Futuristic Starpath: Burning Sails [IC] [CLOSED]

[Doomevil]

Months passed ever since their first mission and so far Deathkaiser learned a lot of things about the Galaxy. Or at least some portions. They met up with Shuren to grab a bite to eat as they waited on their next mission. They were at this small diner that wasn't anything special, but boy they were hungry alright. Grommy and Nara rubbed their stomachs, anticipating the arrival of their food.

"Man, I can't wait to eat Nara. I'm starving over here." Grommy expressed as he ordered what people called the Cheeseburger. Nara chuckled at her friend, sitting opposite to Shuren. Her appearance hadn't changed much over the past few months, wearing the same style of clothes. She did purchase a black leather jacket to fit in with the pirate style.

"Welp, we're here now. At least Shuren has his BBQ steak. It does look pretty good not gonna lie." Nara mentioned. While they were in Shadespear once again, the band thought it would be a good idea to find more news regarding the Renegade Quadrant and maybe elsewhere. For now Nara bought a Galacity magazine from a shady vendor. She pulled it out, placing the magazine on the table so she can read.



The same waitress bought over a tray of food for Grommy and Nara, unveiling a cheeseburger with a side order of french fries and ketchup. Nara ordered the fish and chips, widening her eyes as she gazed upon the meal. She couldn't wait to dig in already. "Thanks ma'am."

"I knew you were going to order fish." Grommy commented while both ate. Nara spoke, "Hey Grommy. I got a random question. Why do they call them french fries?" She questioned, earning a shrug.

"Maybe the fries are french. I don't know." He answered. Grommy turned towards Shuren as he ate. "How's that steak Shuren?"

 

[joshuadim]

Albert took the time to digest the information that Shun gave to him, trying to make sense of it all. Certainly, what Shun described as a wrong committed against him by the Empire did seem harsh as to something that was out of his control. But it was how Shun described his methods to strike back did it somewhat make Albert freeze inside. Killing innocents was something deplorable, and Albert couldn't help but give a slight grimace before recomposing himself afterwards to speak once more.

"Have you ever considered the possibility that attacking civilians, rather than those responsible for your plight, might sway the people of the Empire to continue shunning you? I mean, if you are trying to win people over to your views I don't think killing those that had nothing to do with your exile helps your case. Wouldn't you agree?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

A few seconds pass before Shuren finally comes to his senses, realizing someone's speaking to him.

"Oh, this. It's ah... well..." He shakes his head before his eyes meet those of Grommy. "It's... familiar."

There's a look on his face telling more than he's saying. Something is clearly bothering him.

 

[Dmaster]

Shun stays silent for some time, no doubt regretting harming innocents greatly but he also took the time to process his words. "Perhaps that is a possibility. Yet allow me to present a hypothetical to you. If I were to be absolutely perfect in targeting administrators or political figures, would you or any ordinary citizen care? Only the most sympathetic may shed tears for someone who they have never met, least of all those in higher standing than themselves. Empty names that carry no weight in obituaries or news headlines, even for the honor or camaraderie the ayr people hold it is hard to inspire personal action against me." he explains rather flatly.

"In harming those without stake in my cause I make it resonate more personally. If I kill a neighbor or loved one and the casualty is ultimately from a decision the Empire made, that inspires action. Whether they despise me or look into my message further it does not matter, so long as my cause reaches those who it wouldn't otherwise is all that matters. I challenge something far greater than me, and I am nothing without awakening those who do not see the light."

"I have lost much in my pursuit for justice. Perhaps loss is what will get the people to see things my way, to enlighten themselves to the truth. I fight to make them stronger. To give them real opposition and conflict to the traditions that they suffocate in." A balled fist comes from behind his back and is pressed against his heart. "I am an enemy, living proof that any creature ayr or otherwise may change themselves as I have and break down the Empire. A threat such as that cannot and will not be ignored, and shall inspire change..."

 

[Doomevil]

“Familiar...” Grommy repeated. He wasn’t really understanding what Shuren meant but it seemed like something was bothering him. He got to know him really well since they were recruited into the Mordred but there’s still some unknown info about Shuren.

