Shadow on January 20, 2009 10:41PM:
Jonathan nodded briskly and focused on the newcomers. Now he could see they wore battle gear - unsurprisingly, come to think of it, since energy weapons needed massive capacitors at the very least - and he didn't even know what his own gun was. Luckily, the soldiers (they had to be pros) were busy shoving aside hysterical patrons and pieces of furniture, as for the drone... now, that was odd. The drone seemed to avoid anything that moved. It was looking for something specific... debris from the explosion?
The scientist-turned-bodyguard grabbed his bag, using it to conceal the weapon as he retreated after his "quarry", out of the ruined restaurant. He half-expected to find another platoon waiting for them, but the grounds were clear all the way to the big monorail exchange, a couple of clicks to southwest. Lights flashed over the mountains, most likely ambulances and firetrucks coming from Adella, but they were still a way off.
The desert sun was burning seriously by now. They would need to find a vehicle soon - and a covered one at that. Ground cars were already streaming out of the area, and more than one expensive suborbital passed above their heads. The rental center was right around the corner, as were the public parking lots... and that put them in direct line of sight from the Star Gate's entrance. But what choice did they have?
Nightwrath on January 21, 2009 02:10AM:
Asherio's choice was rather slim since he had injuries and was carried on the Caino's shoulder. He should get better before his next turn.
Jimdor Armimane on January 22, 2009 09:17PM:
Jimdor squinted at the Terran through the scorching desert light. "Come, this way!" he motioned, and led him away toward the parking lot. In a corner space was parked his pride and joy, a silver GIT hovercar. He thumbed the bracelet around his wrist to unlock and open all three doors -- not to mention deactivate a rather expensive theft deterrent system that was likely to leave any would-be thieves as little more than a pile of dust. He laid Asherio as gently as possible down in the back seat, then turned to the Terran. "Get in if you like," he said. "This place seems a bit dangerous for the likes of you." As the Terran began to turn away, he touch his arm. "But first I'll need my gun back."
Shadow on January 22, 2009 10:32PM:
"Of course." said the scientist. He handed the weapon to its rightful owner. "As for your offer, thank you, but I'll just take my..."
"Hey!" A stern-looking man started towards them from the other side of the parking lot floor. He was wearing a Megan Army uniform, but no rank insignia, not even those of a private, and - noticed the bounty hunter - he also lacked the eyetap that was mandatory on any mission. He did have his sidearm, and he fumbled to draw it as his pace turned to a trot.
Jonathan was already in the car. "Go!" He rasped.
Jimdor Armimane on January 24, 2009 09:02AM:
Jimdor fired up the engine and pull back hard on the control stick. (He normally treated his hovercar with tenderness for the first few minutes of driving, while she was still warming up, but this was obviously a very special situation.) The gee forces pushed Jimdor and his passenger deep into their seats as the hovercar rose almost straight up. They were 1000 meters or more up before the doors had even completely closed and sealed themselves. "Don't worry," he said to Jonathan. "There isn't much that can keep up with us. Keep an eye on our friend back there while I get us to a hospital."
Shadow on January 24, 2009 10:09PM:
Surprisingly enough, the uniformed guy actually managed to fire a few shots their way. The rear window vibrated to the point of breaking, but sonic disruptors are short-ranged; they were safe in a couple of seconds.
Jonathan sank into the chair, pale-faced and breathing heavily. "I'm not made for adventure." He moaned. "Thank you."
He sat there for an interminable minute, then he turned around with a sigh. Asherio lay motionless, eyes closed, his breath short and choppy. The Terran called to him softly, then, as he got no reaction, reached for his bag. You'd love to play with this he thought. What he pulled out was a state-of-the-art mobile lab, a ruggedized PDA with a strong handle and the best portable sensors money could buy. He pressed the device against a furry hand, and the molab bleeked and chirped as it hooked up to the nearest satellite to download the required medical data.
"I couldn't help but notice, " said the scientist conversationally, as the machine happily crunched numbers, " but those military types, they were all Terran. The Megan Army employs a mix of species."
*** Which way, now? Turntown (see map on page 1) is 150 klicks away, say 5 min. by hovercar, but they'll ask questions there. Doubly so for the capital (where everyone but Asherio wants to go, I assume). Eleshar is twice as far in the opposite direction, but they'll have the best medical facilities and much less curiosity. Then again, feel free to go off the map. I have no idea what's across the desert, to the northeast. ***
Jimdor Armimane on January 25, 2009 12:45AM:
Once well clear of the restaurant, Jimdor brought the hovercar to a sudden halt. It remained there, stationary in the sky, as he turned to the man beside him, who was fiddling with a high-tech gadget of some sort over Asherio.
