She woke in the Black Valley, jolting awake with a hammering heart. The black sand beneath her feet was warm enough to feel through her combat boots. The Clochian forces were firing from the other end of the valley. Odd that she was on the ground. Valia had been a pilot in her military days. Her missions focused on sabotage and hit-and-run tactics carried out in a small, nearly undetectable one person craft. That also meant that when she went down she was alone and in enemy territory.
A bomb exploded in front of her. After years of these nightmares, she barely flinched as her ears rang and smoke filled her throat. The world flew by and she was in a trench. Screams echoed around her, the cries of agony from her fellow soldiers chief among them. Mech suit pilots stuck in crumpled exo suits, foot soldiers shot with homing bullets, and those cut with laser weapons frantically trying to save themselves.
Valia looked around her. The smoke and blood crowded her vision. Her ears rang from weapons and screams alike. This is the environment she had met T’Shan and Kylie in. T’Shan had downed her during a supply run, but not before his own ship became too damaged to fly. They’d nearly killed each other on the ground. Then, they realized the war was pointless and they didn’t want to die for it. So they had worked together to survive. They were rescued together, though T’Shan was taken prisoner. Kylie had been the one to treat her. Even defended her treatment of the enemy.
Kylie had never approved of the war. Only agreed to serve if she could treat both sides. She thought the war for Volantis One was pointless. She even turned out to be right, as Volantis 2 had been discovered after a couple years of fighting. By then, the casualties were great enough that the two peoples had to come to a treaty. All that death, for farmland that could be shared.
Valia took a step forward, perhaps to storm off. Then she was falling. She landed next to T’Shan at the ceremony where they were presented their commendations for honor during wartime. They were seen as the first to have “found peace.”
They had bonded over how much they hated those awards. T’Shan had no choice in attending, the Generals who lead the Clochian people had invited him. The first thing everyone learned about Clochian culture upon landing on Chrysalis was to never disobey the Generals. Valia could have avoided the ceremony, she had already put in her resignation by the time the Peace Accords were announced. Kylie had convinced her to go. Besides, she hadn’t wanted to let T’Shan suffer alone.
Kylie attended the Volcanis Peace Accords, which ended the war, and the Joint Planetary Agricultural Initiative ceremonies by her side. The only support she had left, once she was no longer a soldier. Kylie had also put in her resignation. They had tried to hold onto her more than Valia, though. Doctors were much more valuable than soldiers.
It was on Chrysalis that they’d had their first date. As she reminisced, the scene in front of her changed from stuffy officials giving speeches to Kylie singing offbeat in a Clochian dive bar. After a few cocktails, they had decided to stay in space. Kylie teased her about asking to go steady on the first date. She’d teased back that no one calls it “going steady” anymore.
She’d drunkenly called T’Shan about their plan to stay among the stars. He agreed almost immediately.
They hadn’t meant for it to turn into a smuggling operation. But, someone offers you enough money to sneak passed a government you don’t like in the first place…
Well, you take it.
Valia remembered the annoyed look T’Shan had on his face through the entire ceremony. His violet eyes had looked like they were trying to burn a hole in General Sh’massa’s back. Maybe he had been planning a way to get back at them the entire time.
Kylie moving towards her drew Valia out of her thoughts and back to the dream. She smiled. Kylie was stumbling, holding a glass of Clochian yasha, and moving toward her with intent. She remembered, surprisingly considering her own intoxication, that this was their first kiss.
“I don’t know how you drink that fermented…” Valia tried to remember what yasha was made out of. It flew out of her mind.
“Milk from a mountain something or other.” Kylie finished for her. She downed her drink. “I’ve had worse.”
“Not a glowing endorsement.” Valia teased.
“No, no it’s not.” Kylie agreed, a smile on her face. She leaned towards Valia. “You know what is a glowing endorsement?”
Her voice was a whisper. Valia was happy to experience a good memory for now, and let the scene play out. They both leaned in for a kiss.
Then an alarm sounded. Dream Kylie jumped away from her in alarm. It took Valia a moment to remember she was, in fact, asleep. The alarm likely meant dinner. She woke up to a very real Kylie toying with the alarm on her gauntlet and grumbling in irish. She was still pressed into Valia’s side, though a bit more twisted than she likely would have been while asleep.
“I thought you had work to do?” Valia rolled completely to her side to hug the doctor to her. Kylie let out a contented sigh that warmed her heart.
“I finished an hour ago.” Kylie kissed her shoulder before sitting up. “You looked upset, darling. Want to talk about it?”
Kylie could always tell when something was bothering Valia, no matter how much she tried to hide it. Valia loved that about her. Did make it hard to hold everything in until she exploded, which was her normal way to handle emotions.
“I was dreaming about the war, again.” Valia entwined their fingers, distracting herself by drawing patterns on Kylie’s skin.
“I’m surprised you still get those dreams.” Kylie rubbed her forehead. “I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t remember my dreams.”
“I would say I wished it never happened, but some good things did come from it.” Valia nudged her before letting go of her hand and standing.
“Like T’Shan?” Kylie teased, following her out of bed.
“Exactly.” Valia rolled her eyes. “You know, I try to be sweet.”
Luna’s voice over the intercom drew their attention.
“Captain, Jack wishes to inform you that dinner will be served in ten minutes.”
“Thank you, Luna.” Valia fixed her hair. “Tell him we’ll be right there.”
“He also wanted me to tell you that the ‘new kid’ might need a hero.”
“I knew he would be trouble.” Valia mumbled. Kylie took her hand and lead her towards the mess hall.
“Let’s go save the wee lad before Amara eats him.”
Valia let herself be led on the short walk to the mess hall. Most of the crew hadn’t arrived yet. Only the officer’s tended to arrive early to meals, which was fine by Valia. She liked the crew but too many people and she felt suffocated.
