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Post by Cybernekit the Space Deity on Jan 15, 2016 16:35:56 GMT
Shrieks are emitted from the Bloodbeaks as they're stunned out of the battle, save for a few out of range stragglers who now focused their efforts on escorting their stunned kin away from the fight. This move gave the Drathians some breathing room as the remaining live beasts focused their attentions on the Invader's ranks, forcing some more of them to divert their fire.
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As it turned out, Ahuna had simply travelled to the crash site in order to deliver some food to the hunting party and Jupiterrans, leaving a large bag of fresh food with the hunt leader, who would take it to share with everyone else. She then made her way back to the party, careful not to lure any beasts, getting a change of attire to look nice.
She soon reemerged, wearing a dress similar to her other one, albeit with a firey orange hue and a much cleaner appearance. Obviously his wasn't any old dress. She situated herself on a low catwalk above the party, looking over quietly. Her spear and mask were gone also, she did not need them for the party.
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Post by Relikai on Jan 15, 2016 17:55:46 GMT
"Ah, Ahuna!" Rafael called as he spotted the girl. Nodding to his squad, Rafael, himself an acrobatic person, climbed up the tree to sit beside her. She looked much better in her dress, and the loss of the mask meant that he could finally see her full features. Her hair was still fairly dirty, but that was by Jupiterran standards. Rafael did not know if it was the norm of the natives to have dirt on them, or was it just her.
"Hey." Rafael said as he produced two apples. "Want one?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2016 18:02:32 GMT
On the planet
Seeing that the Drathian was actually opposing resistance, fighting back, Sigma giggled. "So you won't give up that easily, huh?", she asked. Her arms and hands were indeed a little numb because of the electricity, but just like any other Invader, things that were affecting the nervous system weren't affecting her that much. Still, she had to give him credit for that weapon and fight style. But now, things were getting serious.
Stepping back, Sigma pointed her sword at the sky, still looking at the Drathian with the same insane look on her face. He might have been a good soldier, but Sigma was after all one of the most powerful High Invaders, and had a Twisted Sword on her side. "Please, take my blood, for your power..", Sigma said, almost like a whisper. White thorny vines appeared around the handle, piercing her white hand and drinking her blood. Even if the swords of the Invaders were just dark, twisted copies of the Ancient Swords, they were still quite powerful. And in Sigma's hands... the sword seemed to get larger, being now of the side of what could be considered a longsword. Still, the girl was wielding it just as usual, ignoring its weight.
"Sorry dear, but the playtime is over. I've got a mission, so could you please.. die?", in the short pause before her last word, Sigma practically leaped forward, quickly approaching the Drathian, and attacking him even stronger than before, with quick, fast paced, and most important of all, destructive slashes and strikes. The superior reach advantage of the staff was unfortunately now gone.She was now taking this a little more serious, moving so fast that he could barely parry her attacks, never mind attack on his own. When things were getting this serious, it usually ended with the opponent quickly dying, lasting only a couple of minutes.
Meanwhile, as the orb beeped, a high number of Invaders simply jumped over it, covering it and hopefully neutralizing his effects for the natives. After all, they were low Invaders, disposable. The others though, continued to attack the Drathians, as some of them, most probably former Colonials, set up two HMG's, pouring fire on the Drathians, while some started to set up what looked like mortars.
In orbit
Back in the orbit, the Drathians had successfully managed to defeat the two smaller bases. After all, they had been in a clear inferiority from the start. Their only objective was too keep the Drathians occupied, and damage them as much as possible. For that, they blew up their Markers, exploding in a similar way to the Colonial ships when their Opilium reactors had been hit. But a couple moments after that, six more ships jumped in the system. Five of them were the usual larger Invader bases, with their characteristic pale white color. Setting up a perfectly circular formation around the Drathian ships, this time they fired serious waves of cursed torpedoes, the torpedoes exploding near the Drathian ships, with the black fog like substance going on inside through every possible place, including where the ships had just been recently damaged by the explosions, followed by continuous waves of attacks while the crew was probably dealing with the effects. The sixth one, however was stranger. It was slightly larger than the others, and had a pure black color, remaining on the side and just.. watching the battle.
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Post by Cybernekit the Space Deity on Jan 15, 2016 18:13:37 GMT
Indeed it was the norm for white hair to be dirty on Endovul II, for the dirt dulled the hair's colour, making it harder to spot. As Rafael climbed up to her, she took notice, watching him come over and produce apples. Gingerly, she took one, observing it with her vibrant jade eyes before biting into it, leaving sharp bite marks in it.
Enjoying the celebrations...? She spoke quietly, her soft gaze returning to the party below them.