"Okay, the ball's in your court now," he said. In response to the Terran's obvious confusion, he said, "Sorry, sports metaphors are a curse among us Caino. Look... I can take your friend here to Turntown. There's a hospital there that should be able to patch him up well enough. I can collect him in a few days and finally recover my bounty. And you can be on your way. No muss, no fuss.
"Only... I'm interested in you. You have a sense of purpose about you that a man doesn't see too often on this aimless planet. I'm so interested that I'm willing to give you one chance to give me a reason for my interest. Tell me who you are and what you are up to on Mega -- you stick out like a pink elephant here -- and why you are so interested in this one behind us and maybe, just maybe, we change our flight plans. If there's a profit in it, of course. Frankly, you and gadget-boy could use some protection, old one.
"We were rudely interrupted when you first tried to introduce yourself. You can try again now... or we can fly on to Turntown. Your choice."
Shadow on January 25, 2009 08:00AM:
"Very well..." Breathed the Terran "Fair enough. My name is Ish-Kan. Jonathan Ish-Kan, xenologist from the University of Akashar. I was born on Terra, but I spent more time on Cybl and Myth. For the past gigasecond or so, I've been trying to discover something most people don't even dream of: the Elders' final fate."
For a long moment, he stared upwards into the Caino's eyes. Then he averted his gaze.
"You've heard the rumors, I'm sure. Every year, people come here to rummage through the ruins of their former cities, seeking fame and fortune. There is even a Terran organization with the express purpose of finding the superweapons they supposedly left behind. You know what they found? Mostly nothing. Non-functional machinery. Undecipherable inscriptions. Inscrutable paintings. Oh, archaeologists are having a field day, but it's ultimately inconseqential."
He paused, seemingly struggling to find the right words.
"What truly matters is their legacy, and its effects on us. Did you ever find strange that our respective species have accomplished in a couple of centuries what the Kinac and Tsheia barely managed in as many millenia? This very world has been re-colonized for a mere two generations, and already it is threatening the status quo. We are a historical anomaly, Mr. Armimane! We are burning up, rolling downhill, and only the Universe knows where we're headed. Unless, that is, we can find those who set us on this course in the first place.
Now, you may think that trying to find them is crazy. After all, even on sublight drive, they could be on the other side of the galaxy by now. But I think they're actually much closer, and this is where Asherio is involved."
He paused again to blink a few tears off his eyes.
"You see, I'm very close to gathering the final pieces of the puzzle, but I'm no longer young. He is that, and passionate about technology to boot. I need someone passionate where I'm going. But there is more... something he told me back at the Star Gate. I'm not sure, but he might just be the one to tie everything together and show me the way."
Jimdor Armimane on January 25, 2009 06:05PM:
Jimdor watched the old man carefully as he spoke. Elders? Many men much younger, stronger, and (most importantly) better funded than this one had set forth after similar dreams, and been rewarded not at all. He should take Jonathan's speech for what it was, the ravings of a sentimental old man, and wash his hands of the whole thing and concentrate on getting his bounty.
And yet he wavered...
"There are plenty of beings on this world who are both young and 'passionate about technology,' Mr. Ish-Kan," he said. "Some of them are even not escaped slaves with large bounties on their heads. I'm therefore going to assume that the real reason you are so interested in this one is whatever it was he said to you at the Stargate. I need you to tell me what that is if you want me to take any of this at all seriously."
Then his expression softened a bit. "My line of work isn't always the most pleasant, Mr. Ish-Kan, but I'm not a dishonest man. I give you my word not to betray whatever secret you think you've found to anyone else."
Shadow on January 25, 2009 10:36PM:
Jonathan's shoulders slumped.
"You think I'm just another crazy-eyed treasure hunter. And I can't even blame you."
He took a deep breath.
"Help me buy Asherio back from his owner. By honest means, that is. If I'm right about the kid, then my quest may be at an end. And if I'm wrong, at least he'll be free. Either way, you get your bounty, plus a small bonus from me. Here, check my credit rating."
He beamed his public key to Armimane.
*** Yes, I know, that doesn't answer Jimdor's question. But Jonathan does have some money. Let's say a good hovercar is 1500 credits. That's as much as an ordinary individual makes in a year. Well, Jonathan has ten times as much. Enough to buy a small, crappy freighter. Now, how much a slave costs is a different issue. It depends on what slaves are wanted for in a space opera setting. Not physical work, that's certain. ***
Nightwrath on January 26, 2009 02:54AM:
Meanwhile, Asherio was listenting to the whole discussion trying to put his thoughts in a certain order and making his own decissions, but keeping quiet for the moment.
