#the one where you flew the ship and shot at enemies and got upgrades | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

deaconusdelirium · 3 years ago

Note

Um so I don't actually know how to submit a request so, I've never done it before, but I hope this is right.

So I read this enemies to lovers with Tech where the reader is the Batch's new mechanic/medic/pilot (y'know something like that) and Tech is constantly trying to outsmart the reader and is kinda rude to her. So I am requesting either that or Tech and reader are already together and Tech makes a comment that hurts the readers feelings but Tech doesn't understand why she's upset cause he was merely stating "factual evidence". Also can the reader be female or like no gender. I hope I did this right.

Time will tell

(Tech X F!Reader)

Oh yeah! Either way is good, but I prefer taking requests in DM’s. I’m originally from a different writing platform and I took requests directly in messages, but send in an ask like this is good too. I don’t mind either way. That goes for everyone else who doesn’t know how to send in a request!^^

I love the first one, and I have a little something for that

———

“And that’s… Tech” Hunter sounded disappointed as he seen his brother not only did not look up, but didn’t say anything as he introduced you to your new team, Tech just gave a small wave without looking up and walking off. “He’s a busy guy, I presume” you spoke, watching ‘Tech’ walk off and into their ship. “You’ll get use to him, he’s not all that bad. The worse he could do is fill your head with useless info for hours on end” Hunter explained while putting a hand between your shoulders, guiding you into the Marauder. Ok, so it might have been a bit small but at least you were off Kamino where everything was too sterile and creepy looking. You were all alone in your room after all, no one ever really came in but a few clones, Nala Se and Omega usually handled them all though.

You gave another look around, making sure you tried to memorize everything. “We have a mission in a few hours, so I suggest you grab what you need from your place” “oh, no. I’ve got all I need, I’m going to head back and tell Nala Se we’re leaving soon” you walked out, Hunter nodded in agreement. “Well, we’ll tell you when we’re ready” you nodded, walking away from the ship and back into Kamino to Nala Se

—

Tech had only ever heard your voice, and by the sound of it. He was already annoyed, since when was there ever another person who does exactly as he does? It was only him, but.. the thought of sharing ideas and thought with someone else ‘smart’ would be nice. But no, he wouldn’t take it. He had to see for himself, he was sure you were going to fail, and he surely wasn’t going to be pushed aside, especially for all he’s ever done for his brothers. You weren’t the one who upgrades their armor for them, you’re not the one who has a datapad much like he has, and you couldn’t possible know anything about mechanics. He’s never met anyone who knew as much as he did, and if he hasn’t within his life, then there’s probably no such thing as it.

—

He thoughts were cut short, when you sat in the co-pilot seat next to him. Only Echo sat there, maybe Hunter on some occasions, he still didn’t look, and he grew annoyed as you tried to tell him what to do. “Do you even know what planet we are on?” Tech asked, finally looking at you, “what does that have to do with this? You haven’t told me where we are and I’m stuck with you. So if you could just focus on the task at hand then maybe we could actually try and get along” you spoke, his eyes widen at your words, he didn’t want you to know anything. It may sound selfish, but he thought of it as a training, I guess you could say. How would you go about in a situation where you don’t know where you’re at, and what you’re doing? What is your next steps for an unexpected change of plans?

His gaze was still hard on you, how could you know something about flying? “Tech, if you don’t help them, Omega and Hera could be shot down” you sounded desperate, but he was the one in charge. He was the one flying, you weighed your options, you didn’t know what to do. He only sat there, observing you like it was his job. “Forgive me” you apologized to him as you pushed him out the seat and took over the wheel. “Hey” Tech called from the floor, standing up, but soon holding onto your seat as he seen what you were going to do. “Hang on Wrecker!” You warned the man in the back, you pushed the petal as Tech almost flew back and Wrecker yell from the back. You turned the ship around for Wrecker so he could take out the cannons.

Tech held on as your flying was not something he was expecting, once you had all of the turrets down and Wrecker finished off the clones on the ground, you stood up, grabbing your helmet and gun. Tech grabbed your arm before you ran out, “hey-” you spoke, “careful with my ship next time” he glared at you, but Wrecker broke the both of you up by running through his grasp on your arm. “Your ship Tech? Or all of ours? She did great!” Wrecker said, hitting you on your shoulder as he laughed and ran off. “Still, we got what needed to be done, I suggest we drop this.. this argument and actually help. And for your information, we’re al Ryloth” you ran after Wrecker, and Tech stood there. You were stubborn alright, but that doesn’t mean you were better than him. No, he won’t allow it

—

After Hera was reunited with her parents and uncle, you all took off. For their brother Crosshair was after them, maybe even you now since you were with the Batch. Taking a deep breath in, and letting it out, you continued to clean your helmet, a few new scratches, but nothing bad. “Y/n?” Omega asked you, coming up and holding your shoulder as she stood on one leg. “What’s wrong Omega?” You asked, looking at her leg, “I got a cut, and my legs hurting. Could you look at it for me?” She asked, sitting on the chair in front of you as she turned to meet your body. “Yeah, let me just grab my stuff, stay right there” you told her as you stood up, walking to grab your bag and come back. You pulled her pants up to her knee, seeing a small scrape on it, “hmm, you only scraped it, nothing too bad if we clean it. Glad you came right on time” you tried to lift her mood up. Looking like you did since she laughed and held Lula.

“This might sting a little, but it won’t hurt” you showed her the bottle, calming her down as she was worried what you had in hand. She gave a small nod, handing it back to you, you smiled and slowly poured the liquid over the cut. She winced, hugging Lula tighter as you grabbed a bacta pad and placed it over her knee. “Alright, that should be good. Come back later for another cleaning, I’ll remind you so don’t worry, and if the ache still continues after a few minutes. Tell me so I can give you some medicine, it might be from all the time you haven’t treated it, but be careful next time” you pulled her pants down, patting her lower leg as she set it down. “So you aren’t going to treat the ache she has?” Tech asked, datapad obviously in hand as he watched you, “Tech! She cleaned it up just now, I should be fine. I think it was just dirty” Omega spoke, Tech looked at her, the back at you, he walked over to another seat, making Omega face him as he turned the chair. “What are you doing?” Omega asked as Tech pulled her pants up again.

Taking the tape off and looking at her scrape, he almost nodded in approval, but stopped himself. “Oh come on, I’m not going just throw a bacta pad on there and say I’m done” you told him, “still, you could have left out an important part” he spoke, Omega watched, “and just because you’re a medic, doesn’t mean you know it all” he harshly said, you wanted to just leave, everyone’s been nice except for Tech, “yeah? Well just because your name is ‘Tech’ doesn’t mean you’re actually a technician. You can multitask yet I haven’t spoken one word about your work” you spoke up, gathering your things and leaving. Omega watched as it all unfolded before her, “that was a bit rude Tech, maybe try and be nice, she’s new. You’re probably making her feel bad” Omega defended you

Tech took his helmet off, watching you walk off and disappear down the hall. “Maybe we only needed one, medic aboard. That was only a small scratch Omega, anyone could treat that” he stood up, “maybe you think we only need one medic, but I think differently. You should respect her more, I came to her because you were busy making repairs, and I’m glad to have let you work while she wasn’t busy. She even helped us back on Ryloth” it wasn’t new that Omega put yet another one of her brothers in place. She was right, you did save them, and treat her. He bet, if she would have went to Wrecker, he would have only plugged it up with trash and dirt then throw a bandaid on it.

Omega walked out the cockpit, Lula in her hands as Tech was left alone. So what you knew how to fly and treat a small wound, anyone could do that… anyone who knew what they were doing. And he was intrigued at how much you knew and what you’ve done.

—

Everyone sat in their seat, you sat behind Echo as he sat in the co-pilot chair. Your hands gripping the pen as you worked an equation out on a piece of paper. Tech heard you whisper quite loudly the numbers, so he worked it out in his head as he watched the stars go by while in hyperspace. “205” he said, you looked up, sighing in annoyance and putting on a fake smile, “thanks Tech, I’m sure me working it out and trying a different way of solving this problem was to easy for you. What a pity, me working with pen and paper as you have a datapad? What was I thinking?” You scoffed out, Echo laughed a bit at your bite back. Tech turned to you, “what do you mean ‘a different way’?” He asked, you threw the paper at him as he caught it then glaring at you for doing so.

His eyes scanned over the numbers, this wasn’t right. None of this was, “give me the pen” he spoke, you looked at him, “what for?” “Just give me the pen” he demanded as you shook your head no. Echo was curious to see what you both were arguing about, his head peaked over the paper and was met with messy writings and scrambled numbers. “How can you read that thing?” You heard Echos disbelief in his voice, “here, I’ll explain it” you reassured him as you clicked the pen. Tech watched as you began to explain what this new trick was. He was fascinated, he found himself looking up your arm until he watched your face as you spoke about something that actually interested you… interested him.

He continued to hold the board with the paper on it for you while you worked it out, circling the answer. He wasn’t sure why, but when you turned to Echo to talk about it, he was quite jealous. Echo wouldn’t understand, but Tech did, why didn’t you argue with him about it. He hesitantly tapped two fingers on your shoulder, you turned and faced him, “perhaps, we could further discuss what you put into motion here? I could teach you some new things as well” he offered, Echo had seen his frail to finally try and get closer to you. He stood up, “excuse me” he walked off, giving you and Tech the time together. “Not sure, I feel like you’re only going to insult me further while thinking you’re smarter, you also offered me something. Don’t know if I should take it that you want something or you hit your head” you crossed your arms, looking at him. “I assure you, I have something’s I would like to share” he lightly laughed.

You thought about it, “fine, but if anything” you threatened him, “there no need to get hostile with me now Y/n, I want to see just how much you know” he leaned back into his seat, arms and legs crossed as he eyed you down. But if anything did happen, the Batch was on board. You sat in the seat Echo sat in before, questioning your choice on agreeing.

—

It seems Tech had underestimated you to soon, you we’re definitely smarter than he had thought. Was there actually someone just like him? Someone who he could rely on and wouldn’t have to explain too, mainly going into details. But you, oh you… you just gave him this feeling. He didn’t want you to leave the seat when you both sat, it was interesting seeing how you knew some things he didn’t. You both shared theories and facts about unusual things people would have probably brushed off and thought was annoying or just plain boring. He found himself moving ever so closer to you when you both started getting into.. deeper matters. What you did on Kamino versus what he does for the galaxy with his brothers. You told him how you wanted to get off the planet and explore while he suggested he explores all the time.

That was until you both found each other, knees touching while you both leaned forward. It was wrong, you abruptly stood up, “I’m sorry Tech, I shouldn’t have” you fixed your armor and set out. Just what happened there?

He didn’t have feelings for you, if he did. It’d most likely be jealousy and anger, for he didn’t want to be replaced for someone they had just met. He was their brother, you can’t just remove them from their life. Now you were off somewhere in the ship, probably have already forgotten about him. But his thoughts were stuck on you, was he too mean to you? Now that whenever he got close, you either brushed him off or you walked away. But what if he wasn’t, would you two have been closer? Together perhaps? It was like talking to himself, actually finding interest in the conversation. Feelings were never in his area of expertise, so he couldn’t exactly pinpoint what he was feeling at the moment. He was sure to keep an eye on it and write down anything he feels on his datapad, maybe even do some research.

—

“Y/n!” “Coming!” You replied to Echo as he yelled for your assistance. Walking down the hall to to Echo kneeling before the console trying to fix whatever he was trying to. “Yeah?” You asked, “I need..” he trailed off, trying to get the control panel fixed. “Oh! I’ve done this plenty of times back on Kamino for the clones’ ship when they got back” you spoke while kneeling next to him, undoing the wires as he looked at you, “what are you doing?” “Relax, you can’t just keep the control panel like this, you have to make sure it clean, this this part” you pointed to the corner of the panel as there was dirt inside, “that’s blocking this part, from entering. So brush this aside, and put it back. Now you’re going to want to make sure all the wires and whatnot are still good. Some could burn out and that could ruin the whole thing, and then you’d have to replace it all. But other times, it just needs a little cleaning” you walked him through it, telling him what goes where and how to clean the board without ruining it, while still making it easy for him to understand without using the big confusing words

He nodded, understanding, “Tech would never say anything like this. He does all the repairs like this, the only time he needs help is when he needs tools or for us to hold something” “Ah, I see. I’m sure he means well. I never had anyone to talk to about this and it feels good to finally share some knowledge” you told him to screw the panel back on. He stood up, offering you his hand and helping you up. “Thanks” “no problem, you learn something new everyday” Echo laughed at your joke, giving you a pat on the shoulder and walking off. You kneeled back down picking up the tools and gathering them into a bag. Another pair of hands helped you, as you looked up, you noticed he had no thigh armor. Tech.

“Thank you Tech, you didn’t have to-” you were pushed on your back as Tech was on top of you. You groaned at the pushed, opening your eyes to see Tech giving you a kiss. Your senses finally returning as you felt the harsh action, making your lips hurt. He softened the kiss, making you now blush as you laid there under him. He pulled back, “T-Tech?” You let out the breath you held in, “Y/n. I’m so sorry about before” your brow furrowed in confusion. “What for?” “All those words, bringing you down. It’s wrong now and it was wrong then, but how could I have not appreciated your actions before?” He questioned himself as you now remembered all those things he said and what he did to try and put you down.

“I can’t let someone, so good and loving leave. I’ve seen the way you treat Omega and my brothers when I’m not there too, you’re smart and beautiful. Yet you’re ready for battle when you’re thrown into it. I’ve been thinking, about my feelings, and… and us” your eyes widen at the last part. About, you? Him? Together? You haven’t thought about it, maybe once but that was when you both were talking that night in the cockpit, he was rude and unforgiving when you were introduced and given a task, always saying he knew and could do better than you. And that your tactics were sloppier than his, and to be frank, he didn’t mean that. It was his feelings he was confused about, “Tech.. I actually don’t know what to do. While you say you’ve thought of us, I haven’t, maybe once but that was wrong. We could never work out” you confessed, his gloved hand on the side of your head as he stroked a few hairs out of your face.

He sighed, thinking. This time it was his heart speaking, not his brain, this has nothing to do with what he normally did. So he had to wing it. “Tell me. What do I need to do to show you, how much I appreciate and want you by my side? Tell me what’s making you feel uncomfortable about us and how I can help. I’m willing to give this a chance if you are” he sounded desperate, the first time you’ve heard him like this. But you had to think on it, he was just as smart, maybe even smarter, he was blunt which made you not have to worry about his opinions on others and how you feel. And he was strong, both mentally and physically. You’ve never met someone as close knowing and interesting like you.

“I.. I’m willing to give this a chance as well” your hand came up to his hair, then pulling him down for another loving kiss. All those problems and feelings he couldn’t explain and work out, have now blown away. If seemed like being close to you felt like ecstasy, your aura felt so welcoming and warm. His lips ghosted over yours before coming down for another. This new found feeling was something he could get use to, yours lips felt so soft against his, your fingertips slightly trailed along his jawline and cupped his cheek. “We, better get up before someone sees us” you suggested, he nodded. A quick kiss on the side of your mouth was given before he got up. Pulling you along. He wanted to see where this relationship would take him.

He was excited to have you by his side now, he knew you two could take on anything. The thought of having someone just like him by his side put a warm feeling in his stomach, someone he could protect along with his brothers. Maybe the jealousy before was telling him something, maybe you both were destined to be together since you both could agree that you’ve never met anyone like the other. And he was glad to have someone to return to every time he came back from a mission, or having you on a mission with him in general. He already had hundreds of reasons why he fell in love with you, and if that’s just the beginning, he wondered what being with you forever would he like. Only time will tell

———

I hope you enjoyed, again! If you ever want to send it a request, I take it in DM’s for those who want to stay anonymous, but others can also go to my ask box. Either way is fine, I don’t mind!^^

#tech the bad batch #star wars #star wars tcw #the bad batch #tbb #tech bad batch #Star wars the bad batch #tech x reader #oneshot #requested

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alexboehm55144 · 4 years ago

Text

Alex Final Wars 2: Dark Alex, Chapter 33 - Midway

The Typhoon had been zipping all over the pacific throughout the US-Chinese war. This was possible because the ship had cloaking technology and could fly. But a large portion of the US navy was still relegated to the eastern half of the ocean, unable to move west due to Chinese forces.