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So the Bloodbeaks were still in the fight it seemed, though the strange shock device had distracted them long enough that they had lost ground with the beasts, and were forced to let a few by as they attempted to draw the majority of them away into the jungle.
Above the battlefield, another Sein'Hae hunting party had shown up after following a pack of beasts through the foliage. Clad in the chitin remains of former giant insects, tpit was obvious that they were a separate clan to the Bloodbeaks. Many of them were riding atop large insects too, primitive harnesses keeping their mounts in check, these newcomers observed the battlefield before choosing the Drathians as their targets for defending. After all, they despised the Bloodbeaks, and saw their hated rivals backing the strange Invaders. They began tossing small pots made of chitin into the Invader's ranks from their hiding places in the trees; these pots were designed to split open and rain acidic spit upon their foes, harvested from the insects that they ride upon. They chose not to make any direct attacka for now, keeping their distance. They were not reckless like the Bloodbeaks.
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Post by Relikai on Jan 15, 2016 18:24:21 GMT
"Of course. It's an honour, to be part of this... your people have every reason to fear us, yet you embraced us. We owe you all one."
Shifting himself closer to Ahuna till he was right next to her, Rafael spent some time watching the celebrations, before talking.
"So, you have a story to tell? Something to entertain one of your guests? What's your role in your society, and why have you all been expecting us ?"
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Post by Cybernekit the Space Deity on Jan 15, 2016 18:33:53 GMT
My role? Well, I scavenge... carrion. It's a dangerous task, more dangerous than hunting, for I do not scavenge with anyone. Waste of manpower. Still, it brings much recognition, only the bravest scavenge. As for you, look around. You have seen the crashed star-striders everywhere, no? They have gifted us many things: shelter, arms, incredible 'technologies', we are only successful because of the remains of those around us. Scribes everywhere have described finding untouchable tomes buried in some of these wrecks, detailing a world amongst the stars... The description of this world diffred from scribe to scribe, and so many tribes do not trust ewch other. We keep to ourselves as war with our own kin will end us... Instead, we all wait for a Star-Strider to find us, to prove that we were the right ones all along..
She turned her head to look at him, staring with her bright eyes.
And here you are. A Star-Strider, already acting like we belong in the stars with you...
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Post by Relikai on Jan 15, 2016 18:45:03 GMT
Rafael smiled as Ahuna recounted some lore of her people. Indeed, there were many crashed ships lying around, no doubt scavenged by the natives. He could understand the need for constant warfare, Jupiterra practiced it against the Pirates, and against other planetary governments from time to time, the Star Fleet, being ever victorious.
"And here you are. A Star-Strider, already acting like we belong in the stars with you..."
Turning to Ahuna as she looked at him, Rafael considered her words.
"And what if... what if I say that you do belong in the stars with us?" Carefully, Rafael took Ahuna's hand as he flipped the palm to face them. Tracing the lines on her weathered hands, the Genius slowly communed within his own strength, as he kept quiet for a moment. "What if I say Ahuna can go into the stars with us, if Ahuna can learn to live with us?"
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Post by Cybernekit the Space Deity on Jan 15, 2016 18:58:51 GMT
A red tint flowed into Ahuna's cheeks as her hands were held, her eyes fixated on his hands for a few moments.
We.. Would be honoured to travel to the world amongst the stars... The first to leave the planet, we would be revered... the tribes would flock under our skull... And perhaps then we would be able to start.. living, not surviving...
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Post by Asriel Dreemurr on Jan 16, 2016 0:12:17 GMT
The Energizer and Sentry soon detected the raptors, and the group activated their psionic shields(yes, they've got some serious psionic powers for a species) to absord any incoming attack.
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Post by Drakorphobia on Jan 16, 2016 3:06:56 GMT
In Orbit
"Evasive maneuvers!" Roared Captain Xikcha as he saw the Abyssal ships warping into the system. Utilizing the Z Axis of space, the ships began to descend under the ring of Invader ships, watching as the torpedoes all blew up in close contact with one another. The blast fog had been left behind, and while the Drathian Murderer was truly in a poor state, having lost its entire hind side, the Iron II's seemed mostly intact. Thus, the two metal ships, as they passed under an Invader base, made to rack the vessel's belly with full turret fire whilst their main batteries recharged. The Murderer used this distraction to begin falling back, spooling up FTL drives as it drew away from the fight. Hopefully it would be able to escape, seeing as the Eldari ships, which the Drathians had depended on for reinforcements, were only on the defensive, maximizing their shields.