T’Shan and Allen were at the furthest table from them. Kylie weaved her way through tables and crew members. When they reached the table, she let go of Valia’s hand. Jack waved as he ran by, curly hair bouncing with each step. Helper bots, a gift from Valia the last time they’d finished a big job, tried to keep up. Their frantic beeping almost sounded worried for their master.
“Captain, hope you’re feeling well enough to eat.” Jack ran past them again, beeping bots in tow. Before Valia could answer, he was gone again.
“I’m starting to think he takes the helper bots presence as a challenge.” Kylie watched as he ran by, shaking her head. “He needs to slow down.”
“Good luck getting him to.” T’Shan commented through a mouth full of toasted nuts. “I don’t think he’s taken a break since he was a little kid.”
Valia took a seat to T’Shan’s left and Kylie sat next to her. T’Shan acknowledged them both with a smile and passed a small bowl of nuts towards them. Valia took a handful before observing Allen. He still looked uncomfortable, though much less so. Perhaps Amara had calmed down. Or T’Shan had stuck to the poor boy’s side this entire time.
“So, you’re the unfortunate wee suit who is with our crew a bit, yeah?” Kylie asked. Though he was confused, Allen nodded. “Great to meet you. I’m Kylie McBride, crew calls me Cure, though. I’m the ship’s doctor.”
“Best in the galaxy.” Valia added.
“She’s biased.” T’Shan commented.
“Why wee?” Allen asked. He looked to T’Shan for help, but the Clochian simply shrugged.
“Apparently, everything is ‘wee’ in Ireland. That’s where she’s from.” Jack answered as he approached the table. He gave out utensils and cups for the officers that would be showing up.
“I think she called you a ‘wee suit’ because you’re an apprentice, though.”
“Mhm.” Kylie affirmed through a mouthful. “Not a full suit, yet.”
“That’s...odd.” It seemed like Allen struggled to find the right word. “It’s like I’m some kind of baby animal.”
“Wee lamb.” Kylie agreed, smiling at the poor boy. She was going to torture him.
“Or, like a turtle coming out of it’s shell.” Valia suggested. She should help him a little.
“Don’t turtles stay in their shells? It’s part of their body.” T’Shan asked. He promptly turned to a helper bot to order a drink. “
“Then where does the phrase ‘coming out of your shell’ come from?” Valia countered. The helper bot came for her order next and she placed both her own and Kylie’s.
“Hermit crabs? They leave their shells and find a new one as they grow.” Kylie suggested. She patted the helper bot on the head as it passed her. It let out a happy beep before moving on to Allen.
“I think it is about turtles. When they’re scared they hide in their shells. They still come out in a way, though.” Allen added, a thoughtful expression on his face. An insistent beep got him to turn and place his order.
“Don’t we all.” Valia quipped. Kylie elbowed her in response.
“Not funny.
“Yes, I am.” Valia countered. Kylie just rolled her eyes.
Allen smiled and nearly let out a laugh at their exchange. Valia thought he seemed like a nice kid. Despite his relations.
The rest of the crew and the officers filed in as they continued talking. Amara glared at Allen as she walked past, but otherwise he wasn’t paid any mind. When all the officers were gathered Valia decided that introductions were in order. She clapped her hands to get everyones attention. The table went silent.
“Alright, Allen. Now that everyone’s here we can get some introductions out of the way.” Valia started by gesturing to Skull, who had taken a seat next to Kylie. “You’ve met Skullcrusher, or Skull. He’s Novarrian, four-armed and dangerous.”
“Very dangerous.” The red hulk of muscle agreed.
“Almost as dangerous as me.” Valia joked, nearly elbowing T’Shan who spit out his drink in laughter.
“Agreed.” Skull conceded, before turning back to his mill and chugging half a pint.
“He’s our security officer, for obvious reasons.” Valia gestured even further down her row, where she could see a spotted tail next to Skull. “Next to him is Amara Lost, our resident Armaxian.”
“We’ve met.” Amara leaned forward. Valia could see her spotted fur, red eyes, and the collar that became fashionable among Armaxians following their introduction to humans.
“Engineering officer, right?” Allen asked. After Amara nodded he looked between the two very different felines. “Novarrians and Armaxians share a common ancestor, right? Do you get along?”
Skull answered “No” at the same time Amara answered “When we need to.”
“Armaxians like to say that it was the Novarrian ancestor who led to the downfall of their shared, original civilization. And vice versa.” T’Shan explained to a confused Allen. Valia had to clap her hands again when it looked like Amara and Skull were about to fight it out.
“Anyway, at the end of the row is Squid. They are Varmaxi and no, Squid is not their real name. Varmaxi don’t have names so much as feelings attached to them as a being. They serve as the Morale Officer.”
“What is a Morale Officer?” Allen asked, turning to Squid.
Squid answered in sign language as well as telepathy, as he did not have Allen’s permission to connect their minds yet someone else would likely need to translate.
I monitor crew emotions and well being. Normally, the First Mate does that but my talents are a bit more suited. The Captain created the position for me.
Squid’s various tentacles were frantically signing the symbols in Intergalatic Sign Language as he projected the information. Their signs were a little rusty. Valia was preparing to translate when, to her shock, Allen started to sign back. He spoke along with it, though he had to know it wasn’t necessary.
“I wish we had officers like that on our company ships.” Allen responded. “Maybe I could create the position if I get high enough in the company.”
“You know ISL?” T’Shan asked, clearly as surprised as Valia. Squid’s bioluminescent patches were glowing happily, so he clearly enjoyed the surprise.
“I dated a Leorian who was deaf.” Allen explained, continuing to sign along. “He taught me so I wouldn’t need to wear those translator contacts.”
“You don’t have to sign everything, they can hear you.” Valia explained. “Though, I’m sure Squid appreciates the gesture.”
“They aren’t used to people outside our crew being so suggesting.” Shoto spoke up from his seat across from T’Shan and next to Allen. Then he offered his hand to Allen. “Shoto Arakawa. Equipment Officer. Fancy way of saying I make sure everything is in stock.”
