The Valiant IC

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Marcelo sat in silence, the concept of losing flight control during a decent through the atmosphere dancing through his mind. It had happened a few times on his home planet of Darrius II, the result hardly ever a happy ending. Naidia entered the cockpit and sat in silence beside him in the copilot’s seat. Marcelo noticed her enter as but said nothing as his mind was still preoccupied with the concept of a emergency landing and leaving a nice little Marcelo sized imprint on the boggy ground.

“Trust Mizz Naidia…?” Marcelo blinked in confusion and turned to look at her, the word ‘trust’ taking a few seconds to register with him, his face blank and expressionless. Then he covered it with a slight smile and nod of the head.

“I’ve been on this vessel for six weeks and I’ve yet to see you without that helmet of yours. Now, who has the trust issues no?” Marcelo’s grin grew slightly wider before his expression fell flat and his voice changed to one of a more serious and somber tone.

“It is rather hard to trust someone whose eyes are hidden, whose occupation is notorious, and whose motives are unclear. Especially in a universe filled with all such and sorts of delightfully devious beings”

Marcelo’s eyes shifted toward the display to check the fuel readouts before continuing, his voice slowly lighting up to its more usual cheery self.

“But as it should be declared now, while I do not approve of your chosen occupation, your affinity with water, this current string of luck, nor your sassy ship A.I. I do have trust in your abilities as a captain Mizz Naidia., otherwise we would not still be flying together.”

Rocking his head side to side as if to pop it Marcelo checked the gauges again.

“Though with this current string of joss, we might not be flying together much longer.
Lose power in the atmo and make a nice little crater on the planet, enter at the wrong angle and burn, or we fragment in the lower atmo. Anything I should know about before we contact Aspera control? Anything I shouldn’t mention... or should?”
 
Isolde fell silent a moment and was going to respond when they suddenly went into hyperdrive. There was a quick jolt as they first entered which always sent her forward a bit. She fell to her hands and knees as she blinked a moment and then straightened herself out back to her feet "It is nothing really. Just some data sorting if you please. I will be grounding at Aspera's Prime for a few moments to get some medical supplies while the others are out on the mission. If you are not going I could use a little help moving some of the supplies" she replied calmly "The order has been sent with my private funds" She nodded a bit and gave him a smile "If there is nothing else I can do for you I suppose I should get back to work as we will be to Asperas Prime soon" turning she moved toward the doorway to leave.

~~

Naidia gave a faint smile at Marcello's comment. He was a smart man. Sighing she shook her head "No everything is taken care of...and you're an ace pilot I have faith in you. As to why you have yet to see my face, I have some insecurities that need not be addressed. She smiled faintly and patted him on the back. Standing she moved toward the doorways again "contact Asperas Prime when we are within landing distance and let them know we are a transport ship docking for minor repairs" with that she left to head back to the engine room. Aqua was already standing there waiting for her when she arrived. Are you sure miss? she asked with a curious glance. Naidia nodded "Do as you're told Aqua...I will slip out and gather the needed supplies. No worries" she said as the door to the engine room closed and preparations were made.
 
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Zakk had made a move to catch Isolde, but he couldn't clear the room quick enough. Luckily he'd managed to stay on his feet. He'd jumped enough to almost count the jump down to the last second. "Well... if you say so, but if you ever want to blurt out what's goin' on up there, you're free to do so. I doubt it's anythin' bad, but more importantly are you ok? Didn't scrape yourself up none did ya?"

Getting the door for her, he stepped back, and scratched his head lightly. "Well if you're askin' my help it's against my raisin' to not help a lady in need. My ma would smack me upside the head from the grave if I said no. I'd be happy to help ya Isolde." As she made ready to leave, he just shook his head. "I can't think of anything else, and I've already hogged up a good chunk of your time... thanks for talkin' though. I appreciate you takin' the time to kick the shit around with me."
 
