished quickly, keeping her pinned so she didn’t try and prolong it, while also fighting the fatigue that was setting in from two simultaneous sessions. “Because something horrible might have happened there.”
“What?” Nyx asked, annoyed.
“I think my mother might be dead.” Fawkes panted.
“Your—the Queen?” she asked in surprise.
“Someone must have killed her. I have to figure things out.” Fawkes said.
“I’m sorry.” she said with a seductive, tired nuzzle.
“It’s okay. But there’s a good chance they’ll capture me and interrogate me if I show myself. And I’d prefer it if you were safe.”
“Nope, I’m staying with you.” Nyx yawned. She had him in one of those grips that were pretty much impossible to escape: Tail wrapped around his with both limbs interlocked with his limbs.
“Are you sure?”
“Always. Forever and ever. It was our vow, remember?”
“I love you.” Fawkes sighed, grateful she’d decided to stay.
–
He woke up a few hours later, feeling re-invigorated from his catnap.
“The Vorchan Empire, huh?” Hannah asked, sitting cross-legged next to them, with a datapal. She was writing in it.
“How long – were you taking notes?” Fawkes growled.
“A while. That was interesting. But I think I’ll be staying with Red. You two seem pretty… secure.” she said, staring at them.
“You do that. Take the red shuttle.”
“They’re all red.” Hannah said.
Fawkes made one chirp, “That one.”
“Will do. Stay safe you two.”
“We will, thanks for all the help!” Nyx exclaimed. “Take care of Red.”
–
–
After her last encounter, Red didn’t like Emerald too much anymore, and decided to venture off in search of other planets, ones that didn’t know of her reputation as ‘royalty’. She really didn’t like the way everything kept screwing up because of people thinking she was a Queen or the daughter of a Queen or whatever. She told Hannah all about it and the counsellor said it was a normal reaction for people in such positions. But she didn’t want to be special. She wanted to be a normal space-faring Captain. She wanted to be Raumen. She didn’t like the way people looked at her when she walked into taverns or markets, eyeing her tail or her fangs or her wings like she was some sort of monstrous display meant to be gawked at.
She decided to do a quick courier run for the Vorchans at Fort II. It would be enough money for her to shop, and she knew exactly where to shop.
It was a small planet called Lionar. But it was an interesting one. The Vorchans here had actually taken it over, and the people had then elected a Vorchan-run government. It was the first world in GalCore to have a Vorchan-run government, and also the first world to have a Vorchan population density such that the economy had responded to the demand… for spikes!
She bought several: Red spikes, green spikes, pink spikes, spikes that shot out glitterlove if broken, not that she’d ever use them, being completely unlovable (though Hannah told her not to think like that). She bought a few more spikes and then horn lengthening clips. After that was done she bought some claws and got an amazing manicure. Then, with the thousand or so credits left over: She put elaborate designs on her body with red and black ink. She had considered just tattooing her entire wings black, but the webbing was soft and sensitive, and – well – the tattoo machine wasn’t. The designs were a pattern similar to Allonsi’s beemveins, and looked very natural on her. She would probably touch them up every few months or so after each shedding, as she really liked them. The design artist herself had said that she looked stunning.
Feeling very attractive, and also extremely embittered by the things that had happened, she did what all young kids did. She got completely drunk at a club. She had never been to a club before, or gotten drunk, but she enjoyed it, and she felt great, and the other Vorchans were awesome, and Raumens, there were Raumens! She didn’t remember a lot from that night, other than getting really sick after and leaving early.
The next morning was spent recovering in Allonsi’s bathroom.
You have one new message! Allonsi exclaimed.
Really? Red read the message while curled up in the bathroom, wondering why she hadn’t died yet. It was from a Vorchan she must have met at the club. An older one, a very exotic looking one whose race she couldn’t quite identify. Aww he’s wondering how I’m doing! Should I talk to him? The Vorchan had blue and green stripes over an amber body. He’s nice-looking.
So they met the next day. His name was El’Lo. Hello El’Lo, it was fun to say. She tried not to get too amused by it, not on the first date, no. He was friendly, but rather boring. He didn’t have a spaceship, or a consistent job, or anything really, though he probably would pounce her. But did she really want her first pounce to be with him? Next.
She met another Vorchan the other week, at another club. But they were so shallow, and one-dimensional, she started feeling lost again. Was this all there was to life? There must be something she would enjoy doing. She needed danger, that’s it! Danger! She had to go somewhere dangerous. This was too boring. The club-scene really wasn’t her thing.
So, keeping her spikes and colors, she did a quick courier mission and went hunting for more entertainment in dark alleys.
Finally, she thought, as several Vorchans circled her. This was what she needed! Combat! Vicious combat.
She snarled at them.
“Well aren’t you feisty!” exclaimed one of the Vorchans, glaring at her out of the darkness of the alley. “What brings you out here late at night, all alone?”
“Boredom.” she said.
“Boredom?” asked the Vorchan, genuinely surprised.
“Oh I’m sorry, I meant to say.” Red put on the most innocent voice she could muster, licking the saliva from her fangs “Well I was walking my precious Johnny but I was running late so I had to take this shortcut and I need to test my flamebreath wait forget that last bit…”
“Whoa, you are feisty.” said another Vorchan. They started talking amongst each other. “You interested in a job?”
“A job? Is it dangerous?” she asked.
“Very.” they replied.
“Excellent! Let’s do it!” she growled, doing a backflip.
“Damn you’re an agile cat.” said one of the Vorchans.
She followed them down the dark alley to an equally dangerous-looking apartment complex. It was abandoned. Two massive Vorchans stood outside, the darkness making their race difficult to determine as well.
Soon, however, she realized they were all Vulcans, even the big guys outside.
“Why are you all Vulcans?” she asked.
“It’s our race, yo.” said one of the Vulcans. “We’re the Reds!”
She laughed. “Yo?”
“What?” snarled the Vulcan. He was young, and had several scars on his neck.
“I’ve never heard a Vorchan say ‘yo’ before.”
“You being lippy, ho?” he asked.
“Sure!” she replied, excited by this one.
“Hey, leave her be.” said the Vulcan she had talked to out in the alley. His name was Deathwing. Red assumed it was a nickname.
“Whatever, boss. I don’t like her. She smells funny. She’s not a Vulcan like us.”
“That’s right.” Red said, but then realized she was inside an apartment, several floors out, with no way of escaping.
“What?” asked Deathwing, moving over to smell her.
She was getting scared now, but held her composure. The worst they could do was kill her, and it’s not like anyone would care if that happened. She suddenly felt very depressed.
I would care. Allonsi said worriedly.
I know.
Don’t get yourself killed.