“And that it gets where it needs to go when the time comes. Like a pirate attack.” T’Shan added.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Allen shook his hand.
“Kids got manners.” Shoto cracked his knuckles, a nervous habit he had in social situations apparently. “Business world is going to eat him up.”
Allen looked like he wanted to respond, if the frown was any indication. Landon beat him to it by lightly smacking Shoto upside the head.
“Don’t listen to this jerk.” Landon leaned forward and waved at Allen. “I’m Landon, by the way. Operations Officer. I keep everything running, despite other peoples best efforts.”
“He also makes sure everyone gets paid, is up to date on all their paperwork, and a bunch of other paperwork.” Valia added.
“He and Kylie are basically the parents of the ship, making sure the rest of us don’t die.” Jack finally arrived, distributed food, and took his seat next to Landon.
Kylie and Landon both took offense to that. It lead to a quick argument between half the table about who was and wasn’t responsible. Valia focused on her dinner.
“You lot sure are lively tonight.” Jack smiled after the noise calmed down. He reached his hand in front of Landon and Shoto for Allen to shake. “Jack Grimes, Nutrition Officer. I keep everyone from starving. If any of these goons get on your nerves, you can hang out with me in the kitchen.”
“I may have to take you up on that.” Allen answered as he shook Jack’s hand.
“I really would, the only other sanctuary is with Luna up on the bridge. She’s not great at communication.” Kylie suggested. She turned to Amara. “Can you do something about that, like upgrade her? Maybe add a humor module?”
“She’s an android not a gossip.” Amara growled. “You shouldn’t be such a - what do you call it? - whinker.”
“It’s whinger.” Kylie corrected. “And how dare you.”
Amara and Kylie continued their rather ridiculous debate as the helper bots began serving dessert. Kylie took a break from arguing to order herself a cup of tea. A look from Valia had her requesting decaf. When the helper bot came around to her she ordered a cup of green tea and some cookies. They were going to go bad soon, if they weren’t already stale. Once the bot happily ran away, Valia opened comms up on her gauntlet and contacted Luna.
“ETA to Omega Prime?” She asked, not bothering with the pleasantries Amara hadn’t programmed in anyway.
“We are 5 hours out, if speed stays consistent, Captain.” Luna responded quickly. Valia thanked her and closed the comms. Allen was looking like he wanted to ask a question.
“Staring isn’t polite, kid.” Valia ran her fingers through her hair. Allen opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the helper bots delivering their orders.
“He’s probably wondering about Omega Prime.” Kylie suggested, before stealing one of Valia’s cookies. She playfully batted her hand away, though it only earned her a grin.
“Never heard of it or never been?” Valia asked, before sipping her tea.
“Everyone’s heard of Omega Prime.” Allen shifted in his seat. “But I was told it would be unseemly for an officer in the corporation to be seen there.”
T’Shan snorted at the last comment and shot a look towards Valia and Kylie. They all knew that the people who loved Omega Prime the most were suits.
“Well, Omega Prime is everyones paradise. Stay out of the shady bits and you’ll be fine.” Kylie sent Allen a reassuring smile, before continuing to pilfer Valia’s cookies.
“I thought it was a giant den of crime?” Allen commented.
“That too.” Valia nodded. “But, it also has some of the best restaurants and entertainment in the galaxy. Criminals enjoy the finer things in life, too, ya know.”
“There are also a lot of unpleasant things. Just stay in the right districts, you’ll be fine.” Kylie waved her hand dismissively. “Not like T’Shan will let you get into trouble. He’s practically adopted you at this point.”
“Not by choice.” T’Shan commented, then turned to Allen. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Allen said, offended.
“Shoto and I can take the kid off your hands.” Landon offered. He clapped his friend on the shoulder. “We’ll show him all the safe and fun spots. Like the Virtual Arcade.”
“Did you just volunteer me?” Shoto asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Do you not want to go to the arcade with me?” Landon asked, looking a bit like a kicked puppy.
“You should definitely do that, if for nothing else then to watch Landon tear it up on a rhythm game.” Kylie suggested. “It’s brilliant.”
“Yeah, but Shoto and I have to continue our Blood Warrior V challenge first.” Landon lightly smacked Allen on the shoulder. “It’s this awesome fighting game. We play each other every chance we can get. It’s 65-64 right now, and I’m in the lead.”
“What?” Shoto interrupted. “No, I’m at 65 and you’re at 64.”
“You losing your memory in your old age?” Landon suggested. “I was winning.”
“I think you’re the one getting old.” Shoto grumbled.
“So, what were you planning to do T’Shan?” Allen turned to the Clochian, likely unsure of how to react to Landon and Shoto.
“Probably hitting up the shooting range.” Jack suggested. He had been reading a book on his gauntlet through most of the arguing, but never missed a chance to tease the First Mate.
“Actually, I was thinking of going to the Opera.” T’Shan countered. He turned to Allen. “You’re welcome to join me. It’s a galaxy renowned production of the Lonely Soldier.”
“I think I’ll stick with the arcade.” Allen decided. Landon gave him a hug from the side and assured him he wouldn’t regret it.
“Are you willing seeing an opera that’s set in a war you fought in?” Valia asked, shaking her head.
“It’s supposed to be very well written.” T’Shan defended his decision. “Besides, it’s probably based on someone we knew.”
“Yeah, that’s why I wouldn’t want to see it.” Valia mumbled into her tea.
“Why?” Allen asked. “I remember watching you both receive your commendations, you’re war heroes.”
Valia couldn’t stop herself from glaring, at least until she felt bad for making Allen sink down in his seat.
“That opera’s main character is a ghost of a fallen soldier trying to get his comrades to stop the fighting.” Kylie explained, much more kindly than Valia was capable of. She had a tight grip on her tea cup and was staring into the liquid as if it held the secrets to the universe. “It hits a tad too close to home.”
