Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Emperor Darius on 14-01-2017, 14:08:19</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>14-01-2017, 14:08:19</strong>
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				<br>((<em><span class="bbc_u">Note:Character text Code Box</span></em>))<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Character Speech Code-<br>Crash Graves-Red<br>Nero Vanderheim-Teal<br>Dirk Mansteele-Navy<br>Ratchet Gyros-Brown</div></div><br><br>"That's the fifth one in three months."<br><br>"It was an accident. These sort of things happen in our line of work. You know that. You knew the day you signed on." replied a relaxed and smooth male voice. <br><br>"This is true. But I did not expect Joseph to go out as he did. It simply wasn't right." argued another, this voice more snarky and uptight. <br><br>"Crash, we all did not anticipate things to go as badly as they did. But Joseph was a warrior and he went out fighting the way he always wanted." the other voice reassured him as the two figures carried a long crate into the cargo bay of the metallic ship. <br><br>"Yeah, sure thing Nero. I'm sure he always saw himself taking a laser blast for the captain. Just not, well you know, sixty five. The surprised expression on his face sorta argues with your logic." Crash Graves replied, as the two men set the box down by the bay door. Reaching into his pockets, Crash drew out a long white stick, slipping it into his mouth and flicking a metallic tinder box in his hands. The flame lit up the end with a crimson glow, burning into the paper and tobacco within. The glow from the light briefly lit up the mans face, two yellow eyes with sharp spiked red hair at the front of his head. He bent down and grabbed the lid of the box they had been carrying alongside them, placing it atop the box and over the corpse laying inside. The dead body was wrapped in his favorite hunting garb that fortunately for him had been in the laundry the day of his accident. The crew had placed him into this suit knowing he would like to look his best on such occasion. His face was the only thing they hadn't been able to fix. It was one with an expression cast in a rather amazing fusion of surprise and absolute terror. <br><br>((<em><span class="bbc_u">Profile: Crash Graves</span></em>)<br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong><span class="bbc_u"><em>Crash Graves:</em></span></strong><br>(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTujkYQNXGyPQY5uzUzs_8XZRvCAO8oQtPI1-Rc5GFYJbs4h1eC)<br><em>Occupation: Pilot<br>Age: 29<br>Personality Traits: Brash, Uncensored, Snarky, Loyal<br>Skills: Electrician, Aviation experience, Wild and Frenzied fighting style make him a surprising hand to hand opponent</em><em><br>Short Bio: Crash is a former Galactic Armada Pilot, who was dishonorably discharged after assaulting a superior officer in command during a mission. He spent several years as a racer in the underground circuits of the galaxy using his skills to go on a hot winning streak before suffering to his gambling compulsion and accruing a mass amount of debt to several key loan sharks. During his time with the armada, Crash met compatriot Nero and formed a small friendship. Nero recruits Crash to act as the pilot of the Steel Condor. Crash has a very dirty and sexist mouth but is more of a rough around the edges personality and loyal to a fault.</em><br></div></div><br>The two men lined the lid up, Nero gently tapping nails into the wood to seal it off. With black shaggy hair and light brown eyes, Nero was the more laid back of the two, and slightly more friendly in both appearance and personality. Perhaps that was how he made first mate to the captain. Or perhaps it was his unflinching loyalty. Nero rarely ever admitted to being an optimist but preferred to lead by example to inspire everyone else on the crew seeing as the captain, charismatic as he was, was not always he best leader. "Look, we all know that if the captain could take back what happened, then he surely would. It really wasn't his fault." Nero explained, tapping in a nail with the hammer.<br><br>((<em>Profile: Nero</em>))<br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong><span class="bbc_u"><em>Nero Vanderheim</em></span></strong><br>(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3f7jgZ7ZpQ5_zzb4lNHMk5wr0P1-bmHnl7hi5KLnkRsKBWK2L)<br><em>Occupation: First Mate, Vice-Captain, Negotiator <br>Age:32<br>Personality: Calm, Collected, Laxed<br>Skills and Traits: Strategist, Tactician, Marksman, Military Combat experience and training<br>Short Bio: A former promising cadet in the Galactic Armada, through a situation of unfortunate events has found Nero as the assistant captain aboard the mercenary ship, the Steel Condor. Nero rarely speaks of his past and focuses on the present. He has three years travelling with Dirk Mansteele, and yet has always preferred to remain as second in command despite the latter's will. Nero is the brains behind the many adventures the ship undertakes and secretly plots the navigation coordinates instead of the captain.</em> <br></div></div><br><br>"Hold the phone, not his fault? He screamed like a woman and jumped behind Joe! The Xercians emptied their entire mags into him!" Crash snapped, holding the lid down tight, "We would never have been in that predicament if Dirk hadn't sat on their king in the first place! Honestly, what was he thinking?!"<br><br>"Let it go Crash. To be fair to the captain, he did shout for everyone to take cover. It's not his fault Joe didn't hear him until it was too late and that the captain may have shouted it after jumping behind him. Besides, there is no use groaning over it any longer. The mourning period is over and we'll be picking up the new recruit when we get to the Zexis space harbor. Keep your chin up. We've got a payday to cash in on." Nero said calmly, finishing his chore and setting the hammer into his vest pocket. <br><br>The two stepped out into the hallway and with a press of a switch, closed the cargo bay hatch door, another flip of a second switch and the airlock sucked the coffin out into the starry depths. The two gave a wave to the box as it disappeared from sight and turned to head down the hallway. <br>"I give this one less than two weeks. Betcha sixty units." Crash dared Nero.<br><br>"I'll see that action." the other agreed with a small smile.<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Inside the cockpit of the space vessel, <em>The Stainless Steel Condor</em>, the Captain was sitting in the pilot seat looking over the controls. He was large, muscular man, with a deep cleft in his broad chin, his dark black hair slicked back with copious amounts of gel, a white stripe like that of a lightning bolt dyed through one side of his many strands. His bright blue eyes complimented his looks just as much as the large yet trimmed mustache above his upper lip. Indeed, Captain Dirk Mansteele (a name the crew severely doubted was really his true name), was at first impression a seasoned veteran of combat and political experience. In a sense he truly was. He had been on countless missions in his many years sailing the stars, conveying diplomatic missions, saving various princesses from usurpers, and made a handsome living with cargo delivery and bounty hunting. As he stared down at the many digital displays and readouts, he had to admit with a smirk, <em>he knew absolutely nothing about flying this ship</em>. <br><br>((<em>Profile: Captain Dirk))</em><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Dirk Mansteele</strong></em></span>:<br>(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/godzilla/images/4/4c/Doug_gordon.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20150331203528)<br><em>Occupation: Captain of the Steel Condor, Galactic Hero, Celebrity <br>Age: 43<br>Skills and Traits: Good looks, physical appeal, Charisma, Formerly Pornographic Film Extra<br>Short Bio: Dirk Mansteele was a down and out sex actor whose face was never seen on screen. Struggling to find work outside the pornography industry, Dirk took up a small time job in dry cleaning. One order was picked up by Nero Vanderheim, who took a liking to Dirk's charismatic attitude despite being at the end of his rope, and his ability to tell a lie with a straight face. <br><br>Nero hired Dirk as a helping hand aboard a junked fighter ship. On a particular mission, Nero and Crash eliminated a wave of hostiles. While they pursued the hostile's leader, Dirk came upon the scene to give the boys hoping to cheer them on. He discovered a fallen warriors good luck charm and blade, picking it up out of curious nature, when the local paparazzi charged in.</em><br>(http://cdn-static.denofgeek.com/sites/denofgeek/files/styles/insert_main_wide_image/public/1/00//godzilla_final_wars.jpg)<br><br><em>Assuming Dirk was the one responsible, they proclaimed Dirk the hero of the front page and headlines streamed wild. Nero, seeing that this could pay off well if handled right, let Dirk keep the blade and charm and gave him command of the Steel Condor to take advantage of celebrity benefits. While Dirk is nearly almost useless in combat and a problematic klutz at the worst times, he is in fact a surprisingly useful man in other areas one would not expect. His charisma and loyalty to his crew makes up for his bad decisions and lackluster charm. Oddly enough, Dirk has no sexual interest in natural humans, but an overwhelming desire to sex anything alien, humanoid or otherwise. </em><br></div></div><br><br>Oh he had meant to take the time to learn. But with all the heroic deeds needing to be done lately he just hadn't read up on the manual yet. To let the crew see him doing such a thing would compromise his flawless image as their brave and experienced leader. No, he had a reputation to keep up, and in times like this when the crew was busy he would sneak around and try to pick up as much as he could from careful observations.<br><br>The radio on his shoulder buzzed with a deeper voice coming through, "You there captain?"<br><br>Dirk jumped in his seat and yelped before calming his nerves. Taking a breath he detached the radio from his shoulder holster and leaned back on his elbow, <br>"This is your captain, <em>Dirk Mansteele</em>, here. Go ahead Ratchet." he spoke in a voice that spoke volumes to his ego and need to sound calm as can be. <br><br>"...Ughh....Captain, you don't need to announce your full name. Just acknowledge the transmission like everyone else with a simple yes or no." Ratchet sighed.<br><br>"But if I don't make sure you know its me, your captain, <em>Dirk Mansteele</em>, you could be talking to an imposter my faithful mechanic." Captain Dirk explained as he looked out the windows with a satisfied smirk.<br>"I...I honestly doubt that Captain. No one in the galaxy is that...eager to be mistaken for you." Ratchet explained, "Besides, you say your name <em>far more</em> than any man ever should."<br><br>Dirk frowned and sighed, "Is there a point to this call Ratchet?"<br>"Yeah, when we get to port, make sure we stock back up on eridium cells. I'm running low down here. And get some gear fluid while you're at it. This motor doesn't run on magic dust. How long until we make port?"<br><br>Dirk checked his coordinates, "Ten minutes. I'll be personally going out on this errand to meet the new hire so rest assured my good friend, I, Captain Dirk Mans-"<br>"Oh fer crying out loud!" Ratchet groaned while the captain droned on with the rest of his long winded speech. <br>"-will see this job of great importance to its end. Fear not, you shall have your items of great importance soon. Captain out." <br><br>The doors to the pit opened, Nero and Crash stepping inside, each moving to their seats. Captain Dirk moved out of the pilots seat to allow Crash to drive and moved to the captain chair in the back of the room, overlooking the other seating. "Steady as she goes my good man." he instructed Crash, the pilot taking up the controls and adjusting course by a hair. <br>"<em>Fuck off</em>." Graves retorted.<br>"What was that?"<br>"Sorry," Crash turned to Dirk, "Fuck off, <em>Captain</em>."<br>Dirk seemingly didn't let it bother him, for everyone that was used to Crash knew he had a dirty mouth on him. It was more of a term of endearment. But Crash was one of the best navigators and pilots that had ever graced the controls so he was allowed to express himself in almost any way he wished. No one was going to tell him otherwise. <br><br>Nero smiled and shook his head, "So who's the new hire Captain?"<br><br>Mansteele sat back in his large chair and smiled, "I think you'll be quite pleased with this one. I took extra measures to make sure we hired someone of great talent. With my shrewd and valuable judgement I have selected a perfectly apt candidate that I feel will be quite promising."<br><br>Graves shook his head, "In other words, you hired someone with tits and an ass. <em>Perfect</em>." He rolled his eyes and steered the crew for the floating space station.<br><br>"I'm glad you agree my trusty pilot!" Dirk beamed, not exactly understanding the concept of sarcasm.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>17-01-2017, 08:59:58</strong>
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				<div align="center"><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 36pt;" class="bbc_size">Megan Jefferson / Zaldira Horas</span></div><div align="center">(http://i.imgur.com/8Yh8pWE.png)</div></div></div></div><br><br><div align="center"><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Music (listen to the whole thing to "feel the vibe" of this small piece)</div><div class="spoiler_body">https://youtu.be/gsGVW01tPRA?t=1m36s</div></div><br>(http://img0.reactor.cc/pics/post/full/%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B2%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%B8-Sci-Fi-art-Shahab-Alizadeh-3602306.jpeg)</div><br><br><br><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>(http://i.imgur.com/IwOUajn.png)</td><td><em>"Where is this wretched thing?"</em> A soldier was nerveously shaking, looking around like crazy, aiming his rifle at the trees, into the grass, at stones.<br><em>"I don't know. I think you're having halucinations already."</em> the second soldier was also nerveous, but way less than his collegue. He even turned on the safety on his rifle. He was worried for his partner. <em>"You have a fracture on your helmet. Take it off, put on a rebreather, Jaris."</em> He even tried to move closer to help, but Jaris just backed away. <em>"It's the air on this planet, it makes you see things... Calm down, it's gone now. Five hours passed already."</em> <br><em>"No, I definitely seen it just now!"</em> The first soldier did a full 180 and shot an auto burst of around 15 bullets into nothingness.<br>These two soldiers were walking in an alien forest, chasing a "beast". An alien, who killed the rest of the team. To them, this "beast" was a threat and they came to destroy it... But they didn't think that it would fight back.<br><em>"There, see it? A shadow!"</em> - the nerveous soldier fired another short burst at the "shadow" he seen, but the bullets went into nothingness.<br><em>"Calm down, Jaris... There was nothing there."</em> - the second soldier took his weapon off safety though, just in case.<br>Indeed, there was nothing <strong>there</strong>, where shots were fired at. <br>But <strong>she</strong> was watching the soldiers. <strong>She</strong> was above them. <strong>She</strong> was ready to attack... And made her move. <br><br>A loud avian screech, sharp claws on her feet stretched to the full length, aiming right at the soldier's head. Helmet, split in half, exploding like an egg shell into hundreds miniature pieces. A lightning fast move with two daggers in her hands, used as scissors while standing behind the soldier. Head sliding down from it's usual place, falling on the ground like a lifeless hunk of meat. The body still upright on it's feet for a second or two, leaking green blood from the neck, then following it's head, smashing on the ground lifelessly.<br>A loud yelll - "Jaris, noooooo!" and pain in the chest. A piercing pain, again and again. Shots fired, one after another...</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center"><strong>---</strong><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Music</div><div class="spoiler_body">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk61qVCfzxM</div></div><br>(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HFBjfzsOtx0/maxresdefault.jpg)</div><br>Megan woke up in cold sweat, siting up, grabbing her chest, breasts and stomach, checking it for injuiries. The phantom pain from the dream was still there, but her body was perfectly okay, still dressed in a simple sport white sleeveless shirt and pink panties. She was still in the so called bed<strong>room</strong>(shared with the kitchen, living room and the rest of the stuff, except the cockpit) of their small shuttle, autopilot working perfectly. Readings on the nearby screen say everything is within normal parameters and ETA to destination is still 5 hours.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"What was that..?"</em> She asked that aloud, even though there was no need. No answer followed. She knew the reason. She and Zaldira shared not only one body via a symbiotic bond, but also a mental connection of their two minds. Megan knew that Zaldira wasn't sleeping... She was ashamed of imposing such nightmares at Megan. Her own nightmares. Her memories.