Grommy attempted to press what he meant, “Yo, everything alright?”

 

[joshuadim]

"I have to disagree. I don't see how killing an innocent has their family and friends not see anyone except you as responsible for their death. I mean if someone went and killed my mother in the name of some righteous cause, sure the cause is good and just but I'm still gonna hate and blame that person for killing my ma." Albert said as he shook his head. "There's an old saying we have back on Terra: an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Violence shouldn't be the only answer, especially like this."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Do you people ever feel... Homesick?" Shuren kept it simple.

 

[Dmaster]

He stiffened slightly at Albert before shaking his head from side to side. "We are beyond the point of discussing the issue amicably. Too many of my years were wasted making such attempts. The Empire wants a violent monster to demonize, so they are free to. As you are free to see me as wrong or insane as you wish." he states.

"Complacency is the breeding ground for ignorance. My message is clear, and I work tirelessly to make it known. The only way I will find success is if I break down years of tradition and spread my ideals within the Empire's borders, through those that see the product of my upbringing for the injustice that it is." Shun says, turning his head from side to side. "The harm that comes to the innocent is regrettable, unfortunate. Yet cold necessities brought on by their refusal to talk peacefully. If they want such killings to stop, they hold the simplest solution in their hands."

 

[Doomevil]

He heard Shuren mention homesickness and for a moment he switched towards Nara as she caught the question by surprise. She bit her bottom lip, ears lowered when it hit her: They weren’t home. They were somewhere else. Nara made a frown, preferring to stay silent despite understanding, leaving Grommy to respond.

Grommy gave a harsh sigh, “Yeah I know what you’re talking about. We’re actually far away from home as it is. We wanted to travel the Galaxy together in search of experience and go on an excellent adventure. And so far we got it. But we do miss our friends and family back home sometimes.” Grommy explained to Shuren.

Nara nodded, “It’s hard, but I think we knew this was going to happen. My mom is probably worrying to death and Uncle Lincoln. I can’t imagine what’s happening back home.”

 

[joshuadim]

Albert took a moment to think before speaking up once more with a different approach. "So you've been doing this all this time... truthfully, how many do you think support your cause in the Empire due to the methods you employ? How many have offered you aid? Or even shown a sign of goodwill towards you?" Albert asked with a inquisitive tone. He hoped that this would bring the Ayr to think on it rather than falsely create numbers from thin air to try to back up his bias.

 

[Dmaster]

"I can give nothing beyond estimates. I am at a stage where I am of course quite unreachable by the Empire, and citizens would have to venture out to find me at all. All I ask for at this stage is unrest or discourse, the first steps to sweeping change." Shun says with a nod. "This is also assuming that the Ayr are not censoring my hijacked broadcasts, which they surely make efforts to do. Yet another reason I am forced to harm innocents, for civilian body counts are always harder to hide."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"... It's very hard." Shuren continues. "But harder it is for my people. All this time they've been in captivity... And I am out here, and there is nothing I know I can do about it." He downs a glass of water, thinking it'd stop him from getting choked up.

 

[joshuadim]

Albert could only shrug in response before speaking up again. "That might be... but I always think there's a better path to take, if you look hard enough for it." Albert then sat up to leave. "Thanks for the chat. It was quite insightful." he said before leaving the bridge.

 

[Viper Actual]

Merchant's Den, Freeport
1 month ago...

Nathalie adjusted the hood on her recently purchased stealth armor. Unlike her usual combat gear this one wasn't an immediate red flag that told every passerby that she was a rogue agent. Instead she looked just like any other drifter travelling through these parts of the galaxy. Sighing, Nathalie looked out over the city and trade port of Merchant's Den which was the de-facto capital of the free planet of of Freeport.

From her position at a small loading dock she could most of the city. Bazaars. Apartments. Cargo docks. Ships travelling back and forth. Freeport was every trader's wet dream. No government and no taxes but still secure and peaceful. You'd find no violent fights or back-alley ambushes here. The city was divided into sectors patrolled by well-paid mercenaries working for the numerous companies established on the planet. Outside laid wastelands, mines and cattle farms that were equally well-protected.