“Sorry.” Allen looked both apologetic and extremely uncomfortable. “I had no idea.”
“It’s not your fault.” T’Shan assured him. He put a hand on the boys shoulder and squeezed. “I suppose we are still fighting demons, just in our own ways.”
“On that note, I think I’m going to go sleep some more.” Valia smiled apologetically at Allen. She drained her cup, stood, and held a hand out to help Kylie up. “Care to join me?”
“I suppose.” Kylie teased.
The pair waved goodbye to the rest of the officers. They passed by some of the crew on their way out and made sure to exchange pleasantries. A quick walk and a quicker elevator ride had them up in the officer’s quarters. The Captain’s quarters were a few stairs away.
Valia enjoyed her quarters. It had it’s own starshield where she could watch the galaxy pass her by. It was also spacious enough that she didn’t feel cramped. Her room here was much better than the one she’d had on their previous ship, the Vega. That one had been destroyed by the pirates they’d taken this ship from. A win, depending on your definition.
“You aren’t actually going to sleep are you?” Kylie asked, making herself comfortable on the large round bed Valia had obtained from a client who had gone back on a deal. He’d unwillingly provided most of the nicer things on the ship.
“Too awake now.” Valia responded. She took a seat in an armchair by the starshield. “You go ahead, liebchen.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Kylie promptly spread out across the bed and wrapped the blankets tightly around herself. Within minutes her breath had evened out, indicating she was asleep.
It seems Valia wasn’t the only one overworking herself.
She smiled at Kylie before pulling up a search on her gauntlet. It may be last minute, but she could still plan a nice anniversary with their small advance.
The stars and planets and endless black void sped by as she planned, barely paying attention to the galaxy.
The mud was thick, making it hard to walk. Talon pushed through anyway, yanking his foot out of the sunken ground with every step. The forest was dark, making it ten times harder for Talon to find what he was looking for. He shoved the branches away from his face, growing more and more impatient and, not to mention, hungry.
He made a growling noise, stopping in his place. Giving up, and then trusting his voice more than his eyes. “Beema!” he yelled out into the woods, emptying his call to the open air.
But it turned out not to be so empty.
Before Talon could prepare himself, a figure swung down from the tree above him. “BOO!”
“Jesus!” Talon screamed on instinct.
Beema laughed obnoxiously, uncurling his tail and dropping down from the tree branch. “You should’ve seen your face!”
“What are you doing playing around? Get back to our quarters.”
“It’s sundown Talon, meaning we can be out if we want to!” Beema hollered the last part, Talon then slapping his shoulder and shushing him.
“Not in your real form dumbass, and that only applies for the scavengers. Do you look like a scavenger?” Talon didn’t give Beema a chance to answer before saying, “Thought so.” He playfully rubbed the mess of golden hair atop Beema’s head and Beema jerked away with an unwelcome growl. “Now let’s go.”
As Talon started to head back the way they came, his dear friend followed, although annoyed. “Tú asesino de diversión.” You fun-killer. Beema insulted, pulling on Talon’s lengthy tail.
“Hey! Te voy a despellejar vivo!” I’ll skin you alive! Talon shouted in a playfully insulting manner, jabbing him in the stomach.
Beema chuckled, and eventually that led to Talon laughing as well. On the way back to their quarters, Beema’s stomach growled. “Agh, I’m hungry,” he whined.
“Then we better hurry back.”
“But I’m hungry now.”
“Great, you’ve been promoted from a baby to a toddler. Congrats.” Talon stopped, smelling a very familiar scent. Stopping Beema and coaxing him into silence, he knew Beema was about to say something.
“Do you smell that?” Talon asked. Beema sniffed, stimulating his eyes into widening as he recognized the scent. “Food,” he whispered. Instantly, Beema rushed up the nearest tree. Talon, secretly intrigued, followed him.
They scrambled up the tree’s trunk. Beema climbed around the tree as if it were a spiral staircase, swinging on branches with his hands and his tail. Talon, on the other hand, used his nails and dug them into the tree’s bark. “You climb like a lizard-monkey,” Talon criticized.
Beema paused and looked down at him. “And you climb like a spider-squirrel,” Beema responded, already at the top of the tree.
Once Talon reached the top, Beema, already up there, started speaking. “Plus, a lizard-monkey as you call is how our kind is taught to climb.”
Talon scoffed. “So then what are these for?” Holding up his fingers, the elongated claws were pushed out of the small openings in his skin.
Beema, his mood altering, muttered a response. “Bạn biết tốt và họ không cho leo cây…” You know good and well they aren’t for climbing trees…
The two friends balanced themselves on a large branch, staring out and gazing softly at the summer night as it was meant to be gazed. The birds were chirping noisily even though the sun had already died. Talon figured that they found comfort knowing it would rise again.
The stars made everything perfect. The feeling of the gentle wind on his skin, on his real skin, was blissful. How he wished his skin could feel the sun too.
“Ich liebe den Mond mehr als ich die Sonne zu tun, aber ich denke, von der Sonne mehr, als ich den Mond tun,” I love the moon more than I do the sun, but I think of the sun more than I do the moon, said Beema.
“I love the moon more than I do the sun,” Talon repeated back. “But I think of the sun more than I do the moon.”
Beema turned to him. “I thought you sucked at German?”
Talon turned to him with a cocky-filled smile. “Maybe I just got tired of not understanding you.”
Beema rolled his eyes and then let them drift, catching a movement before them on the forest floor. He instantly became aware, looking through the darkness until it moved again. “Talon! Look!” He hit Talon on the shoulder, grabbing his attention and directing it to the figure. Talon squinted. He, being an older version of their kind, didn’t have the greatest vision, but eventually he saw it and a gap escaped his mouth.