Jimdor Armimane on January 28, 2009 03:42PM:
Jimdor whistled softly as he looked at the hovercar's console. "Well, it certainly seems that you are good for it. But I warn you, this won't be cheap for you. We'll have to go see Mutton, and he'll want Elders know how much to release this one. And then... I want double my usual bounty. I'd say I've earned it already, what with saving your tails back there at the bar. Is Asherio really worth that to you?"
Shadow on January 29, 2009 08:14AM:
The old man looked up in Armimane's eyes again.
"Yes... Yes, you've earned it. You see, unless I am horribly mistaken, Asherio is the adoptive child of my long-lost friends and partners. The people who have helped me begin my research, and who might well help me finish it, if the kid will lead me back to them. And even if he wouldn't, it's the least I can do for him."
Jimdor Armimane on January 29, 2009 03:45PM:
"Okay. You've got a deal."
Jimdor saw something in Jonathan's eyes that made him pause, that made him consider again the crazy idea that he had already banished several times from his mind. He too a deep breath and began.
"But... I'll make you a further offer. I still want the payment we've just agreed to, of course... but I'm willing to join in your little scheme. You two lambs obviously need some protection out here in the big bad galaxy, if today's events are anything to go by. You need someone who knows the ways of the underworld, and someone who can handle a pistol and knows how to use his fists if need be. Pay me what we've just agreed to as my retainer, and I'll join your little exhibition for 1/3 of any profits that come out of it."
Jimdor spoke harshly, as if he were doing Jonathan a favor by offering his services. And yet, deep down, he quivered with anticipation at the idea of this fresh adventure into the unknown. He was tired of living alone, tired of bounties and squallid bars and employers who left him wanting to take a shower after every meeting. Ever since he lost Aja...
But enough of that. Would the old man accept his offer?
Nightwrath on January 30, 2009 02:20AM:
Meanwhile Asherio's thoughts left out the possibility of running for the time being. He was injured and the bounty hunter seemed quite a big fellow - rather hard to fight that one. He had to go the old man's way, there might be a chance there.
And after all - he was still alive.
Shadow on February 01, 2009 09:21AM:
Not so long ago, the xenologist would have felt offended by Armimane's tone of voice. But if recent events were any indication, the galaxy was a much harsher place than he remembered, and he was no longer up to the challenge. As for the bounty hunter's financial demands, Jonathan had always regarded money as means to an end; he had enough of it to pay the man for now, and the future was a much smaller concern right now than the upcoming meeting with this Mutton. Speaking of which...
"Offer accepted, Mr. Armimane. Now, surely we can work out the details on our way to a hospital?"
*** Unless you guys have something to add, I propose we wrap up this scene. ***
Jimdor Armimane on February 01, 2009 07:52PM:
"Absolutely." Jimdor's hands danced across the control panel again, and the hovercar sped away into the gathering dusk.
Shadow on February 03, 2009 11:40PM:
*** Sounds like Mega has a really short day. Not a bad idea, it makes things more game-ish. ***
A couple of days later...
It was a small, but complete hospital, with a floor dedicated to patients of each species. Jonathan had actually slept on the premises, using the local facilities to feed and clean himself. He felt tired, though, not so much for lack of sleep as because of his worries. He remembered the scene right before the explosion, again and again, wondering what will Asherio think of him once awake. That was the first problem he was going to confront... and the least of them.
Presently he sat on a small stool, better suited to a Tsheia, and watched a big, gleaming machine not unlike a high-tech sarcophagus, with a heavy transparent lid standing open. The kid was scooped up inside the autodoc, eyes closed, breathing slowly. He could have been said to be asleep, only not in the same way a Terran would be. (That much the old man had understood from the doctor's explanations.) At least his injuries had not been so severe, and he was expected to wake up any time now.
Jonathan sighed audibly. The bounty hunter - it was hard to think of him as anything else - was off somewhere, and the whole ward was eerily silent, as if all the nurses and doctors and robots had vanished as well. There was nothing to do but wait, so he waited.
*** I'm deliberately not saying where the hospital is actually located. Maybe they went to Adella after all, now they are allies? ***
Nightwrath on February 04, 2009 01:29AM:
Asherio woke up in what seemed to be a hospital room. Next to his bed there was the old man that he had met at the space port. The bounty hunter was nowhere to be seen - and that was a good sign for sure.
Looking at Jonathan he said:
"How long have I slept anyway?"
Shadow on February 04, 2009 01:49AM:
"Almost two days, " smiled the Terran, "but take it easy. You have quite a few stitches in your tummy... and I have a plan to get you out of Mutton's claws. Mr. Armimane says he'll help us."
He stood up and came closer to the autodoc.
"How do you feel, young man? Up for a little talk?"
Nightwrath on February 04, 2009 01:53AM:
The name Mutton always rang a bell.
"Sure. Can you give me more details regarding this plan?"