However, with recent US gains, the offensive had started. Naval forces were now planning a significant strike back against the Chinese Navy and Air Force at the island of Midway.

A US armada, including the Typhoon, aircraft carriers, and numerous smaller escort vessels, was already making haste to meet with an equally sized Chinese fleet.

"I expected more airships," Laval said from the bridge of the Typhoon while JayJay sat nearby and filed her claws. "But we're the only one here."

"Airships are still an experimental technology, Laval," Toothdee noted, sitting in the captain's chair and piloting the ship. "Aquatic vessels are still the mainstay for the world's nations."

"Oh great, your telling me our home and HQ is an experimental vessel?"

"Don't worry, Laval, it's perfectly safe."

"Say, have you guys seen Fabienne?" JayJay asked.

"Oh, the reporter. She's probably filming something." Laval said, "I just hope she stays safe when the fighting breaks out."

"She's worked as a war correspondent before," Toothdee said. "She told me she was getting some shots of the ships from one of the outside decks. Speaking of which...."

The Heroes commander turned the radio on again.

"Fabienne, do you read? Are you alright?"

The snow leopard had set up some recording equipment on one of the outside platforms on the Typhoon's exterior. The ocean breeze blew through her fur, and the beautiful blue sea and sky were visible all around her.

"Do you read?"

The reporter's ears perked up, and she grabbed the radio she had been given since her first day on the Heroes ship.

"Yeah, I'm here. I'm ok. Just about to film a quick shot of the fleet."

"Ok, finish up quickly and get back inside."

"Will do."

The snow leopard turned off the radio and took one last look to make sure her tripod-mounted camera was lined up properly before clicking the record button. Afterward, she quickly tested the audio and the microphone on her collar and stood in position. She was a meter from the camera, off to the side. Enough so that the device could see the fleet of US warships in the background, along with the reporter. She was careful not to step too close to the edge of the platform. Because while there was a railing, she did not want to risk falling overboard.

"Hello, this is Fabienne Growley, coming to you from aboard the Typhoon in the pacific. US naval forces are moving to secure the region around Midway island. They are being led by Heroes, and their airship, the Typhoon. A Chinese fleet is in the area, hoping to defend their territory from the encroaching US forces. At this time, it is impossible to say what will occur during this battle, but this could be a turning point for the war in the Pacific."

The snow leopard moved over to the camera and stopped the recording before packing up all her equipment. As she entered back into the vessel, Fabienne contacted Toothdee on her radio.

"I'm heading back inside Toothdee. I'll get to my battle station."

"Ok, you'll be safe there."

"I guess she got her shot," Laval said as Toothdee disconnected the call.

"Let's check in with everyone else while we're at it. Our forces are spread out all around the area, so we should be able to cover the entire field of battle." She said, switching the channel on her radio. "Heroes, this is the Typhoon. What's your status?"

"This is captain Boehm. Eris and I are flying the deadly skies."

The 2 young pilots zipped through the air above the fleet in their jets. Eris was flying her blue and white eagle interceptor, one that she had modified to her specifications.

Alex flew a custom F-35, one of the standard jets of the US Air Force.

"Nice flying," Eris said, the pair of jets turning and circling the US fleet.

"Thanks, your pretty good yourself. But your reputation precedes you." Alex said, looking at the tally marks on the jet's hull.

"I like your plane's color scheme," Eris said, drawing attention to the aircraft's metallic exterior, which was dark gray in color. A few shiny red, white and blue lines ran along the wings and near the cockpit as a patriotic gesture.

"Thanks! Lately, I've been wondering if I should paint it with some other pattern or color scheme. But that's not the only thing that's different about this plane. It's been modified with upgrades including stronger weapons and armor."

"Alright, you two, don't you keep your heads in the clouds for too long," Toothdee said, be forcing changing the channel on her radio. "Kion, Jasiri, what's your status."

"Kion here. I'm just taking a look at the cannon on this destroyer. This thing looks like it will pack a serious punch."

The lion touched and inspected the barrel of a forward-mounted turret on a US destroyer. Jasiri was nearby, leaning against a railing and enjoying the sea breeze.

"I'm here as well, Toothdee, just enjoying the calm before the storm."

"Alright, keep your heads on the swivel. Your job is to provide support to other US forces. That's why your stationed where you are. Toothdee out. Nick, Judy, you two better not be making out or something."

"Hey!" Judy said, jumping up from where she was lying on the beach.

"Unfortunately, no." Nick said, "we're just sitting here, relaxing- I mean, guarding, this wonderful- I mean, important beach on the midway island."

"Well, you two better stay on guard, lest the Chinese land on Midway, and it's an atoll, Nick."

"Don't worry, no matter what it is, we'll keep it safe."

Judy was still blushing a bit from embarrassment as Toothdee switched the radio channel over to someone else.

"Well, carrots, that was a rude interruption to our make-out session."

"Haida, Retsuko, are you there?" Toothdee said.

"Oh hey, Toothdee," Retsuko said. She was standing in the cargo bay on the Typhoon, stocked with equipment and whose walls were made of hardened metal. "Haida's in the bathroom, but we're right here on the ship, ready to help however we can."

"Glad to hear it. I know your job isn't the flashiest, your not racing into combat, but your job is no less important. It's because of you two that we get our supplies, and all the paperwork gets sorted."

Retsuko blushed and smiled to herself. Her last job didn't appreciate her at all, so it was nice to hear that she mattered.

"Thank you, you don't know how much that means to me. Oh, and that reminds me...."

The red panda clambered on top of a large crate. It was a crate designed for lion-sized mammals, so it was difficult to scale, but Retsuko managed. She compared the label on the container to the writing on a notepad in her hand.

"....we should be fully stocked. We've got plenty of ammo. I checked twice."

The red panda jumped down from the crate and brushed some dust from the blue pants of her uniform. It wasn't required by regulation, but it made her feel a lot more formal when working, which helped her focus.

"Again, thank you." Toothdee said, "always know that you're a part of the team."

The Heroes leader switched the radio channel for the last time and spoke again.

"Jack and Skye, do you read?"

"We hear you, Toothdee."

The fox and bunny couple were in a small rubber-hulled military boat, speeding through the waves. Skye maneuvered the rubber craft around warships and larger vessels. At the same time, Jack stood ready at the boat's mounted minigun, which was a bit large for a rabbit, but he was up to the task of operating it.

"We're ready and waiting," Jack said, holding on tight as the boat hit a wave.

"Lovely day for a battle," Skye said.

"Keep your heads on the swivel. I'm glad we have the support of 2 ZIA agents during this engagement."

Toothdee turned off the radio and returned her focus to the Typhoon's controls.

"Why do you think the Chinese are even here anyway? We keep stopping their assaults."

"I can only speculate, but they probably just can't stop fighting. China has to demonstrate its strength and that it is the world's foremost superpower. Basically, the Chinese need to prove that they, and their way of thinking, are right. Not to mention victory would put them in a very favorable position on the world stage."

The radio came to life again as the voice of a US sailor came through.

"Enemy vessels spotted!"

On the horizon, black shapes appeared and started to grow closer and closer. Chinese warships of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Accompanying them were planes of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force.

"LAVAL! JAYJAY! BATTLE STATIONS!" Toothdee said, prompting the lion and wolf to hop into their weapon positions as armored panels slid up to cover the Typhoon's bridge window.

There was a brief respite of calm, yet the tension was palpable as the two fleets drew closer and closer before entering weapon range.

Missiles and cannons opened fire, projectiles cutting through the sky and either splashing into the sea or impacting enemy warships.

JayJay, Laval, and Toothdee operated the Typhoon and its weapons systems, sending a flurry of shots towards enemy ships and planes. A dark black PLAAF fighter jet that looked heavily modified was leading the charge. Still, it weaved and launched flares to avoid incoming fire.

"that lead aircraft is giving off a unique signature on our sensor equipment," Toothdee noted.

The pair of gunners targeted a formation of hostile bombers with missiles and machine gunfire. Shots were tearing through the wings and into the fuselage while missiles filled the planes with shrapnel. The large airplanes either crashed into the ocean or exploded violently in a massive fireball.

"You know, this is cool and all, but somehow I'd rather be on the ground fighting," JayJay said.

"I get that," Laval said. "We all have our preferred style of combat."

"Agreed." Toothdee said, "It's just sometimes someone has to be around to operate the ship and its weapons. Thankfully you guys are trained for that."

The Typhoon then moved to engage a Chinese destroyer, battering the side of the vessel with cannon shots.

Explosions ripped through the metal of the ship, with the hull starting to fracture and break. After a few moments of sustained bombardment, the boat sank beneath the waves with a loud gurgling noise.

The Typhoon then focused its weapons on a group of smaller watercraft, with PLAN soldiers on the sides of the vessel, firing machine guns missile launchers.

"Damnit, they keep moving too fast!" Laval said, the small vessels zipping at high speed around the typhoon and opening fire.

However, despite this, the Typhoon eventually was able to appropriately target the smaller craft and shred them with weapons fire.

One escort vessel was torn apart with machine guns. While another was utterly obliterated by large cannon shells.

"We're really mopping the floor with them Heroes, but that's going to be a problem," Toothdee said, looking straight ahead towards a hostile aircraft carrier that was launching fighters. "We're going to need some support for that."

The Heroes leader looked out the port side of the ship and saw a US destroyer nearby and quickly radioed for backup.

"Destroyer, USS Gridley, this is the Typhoon. We're heading towards that Chinese carrier and would appreciate the support."

"Affirmative Typhoon, moving to support."

Along with a few other escort vessels and aircraft, the pair of warships made haste towards the PLAN aircraft carrier, accompanied by escort craft.

The vessels closed in on each other, and once the Typhoon was close enough, it opened fire on the carrier with its weapons. The Gridley followed suit, both ships pummeling the carrier with weapons as the escort vessels of both sides battled it out.

The Gridley and Typhoon pulled close, able to wreak massive damage at this close range. Shells ripped through the vessel's hull, and missiles pummeled the bridge.

Kion was operating a mounted machine gun on the outside deck of the Gridley and was spraying the aircraft carrier deck with machine gunfire. Shots tore through equipment, aircraft, and personnel.

"RELOAD!" the lion yelled.

Jasiri was ready to support him, quickly removing the empty magazine and inserting a fresh one, allowing Kion to resume firing. Chinese troops on the carrier deck fired back but were swiftly eliminated.

"Hell yeah!" Kion said, triumphantly raising his fist in the air.

The pair of ships pulled away from the carrier, which was billowing smoke and listing heavily. While the Typhoon moved off to find another target, the Gridley made haste towards an enemy destroyer moving away from the battle zone, having sustained heavy damage.

This hostile ship had been marked as a high-value target, a destroyer that was equipped with a wide range of advanced electronic sensors and weapons. These were used for area denial and electronic warfare operations, along with communications support. Its advanced capabilities were making it a thorn in the side of the American fleet.

"I'm guessing that's our next target," Jasiri said, pointing towards the damaged ship.

Kion laughed, "ha, easy prey."

But the Chinese destroyer was not alone. It was covered by a squadron of planes that moved in to engage the approaching US destroyer. The unit included the jet black PLAAF aircraft that had led the charge earlier. This elite plane was faster and more maneuverable than the others, and its weapons were likely more powerful as well.

The warship's guns opened fire on the incoming aircraft, and even Kion tried engaging them with his mounted machine gun. But the lion and Jasiri needed to duck as explosions went off nearby, missiles hitting and crippling the ship's gun systems.

One fighter was destroyed, and it crashed into the sea nearby with a massive splash. As the jets came around and prepared to make another attack on the destroyer, friendly aircraft arrived and chased the Chinese jets off.

But the Gridley had been left worse for wear, smoke billowing from damaged areas, and alarms blaring all over the ship.

"We better go see what the situation is," Kion said before he and Jasiri entered the warship and moved to the bridge.

The captain of the vessel, a mountain lion, was looking over a computer screen and talking with two other sailors.

"Hey, what's going on?" Kion asked, and the Mountain lion looked up.

"Our weapon systems have been hit. We can't return fire with our main guns. But that enemy vessel we were going after is still active. Its own guns and engines have been knocked out. However, it still has its electronic warfare capabilities."

"So it's been disabled..." Jasiri said, "...but not destroyed."

"Correct. Its systems are wreaking havoc with our own sensors." He pointed to the computer screen, which was partly frozen and full of error messages. "It still poses a serious threat."

"Hmm, then we still need to destroy it. Pull up alongside the vessel, and ready the marines and sailors."

"What? What are you going to do?"

"Something they definitely won't be expecting."

Kion, followed by Jasiri, headed down to the ship's main deck, where friendly troops were preparing themselves. A fox marine opened a weapon container and handed out rifles to other troopers before tossing one to a sailor some distance away.

The two Heroes stood in front of an assembled group of troops ready to receive orders.

The US Navy vessel pulled alongside the Chinese ship as enemy troops swarmed the deck of the hostile craft.

"Follow me!" Kion yelled, raising his sword and roaring, prompting US marines and sailors to raise their weapons and let our battle cries.

Blade in hand, Kion charged towards the PLAN vessel, leaping off the deck of the American ship and landing on the enemy destroyer, cutting down a Chinese sailor as he landed.

The marines and sailors were shocked at what had just transpired. This was a pirate tactic from the age of sail. But with no better options available, the marines followed the lion, jumping onto the deck of the enemy vessel and gunning down hostile sailors.

"Forward!" The young warrior said, sprinting down the length of the ship, cutting down more enemies and deflecting their bullets with his sword.

Jasiri and US troopers were close behind, providing support with gunfire. Some marines even broke out zipline launchers and grappling hooks, using them to board the hostile vessel.

The US troops continued down the deck of the Chinese warship, engaging hostiles and putting them down as they moved. Kion sliced down an enemy trooper that had taken up positions next to a series of different-sized doors. At the same time, Jasiri unloaded her pistols on another enemy standing a few meters away.

The team moved to the series of different-sized doors and prepared to enter. Still, before they could, the doors opened, and enemy personnel of many distinct species came out with their paws or hands raised.

US troops kept their weapons leveled and ordered the PLAN troops down to the ground. But the Chinese wouldn't respond, and they all remained clustered in one big group.

Suddenly one of the enemy sailors, a female panda, yelled out in English.

"imperialist warmongers!"

Two of the surrendered troopers pulled the pins on grenades they had concealed and tossed them at the US sailors.

Jasiri and Kion reacted quickly. Kion swung his sword and hit one of the flying grenades, knocking it into the sea. The other grenade bounced to the deck, and Jasiri bravely kicked it into the water, where both explosives went off with small splashes.

The American troops and Heroes opened fire, gunning down the Chinese sailors, lest they make another attempt at fighting back with more concealed weapons. Kion even cut down one of the sailors who was starting to pull a knife.

"Damnit, what a shame," Jasiri said as the enemy troops dropped to the deck.

"They did it to themselves," Kion said.

"Yeah, your right."

Before the US sailors and marines could move inside the vessel, a small rubber boat passed close by the ship, and the Chinese gunner on board opened fire with the mounted weapon. Two marines and a sailor were taken out as the boat pulled away from the massive warship.

Kion cursed and took cover before Jack came through on the radio.

"We've got you, Kion."

Jack and Skye raced by in their boat, the fox keeping hot on the heels of the PLAN boat. Jack aimed the minigun and fired, bullets ripping through the enemy sailors. The enemy boat stopped, its operators dead, with Jack and Skye racing by, rounding a friendly warship and heading towards Midway Atoll.

"More Chinese!" Jack said, and Skye maneuvered towards a pair of hostile sailors on jet skis, armed with pistols. The sailors opened fire with their weapons, forcing the fox to duck in cover. Jack was able to engage the jet skis, taking them down.