A sudden notification on her HUD interrupted Nathalie's thoughts. It was from her contact. Coordinates to a bar near one of the busiest market districts. There was no time to waste. Nathalie casually strolled through several dozens of smaller market districts en route to her target coordinates.

Hopefully this contact was everything she hoped it to be. In-between the various missions these past months Nathalie had continued to dig. There were still plenty of questions and unknowns but by now she had a rough image. Some of the ops she pulled? Direct response to Talon and his Hawk's Eye militants. All those secret SSOID projects like Rebirth and Doppelganger? Somehow connected to Talon and Hawk's Eye. There were also the random popping up everywhere. Cobra. Lion. She had no idea what they meant but if everything else was something to go by these names were somehow connected to it all.

Eventually after a few minutes of walking Nathalie reached the bar. It wasn't much more than a tent in the middle of the market. Two bartenders standing behind a circular desk served out drinks to customers resting up in the shade of the tarps and canvases above. Nat observed the people gathered at the bar. Mostly merchants and buyers, with some few pilots and a very obvious mercenary on the side. There was also a woman. Fair compelxion. Grey hair. Late 50s. As the woman turned her head Nat spotted a scar in her neck, a type of scar she immediately recognized.

It was routine for ex-SSOID personnel to have their memory chips surgically removed upon retirement. Plenty of her past targets had similar scars.

The woman turned around and spotted Nathalie. She nodded towards her before typing something into a datapad lying on the table in front of her. Nathalie received another notification. "Found me."

Nat slowly approached the woman and sat down in front of her. Once she was seated the woman leaned in and glanced at her sides. "So, how can I help you?"
"I have questions. You have answers," replied Nathalie. "Your name is in a file I've come across. I'm guessing it's there for a reason."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "You with the office?"

Nat shook her head. "Formerly."

The woman nodded. "As am I." She shrugged. "What do you want to know?"

"Project Rebirth. Project Doppelganger. What can you tell me about it? All I can tell is that most people whom have tried to dig on it have ended up dead."

The woman grinned. "Yet here you are, asking the same questions. Why's that?"
"I'm already hunted. I got nothing left to lose. Plus, I owe a friend."

"Better be a damn good friend," said the woman before taking a sip from her glass. "Five thousand credits. Five questions."

Nathalie nodded. It was a fair deal. She placed five chits on the table and slid them over. The woman grabbed them and stuffed them inside her worn jacket. She cleared her throat and leaned in once more. "I'll tell you what I know. Back in the day I was a assistant researcher with the SSOID. They barely told us anything but, being the curious person I am, I found some neat tidbits here and there. Ask your questions."

"What's Project Rebirth?"

"It was one of Sol's first super-soldier programs. Spearheaded by one scientist called Amos. It was a bit before my time though so I only know the rumors. As far as I know they tried transferring minds into robotic bodies. Basically creating immortal soldiers. One of them, Lion, was a decorated war hero. He has a statue on Mars. Zeruel memorial."

Nathalie nodded. "Project Doppelganger?"

The woman scratched the back of her head. "Amos's own pet project. Every once in a while he asked us to finish some calculations. Really the only time anyone but him worked on the project. From what I saw it was a new version of Rebirth. One of my coworkers, a geneticist, spoke something about cloning but I don't know if they every succeeded with that."

Cloning and super-soldiers. What was Sol trying to hide? "What can you tell me about this Amos?"

"He was the SSOID's chief researcher. Odd man. I don't ever think he stopped working. Don't know if he's still around. If he is my best guess would be that the SSOID keeps him locked away somewhere- the man probably knows about half of their top secret black ops projects."

"Who's Cobra?"

"Don't know. If it's a callsign I'm guessing he's another SSOID agent." The woman took another sip. "Last question."

"Why were you fired from the SSOID?"

The woman grinned. "I sold information to Talon."

Nathalie grunted and looked down into the datapad. At least she had some more clues to go on. She looked up and nodded towards the woman. "Thank you. You'v given me some more leads to follow."