<br><em>"Zaldira, answer me."</em> Megain asked again, mentally this time as she laid back on the bed again. And her intonation this time was more persistant. And she called her full name instead of just "Zal" only when there was something serious to discuss.<br><em>"That was... A memory."</em> Zaldira answered reluctantly. Her soft voice echoed through Megan's mind like her own. That's how they were usually communicating.<br><em>"Tell me. Please."</em> Through all these years they were together, both of them shared each other's moments of joy and sadness. Hope and despair. Love and hate. And other emotions, feelings, both from their past and their present life together as well. And still both of them have secrets from each other, sometimes not even realizing it.<br><em>"I already forgot this one. It was... A long time ago. They followed me to an uninhabbited forest planet and hunted like I'm some beast. A scout group, four men. one woman. Three were easy targets. The other two - more sturdy and experienced."</em> Her tone changed from relaxed to tense at some points of her story, then going back to calmness - they are in bed right now after all, middle of the night. No need to get all emotinal and agressive in this state due to them sharing strong emotions with each other.<br><em>"You killed them all?"</em> Megan asked for some reason, even though the answer was perfectly clear.<br><em>"Yes."</em> Zaldira answered after a small pause. She needed it.<br><em>"Don't worry about it, Zal. Put this memory away again and try to forget. For good this time..."</em> A small pause and she added: <em>"We still have quite some time. Let's rest some more..."</em><br><br><br><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/af/a9/52/afa952e39a66a3b5e8b7c19bdc622020.jpg)</td><td>The shuttle continued slowly aproaching the destination. Meg and Zal both decided to switch off the hyperdrive to conserve fuel and instead mask their energy signature to stay invisible to radar scans. The diplomatic shuttle they bought wasn't equipped with any kind of stealth field, but the size, color and shape of it was perfect for remaining undetected - its not like anyone would look out the window in space to actually see a small shuttle going at sublight speeds. The silent humming of masking device created a rather chilling atmosphere, not getting in the way of sleeping, unlike the very distracting noise of the hyperdrive shoved into this small vessel basically "by force" to accomodate the needs of diplomants and their constant travels here and there. On bigger ships there is a lot of sound isolation around the drive, but over here, every centimeter of space was precisely calculated and there was just not much room left for that.<br>Even though on full speed they could reach the space station in around five minutes instead of hours.... They decided to go slow. They both needed some rest, so this additional time to their trip was just perfect. Middle of nowhere in space on a basically invisible ship is the best place for rest without being disturbed - like pirates, raiders or robbers who will definitely try to get inside the shuttle when it's docked to a space station with rather "shady" reputation. Nothing else comes to mind that would disturb them two. Unless it's bad memories or dreams...</td></tr></tbody></table><br><div align="center"><strong>---</strong></div><br><strong>Exactly 5 hours, 3 minutes and 23 seconds later.</strong><br><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Meg finished putting on her light grey flightsuit, zipping it up all the way with the high-neck. Next she put on the white leather jacket on top of that as additional warm clothing, plus some style. Dark grey boots - perfect shoes for both space stations and most planets' surfaces(unless it's acid or radioactive that could easily melt even rubber in seconds). A quick fix for the dyed short hair(white with cyan tint to it, like ice) - some slight touch of sprayed gel to make it look fitting in the current galactic "fashion trend", the blown away with wind harcut, something like that. The long hair were gathered in a ponytail behind, while leaving quite a big amount of locks in the front for this stylish look. Besides, it's fitting to her and Zal to look that way, considering what their powers are. Then she applied some really light-colored makeup to her eyes, also one of the latest trends out there - pale blue-ish white, almost the same as hair, but less saturated blue. And light blue lipstick. Some disliked this, saying its like if women with that lipstick are either froze to death or drowned, thus the blue lips. Those who used that color thought differently - it gave them the look of the "Ice Queen". Strong, independant, cold and calculating. Meg didn't mind that look as well. Even though wasn't as "cold" as she tried to look.<br><em>"We need to refuel."</em><br><em>"I know."</em><br><em>"We also need power cells and ammo for your weaponry."</em><br><em>"I know that too."</em><br><em>"And we need to meet those contractors."</em><br><em>"Zal, stop. I know."</em><br><em>"I'm sorry, Mag. I am still wind up. Didn't sleep through the rest of the route here. I am sorry."</em><br><em>"Don't worry, Zal, your life was way more rich with events, compared to mine before we met. And I AM glad we met. Even though... The circumstances were a bit dark. But we will always have each other, no matter what. Always had since that day. Right?"</em><br>Meg hugged herself. If anyone else would be in the ship, they'd look at her like she's a weirdo. Out of nowhere, a self-hug, for no reason or words. Them two were speaking mentally after all.<br><em>"Yes. I will be grateful to you forever for accepting me. Not that we both had much choice though..."</em> Zal let out a slight snicker.<br><em>"Yeah, fun times, I guess."</em> Meg smiled too. It was <em>that</em> kind of smile. When you're trying to overcome and forget the bad memories, but they still haunting you for years already. Zal's snicker was just the same kind.<br></td><td>(http://i.imgur.com/MgHwAVS.png)</td></tr></tbody></table><br>"Aproaching space station. Docking permission requested. ... ... Docking permission granted. Auto-pilot disengaging in 30 seconds. Prepare for manual landing." Autopilot announced over the ship's speakers.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Weird how they easily granted us the docking permission. Guess it finally pays off that we bought this "diplomat" shuttle instead of that fighter you wanted. It still has that transmitter and diplomatic codes. Can work to our advantage, you know."</em> - Meg said aloud as she walked over to the cockpit and sat down into the pilot seat.<br><em>"How long will you continue nagging about it though? Years? Trust me, we have quite a while together, it seems. You don't really age as a human should due to our bond, do you? And don't lie to me you didn't notice it around 50 years ago. We never talked about it though, taking it for granted... Weird. Wait... Waaaaaaaait... Did I forget again?"</em> Zal suddenly went silent...<br><em>"Yes, I guess you did, hun. Yesterday."</em> Meg answered and smiled.<br><em>"I'm sorry, Meg. Again. Happy birthday. Was it... 89? Yes?"</em> Zal tried to remember the Earth years numbers again. Even though they both spent quite some time on Earth, she still was confused with the year cycle humans had back there.<br><em>"Don't worry about it. You had a rough patch of flashbacks lately, you are stressed. I understand, it's ok."</em> Meg relaxed in the seat, giving the control over body to Zaldira.<br>Her pupils became little slits, like animals have. Zal was "the pilot"(both body and the shuttle) now, while Meg is "the passanger".<br><em>"You definitely need to learn how to pilot a ship, Meg. What if some day..?"</em><br><em>"Don't. Don't start that old song. I told you before and I will tell you again countless times."</em> She said with slight anger in her speech. After a pause, she added: <em>"You know, we have a huge disadvantage about us."</em><br><em>"Yes, yes, I know. Not being able to "not talk", like you humans do if angry at each other. And ignoring is impossible as well."</em><br><em>"Yepp. Anyway, take us in so we can finally get all the stuff and then head to that bar for the appointment with that shady group. What was the name of the bar though..?"</em><br><em>"I don't remember either. But the station is small. Not too many bars, I guess. We'll find it."</em><br><em>"And people always think of how it could be cool to have two memories... And here we are, two of us and both forgetting something. Great."</em><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Don't worry, Meg. Everything will be all right." </em> Zal whispered as she finally landed the shuttle and closed her eyes. Did the same gesture as Meg did - hugged herself. Their strange symbiotic relationship is a real complex one. A man once asked - if separated, would they start making out? Do they love each other? Do they have any... Sexual attraction... towards each other? The answer was simple - no. They are friends. Close friends, as close as you can get. Who hug from time to time. Who share secrets, feelings, emotions, even one body for two. But is it love in a sexual way? No. Both of them are still attracted to men... And they seem to have quite similar tastes.<br>After around a minute of hugging "both", Zal finally gave the body back under Meg's control(It was <em>her</em> body after all). Meg didn't say a word up untill that happened. She also enjoyed the hug and silence. <br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Let's go now."</em> Meg said aloud and got out of the shuttle, inhaling a slightly stale air of the space station, filled with all sorts of smells - spilled fuel, spices, organic trash, fumes... As always on such "shady" places. And the sounds - constant humming of people speaking different languages, laughter, machinery working, some gunshots in the distance, regulator sirens...<br><div align="center">(https://isrartistic.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/hangar_isracarrion-com.jpg)</div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>20-01-2017, 12:10:42</strong>
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				The crew of the Steel Condor touched down on space station Zexis within the hour. While the ship engineer Ratchett stayed behind, Captain Mansteele, Nero, and Crash exited the vessel and set foot into the marketplace. Zexis was a rather dismal supply depot but the boys had seen worse in their travels. Vendors were lined up along the streetway shouting out their deals and special offers. The culture was diversified with humanoids (those who retained a close to human form with minor trait differences like varying pigmented skin hues), amorphous sentients (creatures with a more amoeba-like appearance), Horde-lings (alien lifeforms who traveled in like minded groups consisting of large beastly brutes strapped in primitive tribal armor), and the everyday motley crew of exotic alien forms not easily classified. <br><br>“Alright, first things first,” Nero began, sliding his hands into his long, leathery and dusty overcoat, “Captain, why don’t you talk to the freight master and see about getting our supplies. Crash and I will head to the tavern and meet with the new hire.”<br><br>Captain Dirk paused, giving Nero a look, “But shouldn’t I be there, as the acting captain meeting with the very person I’m trying to recruit? Isn’t that what a captain does?”<br><br>“Yeah, a <em>real</em> captain.” Crash remarked, looking around the marketplace, the boredom already setting in. His eyes spotted a set of highly armored, bulky yet lean, suited soldiers passing through the commonplace, “Hey…heads up. Legion Squad.” The three men shifted to the corner of a stall just out of sight and eyed the troopers as they passed down the street and moved along. Watching them as they passed by and out of sight, the three emerged from the stall and exchanged glances. “The hell is the Legion doing here?” Crash Graves asked quietly with slight concern.<br><br>The Legion was a well known religious faction composed of an established hierarchy and a great amount of muscle to flex. What had started as a remote system cult had been spread through years of pilgrimage and converts. More and more of the masses joined, swayed or brainwashed into believing in the ways of the cult mentality. Eventually the profits from donations amassed into a small militia with a personal fleet. That would later join with large corporations, which meant more money. The group of radicals grew by the minutes. The Legion evolved into a massive fleet that rivaled the Galactic Armada and the influence spread like a plague from one quadrant of the galaxy to the next. Planets renounced their status with the Armada and fell into the clutches of the Legion, granting them government control. The Legion was the ultimate nightmare in terms of religion and politics having a dirty threesome with corporate cash flow. <br><br>(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPDgwji1I42HCbRZ6YqSVi1oyu_esNspkDUYtHJEj3Lko-QfeN)<br><br><br>Nero thought it over a moment before reassuring his comrades, “Don’t know. Zexis must have been fallen or been signed over to Legion jurisdiction. The last thing I want to do is mix it up with religious zealots. Until we get back into Armada territory we should keep a low profile. Let’s get going. Captain, I believe you had a place to be?” <br><br>“Yes about that Nero, are you sure I shouldn’t be present to meet our new hand? I mean it would only be right for a prestigious leader like myself to uphold his role.” Dirk insisted slowly. <br><br>Nero put his hand on the captains shoulder and smiled, “This is true sir. But don’t you think it would be more financially beneficial if in fact the Freight Master was to meet his iconic hero of the stars? Why, if one was so inclined, such a touching and impactful meeting might find that hero with a discount on the purchased goods.”<br><br>“Whoa, whoa, whoa. You’re gonna let this guy go off on his own and handle our finances?” Crash asked, pointing up at the larger captain. <br><br>Nero nodded, “I don’t see why not. His face is the most easily recognizable of the troupe. If it means taking home a cheap discount on supplies for a celebrity appearance we can’t go wrong.”<br><br>“Yeah, screw that. Trusting Dirk to handle our wallets is like giving a monkestian a private piggy bank. I think I’ll handle the freight master. You two can go handle the tavern affair.” Crash grumbled, turning away and taking a step before Nero caught him by the shoulder. “Crash, I’m not going to find you playing in some backstreet shop dropping dice am I?” <br><br>Graves grinned, “Hey c’mon Nero, I told you that there would be no more gambling after that last incident on Quasar-Seven. You can trust me. Now go on, let’s get this show on the road.” The fiery haired pilot slipped away and set off down the alleyway behind the marketplace. <br>Nero watched him go before shaking his head and motioning the Captain to follow, “Alright. C’mon. Let’s grab a drink sir.”<br><br>“Have faith in our compatriot Nero. Crash Graves is a man of impeccable fortitude. I trust him to do anything.” Dirk assured his first mate with a charismatic closed smile, saluting the civilians that recognized him as they passed through the crowds. <br><br>“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Nero replied with a sigh. <br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTRHAc4MV0ArSzGdBCXcAHQQecpqFBzqyuGkAUs4GPVZpsqGMQ8)<br><br><br>The three men reunited at the bar later roughly thirty minutes later. The tavern was titled, <em>The Tipsy Turvian</em>, not the most original name and also a crude stereotype aimed at the Turvian species, simply because they were extremely sensitive to alcohol more than any other race. Crash was carrying a lot more money in his pockets than when they arrived and beaming quite proudly over it. Such things made Nero nervous. Captain Mansteele was signing autographs and exchanging banter with the customers in the tavern. This left Nero and Crash to seat themselves in a far corner to kick back and enjoy a stiff drink and freshly cooked grease filled food. <br><br>“So who’s the new face? What are we supposed to be looking for?” Crash asked with a slight frown, still not keen on the idea of taking a woman with them. The last time they had done so resulted in sexual harassment lawsuit against him. Then the second one had even less patience and forewent the suit and straight up shanked him in his sleep. Of course those two met with unfortunate accidents but not of his doing. One had been devoured by a crater worm on an excavation site. The second was accidently sucked out the cargo bay when the captain in all his genius had leaned on the ejection button from the hallway to fix a loose string on his boot. This was one of those times when Crash actually was thankful for the clueless Dirk Mansteele, much as he hated to admit it.