It was a little human girl, prancing around in the flowers and trying to catch up to a firefly. Her short, curly brown hair dangled in her eyes, causing her to trip on a tree root and fall down. The two lads chuckled as she did.
She didn’t stay long on the ground, as a middle-aged human man swooped down and raised her high above his head, scolding her for her actions…all while they watched.
Beema and Talon loved to people-watch.
“Talon, look! She has a father,” Beema spoke joyfully, being as he rarely saw them without a mother.
Waiting for the humans to leave, Beema and Talon climbed back down the tree and headed back to their quarters. The neighborhood was nice despite living so close to a graveyard, although it made it easier for the scavengers to, well, scavenge.
Am I the only viewer who doesn't mind One? Sure, he's a little boring when you compare him to the others, but he's also the one whose reason for staying is the most of a choice. (At least as far as I've seen.) He's not my favorite, but after finding out he's not there later (please no spoilers on what happens to him) I don't actually want him to leave. Probably won't shed any tears when he does, but I don't see him as someone who needs to leave. He's a part of their found family and you don't leave any family behind. Even boring cousin Ned who only talks about accounting.
Synopsis: The crew of the spaceship Altaris will accept just about any mission, for the right price. So when a shady corporation wants them to deliver a dangerous package to a planet known to dislike smugglers they treat it as another day at work. That may prove to be a mistake as loyalty and trust are tested, with only a few days until they reach their destination. The question on all their minds: who will be left when the ship lands?
Chapter One: The Package
Axon 9 - Dream Galaxy Corporation Hangar
Captain Valia Manchen, formerly of Terra and currently of the starship Altaris, sat atop a crate. Her ship, an old vessel held together by blood, sweat, and prayers, was parked a few hundred feet behind her. It’s dents glinted in the harsh industrial lighting of the hangar bay. With an annoyed sigh she tapped her face mask to bring up the HUD. It was officially 30:30 local time, meaning her clients were 30 minutes late.
“Clients late, we leave?” Skullcrusher growled from her left. He most likely wasn’t really angry, but the giant, four-armed, cat like Novarians said everything with a growl.
Valia twisted in her seat to get a look at her red-furred companion. He was busy tinkering with his laseraxe, barely noticing when it singed his fur, and humming what she recognized to be a Novarian battle hymn. While great to have in a battle, Novarians were walking cliches.
“We haven’t had a job in months, Skull.” Her first-mate T’shan piped up from under the ship. Clochian’s had ridiculously good hearing, proven by the fact that he could hear Skull from his position under the ship with tools running in his ears. His pale, bald head popped up from under the ship as he rolled out. “I think I fixed that loose bolt. Hopefully that stops the rattling.”
“Rattling annoying. Interrupts battle hymn.” Skull mused, giving his axe a swing that cleaves a crate in two.
“While I will agree that is a travesty, I was personally more worried about getting dropped in the middle of deep space or the ship blowing up.” Valia made an explosion noise and coinciding hand gesture to emphasize her point, lest the big cat not get it.
“Blowing up also annoying.” Skull nods his affirmation before returning to his battle hymn.
Valia resists rolling her eyes, deciding instead to begin mapping out their course using her electronic gauntlet. It was that or play old arcade games, and she couldn’t have her crew accusing her of slacking off.
“Run this job by me again.” T’Shan spoke from right next to her, his voice scratchy in the way that reminds her of how old colony miners sound when their work finally takes it’s toll. “It’ll give us something to do while the suits are on their power trip.”
Valia smiled at her first mate’s annoyance. A few taps on her gauntlets screen brings up the mission details. She flicks her pointer finger and the information projects in the air between her and T’Shan.
“Dream Galaxy runs a challenge arena on Alpha Nova, big money since Novarians love violence. They’ve found an extremely dangerous creature here on Axon 9 and since this planet does not follow intergalactic law, they have no trouble getting the creature off planet. However, Alpha Nova has a problem with off-planet creatures being brought to their planet ever since the plague caused by an unknown non-terrestrial creature in 3528. Our job is to transport the extremely dangerous creature from here to a designated zone on Alpha Nova so a company strike team can claim to find it on planet, making it free game for the challenge arena.”
“So, pick up dangerous, carnivorous creature. Transport said creature. Don’t get killed by angry Novarians. Sound right?” T’Shan asked. Valia nods her assent, shutting down the gauntlet display.
“Novarian love killing.” Skull adds, now sharpening his claws with a dagger Valia didn’t even know he had on him.
“How did they get an atmosphere mask on a creature that likes to kill anything that moves?” T’Shan scratched his bald head, blue veins pulsing beneath the white skin.
“Probably the same way we get the mask on Skull.”
“Fighting!” Skull exclaimed, all four of his arms pumping into the air as he bares his fangs in what must be the Novarian equivalent of a smile.
Valia tried not to shutter at the vivid memories of Skull going for her throat as she wrestled a mask on to his face. The Novarian kept his claws far too sharp for her tastes. Although, Valia was the only one allowed to put the mask on Skull without fighting. Probably had something to do with her threatening to neuter him should he try again.
The doors leading out of the hangar bay opened with a mechanical sound, a short alarm announcing the entrance of whoever stood beyond. It took Valia a moment to be able to see who was walking through, the corridor beyond was practically in shadow compared to the bright lights above her.
Three men in formal clothing strode in like they owned the place. Which, Valia realized as she spotted the Dream Galaxy Corporation logo on their lapels, they did. The man in the lead was beginning to gray, black hair still prominent, and his face wrinkled just enough that Valia knew he had been in the business awhile. He regarded her ragtag crew with cold, blue eyes. Perhaps attempting to determine their worth, or maybe he simply wanted them to know how much better he was than them. They’d never know. The men behind him, perhaps apprentices, were at least twenty years younger. The shorter of the two, placed at the elder man’s right, had long, blonde hair tied into a braid. His brown eyes were darting between them all, a mixture of curiosity and nervousness clear in them. He seemed older than the other apprentice. The taller had a shaved head, black eyes staring straight at her in challenge.