Xikcha cursed to himself as he watched the glowing red alerts on the monitors of the bridge. "Useless lot." He spat. The Eldari had done little to turn the tide of the battle, and the Drathians were taking a beating for it. "We're falling back for now, before we leave, send our troops some support.' He said, the Murderer itself couldn't do much but flee, however, the Iron IIs were in plenty position to do so. The Iron IIs, now retreating behind the Murderer, began to deploy a final barrage, this one aimed at the planet itself rather than the Invader ships. The first one let loose another round of landing pods while the second shot down Space-to-Planet projectiles. Only about three of the shells were deployed, normally they would be used to attack cities from orbit, but this time they were hitting a very specific target.
Planetside
The commander was forced to lend more and more ground to Sigma as her attacks quickened and strengthened. He had done well so far, managing to avoid any blows that did not pierce his armour, but the Drathian was getting tired, and fast. So far, his numbing weapon seemed to have little to no effect on Sigma, which was discouraging to say the least. Yet despite losing ground, every step back he took brought the two combatants closer and closer to the Drathian line. Soon, the High Invader could notice bolts of laser or plasma whizzing past her, some getting dangerously close to her body. It didn't matter how fast she was, there was no way she could avoid a hundred guns pointed at her at once. She was running out of time to kill the commander.
Sigma may have also obtained a significant lack of cover fire. Three comet like projectiles slammed into the Invader position, all of which exploded into a brilliant display of fire and showering dirt. Many Invaders could have survived the blast, but they'd need to significantly tighten their position to make up for their dead. Dead who began to rise. Their eyes were no longer red, but a soft purple colour, their teeth having sharpened to deadly points. There was a reason for this, the Drathian Iron IIs didn't have purple vines growing on their surface for show. They were housing young Mind Flowers.
Even worse for the Invaders, the Drathians were in a meager state no more. Behind the already established line, more landing pods slammed into the ground, bringing with them a hundred additional soldiers, all of whom were freshly armed and supplied. The supplies within the previous batch of pods were extracted by the new troops as they rotated to the front, and given to the soldiers already planetside. Those soldiers discarded their weapons.
Not all were simply thrown down, though. A soldier noticed that a new faction of Sein'Hae, one opposed to the Invaders, had entered the fray. He crept over to the underbrush, placing his weapon down at the trunk of a tree before drawing his secondary pistol, and returning back to the battle. Hopefully the new Sein'Hae would know what to do with it.
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Post by Relikai on Jan 16, 2016 4:25:47 GMT
Rafael smiled at Ahuna's words. Surely, helping the peoples of this species might be beneficial not only to Jupiterra, but to mankind as a whole. Of course, the Akatsuki was equipped with a series of medical facilities, so any alien lifeforms could be made immune to human diseases. For Rafael, it was a triple accomplishment. Realising the location of a Relikan Ship, having the chance to bring a new species to light, and most of all, getting to know a beautiful member of the species. Ahuna might not be the prettiest or have the best curves, but her figure and looks were better than the average Jupiterran, and the Jupiterrans were better than the average human.
Rafael looked right into Ahuna's eyes with a smile, and as he saw Ahuna blush, he gave a laugh as he realised that him holding her hands was the cause of it. Still, he did not let go, instead, interlocking her fingers with his as he turned back to look at the party.
"Yes, I'm sure it is possible. It might take days, we might have to do things which you might find uncomfortable, like vaccination, but it is for your people's good when we get into space."
Rafael was thinking hard. Since the Akatsuki was a cruiser with a mission, could they afford to carry these people with them? Or would it be wiser to transfer them into another ship? A sneak at Ahuna told Rafael that he'd hate for the latter to happen. Who knows what other guys might do to Ahuna... Oh wait, am I- Shaking his head, Rafael smiled at his thoughts. Already, he was feeling a slight jealousy, the feelings of a young, lonely officer.
"Say, Ahuna, when we get to space, what do you people want to do? Do you have any dreams?"
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Post by Cybernekit the Space Deity on Jan 16, 2016 10:18:11 GMT
The raptors,with no concept of shields, began to spring from the bushes, attempting to pick off the Eldari and retreat with any kills.
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The new Sein'Hae, better known as the Vinecrawlers, started reinforcing the Drathians once their acidic pots were spent. A number of them dropped from the trees on large beetle-like insects, which used their tough husks as mobile cover for the Drathians. Behind their ranks, a wave of about fifty additional hunters, lacking insect mounts, came charging out of the bushes,digging in amongst the Drathians line to provide additional fire with guns and bows. One was even using the gun left by the Drathians foot soldier, and some were attempting to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield, keeping them out of sight and out of fire. The remaining treebound Vinecrawlers made their way above the busy Bloodbeaks, firing down on them to chase them out of the battle.