<br><br>“I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Nero smirked quietly, tipping his drinking glass up to his lips and sipping lightly, “Not many people wouldn’t recognize Captain Mansteele. From what I’ve read up on this particular individual, we’ll spot her a mile away. Look for someone who has no idea who the captain is. Someone who’ll walk right past him, maybe hide in a corner to get the vantage point on the place. Somewhere she can see her exits points at all times. Y’know, the quiet observant type.” <br><br>“Shit Nero, what did you do, hire a fuckin’ Exile?” Crash quirked a brow. The term Exile was used to refer to a group of mercenary operatives formerly of the Galactic Armada’s black operatives. Reputation had them for being ornery and on edge. Silent and brooding. But most of all extremely dangerous. They were a rare sight these days which was more the better. Most Exiles found work as hired killers, bounty hunters, or enforcers. Armed with unusual technology and augmented abilities only raised the threat level when encountering an Exile. <br><br><br>(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/18/f0/60/18f060c534f5c682489176ba47c22150.jpg)<br><br>“Not quite. This one is a little bit more interesting than an Exile.” Nero answered with a twinkle in his eye, looking across the bar in a steady gaze. <br><br>Crash bit into his burger, “Well she better get her ass here soon. What time are we expecting her?”<br><br>Nero nodded in the direction he was looking, “She’s been here for the last forty minutes Graves. Might want to get your eyes checked.” He grinned quietly. His gaze focused on a ominously distant woman in the far side seated at a table by her lonesome. While she did not exactly look brooding, she did have a certain air about her that spoke something was a bit more than what met the eye. <br><br>Graves glanced to the corner of his eye in her direction, “When the hell did you spot her? I hate it when you fucking do that! Do you think she’s made us yet?”<br><br>Nero set his drink down and reached into his coat, rummaging around for something, “About ten minutes after we sat down. She’s been watching us through that mirror by the corner of the bar. I caught her gaze in the reflection. Probably sizing us up and whatnot. She’s careful.” He pulled out a contract and pen, placing them down on the desk as a signal to the mystery woman. To anyone else it would look like Nero was simply reading over a report. But he knew she’d figure out it was meant for her. More than likely she’d already seen the contents of his coat from where she was sitting. <br><br>“Fantastic. Now I have two people to be worried about on our ship. You kind of people scare the shit outta me sometimes.” Crash remarked at Nero, giving him a quick glance. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>22-01-2017, 16:23:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Are you sure these are "our" guys?"</em> Mag was checking out a group of men sitting in the corner.<br><em>"I guess so. It didn't really say how do they look like, but there are supposed to be three of them. And one is some big star or whatever. So this guy with a whole lotta people gathered round him - he's gotta be that celebrity. Is he giving autographs or something? Wow..."</em> Zal was unusually talkative today.<br><em>"And the other two are with him, yeah, just not in the mood to stick around with the guy and all those people. Either these two are just tired of the guy or of all the people and attention he constantly gathers around him."</em> Mag let out a silent sigh. Deep down she was a little bit nervous. And Zal obviously felt that, as always with them two.<br><em>"Or both. Don't worry, calm down and keep a cool head, Meg. And face too. We don't want to attract attention. Let's keep an eye on these. Just in case they will give the signal."</em> Zal, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed.<br>They were sitting in this bar for some time already before they got the signal. And it was indeed from those men. A piece of paper and a pen - that's the signal. Meg finished off her drink(a coctail made out of something similar to earth's lemons and very light alcoholic tonic, so a rather sour one) and stood up from the table. Very attentive people(such as Nero, for example) could notice a double pistol holsters under her jacket and a shine of two daggers strapped to the holsters as well. She accidentally(or was it really on purpose..?) showed those just for a brief moment, not for long.<br><br><em>"Be careful, Meg. And in case anything goes wrong - let me take over."</em> Zal almost whispered, even though nobody could hear her anyway.<br><em>"I know, Zal. Maybe it's you, who's more nervous than me, eh? Saying all these things, even though they are obvious."</em> Meg rolled her eyes... Well, in her mind, at least. She didn't actually do it. Not to seem weird - these men were watching her now, waiting.<br><em>"No, I'm not. It's your emotions, not mine. You're afraid and nervous, not me."</em> The voice of Zal now seemed kind of like she's "insulted" by Meg's words. But in reality, they both felt in such way. Not because it was just Meg's emotions and they shared onto Zal's state, neither it was the other way around. They both felt it at the same time. <br>Up until now, they were always alone, just two of them. They didn't need anyone in their lives(or more like... <em>life</em>?), just each other. But the time has come that galaxy is becoming more dangerous for lonely mercs to handle. So...<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Greetings."</em> Meg sat down next to Nero. He seemed a more leader-ish type, than the other guy. He was more calm, compared to him. More calculating and attentive to detail. At least he seemed that way to both Meg and Zal.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"So it was you who needs a new person in their team, yes?"</em> Meg looked at Nero, then giving a slight glance at Crash, only to return to Nero after that. No, out of these two, this guy is definitely the one who's in control.<br><em>"Take it slow now. Not too much information about us. About you. Let's first see if these guys are really those who we need."</em> Zal whispered again. <br><em>"Stop whispering. You're not helping, Zal. Only distracting. Don't worry, these guys at least don't seem like those hunters we met two years ago."</em><br><em>"Those didn't seem like the hunters either!"</em> Zal exclaimed. If she were in control of the body, she'd wave her hands, giving way more expression to her words. But... She wasn't. Meg is the "pilot" now, while Zal is the "passanger".<br>Meg cleared her throat lightly after Zal's words, not even bothering to answer. That time it was Zal's mistake, not her's. But they managed to escape in one piece, at least.<br><br>And this small dialogue happened only in their head, in mere seconds. Just in the slight pause between Meg's question and these men's answer.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>27-01-2017, 01:33:59</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Nero glanced into the woman's waistline, taking careful note of the weaponry stashed away there, showing an approving smirk on his face. "Watch your mouth around this one." he mumbled to his partner, keeping a straight face.<br>Crash pushed his hand up into his own face with a grimace, "Aw fuck, she is armed then. Fine, fine, I'm not in the mood for digging a blade out of my carcass today."<br><br>As Mag and Zal passed by the crowd at the bar, Captain Dirk was spewing off a long yarn about one of the crews previous adventures, "And then they made me their god. Such simple tribal creatures. But I'm not one to take glory. Nor am I one to turn down such manners of gratitude after saving their village from the villainous Doctor Gasternoff! He would have enslaved and forced them into slave labor to mine their precious mountain shrines. But thanks to me, Captain Dirk Mansteele, and my quick witted think, I managed to save them from a terrible fate. They gave me eight of their most beautiful females to take to my tent. Now I'm not one to brag. But I will say I did not get much rest that night." he smirked and placed an arm over a knee, sipping from his drafted mix drink. <br><br>Nero smiled slightly as Meghain joined them, "Greetings to you as well. I believe you are the one who has agreed to meet us for the interview. Normally our leader, Captain Mansteele over there, would be the one handling this sort of thing. Unfortunately the captain is a bit busy with the group over there so I'll be conducting the application procedure. I'm officer Nero, First Mate to the Captain. Our leader is a very busy hero so I act in his place for situations like this. This here is our pilot, Mister Crash Graves."<br><br>Crash nodded and gave a slight wave, still weary of the woman for now. "Nice to meet ya. What's yer name sugar tits?" He glanced at Nero who was giving him a little side look, "Er...I mean...what should we call you by Miss?" <br><br>Nero placed the contract forward for her to read over if she wished. "The crew of the Steel Condor is seeking a new recruit. Someone who can handle themselves as well as protect the crew in situations that may be a bit...unpredictable and unforeseen. Someone with a skill set or talents related to-"<br><br>"In other words we need someone who can kick ass and fuck people up if it comes down to it." Crash interjected, kicking back in his chair and slipping a toothpick between his teeth to chew on. <br><br>"Yes, that." Nero agreed, nodding. He looked back to Meg, "We'll pay a divided share per mission. Before that, you'll be given a small amount of funds to assist you should the crew become separated. We offer you a room for your private quarters and a meal plan while you're aboard our vessel. If you brought a personal vessel, you'll free to attach it on to ours so it'll be at your disposal when you wish."<br><br>Crash glanced around the room, taking note of everyone coming and going, "If you survive that long..."<br>Nero kicked him under the table, making Graves groan out and rub at his shin. Nero smiled quietly at Meg, "Now, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them at any time."<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>27-01-2017, 12:00:01</strong>
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				<em>"That guy is their leader..?"</em> Zal was absolutely amused by this guy, hearing that story of his.<br><em>"Shhh, Zal. Not now.</em> Meg stopped her - she was kind of a distraction right now, with all those thoughts of her's about making fun of this weird guy. He doesn't look like a captain at all. And look at that moustache...<br><em>"Zaaaaaaalllllllll.</em> Meg was getting angry a little bit.<br><em>"Alright, alright. Stay calm, Meg. I'll shush now. Will zip my mouth."</em><br><em>"You don't have one...</em> If Meg were to sit next to Zal, she'd give her that "Are you kidding me? (http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/theamazingworldofgumball/images/9/93/Are_you_serious.png/revision/latest?cb=20120820000819)" look right now.<br><em>"I know..."</em> Zal snorted into silent laughter, the one you try to hold back, but some of it just escapes through all of your attempts of doing so.<br><br>As Nero was speaking...<br><em>"Mansteele... Wonder if that's a real name."</em><br><em>"Zaldira, be quite."</em><br>Zal only giggled silently. Again, when Meg said her full name, it's a sign that she means business. And it's actually really the time to be quite.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"I am Megan Jefferson. Nice to meet you. Your captain seems like... A "fun" person. Yes?"</em> Meg introduced herself as Nero and Crash told her their names. The sarcasm about captain in her voice was barely noticeable. An attentive person, such as Nero again, could hear it. A more simplistic guy like Crash would definitely miss it. As for his joke, however, she let it past. Meg didn't like such men who treat women like this. Neither did Zal.<br><em>"He seems like a total jerk."</em><br><em>"Perhaps. But we'll see how it goes. Lets give him a chance, at least."</em> Meg answered, seeing how he "fixed" his words after Nero gave him that look.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"I'm up for the job. The only real important question is - what's the pay? Depends on the mission, I assume? As for my ship... It's a small diplomatic shuttle. I'm sure it can be docked on your ship... Right? And I would prefer to stay in my shuttle instead of quarters on your ship - more free space is good, yes? I'm sometimes getting homesick, ya know..."</em><br><em>"Liar..."</em> Whispered Zal. But this didn't stop Meg from speaking. She got used to it already long time ago.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"... and I got all of my stuff there to remember. Ever felt that? No..? Anyway, I think it would be rather dumb to carry it all back and forth."</em><br>After saying all that, Meg looked at Crash again.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"And don't worry. These "sugar tits" know how to survive and have ways of doing so."</em><br><em>"Oooooooo, ho-ho-hoooo... That was a little bit dumb, and might be slightly revealing about our secret... But it's ok, I'm with ya on this absolutely dumb thing to say. Would have said that too myself."</em> Both of them always were bad at making jokes and saying witty things. But at least the rest of their shared sense of humor is just fine.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>28-01-2017, 00:17:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				“Y’know, the dame has a point.” Crash suggested to Nero, “If she does get bumped off, it’ll be a lot easier to get rid of her stuff if we just sell the ship to the nearest dumpsite, and make some money doing it too.” Nero glanced at him silently, Crash holding his hands up to appear blameless, “Hey, just sayin’. We have to consider these things. Better than wasting a room on a temporary spot filler.”<br><br>Nero continued the negotiations, “I think that’s perfectly applicable. Then we can use the spare room for any situations we might find that require free space. After all, your ship is already custom designed to your likings. We wouldn’t want to change that. Our crew is very welcoming of any culture.” <br><br>“Except religious nutjobs and political ambition fuckwads, like the Legion.” Crash added, rolling his own variety of tobacco and special spices into a paper to fashion a homemade cigarette. He twisted the ends off and slipped the stick into his lips, drawing out a metallic tinder box, a relic of old cultures long ago. Clicking the lighter and covering the end with his hands, he lit the stick and inhaled lightly, the acrid smoke seeping from his nostrils on the exhale. <br><br>A group of rather ruffian types entered the cantina. The leader of the bunch wore a ragged set of crude armor accessorized with spikes and chains. His face was hidden behind a crude helmet with air filters on the jaw, similar to a gas mask. He had the appeal of a scavenger bandit, making himself most menacing with pieces of junk from a garbage pile, but his weaponry spoke otherwise. Each of his men carried common gangster laser rifles and pistols. Some were even brandishing blunt objects like pipes, custom made maces and knives. To make matters interesting, they were all glaring at Dirk Mansteele.<br><br>Crash looked up and spotted the crew eyeing their captain, subtly nudging Nero with his elbow but remaining quiet for the first time. The First Mate slowly lifted his eyes from the contract and looked in the mirror across from his seat near the bar with a quick glance. Even though sensing the vibe of the room, Nero seemingly ignored the threat and smiled at Megan, “Now, I’ve looked over your application, done some digging around, but oddly I haven’t found much on you. While I’m sure the Captain doesn’t mind the quiet type who keep low profiles, but I have to verify that you are in fact capable of talking the talk and walking the walk, so to speak. It does the crew no good if I hire someone who proves to be just another mercenary type with no actual combat experience.”<br><br>“DIRK MANSTEELE!!” <br><br>(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/3d/a2/82/3da2826afb30c4a97f365f03e4fcc04d.jpg)<br><br>The Captain paused from his storytelling and looked over the gathered audience’s shoulders to the gang leader who had shouted his name. The man blinked, his nose twitching above his thick moustache.<br><br>“I always knew you would come looking for me, you heroic piece of <em>chumba fodder</em>!” The masked male growled through a nasty and vile voice modifier. His gloved hands balling up into fists. The rest of his goons were tapping their weapons in their hands as if readying to give a ruthless beatdown. <br>Nero closed his eyes and sat back in his chair, crossing his arms in silence. Crash smirked and lay his hand over his belt buckle casually. The Captain was more than capable of handling situations like this.<br><br>Dirk stared at the gangster silently for a long awkward moment. Finally he lifted a hand and pointed at the thug, “Hey~….