"kick the shit around?" She asked with a confused look and tilt of her head. She didn't really leave time for a response as she shrugged and sighed "you organics have such odd language usage" turning she left with a slight wave as she moved down the hall back toward her own room. She needed to look up a few things before they arrived to Asperas Prime.

Taking a seat at the large computer system in her room she opened up a few file folders, and instantly data streams flew across the screen in rapid fire. Her eyes quickly scanned, as she deciphered the data as if she were reading a simple book, but to everyone else it would just seem like a stream of incoherency quick moving across the screen. She paused part of the data as she leaned back with a slight frown "Hmmm...what's this about..." she said curiously as she filed the information away once again. There was a large jolt of the ship as she sat back and let it occur. They must have been getting closer to the planet. It was going to be one bumpy ride.
 
There was no backing out now. The planet's atmosphere was beginning to pull them in and the ship didn't have the power necessary to pull out of it. Making final preparations, Anderson altered the buffers and began the descent into the atmosphere.

The bottom of the ship began glowing bright red as heat built up under it. Turning the ship to one side, he allowed one side of the hull to cool off. Then after a few minutes he shifted the Valiant the opposite way to let it cool off. If he didn't, the entire ship would break apart in reentry. It would have to continue until they made it through the atmosphere. It made Anderson miss having fully operational shields. Then they could just sail through and let the shields take the heat. But they were doing this old school.

Several minutes passed before the heat began passing by. The hull cooled down they were safely through the atmosphere. Anderson did a quick systems check to make sure all had gone according to plan. The left side buffer had been overworked a bit. A repair job on it would help though.

Opening a file that held landing coordinates, the ship began flying downward toward what was the bog planet. All the water made Anderson nervous. This ship was in bad enough shape without adding rust to it. But he found their destination, luckily it wasn't as bad as he had expected. It looked dry from above. Carefully, he put the ship down as he released the landing gear. It hit the ground and came to a full stop. Anderson began the shut down procedures. At least they had landed safely.
 
Silias Looked to the Mechalith, nodding as he pondered the sugesstion
"Yes, perhaps I could create and adaptation or Modification of the Closed Bolt, Short Recoil Operqation of the M2 Machine gun, that weapon was Designed for the .50 round, although the question becomes how does one adapt the weapon to work as such without discarding this weapon base and starting with the M2?" Silias wondered aloud.
 
“Copy Asperas Prime, we’ll land at pad C-5 over” Marcelo said cutting the communication link. The world filled his entire view space as the planet pulled the ship in. Tapping the nose up Marcelo got a glimpse of the curvature of the world before his attention was once again brought back to the displays in front of him. At least the heat shielding was intact.

A few seconds later the ship started shaking violently, Marcelo involuntarily winced. He hadn’t meant to descend so quickly through the atmosphere.

Marcelo! You are de-

“Yes yes I realize that but if I slow the burn now we’ll choke up and run out of fuel” Marcelo replied with more than a tone of annoyance at the appearance of Aqua. Waiting a bit longer he watched the temperature gauge for the heat shielding creep into the red. The warning buzzer sounded Marcelo finally slowed the craft down.

“How much fuel we have left Aqua?” Marcelo asked as the craft finally entered the cloud cover, his sight marred by the puffy white and gray clouds that surrounded the craft.

Unknown, but I sincerely doubt we have much left after that stunt.

“Yeah… yeah… just our joss” muttered Marcelo as the craft came in lower on the approach to the pad. Marcelo wasn’t surprised as light rain lashed against the hull. Griping the controls he was glad that the ship was not being buffered by any winds. Leveling out above the pad he let the ship drop.

With a hard thud the ship landed on the pad, Marcelo started shutting things down. The engines coughed and shut themselves off before he could reach their controls.

“We’re here Mizz Naidia! Hope you have the registry stuff in order!” Marcelo yelled through the empty corridor as he stood up. Turning back to Aqua he gave the AI a smug look

“Mostly intact.”
 