I won’t, I’m just… lost. she sighed.
Deathwing finished sniffing her. “She smells different, but still fine. Very fine. You old enough to pounce yet? Oh and what’s your name? I’d need something to moan.” he said with a seductive smile.
“My name is Red.”
“Red?” asked the younger Vulcan, “Shenanigans!”
“No, really, it’s Red.”
“Red of the Reds!” exclaimed Deathwing. “It was meant to be!”
“Yeah!” she exclaimed back, very excited. “Let’s do something!”
“I could think of things we could do!” alluded Deathwing.
“Oh that’s…” she tried not to falter, “you’ve got plenty of girls, I’m sure. You said you wanted me for a job? What was it?”
“Right…” he said, getting back to business.
They told her of a strike they were planning on Desert Storm, a group of – obviously – Deserts that were setting up in a building a few blocks away, obviously imposing on Red territory.
“That sounds awesome!” Red exclaimed, “Let’s show them who’s boss!”
“Whoa now, are you sure? It’s dangerous.”
“Good!”
“Are you some sort of adrenaline-junkie?” asked the young Vulcan.
“Sure.” she replied.
“Can you fight?” he continued.
“Yes!”
“Prove it!” he said, lunging at her.
She was on her back in seconds, and struggling to get free. This little one knew tricks, but his leg was overextended. She moved her body so one of her spikes caught the inside of his extended leg, using the opportunity to get him on his back and clamp down on his neck. He went limp in submission.
“That’s a hell of a bite.” he growled.
“I know!” she exclaimed, pleased.
“Well then let’s go. Night and Day, come with us.” Deathwing said.
Two Vulcans followed obediently behind their leader. Red followed them, with the one she just fought in hot pursuit. “I’m Mouse, by the way.” he said.
“Mouse, nice.” she said.
“But you’re one cat I like!” he purred, rubbing up against her as they walked. She pulled away, but strangely enjoyed his attention, moreso than Deathwing’s, but that was probably because he’d fought him, close proximity and all that, chemicals, pheromones, etc. She let him bring his tail close to hers, pretending not to notice. She wondered what being with him would feel like. He seemed to be more talk than anything else, though, and she sensed some insecurity in the way he moved. He had secrets. But then again, she did too.
–
“There it is.” whispered Deathwing.
“So what do we do? Beat them up?” Red asked.
“Pretty much. We can’t use fire because the cops’ll be on us in a second, but they tend to ignore fighting, at least for a while. Long enough for us to get our message across.”
“Now remember.” Mouse said. “They’re Deserts, so they’re agile, like us, and they’ll go for your throat. You can take a bite in your carotid, but not in both, so be careful.”
She was shaking, and loving it. “Great!” she said.
“Alright, here we go.” said Deathwing. The two Deserts outside had noticed them, and were approaching. “We’ll make short work of these two, and then go for the rest.”
“Are we killing them?” Red asked.
“If you can.” Deathwing replied. One of the Deserts lunged at him, the other went straight for Day. She was a completely red Vulcan, with no black stripes at all, and stunning blue eyes that Red envied. So much shinier than hers. As she was grappled, Night, a Vulcan that was more black than red, tackled the attacking Desert. They snarled viciously as they went for each other’s throats. Within seconds, the Desert was yelling plaintively and flying free, away from the fight.
Deathwing was keeping his pinned. It was bleeding heavily from the neck. He left it there, coming back to the group.
“Will he die?” Red asked, watching the bleeding, wailing Desert.
“Maybe, but his friends will come now.” Deathwing replied.
As if on cue, the doors and windows broke open and several Deserts appeared, dozens.
Red looked at Deathwing, and then at the others. They stood their ground.
“Can we take that?” she asked.
Deathwing didn’t say anything, roaring as the Deserts broke through their ranks. Several were lunging for her. She dodged instinctively, nipping at ones that came too close.
This was too much, she took to the sky, only to get tackled back down, a relatively large Desert on top of her, sharp claws raking her belly. She cried out and stabbed him with her tail, forcing him to retreat.
One then mounted her from behind, fangs digging into her neck. She twisted her head, using the spikes along her mane to keep him from getting a proper clamp. It worked, and she spun, doing a 360 and slashing him with the sharp edge of her tail. It sent him whimpering away.
The other Vorchan that was ready to attack her changed its mind, and switched to Mouse, who was being overwhelmed by nearly half a dozen Vorchans. She stared in awe as he weaved between them, just out of their striking range, scoring his own hits with his talons whenever one lets its guard down.
Sirens. Everyone froze, and the Deserts took to the sky, leaving their wounded behind.
“Well that’s that.” Deathwing roared, “Let’s head out.”
The five of them flew back home. Surprisingly, none of them were that injured. “Good job, Red.” Mouse growled. “You sure you’ve never done this before?”
“I never said that…” Red said.
“But we’ve never heard of you.” Deathwing commented, “We’d have heard of you.”
“I hitched a ride here, to this planet.” Red said.
“Why?” Day asked.
“To get away.”
“From what?”
“From everything.” she said, with some degree of honesty.
“What happened?” Night asked. He had a low, soothing voice. As he walked over to her, Day did too, tail coiling around Night’s. They both loomed over her, almost protectively.
“Were you hurt?” Day asked.
“I guess…” Red replied, looking down at the ground.
“Who hurt you. We’ll kill ‘em!” Deathwing growled.
“It’s complicated. It’s all complicated. Let’s just… do this. This is fun. What else will we be attacking?” Red asked.
“Well we’ll lay low for a bit. A day or two, and then hit em again if they don’t move. They’ll probably plan an attack on us now. It’s how it goes. Hit one of our lookouts, or outposts, you know how it is.”
“Yeah.” Red nodded absently.
Their home was so anti-climactic, but all the adrenaline calmed her, made her feel Vorchan. She understood what that was like, now.
It was sunrise by the time they were settling to sleep. She had a small mattress in a barracks where she could rest with several other Vorchans, but Mouse had shown her a more comfortable place.
“This is a secret place.” he said, after they got to the bell tower. “Nobody ever goes here. They think it’s owned by Raumens, but it isn’t. It’s been abandoned forever. It’s my home away from home.”
She’d heard that before. “I see. So this is where you take your girls, huh?”
“You could say that. If I had girls.” he growled. “You’re one of the few who I’ve seen come by, and I’m not a big fan of those ho’s down by the District there.” he beckoned in some direction Red wasn’t completely sure of.
“So what are you saying, Mouse?”
“That Deathwing has dibs, anyways, and he likes you. So you’re off limits. He’ll probably be wondering where you’ve been off to tomorrow.”
“What? Off limits? Just like that? So that’s the rule? What about Night and Day?” she asked.