<em>you</em>. Yes. Yes I have come for…<em>you</em>. Mister. <em>Mister man</em>. The guy who now stands before me <em>who I most definitely know</em>. That’s<em> you</em>. Of all the people on this station, it just had to be…<em>you</em>.” <br><br>The thug snarled, “Yes! It is <em>me</em>! You thought you could fool me by keeping a low profile and sneaking around on my turf! <em>Ha</em>! Your reputation has led me right to you. Heh heh heh…well I’m afraid your trap has failed, <em>Captain Mansteele</em>! You’ve walked right into a <em>trap</em> yourself!!” He motioned his arms, and about nearly every mercenary in the bar rose up from their seats and switched on their weapons, all facing at the celebrity. <br><br>Dirk glanced around quietly and placed his hands to his hips like a regular superman of sorts, “Well…you’ve certainly been busy…<em>you</em>…dastardly fiend. I can see that you’ve gone to great lengths to turn the tide on my…secret plan to catch you...<em>mister</em>.” He gave a warning point with his finger at the many goons around the bar, “Now see here. I’ll only warn you all once. I’ll be merciful to any man who chooses to walk away right now. But if you throw your lot in with…<em>that guy</em>…well then be prepared to share a cell with…<em>him</em>.” He nodded emphatically to reinforce his threat. <br><br>The thug leader now paused and straightened, his voice sounding a bit hesitant as he asked, “…You…You do <em>know</em> who I am right?”<br><br>Dirk frowned as if the man had no business to even ask that question in the first place, “<em>What</em>?! Of course I do! <em>You’re</em>…the most fiendish and dastardly…cutthroat gang leader around here, <em>that’s who</em>!” <br><br>“My<em> name</em>! <em>My name you fool</em>! <em>What’s my name</em>?!” The bandit shouted, kicking over a table with frustration, drawing a long knife from his belt as his anger increased. <br><br>“Your <em>name</em>? But of course I know your <em>name</em>!” Dirk retorted, swallowing down a lump in his throat and shifting his weight back and forth on his feet, looking around the bar at everyone, “Your name is…<em>so sickening</em>, I won’t lower my good standards to your level to say it! You won’t get any such satisfaction from me <em>Mister</em>…<em>man</em>.” <br><br>“IT’S RAZORWIRE!!” The thug shouted, throwing his arms up in the air wildly.<br><br>“Razorwire! I was just about to say that when you interrupted me so rudely!” Dirk proclaimed, his confidence restored with a grin, “If only you hadn’t interrupted me I would have said that you are the nasty crimelord <em>Razorwire</em>! Oh man you would have been called that from the get go, but your manners just make me so sick I couldn’t stand to call you by your name…which is <em>Razorwire</em>! Which for full disclosure, I knew the whole time. Just want to make sure everyone here understands...that I always knew. Because it was part of my plan.”<br><br>“Enough of this! I know you came here to catch me for my bounty! Don’t think you can fool Razorwire and his gang, the Red Brood Skulls!” Razorwire shouted, taking a step forward with menace, “Now we’ve got you and this will be the last the galaxy ever hears of the famed <em>Dirk Mansteele</em>! Your head will go on my wall as a trophy!”<br><br>“Yes, well you and your Brood have overlooked something very important,<em> Mister Razorwire</em>!” Dirk shouted back, pointing at the floor, “You’ve fallen for my secret<em> secret </em>double trap! Boy, did you walk right into it, let me tell you!”<br><br>Razorwire dropped his arms, his voice stunned, “A…secret…<em>secret</em>…double trap? What are you-“<br><br>“Now you listen, this is your<em> last </em>warning, you can walk away right now! You do not want to face the wrath of <em>Captain Dirk Mansteele</em>!” Dirk warned, inhaling deeply so his thick muscular build would seemingly bulk up and appear more intense. He even gave his best glare from under his long and thick eyebrows to add effect.<br>Razorwire and his crew exchanged glances before staring at the famous hero. The crime boss turned and threw his knife directly at Dirk’s face. In one smooth motion two shots were fired. Crash had rose up from his chair and deflected the knife with a well time shot from his own pistol, and the second had gone into Razorwire’s kneecap. While the leader fell to the floor in pain clutching his bleeding knee, everyone in the room exchanged looks. <br><br>Crash grinned, his eyes shimmering, “Yeah, that’s right fuckers, I shot first. Dispute that you fuckin’ nerds.” <br><br>“KILL THEM ALL!!” Razorwire screamed with rage. <br><br>All at once everyone was turning and opening fire. Nero smoothly kicked the nearest column and shoved himself off, sliding across the floor and drawing out a set of small machine laser guns. His rounds ripped through the numbers, dropping foe after foe. When his seat stopped, he spun out of it with a swirl of his long cloak, engaging the foes in hand to hand combat with a form of swift rare form of martial arts. <br><br>Crash grappled with an attacker with one hand, twisting its arm and kicking its feet out from beneath, booting it in the face to knock it unconscious while simultaneously keeping a gunfight going with the Skulls who were kicking up tables and perching behind them. Crash then heard a woman’s high pitched screech of fear rip through the bar, but when he turned, he could only curse as he realized it belonged to his captain who was jumping behind the bar for cover. <br><br>Razor’s men were firing wildly, aiming for anyone they could, innocents included. A few had turned and took aim at Megan, pulling their triggers and letting a volley of laser bullets fly in her direction. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>29-01-2017, 15:17:03</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Yes, this Crash is a jerk. Wonder if it's only about women or he's always like that, on any topic..."</em> Zal let out a sigh. Even though she had no lungs or mouth to do so, but that's one of the things Zal and Meg shared - their "voices in the head" included sounds like sighs and yawns as well. On psychological level, not physical. Because Meg did the same as an answer, obviously agreeing with Zal. But she never said anything aloud. She was listenting to Nero mostly... Not Crash.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Don't worry. I am not religious, neither I am into politics."</em> She answered this one, at least. Seeing him start smoking, she added: <strong>(A)</strong> <em>"And if you ever will have to enter my shuttle - no smoking there, please."</em><br><br><em>"Looks like we got company..."</em> Zal stated, seeing the bandits come in to the bar.<br><em>"I can see that. Be ready."</em> Meg answered, counting the new visitors, as well as trying to eye out more people who might get aggressive.<br><em>"Oh I'm always ready. I already feel the rush of battle..."</em><br><br>As the dialog between Dirk and "Razorwire" progressed, both Meg and Zal were listening carefully. When Dirk said about the last warning though...<br><em>"I think it's the time."</em><br><em>"Yes. Do it."</em><br>Meg's eyes changed in an instant... The pale blue color of her eyes suddenly turned to a more saturated tint of light blue and the iris morphed from round to a small slit, like a lot of animals have. Zal was sitting like that for some time, so either of men could notice this right away. Then... "The hell broke loose".<br><em>"Zal, don't just sit there, do something. I don't want to die in a bar fight, ya know. Especially by some random gunshot not aimed at me at all."</em><br><em>"Megan, stop. I know."</em> Zal finally got an opportunity to "strike back" at Meg, making her stop talking just like it happened the other way around.<br><br><div align="center"><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Music</div><div class="spoiler_body">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EEtGLLDhNY</div></div></div><br><br><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>(http://i.imgur.com/WADHqAB.png)</td><td>Zal stood up very calmly, like everything is normal, no bullets or laser fire all around, people yelling and screaming, running around, fighting... And while she was doing that, Mag's body started "morphing". From her back, from under clothes started growing some alien flesh, white-blue-grey in color. As it was covering the body and on top of clothes, it changed texture - the moment it covered the body parts, the "fleshy" look of it(squishy and moist, maybe disgusting to some) changed into more of a metallic gloss. In mere seconds - around three or four - all of Meg's body was covered in this alien flesh, that looks like metallic armor.<br>The "armor" had a lot of avian features to it - a beak-shaped head, with what looks to be something similar to "feathers" in the back... But metallic, not regular bird feathers of course. Here and there all over the body there were similar formations, vaguely similar to what feathers would look. And there were no eyes on it - how does she even see in there? The answer is simple - this whole armor is Zal's flesh... And she "sees" with all of it, 360 in all directions. Well, not actually sees, but <em>senses</em>. On back side of her hands(most notably on the wrists and all way up till the elbows, while way smaller further up to the shoulder) there were armor formations which also gave the avian feel - almost like there should be wings there. Same thing with legs as the front side below knee had also similar aerodynamic form. Three sharp claws on feet, five fingers on hands ending in quite long claws as well - even more of the bird feel to it.<br>Zal grabbed both pistols from the holsters... They were now under the armor, but that's no problem - she simply slid her both hands inside and pulled them out easily, like if it was a pocket or some gooey substance. But in reality, a bullet from some low caliber primitive pistol(easy to hide through security check in more prestigious places than this) simply bounced off the armor. Like from a heavy metal plate, ricocheting somewhere randomly. Zal answered to that "insult" - she looked in the direction where the shot came from and let out a REALLY loud bird screeching sound. There was a waitress. She got scared from the transformation already, so even without any actual need to kill the "demon creature", still made the shot. Out of fear. But now? After this "demon creature" looked at her? The woman simply fainted. Maybe for the best. Safer that way, unless she'll be hit by the crossfire.<br>Other people also heard the screeching sound, but nobody really paid attention to it that much due to all the shooting.<br><em>"Three to the left, straight 9o'clock, far end of the room, three bursts. One on the right, 4o'clock, real close, stab. Civies, 11 through 1o'clock arch, no fire zone."</em> Meg now was like a second pilot, helping Zal in combat. That way Zal can be more focused on action, while Meg telling what to do. This is how they live now for a long time already. This is how they operate. This is how they survive.<br>After hearing all that information from Meg, Zal finally started the action. Her moves were fast as she was reacting to what Meg was saying.<br>Hand stretched to the left, at the three men on the far side of the room. Short bursts of three for each. Her machine-pistols were quite of an interesting design (http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/warframe/images/e/ef/TennoUzi.png) - the mag was upwards, on top of the gun itself and bent forward, while the handle is bent the other way around, thus giving it an S-shaped line.&nbsp; As Zal was shooting, the mag slid down, inside the gun and it's handle. Is the mag made out of some flexible material..? Rubber? Better ask Megan. Or Zaldira... Even though for now, Nero and Crash don't know about this little secret of theirs.<br><em>"It's good that you insisted we buy ammo before going here."</em> Exclaimed Mag right in the middle of the battle.<br>At the same time with shooting, Zal reacted to the second piece of "recon data"(as they both jokingly called it) from Mag. She thrown her gun in the right hand up in the air to free up the hand itself. Right at this particular moment, one of the ruffians from Razorwire's band ran up to Zal with a modified police baton - instead of usual low voltage teaser, there was a huge battery and some other modifications to increase the potency of the electrocution from this thing. But his attack was a complete failure. Zal simply stretched her hand real fast in the direction of this man - he used his own kinetic energy from running towards her to impale himself on the sharp claws with his neck.<br><em>"Good. Now, protective barrier, I guess?</em><br><em>"My thoughts exactly."</em><br>Zal spread her hands left and right, almost like wings. As well as all of her fingers, one exception being the index fingers - both guns were spinning like crazy on those. And not only that - they were... Glowing? Together with her palms? A silvery blue light on them. Second or two of this stance, then Zal made a "scissoring" move with both hands. At that moment, right in front of her and a couple of meters to the left and right a transparent wall appeared... A wall of wind. Big enough to protect the whole zone around Zal/Meg and the table they were sitting with Nero and Crash. As those two were shooting - their projectiles got boosted so fast that the moment they hit this wall of wind, they instantly hit the target. However the projectiles aimed at them - Zal/Meg, Nero and Crash, got deflected in random directions. Sometimes even back at the shooter. Projectile weapons firing bullets and they get deflected? That's kind of understandable, sure. It has a physical form. But how are the energy weapons are also deflected..? That's a completely logical question to ask. But since when logic applies to anything, when there are countless alien species around the whole galaxy? For example, Kistarians are telepathic. They can kill with a single thought. Mental energy manipulation - explain that logically. Or the Uvadi, the "ice people". They not only are coldblooded, but also can freeze things with a single touch, create ice constructs. Hell, they can even summon snowstorms, when reaching a certain age. Explain that too! So this is yet another case of "Mysterious and unexplainable things of the Universe".<br><strong>(A)</strong>&nbsp; <em>"Everyone ok? What's the plan now?"</em> Zal asked since the wind barrier gave her a small time window to look back at her new "partners". Zal's voice was absolutely and completely different from Meg, no mistake. Not only it had a slight echo to it, but also some sort of chirr, swish and whistle while she's speaking... Again, definitely something bird-ish.<br>As she was waiting for an answer, two bandits ran too close to the wind barrier. <br></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><em>"Two bandits, melee, 7o'clock, 5o'clock. Closing in to the barrier."</em><br>While still looking at Nero and Crash, Zal against started spinning her pistols and her hands glowing once more. This time both hands(and pistol sides) were facing down, towards the ground. In mere seconds, two small tornadoes started growing from the floor. As they finally reached her palms, Zal made a full 360 spin to send these two wind devils at the approaching bandits. Both of the bad guys were thrown into the air and were carried away from the barrier, then sent flying right into the walls.<br><strong>(A)</strong>&nbsp; <em>"And where is your so called captain?"</em> Zal added before she got any answers.<br><em>"Heavy rifle, heavy armored target, ten meters, 6o'clock, civies gone, fire at will. Kill that fat fuck!"</em> <br>Zal reacted instantly as a heavier weapon could actually go through both the barrier and her armor, thus injuring Meg who was inside. With both hands stretched forward, she fired a full auto burst of all that remained in the mag of the left machine-pistols, while fully emptying the second one as well. Just to be sure... Both mags ejected out from the bottom - they indeed turned out to be made out of some flexible material, but still having a metallic shine on them, so definitely not rubber after all. Zal waved her hand, catching both of them with wind and sent flying up. At the same time she thrown the guns up to catch the mags, then shove them somewhere under(more like "inside") armor and pull out two new ones. Then catch both of her pistols with the mags. Yes, with the mags themselves - they precisely inserted themselves into the handle and all the way up as before, while Zal grabbed the handles.<br><em>"What a show-off you are, Zal..."</em><br><em>"We need to make an impression, you know?"</em><br>The guy with heavy rifle was dead long ago though... So Zal instantly forgot about him and turned towards Nero and Crash again, waiting for their reaction and answer.