Shadow on February 04, 2009 03:41AM:
"We-ell... actually, we're still working out the details. If I understand correctly, this guy has you as an indentured servant? Because I'm hoping to buy you out and avoid any trouble. But he seems to want you alive very very much, and I'm afraid he will ask for more money than I have. Do you have any idea what might make you so valuable to him?"
*** Remember, that's what Jimdor told Jonathan. Maybe Mutton lied to Jimdor? Because if he did, and he's actually abusing the legal system, as per Asherio's original background story, that has the potential to change the whole situation. ***
Nightwrath on February 05, 2009 08:28PM:
"I cannot understand what he really wants..."
Although this was not entirely true. Mutton's business was many times at the edge of being truely legal. Some of the things they have been doing were pretty... sensible. That means that many times there were some small technological wonders that came through and needed adjustments, or just to be fixed. And you can guess who was the best man for this. Damn it, many times he was the ONLY person who could actually fix stuff.
Asherio knew lots of things and had some skills which were not typical for an ordinary "tech" man. He had a "sixth sense" when it came to it. That was really hard to find these days...
And besides that Mutton did not want the world to know what he was up to. Nor the fact that some technological artifacts may have actually been in his posession, and Asherio was no stranger to this...
Shadow on February 07, 2009 07:00AM:
"Are you certain?" Jonathan could not interpret the Tsheia's expression and tone of voice, but there was no way he could miss his hesitation. "This is important, Asherio. What kind of business is he into, anyway?"
Nightwrath on February 10, 2009 04:36AM:
"Not exactly the legal kind of business, if you ask me. There are some very obscure aspects of my work that I would rather not talk about it. All I can say is that I am afraid I might know too many things about his business and that could make me a danger in his eyes."
That was not the only part he was afraid of...
"There is also some kind of 'elder' artifact that was recently brought to us, and it might have something to do with it perhaps. I was the main engineer on that 'project'."
Shadow on February 10, 2009 05:25AM:
"Really!" Jonathan straightened up, suddenly looking half his age. But he didn't say anything else.
*** Since we're all involved in making up the plot, a few details are in order. The way I see them, these Elders didn't have such an advanced technology after all. Not a hundred millenia ago, anyway. In fact, top of the line Megan Space tech beats anything the Elders had back when they were around, at least scale-wise. Thing is, few people know that. The rest of them are looking for "magical" tech that would make them invincible or whatever.
Now, Elder technology is different, and can offer some surprises, including doing a few tricks that conventional engineering considers impossible. It's just not the end-all-be-all people believe. If you want to change that, warn me first. ***
Nightwrath on February 11, 2009 10:12PM:
"Look, I have worked on a few Elder devices, so I can't really say I am an expert, but I do know a little on how to deal with such matters. And certainly I am no expert in Elder weapons. Those things I got the chance to see were more... mundane items, if I may say so. Many of them had no real application for our times - there were either a water purifier or a beautician machine. However, working on them I got some very useful basic knowledge on some of the Elder Technology."
He paused.
"That was the moment when 'they' came to Mutton."
Who where they? Hard to know, they were wearing some kind of outland helmets all the time...
"There were two men mostly who were behind the deal. But I could say that for certain there were more. That those two were only a small part of some greater group."
He thought for a second:
"I cannot be very sure, but I heard Mutton calling one of them 'Mr. Callum' once. Not sure if its his real name anyway."
He did not see Callum's face anyway, and the device was carried by some anonymous workers.
"Yes, the device was not exactly big, but heavy. But it was not a weapon."
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2009 10:15PM by Nightwrath.
Shadow on February 11, 2009 10:46PM:
"Hmm." Jonathan leaned back on his stool. "Whatever it is, they must think it's very valuable. Perhaps valuable enough for them to try and smuggle it off the planet?"
"In any event, you know too much. I doubt he'll let you go, regardless of price. Which means, " he smiled bitterly, "that my 'brilliant' plan is bust."
He thought for a moment.
"How did Mutton get his hands on you. anyway?"
*** EDIT: Okay, this is turning into a fugitive story. Let's agree we're in Eleshar after all. At least that way I have a chance to get everyone off the planet fast if the need arises. ***
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2009 10:52PM by Shadow.
Jimdor Armimane on February 12, 2009 11:25AM:
Jimdor burst suddenly into the room. Without so much as a hello to either being already in the room, he looked Asherio over, taking note of his condition.
"Good, you're awake. We need to get you out of here, my friend. Right now. Can you travel?"
Shadow on February 12, 2009 07:18PM:
The autodoc was holding Asherio down with multiple robotic arms, but these responded easily to the Tsheia's slight movements. They weren't intended to function as restraints. But the machine was bound to call a living doctor if the patient got up. Not that a Mythian doctor was likely to make much of a fuss if the patient took responsibility for his actions.Back to index