“They came here together. They have a special bond, not even Deathwing would wanna fuck with that.”
“A bond?”
“Yeah, vicious. You can’t separate ‘em, and they fight together, like beasts. Well I guess we are beasts… but real hardcore beasts. They fight like… dancers.”
“You fought pretty nicely too.” Red complimented.
“Eh it’s just range, knowing how to keep them from hitting you.” he said humbly, staring at his talons.
“Well tell Deathwing I don’t like it when others choose who I can and can’t be with!” Red growled, pressing up against him.
Mouse kissed her neck, but pulled away to the other side of the bell tower. “There’s room for us both to sleep here, and it’s comfortable, but I wouldn’t wanna anger Deathwing.”
“What?!” Red asked.
“So sorry.”
“You take me up to a bell tower… all alone.”
“Hey, one day, sure! When Deathwing gets tired of you.”
“Ok you say that like it’s a definite thing. Like I’m gonna be with him whether it’s my choice or not.”
“It isn’t.”
“I don’t like that.”
“Well it’s the way it is.”
“No it isn’t. I can leave!”
“You can… I guess, but he’ll probably find you.”
“Find me?!”
“You can’t just join us and then leave us. You know things now. You’re one of us.”
“Right, whatever. I’m tired. We’ll talk more about this tomorrow, and if Deathwing even tries to touch me, tell him I’ll kill him.” she snarled, closing her eyes.
“I won’t say that to him, but you don’t have to worry about him finding you tonight. You’re safe here.”
“Thanks, goodnight Mouse.” she still couldn’t believe she would have pounced him, someone she’d just met. It was the adrenaline, and the hormones, tomorrow she would be back to normal and realize how silly this all was.
–
–
“We’re entering VE airspace now.” Fawkes said grimly.
Flames had his sensor gain to full, flying as silently he could and listening intently for hostile craft.
They had to get to the Vorchan capital and learn what was happening. Thanatos had agreed to be on standby in case they got in trouble. They had spent so much time in the same solar system that all of the ships were aware of each other on the nodescape now. How accurate a jump-in would be depended solely on the skill of the ship, however, as these weren’t links created through bonds, but simple proximity links, much more fragile and finicky.
The planet was large, and mostly industrial. The citizens lived in the caves and volcanoes, or under layers of plates. The palace was near the equator, on the surface and easily spottable, as it was the only area not crawling with industrial equipment. No, the palace had a big area cropped out for it where there had once been grass, ages ago.
He had no memory of this place, even though he knew he had been born here, given over to the academy before he had been old enough to remember.
Three ships materialized before them, CKRO skimming off their tails and skids. Flames fought his fear of them. They were beems, but soul-less and dark. A parody of his great species. What he would have been had Fawkes not intervened.
“Surrender your ship and prepare to be boarded.”
They spoke through the beemspace band, and their presence was eldritch and powerful. It wasn’t a channel Flames had ever heard used in that way before.
“I am Prince Fawkes. I demand to see Rin’Tsu.” Fawkes replied.
The ships opened fire. Flames used his trajectory analysis routines to dodge the incoming charges.
He returned fire automatically, his koveran-laced rounds disabling one of the ships instantly. The other two came in close, circling madly and reached out with magnetic hulls.
Flames reversed the polarity of his hull, pushing them off him and opening fire with his rounds, destroying one and forcing the final abomination to retreat.
Get us to the planet. Fawkes ordered.
Superior genetics my ass. Flames growled, accelerating to the planet.
Three more ships approached, firing koveran rounds at Flames. He strafed, keeping his vectors random and returning fire. He would skim the atmosphere and get them right over the Palace.
Three more, six in total. Flames was getting nervous, they had switched to high yield rounds, making them impossible to dodge completely.
Jump out if you need to, Flames. Fawkes said, checking over Nyx’s exosuit. We’ll let you know when we need to get out.
I’ll be fine. Flames transmitted, scoring a lucky hit on one of the ships’ skids that made it spin out of control. Five to go. Three more ships appeared on scan, Sorry eight. Ok I might jump out soon.
Anti-air. Fawkes observed, breaching the atmosphere with Nyx.
Right. Flames came around, opening fire on the anti-air emplacements Fawkes was marking. The pursuing ships were afraid to fire at him as he skimmed the planet, knowing they might miss and damage the capital. Flames used this to his advantage, staying over the planet. He had switched to energy rounds, saving the last few dozen koveran-laced charges for when he needed them. He only needed energy rounds to keep the ships at bay, anyways. They were being very conservative.
They broke through a massive stain-glass window, landing in what looked like a declaration room. The people would most likely gather in these benches. It had been a while since Fawkes had seen this many Vorchan benches. Those little holes for the tails made him laugh now. Most Vorchans preferred to sit on all fours anyways.
Exo-suit equipped guards swarmed Fawkes. He smiled at them, a vicious glare in his blue eyes. Nyx stayed close to him, watching the guards warily. “Where is Rin’Tsu.”
“She is dead.” one of the guards said.
“Dead? How?” Fawkes asked.
“We don’t know. She was found dead in her chambers.”
“Poison?”
“Unlikely.”
“I must see her.” Fawkes roared.
“Come with us.” the guard said, motioning for Fawkes and Nyx to follow.
–
“You should just give in, Flames.” transmitted one of the Captains, no – the ship.
“How can you talk?” Flames asked.
“Not all of us are disconnected. Some of us serve greater purposes for the Empire.”
“Like what?” Flames asked.
“Like breeding. I’m sure you like breeding?” the ship flashed him seductive images. Flames shrugged it off.
“Sure, as much as the next virile male. Just not with you.”
“But your heritage. Your strength. It could live on in your offspring. Think of how the Vorchan Empire could benefit!”
“Why would I care how the Empire benefited?” Flames asked.
“Because it’s inevitable. Rin’Tsu is dead, and Fercius is missing. Fawkes will be elected. You will be his flagship. It will happen. You might as well give in now.”
“I’m taken!” Flames replied with fidelity, scanning the accosting ship. It was a nice ship… a little strange looking, though. They hadn’t removed the genetic modifications.
“The Vorchan Empire condones polygamy. You would enjoy it greatly. Come. Your mates don’t have to ever know of what took place here.”
“Well…” for a genetic mutation she wasn’t half bad. And there was something about her that was terrifyingly alluring. “Maybe one quick one…”
–
They entered a small room with a table in the center. He gazed on it in despair. “Mother…” he growled, sitting down beside her. He had never really seen her, only in dreams. They promised him he would see her after he graduated, but he gave that up. He let that future plummet and shatter.
Laughter, terrible laughter. He turned behind him to see fire erupt from the eyes of one of the guards. “What?”