<br></td><td><div align="center">(http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz271/jut5star/zyphyrsig.png)</div></td></tr></tbody></table>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>07-02-2017, 00:07:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Zal and Megan’s show had not gone unnoticed. After dropping the first five or six assailants from the Skull pack, Nero had noted with a slight puzzled frown at the lack of numbers coming at him and the ones dropping at an alarming rate. After fending off one last punk with a short but sufficient melee with the butt of his small <em>SMG</em> laser pistol, Nero watched the masked goon tumble to the floor awkwardly and glanced around, his eyes widening at the newly suited up Megan (technically Zal, though they had been yet to be introduced properly). Slowly he holstered his weapons and waltzed over to Crash’s position. <br><br>Graves was happily content holding one of the Skull goons by the scruff of his leather harness and punching him mercilessly in the face over and over. Nero tapped him on the shoulder during this repeated beating while still silently observing the recently transformed Megan. “Kinda busy right now…” Crash started to answer, but at a second tapping on his shoulder, spun his head to look over his shoulder over at the loud and flashing lightshow. Graves stood up straighter and dropped the unconscious thug to the floor with a loud thump. His right eyebrow arched and a befuddled expression crossed his features. <br><br>Razorwire, during the time prior, had taken the opportunity to sneak up on Captain Dirk Mansteele, who at the time, was huddled underneath the bar trying to load a standard plasma pistol. Needless to say, he wasn’t having any luck getting the glowing magazine into the grip. “C’mon…<em>c’mon</em>…” he pleaded, until frustration beginning to boil in his veins so much it made his moustache curl on the ends. Razorwire had his back and was sneaking one slow step at a time with a crude but long elongated<em> Razorblade </em>(patent pending). This was his custom weapon of choice for gutting his competition. It was the sort of weapon one would look at and examine, but not really give any use to in the long sight of things. After all, the handle was curved awkwardly and the blade was nearly rusted. But the edges were serrated enough to give off the right kind of ruthless bandit feel Razorwire desired. <br><br>Razor raised his blade and could feel his features within the helmet curving into a shark-like grin.<em> One quick slit of the throat and it would all be over.</em> <em>He’d be the one that killed Captain Dirk Mansteele</em>. As he leaned back on his haunches and prepared to lunge, Dirk cursed and let his ire get the best of him over loading the pistol. <br><br>“<em>Bah! The hell with this infernal thing!</em>” The captain lashed out, tossing the gun over his shoulder. Now, it should be noted, <em>that even if the gun had struck Razorwire in the face</em>, his mask would have been more than enough to take the light force accompanied by a careless toss. But this did not happen. Razorwire moved his head in the nick of time with a small bit of surprise and watched he weapon pass by him. The pistol would have tumbled to the floor but instead became part of a <em>bizarre</em> yet <em>convenient</em> chain of events. <br><br><em>The pistol had first bounced off the wall just adjacent to the bar. From there, it was ricocheted off a random bullet from Nero’s gunfire. This is turn sent it hurtling through the air for the lavatory, where Crash had been in a scuffle with thug preparing a grenade. Fortunately, Crash had stopped the goon before he’d been able to throw it, catching the bandits wrist with his tight grip, </em>“Here, let me get that for you.” <em>Graves smiled, pulling the pin and promptly kicking the man in the gut, knocking him into the bathroom with his explosive before taking cover away from the impending explosion. The pistol, again very conveniently, had hurtled into the rest area with the bandit just as Crash closed the door and walked away. Now, while this was happening, Zal had moved to cover the men with her shield. After some needlessly rude showering of shots at her direction courtesy of some more bandits, the deflected rounds were sent hurtling away at which point the bathroom exploded and hurled the gun out again from the force. The weapon now bounced off one of these random bullets and spun high up into the air before coming back down in time to get caught up in the gale force of Zal’s miniature whirlwind tornadoes. The force promptly flung the gun back from whence it had come, ever so conveniently, and struck Razorwire in the back of the head where his crude helmet was not fortunate enough to cover. The impact alone was enough to shatter a piece of bone and dislodge it into his brain, crippling him on the spot. <br></em><br>The bandit leader groaned out in a mixture of shock and slight tingling sensation from the blow, toppling over to the right and into a drink cupboard. Captain <br>Dirk Mansteele just happened to turn around at this time and take note of the alien behind him reaching out as if to strangle him with one hand. Or was he asking for help and unable to get the words out? Either way, Razorwire staggered again into the rack and fell back on the floor with a heavy slump. Dirk raised a brow with a silent expression and bent over, scooping up the very pistol he had tossed over his shoulder and looking it over curiously. The two males looked at each other in a moment of silence more before the silence was filled by the creaking and groaning of wood. Dirk and Razor both looked up in time to witness the drink cupboard tipping forward and downward. <br><br>“<em>Ohhhh nooo…</em>” groaned Razor, just before the entire thing came crashing down over his body. Dirk shielded his eyes with a single beefy arm and waved the cloud of dust away. Looking down, his eyes widened to their fullest with pure amazement. Or perhaps more shock at how convenient this had all worked out. Razorwire had been crushed by the large furniture, his limbs askew and all that was actually visible now from underneath the thing. <br>Dirk extended a leg and gently prodded Razorwire’s limp hand with a foot, “Erm…hey…hey~…you…are you okay?”<br><br><em>Now fully caught up in the present, we rejoin our crew members of the Steel Condor. <br></em><br>"Okay, the incredibly mind blowing reflexes and powers aside," Crash Graves began, now that the fight was over and all three were facing each other, "<em>just what the fuck are you lady?!</em>" he demanded, pointing a finger at Zal. The flame haired pilot looked to Nero, "She's not an <em>Exile</em> right?! I mean, I've never seen more than <em>one</em> but I know they have a total armored badass powers thing going on, <em>so please tell me she's not an Exile!!</em>"<br><br>Nero, meanwhile, had been quietly studying the newly transformed Megan/Zal, staring in silence for a long minute while taking note of the design incorporated on her exterior. The way she handled herself, her pose, the body language involved. When he spoke, his voice was calm but altogether cautious, "It's alright Crash. She's not an <em>Exile</em>. Though I can't quite put my finger on <em>what</em> exactly she is. I've never encountered anything quite like it before."<br><br>"B-but she...she...well you saw! The claws! The shield! She made freakin' whirlwinds from her hands! <em>Her hands</em>!!" Crash insisted, flailing his limbs dramatically. <br><br>"It's not the first time we've encountered oddities like this." Nero calmly reassured his partner, "Just a <em>unique</em> one in a place we least expected to. I'm sure our companion will have a further explanation for us when the time is more suitable. For now, we can show our appreciation by splitting the reward for these punks and cash in on our efforts. Round up the survivors, we'll bind them up and take a head count."<br><br>At this time, the local law enforcement was showing up, escorted by a single member of the Legion acting as their lead official. The heavily armored soldier surveyed the scene with a digital hud inside its helmet, scanning the fallen bodies, pausing at the buried corpse beneath the cupboard. <br><br>“<em>Captain Dirk Mansteele, are you responsible for this</em>?” it inquired, a digital voice acting as translation for the humanoid. <br><br>“Well…erm…I mean yes and no..” Dirk began to explain, but the press was already showing up and taking photos with their scanners. “<em>He’s done it! Captain Dirk Mansteele has captured Razorwire! The BloodSkulls are no more!</em>” they were shouting out in the streets. The Legion soldier picked up one of the bandits and looked to Mansteele, “<em>You and your crew will be awarded 800 credits for the capture and services rendered in the apprehension of subject Razorwire and known associates.</em>”<br><br>“Well is it technically capture if it was more of an unpredictable <em>accident </em>though?” Dirk tried to explain again. The Legion soldier waved him off, “<em>It matters not. He is one with the Celestial Stream now. He has become one of the Legion. You have our gratitude. Good day.</em>” The soldier gave a salute in accordance to the Legion faction, a fist over the heart, and promptly marched away with the rest of his unit, throwing the bandits into the back of a transport vehicle for further processing at the nearest prison site. <br>Crash Graves spit on the floor and watched the soldier take its leave, his voice mocking the armored creature, "<em>It doesn't matter, he's one of us now</em>. Friggin' religious trigger happy maniacs."<br><br>The crew of the Steel Condor huddled up in the center of the wrecked space cantina and exchanged looks while the local reporters and photographers were recording the fallout of the battle. <br>"Captain, this is our new hire, Megan Jefferson." Nero introduced the two. Dirk extended a gloved hand with a pleasant smile to offer his greetings, while Nero continued the introduction, "And Megan, this is Captain Dirk Mansteele. Famed hero and leader of the Steel Condor."<br><br>"It's a pleasure to meet you Megan, I hope that our time together will be beneficial to you. If there's ever anything you need, feel free to ask." Dirk said, placing his hands against his hips.<br><br>"Yeah, yeah, yeah...hello, hi, how are you, great! Can we get the fuck out of here already?!" Crash grumbled, facing away from everyone and lighting up another smoke, slipping it into his lips for a long drag. <br><br>"I believe we can, my good man, we've seen that justice has been done here today and acquired our new enforcer. Let us be off to the ship!" Dirk proudly proclaimed, pointing straight ahead. <br><br>"The ship is parked on the West harbor, Captain Genius." remarked Crash as he walked past Dirk and out the exit. <br><br>"But of course, I was merely..." Dirk trailed off, his cheeks tinging a bit pink as he lowered his eyes but followed after Graves.<br>&nbsp;<br>Nero looked to Megan/Zaldira, "Shall we be off then?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>14-02-2017, 21:41:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				After all the combat finally ceased and only the moans of pain left from the surviving bandits, Zal put her guns back into holsters under armor. The wind barrier instantly disappeared, throwing away some dust and trash that gathered around it due to air currents and vortexes.<br><em>"That was a little bit different from what I had in mind..."</em> Said Zal, exmanining the whole room. She didn't have the need to look around, so from the outside she was staring right at the Nero and Crash. Her beak-like "helmet" facing right at them.<br><em>"Same here. But, I guess this will have to do."</em> Meg answered and let out a heavy sigh.<br><em>"Time to switch places again then. The authorities will come soon..."</em> Zal started the sentence, but Meg finished it for her:<br><em>"...And we don't want to get caught. Who knows if they are hunting us down or not."</em><br>Zal walked over closer to the group. She kind of ignored question asked by Crash, neither did she say anything while Nero was talking. She didn't want to interrupt him. His voice was soothing. Meg didn't interfere either, even though her opinion on both men was slightly different.<br><br>Just moments before the "authorities" entered the cantina, Zal gave full control of the body back to Meg. The metalic-looking armor instantly turned into fleshy moist substance and started quickly crawling from all over Meg's body to somewhere on her back, under the jacket. In a few seconds, all of it was gone, like nothing was even there. And without leaving any stains or anything like flesh usually should. She just fixed her hair as it seemed to be the only thing that kind of "messed up" because of this transformation. Since Meg was in control, her eyes were normal, human.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"You are absolutely right. Now is not the time"</em> She nod at the doors as they opened up with the soldiers barging in. <br>The rest of the situation, Meg remained absolutely silent, not to attract attention. Only when Nero finally introduced her to the captain, she smiled a bit.<br><em>"Just look at his stupid facial hair..."</em>&nbsp; Zal let out silent laugh, but in a second or two stopped herself.<br><em>"I know, right?"</em>&nbsp; Meg barely held back a slight snicker by pressing her lips a bit tighter.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Nice to meet you too."</em>&nbsp; She answered to Dirk and looked at Crash. Even though his overly-active nature was a bit of annoying, he was indeed saying the right things now.<br><em>"Finally, something clever out of this loudmouth."</em> Zal yawned - obviously as a show-off, not because she was sleepy or anything.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"West harbor, you say? Well, my shuttle is on the south side, so I will need to go get it to dock with... What was your ship called..?"</em>&nbsp; Meg "answered" Nero's question about getting out of here already.<br><em>"Steel Condor, you silly..."</em> Zal helped a little bit. And without letting anyone answer, Meg continued:<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Ah, Steel Condor... Right. I guess we will talk later, when we are out of here... See you soon then."</em><br><br>And they left the "crime scene" at last.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC note to readers</div><div class="spoiler_body">The thing with this post being kind of "rushed"... Is because of how we(both me and Emperor) kind of put ourselves in a bit of a difficult position. Both he and I made huge posts that encorporate A TONN of action. And as a result - a tonn of TIME passes in our posts. So trying to kind of make it look normal and work together is a bit difficult. From this point, the posts will be kind of shorter, simplier. And this post is just a way to finally move on from this difficult situation, change place and time. Finally start with a slightly new style.<br></div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>02-03-2017, 07:40:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The group had finally left the chaotic scene within the now hanging doors of the<em> Tipsy Turvian Pub</em> after leaving their fare share of rubble behind. Temporarily they had split up to later reconvene at the West Harbor once Zal and Meg had retrieved their own craft. In the meanwhile, the men were staying busy and setting preparations for take off...<br><br>"That's the last of the provision crates. We should be set for some time, unless fatass over there gets the munchies." Crash Graves snickered at Captain Dirk's expense. The pilot shoved a crate into the final empty space among the rest of the pantry cargo and breathed a heavy sigh of relief, turning and hopping up onto one to take a momentary break. While he struck up his favorite bad habit of smoking, Nero scribbled down a few notes on his checklist clipboard and nodded approvingly, setting the digital pen and board aside on a shelf.<br><br>Dirk frowned and bent his lips into a disappointed frown under the thick bushy mustache, "I'll have you know I'm in prime shape. I perform five hundred squats daily before starting my journey each morning." <br><br><br>"Sad part is I almost believe that." Graves grumbled, snapping his metal lighter box shut with a quick flick of his wrist, producing a loud metallic clink.<br><br>They had been joined by the ship engineer Ratchet, the second eldest crew member next to the Captain, a hairy orange bearded Raglick. His race was one of humanoid appearance, with ogre-like strength and build and three iris's within one eyeball. Ratchet was merely half Raglick, so his height and size had been diminished compared to others of his kind, but his physical strength was still impressive and his obsession with mechanics was worth every unit spent to keep him aboard. <br><br>"I've never even heard of anything remotely like this creature." He mumbled, looking at a very crude drawing Crash had drawn on a napkin with a marker when they explained the story to him. "You said you're sure she's not an Exile? Because the armor-"<br><br>"I'm positive. We don't need to elaborate on Exiles anymore than necessary." Nero cut him off quickly, crossing his arms and leaning back on the supply crates. <br><br>"So we're supposed to trust that thing on your hunch?" Crash quipped, hissing blue mist from his nostrils. <br>"In this matter yes. Believe it or not Graves, there was a time when we trusted you a great deal less than we do now." Nero replied, looking out the cargo bay door at the harbor. Ships were landing and taking off, coming and going, and in great numbers. Nero figured the Legion had something to do with that. Pirates and smugglers were always on edge around the Legion. <br><br>"I suppose you got a point there. Fine, but I'm keeping a sharp eye on that dame until we know more about whatever she is." Crash lamented, laying back along a crate and folding his arms under his head, one leg dangling off the box. <br><br>For now they would take a brief respite while awaiting Meg and Zal's arrival.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>07-03-2017, 11:26:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"We need a plan."