Katheeri

[Sylono]

Sitting by the opened cockpit of the Small Order, the cerinian was retrieving spare assortments of metal and parts she kept in her ship in case of emergencies. They had gone to Macbeth unprepared for the most part and by her educated opinion they should not have gotten as lucky as they did. As a more experienced person said to her some time ago, that was luck... and it was going to run out.

She was going to prepare for that as best she could.

Wincing occasionally as the coyote's shouting echoed to her side of the Hanger bay Shepherd found herself an unintentional fly on the wall. Antoine was protective of the boy that much was clear, if perhaps a little too protective given the katheeri's predicament. While she couldn't understand Antoine's argument for Zefran not at least having a peashooter, the clone had to sympathize with the sentiment, the young man would loose a certain... 'quality' he had if he started toting a weapon.

Maybe she could could convince Zefran's guardian to allow her to teach the boy a few hand-to-hand techniques? That idea was shot down with a snicker, no, he'd probably take issue with her giving any first hand demonstrations.

When she finished grabbing what she needed and setting that gear in a ruck sack, Shepherd closed her ship's canopy as noiselessly as she could and climbed down from the space fighter onto the hanger bay floor. Quickly making plans to swing by the infirmary to check on the new "guest", before stopping at the Szabla's shooting range.

With a plan in mind, Shepherd made for the hanger bay door, while trying to make as little noise as possible.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"Yeah, I didn't take you for a violent guy," replied Pawel, walking beside Zefran. He dug his hands into his pockets. "After all, you did give me back one of my guns. And uh, keep my knife. I've got more." They continued walking, although Zefran was still visibly annoyed.

"You know, he does have a point, though. Once you start shooting, most people get this adrenaline rush. It's like a drug, adrenaline. It gets you excited and elated, and the high lasts for a while. But then, when you get out of it, you want it again. That's why they're called adrenaline 'junkies'. We're addicted to adrenaline, to the thrill. And, coincidentally, we're constantly in danger. Antoine doesn't want to see you in danger. He doesn't want you in the line of fire. He doesn't want you to get shot."

Pawel sighed. "He doesn't want to lose you."

~

The Szabla was hailed via a long range, subspace communication from Ruthenia, the homeworld of the Ruthenian Empire. Jacob's console was alerted of this communique. He connected to Bohdan's communicator.

"Colonel," said Jacob.

"Yes?" replied Bohdan, still sitting in his chair and staring at Aura.

"We have an incoming transmission from Ruthenia," said Jacob, typing on his console. "It is Class I: top priority. Hologram."

"Understood," replied Bohdan. "Patch it in through my communicator."

"Yes, Colonel," Jacob responded.

"Korben, leave," ordered Bohdan. Korben nodded, turned off his apparatus, and left the room. Bohdan put down his communicator, which had an apparatus for projecting holograms. He turned it on, and stood back. He outstretched his arms and wings, and the communicator scanned his body. He turned, stopping at 90, then 180, then 270 degrees for the communicator to fully scan his body. He then faced it, and went down to his right knee, bowing his head and lowering his wings to the floor. The communicator then projected a holographic image of the Ruthenian Czar, Nikita X.

Nikita was a very tall man, even by Sclav standards, towering at an almost unimaginable 10 feet tall. Fortunately, the ceiling of the infirmary was sufficient for his height, both in holographic and in real life form. He leaned on a cane, as the use of one of his legs was permanently handicapped from an assassination attempt decades ago. This betrayed his youthful appearance and energy. Nikita's apparel consisted mostly of the clothing of a high-ranking general or officer, much like his father and his father's father: a dark red color, with white stripes on the arms, shoulders, and running down the insides of his trousers. Various medals, both earned and given as customary for a Czar, adorned his left breast. Nikita's crown was solid gold, with jewels adorning it, and the Ogniemite religious symbol of a flame surrounded by a bright ring as the central piece. The Imperial Cape, in a brilliant velvet, was draped over Nikita's shoulders, and reached down to his ankles. The Cape was held together at the shoulders by lavish shoulder guards made of a titanium alloy, and painted gold. The Ogniemite religious symbol was clearly and proudly displayed on the outside of the Cape. Nikita's medallion was the most impressive in the whole Empire, made of pure gold, and in its center, a blood red ruby, which was engulfed by a gold flame. Nikita was also armed, as he had a belt containing a saber in its scabbard on his left side, and a Buha M2290 sidearm on his right, in its holster.