“Dorian de Leis, I assume?” Valia called out to him from her perch above the crate.
“Yes.” Dorian stopped a few yards away from her perch. She watched as he gave her a once over, clearly displeased. “Captain Menchen?”
“The one and only.” She answered with a wink, pleased when rewarded with a scowl in return. “This is my first mate, T’Shan, and our muscle, Skullcrusher.”
“His name is Skullcrusher?” The elder of Dorian’s two companions asked, voice barely hiding his nervousness.
“It’s a loose translation.”
“Much more violent in Novarian.” Skull agrees, still playing with his dagger.
“Call him Skull, we all do.” T’Shan piped in from his spot next to Valia.
“Fantastic.” Dorian gestured at his companions with all the reluctance he could muster. “My apprentices, Allen Ford and Justin King.” Dorian gestured to the blonde and shaved head men, respectively, then placed his hand on Allen’s shoulder. “Allen will be accompanying you on the mission to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
“And to make sure we don’t make off with the cargo?” Valia crossed her arms, projecting annoyance as best she could while maintaining a professional air. “This was not part of our deal, de Leis.”
“Deals change.” Dorian smirked. “Do you expect me to trust you? You’re a criminal, and perhaps not a very good one if that brand on your hand is any indication. Clochian, right? Makes sense, considering your first mate shares it.”
Valia clenched her fist, willing herself to stay calm. T’Shan pressed himself against her side, offering a calming presence. She turned to him, eyes darting immediately to the red scar branded onto his cheek. The same brand that stood stark against the skin on her left hand. The mark of a thief or smuggler caught by the Clochian Federation. Her mark.
“You wouldn’t have hired us if we weren’t criminals.” Valia turned her attention back to the suits. “You call us untrustworthy? Smugglers follow a code even if we break the law. I’m more concerned about people like you, whose moral code changes based on the highest bidder.”
“There is no trust between us, clearly.” Dorian folded his hands behind his back. “Exactly why I will have an apprentice go with you. You will receive half now, and half when Allen confirms delivery. Otherwise we will find another smuggler.”
Valia considered the offer. It could be much worse, she knew. Though having an untested, uneducated liability on her starship could prove to cause more problems than they could deal with.
“Does he have any starship training?” T’Shan asked, practically reading her mind. Dorian gestured for Allen to answer.
“I’ve read some books on the subject.” Allen adjusted his tie as he spoke. Either he was hired via nepotism or this nervousness act was a way to lower his conversation partners guard, because Valia could not think of another reason he would be useful in a business.
“Fantastic, practically the same as flying one.” Valia clapped her hands. “Alright, enough of the chit chat. Skullcrusher will help your men load up the cargo, T’Shan can escort Allen to the bridge, and you can pay me. Square?”
“Agreed.” Dorian pushed back his suit sleeve and activated the HUD on his gauntlet. T’Shan stood and gestured for Allen to follow him. After a nearby worker handed him a travel bag, he obeyed, though he kept his eyes downcast.
Once they were out of earshot, and Skull was giving directions to terrified dock workers, Valia finally felt free to ask her questions.
“So, what’s up with the nervous kid?” Valia gestured at the closing door behind her. Justin snorted. Dorian rubbed his eyes with his fingers, letting out a sigh.
“I don’t see any harm in telling you, since this will likely be our last venture together.”
“Likely.” Valia agreed. She had no wishes to work with someone like de Leis again anytime soon.
“He’s my sister’s youngest. I’m supposed to be taking him under my wing, though his disposition makes him a horrible business partner.”
“He is too much of a pushover, horrible for negotiations.” Justin agrees, crossing his arms. Since he likely earned his position on merit, Valia was sure he harbored quite a bit of hatred for the elder man.
“I’m actually hoping the time aboard your ship will toughen him up. He needs the experience anyway, dealing with unsavory sorts such as yourself.” Dorian finished. Shortly after, his HUD beeped with the confirmed payment. Valia checked her own, ensuring she received the notification, and swung herself off the crate.
“I’ll be sure to put a few miles on his soul. Room him with Skull, stop by a seedy bar on Omega Prime, the whole experience.” Valia waved to the executive, finding joy in the sour look on his face, and started the trek up the stairs and back into her ship.
Altaris - Class 5 Crew Starship
Valia sighed in relief as the doors closed behind her. She ran her hands through her hair, cursing as a few strands caught in her fingers. It was probably time to cut it, since she couldn’t be assed to actually take care of it.
As if walking on auto pilot, Valia found herself climbing the ladder from the airlock to the body of the starship. The dull lights of the airlock gave way to the industrial lighting that illuminated the Altaris. She rolled her shoulders. Just another job, not worth stressing over. Even if she was agreeing to transport an unknown, extremely dangerous creature across the galaxy. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice she had made it to the bridge. Luna, the ship’s AI pilot, turned as she heard Valia approaching.
“Good morning, Captain.” Valia faced the android, focusing on the red crescent and circle that made up her eye in the middle of her faceplate. “From the presence of Mr. de Leis’s apprentice I can assume we are continuing on with the proposed mission?”
“You would assume correctly, Luna.” The sound of heavy footsteps behind her grabbed Valia’s attention. She turned in time to see Skull make his way onto the bridge. “All stowed away?”
“Box secure, not happy about it.” Skull crossed all four arms, his chin tilting up proudly. “I fight it?”
“Not yet big guy, wait for the arena.” Skull grumbled at her answer, but Valia ignored him in favor of addressing Luna. “All crew accounted for?”
“Aye, Captain.” The AI blinked her lights twice and the ship came to life, the vibrations of the engine a comfort to Valia. It meant they would be leaving the snake’s nest.