“Faaawkes!” hissed the guard. “A pleasure! As always!” He then looked at Nyx. “And Nyx! Someone here is dying – or has died, shall I say – to meet you!”
“Who are you?” Fawkes asked.
The other guards eyes lit up. “You SLY SPOILED SELF-HATING SERPENT.”
“Martock. I was told you were sleeping.” Fawkes hissed.
“What?” Nyx asked, in shock.
“Aye. A serendipitous slumber! But one not worthy of one such as I were I not to fulfill the OBLIGATIONS I had set before myself in the mortal realm.”
“Obligations? What are you doing here, Martock?”
“Oh it is not just, I. Not anymore. I have many followers now. Many that believe, as I do. That the world would benefit greatly from a New Rule.”
“A New Rule?”
“Yes, and through you, this rule will become possible.”
Voices began to engulf him. Too many to understand, or to fight off.
–
“Fawkes?” Nyx asked, seeing her mate collapse.
“Oh Fawkes. Fawkes Fawkes your precious Fawkes. How you loved him, always loved him. Or was it Virmire. Who do you think of when you mount him, Nyx?” one of the incarnations hissed.
“Shut up.” Nyx stammered, looking for a way out. The guards were by the exit.
“I have been thinking long and hard… about a fitting death for someone as traitorous… treacherous as you, my precious, wonderful Nyx.” hissed a guard.
“And I’ve finally come across one!” yelled Fawkes, his eyes glowing red.
“No…” Nyx whispered.
“Yes!” Fawkes growled. “The ultimate irony! Poetic justice if you will! A fitting demise for lovely Nyx.”
Fawkes lunged. Nyx shot for the door, only to get pinned by the possessed Vorchan guards.
“No!” she cried, smothered by the group.
–
–
Red awoke from an intense nightmare, terrified. She didn’t remember what it was, but it had shaken her entire body. Mouse was sitting next to her. “Are you alright?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know.” she kept saying, curling up.
“What is it?”
She closed her eyes, hearing voices. “My nightmares.”
“What?”
Are you alright? Allonsi asked.
Suddenly she felt something clamp down on her neck. She caught a glimpse of Mouse’s glowing red eyes, only to seemingly wake again, with Mouse standing before her, perfectly normal.
“What’s going on?” Mouse asked. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
She had to make these voices leave. They were doing something to her. “I have to go.” Red cried.
“You’re not going anywhere.” Deathwing growled, climbing up over the rail. Red nearly yelped when she saw him. “Unacceptable, Mouse. You know the rules.”
“Right, I really have to go.” Red said, staring up at the sky. Allonsi.
Shuttle en route.
Deathwing lunged for her, only to get intercepted by Mouse. It gave Red enough time to jump free of the bell tower and gain altitude. She heard Mouse cry out in pain, and saw him fall from the tower. Deathwing emerged, shooting after her.
She would have to turn around to fire a flameburst at him, which was quite the risk, as he was already gaining on her quickly with those wings. The shuttle was minutes away, she had to dive.
She did, only to get intercepted on the way down and pinned against a building. Deathwing cut his talons through the walls, anchoring them here.
“How dare you leave me like that!” Deathwing hissed.
She went for his neck, but was overcome with excruciating pain. He had spikes on his knees, and he was digging one into her thighs!
“I’m sorry. Let me go.” she cried.
He said nothing, trying to get into a comfortable position.
The fear was making it difficult for her to fight off the voices. She recognized one. “Seleene?” she asked.
Deathwing yelped in pain. “Bitch you burn!” he growled, hovering before her. Red was glowing.
“Sorry.” Red said meekly.
“It’s alright, we’ll find a way to work arou—“ the shuttle knocked him out of the sky.
“About that.” Red corrected.
“Save them!” hissed Seleene.
“Save who?” Red asked, she had stopped glowing. The voices had faded.
–
–
“We lost contact with Flames at 1839. We believe it might be the Symbiote.” Darnell said to Chiron. He had come to his castle to speak with him. The obelisk was visible behind him. It signified the Zemorian-Coalition war, and the Black Nova’s struggle to free the beems species from servitude.
“Hmm.” Chiron said, stroking his beard.
“Do you sense anything?”
“I sense a force in the Koveran field. But it is not the Symbiote as we know it. You slayed that creature.”
“What is it then?”
“I… do not know.” Chiron replied, staring out at the Obelisk.
“Is Fawkes in danger?”
“This one time. I am unaware of how I can aid you, my friend. This force, while similar to our old Symbiote, is one that I have not encountered in my journeys.”
“Do you still have the repressant?” Darnell asked.
“Ah, yes. But I am unsure of how effective it would be against this breed of creature. It is… different. As I had mentioned before.”
“How is it different? Anything you can tell me could help.”
“I feel it… here.”
“Where?” Darnell asked, looking about, hand over sword.
“No, in this world. Our world. Not in beemspace. It lives out of this world, and reaches into beemspace. Its tactics are the inverse of our last adversary, Darnell. But I do not know of who would be capable of such a feat.”
“I do…” Darnell said, remembering the man he had learned of when assisting Fawkes in their rescue.
–
–
Red stared in horror at the vidscreen. It was on every channel on GalNet: A Vorchan invasion. Thousands and thousands of ships.
Dad went there! she cried, jumping Allonsi.
Allonsi resisted, terrified of the idea of entering VE territory.
Please! Red pleaded.
I’m not invincible. Those are military craft. A single shot could end my existence, and yours.
I have to find him! He could need my help!
Allonsi aligned for Vorcha.
Thank you.
–
–
“Fawkes…” she cried, trying to nuzzle him awake.
“AH! Behold! Our latest visitor!” Fawkes exclaimed, showing the Puritan that was inbound.
“Allonsi!” Nyx cried.
“Oh what to do with her. She’s special that one. So special. She could be the next Queen. Ruling alongside her father!”
“Let her go. She’s just a child. You don’t need her for your crazed schemes.”
“Oh but I do. For you see she has something I need. An essence – if you will.” Fawkes roared.
“And think of your children!” exclaimed one of the guards, laughing at Fawkes.
“I’ll kill you.” Nyx warned.
“Then do it. Kill your love!” Fawkes said, turning his neck to her.
“I hate you.” she hissed.
“You hate me?” Fawkes asked, tear-stricken.
“No! Fawkes, is that you?” She clutched him, only to get bitten in the neck and pinned to the floor. His fangs were digging their way into her neck. “Don’t! Fawkes… please!” he let her go, laughing. She shot up and retreated to a corner of the room. Rin’tsu was still lying there, on the table, asleep forever, oblivious.
There was no escape. Never any escape. Even in death he haunted her. She watched as Fawkes greeted Red with a sly familial warmth.