The woman nodded. "Pleasure doing business with you. Good luck."

Now...

Nathalie found herself sitting in a bar on Shadespear. She had made some slow progress since the meeting on Freeport but overall things were going slow. What she really needed was access to a SSOID mainframe. That way she would have been able to make some faster progress and maybe even eliminate a couple of dead-ends. There was of course the issue of her being wanted for treason.

Shaking her head she took another sip from her drink.

 

[Dmaster]

"I assure you my path has only been taken through careful deliberation and calculation. It is either this or sit at the center of an unchanging world." he stated, some semblance of emotion in his voice for once. This would not all be for nothing, he would not allow it. "You are welcome. I thank you for listening, as I am always willing to speak on what moves me." Shun said as Albert departed. Slowly he turned back to his interface and began inputting and adjusting data.

 

[Doomevil]

“Your people?” Nara asked with much confusion. No wonder why Shuren felt homesick. She got goosebumps hearing him describe what’s happening to his people. Perhaps there’s a way to make him feel better.

“We didn’t know about that. I’m sorry.” She gave her condolences.

“People getting captured, that ain’t right. Heck, that’s far from right.” Grommy said.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Yes..." quietly responds Shuren. "I want to help them. But there is nothing I know I can do to help. Especially as I am right now."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Lucy quietly exited the surplus tech supply depot with a small cart filled to the brim with old electronic equipment. The boxes were stuffed with old and previously discarded devices, from several datapad types, to old computer terminals, to a whole array of electrical subparts that were essentially useless to anyone except her. There were even some mechanical parts mixed in, useful for making moving machines and improving the ones she already had. None of the parts were particularly useful to her own body, but for her mind... they would do. She could create her own network to expand in to. After Lauren had strictly forbade her from entering the ships systems and otherwise say some not very nice things to her, she realized that her alpha-level status had been revoked and she was, at best, beta-level now. Being unable to orchestra a full network was... painful. She had previously bade her time with smaller machines to demonstrate the proficiency of her skills, but the staff was unimpressed.

On the bottom of the cart was an assortment of... odder supplies. There were a few containers of human blood and plasma she had purchased somewhere thanks to some nice people in a secluded area behind some storefronts. Beside the blood was a box of magnets of various strength, including neodymium magnets of several sizes, and one in a specially shielded box to prevent it from attempting to meld with every metallic item within several feet, including herself. The most expensive item which had burned through nearly all of her credits was a very modest, small, and nondescript box that housed several plates of enriched uranium and a sample of plutonium. Perhaps she could achieve the executive administrator's affection by constructing a functioning reactor. What else could demonstrate her ultimate skill?

With only a little bit of money left, she wandered down some of the decks of the station with her cart of supplies.

---

"Oh! Now this one is absolutely a classic!" Shelby gestured at the salesman to bring out all the parts to the full white suit she had found, cut in the Castilian style. It might have been slightly too formal for her usual tastes, but she was still a Castilian at heart, and she could not neglect the pressed angles of the sharp suit. It lacked the vibrant life and energy of the clothing of the general populace and was entirely in line with how the wealthy families, and the ones pretending to be in the elite, dressed. This one in particular was delightful, but it reminded her too much of her brother, so she had the next one brought out. This one had no pinstripes. So she bought it.

Shelby rattled off her exact measurements perfectly to the tailor, who seemed somewhat perturbed there was a teenager in his shop buying some of the most outrageously expensive items he had. But she showed the money, liked the clothes, and bought them as they were shown. She already had three other outfits purchased. One was an elegant summer suit with a bright orange jacket and white bottoms, with a mint green ascot. She already had a few other ascots and shirts to go with her suits, including two pairs of shoes. And that was just the male and unisex attire - there were already two very fine and excellently cut dresses picked out as well, including heels. In some bags by her better clothes were some... less classier items she had bought at some of the other stores, such as jackets, t-shirts, and some pants. Stuff that she could wear and get dirty. She was on the run, after all, and it was time to rebuild her wardrobe.