Another jet ski with two troopers on it appeared. The second soldier on board opened fire with an assault rifle. However, he was also quickly eliminated.

"Look! Over there!" Skye said, pointing to a group of watercraft, including landing vehicles, heading towards Midway Atoll.

"Get us over there," Jack said, readying himself. At the same time, Skye maneuvered the boat into a formation of US watercraft and helicopters. Even two troopers were piloting small personal hovercraft.

The US boats and aircraft closed the distance to the hostile vessels, and once it was within firing range, Jack opened upon them with the minigun. A hail of lead took down another jet-ski and another rubber boat.

Suddenly the jet black Chinese fighter dived down towards the US watercraft, launching missiles. The missiles took down a US helicopter, sending it crashing into the sea. Another barrage of rockets destroyed a US patrol boat.

"Whoa! Ok, watch out for that!" Jack said.

Skye pulled alongside a slightly larger enemy escort craft. Jack opened fire as the gunners on board the boat returned fire. The ZIA agent took down one of the gunners, then focused fire on the vessel's hull and bridge.

The vessel soon started to smoke before it stopped moving, dead in the water.

"Landing craft!" Jack said, noticing a group of marine lizard vehicles getting closer and closer to Midway island. These were identical to the vehicles that had deployed troops during the first assault on Zootopia.

Skye pulled alongside one of the vehicles. Jack fired into the troop compartment, killing many of the Chinese soldiers being transported inside the vessel. Jack then focused his fire on the control area of the boat, hoping to kill the driver or destroy the control system.

After filling part of the vehicle with bullets, the landing craft lost control and crashed into another landing craft. Both vessels flipped over, leaving Chinese soldiers treading in the water around the wreckage.

But more landing craft had reached Midway island, and the hostile troopers onboard disembarked and charged towards the American soldiers who were set up in defensive positions in trenches. Nick and Judy were also in place, behind a rocky outcropping. The pair of ZPD officers felt a bit out of their element in the island environment. It was not urban at all, unlike the city of Zootopia, their usual stomping grounds. But they were still determined to give the battle they're all.

"South blade incoming!" An American soldier yelled before being gunned down by the fast and dark black PLAAF fighter jet that was strafing the beach to support advancing troops.

"South blade?" Judy asked as defending troops returned fire.

Nick radioed his human friend, firing arrows at the incoming enemies. "Hey Alex, would you-"

"Give me one sec, Nick."

The human-focused on a Chinese aircraft he was flying towards, flak in the air all around him. He took the shot, a missile streaking through the sky and impacting the ship's bridge, obliterating the glass windows and the mammals on the bridge, before the captain pulled his jet back up into the sky.

"I'm sorry, go ahead."

"Would you happen to know about enemy soldiers called 'South Blade'?"

"South Blade? Those are special forces soldiers capable of air, land, and sea operations. Akin to US navy seals. Eris and I will move to provide you with air support."

"Ok, better switch to something a little more powerful," Nick said, drawing a death arrow from his quiver. He fired a hail of arrows, downing three PLA troopers in quick succession.

Judy used a standard-issue ZPD pistol, supported by a tranquilizer pistol that could down even the largest mammals.

A human commander joined the two ZPD officers behind their rocky outcropping and surveyed the situation on the beach. Two more marine lizard landing craft were incoming, bringing more troops to the battle.

"Demolitions team! Get up here now!" The commander yelled.

A pair of armadillos, who were fantastic with explosives due to their natural armor, ran towards the human commander with rocket launchers. Then the team each got down on one knee and aimed their weapons.

"Fire!"

The rocket launchers fired, their projectiles streaking towards the two incoming Chinese landing craft and hitting them. The vehicles exploded in a bright orange flash and a shower of metal.

"Nice shot," Nick said. "I wish I could do that."

"You should get some arrows with explosives on them," Judy said.

Before Nick could respond, a barrage of gunfire struck nearby.

A PLA bear soldier, armed with heavy armor and an LMG, moved towards Nick and Judy, opening fire with his weapon. Simultaneously, an otter diving team with SMGs moved out of the waves and onto the shore, joining their bear ally in engaging US forces.

"Yeah... I really wish I had some explosive arrows right now!" Nick said as everyone behind the rocky outcropping took cover.

"We've got you!" Eris said over the radio as the roar of jet engines filled the sky.

Eris's eagle interceptor came in low over the beach, opening fire with its front-mounted chi blasters. Bolts of energy peppered the hostile forces on the beach, neutralizing many of the enemy soldiers.

Alex's jet followed behind, strafing the beach with machine gunfire. The planes turned around for another pass on the beach.

The bear heavy weapons soldier angrily turned his LMG towards the sky. Still, he was obliterated by missiles from the American jets.

Explosions tore through Chinese soldiers on the ground, reducing their landing craft to burning husks.

Nick, Judy, and US troops cheered and watched the jets fly above.

"Thanks for the save, guys," Judy said as the jets headed back out to sea.

"Eris, prepare to target remaining Chinese naval vessels," Alex said, pulling alongside his eagle companion.

"Way ahead of you, literally!" Eris said, engaging her afterburners and pulling forward. Captain Boehm laughed and throttled up to chase after her. The aircraft returned to the battle zone, where the United States and China continued to engage. But the scales had been tipped, with the US looking more likely to come out on top.

"Let's target that escort vessel." The captain said, prompting both jets to nosedive towards a PLAN ship. The aircraft fired hails of machine-gun bullets and chi blasts, ripping through the Chinese vessel.

Smoke and fire erupted from the ship as the aircraft pulled around for another attack run.

"Missiles away!" Eris said, the pair of jets firing missiles, streaking low above the water before impacting the hostile escort ship with a massive explosion.

The vessel started to list and soon sank beneath the waves, leaving behind only debris and stranded crew.

"We've got incoming!" Eris said, noticing a group of PLAFF bomber planes moving towards a US aircraft carrier, escorted by some fighter jets.

"This is Hero leader." Captain Boehm said into his radio. "Requesting immediate fighter reinforcements. Hostile bomber squadron moving towards the friendly carrier."

The voice of an airmammal came through the radio.

"Affirmative Hero leader, fighter squadron moving to assist. ETA 2 minutes out."

"It's going to take some time for them to get here, Eris."

"Well then, let's give them something to shoot at!"

The pair of pilots gunned their engines and made haste towards the enemy bomber formation. Pouncing on the enemy aircraft, Eris scored a critical hit on one of the bombers, causing it to lose control and crash into a Chinese fighter nearby.

Alex fired a salvo of missiles that took down one enemy aircraft and heavily damaged another. The escort craft reacted and began to engage the American planes. Bullets whizzed by Eris, the eagle having to fly erratically to avoid them.

An enemy jet fired a missile at Alex, who deployed flares to interfere with the weapon's heat-seeking capability.

The engaging aircraft danced across the sky, turning and maneuvering with immense speed and agility, pushing the machines and their pilots to the limit. Whenever a hostile plane was in their sights, the pilots opened fire with machine guns or missiles.

Eris and Alex gained the upper hand, not sustaining much damage while dishing out plenty of damage to PLAAF planes. But the bombers continued to near the American aircraft carrier.

"Eris, you keep the fighters distracted. I'll go after the bombers!"

"You got it, Alex!" The young warrior said, looping around in her aircraft, getting behind a Chinese jet, and reducing it to scrap metal.

Captain Boehm pulled behind one of the enemy bombers, unloading into it with machine guns and rockets. Flames and smoke came from the plane, which began to rapidly lose altitude.

"Fighter support arrived!" Said a voice through the radio as more US aircraft entered the battlefield, engaging the remaining bombers and fighters.

The Heroes captain cheered and pulled around to rejoin Eris. The eagle had taken down two Chinese aircraft, but a third plane had gotten behind her and opened fire with its machine guns. Eris flew erratically and tried to shake off her pursuer, but to no avail.

"He's on me!" Eris said.

"I'm on him!" Alex responded, pulling behind the attacking jet.

The captain pressed a button on the control stick, firing the jet's machine guns. Bullets tore through the enemy aircraft, and it dove towards the sea, the pilot ejecting.

"Whew, I owe you one, Alex."

"No problem, don't mention it."

Suddenly, a high-speed jet zoomed by, the object only looking like a black blur as it passed by.

"Ok, that's something new," Eris said.

"It's not showing up on my radar as friendly." Alex said, "Assume it's hostile."

The pair pursued the aircraft into a cloud, with the other American fighters capable of finishing off the remaining Chinese planes.

Alex and Eris passed through the cloud, obscuring their view. In that brief moment of blindness, the enemy struck.

Gunfire suddenly struck both American aircraft, forcing the two pilots to move erratically to throw off the enemy. As the planes swerved, they exited the cloud, and pursuing them were 3 Chinese fighters. There were 2 standard fighters, but also a dark black and extremely customized aircraft leading the charge.

The 2 fighters went after Eris, while the head plane went straight for Alex, a voice coming through the radio.

"Hello, hero leader."

Captain Boehm recognized the voice as his own. It was his dark counterpart.

"You! Guess that explains the unique jet."

"I could say the same of you."

"Eris, where are you?"

"I've got some jets on me! Might be able to handle them, though." Eris said, dodging the incoming fire.

Alex also had to dodge and roll to avoid his counterpart's machine gunfire. The captain pulled around and opened up with machine-gun fire of his own, forcing his adversary to go on the defensive.

The aircraft flew circles around each other, both pilots trying to get the other jet in their sights. When the enemy plane was in the gun-sights, the attacker opened up with machine guns or missiles, forcing the pilot to roll or deploy flares.

As he turned his plane, Captain Boehm's vision went hazy as he felt himself about to blackout due to the immense G-forces, prompting him to slow down.

"Not a bad plane." Dark Alex said. "Engines and weapons on par with my own."

"Well, let's see who's jet is better!" The heroes captain said, firing a barrage of missiles. But the dark counterpart rolled his plane and avoided the projectiles, returning fire with machine guns.

"All US fighter craft in the vicinity!" Came a voice through the radio. "We have another enemy bomber squadron incoming!"

"Shit! Someone get on those bombers!" Alex said into the radio, knowing that those aircraft were headed for a US carrier, a ship with thousands of crew. But in this brief moment where he was focusing on the communications, Dark Alex made his move, hitting the Heroes Captain with a barrage of bullets.

"Your care. Your drive to put others before yourself... it is a weakness." The counterpart said. "It holds you back from what you need to do to achieve true strength. You'll always feel yourself chained to others. I learned that lesson long ago and heeded it."

"So that's it, you just think I'm weak?"

"Yes. You are nothing. Both you and your nation are weak and hopelessly lost. It is time for a new power to rise, which is why both you and the United States must die. So new warriors may take your place."

"Oh, so I'm just a target for you to take down and prove yourself? So you can prove your strength and establish your place in the world?"

"This is nothing more than natural selection in the wild. The strong creature devouring the weak one."

"Last time I checked, Heroes took down more of you and your band than you have done to us."

"And you shall pay dearly for it!"

Dark Alex fired a salvo of missiles. With Captain Boehm's craft already damaged, the missiles struck. The Heroes leader felt his plane shake violently as the deafening sound of an explosion and rupturing metal rang through his ears.

The captain hit the eject button, the canopy breaking away, and the seat blasting out of the damaged aircraft.

As the parachute unfolded, the captain looked around for his counterpart's aircraft. He didn't see anything, so Alex turned his attention to where he was going to land.

Below him was a PLAN aircraft carrier and an American destroyer, both heavily damaged and sitting dead in the water over a dozen meters apart. But in the water between the 2 warships was an assortment of debris. Crates of supplies had fallen off the ships, floating in the water. A variety of random scrap and wreckage littered the area. Made of all sorts of materials and even smaller vehicles that had been wrecked. A Chinese fighter floated in the water nearby, having slid off the deck of the carrier. A damaged US patrol boat sat partially sunk in the water, listing hard to the side.

The captain braced himself as he touched down in the sea, unclipping himself from his ejector seat. The Hero leader started to look around, looking up towards the US destroyer and noticing something on it. A Chinese helicopter had crashed into the vessel. Now it was sitting precariously on the deck of the ship, hanging over the water.

As the captain continued to try and get his bearings, he heard a roaring engine growing closer and closer. Looking up, the captain saw his counterpart's jet incoming, prompting Boehm to quickly swim into a large cargo container partially floating in the sea.

Dark Alex's jet engaged hover mode and started to inspect the area, searching for any sign of captain Boehm.

The captain, however, was cursing under his breath and watching the hostile plane. His plane had been destroyed, and he only had a pistol and knife to defend himself with. But this could be a valuable chance to take out his dark counterpart.

First, the captain used his knife to cut up some cargo inside the container that had been covered in a dark blue cloth. The human draped the dark cloth over his head, which would help camouflage him. Spotting the damaged patrol boat nearby, the captain waited till the hostile jet had turned away before diving into the waves and swimming as fast as possible towards the patrol boat.

Reaching the boat, Alex scrambled inside and examined the weapon controls. The main gun was still operational, and the captain immediately targeted his counterpart's jet.

The weapon fired at the unsuspecting jet, shots slamming into the plane's armor and dealing significant damage. As Alex dove back into the water, the enemy jet turned around and took aim.

Dark Alex's jet fired a missile at the wrecked patrol boat, obliterating it. Shards of debris rained down into the water near captain Boehm as he swam his way through the area.

Although damaged, the jet continued to search the area, forcing Boehm to dive underwater when he couldn't get out of the jet's view fast enough. If he came to the surface at the wrong time, the plane would shred him with its weapons. But stay underwater too long, and the captain would drown. All the while, Dark Alex scanned the water and debris for his counterpart. He could not lose. He had a customized jet, while his enemy was simply flailing around in the water. Nothing more perfectly represented the discontinuity between the pair of warriors. One was weak, and the other was strong.

Coming up to the surface out of view of the enemy plane, captain Boehm spotted another cargo container nearby floating in the water. This container was marked with symbols identifying the contents as explosives.

The young warrior made his way over to the container, hiding behind debris and diving beneath the waves when he had to keep out of sight of his counterpart's view.

Once he reached the container, he opened it up, finding explosive material and detonation equipment. Boehm quickly armed some of the explosives, setting up a timer. Once everything was ready, it was time to get his counterpart's attention.

"HEY, OVER HERE!" Alex said, waving his hands and trying to get noticed. The deception worked, and once the jet turned towards him, the captain dove back beneath the waves as the jet fired its machine guns. The bullets missed the young warrior and hit the damaged aircraft carrier as Alex swam as fast as he could underwater.

Once at a safe distance, the human came to the surface and gasped for air, the constant diving taking a toll. Meanwhile, the hostile jet advanced towards the location where Alex had been, searching for the captain. But then the container of explosives detonated, a massive fireball engulfing Dark Alex's jet. The aircraft nearly lost control, spinning and turning before its pilot could regain control.

As the jet turned towards him again, captain Boehm retreated into the US destroyer. Swimming through a hole that had been blown in the side of the ship by weapons fire. However, the enemy jet must have seen something because it moved closer to investigate.

Swimming around inside the ship, the captain realized he was in some sort of control room. There was equipment for controlling electrical systems, engines, and the ship's ballast tanks. Alex suddenly realized something and immediately swam over to the machinery that controlled the ship's ballast tanks, taking care to avoid any exposed electrical equipment. He listened closely and looked towards the hole in the side of the destroyer. His counterpart was still there. With that, Alex activated the pumps, filling the ballast tanks along one side of the ship with water while removing water from the tanks on the other side of the vessel.

The ship slowly listed more to the side. Eventually, the Chinese helicopter hanging from the destroyer fell off the side of the vessel, hitting Dark Alex's jet as it splashed into the water. The hostile plane was heavily damaged, smoke emitting from its engines. Its villainous pilot was filled with rage. How could his top-of-the-line aircraft be bested by his inferior counterpart, and what could be found amongst wreckage. He angrily fired at the damaged US destroyer but could only get a few shots off before the weapon system stopped working due to the damage. Dark Alex turned his aircraft back towards the sky. With no other offensive measures, he started to limp back towards a still active Chinese aircraft carrier.