"Bohdan, I already said that you don't have to deal with formalities when you're talking to me," said Nikita in Ruthenian. Bohdan looked, then stood, up.

"Force of habit, Your Majesty," replied Bohdan in Ruthenian. They would speak this language for the duration of their conversation. Nikita motioned to an unseen aid to give him a pad, which contained an intelligence report concerning the Macbeth incident.

"We've received reports from the Cornerian government of Colonel Bohdan Chmielnicki participating in illegal and belligerent activity on Macbeth," said the Czar, looking at the pad. He gave it back to the unseen aid. "I'd like an explanation, Bohdan." Bohdan broke out in a nervous sweat. The Czar may have been everyone's best friend, but if you didn't follow what he wanted, he would be your worst enemy.

"There was a napalm bombing." The moment Bohdan said that, the Czar sighed, put down his head, and shook it, his eyes closed. He then looked back to Bohdan.

"Why did you bomb their planet with napalm?" questioned Nikita, rubbing the side of his head in confusion.

"Distraction, Your Majesty," replied Bohdan.

"Distraction?" said the Czar. "You were trying to evade their government forces?"

Bohdan nodded with a "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Why?"

"Local police were called in when two lights fell from the sky and struck the ground near a town," answered Bohdan. "My team was one of the first ones there, but the police wished to detain everyone. I could not allow that, not when... not when the Iron Mountains in the Sky descended." The Czar began laughing.

"The Katheeri?" questioned Nikita. "You-you-you've made contact with the Katheeri?"

"Yes." answered Bohdan with conviction. "Three of them. Two are on this ship, and one is in this room." Nikita's eyes widened.

"Show me." said the Czar. Bohdan then picked up the communicator, and pointed it at Aura's sleeping face. It scanned her face, and sent the image to the Czar on Ruthenia. He then put the communicator back down onto the floor where it previously laid. Nikita stared at the Katheeri in wonder. He nodded. "Does she know of the location of Aiolius?"

"Unknown, but very possible," replied Bohdan.

"And the other you have?"

"He does not know." The Czar nodded in understanding.

"Question her without force," the Czar ordered. "The location is all we need."

"Your Majesty," started Bohdan. "Should we loot and destroy Aiolius?" Nikita glared at Bohdan disapprovingly.

"Just because they've betrayed God doesn't make them our enemy."

"But, Your Majesty-"

"But nothing!" said Nikita sternly. "We are to establish diplomatic relations with them. From there, perhaps a possible cultural, technological, or economic trade agreement." Bohdan was stoic, but inside he was disappointed that his Czar wanted a more peaceful approach. "This is my will, Bohdan. And you know what happens when my fellow countrymen and women don't follow my will." Bohdan nodded, remembering the Great Purge, when Nikita initially ascended to the throne. All of his detractors in the government were eliminated, and were replaced with supporters.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"Good bye, Bohdan. Contact me when you've found Aiolius. God be with you." Bohdan bowed as the Czar motioned his unseen aid to end the communique. In no time, the Czar's hologram vanished. Bohdan went back up. He stared at the communicator on the ground, still processing his Czar's words. He picked it back up.

[Zaphyr Stone]

Zefran shrank somewhat in guilt and sighed, starting to come down from his high. "He's the closest thing I've got to family. If it weren't for him, I'd probably be dead or worse. I know he's just trying to keep me safe, but I hate feeling useless. Especially when this whole ordeal started because of me. I just want to help."

----

Antoine focused on putting his bike back together, each component in its prope place. It helped him stay even. He happened to look up in time to see a certain blue vixen attempting to tip-toe her way out. He smirked in amusement. Shepherd was a peculiar one, but she clearly knew her stuff. He appreciated someone with a good head on their shoulders.

"Hey." He called out to her, setting his tool down and grabbing a rag to wipe the oil off his hands.

----

Upon catching a snippet of their conversation, Laika felt these were the people to talk to. She could get a few answers this way, anyways.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt." She introduced herself politely with an extended hand to Tiger, "Officer Laika Sergievsky. I wanted to thank you personally for your help in the wastes."

