Discovering the Sein'Hae [IC - Open]

Smiling at Ahuna, Rafael nodded. However, he still had some questions to ask. Some rather... personal... ones which he knew he had to shape them into something which he could ask without causing Ahuna to freak out.

"Ahuna, you have some knowledge about the Star-Striders... how about Humans? Have you any understanding of us? Like when a male and a female wants to understand each other better, and get... closer... are there any differences? What do a male and female Sein'Hae do if they want to get closer?"

"Ahh... I see, so that's how it works." Rafael said, taking note of Ahuna's words. These would be crucial, if Ahuna and her people are looking to travel the stars, the Star Fleet, or the Akatsuki, no... or Rafael, at least, will work to make it so that the Sein'Hae would integrate well. Despite the potential cultural clashes, and perhaps the disdain that the civilian populace of Jupiterra may look upon less developed races, the Star Fleet would not seek to rob a people of their culture.

It was one of the first creeds which Gaius Silverheart swore when he drafted the Rule of Colonization.

"Oh, and would you like to know how we humans do it?" Seeing Ahuna look at him with a curious expression, Rafael quickly took her in close, staring deep into her eyes before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Alright, I have some business to attend to. Ahuna, I'll ask you out on a hunt soon." He said with a wink, before scampering down the tree, a wide grin on his face.

"Akatsuki Base One, do you copy?" No response. "Mobile Force One, do you copy?"

"Yes I do, finally someone alive on the net, I thought we've been stranded! Can you raise Base One, Rafael?"
"No Commander, I was unable, therefore I contacted your side."
"Good thinking boy, how is it with the natives?"
"Going good sir, they gave us quite the party, apparently we are their esteemed guests. I have also made close contact with the one who first made contact with us. They seem sincere, and they want to go out into Space."
"Aye, getting chummy already ain't ya. Alright, when you're done, regroup by our point of separation, and we'll see what happened to our ship. Take your time, we'll be quite long too."

"Aye, a hunt." Rafael commented as the Jupiterrans gathered. Somehow, Ahuna has disappeared again, but Rafael figured that she probably went to change. Quickly, he debriefed his team on what he knew, and that the Cruiser was uncontactable.

"Best if we stick together, this tribe seems friendly enough. Might there be something strong enough to take out the Akatsuki, Commander Klaudius will get back to us in time." Nodding ,the squad then looked to the Chief, seemingly enthusiastic for the event.

"How does it go, Chief? We Jupiterrans aren't as strong as your esteemed hunters, surely we'll fall behind in this true test of mortal strength!" Rafael called out in a light hearted tone.

"Alright guys." Rafael said. "Load rifles to non-lethal lasers, we're expecting a short-range duel. Switch configuration to bullpup."

With such a configuration, the Jupiterrans could fire without risking death or permanent injury should they stumble into a crossfire. With the rifle technically shortened, their other hands held a plasma shortsword, flexible for stabbing and slashing at short distances.

"Hey Rafael, how's it going with that native? Surely she's going to be another of your conquests?"

"Nah. This time... it's different ya know? I'm turning twenty in the next couple of weeks, so it's better to be prepared."

Setting off for the hunt, the warband staked out the nest of Lia, where the lizard-like creatures were roaming about, alert for intruders. Nodding to his team, the four split up as they tread on the soil lightly. They do not possess the natural agility of the Sein'Hae, but the marines were stealth proficient, moving only with the balls of their feet. Fifty meters away, Rafael tapped his headset thrice, the signal to engage.

Beams of blue shot from the rifles, even as the team charged the nest, not content on simply using technology to impress the natives. His sword drawn, Rafael gave a lizard a serving of stunner to the face as he skidded under the leaping creature, disemboweling it with a slash along the length of it's torso. As Rafael got up, his team advanced, rifles blazing as they consolidated their position. By using fire-movement, they managed to leapfrog each pair, essentially clearing a path while being defensive, on an offensive maneuver.

The nest beckoned, and Rafael knew that some queen or sort has to live in it. His question was quickly answered, as a giant beast several times larger rushed out, nearly knocking the front pair onto the ground. Dodging the the side, Rafael managed to burn a limb as he angled his tumble. Emptying his laser capacitor, the Genius threw the gun away as he extracted a grappling shot, firing as the creature as it turned back for another stampede.

The shot managed to find a hold in the Lia's scaly hide, and soon Rafael was being pulled up as he continued to slash as the creature. Blood soon covered his body as his fire team supported him by firing at the beast, causing the Lia to stumble from the onslaught of stunners. Down but not defeated, the beast let out a roar of defiance, just as Rafael thrust his weapon into it's head, driving the blade through the skull.

Stumbling down from the corpse, Rafael realised that he has twisted his ankle as he landed awkwardly when the beast fell. Looking at the Sein'Hae, the Jupiterran merely shrugged, awaiting their reaction.

"Yes! Thank you Chief. We appreciate these gifts." Rafael said as he wore the helmet, smiling as the other three put theirs on too.

As the party rested, Rafael slowly limped to where the Chief was, making sure no one else was near as he bowed before he spoke. "Great Chief of the Sein'Hae." Rafael said, as he sat, rubbing the swelling on his ankle. "I would like to ask, about one of your scavengers by the name of Ahuna. Is she currently... engaged... taken... attached to someone in the tribe? She really is an interesting girl."

"Ah... so it is..." Rafael muttered, pleasantly surprised at the Chief's words. Ahuna wearing something special, Rafael might guess that the special occasion would be them Star-Striders arriving on the planet but... what are the odds? It would be something that he would ask her when he had the time.

Making their way back after the hunters have collected the corpses, Rafael thanked the marine who was supporting him, as he limped back to the place where he and Ahuna were, as the tribes celebrated the successful hunt. Still rubbing his twisted ankle, Rafael again thought of what the chief said, as he patiently waited for Ahuna to appear.

Turning to see Ahuna, Rafael made the effort to stand, as he smiled at the girl. Touched at the concern which the girl showed, the Jupiterran slowly moved to her as he took her hand into his. The painkillers has began to work, and although he would have a blistering pain the next day from the stress, Rafael could now jog without any disturbance.

"Hey, at least, if I'm in danger, I'll have you to protect me." Rafael said with a smile. "I can still walk, and I can still shoot. If any beast tries to lay it's hand on you, I'll make sure that it has to get through me first." He continued, as he placed a hand on her head, ruffling it a little. "Maybe we can hunt something small, before going for the big prize soon?"