Hearing the sounds of aircraft engines fade, captain Boehm emerged from the destroyer, catching a glimpse of his counterpart's black jet flying into the distance. He couldn't help but feel proud of himself. With nothing more than wreckage, the Heroes leader defeated his dark double, who had been piloting an elite aircraft. But his pride suddenly turned to concern as he heard another aircraft approaching. He spun around, wondering how he was going to defeat this second enemy plane. But he breathed a sigh of relief once he saw that it was Eris's dark blue eagle interceptor. The eagle pilot put the aircraft in hover mode and opened the cockpit, flapping her wings and flying over to the human in the water.

"So, how'd your big fancy jet work out?" Eris laughed, hovering just above her friend.

"Just get me out of here," Alex said, reaching his arms up towards the eagle.

Eris flew around behind the human and grabbed him under the arms, rapidly flapping her wings to lift him out of the sea.

"Your all wet!" Eris said, "water is heavy!"

Despite the weight of the water, Eris was able to pick up the human and deposit him into the passenger's seat behind the pilot's chair in the cockpit of her interceptor.

"Try not to get water all over me or my controls." The eagle said, sitting back down, closing the canopy, and flying off back up into the sky.

"Get me back to the Typhoon. I need to get back out there." the captain said.

"Get back out there? Look around you."

The captain looked out the cockpit window at the area around Midway. Wreckage was strewn everywhere as ships sank beneath the waves. But there was a lot more wreckage from PLAN vessels than US naval vessels. The Chinese had suffered a massive defeat, stopped dead in their tracks by the US navy, marines, and air force.

"What about that second squadron of bombers?"

"Don't worry, Alex, I dealt with them. They're nothing but wreckage now."

Eris flew low and slow over Midway island, and the pair could see the smoldering wreckage of PLAAF bombers and fighter planes. They also spotted Nick and Judy capturing some Chinese soldiers, with backup from American troops. Jack and Skye had parked their boat nearby and were helping to oversee the operation.

Eris then turned towards the Chinese vessel Kion and Jasiri had helped capture. The interceptor did a victory lap around the ship as US forces on the deck raised their fists and cheered, including the two Heroes aboard the vessel.

The eagle pilot then moved towards the US fleet, steaming past the wreckage of burning enemy vessels and collecting stranded sailors. At the head of the armada was the Typhoon, the crown jewel of the US fleet. The captain could barely believe it.

"Wow….Looks like we won." He said.

"Heh, you can say that again."

Some Chinese naval vessels and jets had managed to flee. But most of their fleet had sunk to the bottom of the ocean. US ships cut through the waves while American aircraft streaked through the sky. No PLAN forces were left to hold the line. Midway belonged to the United States.

4 notes · View notes

arcaneglitch · 5 years ago

Text

Axiom in Facsimile

The Vex have always been mysterious. They were here before humanity and now their technology threads through the system in the machinoformed planetoids they leave in their wake. What goal do they pursue? What could drive them to convert world after world? Answers must be found, and when one desires answers about the Vex, where better to go than the Infinite Forest?

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"Are you absolutely sure about this?" asked Prism.

Harley nodded. "The Vex activity has been pretty minimal everywhere else," he said, "This is the one place we haven't tried."

They'd been flying across the system for weeks now, investigating Vex activity. Venus had been quiet since the Chasers had eliminated Atheon. Nessus didn't seem to have much going besides having been transformed by the Vex. It was, however in the process of getting eaten by a massive ship that apparently belonged to the exiled Cabal Emperor. Harley had looked into that a bit out of curiosity but moved on soon afterward.

He'd stopped by Io, which was home to a Vex Pyramidion and was getting machinoformed itself. Harley had run into Asher Mir again. The Awoken Warlock's arm had become that of a Vex due to exposure to radiolaria and he was in a constant battle to stop the converting process. Harley had spent some time on Io being bossed around as Asher's 'assistant.'

Then he heard rumors that Brother Vance, the Disciple of Osiris stationed in the Vestian Outpost, had left the Reef for Mercury. Those rumors brought him to where he currently was: sitting in his ship, trying to decide whether to fly out.

"Harley, I don't want to argue with you. I just was to make sure you know what you're getting into."

He nodded. "I do. And I'm sure it can't be worse than last time." He programmed the course into the nav system. "Five hours with our current positioning… Not too bad."

He launched the ship, setting the controls on autopilot.

"It could still be better," said Prism.

"You sound like you hate the idea of going back to Mercury more than I do," he said, only partially joking.

"I can't say I'm thrilled about it."

"Neither am I. If I never saw that Vex desert again, it would be too soon. But Vance has to be there for a reason and we know it's a Vex planet."

"I suppose… You might want to change cloaks for it, though. It's still just as hot there."

Harley considered her point. It was true, his cloak was less than optimal for Mercury's environment. His green one had become pretty much unsalvageable after an incident on Venus, so he'd given it up for a dark blue one with a deep hood. The Red Legion's attack on the City had destroyed the majority of the old weapons and armor. It wasn't until the City's foundries got up and running again that they were able to begin replacing the gear. Harley had noticed that there seemed to be a greater emphasis on fashion.

He was fortunate to have stored armor on his ship, although it wasn't a set he'd worn in a long time. In fact, it was the very set he had crafted out of Vex parts on Mercury. Its condition was still relatively good and he'd managed to make some upgrades before he'd left the Tower. He was glad to have it, mostly because it meant he wouldn't have to resort to wearing his ceremonial armor. Every Guardian staying in the new Tower after the Red War had received a set of white and gold armor. While it may have looked nice, Harley had thought it stiff and uncomfortable. Even if it hadn't been, he wouldn't wear it into the field. No sense in letting the enemies spot him immediately.

Next to him, Prism was still in her ceremonial shell. It was also white and gold to match the armor. He'd wanted to get her a different shell, seeing as how her old one had been damaged when she fell from Ghaul's ship, but everything had increased in price since the War and Ghost shells had been luxury items before. He'd chosen to gather materials as he traveled, hoping to find time to make one himself. It may not bother Prism all that much, but it bothered him.

"I honestly don't understand why you want to go back," said his Ghost.

"Well, even if I hadn't been poking around everywhere else, Mercury's still the first world that the Vex converted…"

She turned to look at him. "Why am I sensing an 'and' coming?"

"...I also got some more research done when Asher wasn't sending me on errands. The reason why Mercury's so important to the Vex is because its core's been entirely machinoformed. It's basically a giant computer the Vex use to simulate different realities. It was directly referred to as a 'planet-sized prediction engine.'"

"Why wasn't any of this available in the Tower? Even taking the Red War into account, the records were all digitized."

"I'm guessing it might've been restricted access. It's probably why Osiris went to Mercury, right? They wouldn't want other Guardians doing the same thing."

"That makes sense…" She sighed. "We've still got a long flight ahead. Why don't you get some sleep? Traveler knows you probably won't get much on Mercury."

Harley smiled wryly. "You're probably right… Wake me up when we're a couple minutes out."

"Sure thing."

True to her word, she alerted him once they were closing in on Mercury. He sat up in his seat with a yawn just as they came out of warp. The sight in the viewscreen banished all traces of sleep from his mind. Mercury looked as though a massive celestial being had taken a sledgehammer to it. Half of its face looked the same as ever, while the other half was broken up into large chunks that had been partially pulled away from the core.

"Traveler above...what happened to it?"

"It's safe to assume that this was the work of the Almighty," said Prism.

"The Almighty did that?"

"The Red Legion was using Mercury as fuel for its weapon."

Harley eyed the destruction with a shiver. The Almighty had nearly torn the planet apart completely. He didn't want to think about what would've happened had Kai not disabled it. Taking over control, he directed the ship toward the planet's surface, steering in the direction of the Lighthouse.

"I guess the Lighthouse wasn't destroyed."

"Apparently not."

They flew over colossal sections that had been carved by the Vex, swiftly approaching a triangular structure. Once they were close enough, Prism transmatted them out onto a circular platform that jutted out from the Lighthouse tower. Harley looked around at the stone pillars and sand with distaste. In front of them sat a Vex gate.

"...Do we go in?"

"I think so," his Ghost said, "It probably goes into the Lighthouse."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then we'll probably end up stranded in the Vex network."

"...Fun."

He stepped through the portal. They emerged into a large circular room. A large window made up a big section of the opposite wall, providing a view of the horizon, though the Sun took up most of it. Harley could make out the Almighty against its glare - the Red Legion's star destroying weapon made small against the looming fiery orb of the Sun. Bookshelves lined the walls on both sides. To Harley's right were several workstations, attended by members of the Cult. To his left, the portion of the wall without bookshelves was taken up by a circle of small plates. Lines shot from each one, connecting to the others in a geometric crisscrossing pattern. On the floor in front of the display was a cylinder pillar of stone. A large gap sat at waist-level in it, bridged only by a spire of energy emanating from machinery that capped both sides of the stone.

The center of the room held several desks and tables. Brother Vance stood in the middle of these, seemingly pouring over a large tome on a stand. Harley noticed that despite the light emanating from the Sun outside, the chamber was filled with candles. They sat in bowls as well as on desks and tables. Clumps of them lined the walkway, their wax dripping down the stone. Harley walked toward Vance, noticing that none of the followers had stopped what they were doing or even looked at him once. He was a few steps away from Vance when the man turned. Harley's pace stuttered for a second before he closed the remaining distance. For a blind man, it was unsettling how Vance seemed to be looking right at him.

"Harley Hayden."

The other followers in the room all simultaneously stopped what they were doing to look at him. At that moment, absolute silence pressed upon Harley's ears. He felt a prickly sensation on the back of his neck as he looked around at them. Then, all at once, they turned back to their work. Harley let out a breath he wasn't aware of holding as the room was once again filled with the faint rustling and shuffling noises of the followers at work.

"Brother Vance," he greeted.

"Welcome to the Lighthouse," said Vance, "It is an honor to have you among us."

His tone gave Harley pause. He sounded genuine, yes, but almost too much so.

"Uh, thanks… You're probably wondering why I'm here."

"Indeed. Unless it's to join us in our work, of course."

Harley almost wanted to laugh, but something told him that Vance wasn't joking.

"Oh...sorry, but no."

"A pity."

"I'm actually here to look into the Vex."

Vance perked up at that. "Ah! You seek the Infinite Forest as Osiris did?"

"Yes, actually. Do you know where the entrance is?"

"Certainly! There is a gate across from the Lighthouse. In fact, it's why we're here."

"Great! Do you know how to get inside?"

"Unfortunately, that is a secret known only to Osiris. It took him years of study to learn how to open the gate."

Harley stifled a groan. He couldn't afford to spend years on Mercury trying to figure out how to get into the Forest. Even if he didn't have bad memories associated with the planet, spending so long among Vance and the other followers wouldn't do his sanity any favors.

"Are there any books here about the Gate? Or anything that would help me figure out how to open it?"

"Certainly," said Vance. He spread his arms. "Our repository is open to you."

"Thank you," said Harley.

Vance nodded. "Of course. And remember, we welcome you should you ever consider joining us. You would be a valuable addition to our order."

"...Thanks." He gestured at the bookshelves. "I'm gonna go take a look."

Vance nodded again, turning back to the book on the stand. Harley moved about the room, selecting books that looked like they'd be helpful. Eventually, he paused in front of the strange machine he had noticed earlier and paused to inspect some of the symbols, wondering what meaning they held.

"The Infinite Forge," said Vance.

Harley flinched, nearly dropping the books, and turned around to find the man standing right behind him. He hated how he didn't hear him sneak up. How could Vance be that quiet?

"What does it do?" he asked.

"It can forge items of incredible power," said Vance.

"Weapons?"

"Yes, but its abilities are not limited to weapons alone. The only limitations are materials and willpower."

"Willpower?"

"To use the Forge requires a strong force of will. For that reason, as well as its...obscure location, it isn't used often. But the objects it produces can be truly legendary."

"Objects like what?"

"Have you heard of the mighty Titan, Saint-14?" asked Vance.

Harley nodded. He'd first heard of the Titan mentioned by Prism and then encountered him in his own research later. The Titan Vanguard before Zavala, Saint-14 had been the reason for Osiris' appointment as the Warlock Vanguard. After famously defeating the Kell of the House of Devils, the Exo had departed for Mercury to search for Osiris.

"Then perhaps you have heard of the Perfect Paradox?"

"Yeah. It was his shotgun."

Vance nodded. "Perfect Paradox was created here, in the Infinite Forge."

Harley's mouth fell open. Legendary indeed.

"I had no idea."

"Many are unaware of the weapon's history. Osiris foretold of its making in one of his Lost Prophecies. 'A tale that's different from the rest: the thread unfurls against the clocks. The one the Speaker loved the best must have a perfect paradox.'"

"...So with the Forge, I can make something just as powerful as Perfect Paradox?"

"Perhaps… Did you find the information you were searching for?"

"I'll find out soon. Is there somewhere I can read these?"

"Of course. Follow me." Harley trailed Vance over to an empty desk. "You're more than welcome to work here," the Osirian said, "We will have quarters prepared for you. Feel free to stay as long as you'd like."

Harley nodded, placing the stack of books on the desk. "Thank you. I'll let you know if I find anything."

Vance inclined his head. "Please do."

With that, he returned to his study in the center, leaving Harley to start looking through the tomes he had gathered.

"How long do you think this is going to take us?" Prism asked.

"No idea," Harley replied, "I'm just hoping it doesn't take years. I don't think I could stay here that long."

"That makes two of us… I wonder what brought the Cult back to the Lighthouse?"

"Maybe Vex activity decreased enough for them to take it back."

He shut one of the books after skimming through it. The most he'd gotten out of it was information that he already knew: the Infinite Forest was a giant reality engine, constantly running endless simulations. Unfortunately, there was nothing on how he could get into the Forest, nor about how it worked. He picked up another book. It was a bit smaller and mostly waxed poetic about Osiris' genius.

"According to this, Osiris created a device that allows him to manipulate the pathways of the Forest and even control simulations."

"No wonder it took him so long to develop. Something with that much control over the Vex network couldn't have been easy to fabricate."

Harley read for a few more hours, getting through two more books. They weren't particularly helpful with the Forest problem, but they did have some interesting information about the Vex.

"It's getting late," Prism informed him.

"Yeah… I'll put back the ones we've looked at and then find out where our quarters are."

He got up, carrying the books back to where he'd found them, but left the books he hadn't read on the desk to return to the next day. Once the other books were back on their shelves, he turned to Brother Vance.

"Your quarters are on the floor below," said Vance, "There is a staircase underneath the walkway."

"Thanks."

Harley located it, descending the cramped stone steps until he came to a door. Upon opening it, he found a room slightly smaller than the one above. There were no windows, leaving the room to be lit by the flickering candles that stood in recesses in the wall. The bed was decently sized but sat in the center of the room on top of a circular black rug with a gold band. The blanket was bright yellow, emblazoned with the symbol of the Cult of Osiris.

"I guess it's hard to have the bed next to the wall in a rounded room," he said.

Prism appeared next to him. "At least there is a bed. I was expecting we'd have to sleep on the Star."

"I might have preferred that."

Harley was only partially joking.

"It could be worse," said his Ghost, "At least you don't have to sleep in the open like when you were revived."

"True."

He removed his cloak, hanging it on a hook next to the door. Then he took off the rest of his armor and climbed into the bed. Prism landed on one of the pillows.

"You're not going to put out the candles?" Harley shrugged. "I'll take that as a no."

"I'd just have to light them all again anyway," he said, "What time is it?"

"In Earth time? Just past 11:30."

"Not that late, then."

"Maybe not by your standards, but I'd like to keep you on a decent schedule."

He was silent for a moment. "I'd like to take a look at the Gate tomorrow."

"What for?"

He shrugged. "Maybe it'll help me figure out what to look for."

"If you say so… I'm going to go to sleep. Goodnight, Harley."