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Ahuna did not make any attempt to pull her hands away,simply turning to look at the party again; a few smaller tribes had shown up, already looking to ally themselves with the Skullhorns. She thought for a moment, before speaking:
"The hunt amongst the stars... That is what awaits us beyond the sky. It is the dream of all but a few of us... And is not my dream. I've tired of this world, and a chance to travel to the stars means that we can go our separate ways. No more petty grievances toward one another, we'll be able to go anywhere and do what we like.. Perhaps finding a Star-Strider to help on, I do enjoy helping to fix what I can.."
She soon looked up to a higher catwalk,where a well dressed Sein'Hae stood, looking vicious with a plethora of skulls upon his attire.
"The Chief is here.."
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Post by Relikai on Jan 16, 2016 10:37:11 GMT
Rafael nodded. Indeed, more of the natives seemed to have gathered to where his party were. Seeing that they were enjoying themselves too, Rafael thought of something. Something which he had thought earlier, but was debating within himself whether he should say it or not. After all, the visions were getting stronger. Death, his own death, within the jungles.
Still, it was worth a try, and Rafael silently hoped that this girl could pick up the signs.
"Say, Ahuna, if I can take you to the Stars, you and your people, would you like to come with me?"
Before she could answer, Rafael saw the chief. Immediately, he extracted his hand from Ahuna's, whispering a harsh "Sorry!" As he stood. Saluting the chief, Rafael gave his greetings.
"Greetings, Chief. My name is Rafael, Petty Officer of the Jupiterran Star Fleet. It is an honour to be a guest of your village, and I hope we are not intruding upon anything."
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Post by Cybernekit the Space Deity on Jan 16, 2016 10:56:07 GMT
With.. you? It took Ahuna a few moments to grasp what Rafael meant, and when she did she looked back at him with a confused expression.
With you... on your Star-Strider.... Would I even be allowed...? And... Would I even fit in...?
At this point she bore a look of worry, thinking about how much cleaner and advanced the Jupiterrans were. Naturally, this concerned her, as it would likely be a while before she learned their behaviours and customs, and who knows what trouble that might cause?
Whilst she is lost in thought, she didn't notice Rafael suddenly get up to greet the chief, who responded with a bellowing laugh. He went to lift Rafael off the ground effortlessly, speaking in a hearty, deep voice:
It is good to see us bonding so well, and so soon! I do hope the party is to your liking, young Rafael! May your hunts be plentiful!
Putting Rafael down, he left to go greet the oher Jupiterrans down below.
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Post by Relikai on Jan 16, 2016 11:17:00 GMT
Whoa, strong! Rafael thought. Even though he was of slight build, Rafael was amazed at the way the Chief lifted him up. Scratching his head as he watched the Chief join the party, Rafael smiled as his party greeted the Chief enthusiastically. Even if the Jupiterrans were known in Old Terra to be an arrogant, suspicious bunch, the truth was that they were suspicious only for their own survival, and the arrogance was a propaganda tale to get back at the Star Fleet for being the dominant force in list of the Solar System's Independent Fleets.
Sitting back down next to Ahuna, Rafael tapped a golden piece of accessory strapped to his right ear, entering his subconsciousness as he touched upon Ahuna's mind. He has detected that she felt uneasy about something, not just anxiety, but perhaps, the probable cultural shock when two peoples collide.
Slowly, Rafael lifted his hand to brush Ahuna's hair to the side, as he reached into his pocket, producing a small case. Flipping it open, Rafael slowly brushed the dirt and leaves off Ahuna's white hair as he showed her the device, a mirror.
"See? You aren't dirty at all. We Jupiterrans always look for new peoples to integrate with. As for my Star-Strider, well, there might be some things I have to do, but yes, you will be allowed. It might be awkward, but just as we, Rafael and Ahuna, are starting to know one another, so will our people, the humans, and the Sein'Hae, get to know each other. If you, Ahuna, is tired of this place, I, Rafael Warkin, will be more than glad to take you onto my Star-Strider, and go out into the stars for you to start a new life."
"Ah! Got it! Damn blasted piece of ancient toilet-too!" Klaudius roared as he finally pulled a hydraulic panel aside with a utility mech.
"Akatsuki Base One, we have gained entry into the crash site." No response. "Akatsuki Base One, do you copy?" Nothing.
"Something's wrong, Commander." An ensign spoke from the side. "Indeed. Bravys, take Team Delta and keep in constant contact. Do not engage or risk yourself ya hear me?"
Watching the marines make a break for the Akatsuki, Klaudius pushed the worries out of his mind as he entered the wreck. "Come on.... beacon... come on..."
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