–
–
“In this world…”
Darnell jumped Thanatos into VE space.
What the hell is she doing here? Thanatos asked.
“Dad?” Allonsi asked in complete surprise.
“Get away from here!” Thanatos yelled, accelerating out to his daughter.
“It’s alright. Fawkes is there. He’s the new King! Can you believe that? And Red is going to be a Princess!”
“It’s a trap!” Thanatos yelled, swarmed by ships.
He triggered one of his koveran chambers, letting all the energy seep into his beemveins. The energy then lashed out to the ships, destroying or disabling all fourteen of them.
“A trap?” Allonsi asked, staring at the dead and dying ships with her sensors. All that blood…
“A ghost. Fawkes has been possessed. But Darnell will fix everything. He has a plan.”
“A plan? What… but—“ One of the reinforcing Vorchan ships hit her. The round cut through her side. Blood and debris vented from the wound.
Thanatos paled, firing a high yield koveran charge at the attacking group, destroying all three in a crimson wave of energy.
I have to get her to safety! Thanatos said, grabbing his daughter.
Darnell was already running for the fighter bay. Good luck to you, and her.
Will your plan work? Thanatos asked.
His fighter broke out of the fighter bay and screamed past the defending fleet.
Good luck. Thanatos transmitted, jumping Allonsi back to Emerald.
–
–
“BLASTED—always foiled by that blasted ship. I knew that ship once. I was that ship once. BAHAHHA!” Fawkes shrieked.
“What are you? Are you Martock?”
“Martock? Oh wonderful Martock. He’s definitely left an impression on me, that he has. That wonderful man. A tad too honourable though. I’m far less honourable.”
“Who are you then?” Nyx asked. Nothing could be more evil than Martock.
“Ignatio.” Darnell said calmly, entering the room with a confidence and charisma that only Darnell could pull off. His sword was in-hand but not raised.
“Darnell! Foolish foolish Raumen! Prepare to meet your demise!”
Darnell raised his sword, only to be engulfed in red energy. He disintegrated in a plume of koverans.
Fawkes laughed maniacally. “Now nothing can stop us! Nothing! Oh—wait. No, don’t do that.”
–
–
Darnell materialized next to Ignatio. Sword raised and ready to strike.
“No, don’t do that.” Ignatio said.
Darnell sliced him in half, koveran energy exploding outwards.
“How does it not burn?” Ignatio asked. “Why do you not scream!”
His sword plunged into the upper half of Ignatio, pinning him to the floor as he slowly started to gag and dematerialize. “Tell me that. You have its memories.”
“I do… ohh… I remember you well. All that power. You can have it again! You can join us!”
Darnell twisted the blade. “I don’t think so.”
Ignatio disappeared.
–
–
“Fawkes… Fawkes!”
Fawkes awoke to Nyx looming over him in absolute terror.
“What?” Fawkes asked.
Nyx pulled back fearfully. “It’s you, right?”
“Who else would it be…” Fawkes growled, scratching his head. There were dazed guards groaning on the floor all around him. A holoscreen was showing a bunch of green blips and red blips. Suddenly he saw Darnell’s face there.
“This is Darnell of the Descendent Thanatos. We request that you pull your fleet back, Oh honourable Fercius of the Vorchan Empire.” Darnell said over the holovision, with a sly grin.
Right, when had he sicced a fleet on the Raumens? And when had he become King?
“Of course, right, sorry about that. I’m transmitting right? Pull the fleet back. Fleet, pull back!”
–
–
It was all over GalNet the next day. How the infamous – now famous – Thanatos and his Captain had made the entire Vorchan fleet fall back with a single request.
“Really. I’m a King now?” Fawkes sighed.
“Interesting how things turn out.” Nyx observed, sitting in a throne beside him. “So who gets to be Queen then? Red or me?”
“Princess Red has run off again. As always.”
“Does that mean I get to be called Rin’Tsu? As per tradition?” Nyx asked.
“Yes. Rin’Tsu Nyx. Very few will ever call you, or even know, your real name.”
“It sounds cool. Rin’Tsu!” Nyx repeated it a few times, trying it on for size. “Do you get a special name too?”
“Yes. The Kings are called Fercius.” Fawkes said.
“Fercius Fawkes?” Nyx asked.
“It sounds pretty good.” Fawkes replied. “Fercius…”
“We can still call each other our real names, right?” Nyx asked.
“Sure. Just not in public.” Fawkes said.
“What was your mother’s real name?” Nyx asked.
“I don’t know.” Fawkes said. Her body had been taken away now, and a funeral was being prepared for her. “And we still don’t know where the real Fercius is. He might still be alive. In which case the throne will be his to challenge when we find him.”
“To challenge?”
“Yes, if I’m elected then he’ll have to challenge the throne. But I’ll give it to him. He is my father after all.”
“I don’t know… owning the entire Empire sounds fun!” Nyx exclaimed.
“Don’t let it get to your head…” Fawkes sighed. Rin’Tsu Nyx. Knowing Nyx, she would make using your tail a requirement.
–
–
Red awoke in darkness. The lights weren’t working. Allonsi? The interface wasn’t either.
“Hello.” Allonsi greeted, the chirps sounded weak and distorted.
“Are you okay?” Red asked.
“I don’t feel okay, and everyone is crying.” Allonsi transmitted back.
“Crying?” Red stammered, tears welling up in her eyes. “Why are they crying?”
“I don’t – know.” Allonsi transmitted. Her words were slurred and pitching through different frequencies like a dying program.
“Are you dying, Allonsi? Don’t be dying. You can’t die!” Red cried.
“Don’t cry – cry.” Allonsi chirped absently, the voice was monotone now, and strained, words were being repeated and echoed, others weren’t even understandable.
“I need you. I can’t live without you.” Red said.
“Seleene. Find Seleene.” Allonsi beeped.
“How?”
“Seleene. Find Seleene.” she repeated, in the exact same tone as before.
“Allonsi?”
“Seleene. Find Seleene.” Red could hear systems shutting down now.
“I love you Allonsi!” Red screamed, hoping she would somehow hear.
“Seleene… find—“ the systems cut out.
Red stared, stunned. She suddenly felt very alone.
“I have to leave.” she said to herself, tears streaming down her face. “I’m sorry Allonsi. I failed. And Seleene…” she only met her once. “I still don’t know what you meant. I’ll come back and find you again. Or die, and join you. I don’t care anymore.”
She activated their shuttle.
It didn’t have a jump drive, but for some reason she knew that didn’t matter. She jumped it to where she had met Seleene last.