"'Night, Prism."

#destiny #destiny 2 #destiny the game #destiny fanfiction #chasing fate #cf axiom in facsimile

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rurounidrift · 7 years ago

Text

July 19 Blurr’s Horror Stream - Night of the Living Dead

What happened at this stream? I don’t know. It was over a week ago. I’m not gonna reread the log.

Welcome to the 'speedxstealer' room. The chat room has been cleared by the moderator. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((*prods livestream. you gonna work now u punk?*)) B l u r r: / yes hello , he is here. With a brand new finial and patch. Nice and ugly again/ Whirl: *oho, look at him, early for once. He's gonna savor this* Whirl: Yo, Teach. *pauses to look him over critically* You're looking significantly less beat-up that last week. B l u r r: Mm.. Ratchet fixed me up. B l u r r: /taps his finial / Made it better than before. Whirl: *interesting choice of music, Blurr* Whirl: *bobs his head and clambers up to assume his rightful place* B l u r r: / it's the best / Star: /shows up. tadah/ B l u r r: We've landed for supplies. / flexes claws / B l u r r: So try to remain on the ship. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Y'know that picture of the dog peeking around the door Whirl uses? That's Soundwave right now. He's scanning for Ratchets.* B l u r r: / There are no Ratchets here / B l u r r: / hisses at Star as he walks by to set up snacks / Whirl: *simply swivels his helm to watch Starscream* Bevel: *trundles in* Star: /is to tired to deal with anyone/ ItsyBitsySpyers: *Cautious entry in, every step hesitant, like he's ready to bolt again. The twins are glued to his sides.* Bevel: [[i get so let down every time that song plays and doesn't immediately segue into my shot B l u r r: [[ LOL ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *All right. Nothing appearing out of the shadows to leap on them. He'll send them off - but in a beeline for the hammock, and nowhere else.* B l u r r: [[ same ]] B l u r r: [[ but it on shuffle ]] Wing: *he really is too tired to deal with much of anything tonight but here he be* B l u r r: [[ tonight is in honor of Romero. RAISE A GLASS. ]] Bevel: [[shuffle is a blessing and a curse, especially when you listen to musicals B l u r r: [[ Truth ]] Whirl: *takes his attention away to bob his head in greeting at Bevel* Yo, shovel. B l u r r: / waves claws at Bevel and Wing ! / Whirl: *and, of course, he will make room for the twins as well* Bevel: [[raise a glass to to freedo--zombie B l u r r: [[ freedom zombies ]] B l u r r: [[ free the zombies ]] Bevel: Hey, Whirl. Hi, Blurr. :] Drift: *vaults over the back of a couch to land by Blurr* Hey! B l u r r: / flicks finials / Hey. Whirl: What's up, chumps? Wing: *small wave back. wall gargoyle time. he's exhausted* Bevel: *will find her usual seat* Star: /is settled in the back, get nice and comfy and dozing off already/ B l u r r: You seem excited. / to Drift / B l u r r: / glancing at his claws. Shifts a little / Drift: Just full of healing light and positive energy. Wing: *and by Star he goes. poor mech. looks how he feels* Whirl: *returns to curving his neck around like some horrid bird, staring at Starscream* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Nothin'. How's the movie last week? Fish lady get home?// Whirl: Yep. Eded up taking the octopus with her, too. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\WHAT FOR? FOOD?\\ Whirl: Companionship, presumably. Bevel: Friendship. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\PFFFT. LAME.\\ Bevel: I liked it. Whirl: *shrugs and finally returns his attentions to the twins and Bevel* Decent enough, if you like fish, I guess. B l u r r: Ah... energy. Sounds nice. Bevel: It was nice that Dory got home and stuff too. *nods* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Eh. Fish's more the Boss' thing. Octopus 'n all that.// Bevel: Tarantulus is gonna show us some soon. Whirl: Some... fish? Star: /has his optics shut off, so he's just relaxing/ Bevel: Octopuses and squids and stuff. Ones that change colors and light up. B l u r r: Anyway, I've been busy. Er... We. We have a heading. B l u r r: Just needed to stop by and gather supplies. LORDStarscream: *guess who's just marked himself in* Whirl: Oh. Huh. You know, I believe it. If anyone could get their hands on weird exotic organics, it'd be him. B l u r r: Which is what Dart and NOS are doing. LORDStarscream: **marched Whirl: WHOAH, Teach. Teach, hold it. LORDStarscream: **dammit he blew his big entrance with a typo* Whirl: May not wanna give away your secrets with our enemies in the room with us. B l u r r: ... Hnnh? I didn't say where I was going. Whirl: Yeah, even so. Drift: ... Comm it. *wants to know where Blurr's going* B l u r r: Oh, yes, good. Wing: *soft vent8 B l u r r: Are you mechs ready? I just got this new upgrade. Whirl: Oh for the love of--ANOTHER one? Whirl: Blurr, if you drop dead, I'm going to carve "I told you so" on your damn grave. B l u r r: @D @ W @ Bevel : :: We're heading to another universe to access an ancient temple that I found on a grid map! :: Bevel: Hi, Lord Starscream *grins* B l u r r: / welcome to group calling. With secured lines / B l u r r: / And CLEAR quality calls. / Whirl: *if this was like a phone group chat wihirl would immediately spam with emojis* B l u r r: Oh, come on, Ratchet insisted. Drift: @Bl @W @Be «... Did you get a new comm?» *yeah he's messaging the whole group* LORDStarscream: "Another"? Why, do I have an alternate already here? *glances around* Whirl: *he actually seems a little surprised to be included--surprised, but not displeased* @Group: What, like, freelance archaeology or something? Whirl: Ratchet's an idiot, then. Wing: *he doesn't know this Starscream but he's sticking next to the one he knows* B l u r r: @B @ W @ Be: ::Yes, a new comm. It's very complex and connected. Ah? It's more like there's a treasure beneath it. :: Bevel: @Group - What kind of temple? Is it Cybertronian or something else? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave heard the word Ratchet. He's on high alert again, scanning the room* Whirl: @Group: So, freelance Indiana Jones style archaeology. Got it. LORDStarscream: *nvm that though, there's a Bevel here. nods in greeting* Hello, Bevel. Do you have room for a visitor to sit down? B l u r r: @Group: :: Sure, why not? It's not Cybertronian, per say, but it might be. :: Star: /greets Wing with a nod before pulling out a data pad/ Whirl: @Group: Hey check this out. 🐸 Drift: @Group: «🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸» Bevel: @Group: How did you do that? Drift: @Group «I'm just copying Whirl's.» Bevel: *makes some room, she will be Starscream's movie buddy and body guard tonight yep* B l u r r: @Group: :: You're flooding my optic with this? :: Bevel: @Group - 🐸🐸🐸 Whirl: @Group: 🐸🐸Praise Heqet🐸🐸 Whirl: @Group: Blurr, this is the cost of you doing things that I advised you against. Accept it. B l u r r: @ Group: :: I can end the call, I made it first. :: Drift: @Group «🐸 What 🐸 did 🐸 he 🐸 do?🐸» Wing: *little smile back at Star. he could just as easily be reading off that datapad, but he'll look away* B l u r r: @ Group : :: Nevermind. :: /ENDS CALL / Bevel: *giggles* B l u r r: /scratches finial and flickers optic. Flicks finial and shakes helm/ Hnnh. Whirl: *snickers* Drift: ... Ribbit. B l u r r: / shoves claw in his face/ Shush. Drift: Pbbbt. Whirl: @Blurr; Anyway, read you loud and clear. No idea if I'll have anything to do with all that, or where I'll be, but I'll keep it in mind. LORDStarscream: *good. he'll take that body guard. as supremely, unflinchingly confident as he's pretending to be, he's very nervous being outside Cybertron's anti-Unicron barrier.* B l u r r: @ W: :: Works for me. :: B l u r r: @W: :: If we need help, we'll comm you. :: B l u r r: [[ whos ready? ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((me)) Drift: ((ready)) LORDStarscream: *... not that a bodyguard would do anything if unicron flew up and ate the ship, but it helps his comfort levels.* B l u r r: / flicks finial and shifts up/ ... I have visitors. Star: /doesn't have anything on the pad excpt things dinocos are begging for/ Whirl: ((me!)) Star: (ready) ItsyBitsySpyers: *If Unicron flies up to eat the ship, Soundwave is finding a way to drag Starscream, Bevel, the twins, and Whirl with him.* Bevel: *she'll die first, that's... something?* Whirl: *he simply nods in acknowledgement* Yeah. Unfortunately, you forgot to spray for Starscreams. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Like, off the ship.* B l u r r: Well, I can SEE that. Whirl: You've got an infestation. B l u r r: My poor single optic. It burns. LORDStarscream: *starscream is flattered, if confused that he made the list* B l u r r: / snickers / Bevel: *or get saved via deus ex soundwave* Whirl: *SAVE YOURSELF SOUNDWAVE HE'LL HOLD UNICRON BACK* Whirl: *he's always wanted to fight a god* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...You know what, he'd believe Whirl could. And anyway, Bevel would be sad if Starscream got eaten and he doesn't want the headache of Kaon finding a new leader.* Wing: *he'll ignore that. it's not worth it* ItsyBitsySpyers: *But none of this much matters, because he isn't thinking of Unicron. He's nervously watching the room, plating pulled in so tight he looks even thinner than usual.* LORDStarscream: *he'll count that as soundwave's vote in support of starscream's leadership* B l u r r: / stretches arms up/ This Earth is so quiet. Whirl: ((god dammit i played myself. now that song's stuck in my head)) B l u r r: [[ kay imma set up so gimme a second ]] LORDStarscream: *jolts* We're on Earth?! Bevel: Different Earth. B l u r r: For the moment. B l u r r: A pretty much dead one, at that. Bevel: *probably not a Unicron Earth... maybe. she didn't check* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh Primus. A zombie movie. He hates zombie movies.* LORDStarscream: ............ *NERVOUS LAUGH* Wing: ((***. yes.)) Bevel: *...pats Starscream's arm comfortingly?* B l u r r: I don't even think there are Autobots alive in this verse anymore. Aside from Jazz. Whirl: *black and white? You have his attention* B l u r r: Who I dropped off. B l u r r: Unharmed. Someone ought to give me a metal. Whirl: *he perks up like a ferret that just saw something it liked for a moment& LORDStarscream: @Bevel «You are aware of what's IN Earth, aren't you?» Whirl: Oh. I've not seen this one. Wing: *this is different* Star: (I'm surprised this hotel internet im using is letting me watch this) Bevel: @Starscream - Unicron, yeah. But I do not think he is in this one. Other universes are funny like that. LORDStarscream: @Bevel «Does it vary? You're certain he's not here?» B l u r r: I like this one. It's nice and old. B l u r r: / pulls out a tin of snacks. Willing to share with Drift. / B l u r r: / special snacks / Whirl: The 60s was a good time for movies. Whirl: You've gotta make it to Culture Club... sometime. If we have it. B l u r r: Ah? Maybe. Whirl: *he started that statement without thinking about how that statement had to end, good job him* Drift: ... You can still have it. Whirl: *shrugs* Depends. LORDStarscream: *glances at movie* ... I've seen this one before. Bevel: @Starscream - It does! I can double check if you want but I am pretty sure. B l u r r: You can always have it here on The Emperor. Bevel: Culture Club? Whirl: That might work. Whirl: And, a while back me and some other mecha decided to start having it. We'd pick movies. Rotate them. LORDStarscream: No... part of it. I've seen part of it. Up to where they're stuck in the house. Bevel: Aw that sounds fun. Whirl: Yeah, it was pretty cool, actually. LORDStarscream: Knock Out showed it. It was excruciatingly boring. B l u r r: Well, if you want to use the Emperor, you only need to comm me. Whirl: *bobs his head* Gotcha. B l u r r: We're gathering supplies for the night and then we're taking off in the morning. B l u r r: Humans aren't patrolling, so we're not as on edge. B l u r r: I mean, they are, but for some reason, they weren't around this area. B l u r r: Might have been an Autobot hideout or something. LORDStarscream: @Bevel «I'd appreciate if you did. For your own safety, of course.» Star: /is actually pretty in to the movie/

Missed some.