</em> Meg walked to the hangar bay, at a really fast pace, sometimes pushing away the slow walking aliens.<br><em>"Yes, we do. But the first and top priority thing... Step zero, so to speak..."</em> Zal began her usual rant, letting Meg finish the sentence.<br><em>"I know. Don't attract attention."</em> Meg let out a sigh and slowed down her walking. She got to the hangar's ID-check anyway. She gave her pass card she got here to the officer and after a brief moment, went further inside. Towards the shuttle.<br><em>"Exactly. So now, after that is done, lets take one step at a time. First, we need to dock with their ship. The Condor."</em> Zal was unusually calm today, while most of the time it is Meg who keeps the "cool head".<br><em>"Yes. You do that. You are the pilot."</em> Meg was obviously nerveous, even tripped on the ramp when she was getting inside the shuttle.<br><em>"Meg, please. Calm down. And tell me, what is wrong..."</em> Zal asked in the same calm voice.<br><em>"Ok..."</em> Meg sat down in the pilots seat and relaxed, but not yet giving control of the body to Zal. <em>"Before this, we didn't travel too far from Earth. So there were less alien species, less interaction with others, there were just two of us in our travels, no team... And there was no this... What do you call em?"</em><br><em>"Legion."</em><br><em>"Yes, the Legion. They remind me of something... Not quite pleasing from my past, ok?"</em><br><em>"It will all be ok, Meg. I will protect you. Both of us."</em> Silent squishing sounds were heard as Meg's hands covered in that same fleshy material, forming into the clawed armor, same as in the cantina. The rest of Meg's body remained as is. Zal was now in control of hands and... Well, she hugged Meg... Uh, both of them, at the same time - Meg and herself.<br><em>"Ok, let's go already. We can... Talk about this later."</em> Meg still sounded nerveous and overly active.<br><em>"Meg, I know what you are talking about. Just like you know my fears and my past - I know your's. But yes, if you want to talk about it later - we will."</em> the outer side of Zal's armored hand touched Meg's cheek and rubbed it. <em>"We've been through a lot already and similar situations as well. And each time, one of us has problems... But that's why we have each other."</em><br><em>"Yes... Thank you."</em> A small pause followed as both were sitting in total silence, Zal huging Meg with her alien hands. Well, with Meg's own hands, covered in alien flesh armor... So confusing...<br><em>Now, lets not keep the team and hangar control waiting. Take the wheel, Zal."</em> Meg relaxed, letting Zal control the body now.<br>Zal's fleshy armor went back under the jacket, returning hands to normal state.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"This is shuttle Talon, we are ready for transfer to the West harbor. Permission to take off?"</em> Zal asked in Mag's voice.<br>"Permission granted. But be ready for a security scan upon leaving the station, as usual. Safe travels, Talon." &nbsp;Answered the station control.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Alright. Thank you."</em><br><em>"A scan? You sure it's ok?"</em> Meg sounded worried.<br><em>"Relax, Meg. Everything will be alright. Since we are on a shuttle, the scan is for the illegal goods, not a bioscan of the pilot or passangers. Besides - it's a diplomat shuttle, already forgot?"</em> Zal already took the shuttle up in the air and slowly followed the blinking light into the transfer tunnel. In just mere seconds they will be there.<br><em>"Alright. Then be sure to land and dock us carefully though."</em><br><em>"Its all automated, Meg... You definitely need to learn how to pilot, ok?"</em><br><em>"Yeah... Some day."</em> Answered Mag, feeling how the docking clamps loudly knocked on the hull - shuttle Talon was now docked and prefectly fixed on top of the Condor, with easy access back and forth via a rather hatch - fit for people and medium sized cargo.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>08-03-2017, 06:29:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the Shuttle Talon came into view, the men were notified by the harbor master that their secondary craft was coming in for hitch on. "Well, that break was short lived. Leave it to a woman to screw up the time schedule." Crash griped, hopping down off the crate and adjusting his coat. <br><br>"You are never going to cut her a break, are you?" Nero asked, the rest of the male member squad all rising and picking up their bags, while the first mate pressed the cargo bay door closed from a control panel on the adjacent wall.<br><br>"What's that supposed to mean?" Crash demanded, slipping his hands into his pockets, trailing just behind Nero as they stepped inside the hatchway to the halls of the Condor. <br><br>"It means you're being a dick more than usual. And contrary to what might be taken as a first meeting gone slightly wrong being the reason for your attitude towards Meg, I'm chalking it up to a bout of misplaced attraction." Nero explained as they navigated a pair of corners through the cafeteria. <br><br>"Misplaced attraction? What are you on about?" Graves snapped, removing his coat as they approached the command room, getting down to his usual pilot suit top. <br><br>"It means, you are attracted to her physical appearance, yet feel unequipped to be capable of earning any affections at all from the female specimen, thus generating a false front that symbolizes vanity and distaste for her in order to earn likewise attentions in return." Nero went on at length until Crash couldn't stand to hear anymore.<br>"Would you just stop!! Hold on just a damn moment! Can't you just drop the whole sophisticated and experienced, confident ego and just come out and say what any of that shit means?" Graves demanded, hopping into his seat and firing up the main engines for take-off. <br><br>"Nero is saying you subconsciously want to have a sexual experience with the new enforcer but she doesn't like you and so you pretend to not like her in order to get that attention." Captain Mansteele explained from his large seat at the top of the small room in the back, flipping through a book casually, deeply entrenched in the story within. He hoped he could knock off a couple of chapters before dinner.<br><br>Crash slowly turned his head to the back, glaring at the captain in utter silence before looking to Nero, jerking a thumb over his shoulder, "Did I just get owned by Captain numbnuts?"<br><br>Nero rolled out his charts on the desk in front of him, setting up his work station with a wry smirk, "More like pwned, I believe the expression goes." <br><br>Graves shook his head and focused on getting the ship off the port and into the outer atmosphere, "Crazy. You're all fuckin' crazy. Me want her, <em>pfft</em>!"<br><br>Nero hung up his own long coat and left the room, going venturing through the halls to find Meg, and help her get settled in to her new ship. He reached the adjoining hatchway between the ships, tapping lightly on the door with a pair of his knuckles, a small light pleasant smile on his face. "Anyone home?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>09-03-2017, 08:31:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zal gave control over the body back to Meg. She stood up from the pilot seat right away.<br><em>"I still don't get it. You are not afraid of flying when I am in control, with no actual vehicle, just our powers... But afraid of piloting a ship?"</em> Zal asked once again. She wondered about it for years already, asking from time to time. And stll, no answer to that. Even though two of them are so close... Lierally in one body.<br><em>"And you are afraid of swiming in places deeper than a puddle or a bathtub. But never revealed why as well."</em> Meg parried the question.<br><em>"Alright, you win this time."</em> Zal answered and let out a sigh. Meg has a point. Even with the bodysharing through all these years, there are still secrets. Not ready to be revealed.<br>Meg walked over to their small backpack on the bed and started putting some essentials into it - a couple of mags for the guns, a grindstone for the blades, a bottle of water, small ration for one meal... Why? Just in case. This backpack is rather small anyway, so that's about all that would fit in. Oh, and an e-book. Even though they agreed to be using the shuttle as the room, opposed to quarters on the ship itself - who knows, maybe she'll stay on the ship longer today.<br><em>"Someone's at the door."</em> Zal let Meg to be in silence for some time, as well as having some private thought of her own. In the first few years of them sharing the body they learned how to do that for small periods of time.<br><em>"I hear it."</em> Meg finished the packing and walked over to the hatch on on the floor. Tap of a heel on a panel and the hatch slid to the side, opening a "tube" down, with a ladder. The standart ship-to-shuttle transfer bridge, nothing special. And also, who needs a ladder... Meg simply jumped down. The fall was not too big, simply through the ship's thick armored hull to the top deck, but still is quite problematic for a human, especially due to artificial gravity. Not for Meg and Zal. The landing was careful, slient, like a feather on the wind.<br>At the bottom of the transfer tube, there is a small room(just slightly bigger than the tube itself), with just an emergency hazard suit on one wall and a single door on the other. A tap on the wall control panel and the door slid aside.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Yes, we are here."</em> Meg looked at Nero, then at the ship's interior around him. <strong>(A)</strong><em>"Are we out yet? We have problems with bigger ships such as this one - can't feel if we are moving or not. Unless we look out the window, obviously."</em><br><em>"Speak for yourself though, I don't have problem with that..."</em> If Zal could, she'd raise her nose up, taking pride in that "skill" over Meg. But she had no nose now, so... It was only the intonation she was using.<br><em>"Don't you lie to me, Zal. I know you do."</em> Meg answered and a subtle smile apeared on her face. On her actual face, not just in her mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>09-03-2017, 10:04:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nero smiled quietly and folded his hands behind his back slowly. It was the sort of pose a commanding officer might take, no doubt a habit he had in a previous career, "Yes, we just exited the station's atmosphere void minutes ago. We're traveling at a steady speed of warp five, the Condor tends to travel rather smoothly at this rate so it would be unlikely to notice at first." A wry smirk formed at the corner of his mouth, "So I assume by 'we', you mean your other sentient lifeform the ship sensors failed to detect? Had I not seen your abilities earlier, I would have been left to assume you had come alone on this venture, Miss Jefferson. At which point did you plan to inform us that you were bringing a Symbiote aboard our vessel?"<br><br>There was no hostility in his tone, but rather, a curious attempt at humor. Perhaps Nero was teasing Megan in a playful banter of words? <br><br>He turned and walked along with the female, beginning their tour through the ship, "While the men were absolutely befuddled by your transformation, I spent quite a great deal of time contemplating the way you functioned during that combat routine. Reflexes, targeting, spacial awareness and energy manipulations. All specs were vastly impressive. But to be aware as you were during the bar brawl of the incoming hazards, I doubted that one mind alone could process so much on even a subconscious level. There had to be two drivers behind the wheel, so to say. That would explain the ever near impossible micro-second delay in your actions." He grinned lightly, glancing to her, his eyes soft, "I have an unfortunate ability to notice things at incredibly small levels. Ever heard of a micro-expression? It's an expression reflex of the muscles. Natural eyes are unable to spot such quick movements. It took me some time to realize that my theory was a bit off. You had no delay in your nerves, rather the timed delay of expression was actually more than one thought process occurring; you were having a second conversation with an unseen presence." <br><br>They passed by the dining center, a large room with a kitchen in the back, Nero made a quick explanation before they moved on and he returned to the former conversation.<br><br>"I only finally understood just now when you mentioned a plural "we" rather than "I" in your statement when asking if the ship had departed port. Symbiotic relationship on an advanced level I never encountered before. Quite amazing if I may say so. Does your partner have a name?" he asked politely, glancing to the ladies again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>09-03-2017, 11:11:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>(A)</strong><em>"Not just "at first", it was always a problem for us. That's why the shuttle is our choice. Up until now..."</em> Meg let out a kind of annoyed sigh. It was obvious that she wasn't really a fan of this change.<br><em>"We need a team, Meg. Or we won't survive out here. Not anymore."</em> Zal backed her up instantly.<br><em>"I know."</em> Meg fixed her backpack as one of the straps slid down a bit. Just a tiny bit, barely noticable. At any other moment, she'd ignore it. But not right now - she was obviously slightly nerveous.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"It isn't exactly a secret from you or the team, since we will be working together... But still, we try to keep it a secret for everyone else. So hopefully you will respect that in case of interaction with others, especially this... Legion."</em> Meg answered Nero's question. Her eyes changed once again - pupil turned into a smal slit, while the blue iris changed color a to a more vivid cyan, reflecting the light of the ship's interior. Almost feels like glowing. <strong>(A)</strong><em>"And we hope that this fact about the two of us...Won't be a problem, not a reason for us to not work together either, Mister Nero."</em> Zal answered in a distorted version of Meg's voice - a bit higher pitch and with a slight echo. Then Meg's eyes went back to normal.<br>They both followed Nero around the ship, examining the rooms he was showing. And, obviously, listening to his monologue.<br><em>"He surely is your type of a man, Meg... Clever, as well as seems like a gentleman judging already by his speech and posture."</em><br>Meg didn't answer Zal, but her cheeks kind of blushed a bit. Perhaps it's due to her being dressed in a leather jacket and Condor having a bit of a higher internal temperature... Suuuuure it is that, yes yes. It's nothing more.<br><br>She also kept silent, listening to him talk all the way up to his last questions.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"It's not exacly symbiotic... Or maybe it is. we don't really know. Neither do we care about scientific part of it. In short - we are dependant on each other. So don't worry, we won't try to assimilate your or anything. There is just the two of us. With will to survive."</em> Meg said, then the eyes changed again.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"And no plans to infect you with some brain parasites to control you or anything like that. Heard about that - so disgusting... But yes, I am glad you asked... I am Zaldira Horas. And I am more than just a symbiote. It's a rather... Long story, perhaps another time, if you don't mind."</em> Zal streteched Meg's hand for a handshake. Even though... Zal and Meg share the senses as well, so when Meg shook Nero's hand back there, at the bar, Zal technically did that as well... So confusing. But at least the eyes are a dead giveaway about who's in control now.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>09-03-2017, 12:18:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a time, Nero was quiet and attentive. Observant to the way Megan reacted on the outside to him. The change in tone and appearance in one of the pupils oddly did not jump him in the slightest. He shook the others hand without hesitation. <br><br>"I'm certain your <em>secret</em> won't be an issue. You see ladies," he touched an adjacent window and dragged his fingertips along the highly reinforced surface, peering into the distant sea of stars, "everyone aboard this ship is unique. We all carry our own little quirk. Something we'd rather everyone else not know. Captain Dirk has assembled one of the best crews I've had the pleasure of being a part of. Even those of us with rather...obnoxious manners. Let me just say that, first appearances are not what they seem aboard the Steel Condor." <br><br>Meg had brought up the Legion earlier. Nero felt like explaining that a bit further, for his eyes surely showed an indifference toward the mere mention of the word, but there would be a time and place for that. "We'll be leaving Legion territory on this course. Most of our travels are assured a degree of less trouble working with the borders of the Galactic Confederation. The Legion is <em>difficult</em> to work with." he mused icily. <br><br>"I think I should like to hear your story, from both perspectives, Meg and Zaldira." Nero changed the subject, both walking now toward the main control command deck, "Perhaps over a drink in the evening sometime. After all, friendly fraternizing and social activity is encouraged aboard the Condor, and we're all looking forward to learning more about our new recruit." He grinned at her, his eyes reflecting the lights from above. <br><br>*Psshh*<br><br>The control room door slid open. <br><br>Crash Graves was making his way out in a huff when he bumped into Megan abruptly. "Hey, watch where you're-" he stopped when he saw whom he had bumped into, blinking a moment and trailing off, a look in his eyes. <br><br>"Crash. Ever true to his name." Nero commented, lifting one eyebrow, "Where are you off to in such a rush?"