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"Yeah..." Zakk said softly to himself as he watched Isolde leave. A few moments later he felt the ship tilt slightly. He smirked to himself, and then left his room in order to go check on Anderson at the helm. Lightly he tapped the keypad, and the door to the cockpit slid open with a muted bleep. "So we made it huh? Guess it'll be time to get back to work in a hot minute. You want me to give the ol' gal another once over right? Isolde wants me to make a run with her and get some supplies first."

Zakk hadn't really talked with Anderson much, but it was mutual. Anderson certainly didn't have much need to be a chatterbox with the newest member of their group. "Actually let me ask this first... what's broken now?" he asked between a grin, and a silent laugh. Zakk knew something was busted... something always was.
 
Anderson jumped as the cockpit door. Like the rest of the ship, it wasn't in great condition and made less than pleasing noises when it opened. After a landing, it always made him think of what the ship might sound like getting ripped apart.

But it was only Zakk. He asked what was broken. The guy was smart enough to know something was always broken. Pulling up a schematic of the ship on his screen. "The left buffer took a bit of work in the atmosphere. It stopped fully working after we were through. Might just be a glitch or it could mean it will explode the next time I start her up. And since the buffer isn't working properly, it's likely that the engines might have a few new problems. Other than that she's holding together." With that he closed the schematic.

"You don't have to look into it right now, but if you did it before we depart it should be fine." He gave a nod to Zakk. They didn't know each other that well but Anderson didn't have any problems with him.
 
Anderson jumped as the cockpit door. Like the rest of the ship, it wasn't in great condition and made less than pleasing noises when it opened. After a landing, it always made him think of what the ship might sound like getting ripped apart.

But it was only Zakk. He asked what was broken. The guy was smart enough to know something was always broken. Pulling up a schematic of the ship on his screen. "The left buffer took a bit of work in the atmosphere. It stopped fully working after we were through. Might just be a glitch or it could mean it will explode the next time I start her up. And since the buffer isn't working properly, it's likely that the engines might have a few new problems. Other than that she's holding together." With that he closed the schematic.

"You don't have to look into it right now, but if you did it before we depart it should be fine." He gave a nod to Zakk. They didn't know each other that well but Anderson didn't have any problems with him.
 
Soon as Aquarius landed in Aspeara's Prime the docking crews went to lock her up and secure her for keeping while they were grounded. The ship wouldn't be boarded, but quick diagnostic scans would be performed to make sure no illegal items were aboard. Naidia remained within the engine room as the diagnostics were taken. Even though most things on the ship were illegal, to the scanners, because of the 'tweaks' she'd made, would pick it up as simple cargo carry. When the scans were done a voice boomed over the ship speakers "Clear. Welcome to Asperas Prime. Enjoy your stay. Docking pad C-5. Please input your docking code and you will be free to go. Over" the voice ended. Naidia would suddenly appear nearby Marcello as she leaned forward and typed the codes in over his shoulder, "good landing...I'll get us some good parts and we'll fix up Aquarius and get her in tip top shape" Aqua cleared her throat some as Naidia sighed "okay fine we'll at least get her some fuel so she can fly" Thank you

"Marcello, you're free to stay here or roam around as you wish, but keep in touch with the communicators. Aqua..you know what your job is. As for myself, I will return with the needed fuel and we'll be out of here. We might have another job set up soon if all goes well" she said with a grin, "any questions?"

How are you planning to stay under the radar? You ALWAYS cause trouble Aqua said crossing her arms. Naidia sighed "no faith...they don't know what my face looks like do they?"

Well...no. No one really does

"how do you identify a face you've never seen?" she only smiled as she grabbed a cloak and pulled it around her, placing the hood up "if that's it i'll be off" she said with a wave as she left the ship in search of fuel and supplies.

Aqua sighed as she watched Naidia go Crazy woman.. She glanced toward Marcello a moment So are you staying here or going as well? she replied in a huff.