Whirl: She's pretty useless, isn't she? Bevel: *thinking about how she's going to make sure Unicron isn't the center of this planet* B l u r r: well, I bite the hardest Whirl: I believe it. I've seen you have a snack attack. Obviously, MY biting days are over. B l u r r: I'll bite double just for you LORDStarscream: *ah—there he is. a bright smile and a wave to catch the other Starscream's attention.* Alternate. Star: /pretty smart zombies/ Sides: [ skates in on his wheelie feet and skids into the doorway ] The frag- I thought this ship was empty. Star: /notices the other Starscream and give him a small wave and smile/ B l u r r: / nudges Drift / Hey, what do you call three Starscreams in a room? LORDStarscream: Always a pleasure to meet another of myself. LORDStarscream: Particularly such a... sturdy looking one. Drift: *mutters* Grounds for cancelling an event. B l u r r: / huge, sharp tooth grin / NNo no. Whirl: *chimes in* A plague? B l u r r: /grabs Drift's arm/ A herd of Screamers. They're like geese. Drift: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner? B l u r r: They just make annoying honking noises. Whirl: PFFT. B l u r r: / Makes a disgusted face/ No, I don't eat junk food. Star: Its quite interesting to see an alternate of myself as well. Star: /smiles/ Ah, sturdy I am. B l u r r: But how interesting! /twists around/ I didn't think the infamous anger bomb of the autobots was still alive! B l u r r: / rubs claws together / Now /Sideswipe/ there is a decent meal. LORDStarscream: I wouldn't have expected to see one at an Autobot's event. Not /friends,/ are you? Sides: ... I'm disgusted on so many levels. Whirl: *calls over* He's DEFINITELY no friend of ours. Whirl: He's an enemy. Actively. I have no idea why Blurr's letting him squat here. B l u r r: Not a friend of mine either Sunstreaker: /skates in right after Sides and just tackles him/ SIDES!! I can't believe you're here! Who's- Oh, Blurr... B l u r r: He's not squatting here. Squatting means he's living here- B l u r r: ... /OH GRINS WIDER / Bevel: He can be my friend. *so defensive of all this Starscream hate* B l u r r: A double meal?! /stars getting up / If it isn't the TWINS in one precious spot! Wing: *eying Blurr* LORDStarscream: *well, the mystery intensifies. why IS his alternate here, then?* Whirl: Bevel, if you ally with that Starscream--*gestures to the SGScream* The one who's threatening Blurr, then you can count yourself an enemy, as well. LORDStarscream: *a pleased smirk for Bevel.* Making you one of the few here with good taste. Sunstreaker: /sqints at Blurr/ What are you doing back on Earth? Whirl: I don't got a beef with YOUR Starscream. Aside from the baseline levels, y'know. Sides: [ tenses upand almost punches Sunstreaker ] ... Sunny? I thought you died. Sides: Huh... the more you know. LORDStarscream: ... Threate—? You're— *points at his alternate* —threatening him? *points at the purple Blurr* B l u r r: /I'm/ here getting supplies. with your precious Prime gone, there's no guardian of the planet. B l u r r: And as for Starscream, Starscream, he's just as obnoxious, if not as full of himself as Starscream. Sunstreaker: /scoffs/ Yeah well, we're still here. You lookin' for a fight now? Star: Of course I am /sarcasm/ B l u r r: Not right now, Sunflower. Maybe later. Wing: I thought we weren't fighting. B l u r r: / circling him / I sure missed you two. How cute... still together. Whirl: Do you see me, sitting here? Being calm and cool as a cucumber? This is my not fighting. LORDStarscream: Well, if there's another side to the story, alternate, I would far prefer to hear YOURS over THEIRS. Whirl: O'm not shooting, or stting anything on fire, or ripping off body parts with my claws, or ANYTHING fun. I'm being GOOD. Wing: I didn't mean that for you. B l u r r: K-KYAHAHAHA!! Of course you'll side with Starscream. B l u r r: Everyone wants to hear the /innocent/ party's story. Don't they? Whirl: Well, even so, let the record show I'm being good. Sunstreaker: /lightly pushes at Sideswipe, just keeping an eye on Blurr/ Yeah well, we all got split up... B l u r r: I know. I've had Jazz for a while Wing: I'm proud of you for that. *he means it. and he's still eying Blurr* Star: I'd rather not talk about it now. Or else everyone will get more hostile then they are now. And I'd rather not. Sunstreaker: Wait, why do you have Jazz? LORDStarscream: *this might be the first time starscream's ever heard the "Starscream" and "innocent party" used to refer to the same person.* B l u r r: Babysitting. B l u r r: Baiting Prime. B l u r r: /flops down next to Drift again / Butterbuns changed their nickname to King Starscream. Sides: [ shoves Sunny aside a bit . Grumbles. ] Sunstreaker: ... I don't think he's coming back, your bait isn't gonna work. Whirl: She is so incredibly irritating. LORDStarscream: *turns back to the movie long enough to sneer at it. why do humans have to sound so annoying.* B l u r r: Oh? Then I guess the All spark is mine. B l u r r: /leans against Drift and snickers/ King Starscream: (( 8O is this night of the living dead?)) Wing: ((the good one)) Whirl: ((IT IS!)) Star: (LMAO) King Starscream: ((eeey! I've seen this once before! 8D Sunstreaker: He's still Jazz. You should give him back to us. Whirl: She's just dragging him down. Star: (im sorry im laughing that he hit her back...) LORDStarscream: Hmm. It would be far easier to take your side if I knew what it was, alternate. But, I suppose I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Wing: ((hey man, if you start ***...)) Wing: ((she was going a little cray anyway)) B l u r r: Back to you? B l u r r: You, the twins who fight over who is better? B l u r r: [[ zombie screaming. The best caption ]] Star: /looks/ As nice as support is, I rather not get you inovled unnecessarily. Star: (lol) Whirl: I wonder why they're scared of fire? LORDStarscream: I don't need to get involved to offer support. Sunstreaker: Better than your 'Autobots,' killing each other for fun. B l u r r: We don't do that anymore Whirl: It's much more fun to kill Decepticons, anyway. Star: Its quite alright. Sides: [ tugs Sunny's arm to go sit by... that lanky soundwave. He sems safer. Just gonna. Sit on a couch over in this area ] LORDStarscream: *... killing each other for f...? squints at blurr. then at his own alternate. hmmm.* B l u r r: ... /smirks/ Need something? LORDStarscream: Not a thing. B l u r r: I should hope not. Sunstreaker: ... Either way, Jazz isn't your toy. We'll come get him with the others. /follows Sideswipe for now/ Sunstreaker: Sides, you okay? LORDStarscream: @Bevel «Is this one of those... ember universes?» B l u r r: / flexes claws/ Oh go ahead and come get me, you shiny metal twit. King Starscream: *BOOM BABY it's another starscream* King Starscream: *Blurr should fumigate* B l u r r: / SNARLS / Wing: *Primus help him* B l u r r: How irritating... B l u r r: The urge to commit murder is so high... /bouncing a leg. Fidget. / Wing: You can still tell them to leave. Bevel: @Starscream - It is, yeah. Whirl: It's your ship, Teach. All you gotta do is give the word, and it's open season. Sides: ... I'm good. [ looking over Sunny ] Where were you? Who'd you run with? Whirl: *click-clicks his claws* Why not treat yourself? B l u r r: Oooh, I don't think treating myself now is a good idea. /bounce bounce bounce leg / King Starscream: I just thought I'd see what choice entertainment was available for tonight. LORDStarscream: @Bevel «Hm. Explains a lot.» Whirl: I think it sounds like a GREAT idea. Whirl: *HE;S TRYING HIS DAMNEDEST TO ENABLE YOU* B l u r r: / sir u r enabling / Star: /is too into the movie. its rather interesting/ Wing: *Primus help the lot of you if you make him draw swords* LORDStarscream: Alternate! Emperor Perpetua, wasn't it? Bevel: *giggles* Wing: Here I was proud of you a moment ago. Sunstreaker: /shrugs/ I ran with Blaster and some others. No idea where they are now, we got attaked. Whirl: Me? Wing: You. I take it you were ignoring me. Whirl: I thought you were talking to someone else. Sides: Same with us... [shrugs a shoulder ] Star: /Wants to know how that fire is dying down so quickly/ Whirl: But, I mean, it's all the same, what the hell do I care what some NAIL thinks of me? *manages a haighty look, even with his lack of face* Sunstreaker: /looks at Sides and frowns/ Who were you with? B l u r r: I told you to call people by their names... Wing: I never said you cared. I just assumed you were ignoring me. Whirl: I was referring to your so-called pride. Sides: [ huffs] 'Raj. We cloaked for a while with Ratchet, but we lost him. Sides: By the time we found out where he went, it was... you know. too late. King Starscream: Indeed, and it is good to see you again. Wing: It was honest, if short lived. LORDStarscream: A pleasure. Whirl: ((he's fantastic)) B l u r r: If they were a three course meal, which one would be the appetizer... King Starscream: *gonna sit near the other Starscreams* LORDStarscream: *the starscreams are separate. but THIS starscream is cooler.* Sunstreaker: Yeah, we heard about Ratchet... What about Mirage? Is he around? Sides: [ makes a face. Rattles plating a little too loud. ] King Starscream: *the COOL starscream, then* Sides: [ shakes helm ] Gone, too. Bevel: *feeling a litle too purple of this Starscream party over here* Sunstreaker: ... I'm sorry. /reaches over and pats Sides' shoulder/ Sorry I wasn't there to help. Star: /is the smartest Starscream/ LORDStarscream: *excuse u* Sides: [ HUFFS. Just settles in the couch ] I don't think we woulda won. They outnumbered us. Sides: Ran solo for a while. Ran into some other mechs. You know. Same old. Drift: I hope he gets eaten. B l u r r: SAme. Whirl: Same. B l u r r: / smirks/ B l u r r: /chomps down a snack/ Whirl: They should work together--keep the kid down there. The cellar could be a useful fallback of last resort. Drift: Yeah, that's what the people upstairs were suggesting. Whirl: *nods* B l u r r: I mean, places that have only one entrance are usually safer. Drift: The kid's going to wake up dead and start eating people. B l u r r: No one can sneak up on you. Sunstreaker: At least things seem alright in here. For now. /shoots Blurr a look/ King Starscream: The cellar is a pit. It's the most defensible location but the hardest to escape. Sides: ... For now. [huffs and slouches ] LORDStarscream: I'd prefer a dozen escape routes to a defensible death trap, myself. Star: /pokes Wing/ Whirl: Useful if you're a coward. Whirl: I'd rather fight than retreat. Wing: *okay you have his attention* Hm? King Starscream: Well Whirl, we all know that with our luck you'd be the sole survivor. B l u r r: Right, and none of you would make it. Whirl: Hey, what can I say? I'm hard to kill. B l u r r: All the Starscreams would be trying to use the other as a shield. K-Kyeheheheheh. Star: /Doesn't really have much to say he really just wanted to poke Wing../ B l u r r: / snickering and pops another snack in his mouth / Whirl: *SNRK* Star: /frowns at Blurr/ ... Wing: *fair enough. little smile* King Starscream: Oh please. Less useful mechs are the natural choices if we're talking shields. LORDStarscream: Naturally. B l u r r: But each of you thinks everyone not you is less. Star: /is tapping his finger on his seat in irritation/ King Starscream: Bingo. B l u r r: Why do humans continue to reproduce? the kids are always an issue. Sides: [ hold up. Gonna get up, go get snacks and come back. He's starving] King Starscream: Reincarnation. They posses the bodies of the young to continue living. B l u r r: I'm... pretty sure that'snot what reincarnation is. LORDStarscream: *snorts* King Starscream: Well do you have a better theory? B l u r r: For children? B l u r r: Yes. It's called stupidity and improper planning. Whirl: Well, Teach, I imagine they wanna reproduce for the same reason we do. Bevel: *laughs* Wing: It ensures the survival of their species... Something we can't do. B l u r r: Hnh. King Starscream: Wow. King Starscream: Amazing job. Whirl: PFFT. Star: /is shaking his head at the movie/ Whirl: Damn. If he makes it out of there--not bad. Not bad. B l u r r: Right? Drift: About time! B l u r r: Finally. Whirl: Hey, they got barbeque. B l u r r: Mmm. B l u r r: / squirms/ Makes me hungry. Drift: *... same tbh* Whirl: Yech. I'll pass. B l u r r: / hold out tin of snacks to Drift / Star: (So i sorta missed it. How did truck on fire?) B l u r r: / They're cannibal snack packs / Sunstreaker: ... This is disgustin' Whirl: Not big on solid food, myself. Wing: ((the younger guy was an idiot and dropped the torch)) Star: (Ahh, ty) King Starscream: ((he dropped the tourch and then spilled gas all over it from the pump and neatly set the truck on fire Whirl: *streeetches out and sprawls all over the hammock* B l u r r: Honestly, I just want that guy to live. The smart one. Whirl: Blurr, don't you dare do tis to me when I die. B l u r r: Turn you into a zombie or harvest your internals? Whirl: Ravage has dibs. Star: /shudders/ Ugh... Whirl: Eat me. Sides: ... It's kinda cool. Sort of. [eating snacks ] B l u r r: I won't eat you. B l u r r: Besides, Piston really wants to keep you Whirl: Honestly, you can just throw me in the garbage. ...just make sure Piston doesn't get my remains. Whirl: NO B l u r r: Kyeheheheh. Whirl: I will come back to life and pop your head off like a cork. And his. Drift: Radiation. Huh. B l u r r: K-Kyehheheh. Drift: A lot more simple than the usual plots. B l u r r: Radiation? B l u r r: It B l u r r: seems less complicated than describing a false disease. Whirl: ((beat em off eh) Drift: ((*eyebrow waggle*)) Whirl: I like his strategy. Whirl: If we can find 'em, we can kill 'em. Elegant. Simple. B l u r r: secure. Drift: ((isn't it 3 a.m.? that was clearly daytime in the background.)) King Starscream: ((very bright lights Wing: ((this movie was made in like the 60's or sommat)) B l u r r: ... Wow. B l u r r: Definitely should have klled that guy a while ago. Whirl: Yeah. Drift: Mhmm. B l u r r: There you go! Whirl: He's more dangerous than the damn zombies. B l u r r: Most living people are Whirl: ...but now he's gonna re-animate, ain't he? Sides: [ optics glued to screen. He's so invested ] B l u r r: Shoulda double tapped. Wing: *something about that makes him snrt* Drift: Is he going to eat his child. B l u r r: Is she going to eat him? B l u r r: K-KYAHAHA!! Wing: ((the sound effects during this scene I *** LOVE IT)) B l u r r: These zombies are so smart... they use weapons. B l u r r: Eugh, our zombies use weapons, too. Whirl: ((ME 2)) B l u r r: It's obnoxious. B l u r r: [[ omg SAME ]] Wing: ((I want this as a ringtone can you *** imagine)) Whirl: ((man trying to imagine how shocking this movie must've been, ICONIC)) Drift: ((way better than more Hysterical Female Shrieks would've been)) B l u r r: people were so terrified man ]] Wing: ((dude they were. people were throwing up and running from the theater the first time they showed Alien)) Star: Well then... Whirl: ((horror is so damn neat. Fear is so fascinating!!)) B l u r r: [[ it is! ]] Whirl: Uh oh. Bevel: [[there's a quote on wikipedia about how ppl were shocked into silence and small children were just sobbing quietly mid-movie Whirl: She's about to pull a Blurr. Whirl: Snack attack! B l u r r: Kyeheheheh. B l u r r: I'm so honored. Drift: ((why would u bring a small child to a movie called "night of the LIVING DEAD")) Whirl: ((IKR??)) B l u r r: [[ CAUSE PARENT ARE DUMB ]] B l u r r: [[ I've seen people take their kids to see the Purge. ]] B l u r r: Dude, you're wasting ammo. Wing: ((they also took kids to Deadpool when it first came out because HEY IT WAS ADVERTISED AS A ROMANCE NEVER MIND THE RATING)) Star: /And he went to the basement anyway/ B l u r r: [[ UGH YEAH ]] Drift: Save a bullet for the other one. Bevel: [[there wasn't really a rating system at the time so kids could just buy their own tickets as well and ppl were expecting it to not be this gorey and dark Whirl: Yeah. You're gonna need at least two. Whirl: (*(man i love this sound too)) Whirl: ((something about those weird 60s/70s noises, they're so oddly chilling))

Missed some.