<br><br>"I...er..." Crash looked between Nero and Meg, scratching the back of his neck, "I just...grrr...it's none of your business, how about that?!"<br><br>"Fair enough, I was only inquiring because I'm showing Megan and Zaldira-"<br>"Who?"<br>"The name of Megans partner, the one who assisted us in the bar brawl." Nero explained. <br>"Oh...right. Well, anyway, I gotta go. No time or whatever." Graves growled, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. <br>"That's unfortunate, I was hoping you could join us-" Nero began again.<br>"Look, its been a long day and I'm tired alright! I need a shower so if you'll excuse me!!" Graves shoved off abruptly, stomping away. <br><br>Nero watched him go before looking at Meg pleasantly, "...He's actually quite charming when you get to know him." With that, he led the two inside the control room, where Captain Dirk was at the helm, attempting to understand the controls again. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>09-03-2017, 13:56:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>(A)</strong><em>"That is good. I am sure we will have a great time working together then."</em> Meg told Nero after he shortly explained about the rest of the team and them having quirks.<br><em>"Still, we need to be careful, ok? Don't get too attached to them. Just in case."</em> Zal tried to act all tough and wiser, but the truth is...<br><em>"Well, it was you who told me to spare that "cute alien" last time, ya know... We lost that job and our ship because of that."</em> She was no different than Meg. Doing same mistakes, same dumb things, influenced by shared feelings.<br><em>"Point taken."</em> And as always, no matter who is wrong in the situation or argue, they always come to a peaceful conclusion. They are together forever after all. Unless they want to end their lives by separating from each other.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"We just don't know much about them, but from the rumors we heard, the Legion is the organization we should stay away from. Me and Megan, I mean. Oh, and call her Megan... Meg is just for the two of us."</em><br>&nbsp;The eyes changed to Zal's, but the second she stopped talking, they went back to normal.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Don't worry, she's just being overprotective... But yes, for now call me Megan please... Thank you."</em> Meg awkwardly smiled and blushed again. Fortunately she finished the sentence before walking into Crash. That was unexpected, but she easily stood her ground, without even shaking. So it was more like Crash... crashed into her like into a wall. Meg may look like a fragile woman on the outside, but bond with Zal gives her way more strength then usual even without the armor "on".<br><br>They both kept silent during the talk of Nero and Crash, but as soon as he left...<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Well, uh... He is definitely weird from what I can see."</em><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"I agree on that. And... We should stop talking separately."</em><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Yes, I will speak from now on. My voice is less creepy. Without the echo..."</em><br><em>"You never said my voice is creepy to you..."</em><br><em>"I told you, multiple times. No offense."</em><br><em>"Its fine, don't worry. I guess you are right. Although in my protection, I might say - my actual voice is different!"</em><br><em>"Well guess what, I know. You are in our head right now, speaking YOUR actual voice. The creepy one is when you speak using my voice... It gets distorted like crazy and sounds creepy!"</em><br>Meg-Zal entered the control room, following Nero's lead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>09-03-2017, 15:07:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nero, Megan and Zaldira arrived on the main deck, the first mate giving her a quick display of the control room. "As you can see, our fearless Captain is ever vigilant. His dedication to the role as leader has him in here quite often." Nero explained, the captain overhearing and looking up from the pilot seat.<br><br>"Oh hello!" Grinned Dirk, his mustache curling above his upper lip and nearly perfectly lined teeth, "Getting the tour of the ship already? Nero moves fast! Try not to overload her with too much on the first day, my faithful co-captain!"<br>"Naturally, sir." Nero nodded with a smaller smile, "Any reason for Crash's abrupt exit?" His eyes showed slight concern for the pilot.<br>Dirk made a little frown, a pensive look on his face, taking a moment to think it over, "Well, no really. I asked him a few questions about the piloting system, then he saw the camera monitors in the hall with you two coming and took off in a hurry. I tried to ask him if something was the matter but he made some rebuttal about my mother. Funny thing is, I didn't think he knew my mother." <br>Nero stared blankly at the Captain and at length finally winced and rubbed the bridge of his nose, uttering a long sigh from his mouth, "...Patience Nero...patience..." <br>Captain Dirk shrugged and looked to Megan, "I hope you find everything you need while aboard the Condor. I personally cook the meals around here, so I hope you'll be hungry later." <br>"Captain, what is our next destination?" Nero asked, looking down at his charts, tracking their current position.<br>"Planet Zeda-12, Galactic Federation territory. We're being asked to assist the Aquarian-like beings there with some sort of trouble. No details were given when I answered the job request, so I don't know what we'll be going up against yet. Either way, we have a five hour trip ahead." answered Dirk, flipping a page.<br>Nero nodded and folded his arms, "Fair enough. More than enough time. I think I can fit a session in. Is the V.R. chamber available?"<br>"Affirmative. Why don't you take the new recruit along?" Dirk suggested.<br>Nero looked to Megan and Zaldira, "We had a virtual training room built into our ship. It's perfect for physical training or tactical practice. It runs a simulation program based on the users mindset and allows them to set a difficulty level of their own design." He glanced to the captain for a brief moment and back to her, "...Unfortunately...I never go in with anyone, for safety reasons. So for now I'll be taking a short leave, but I'll see you at dinner. Feel free to explore the ship or socialize with the rest of the crew members. Our ship engineer Ratchett is down below in the engine room, and of course Crash is...probably crashing around the halls somewhere." With a quick hasty bow, Nero excused himself from the room.<br>The Captain looked up from the controls, "Don't know what it is about him. I've tried my best to get Nero to rely on the team more, but sometimes he just...plays the lone wolf card. Absolutely will not train or work with anyone." <br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>The hot water steamed over Crash Graves. His hair matted down running over tanned skin. His mouth was hung open, heaving for breath, his veins rigid along his neck. One hand pressed to the wall to support his weight. <br>"Aggghh...." his voice groaned, his eyelids closed, full of imagery. The vision of Megan's mouth full of his member, bobbing her head back and forth. A steady yet tantalizingly slow motion. Her hands resting against his upper thighs. Their eyes making momentary contact before she continued. <br>"Ahhh.....ahhhhh....unngghh!!" he suddenly cried out, his hand clenching his rigid throbbing cock and pumping the shaft fiercely. The head exploded with a fierce burst of hot white semen, Crash's legs buckling a moment as he struggled to contain himself. His heat leaking from the cap and through his fingers, mixing into the swirling water below. <br><br>Crash put his head to the shower wall, cursing his luck. Some days he really wished he wasn't a sex addict. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>14-03-2017, 12:44:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"So, both that Crash AND the weird captain can pilot the ship. Good."</em> Meg noted captain's actions.<br><em>"Oh no, you won't get away from learning to pilot some day. I will teach you."</em> if Zal could, she'd grin slightly - there was an "implied smile" in her intonation though.<br>They both listened to the captain/first officer dialog in silence, but...<br><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"A training room? Great! Heard of those before, but we never tried."</em> Meg let Zal say it out loud, feeling her excitement about it. And obviously the eyes and voice changed too, as usual. And stayed that way for now, up until Nero left and they were left alone with the captain.<br><br>Zal seemed to have missed the words about Aquarian beings or prefered not to show it... But Meg felt her uneasyness. Her eyes and voice returned to normal again, Meg was back in control.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"So, who are these aquarian beings? Judging by the name - it's something about water, right?"</em><br><em>"Please don't..."</em><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Any details?"</em><br>Right now, Meg was more concerned with Zal, over any and all reasons on why Nero left, why he is like that, etc... She knows him and this whole crew so little, while Zal is part of her. And if something is troubles her - it's the most important thing. And she knows that the feeling is mutual, if the situation would have been reversed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>14-03-2017, 13:17:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dirk folded a page at the corner of the manual and closed both halves of the book together. Placing the tome down on the table he faced Meg, explaining more at length, "Zeda-12 is an aquatic planet. There are a few landmasses but the nearest sun makes it far too hot for life to exist above water level. Down below the surface is the capital city of the sea dwelling creatures, shielded by a large bubble dome. The dome allows for protection against large predators, acts as an oxygen filter for non-aquatic organisms to venture in and visit. The Aquarians...or at least that's a nickname we've given them due to their natural habitat, have a formal name for their species based on whatever culture they belong to. Their civilization is in the middle of a civil struggle. You see, the Zeda Aquarians are split into two races, red or blue. Those of red skin are more tribal warrior-like. Those of the blue are more enlightened with magical abilities. Science has yet to explain their miracles so we let them get away with calling it magic. But that is the least of their problems."<br><br>Bringing up a searchpad, Dirk typed in a request for information on Zeda-12 inhabbitants. A display of mermen and mermaids appeared on the visual hologram hovering in the center of the room. Mansteele rose up and stood next to Meg, elaborating a bit more with a gesture of his hand, "On Zeda-12, the ruling monarch is The Untouched Queen. Always a queen, and always a virgin, to protect her ability to foresee future events. She is a sort of oracle to her people. She may marry, establish a King as her royal aide, but the king would have no power in governing. When the oracle reaches a certain age, she can foresee her next heir, and finds a young mermaid to take her place as the next oracle and ruling queen. Unfortunately, the last queen seems to have passed away suddenly, and our assistance is being requested for some reason."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>16-03-2017, 11:03:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>(A)</strong><em>"What, they want us to... Find a new heir?"</em> Meg looked at the hologram of the planet.<br><em>"I don't like this planet..."</em> Whispered Zal silently, but Meg obviously heard that due to the whispers being in her head.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"Or they want us to find out why the previous queen died? We are detectives now?"</em> Meg switched her attention at captain.<br><br><em>"That facial hair is ridiculous..."</em> Meg held back a slight chuckle on the outside, her face remained calm, but she did it in her mind at least.<br><em>"Ask about water..."</em> Zal didn't accept the subject change from the damned water planet to damned facial hair. Water is way more important now!<br><em>"Don't worry, Zal. Everything is going to be fine. We'll make it through. And maybe some day you'll expla..."</em> Meg didn't finish, Zal interrupted her.<br><em>"Not now... No."</em> Zal seems to be pretty nervous. Meg felt that not only from her words and intonation, but sensing her feelings, her surface thoughts too.<br><em>"Its ok, I'm not talking about now. Calm down."</em><br><em>"I'm sorry, Meg... I just need a minute."</em> Zal tried to calm down. Meg felt how she suddenly stopped thinking. It almost felt like... Zal was gone. Completely. That there is only one mind in Meg's head now, only her's... That felt terrifying after all these years of sharing. But as soon as Meg's heart started beating faster due to this unpleasant emptiness, Zal was back.<br><em>"Why is your heart beating like crazy?"</em> She asked. Meg could basically feel how Zal's hand touches her cheek. What is that, "sensory hallucinations", produced by the mind? After all, all human senses are actually processed by the brain. And since their minds are in a bond... But this never happened before! So weird...<br><em>"Please don't do that anymore. We need a better way of calming down. Without hiding from each other like you just did."</em> Due to this unpleasant moment, Meg kind of lost attention to what the captain was answering. But as soon as Zal was back, she switched her attention back at him. They both did, actually.<br><em>"Let's... Discuss it later. The captain is speaking after all."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>16-03-2017, 13:43:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dirk touched his chin, twitching that ever thick mustache back and forth a few times, "It could be a matter of both situations perhaps. The Aquarians wouldn't call upon the services of Captain Dirk Mansteele and the crew of the Steel Condor unless it were something that they themselves were unable to discern or handle with their own capabilities. Remember, these people are a very enlightened race. If they were worried that something played a part in the sudden death of their monarch, they would have surely poured all their resources into discerning the cause and the culprit. Given that tensions are always high between the tribal warrior breeds and the enlightened ones during the time of throne replacement, I can expect we'll be walking into a very high strung situation. We must do everything we can to keep the situation as peaceful and as relaxed as possible. Our presence there could be as mediators or judges. We'll only know more once we get there."<br><br><br>The captain of the Steel Condor turned to the newest hire and offered her the digital pad, "If you wish to do more research, use this tablet anywhere aboard the ship. It will grant access to the digital database and archives. From there, you can view ship logs, crew profiles, even check your own digital mail messages. We're working on turning the pads into smaller scouting devices you can wear over your eye or ear for convenience, but that device won't be ready for a bit until Ratchet finishes the final touches with Nero. Our co-captain is very intelligent when it comes to designing our tech, and our engineer is the one who actually builds the equipment. Oh, and just a premature warning, it is not uncommon for...well you see...our <em>female</em> hires used to receive a <em>lot</em> of <em>nude</em> imagery from our pilot,<em> Mr. Crash Graves</em>. Now, <em>technically</em> this is a form of <em>sexual harassment</em> and we of the Steel Condor <em>do not</em> condone such behavior. If this happens, be sure to block him on your mailing list and report it to myself or Nero right away." <br><br>Dirk smiled and folded his hands behind his back formally, his broad chest widening as he did so with his large physique. "So, how are you adapting to your new position on the ship? If there is everything anything you might require or need, I want you to feel free to ask of it at anytime. I, Captain Dirk Mansteele, take great pride in my crew and my vessel. I want to make sure the both of you are feeling right at home here on the Steel Condor." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>20-03-2017, 12:19:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"He is very talkative, isn't he..."</em> Zal would yawn, if she could.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Don't worry, we can handle ourselves in case of so called "sexual harrasment" of such kind."