~~

Thank god! They'd gotten there. Kira was starting to worry that they weren't going to show. When Valiant came to an abrupt land, dust flew past her as she shielded herself with her cloak. Her already dark complexion made her easily blend in with the area around her. When things settled she waited for the entrance ramp to lower itself before making herself known "Captain Ryan Tallow. Long time no see" she said with a wolfish grin on her lips as she stopped before the small group. STanding with her arms crossed she scrutinized each member before her carefully.

"I take it you got the information?" she asked Ryan who simply nodded his head. All business today it seemed, but that was usual in most situations. Then again...he was an odd ball sometimes. Kira sighed, "and I take it you didn't brief them on what the hell was going on. You just dragged them to a random bog planet terraformation in the middle of nowhere because you had a job to do?" she didnt' wait for an answer, the looks upon the others faces was enough.

"Very well...let me explain--" with that she explained the situation of their planet to them as well as the mission "...The rebels recently shot down a supply ship about 20 minutes due East of this spot. I need you to retrieve the cargo and bring it safely to a drop off point in one of the camps another 10 minutes north of where the cargo is. It doesn't seem like much but it is very dangerous as the cargo can be traced until I deactivate the codes, and the area is crawling with patrol. They are very keen on getting everythign they want. I've told the officials taht everything is at it should be, but I don't know how long that cover will last. However the cargo is precious to the rebellion as well, and the pay will be more than enough" she smiled faintly "please if there are no questions load your things into a land hover craft and let us begin" she paused a moment to listen before waiting for them to follow.


~~

When they had safely landed, the crew was gathered to exit the ship and head in their own directions. Most of the crew was going on this mission, but as far as she knew Anderson hadn't made up his mind, she was going to the city as well as Zakk. Carefully she exited the ship and glanced around. Since it was a bog planet, the air was somewhat humid and she could feel the heaviness of it. She frowned a bit but kept herself carefully guarded against the elements. Water and her did NOT mix. "Captain. I shall be going to the city to gather supplies. I will keep you posted if I see anything on my way. Zakk will be accompanying me" she gave a slight salute as she nodded toward Kira as well with a kind smile.

Turning, she headed back to the ship where a land vehicle was parked in the holding bay. "Are you ready Zakk?" She said quietly before hopping into the passenger seat and waiting for him to get into the driver's seat. She rarely was found driving any vehicles. Always in the passenger side, submissive to the driver. Soon they would be off toward the city after getting careful directions from Kira.

It wouldn't take them more than 10 minutes to traverse to the outside of the city. She could see the dirty buildings up ahead and people wandering around. Isolde was in her off duty clothing with a shawl wrapped around her to keep the dirt from her face. She would have to meet with the suppliers to confirm her order. The entire way she rode quietly, observing the scenery around them and taking in information. She hoped that the other mission would go well. They needed the extra cash.
 
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"Sure... I'll crawl all up in her when I get back." Zakk said over to Anderson as he turned to leave the cockpit. "I'll grab some booze while I'm out... I'll get ya a box or two." He tossed over his shoulder as the door shut. Zakk had a feeling that the crew could do with some loosening up, and some good swig was a great way to do it.

Exiting the ship after Isolde, he tossed the captain a salute as well, and then pulled his grey skull cap over his head, and tugged on his think leather coat. It did the trick when it came to hiding the blinking lights under his skin... no need to get any notice that wasn't called for. He then chambered a round in his pistol, and slid it into it's holster under his coat, and nodded to Isolde as he climbed into the driver seat. "As ready as can be..."

Punching a few buttons on the console, the large hover car ignited, and slowly raised off the ground. Lightly Zakk scratched his head before he turned to look at Isolde. "There a chance we can stop, and get some hooch before we get back?'
 