[Tiger Carson]

Tiger turned to look at Laika, with Copper doing the same. "That's ok, you're welcome." Tiger said as he extended his hand and gave hers a shake. "Name's Tiger Carson, leader of Star Tiger." He said as he introduced himself in kind, "We couldn't just leave the area, much as we may have wanted to pursue the ones responsible, we had to stick around to help put that napalm out." At this time, Jeena came close, having finished checking herself out of the doctor's suite, but stopped when she saw Tiger and Copper interacting with one of the police officers.  She stood back, and decided to watch the conversation, not get into it.  She leaned her back up against a wall to get comfortable, and also noted the doberman that had fought Sitka.  Jeena would deal with him soon enough once she got a chance, if she got a chance that was.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"Ordeal?" questioned Pawel, raising his right eyebrow. "This ain't no ordeal. It's an adventure!" Pawel nudged Zefran with his wing.

"And I wouldn't call you useless, no not at all."

~

Korben reentered the room to find Bohdan once again at his chair, looking at the unconscious Aura. The former approached the latter.

"What did the Cz-Cz-Cz-Czar say?" asked Korben. Bohdan turned his head to look at Korben.

"We must find Aiolius, and keep it undisturbed."

Korben nodded, and continued scanning Aura.

[Sylono]

At the sound of Antoine's voice, she froze and cursed her luck silently before half turning to the coyote. With the hand that wasn't holding the rucksack on her shoulder, Shepherd rubbed her neck uncomfortably. Well, better to get this out of the way sooner, than let it hang over her head for hours afterward.

"I assumed the two of us would have to be speaking at some point." She said as she approached Antoine. While she could reasonably guess what he wanted, she'd remain quiet about the 'why' about her assumption and let him get to the point.

[Zaphyr Stone]

Zefran frowned at Pawel's remark. He was sure he was trying to help, but he had a hard time believing him. "Then what would you call it? I can't fight. I can't fly. I can't even go outside without my holo-emitter to disguise how I actually look to people." As he spoke, Zefran started to feel a pang of crushing loneliness hit him hard. For the first time, he started to feel how isolated he really was, "I'm just this thing floating through space attached to Antoine's hip."

----

"Relax, I'm not gonna bite ya." Antoine chuckled, draping the rag over a handlebar, "Some crazy shit happened down there. As pissed as I am that Zefran had the ride of his life down there when he didn't need to, you did manage to try and keep him relatively out of harm when you could. So thanks for that."

----

"Well, I'm glad you stuck around." She smiled, "Had you not, we probably wouldn't have gotten control of the fire nearly as fast." She glanced back at the Katheeri and shook her head in disbelief, "It's like looking at a page out of a fairy tale."

[Tiger Carson]

"And yet, there he is." Tiger said, noting what Laika was indicating as he crossed his arms.
"Had you talked to me yesterday morning," Copper started, "Told me I'd be on a hunt for Aiolius, and seeing a real Katheeri in front of me in a day's time, I would have rightly called you insane.  Funny how things work."
"Yeah," Tiger said, "Even Hawk's going to be eating his words, and sarcastically apologizing with a lot of snark.  Guy doesn't like being wrong." Tiger chuckled thinking of the look on Hawk's face when he sees Sitka.  His face then turned serious as his thoughts went to what was next. "The question we have to deal with now, is what next?  And when?"

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Pawel groaned in his mind when Zefran felt more down than before they started speaking. Pawel started thinking to himself deeply, but kept up his pace with Zefran.

This is why I go solo. So I don't have to deal with bullsh-t like this. People. God, and this kid. No wonder he was abandoned...

Suddenly, however, it seemed that Pawel's other side decided to commandeer his body.

Pawel, why are you thinking like this? Come on, the kid needs a hug.

F--k that sh-t. If he wants to mope around, questioning his existence, so be it. Let him. I'm done with him.

Pawel, don't be an asshole. Hug the damn kid or I swear I'll smack you.

Your little ass can't do a damn thing to me. You're just a part of my consciousness.

A part that will now hug Zefran.

Wait, what?!

Pawel wrapped his right arm around Zefran.

"Come on, don't think like that," he said. "You're a good kid. Better than any of us."

[Sylono]

Just like that, a knot that was developing in her stomach dissipated and she let out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding with a relieved titter. He wasn't going bite her head off? Shepherd relaxed her demeanor a bit.

"I did what I could, sir, but you're welcome." The event's still fresh in her mind.

"We just got lucky, I don't know if you were informed," Shepherd paused a moment to place her pack on the floor next to the coyote's bike, the darn thing was digging into her shoulder, "but that katheeri girl, Aura, almost did get away with Zefran."