“Give me comms.” Valia held out her gauntleted arm as she spoke. The logo of the Dream Galaxy Corporation stared at her from it’s prominent position on the gauntlet. She frowned at it, not that it did anything except be an easy target for her displeasure. Luna touched her own arm, which had built in gauntlet technology, to hers. Her gauntlet lit up with a red soundwave notification, indicating that she could now speak to the crew but was not currently projecting. Valia closed her fist and the light turned green.
“Good evening Altaris crew, this is your illustrious captain speaking.” Skull snorted, though quickly shut up as Valia glared at him. “We’ve received a job to transport something extremely dangerous to Nova Prime so that they can then try to murder it. Our first stop will be to refuel and decompress at Omega Prime. So don’t spend your advances just yet. It will take us an estimated 10 hours at FTL-2 to reach Prime. Take off will be in 10 minutes. So I suggest you get yourselves strapped in if you don’t feel like flying. Get to it. Signing out.”
Valia opened her fist to end transmission. She gave the comms back to Luna, who would manage crew information and announcements until arrival, and took her seat in the captain’s chair. She didn’t need to look to know Skull was taking his seat to her left, always her protector. Valia engrossed herself in creating plans once they reached Omega Prime. With a minute left until take off the door leading to the crew’s quarters opened and T’Shan made his way to his spot on her right. Ten seconds to go and Luna magnetized herself to the floor in front of the navigational panel. She began the countdown, projecting her robotic voice over the ship’s comms so the crew could hear her.
“Five.”
The ship rose off the ground, the vibrations of the engine becoming more noticeable as they began to work. The shutters at the front of the ship began to rise, revealing the translucent starshield. Through it Valia could see Dorian watching the ascent.
“Four.”
The ship rotated, facing the outer doors of the hangar bay.
“Three.”
An alarm blared, indicating the oxygen barrier had been put into place.
“Two.”
The outer door of the hangar bay opened. Valia relaxed into her seat at the sight of the great expanse before her. The endlessness of space gave her comfort where it made others feel insignificant. She felt at home.
“One.”
The ship entered FTL-2. Valia was pushed into her chair by the sudden acceleration. She laughed as adrenaline coursed through her, better than any thrill ride. Too soon, the ship stabilized in FTL. Luna began speaking through the comms.
“Attention crew, the ship has stabilized in FTL-2. You may now be free to continue performing your duties. I will inform you of any changes.”
“Finally, I could use a nap.” Valia unbuckled herself. Once she stood up she stretched out, sighing as the joints in her spine cracked. “Unless anything needs my attention?”
“Amara has requested your presence in engineering.” Luna responded. Her monotonous, robotic tone gave no indication of Amara’s intent. Though if Valia knew Amara, and she did, the feline like engineer was upset with her.
“Of course she has.”
“I believe my creator has found issue with the ‘newbies’ assignment to engineering.” Luna further explained.
“Of course she does.”
“He has a background in engineering, that is the best spot for him.” T’Shan defended his decision.
“I’ll talk to her.” Valia sighed. “Anything else?”
“Doctor McBride would like to see you in the medbay for a check-up.”
“Did she happen to say why?” Valia raised a brow. As far as the doctor knew, she had an annual three months ago.
“She pulled your medical records and found that you haven’t had an annual in six years.”
“Damn it, Cure’s being nosy.” Couldn’t a girl be left alone to be irresponsible?
“She also threatened to inject you with the Minora virus vaccine if you didn’t come to see her.” Luna added. She continued to type on the console, apparently running diagnostics.
“What does that do?” Valia asked, though she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know.
“The side effects of the Minora virus vaccine include dizziness, swelling, sores, headaches, fatigue, and delirium.” Luna answered. She projected an informational page about the vaccine in front of Valia.
“Fantastic.” Valia felt sick.
“Generally, it is described as being worse than the virus itself and, therefore, redundant.”
“I got the picture, Luna, thank you.” Valia rubbed her eyes.
“I can handle Amara if you want to take a nap in the med bay.” T’Shan squeezed her shoulder. “You’re overworked.”
“Someone's gotta keep us afloat.” Valia relaxed into her first mate’s touch. “Are you sure?”
“I can handle her.” T’Shan smiled, the white of his teeth blending with his skin. “That cat is all talk. I hope.”
“You sound like you’re from an old movie.” Valia snorted. “‘That cat’”
“I don’t understand.” T’Shan’s brow furrowed. Had he been human, his eyebrows would have drawn together.
“Don’t worry about it.” Valia patted him on the shoulder. “Just try not to join me in the infirmary. Amara may be an engineer, but the Armaxians and Novarrians share an ancestor. She is dangerous.”
T’Shan nodded, his lips tight.
“Luna, keep an eye on everything from here. If you notice any crew morale issues talk to Squid.”
“Aye, Captain.” Luna saluted, her lights blinking in a pattern indicating understanding and agreement.
“Skull, head back down to the storage bay and keep watch. Anything suspicious and you report to T’Shan, okay?”
“Yes, rarka.” Skull referred to her using the Novarrian word for a respected leader. He had been doing it since he joined the crew, after she saved his life from a rampaging Alurian Axicotl. It still pulled on her heart strings a bit. Valia smiled, saluting in the Novarrian fashion of a fist over the heart. Well, a Novarrian heart, located about where the stomach is on a human. Skull returned it, then turned on his heel and walked towards the cargo bay.
“T’Shan, after surviving your encounter with Amara put together a watch schedule. Skull should be alright for awhile, but have him relieved after three hours at the latest.”
“Ofcourse, Captain.” T’Shan saluted her in the fashion of the Clochians, crossed arms held straight in front of him. Valia returned it and T’Shan made his way to engineering.
With a nod in Luna’s direction, Valia left the bridge. The doors opened on proximity, albeit a bit glitchy. T’Shan had once gotten his foot stuck in a door that closed too soon. They didn’t hear the end of it for weeks. And he still rushed through the doors.