When Zakk asked if they could stop she slowly nodded her head, "if you wish. You're free to do what you please once we get inside the city and confirm the order. It will be necessary for me to accompany you through the streets at certain times, however. So we must stay close" She directed him to a parking area and got out waiting. The streets were narrow and busy with anthros and humans intermingling. But, she did notice that most of the people walking around were doing so with their heads slightly down, except for those of military or police personnel.

For the time, Isolde kept close to Zakk, even linking her arm with his. The people moved about quickly and so she had to somewhat weave them through the thick crowds. As they were walking, however, she'd moved a bit away from him and a few of the officers stopped before her. Before Isolde could shift around them she'd ran into them. They looked down at her with slight sneers, and she knew they meant trouble. Backing up a bit after catching herself she slowly brought her gaze up to theirs "pardon, sirs" she said politely with a faint bow of apology. The two men, guns slung over their shoulders, crossed their arms "I see a lost little lady. Where is your escort?" the man demanded.

"He is here momentarily. In my haste to make an appointment I must have accidentally strayed too far from his side"

"Is that so? You're not from around here are you?"

"No, sir"

"I see...you seem to know our customs well" the other responded suspiciously.

"I make it a point to learn some customs of the planets I visit so as to not bring any disrespect while there" she calmly replied as they scanned her over a few times.

"We've been on the look-out for outsiders around here. Word has it that there are some thieves running around. Where is your ship docked? We can escort you there. After all, a pretty lady as yourself shouldn't be wandering around alone" The man reached forward but Isolde took a step back, creating a frown on the officer's face.

"I am capable of handling myself. I must be going as I will be late. My escort is here to accompany me now" she said reaching out and grabbing Zakk's arm pulling him closer. Now was not the time to start a scene. The officers were about to protest when alarms suddenly began to sound. The officers glanced up and cursed as they simply took off grabbing their guns in the process. The sirens continued to grow in intensity as people began to scatter and take cover. Isolde took off as well "come on" she said hurriedly.
 
Staying alone on the ship with the AI?

Marcelo could see it now, Aqua explaining to Naidia how Marcelo somehow hit himself on the bulkhead door.

Of course that was an exaggeration. But Marcelo didn’t feel the need to remain on board with an AI that didn’t want him as much as he didn’t want to remain onboard with it. Grabbing a communicator he stuffed it into a pocket of his jumpsuit and exited the ship.

Outside along the pad were two officers leaning against a official looking vehicle. Raising a quizzical eyebrow Marcelo walked toward them when one of them motioned him over.

“Greetings, mind if we see your Ident card before you head into town?”

“Not at all officer, looking for someone in particular?” Marcelo’s mind raced as he reached into his jumpsuit, maybe Naidia was wanted on this planet. Handing the officer a ID Card he watched the one officer slide it into a PDA.

“Nawh, just a routine check. Rebels and anarchists enjoy making life hell on us and use ships to move supplies and cargo around. Have to check identification on pilots and the like every so often.” The officer said reading the display on the PDA. He seemed to be in a good enough mood which relieved Marcelo.

“Darrius II…” The officer pronounced the name with slow familiarity, Marcelo stiffened. The office looked up at Marcelo locking eyes with him.

“Platform 47?”

“Yes sir, you know of it?”

“Anyone linked with tritium mining does.”

The office pulled the ID card from the PDA and handed it back with a solemn nod. His partner was already getting into the vehicle.

“You have a good day now.”

With a wave they slowly drove off leaving Marcelo alone with the ship at the pad. Looking up at the dark gray sky Marcelo frowned. The rain that they had passed through looked like it was coming toward the city. Walking a little bit he caught up to a tram heading toward the city. Getting onboard the crowded tram he realized he didn’t have any particular destination in mind. Marcelo shrugged it off, he’d find a bar, or perhaps a trade store. He’d get information there and move on being back on board the ship before long.