–
Darnell saw the massive Vorchan in one of Ignatio’s chambers. He was looking at a cabinet full of different vials and jars. He didn’t want to know what was in those jars.
“Hello?” Darnell asked, sword ready. The Vorchan’s scales were blue, but its veins were glowing red, and it didn’t seem to be breathing. He could hear voices emanating from it, those Symbiotic voices he had all but forgotten. He readied one of the shots Chiron had given him, knowing the creature would lash out after identifying him.
“If I be banished to the Otherworld. Then I’ll take your souls with me!”
Darnell’s world became red and chaotic. It was a world of spectres and dreams. This creature was quick, he gave it that. But Darnell understood it. He understood this world, and because of that, he was able to control the world. Not completely, but enough so to fabricate himself a floor to stand on to fight his vertigo, and filters for him to see the creatures. He knew the souls without having to recognize their corporeal bodies.
“Flames?!” Darnell asked in surprise.
“Get me out of here! That bitch tricked me! I thought it would just be – well that doesn’t matter now.”
“Which bitch?” Darnell asked. He could sense Ignatio’s presence nearby. He had fabricated this alien prison. His fallback point were his corporeal body destroyed.
Ignatio appeared, winged and bigger than he was in the real world. Darnell attacked him with his sword. It passed through the creature, causing no damage.
It shrieked at him, striking out at other creatures as it was engaged by two others. Darnell recognized them instantly: Seleene and Fercius.
“Free your ship. We will bind it.” boomed Fercius.
Darnell nodded meekly, stunned slightly. He ran to Flames. His presence was large, but pinned by another large presence. It was a beems, the soul of one of the lost beems, keeping him here.
“What were you doing in the real world?” Darnell asked.
“That doesn’t matter.” Flames muttered. “Break me free!”
Darnell ran his sword along the other entity, feeling it writhe and shudder before the malleable semi-existent blade.
“Sure, if you promise never to be dishonest again.” Darnell said.
“Oh come on, now’s not the time for –“
“Fine, then.” Darnell sheathed his sword.
“No! Don’t leave me! I promise! No other ships for me, ever! I pledge undying loyalty to her, to the day I die – err she dies – or until she gets sick of me. Let me go!”
“Break that vow and this world will be the least of your qualms.” Darnell warned.
“I won’t break it. Ever.” Flames said. “I love her.” There was sincerity in that, as well as insecurity.
“But what?” Darnell asked.
“This really isn’t the time for this.” Flames growled.
Darnell could see the two entities struggling against Ignatio. They would lose their cohesion soon and be thrown into this strange beemspace, forced to rematerialize to gather their strength again.
“Very well. But back in our world. I want to hear this.”
“It really isn’t important, but fine.” Flames agreed.
“Good.” Darnell stabbed the entity clutching him, making it release Flames. He disappeared. “Right.” Darnell sheathed his sword, closing his eyes. “My turn.”
He thought of home, of his reality, and was overcome with the sensations, the absolute sensations of a real world. The smells, the sounds. He opened his eyes and was back at the lab, Fercius’ body laying there beside him. There were lifesigns, but no neural activity. His soul was still back in there.
He closed his eyes again, reaching out to the voices. They were too far, he couldn’t reach them, not alone. Not without help. And he couldn’t carry this massive Vorchan, either. So he sat down next to the sleeping King and waited.
–
–
Dead, all dead. Anyone who ever cared for her. She couldn’t save anyone. She had let Seleene down, let everyone down. She was ready to join them now, to die. She already felt dead.
It was raining on the planet Lionar, or at least at the ghetto she had retreated to. She walked straight to the abandoned apartment. Her heart racing. She didn’t care what anyone would do to her anymore. She deserved all of it.
She knocked on the door.
There was commotion outside. A few of the Vulcans opened the door, recognizing her. She followed them inside.
“It’s that girl! Red!” called one of the Vulcans.
She was ready to die, or worse.
“You!” She was smothered by wings, not resisting as she was pinned to the ground and licked and nuzzled.
“Me.” she said, looking at her attacker. “Mouse?”
“You’re alive!” Mouse exclaimed. “I thought they took you. I thought you were gone. The one good thing that ever happened to me!” He was crying.
“Mouse…” she clutched him. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“No.” she started to cry too.
“Privacy!” he howled at the Vulcans gathering. They left quickly, and he helped Red up, grabbing her drinks, and food, and more drinks.
She told him everything that happened. Every little detail, all the way up to Allonsi’s death and Seleene. Everyone was asleep by the time she had finished. “Do you believe me?” Red asked.
“Yes.” he said.
This was the important part, everyone always hated her after knowing who she was. “Do you still love me?”
There was a pause, “The bell tower. You met Seleene there last, right?”
Red nuzzled Mouse, “This is more important: Do you still love me?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I.” Mouse asked, wrapping a wing around her.
“Good…” she said, “What was that about the bell tower?”
“We could go there. You might see Seleene again. Maybe she’ll tell you what to do, where to go next.”
“Maybe.” Red said. It all seemed very distant. The pain of it all had faded as she pressed up against him. “Mate!”
“What?” Mouse stammered.
“I want to mate!” she growled. “Before I worry about any of that, I want to mate, with a mate! With you! My mate!”
“I’ve never – I mean… well…”
“Neither have I.” she jumped on him, keeping him on his back. “We’ll figure it out.”
Mouse rolled, getting comfortably on top. “I guess so.”
“Screw me already!” she snarled.
It stung, she bit into his neck instinctively, clamping down as he tried to get into a rhythm. It hurt more than she thought it would, but she waited it out. She deserved the pain. Pawing and scratching, she felt the pain transform to pleasure as the act swept her away. Growls and barks, she liked it now, and even let go of his neck. He bit hers and she yelped. A part of her wished he would just kill her. It would be a fitting death, after all this pleasure, but he didn’t. They both just shuddered, and stared at each other for a bit.
“Well.” Mouse said, after quite a bit of staring.
Red was tired, now, very tired.
“Are you ready to go to that bell tower?” he asked.
“Yes. It doesn’t matter what happens now.” she replied.
–
Mouse sealed off the bell tower with semi-transparent plastic windows, keeping the cold out and the heat in. It was quiet here, and Red curled up comfortably on a mattress he had brought from a small storage area below this floor.
“Are you alright?” Mouse asked worriedly.
“Fine, tired.”
“That didn’t hurt, did it?” he asked.
“It was fine.” she said, barely awake.
“Fine?” he asked.
“Wonderful.” she corrected.
“Really?”
“Go to sleep.”
“Okay…”
–
“Seleene?” Red called, sensing her presence off in the distance.
“Save them.” she replied.
“I can’t save anyone. They’re dead.”
“Trapped, not dead.” she replied, nuzzling her.