She almost smirked at the turn of events for Aura, it almost made Shepherd want to be there when the girl woke up and found that the very thing she had attempted to do, was now happening to her. Hopefully Antoine's team had an easier time than the one she was in did.

 

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Roy leaned back in the disproportionately large chair, putting his feet up on the console. Jacob, too, felt the need for a break. He took off his glasses and leaned back from his console. He turned to Roy to initiate a conversation.

"So, what do you think about the new people?" Jacob asked.

"I dunno," answered Roy. "I myself have only been here for, like, three weeks." Jacob nodded.

"I've been here for longer than you," said Jacob. "About a month." Roy, his hands behind his head, stared at the ceiling. He then turned his head to Jacob.

"Why are you here?" Roy asked. Jacob paused before answering, rubbing his horn.

"Mostly the pay. It's good money, plus I get to travel for free." Roy chuckled. "Why did you join, Roy?"

"Well, good money. The travel. And... I only have to sit here or guard the ship when the team's away. It's a good gig, right?"

Jacob nodded in agreement.

"I still don't think they should've given me a gun," said the docile rhinoceros. "I've only used it for training, and even then I felt no need for it."

"Don't worry, Jake," said Roy. "One day, you'll thank Lizzie for teaching you how to shoot. Because one day, you'll need it."

"I don't think so."

"You'd be surprised at what happens in the real 'verse, Jake."

[Zaphyr Stone]

Zefran felt himself being pulled in for a hug and reflexively stiffened. It wasn't that he wasn't a hugging person, but it had certainly caught him by surprise. "Um...thank you." He offered a smile.

----

"Yeah, I heard." He chuckled with a weary sigh, "Christ, what a day. He was so hell-bent on getting her back, so I heard. That kid's a sweetheart, but he's gonna get himself killed. Telling me he wants to shoot. He's not a killer." He shook his head, "That's neither here nor there though. I just wanted to say I appreciate what you did for him."

----

"What indeed?" She looked back at him, "I hear through the grapevine that you're vying for custody. What could a band of mercenaries possibly have use for a psychopathic creature of myth?"

[Tiger Carson]

"That's classified information I'm afraid." Tiger said flatly, "This is a CDF matter, not for civilians.  If you were a part of my team, I'd share with no hesitation, but you're not, so I'm sorry, I can't explain that.  And we may be mercs, but we're mercs with CDF backing who take on jobs with a just cause." Copper simply stayed silent, he would interject if needed.  Jeena watched as well, she had a feeling this was going to be quite interesting.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Pawel shared in Zefran's smile. He gripped him more loosely as he felt Zefran stiffen, worrying that he was starting to squeeze him.

"You know, when this is all over, maybe you and I and Tony -Imma call Antoine "Tony"- can head over to this little Ruthenian cafe I know in Little Kitezh. Their goulash is the sh-t."

[Sylono]

"Hopefully we're spared from ever having to split into groups for the time being, but, should it ever come to that I'll stick with him, sir." She promise the coyote, smiling as she made a pointing gesture at herself with her thumb.

"He's a soft sort," Shepherd stated, combed a hand through her hair and averted her gaze downward, "even I'm aware that isn't something he should lose."

Because of her age or... her apparent age, the clone found it hard to acquire certain jobs, in fact sometimes she had to show her 'resume' in order to prove that she wasn't inexperienced with her profession as some would immediately assume. Giving kids weapons and saying "kill" was the mark of an adult who was a terrible influence, she concluded.

[Zaphyr Stone]

Zefran laughed at the pet name. "Are you sure you're not confusing courage for stupidity? Antoine hates nicknames. I don't envy you if he hears you call him that."

----

A glimmer of amusement passed in Antoine's eyes as she spoke. She was something else.

"You know, you remind me a lot of myself when I was your age." He chuckled, "Anywho, I won't keep you. I'm sure you have things you're wanting to accomplish. If anyone needs me, I'll be down here working."

----

"Classifi-!" She caught herself, remembering she was in a hospital and lowering her voice, "I will have you know that CDF or not, that thing was first reported on this planet and caused major damage and upheaval. If he's being taken off world, you're damn right as a sworn protector of this world that I have a right to know about it!"

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Pawel chuckled. He began to mockingly repeat Antoine's nickname.

"Tony, Tony, Tony!" He let go of Zefran, but playfully nudged him with his wing.