He didn’t hear the sirens at first over the loud hum of conversation in the tram. Only when they got louder did he wince. The majority of the other passengers were like him, crewmembers from the ships. Only the few locals on board seemed agitated and worried, Marcelo noticed that the tram had picked up some speed.

"Excuse me, anyone know what’s going on?" Marcelo asked no one in particular.
 
Kira wasted no time and got everyone else prepared soon after Isolde and Zakk took off. She knew they'd have to act fast, but their plans might be put to the side for a moment. They hadn't gotten far when she picked up familiar sirens building in volume in the distance toward the city. Quickly her demeanor changed to more serious "Let me take over the wheel" she said climbing toward it without warning. There was some protest but she wasn't having it "Either let me take it or we may all die!" The hover vehicle swerved a moment before Kira grabbed the wheel and leveled it out. It took a short swing to the side before stopping.

Overhead the skies began to darken some from the South and the East. There was a silence about as Kira listened intently, "do you have energy shields on this? Or at least guns? We might be needing one or both" she said and revved up the engine as they took off quickly through the bogs. There was a low humming noise following around them that seemed centered around the dark masses heading toward the city. Kira wasn't going to explain unless they asked, they needed to move quickly that was all. She wasn't expecting a raid attack so soon in the season. Then again, the government hadn't been very appeasing in the last few years. Sighing she jetted quickly around obstacles throwing the occupants this way and that "hold on tight it's going to be a bumpy ride. We'll be there soon and we need to act fast. Keep your weapons on you" she added hurrying forward.


~~

Naidia heard the sirens and glanced up to see the dark clouds coming their way, "A raid?" she questioned as she noticed people hurrying to find shelter. It was common knowledge that every hunting season the cannibalistic tribe, which the locals came to simply call the Darkness, swept over the lands to feed. They were called this simply because of the dark cloud they create when they search for their meal. The Darkness are a species a little larger than a full grown anthro male (about 6 foot on average) and have pale skin, white eyes, and sharp teeth. Their bodies mutilated and scared giving them a sinister and twisted look, and a pair of black wings spread out and wrap around their bodies. Usually the hunting season didn't begin until the moons were aligned, but it seemed they were starting early this year.

She'd never laid witness to a raid, but she'd heard their gruesome results. You either got to shelter, or were dead. Few survived if they didn't find shelter, and those were never the same. This would certainly make their time upon Asperas Prime more interesting. She'd have to act fast now. Not all of the Darkness would stop and feed here, they'd spread out their game, but it would still be a hassle. Already the darkness was starting to break apart as they went to separate hunting areas. The largest, though, was coming for the main city. As the darkness spread over the city, there was complete silence as the attack was prepared. Naidia stopped where she was and used her senses to figure out what was going on around her. With a low hum the auxiliary lights flashed on and suddenly a clawed hand came lashing out at her. She ducked back to dodge and sent her own hand slicing through the Darkness' arm as it let out a cry of pain. Beside her a woman was ripped in half to be fed upon, her screams echoing into the streets. The Darkness charged at her as Naidia swung her trident and cut off it's head, the creature falling lifeless to the ground. Straightening herself, she took off at a sprint to see what she could find out.
 
"We've got weapons on this thing: Me." Hardware shouted at Kira. He had the Equalizer charged and ready, the six barreled 25mm Vulcan spinning. "You point me at them and I'll give them a whole world of hurt."

(Short I know, but it's the best I can do right now...)
 
Anderson sat comfortably in his pilot seat in the ship. Although there was a need for people on a mission, if the pilot died, then nobody is going anywhere. He had the weapons system online just in case, but he wasn't expecting any trouble.

So far things were quiet. But he still had the radio on in case the crew needed help. He was hoping that things would stay this way. It was good to get the cash and get out. Trouble had a habit of getting people shot. Bullet wounds aren't good. That usually meant they would be chased by a ship. That meant the ship would get damaged as Anderson tried to evade whatever missiles were flying at them. So, staying away from trouble was good.
 
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