Valia smiled to herself as the door closed behind her. The medbay was a quick walk, on the same floor as the deck and right next to the mess hall. Cure always said that if she can corner a crew member while they eat, they won’t miss an appointment. It worked for most. Not her, but most. Valia shuddered as she approached the door to the med bay. She was in for an ear full.
“It’s about bloody time.” Kylie grumbled from her desk. She opened a drawer and began digging through it. For a moment, all Valia could see above the desk was her red, kinky hair. Then a medical gown was thrown at her face.
“Put that on.” Kylie jabbed a manicured, short nail at the screen blocking off a changing area from the rest of the med bay. As she walked towards it Valia could see the UV booth was on. That meant Squid was getting his meal today. “I didn’t realize I would be tracking you lot when I signed on. Like I’m your mum.”
Valia saw the outline of Kylie move towards the UV booth. She continued stripping her layers of clothes, nearly tripping on her pants.
“Kylie McBride, doctor and mother of the crew of the Altaris. Just grand.”
“Anybody else but Squid here to hear my information?”
“No, just me and Squid.” A timer went off as Valia started to tie the gown onto herself. “Just a wee longer Squid, I want to make sure you’re well-fed.”
I’ve already reached the appropriate time in UV.
Squid’s telepathy rang through her mind. Despite their years together, it still sent a chill down her spine.
“I know, love, but you’ve seemed less bright lately.” Kylie turned to Valia. “What was the date of your last menstrual cycle?”
“I’m not pregnant.” Valia raised a brow. “And may I just add, this is a rather elaborate plot to get my clothes off. You could have just asked.”
“Very funny, darling.” Kylie’s deadpan face indicated it was not, in fact, very funny. “There are other reasons to ask. Malnutrition, for instance.”
A secondary timer went off, and Squid emerged from the UV booth. Though they looked like a squid on top of a wizard’s robe, but with more tentacles, bio luminescent spots and no eyes, Valia knew there was more to them than that. Not that anyone who wasn’t Varmaxi knew what an Varmaxi body looked like.
Thank you, Doctor, I feel nourished. There was a pause, and Squid’s face turned to Valia. Their spots glowed a dull yellow. The Captain has yet to answer your question.
“Traitor.” Valia grumbled. She glared at Squid as they made their exit, waving a tentacle in a version of a farewell.
“Well, Captain?” Kylie tapped her foot. Valia turned to Kylie. The sight of the doctor always took her breath away. Her hair was held back with a kelly green headband that matched her turtleneck. Both managed to accentuate her clear, blue eyes and freckles and stand out against her medium brown skin.
“Do you honestly think I’m malnourished?” Valia asked, half joking. “You’ve seen me eat.”
“Fine!” Kylie threw up her hands. “What do I know? I’m just a doctor.”
Valia could tell she had frustrated Kylie. With a sigh she took the few steps needed to reach the doctor. She rested her forehead against hers, looking into those beautiful, blue eyes.
“I’m sorry, meine liebling. I just get nervous in medical situations.” Valia spoke quietly, keeping the words from spreading in the small room.
“I know, darling.” Kylie kissed her quickly, chastely. Then pulled back. “But I am worried you’re not taking care of yourself.”
“Then what can I do to make you feel better?” Valia asked with a small smile.
“Get on the table.” Kylie pointed at the padded metal table used for examinations.
“As you wish.”
The rest of the medical exam flew by. Squid contacted Kylie halfway through as they forgot to make an appointment for the next day. The conversation distracted the doctor enough that she tested Valia’s reflexes a little too hard. Kylie kissed it to make it better, so Valia did not mind much. Within the hour, Valia was changing back into her normal clothes.
“So, tell me straight, Doc.” Valia paused to put on a worried facade. “Will I survive?”
“Smart ass.” Kylie grumbled, though a small smile betrayed her. “You’re healthy. Surprisingly.”
“I feel as though I should be offended.”
“I was just worried about you, Agra.”
“And I appreciate that, I really do.” Valia moved to kiss the top of Kylie’s head. “But you don’t have to worry about me. I don’t plan on leaving you anytime soon.”
“You better not.” Kylie mumbled before pulling away. She surveyed Valia. “Now go get some sleep, you sap. Take my bed. If anyone comes looking for you, I’ll point them to T’Shan.”
“How did you know I wanted a nap?” Valia asked, though she was already walking towards the doctors bedroom.
“You’re exhausted, love.” Kylie explained. “Anyone who really knows you could tell.”
Valia reached the door to the bedroom. She punched in the passcode and it opened smoothly. Of course the technology in the med bay was the most updated, that was in everyone’s best interests. Valia was not playing favorites. She paused before entering the room.
“I’d sleep better with someone to cuddle with.” Valia kept a hand on the door frame incase it decided to close.
“Shall I call Skull up?” Kylie asked. She wasn’t facing Valia, but she could hear the smirk on the doctors face.
“I was being serious.” Valia pouted.
“I know, love, but I have work to do.” Kylie gestured at her screen. Valia couldn’t read it from where she was, but she figured it was crew medical records. “Get some rest. I’ll wake you for dinner.”
That gave her at least three hours. Valia gave her partner one last look before allowing the door to close behind her. Kylie’s room was organized chaos. Far different from Valia’s own, where her military training still urged her to keep everything ship shape. Boxes of paper medical journals sat in the corner, likely annotated and marked up. Clothes were in baskets, not folded or put away. Her bed was a mess.
Despite looking like a disaster zone, the fact that the room fit Kylie so well relaxed her. Valia crawled into the bed and sank into the mattress. She wrapped herself in the comforter and rested her head on the pillow. She could still smell hints of Kylie’s perfume on the pillow. With the scent of her love surrounding her, Valia soon fell into a deep sleep.
This show was amazing??? It’s kind of heartbreaking to find out that it didn’t get renewed for another season!!! I want to see what happens next!! PLEASE sign the petition ❤️❤️❤️