"Come on, Zef. The worse thing he can do is shoot me in a place where I won't die right away. Like the foot. Or the private area. Ooh, yeah. Anyway!" Pawel sniffed and rubbed his snout. He coughed a bit in his mouth. Noticing there was blood on his hand, he quickly wiped it onto his jeans, dismissing it, hoping Zefran would neither notice nor be concerned. He smiled and looked back at Zefran.

"Tell me, Zef, have you ever had a little Zonessian food called 'balut'?"

[Tiger Carson]

"Police aren't military." Tiger said, trying to stay calm, "So the precise details cannot be shared.  I'm sorry, this is over your head.  It'll be better that he's away from here, sedatives will only be used for so long.  Once he's awake, there's no guarantee he won't attack.  And last I checked, there aren't any force fields here in the building to contain him.  At least with us, he won't hurt anyone, we'll make sure of that.  Look, all I can tell you is that he's got information that could affect much more than this planet.  This is bigger than you, and I can't risk much more than what I have told you."

[Sylono]

"I, ah... hope that's a compliment, sir." Suppressing a full heart-ed laugh that threatened to burst, Shepherd reached down and hoisted her rucksack over her shoulder. She was well aware that normal folks would hardly find Antoine's comparison as funny as she did, but her early accelerated aging made that comment just a bit more amusing than the coyote perhaps intended.

Making for the hanger doors with a brisk pace, Shepherd only stopped when she was out to poke her head back in and say a proper goodbye.

"I'll see you around, Mr. Antoine." With that out of the way, she continued on her way to swing by the infirmary.

[Zaphyr Stone]

Zefran shook his head. "I can't say I have. Ah, before you get into that, do you know where Bohdan might be? I actually do need to talk to him."

----

Laika could feel a vein throbbing angrily in her neck as she folded her arms. "Well I'm sorry, but I find that wholly unacceptable. There's too much at stake to simply accept that at face value." She stared hard at Tiger, "Besides, how do you expect to get him to cooperate? You can't seriously think he'll just tell you what you need to know."

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"Uh," weakly started Pawel, scratching the back of his neck. "He's in the infirmary with that Katheeri chick. I dunno what deck it's on." The duo eventually reached the elevator at the end of the corridor, its doors automatically opening when it sensed their presence.

"You know, balut is actually very tasty and very filling. But I gotta warn you, it is very much an acquired taste. And the sight and smell can be off-putting too, but if you get used to it, it's a very delicious snack."

[Tiger Carson]

"We'll find a way." Tiger said, he too was starting to feel a vein throb in his forehead. "We won't torture him, but we'll find a way.  And it is precisely because there's too much at stake that I can't tell you more than that."
"Tiger..." Copper warned, but stopped when Tiger shot him a glare, and then turned back to Laika.
"I'll have you know I've got plenty of experience dealing with things, having fought in the Lylat Wars." Tiger continued, "If you think those were bad, it'd be nothing compared to what could happen if he," Tiger pointed to Sitka with his thumb, "Isn't kept in our hands."

[Zaphyr Stone]

"That's okay. I think I remember what deck." He pressed a button on the selection panel, hoping his guess was right, "What exactly is balut?"

----

"Oh someone certainly has a high opinion of himself." She scoffed, "Forgive me if your experience doesn't impress me. I have a hard time believing any experience could prepare someone for what we dealt with in the wastes. I agree with you this is bigger than us, so why are you still acting like this is an everyday procedure?"

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Pawel and Zefran stepped inside the elevator, and watched the doors close. They ascended to the deck where the infirmary was.

"Balut is basically an overdeveloped egg," said Pawel. "You can actually see the fetus of the bird when you crack it open. Eating it is as simple as eating a hard-boiled egg, but it's a bit crunchier. Personally, I enjoy it. You know, I know a really good Nutrian place where they serve it. It's in Cuyo, a small island district of CC where most of the Nutrians live. It's a bit of a lower income area, but the people are nice enough. Their food is known to be meat heavy, and they tend to use spices, but it can get greasy. Real greasy."

[Tiger Carson]

"High opinion?!" Tiger scoffed, he felt like he was the kettle in this situation, and Laika the pot. "Well, I'll have you know miss pot, I'm not surprised by things blowing out of the small size they should remain anymore.  If my years have taught me anything." He didn't notice he was starting to close the distance between himself and her.
"Aaaand, here we go." Jeena whispered to herself. "Didn't think someone could get Tiger this angry besides me."

Edited May 29, 2016 by Tiger Carson