 

[Breadman]

"You bluff." The khergian grunted from across the table from Petar. "So raise."

"Alright, I'll raise you another 2K. But your chips aren't enough. How are you gonna cover for that?" He was on a roll. He had already cleaned out three of the man's crew. Pissing them off enough to get their captain in on the action. So far they have been dealing with credits only.

"I do." A smile creeped across the captain's face. "Cargo in hold. Enough to cover 4K more."

"What do you have in there?"

"Win and find out." Petar didn't want to risk what he had so far on so little, but the big bastard in front of him was so sure that he would win, it was hard to tell if he was bluffing or not. They spoke in a broken manner, but the khergians we not stupid. Sometimes they were more clever than the 'genius' races. Weighing the options, he tossed more credits in the pot. The captain's grin widened even more as he revealed his hand. "Four 10s." Petar didn't look happy about it. In fact he looked pissed off. "Come on. Show us hand."

"Fuck you." Petar dropped the cards on the table. His expression changing from being furious to a mocking grin. "Royal flush." Now the captain looked pissed off as he took the cards and examined them closely "I told you to stop while you could. Now about that cargo..." he was interrupted by the loud thud of a fist slamming into the table. His grimace becoming annoyed. "Come on now. I may be a pirate, but I don't cheat." He was playing tough, but if he overdid it he would regret it. A pissed off alien of that size could use one of his guys to beat him to death with. "Just tell me where you have the cargo, what it is and I'll make sure the Reavers don't pay you a visit." That seemed to have worked. The captain was still furious, but didn't look the type to risk pissing off a bigger and meaner pirate group.

"East side, dock C. Spices for black market."

"Have it ready, I'll send someone over to pick it up." Petar said while getting up from the table and transferring the credits to himself. "Pleasure doing business with you." Walking away from the group he could hear them cussing him out in a variety of languages. Once they were out of ear shot, he breathed much easier. He needed a drink. Badly.

Lucky for him he was already in a bar and a quick glance around showed someone familiar. Walking briskly to the bar, he sat next to Nathalie. "I'll have whatever she's having." He told the bartender.
---
Vincent walked through the station, looking at whatever there was to buy. Nothing really caught his eye. It probably didn't help that he had practically nothing to want for. Except cigarettes, but he already had plenty. But it gave him time to think deeper on his time as a pirate. Not much of one was he? Most everyone seemed to have been enjoying themselves to a degree, but not him. The initial push for him to join the pirate crews was still there. But he was beginning to feel a fatigue of some kind. Maybe that was it. He needed to do more.

Continuing his walk, he passed plenty more shops until eventually stopping to get something to eat.

 

[Viper Actual]

Nathalie glanced over her shoulder briefly to observe the furious khergian. She chuckled and looked at Petar. "I see you're getting some new friends." She took a sip from her whiskey and looked down into the desk. A deep sigh could be heard. "Have you ever felt like all the odds are against you? No matter how hard you try to reach the goal new bumps in the road just keep showing up..."

---

Daniel scratched his nose. He had a fairly extensive shopping list on his datapad which included items for Typhon. Plenty of stock had been halved following the fight with Mr. Atlas. In front of him were racks of medical equipment of supplies or rather stolen ones now sold by a shady-looking trilothian. Daniel glanced at the shopkeeper who stared at him with all three eyes silently. Looking back down at the datapad he shrugged. It was the captain's money and he doubted she would question what and how much he and Typhon would need to keep everyone alive.

Raising his hand he gestured towards two of the racks. "I'll take these two."

The shopkeeper nodded enthusiastically and moved to look at the racks. "Whiiich ooones, siiir?"

"All of it. Have it sent to this hangar as soon as possible." He extended his hand to offer several credit chits which included a small bonus. The shopkeeper noticed this and narrowed his three eyes. "For your silence," said Daniel. The trilothian nodded.

Once the deal was done Daniel exited the shop and walked along the street. He didn't have any other plans at the moment except maybe to restock his own private ammunition reserves. As he was walking a pair of venatorians bumped into him. One of them hissed and reached for a revolver strapped to his leg. "Watch yourself, paleskin." The other venatorian laughed, letting out a reptilian cackle.