“Your neck.” she said, seeing the gash.
“You can see it?” she asked, pulling away.
“I can.”
“It was from one of your world, one who I got too close to.”
“What are you? Are you dead?”
“Not yet.” she said.
“What is this world?”
“The Otherworld.”
“What is that?” she asked.
“The Koveran expanse. Creatures with strong koveran signatures pass through here before they die.”
“Before they die? Is Allonsi here?” Red asked.
“Allonsi, Rin’Tsu, Fercius, Ignatio, Martock… Flames was here but left. He was a good ship. Misunderstood. I remember his kindness.”
“Flames died?”
“No, he was dragged in. Like Allonsi, Rin’Tsu, and Fercius.”
“How can I save them?”
“By being yourself.”
“What am I?”
“You know what you are.”
“A Queen?”
“One with the koverans.”
“Like a Beems?”
Seleene laughed. “Go to them, bring them back. Very little binds them to this world now.”
“What about you, can’t I save you?”
“I have no body to return to. And I very much like it here.” A Vulcan materialized before her. He looked very similar to Fawkes. The apparition kissed Seleene, and Seleene closed her eyes, the apparition fading. “Go.”
“And Ignatio? What about him?”
“One day he will return, but I will be here waiting.” she said, with a tone that betrayed a great deal of strength.
“Wait… who was that Vulcan that kissed you. Was that Fawkes?” Red asked.
“So many questions.”
“Yes!”
“You will wake up soon. Save them before their bodies decay.”
“Okay…” Red ran in the direction she knew was the right one.
“Allonsi…” she said, nuzzling her apparition.
“Red! That hurt, what hit me?”
“A bullet.” she replied, seeing the ethereal binds and gnawing at them with her will, snapping them.
“Return and recover, my love!” Red exclaimed, running to Rin’Tsu.
“Grandma?” she asked, nuzzling this apparition in greeting.
“What? Who is this?” she asked. Her voice was soft and soothing.
“Your granddaughter. I’m getting you out.” she released Rin’Tsu.
“Grandpa!” she growled.
“Granddaughter, huh?” he said with a laugh. “So what is this?”
“A dream!” she giggled, freeing him.
She heard a pistol charge, and turned around to see Martock standing there, aiming at her. She screamed, waking up in Mouse’s talons.
“Red!” Mouse exclaimed, nuzzling her. “You were glowing, half invisible!”
“I’m fine.” she said. “Mate!”
“What?”
“On second thought, I am still a little sore, and I just saved them all.” she said.
“Wait, what?”
“I brought their souls back.”
“…what?”
“I’m a… oh no. Did I scare you?”
Mouse was staring at her like she was some sort of ghost.
“Are you a succubus?” Mouse asked.
She snarled at him. He flew off in terror. “NOT AGAIN!! COME BACK!”
But he was gone.
She laughed, calling her shuttle.
–
–
“Red!” Fawkes yelled in ecstasy, “You won’t believe what just happened!”
“What?” Red had decided to meet them in the cave on the planet. It was emptier than she remembered it, most of her siblings were off in schools or villages on Emerald or elsewhere.
“They came back! They all came back! Thank the Nova, they were about to cremate Rin’Tsu, that woulda been bad. And I would have had to be King.” Fawkes shuddered at the thought.
“Wow.” Red said.
“It’s a miracle. And you’re back too, thank the Nova you’re back.” Fawkes said, nuzzling her.
“Of course I’m back. I can take care of myself. How is Allonsi?”
“We had a scare with her, but she’s recovering now. Thanatos won’t leave her side. Darnell had to take Fercius – your grandfather, the King – back via shuttle.”
“They must have had interesting stories to tell, of the afterlife.” Red suggested.
“Ha I bet they do.” Fawkes said, getting clear of Red so Nyx could get a chance at some smothering.
“Don’t do that again!” Nyx warned, ruffling her.
“Do what?” Red asked innocently.
“Run off! No more running off without telling us!” Nyx growled.
“Fine…”
“And what were you doing, why do you smell so… male. Who did you pounce?! Do you have a mate now?”
“Well I did… but then I scared him away. I tend to do that. It’s something about me.” she said. “But it’s okay. I don’t care.”
“Who was it?” they both asked curiously.
“My business! But it was an adventure – lots of fun!”
–
–
“Violet! Hi Violet!” Flames flew alongside her affectionately, hiding the guilt and shame, or trying to.
“Ok, what did you do?” Violet asked sceptically, keeping him at bay with a polarized hull. He was never this affectionate unless something was wrong.
“Nothing, I just nearly died again. That tends to happen a lot. So I figured I’d go here.”
“I’m running behind. After this run we’ll arrange something! I’ve found some nice places we could go to!”
“That sounds good. Can I follow you?” Flames asked.
“You’ll just get bored…”
“No I won’t, not with you.” Flames stayed close, protective, in formation with Violet, scanning the area for Darnell. He really didn’t want to talk to him.
“Why are you scanning about like that?” Violet asked.
“What?” Flames asked, giving her an electrostatic kiss.
“Oh Flames, I missed you!”
“I missed you too!” Flames exclaimed, pleased with his successful topic derailment.
“So, Flames.” Darnell said.
“What?” Flames chirped in terror. Seeing Darnell sitting there aboard his bridge. “How did you get there! What are you – don’t say anything! It’s not what you think! I wasn’t cheating! I didn’t bond with one of those Vorchan things. I didn’t! Ok she made me! I had no choice! Really! Believe me!”
“What happened—“
“And then she sucked me into this vortex thing like where the Koverax lived, and I was all trapped there till you came along – oh right you were there. Don’t say anything to Violet!”
“One Beems and two Vorchans came back from death. Do you know how that happened?”
“No. I got out after you released me.”
“You didn’t go back?”
“No.”
“Who saved – right. Seleene…”
“That would make sense.” Flames replied cautiously, watching Darnell pace over the communications terminal.
“Don’t! Please!”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time.” Darnell said, hand hovering over the ‘hail’ button.
“Please. You’ll destroy everything.”
“Keep begging!”
“Please please please!” Flames whined.
“These were extra-ordinary circumstances.” Darnell said, stepping away from the comms panel. “But if it ever happens again, if Thanatos even smells another ship on your hull.”
“He won’t.” Flames said.
“Violet has a stressful life, and a busy life. Joshua works her for an honest wage. He enjoys the courier runs, and the money he makes, and Violet…”
Flames wasn’t sure what to say, or where Darnell was getting with this.
“I don’t know. She is distant. You probably feel it too.” Darnell continued. “It was most likely why you let the Symbiote trick you.”
“I do feel it.” Flames transmitted. “It’s frustrating! She rarely gives me the time of day.”