Star: ... B l u r r: That's more than I can say for most horror films these days King Starscream: The undead aren't speaking. How hard was it to yell 'hey!'. Whirl: Not bad. It was clumsy in a lot of ways, but this is clearly older. Bevel: Bad. Wing: ((the end credits used to freak me out)) Whirl: *spins his rotors, imitating the prompts on screen* Whirl: *really just succeeds in sort of pushing his hamock back. Time to rock* B l u r r: [[ the end credits scared a lot of people when it came out, i think. ]] B l u r r: se they look so realistic ]] B l u r r: *cause ]] Wing: ((nah, it was the music for me)) Whirl: Not bad, Teach. Whirl: We should spend more time with the classics. B l u r r: We should. Bevel: Bad ending. B l u r r: I don't know it's better than most. B l u r r: /looks at Drift/ Whatcha think? King Starscream: Well the rest of the humans lived, so they seem pretty satisfied. Bevel: *likes her scary movies with happy endings* Whirl: *swivels his helm towards Bevel* @B: Hey. Bevel: @W - Yeah? Drift: ... Still getting tired of horror movies that end with a last-minute twist that screws over the main characters. Whirl: @B: I'm assuming you were being defensive of the Starscream next to you. And not the one at the back who's trying to get Blurr killed. Am I right? B l u r r: Well, this was a little better than the last one. Right? Drift: *glares around the room like he's daring somebody to start slag with him about it this week.* Whirl: Yeah. I mean, it's realistic--life'll screw you over every damn chance it gets--but it's not interesting. Or creative. Drift: Yeah. At least it wasn't global extinction. B l u r r: /pokes Drift's cheek/ Drift: *pokes back!* B l u r r: Look for that positive, you walking motivational poster. B l u r r: /smirks and pokes again/ King Starscream: ...are there horror movies that DONT end with the main characters getting screwed over? Drift: Pff—! B l u r r: The Babadook! King Starscream: I thought it was part of the genre. B l u r r: / immediate excitement / B l u r r: They even learn to live with themonster! Bevel: @W - Of course! Lord Starscream is my friend. He helped beat Megatron and end the war. B l u r r: / bright optic. So excited / LORDStarscream: They usually end with the last surviving stragglers stumbling into a secure military base. Whirl: *bobs his head* @B: All right. Good. Hey, anyone who beats up Megatron can't be so bad. ........don't you dare tell him I said that. Bevel: *he can also fly and do cool tricks but she thinks Whirl might not find this very impressive* LORDStarscream: ... Based on the ones Knock Out shows, at least. Bevel: @W - Promise. Whirl: *Whirl is satisfied; he actually kind of likes Bevel. He'd hate to have had to re-catergorize her as "foe"* Whirl: *it's very difficult to impress Whirl in the air, but Starscream is welcome to try* Bevel: *she likes not being a foe yeah* Wing: ((oh my god it actually is Derezzed)) King Starscream: ((eeeeey! Whirl: *he bobs his helm again, cordially; all is once again well* Star: (I love this song) Whirl: I liked that one with the guy in the wall. Whirl: That ended on a happy note. He got to stay in the wall, and they killed the psychiatrist. LORDStarscream: At least this movie explains where Knock Out got the ridiculous idea that the reanimated dead can be taken out with head shots. Star: That movie was rather interesting B l u r r: Oh, yes. Starscream knows /ALL/ about that. B l u r r: don't you, Starscream? /sneers over the back of the couch / King Starscream: ...So how DO you kill the reanimated dead? Bevel: [[oh geez the first slam in this song scared me Wing: *carefully stretches his wings to full and back again* Whirl: Tear them into little pieces. Bevel: Fire. Whirl: Or--burn 'em up. Melt em. Star: /theres like three of them here/ B l u r r: / starscream knows who he's talking to B( / LORDStarscream: Take out the spark. Sides: [ snort ] Sides: Cut 'em up LORDStarscream: Or—ember, I suppose it would be here. LORDStarscream: Although the pieces have an annoying habit of becoming /independently/ animated. LORDStarscream: Smelting is a good idea, so long as your smelter isn't connected to anything that might become infected and animated itself. B l u r r: Smelting pits are such a blessing. Sides: Never had a problem with enemies resurrecting. When I start scrap, I finish it. Whirl: All right. *streeetches again* I gotta get back to packin'. Whirl: Catch ya next week, Teach, if all goes well. B l u r r: / waves claw at Whirl / King Starscream: Independantly animated. B l u r r: I'll comm you if I need your help. King Starscream: *note to self: prevents undead outbreak* Whirl: *hops out of his hammock and bobs his head goodbye to Bevel* Bevel: Hot water stops space barnacles but the bots they infect are not dead so I do not think they count as zombies. Bevel: *waves to Whirl* Whirl: Yeah. You ever called about the other thing. I figured you must have handled it. Whirl: *FREEZES mid-stride* Wait, what about space barnacles? LORDStarscream: Independently animated, yes. As in I have seen an arm fall off an undead mech and start running around and attacking people on its own. B l u r r: ... Oh, no, I didn't B l u r r: Woops. B l u r r: I'll comm you. Bevel: Space barnacles do not like heat. Hot water works really well on them. King Starscream: ..I feel like I should be asking why you are all experts on this. B l u r r: Well, in my universe, we have zombies. King Starscream: *tilts head at Bevel* We haven't been introduced, have we. Whirl: *shrugs at Blurr* LORDStarscream: Have you not had the misfortune of encountering dark energon? Sides: KSI bots are pretty much zombies. Whirl: Why are we talking about hem like they're zombies? Is that a thing? Whirl: Mine's always been pretty well-behaved. Except for when it tries to eat me. B l u r r: ... /perks up / Oooh, what's /dark/ energon? What's that do? B l u r r: / twitches claw / I bet it's valuable. Whirl: Bad shi t, Teach. Whirl: Turns you into an Empty. King Starscream: No. Only a Dark Universe, and /that/ was more than enough. King Starscream: *he'd rather forget all of that* Bevel: It is in some universes, yeah. They take over a bot and make them all shambly and evil. B l u r r: Oh, well, we have those naturally. Whirl: Don't. If you start dealin' in that, you'll never see MY sorry hide again. LORDStarscream: The blood of Unicron. /Literal/, believe it or not. Whirl: Really? Huh. Bevel: *oh hey other Starscream* I do not think we have. My name is Bevel. B l u r r: Oh, the unicorn thing again... / rolls optic / B l u r r: We don't have that thing here. Whirl: Killer's never done that. B l u r r: well, not HERe, but in my verse. Sunstreaker: /snorts/ I saw a KSI with Brawl's face, they really are like zombies Whirl: But it did dismember someone, once. It was hilarious. LORDStarscream: Stab it into a corpse and it behaves much as the dead humans in this movie. They rise from the dead, blindly attack anyone they see, and spread the infection to their victims—bots and machinery alike. Sides: They are. All they do is wander. B l u r r: .....They do? B l u r r: / leans forward with a grin/ The mech has to be dead, though, right? B l u r r: / twitches claws/ Sounds interesting... Sunstreaker: Yeah, I don't think they even have sparks King Starscream: *he met one (1) new person today!* Sides: They have a power core. Sunstreaker: ((lol if my Sideways was here he'd be so offended by this)) Sides: Ripped it out once. Star: (cya later. too sleepy to do much) Sides: ( gnight! ) Wing: ((niight)) LORDStarscream: Stab a LIVE mech and they are briefly blessed with enhanced strength and a limited ability to control the undead beasts—but in exchange, that person can be controlled and possessed by Unicron himself. Bevel: *she met another Starscream today ey* Whirl: *shoots Blurr one last, exasperated look, but just shakes his head and turns to go* B l u r r: / waves at Whirl! / B l u r r: sounds boring. I'd rather stab it into something dead. B l u r r: / smirks/ Something very big. And dead. Wing: *this whole conversation is darkening his optics* Whirl: *from the doorway* Not kidding, Teach. LORDStarscream: Do so and IT'S set up to be Unicron's tool as well. Whirl: Do it, and it's curtains. B l u r r: Okay, Whirl! I got it. I'm just hypothetically speaking. B l u r r: Ratchet would never let me. LORDStarscream: These things have no intelligence and no loyalty. They can and WILL turn against their creators in spectacular fashion. Whirl: Yeah, well, I don't exactly trust you to make good decisions. Considering. B l u r r: / shrugs/ Sounds like home to me. B l u r r: / snorts at Whirl/ Fair enough. But, I yield. I won't. B l u r r: You're more valuable than that. King Starscream: ..I should call you later for more details on this. Sides: This sounds like a royal mess. [leans back to watch ] LORDStarscream: PLUS using it leads to damnation to everlasting torment after death, if the short-term consequences aren't bad enough. Sides: Much better than what I've been doing. Whirl: *regards Blurr with a half-lidded optic* Flattery won't get you anywhere. But hat's good enough. B l u r r: / smirks at whirl / B l u r r: / thumbs up / King Starscream: For now I must be going. The company was better than the movie. Whirl: *bobs his head one last time and goes* King Starscream: *nods to Starscream and Bevel* Until next time. B l u r r: I wouldn't be interested in anything unless it makes me faster. Bevel: Night, Starscream. LORDStarscream: Until next time, alternate. B l u r r: / shrugs and leans back/ Sounds like that weird energon won't helpwith that. Wing: *just quiet in thought* Bevel: There are better weird energons anyway. B l u r r: Yeah? Like what? LORDStarscream: *... faster, huh. blurr has starscream's attention.* Sides: I can't believe Jazz lives on this scrap wagon... B l u r r: This thing I stole from Thundertron increases my speed twice over. LORDStarscream: And what would be willing to trade for something that could make you faster? B l u r r: But I can always go faster- hn? Bevel: The bad synth-en does not make you a zombie or a slave to Unicron. B l u r r: Trade? Hnnh. Depends. I'm not a fan of being ripped off. Bevel: *it does make you a drugged fueled rage roider but details* LORDStarscream: A fuel that makes you so fast, it appears that time has ground to a stop around you. Sunstreaker: /shrugs at Sides/ Pretty sure he's just buying time until Prime gets back. IF he comes back B l u r r: ... Ah... /twitches entire frame. Flex claws/ B l u r r: Depends on what you'd want. We pirates can get anything. LORDStarscream: My Decepticons have a healthy cache of such a substance... although we don't just hand it out for free. Sides: ... What if he doesn't come back? [looks at Sunny ] Who's leading ? B l u r r: Depends on what you'd want. Sunstreaker: Nobody I guess... Sides: ... Huh. [frowns ] Sides: Guess there's no one to lead anyway. No wonder he took off. Sides: Surprised he ditched Jazz, though. LORDStarscream: Oh, the usual—weapons, armor, rare artifacts of great power... B l u r r: ... I have an All Spark. B l u r r: / smirks/ Oh, but he's not for sale. Wing: *that gets his attention* B l u r r: I'm sure I could find /something/ in the various verses. B l u r r: There's always someone to steal from. LORDStarscream: Then don't waste my time with things that aren't for sale. B l u r r: I have plenty of weapons and armor, but it's not something that I would hand over to you. You're liable to back stab me. B l u r r: And my back has enough scars. Sunstreaker: Maybe he didn't know? He took off pretty fast LORDStarscream: Pf! Please. What would I stand to gain? Sides: I don't know. Jazz never tried to contact any of us. And if he's here, he's not even comin for us. He probably ditched, too. LORDStarscream: My focus is on Cybertron and its restoration. Not screwing over petty pirate crews. B l u r r: We're not /petty/ Sunstreaker: Jazz wouldn't do that, he would have said something. ... Right? LORDStarscream: The security on this ship is so lax, a mech who's trying to kill you was able to walk in and take a seat. LORDStarscream: It's not exactly the most tightly-run ship, is it? Sides: Would he? [scoffs and just crosses arms. ] He's just like everyone else. Hiding for himself. B l u r r: / twitches claws/ It IS tightly run. B l u r r: Starscream can TRY to kill me all he wants, but he'll never succeed. B l u r r: He's not a threat to me. LORDStarscream: Mhmm. Sunstreaker: I dunno... Maybe. Remember his history. B l u r r: Oh, but you'll fan your precious alternate. Someone has to. Sides: Well, I hope he doesn't come back. Sides: He's no help. LORDStarscream: Funny. That's what most of my kills thought too. B l u r r: I'm not that easy to kill. Or intimidate. Sunstreaker: I guess. /huffs/ Should we stay here? I don't like the looks of most of these mechs... Especially the obvious one. Sides: [ scowls and just shrugs ] I don't care. LORDStarscream: The ability to feel intimidated is the ability to recognize a naked threat. I'm not impressed by its deficit. Sides: It doesn't matter where we stay. Someone's always trying to kill us. LORDStarscream: *stands* But fine. Let me know if you find something useful. Perhaps a trade can be arranged. B l u r r: Regardless of the little brain game you want to play. B l u r r: It's about a trade, not an alliance. LORDStarscream: *disgusted look* Who said anything about an ALLIANCE? Eugh. B l u r r: I'll let you know what I can steal. I travel plenty of verses. I'm sure there's something you don't have. B l u r r: Like tact. Sunstreaker: Guess that's true. LORDStarscream: *snorts* I save that for people who have impressed me. Bevel: *well that could have gone better* B l u r r: I don't need to impress you. /crosses arms/ B l u r r: Like I said, if I find something, I'll offer the trade. B l u r r: I'm always willing to go faster than everyone else. Sides: [glances at Sunny ] If you wanna stay on Earth, the stay there. Sides: You'reprobably gonna look for Blaster anyway, right? LORDStarscream: Then you don't need my tact. LORDStarscream: Fine. *ping.* You have my comm. B l u r r: Are we striking a deal or not? The next thing I find is yours. B l u r r: But I want double the amount. Sunstreaker: ... I do yeah, but I don't want us to get separated again. LORDStarscream: I don't want the next thing you find. I want the first thing you find that I consider interesting. LORDStarscream: Find something interesting, tell me what it is, I'll tell you if I want it, then we can haggle over the price. B l u r r: / snerk/ Fine. Sides: [ huffs] I guess. Wing: *watching Sides and Sunstreaker* If I may? Sides: [ rolls shoulder and cracks neck armor ] Huh? Sunstreaker: Hm? B l u r r: If I find it interesting enough, I'm willing to pay routinely for it. Wing: I apologize for eavesdropping, but if you need a place to stay safely, I can offer one. All I ask is peace while you are there. LORDStarscream: Then I'll await your comm. B l u r r: Oh, don't worry. It won't take me long. B l u r r: I'm pretty swift. Sunstreaker: /squints at Wing/ ... Full offense, we've got no idea who you are. Sides: ... I probably shouldn't be near people at all. Wing: *he nods* I understand. I don't know you either. I don't expect you to accept. My name is Wing. Sides: Sideswipe. [ motions to Sunny ] My brother. B l u r r: Honestly... / vents and flops back on the couch/ I'm sure I can find something... /tapping chinplate / B l u r r: Bit dangerous, but that makes it more valuable. Sunstreaker: /small hand wave at Wing/ Wing: *he nods to them* If you should change your mind, please let me know. Again, all I ask is peace while you stay. LORDStarscream: Hm. We'll see. Sunstreaker: Heh, can't make a promise on that. Thaks for the offer. B l u r r: Yes, we will. When it comes to speed, I am incredibly serious LORDStarscream: I meant about the /value/ of what you find. B l u r r: That' what I'm saying. What I give you won't be a waste of your time. LORDStarscream: Now, if we're quite done exchanging clever quips, my army needs me. B l u r r: ... / he misses that. Ah well. Shrugs / You have my comm. /pings/ I have yours. I'll contact you. Sides: We'll keep it in mind... [ nods] LORDStarscream: *nods to Bevel.* A pleasure, as always. Wing: *he waves at that* No need. It's about time anyway. Bevel: Good night, Lord Starscream. B l u r r: / flicks claws / LORDStarscream: Good night. *heads for the door.* B l u r r: / the idea of something making him faster is so tempting / Bevel: *should go herself, it's getting late and others have been filtering out for a while now* B l u r r: / bounce bounce leg / LORDStarscream: ... *stops at the doorway. turns.* Blurr. B l u r r: Hnnh? Sunstreaker: /nudges Sides/ We should go, there's a place nearby we can hideout. LORDStarscream: Keep Bevel safe. B l u r r: ... My crew will always be safe. So long as I'm here. LORDStarscream: Good. Sides: ... [ rubs helm ] I don't know, Sunny. Bevel: *grins* Sides: I /really/ shouldn't be around people. Sunstreaker: It's alright, I'm kinda the only one there... LORDStarscream: *doesn't have anything else to add to that, he supposes. turns again and leaves.* B l u r r: / looks at Bevel / I will. B l u r r: You guys are safe with me. Bevel: And I will keep you safe too. Bevel: *nods* Drift: ((and i forgot what i was doing with drift, if anything, so. *skedaddles*)) Bevel: [[night B l u r r: ... I haven't heard that one in a while. Sides: Yeah, but- I mean, yeah. Bevel: Really? Wing: *why is he still here he needs to go he's too tired* B l u r r: Eh, Drift says it sometimes and so do a few rare others, but. No one has said that to me in a while. B l u r r: My Prime... he used to tell me that a lot. We had this thing. I kept him safe, he kept me safe. Sunstreaker: Come on Sides, /stands up and nudges his shoulder/ It'll be fine where I'm at. There's nobody around. Sides: [ frowns more ] I don't sleep really anymore. Bevel: Then I am extra glad I said it. *stands up* I am gonna go now. Sides: I'll just... keep watch. B l u r r: ... Yeah. Yeah, sure. B l u r r: / lifts claw to wave at Wing and Bevel / Wing: Thank you for the stream. *again. wave. he needs gone* Sunstreaker: That's fine, come on. I don't want to be around Blurr right now anyway Sides: [ sighs ] ... [ just stands up and presses doors in close to his back] Bevel: *she's bad at moments but she'll take a second longer than usual to put her left hand to her chest and give Blurr and slight bow before leaving* B l u r r: / w-wweh ;-; a proper salute / Bevel: *a slight bow even, moment ruined by spelling error whee* Bevel: [[night everybody Sides: [[ ni ni ]]

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ecotone99 · 6 years ago

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[SP]Embers

I looked above me, and I saw the mountain peak. I was nearly there; only a hundred meters at most. I climbed the last of the dirt-covered mountain, completely devoid of life.

I reached the peak within twenty minutes. The midday sun beat down a tremendous amount of heat to the point that I was covered in sweat. At the top of the peak, I looked down at the city below me. Every time I see it, memories rush back to me: bombs falling all around me, fires burning, gunfire exploding from everywhere all at once. These memories have haunted me like a nightmare that occurs every night. I only want to forget, but I am the only one that remembers. The others are either dead or have willingly forgotten in order to start again.

I am the only one, once again, that remembers. I fought in World War 1, and I saw just how horrible humans can be. They decided to forget after the events of World War 2, which was a much worse time in humanity’s history. After over a hundred years, the frail piece shattered again.

As I was reminiscing, a ship flew over the ruined city. A building collapsed from the wind generated by its thrusters. It hovered there for a half hour, and then it flew over to where I was and landed next to me. The ship had to be at least the size of a small house. Still, I was amazed when a door folded open and a fur-covered being stepped out. It spoke to me in my own language, which amazed me even more. This being wanted to know exactly how this planet came to be this way. I decided to tell it everything I know about World War: Extinction, as it came to be known as.