Daniel looked at the two thugs with a neutral expression. "Are you done?"

Another hiss. The first venatorian spoke up once again. "Maybe I'm not. Maybe I want your credits. All of them." With one scaly finger he unlatched the top-strap on his holster. The other venatorian slowly began to reach for larger-than-average knife in his belt.

Daniel on the other hand remained still. His fingers were already ready to grab the rifle strapped to his chest. It was already loaded. Luckily for him it seemed as it wouldn't be necessary.
"Get lost or I'll gouge your eyeballs out," said a third voice from behind Daniel. The venatorian thugs looked unsure and as Daniel glanced over his shoulder he saw a figure in bright red armor. A Red Corsair pirate.

He grunted. No matter who you were it was bad for business to mess with the Red Corsairs. Especially if you had any plans of setting your feet down on Legkiy. By the look of things the venatorians realized this as well. After a third and final hiss the two of them backed off.

Daniel re-engaged the safety on his rifle and turned around. "Thanks."
The privateer nodded. "No problem." The figure removed its helmet, revealing the face of a Upyri woman. Daniel narrowed his eyes. "Jaro?"

Jaro nodded. That's when the slap came.

 

[Breadman]

I see you're getting some new friends.

"Just a minor business disagreement" he said after his drink arrived. He started to drink while Nathalie started sharing her woes. "Well, I did have a whole lot of bullshit thrown my way, so I can sympathize...I think." He looked to her "Is the boss riding you too hard?"

 

[Viper Actual]

Nat shook her head. "Nah, it's not Blackwell. Personal stuff."

 

[Frankafurter]

Yolandi's wandering brought her to a pathway she recognized someone on. It was Daniel the combat medic, he was in a sort of standoff with some lizard looking aliens. She puts her hands in her pockets casually but she was reaching for the snub-nosed she carried when out and about in areas like these. She never needed to draw as someone in red armor managed to spook the two reptilians off. She relaxed a bit but then off came the person's helmet and then the slap to Daniel's face. She can't help but smirk, realizing that the chance encounter possibly wasn't so chance after all. She heads back the way she came, figuring Daniel is in the clear for now.

She was still looking for Karina but there's a bar up ahead that has caught her eye and she does need a stiff drink after that comm call to Eddie. Once she walks in, she notices Petar and that other woman on the crew, she can't remember her name, Natalia? Whatever, she joins them but the bartender gives her the stinkeye and mutters in her direction, "That isn't allowed in here." Yolandi looks over her shoulder and realizes Zou has followed her into the bar, she sighs and nods to Zou, "Go wait outside, I'll be out soonish." Zou's shoulders sag slightly but he nods and gives a thumbs up before plodding off to stand outside the bar. Yolandi thinks on it and figures it's a good thing he has to wait outside cause then he can screen against any unwanted types trying to find her and the other two Reavers. She orders a healthy pour of cheap liquor and pays for it before taking a swig and managing to get it down. Cheap indeed, this is stuff tastes like kerosene with a splash of turpentine, whatever, she's not drinking to enjoy it, she's drinking to get drunk. She looks over at Petar and 'Natalia', "So, what brings you to this dump? Cheap drinks? Loose women? I mean this place is a bit of a sausage party so maybe no women but men?" She glances at Nathalie with the men remark, a slightly humorous smirk on her lips.

 

[Breadman]

"Don't know much about your personal life, so I don't know. But knowing you government spook types, it's something you can't shoot dead." He drank shot, feeling the content rip through his throat. That's when Yolandi showed up"I'm here for the booze and the losers to fleece out of their hard earned money." Petar pointed to the group of pirates that were leaving the place. "Hey can your robot do me a favor? I won their money and their cargo. I need someone to pick it up."

 

[Viper Actual]

"A good guess," said Nathalie. "I just wish I had more resources. Sure would make my work easier." When Yolandi showed up Nathalie chuckled. "Drinks, really. How about you?"