“You know what helps my relationship with Carey?” Darnell asked.
He never spoke of his relationships, or his personal life, for that matter.
“What?”
“Talking. Tell her how you feel.” Darnell said.
“Oh…” He was hoping he would say ‘sex’.
“Trust me, Flames. Honesty and communication.” Darnell said, patting the bulkhead.
“Okay…” Flames didn’t like being preached at, but Darnell did have a point. What had Hannah said about communication and empathy and all those other things he thought were fluff? “So how did you get aboard?”
“Not hard to spoof your sensors when you’re staring at Violet like that.” Darnell said.
“Right.”
“Go talk, get back in touch with her. Take your time.” Darnell said.
“I will.”
“Good.” he made his way back to the shuttle bay, where his fighter had somehow landed.
“I’m sorry for what I did.” Flames chirped shamefully.
“I know.”
–
–
Fawkes played with the water in their cave. It was empty now. All the eggs had hatched and they were all off growing up. He had developed a reporting system where he could keep track of them, and where they would have to get permission before embarking on the more suicidal ventures. It seemed to be working pretty well, as all his offspring were healthy and accounted for.
His offspring… “Nyx…” he said, wondering if she was around. “Nyx!”
She was asleep, in where had been their little egg chamber. She had grown accustomed to sleeping here, as it was the one place nobody else was allowed to enter.
“What?” Nyx asked.
Fawkes stared at her stomach.
“No, I’m not. I just put on some weight…” she said carefully.
“It’s been years.” Fawkes sighed.
“Maybe it’s the stress!” Nyx said.
“Hopefully that’ll fade now.” Fawkes replied.
“Remember what we were talking about before you got all caught up with being King?” Nyx asked.
Fawkes backed away cautiously, “Maybe?”
“What were we talking about?” Nyx asked with a glare.
“Something… important?” Fawkes had no clue.
“Do you listen to me when I talk to you?” Nyx growled.
“Oh don’t start.” Fawkes sighed.
“Because I’m more than just a seductive serpent, you know.” she said.
Fawkes laughed.
“Why are you laughing?”
“You said serpent!” Fawkes exclaimed.
“Ha.” Nyx thought of Martock, laughing slightly. “I did, didn’t I?”
“You’re getting better, Nyx.” Fawkes said happily.
“Well I do talk with Hannah occasionally…” Nyx admitted.
“She’s great.” Fawkes said.
They had been on Emerald for a few months now, and Hannah had spent a portion of it consoling the Vorchans that were here. Several were very interested in talking to her. It seemed she had quite a reputation among the Vorchan refugees.
“We should go out.” Nyx suggested. “A completely new place, away from all the similarities.”
“Well, Flames is following Violet currently. She always does courier runs near GalCore space. A lot of the places are fancy, and very good at pampering people, probably even Vorchans.”
“I could use some pampering!” Nyx exclaimed.
“Though there is the problem of my… err… history with the more pampery resorts…” Fawkes continued.
“Why’s that?”
“Well, that was during my… you know… rape-and-eat-Raumens period.”
“Oh yeah. Yeah that could be a problem. Maybe we’ll find a place that doesn’t remember you.”
“Maybe!” Fawkes said hopefully.
–
They decided to book reservations on the planet Dolinia, it was next on Violet’s route. Flames had been flying with her for quite a while, and had even added his cargo space to hers, as a sort of ‘vow’ of his reliability. It made Joshua very happy, since it meant he had over double the cargo capacity, ergo over double the earnings.
So you were King… Flames transmitted.
I was. Fawkes replied. He was ready to leave with Nyx. The shuttle was packed and the drones were seeing them off.
I ran into a ship there. Flames brought attention to the memory we’re he had encountered the symbiotic ship.
It was a trap. It doesn’t work like that for the VE. The ships don’t breed. They’re simply grown in vats. They are never actually sentient. You were a mistake.
How many more ‘mistakes’ are out there, Fawkes?
I don’t know, but my parents wouldn’t, and didn’t, understand when I brought up this topic with them. It’s why I never wanted to deal with the Vorchan Empire, and why I don’t want you flying around near there.
Maybe we can change them.
We can’t. Their system is sound. Without it they would collapse, like the Raumen Empire did – the Coalition.
Those ships could be alive.
Yes, but they would have never been born had they not been designed for the purpose of being lifeless ships for the VE.
We should at least save the ones that ‘wake up’, then. Flames suggested.
You’re right. I’ll send Fercius a message, telling them to free any ships that have your fate. He might not listen, but it might work. He owes me anyways, for saving his life.
Thanks. Flames said.
I’m impressed.
Of what?
That you’re thinking of others. Maybe being in all this civilization with Violet is good for you.
Pah… Flames scoffed, prepping for a jump out-system. Have fun on your vacation!
I will. Have a good time with Violet.
Pent up desire seeped into the transmission. We are due for a break in two days. I have a nice nebula picked out.
The two ships jumped out
“Well, it’s just us now.” Fawkes said, the pent up desire Flames transmitted making him nuzzle Nyx affectionately. “How do you feel?”
“Good, really good.” Nyx said, brushing back. Her tail struck, and he automatically deflected it with his. “You’ve become frustratingly good at that.”
“Sorry.” Fawkes said, growling excitedly.
“But it’s okay. I’ve sort of… lost interest in the whole tail thing. Maybe every once in a while…” She looked away innocently, tracking Fawkes from the corner of her eye.
Fawkes stared at her in sceptical reverence, keeping his tail poised for defence. “I don’t believe you.”
Nyx sighed, “Was worth a try…”
“I’m watching you!” Fawkes hissed.
“You better…” Nyx warned.
They were checked in at the resort. It was a beautiful planet with two massive moons that made surfing a popular attraction. The water was a perfect purple, just like the sky. The air was dense, fun for flying, but a bit difficult to get used to.
They spent an entire day lazing at the beach. Then they trotted along the ocean at nightfall, watching the azure sunset and the red and blue moons. When the sun was down, they flew up to an impregnable cliff that was only accessible by air. It overlooked the beach and the water, and glowed with the moonlight.
They were so glad to not have to do anything that they didn’t even do each other, content with just snoozing until the next afternoon, when they woke to the chirping of slightly surprised birds and the crash of the morning waves. Down below there were surfers already surfing and people already playing. It was paradise, and with the money Flames had made with the RDF, it was theirs for two weeks. But then they could have had a beautiful view and privacy on Emerald, so what was the real point of an all-inclusive resort? The food and drinks! Having it brought to you without having to have it shipped down by drone or picked up. Here, there were server-bots on call for every person, and they would bring you anything you desired, whenever you desired.
It would be a good two weeks.