To start with, I decided to tell it that humans had gone to war with themselves many times. Before the last World War, the two before it, World Wars One and Two, had been the worst in human history. The total death toll of World War Two alone was 56 million people in the armed forces. Win World War One, the country that suffered the most deaths was Russia, with 12 million deaths in its armed forces alone.

I recounted my horrible experiences in both wars. Hundreds of people were dying around me like as quickly as the word “hi” could he said. At times, gunfire would explode in the distance when we least expected it, and one of my friends would fall to the ground, dead. In World War Two, when the United States invaded German controlled territory on D-Day, I was at the front of it all. Allies and enemies died all around me. Blood soaked the sand red. Twice, I had been drafted to fight in wars I did not care for.

War is nothing but a burden to societies, but all of us still fought like we deserved to win. The worst part of the second World War? It began the Age of Silence, and none of us knew it. It started with Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the cities the United States dropped atomic bombs on.

I was in Japan on that day, trying to negotiate with its leader of a peace agreement between Japan and the Allies. While traveling around the country, I saw a white flash two seconds before I heard the explosion. I even felt the intense heat. In an instant, half of the city had been leveled, and a mushroom cloud rose where they stood. This, however, was not the worst part. The worst part was that people were still alive inside of the blast radius, even if it was just for seconds. They were suffering horribly, yet they were still alive. The people lucky enough to get out had horrible burns, and many died from the radiation poisoning later on.

Everything came to a screeching halt in the year in the year 2097. The years leading up to World War: Extinction saw advances in human technology. The only problem with that is that it was not used for the betterment of humankind. It was used to kill more humans as efficiently as possible.

Laser technology advanced heavily. Nuclear weapons were upgraded to become even more dangerous. Satellite technology allowed for orbital bombardments. Panic was everywhere, and the world’s governments did nothing to stop it. If anything, they made it worse. The governments encouraged people to join their militaries in order to “protect” their countries, but it was obvious they really meant “Join your countries military! We’ll bring the apocalypse together!”

The people of the world protested in cities around the world; they had hoped for a peaceful solution. However, their governments either ignored them or shot them dead in the streets. Governments were supposed to protect their people, but where was that protection then? They only led their people towards destruction.

By 2100, World War Three had been underway for a year, and the worldwide death toll was enormous. It easily surpassed the previous World Wars’ death tolls combined. This is why the third World War had been called World War: Extinction. Nuclear bombs went off every two weeks. This was eventually enough to start a nuclear winter that very few survived. The only reason that anyone survived was because I had transported them three hundred years into the future. If they had stayed, they would have died with the rest of the world.

When I got to the future by living through the fallout of the war, I was turned away everywhere I went. Though people had begun to rebuild in small tribes, they were still living to fight wars. I tried to tell them against this, but every time I did I was shot and dropped off far away from their settlements. It seemed they had forgotten the destruction of the last major war.

So I traveled the world in search of someone that cared about what we’ve done. Alas, I have found noone. Not a single person cared about what happened, much less remembered what had happened.

Here is where my alien friend stopped my. It asked me “How did you survive for this long? You appear human, but are you? How did you even transport these people into the future?”

My response was another, shorter story. “I have been alive since ancient times. My village was attacked millennia ago; my mother, father, and siblings burned with it. It only happened because of an old dispute between brothers. It started a war that I was caught in the middle of, and I, along with my family and village, was sacrificed to the Ancient Gods. My family was slain in front of me, but, when it was my turn, the Ancient Gods fused my soul with theirs.”

I then told my new friend the exact words that the Ancient God told me when we fused. It said to me: “Save this planet, and save its people.”

I then told my friend that I failed to achieve my goal. I told the alien one last thing before it left. “We only became this way because we could not see the truth. We only saw each other as a burden, when we should have seen and treated each other as our friends. Do not follow our path.”

With that, the alien left, and I began my new journey; I was to redeem this broken species with the few embers that remained.

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ciathyzareposts · 6 years ago

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Star Control II: Deadlines and Dead Ends

The Prydwen butts up against the literal edge of the universe.

I started this session wondering what would happen if I flew to one of the “borders” of the galaxy. Would it wrap around? Or would I fall of the edge of the universe? To check it out, I only had to fly “south” a few sectors. The answer had implications for how I would navigate for the rest of the game, so I figured I’d check it out now.

On the way, I stopped by the Centauri sector where I’d previously met the race that I want to call the “Mel Tormé,” which amuses me enough that I’m not even going to look up their real name. They had previously said that they were interested only in data on life forms and data on planets that confused sensor readings. I didn’t have any of the latter, but I’d stunned and scanned a few life forms on a previous expedition. I sold them what I had and got a modest number of credits to spend on information or technology. It wasn’t enough to do much with, so I just left the balance for now.

But during the course of the conversation, the aliens related that they had a device called a MetaChron, “a kind of trans-time alarm system.” It warns of oncoming dangers by predicting its own demise, slowly turning from white to black at a rate commensurate with the amount of time it has remaining. Apparently, while the Velvet Fogs are in this sector of space, the MetaChron is slowly turning black, at a rate that suggests some kind of disaster in the early part of 2159. It’s late 2155 now, so that gives me a little more than three years to solve this quest.

That extra month might be vital.

That’s a generous time allotment but not an infinite one. An expedition from starbase to a handful of planets, returning with a full cargo hold, can take a couple of months. I can’t spend a lot of time just randomly exploring. While I don’t want to engage in save-scumming, I suspect that as time goes on, I’ll be likely to reload when a visit to a planetary system turns out to be a complete waste of time.

A system with this many planets (including several gas giants with their own moons) can easily burn an hour or two of playing time.

I got hung up for a while in the Ptolemae system, which had four stars, one of which had about eight planets, including several gas giants with a handful of moons. I picked up a fair amount of new lifeform data on a marine world. The variety of planetary life forms is interesting and amusing. Among them are simple blobs, giant ape-like creatures, fleet little goblins with mean faces, giant urchins, tree-looking things with tufted tentacles, and bio-mechanoid beings that are rooted in place. They take anywhere from one to six shots to stun, and some of them will proactively attack the landing craft. I’ve learned to count myself lucky if I can bag half a dozen, and not to push my luck trying to clear the planet of all of them.

Three local life forms swarm and destroy me in the lower-right corner.

During these expeditions, I’ve also been paying more attention to the type of mineral I’m collecting, especially since I noticed that the rarer ones are worth more “resource units” than the more common ones. This game doesn’t seem to be like Starflight, where you had to find specific elements for ship repair and whatnot. Since everything gets converted to generic “RUs,” you might as well prioritize the valuable stuff. Every once in a while, the game explicitly tells you that you’ve arrived at a “treasure world” full of platinum and gold. Supposedly, there’s a way to identify the more valuable planets by color, which means I might as well just guess.

This one mining trip will be worth more than all of the other planets I’ve visited on this expedition combined.

Anyway, my question was answered when, in hyperspace, I butted up against the edge of the galaxy and could go no further.

On the way back to Earth, I was pulled out of hyperspace by another ship belonging to some beings that the game labeled the “Slylandro.” The aliens on the ship looked crystalline, but the ship said it was a “probe,” so they might not have been individual aliens at all. Anyway, the encounter started off friendly, with the probe claiming it was on a “peaceful mission of exploration.” But all of a sudden, it said that its protocols had changed, and it was now required to “break target into component compounds.”

Way to ruin a nice conversation.

I had to reload several times to beat it in combat. I don’t know if I’ll ever come to enjoy the game’s approach to combat. I don’t even understand what’s happening most of the time. Once you’ve selected your ship and you’re tossed into the battlefield, gravitational forces pull you this way and that with no logic that I can discern. Sometimes, the ships are just about to close in on each other when something suddenly flings them apart. It seems like every time I turn in the enemy’s direction, at that moment, something happens that reconfigures the entire battle map and has him suddenly come up behind me. I have to spend more time in practice mode, I guess.

I have trouble taking screen shots in the chaos of combat, but here I am just after having destroyed the Slylandro ship.

Despite readers’ claims that the Spathi ship and its BUTT missiles made the game too easy, I couldn’t get anywhere with that ship. It’s too hard to tell which direction is forward, for one thing. Every time I managed to get the ship’s rear facing the enemy and launch the missiles, the fast-moving Slylandro just darted away from them.

I had installed ion cannons on the Prydwen that launched missiles from the sides of the ship as well as from the front. The only way I could defeat the Slylandro, after multiple tries, was to use my flagship. But I lost a couple dozen crewmembers with every victory.

Back at Earth, pondering my next move, I took the time to have the full set of dialogues with the base commander. I know, it’s shocking that I didn’t do that when I first met him, but for some reason I wasn’t in the mood. Now, I was curious about the dispositions of each of the former Alliance races so I could determine if they were worth a visit. This had become particularly important because the commander was telling me that the Prydwen had been upgraded enough and what we really needed now was to find allies. To recap the game’s lore as well as the commander’s answers:

The Yehat are an avian race (they look like pterodactyls) organized into warrior clans and ruled by a queen. They specialize in fast ships called Terminators. According to Fwiffo, they surrendered to the Ur-Quan and became battle slaves.

The Shofixti were a mammalian race (“sort of a killer shrew”) who were found and given advanced technology by the Yehat. Fierce, proud warriors, they refused to submit to the Ur-Quan and destroyed their own planetary system rather than surrender. I still added them to the list in case there were any remnants.

The Chenjesu were crystalline beings who first contacted humanity and warned us about the Ur-Quan. Ancient and technologically advanced, they were also peaceful and philosophical, which didn’t serve them well in the war. The last anyone heard of them, they were fighting the Ur-Quan alongside the Mmrnmhrm in the Procyon system.

The Mmrnmhrm are self-aware robots built for an unknown mission by an unknown alien race. The commander thinks they’re the “leading edge of a colonization project.” Like the Chenjesu, they were last seen in the Procyon system.

When microphones gain sentience . . .

The Ariloulaleelay are classic pointy-eared, large-eyed aliens who may have visited Earth in the past and been responsible for stories of kidnappings and experimentation. Their homeworld location is unknown, and they have some technology that lets them move faster through hyperspace than any other race. The commander doesn’t like them (“something about them gives me the creeps”).

The Syreen were the almost all-female race of buxom humanoids who can ensorcel other races. Their ships were often a motley of crewmembers form multiple species working to please a Syreen captain. They reportedly allowed their planet to be quarantined (as Earth did) after the Ur-Quan victory.

The commander also filled me in on some odd and horrific aspects of Earth’s surrender. Apparently, the Ur-Quan required Earth’s surrender conditions (to become battle slaves or be quarantined under a shield) to be put to a popular vote. After Earth voted for the shield, the Ur-Quan told us to vacate any cities and ruins more than 500 years old, and then they systematically destroyed them. The Earth of Star Control II is one with no Athens, no London, no Great Pyramids, and so forth, but the Ur-Quan also destroyed some oddities like “a kilometer of land in central Iraq,” several acres of Amazon rainforest, and an underground section of the Antarctic. This suggested that they weren’t just trying to destroy humanity’s history but perhaps also some ancient secret or technology capable of defeating them.

He goes on to say that the United States made out comparatively well. U.S.A! U.S.A!

Other things that came up during the discussion included the possibility of a second ancient alien race (other than the Precursors) that settled in the Vulpaculae constellation, now in Androsynth space. Also, the Ur-Quan might have some kind of doomsday device that they’ll use if the tide turns. I need to find out what it is and deactivate it. Finally, he mentioned that there are three races that were neither part of the Ur-Quan hierarchy or Alliance and he gave me their approximate locations.

The mini “conversation logs” for each topic really help in organizing notes.

When I was done with the discussion, I had a potential “to do” list of 11 items, one for each of the surviving Alliance races, three for the unknown races, one for the Zoq-Fot-Pik homeworld, one for the Spathi homeworld, and one for the possible ancient race. I selected rolled a random number and landed on the Mmrnmhrm.

To make a long story short, my expedition to their home system, Virginis, was a waste of time. None of the four stars had any sign of energy or ships. (It was lucrative for minerals and life form scans, however.) I therefore headed for Procyon and the site of their last known battle. There, I found a red shield around the second planet of the system, and a space station in orbit around the planet.

When I approached the space station, my away team reported that it was deserted except for maintenance robots From what they could tell, the Ur-Quan set up the same thing at Procyon that they did on Earth: the Mmrnmhrm and Chenjesu were confined to the shielded planet, with a rotating crew brought to the space station for several years at a time. However, just as on Earth, the supply ships stopped visiting the station, so the Chenjesu and Mmrnmhrm crewmembers somehow figured out a way to penetrate the shield and return to their colleagues on the planet. There were also indications that the two races were exploring ways to create a hybrid Chenjesu-Mmrnmhrm being.

I’m not sure how you create a half-crystal, half-robot.

The findings have a lot of implications, particularly if there’s a way to penetrate the barriers. But I couldn’t figure out anything else to do in this system, and it didn’t give me any new leads, so the expedition was also a bit of a waste of time.

I was dogged throughout this process by the Slylandro. I think they attacked me four times between Earth, Virginis, Procyon, and back to Earth. By the time I limped back to the starbase, I had 26 crewmembers out of an original 100, and there were ships more chasing me through hyperspace that I fortunately managed to avoid. At each encounter, my contact options got increasingly desperate, from selections like “We are from Earth, on a mission of peace” to “Is there something wrong? We seem to be miscommunicating” to “We too come in peace! Please believe us!” But no matter what I chose, they just kept initially claiming peace and then suddenly changing their moods.

The four black dots on the mini-map represent enemy ships chasing me.

I was in for a bit of a surprise when I got back to the starbase after this futile expedition. The commander said that he’d analyzed my contact with the Slylandro, and they were the same species that destroyed the Tobermoon in the introduction. I didn’t put that together because they were described as “black as midnight” or something in the intro, and they’ve been red or orange or green when I’ve encountered them. Anyway, if that’s the case, then the same probes must be bedeviling the Ur-Quan, too. Commander Hayes suggested we try to find their source and stop them but didn’t offer any clues along those lines.

Sure, I’ll get right on that after I defeat the Ur-Quan.

0 for 2 on my attempts to advance the plot, I rolled the dice again and landed on the Shofixti. Yes, they apparently destroyed their own system to avoid surrendering to the Ur-Quan, but I figured visiting the system might still be useful, if for no other reason than to see how the game graphically depicts the destroyed worlds.

There are five stars in the Gorno cluster. At the first one I visited, I saw a little ship darting around. I approached, and it turned out to be piloted by a Shofixti! He introduced himself as Tanaka. Unfortunately, he’d been driven mad by the loss of the rest of his race. He refused to accept my pleas that we were allies, not Ur-Quan, and attacked us. I destroyed him in one shot. Reflecting that there must have been a better way–perhaps one of the other dialogue options–I reloaded, but I was back on Earth and my time to play games had run out. We’ll have to check it out next time.

Is a “roof-rabbit” like a “trash panda”?

Despite what seems like very little progress, I am still very much enjoying the game. They seem to have taken the best parts of Starflight, including the open exploration, the nonlinear plot, and the sense of wonder and mystery within the galaxy. I love the excitement of arriving at each new system, not knowing exactly what I’ll find, or even if I’ve interpreted the clues correctly. I love piecing together my next move from some vague allusions in a dialogue, or from references in the manual. Although I admit part of me wonders if the path is supposed to be this mysterious and open-ended, and that perhaps I missed something obvious in the opening moments.

I appreciate everyone’s restraint in the comments–so far there have been no game-spoiling “hints.” Please keep that up. I’d rather bungle the game and have to replay than have the next step spoiled. Time so far: 11 hours

source http://reposts.ciathyza.com/star-control-ii-deadlines-and-dead-ends/

#retro games #dos games #retro #crpg #adventure #amiga #oldcomputers #8bit #16bit #blog #repost

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