</em> Meg accepted the pad from captain's hands and examined it all around, poked a few times on buttons here and there.<br><em>"Remember how YOU broke that poor guy's hand though..?"</em> Meg could almost feel Zal's "implied" pat on the shoulder.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"So unless he will try to actually touch us - we'll do just fine with this kind of "harrassment". That is not a problem."</em> Meg put away the pad into a pocked on the inner side of the jacket. While doing that, she obviously "flashed" one of her guns and daggers hanging in the holster under jacket.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"So far, everything is perfectly fine. You have a nice ship, captain. I don't think we have any questions so far. If you do have questions yourself though - you are free to ask and we'll answer. You're the captain after all... After that we'll go meet your mechanic."</em> Meg gestured towards the exit from the bridge.<br><em>"Ask him if he always talks weir~"</em> Zal whispered, but got interrupted.<br><em>"Rude."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>21-03-2017, 16:03:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dirk Mansteele proudly saluted his new shipmate, though the salute wasn't necessary seeing as the ship didn't have a formal salute in the first place, "I'm sure the crew will have plenty of questions for you at dinner. You're quite the talk of the ship already with your curious and amazing talents. I think you'll be a fine addition to the Steel Condor, and we'll be proud to call you one of our own! No go out there and make me proud!" He turned to make a dramatic and dashingly awesome hero exit, the only way that someone as heroic and manly as Dirk Mansteele could.<br><br>...And walked face first into a metal wall, "<em>Ooof!!</em>"<br><br>Rubbing his nose and letting a quiet yet sore grunt out, he blushed a deep scarlet and glanced around momentarily at Meg, remaining awkwardly silent a moment while he struggled to come up with an explanation, "...Used to be a door here...must be...Ratchet moved it...over there. Yes. Will take a bit of getting used to, but I'll get it down....good day." With wide eyes at his own humiliation, Captain Dirk Mansteele turned to the right and exited through the <em>proper</em> door, still holding his near flawless nose.<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Ratchet was busy tinkering down below in the ships engineering department. On the table laid out before him was a cluster of parts and blueprint design Nero had brought to him days ago. The humanoid alien blinked all three of his eyes and growled as he tried to make sense of the project. His beefy hands picking up this part and that, trying to solve the current issue he was facing.<br><br>"Curse that Scourge Nero!! He can't just bring me an idea and expect me to build it on the fly! If that wasn't rude enough, now I have to assemble it from this pile o' junk and nothing else! Who does he think he is?! Hmph! Should leave the weapon building to the real professionals, that's what I say!" <br><br><br>He let out a few more grumbles and slipped on his safety goggles, placing a pair of parts together and taking his soldering iron to the metallic surface, gradually melting the metal together with a small wisp of smoke under his face.<br><br>The odd thing about Nero was that these ideas he always brought to Ratchet always <em>worked</em> when constructed properly. Ratchet didn't know where the Scourge got these ideas, but sometimes it scared him to think that Nero was actually a lot more intelligent than he let on, even more so that he was capable of fabricating such incredibly powerful weaponry on the fly. Knowledge like that wasn't easily obtained within the ranks of Galactic Armada, no, that sort of knowledge was a specialists talent. Now this new face on board...no telling how dangerous this creature could be aside from the stories he'd heard already from the men in their brief shootout at the pub earlier.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>22-03-2017, 09:54:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"I hope we won't regret this..."</em> Said Zal, seeing all the situation with captain faceplanting the wall instead of going out the door.<br><em>"Captain is surely weird, but something tells me he's... Not really the one in charge."</em> Meg waved at the captain and smiled, but said nothing.<br><em>"What do you mean?"</em> <br><em>"I just have this strange feeling... Oh, nevermind."</em> Meg shook her head and also left the bridge.<br><em>"No, tell me. Maybe I"m just not seeing things like you do."</em> Zal either was playing with Meg or honestly didn't understand.<br><em>"You see, he can be the face of the crew, while another person controls him behind the back. We seen on the news that This Mansteele is a hero and all, right? Don't you think it's a bit too much of a show-off? To throw bright and shiny stuff into people's eyes to cover up the actual truth."</em> Meg walked over to the engineering part of the ship pretty fast.<br><em>"Well, I mean, It's kind of makes sense, but... Oh well, we'll see how it goes. But still, let's be ready for anything, ok?"</em> Zal didn't say much, seeing how Meg already aproached yet another crewmember already.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Hey, uh... You are Ratchet, the engineer, yes?"</em> Meg smiled and looked over at the table and blueprints - just a glance, nothing else. <strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Nice to meet you. We are the new crewmembers."</em> She extended her hand for a handshake.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>24-03-2017, 02:32:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ratchet lifted his eyes up at the sound of the new enforcer's voice, his third eye staring down at his project while his hands continued working. He took a moment to size her up as it were, seeing as this was the first time he was seeing her. A third arm slowly extended from the folds of his jacket and out through the front of the vest, taking her hand and shaking it firmly with respect.<br><br>"So you're the new girl. From the way the guys were talking, I thought you'd be taller." he smirked, teasing her with a little joke playfully. He was a little surprised that someone so pleasant looking could be become some sort of highly armored and weaponized fighter in mere seconds. "Heard all about your little dance down at the Tipsy Turvian Pub. They say you're quite the sight in a skirmish. I'd like to see you work sometime. Get a look at that armor of yours. Maybe get a little sample to tinker with." <br><br>He chuckled released her hand, his third arm slipping back into the confines of the vest. He took a moment to place the half baked project in his hands down, before lifting up his goggles onto his forehead and resting his hands on his hips. "Yep, my name is Ratchet, and I'm the guy who does all the fine tuning aboard this vessel. You got something you want fixed? Bring it on by and I'll have a gander at it. I also do the occasional upgrades to anything the crew requires, but only after I've been bribed with a good cup of tea. Ever since the wars, getting your hands on a good bag of tea has been a bitch around these parts, what with the blockades closing down trade routes and all."<br><br>He turned around and grabbed a small piece of pastry cake from his snack box, turning and tossing Meg one, "Alright, so spill the beans. What's your story new one? You both got names? Where y'all come from? You getting used to things on the Condor? Met everyone yet? I admit, we're a weird bunch, but we grow on you after a while. Except Graves, he's a prick." He casually chewed on a bite of his cake.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>28-03-2017, 14:01:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"So many questions..."</em><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Well, you certainly have a lot of questions... Are you sure you really want to know all of that in one go?"</em> Meg felt kind of awkward, her cheeks blushed a bit even. But just a bit!<br><em>"Calm down, Meg, it's just questions. Oh and..."</em><br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"I am sorry, I'm afraid we can't give you any samples to "tinker" with. First of all, you don't seem like a biologist or doctor..."</em> Meg alllowed Zal to speak for a moment. The eyes changed and the voice distorted as usual.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"That is rather rude, Zal... And yeah, names. My name is Megan. And that was Zaldira..."</em> Meg interrupted Zal, but due to being somehow nerveous about this whole conversation(not many people were so interested in her in a long time, asking so many questions...), she let Zal speak again, not being able to hold her back. Eyes changed back and forth as Meg or Zal were taking control of the body.<br><strong>(A)</strong><em>"So like I said, we can't give you any samples. After all, you woldn't cut off your own third arm here to give it for studies to someone, am I right?"</em> Zal smiled. Well, with Meg's face, obviously. And for now, remained in charge, while Meg was a little bit confused.<br><em>"Zal, you are being rude... Stop it, please?"</em> <br><em>"No, I'm not."</em><br><em>"Then let me speak to him instead. Okay?"</em> Meg gathered all her will in a clenched fist(not literally, but in her mind) and pushed back Zal to the pasanger seat. The eyes went back to normal, as well as the voice too.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"I'm sorry for Zaldira here. She's sometimes a bit rude to people."</em><br><em>"No, I'm not!"</em> Zal exclaimed, but Meg decided to ignore this interruption.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"We spent far too much time together, with just the two of us. Not used to so much interaction with others."</em> Meg awkwardly scratched the back of her head. A moment of weakness, like any person can have in their life at some point, in conversations especially.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"And now suddenly, a whole team, a new ship... It's rather confusing for now. We just need a bit of time to adjust."</em><br><em>"Maybe to you it is..."</em> Whispered Zal.<br><em>"What?"</em><br><em>"Nope. Not talking to ya."</em> Zal sounded a little bit insulted.<br><em>"Alright..."</em> Meg made an implied shrug in her mind. Zal obviously understood it. <em>"But you still need to be a bit more friedly to people."</em><br><em>"I'd like to hear what you'd say if someone suggested to cut off a piece of you and disect it like a test subject. So no, still not talking to ya."</em> Right now Zal sounded... Scared? That's something new. She obviously was just as nerveous, as Meg is. But at least was better at hiding it - she's not controling the body, she's "inside" after all.<br><em>"Alright..."</em> Meg made another implied shrug in her mind. <em>"Then we'll discuss it later, alright?"</em> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>04-04-2017, 17:30:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ratchet grinned and folded two of his upper arms while the third handled his cake snack. This one was an interesting subject after all. No wonder she had been the talk of the ship ever since her arrival. <br><br>"Well I'll be...a combination of two personalities in one body. Fascinating. I suppose if I were in your shoes I'd be just as hesitant as joining a new crew and adapting to the social atmosphere same as you, having spent more time with each other than anyone else. Now don't be nervous, I was only teasing when I asked about sampling your armor. I assure you that no one aboard this vessel would ever do such a thing to ya. I can easily understand your apprehensiveness all too well. After all, " he pulled open his vest to his left side, revealing a cauterized scar tissue, " the Legion had no trouble at all taking my fourth arm eight years ago. Needed a sacrificial sample for their god. Funny how organized religion works like that. They worship some sort of savior who makes nothing but demands. Rather ironic."<br><br>He closed his vest and fastened the button snug with his thick fingers. <br><br>"I do apologize for so many questions. It's just in my nature. I have a natural curiosity towards the unknown and being an engineer, mechanic, and occasional medic from time to time, I find myself trying to understand or learn as much as possible when the opportunity arises. That and well...not to scare you or anything, but we of the Condor haven't had much luck keeping the fifth member spot of the crew filled for very long. We've had six people attempt so far and each one of them didn't exactly stick around for long. A few died in the course of action, a couple quit early, and one even self-destructed after a pep talk from Captain Mansteele to bolster it's spirit. We didn't think it was possible for a robot to suicide but there you have it."<br><br>He pointed into the corner where the remains of a service droid sat in a heap, the head missing with black scorch marks around the shoulders. <br><br>"Now I may not be in your situation but I can understand it easily enough. I'm practically the only real one of my kind on this ship, the others being human. We're a small crew but we're tight like clockwork. I only hope you come to share that bond with us in time. Rest assured, no one on this ship will harm or attempt harm to you in any way. All are welcome on the Condor." <br><br>Ratchet tossed the last of his cake into his mouth and grabbed a clean white tarp, rolling it out over his work bench and covering up the current project Nero was having him construct. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>05-04-2017, 09:33:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>(A)</strong> <em>"I am sorry about your hand. It was rude what I said, yes. "</em> Meg let Zal take control for now, sensing how she felt after seeing the scar on Ratchet's body.<br><em>"Told you it was rude..."</em> ...but still poked her in the side with a comment. Zal ignored it though, like Meg sometimes did. Well, them both doing that to each other when one or the other being "too witty".<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"We actually didn't encounter this "Legion" up until recently, but I bet they'd want a piece of me too. For tests. Or sacrifices. And I will correct you a little bit... That is nor "armor". We don't call it like that. That is... Well, me. My flesh. Alien to Megan, while she is human. Well, was, until we had to bond to both survive... Without each other we'll die. That's why we so protective of it. Of us both. I just thought to clear this out, since you are curious about it..."</em><br>Finally Zal let go of the "steering wheel, letting Meg finally use her body again.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"I assure you, we are very resilient. We will survive and stay in the crew for good. But I must admit... The captain is a little bit... Strange."</em><br><em>"That's to say it lightly though."</em> Commented Zal, even though Ratched couldn't hear her.<br><em>"Zaaaaaal, don't start getting rude again... We are among other people now, not just the two of us. We need to work on your social skills."</em> Meg tried to be the "voice of reason" again. Even though usually they switched roles in that one, depending on situation.<br><em>"Yeah, yeah... And your piloting skills."</em> Zal couldn't resist teasing Meg.<br><em>"And your swimming..."</em> Meg instantly reflected it back with ease.<br><em>"Ok ok, you win."</em> Zal answered right away, without hesitation as soon as she heard about swimming and water.<br><em>"You will HAVE to tell me at some point..."</em> Meg said after a small pause, sounding very concerned - Zal didn't answer anything, but Meg could feel slight bits of fear from her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>09-04-2017, 23:24:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ratchet looked up from the carefully laid out tarp with slightly widened eyes at the mention of the Captain’s rather odd nature. His cheeks flushed slightly and he stumbled over his words for a moment, “St-strange? Strange you say? I haven’t the faintest idea what you could mean! Captain Dirk Man…Steele…erm…uhm…is as normal a man as there is! Well for a human I mean. I know he is a bit over charismatic but he is absolutely…um…brave and daring…and…everything a captain should be, yes that’s it. He is completely...” his eyes averted, much the way someone trying to fib their way out of a situation would do, “…one hundred percent everything he is said to be. Without a doubt I can say that Captain…is completely legit. Totally. He’s a…hero.” <br><br>Inwardly, Ratchet was near vomiting. Lying this much was killing him.<br><br>Quickly he changed the subject to steer any attention away from the captain and hopefully any suspicion with it. <br><br>“Y’know I better get dinner cooking, I’m on galley duty this week. If I don’t have the food prepped in an hour, our ever patient pilot Crash Graves will set my laboratory on fire again. He does that sort of thing from time to time. It’s a sort of therapy for him.” The engineer explained, turning off the workbench lights and guiding Meg and Zal both out of the workshop. He locked the door behind him with a key code by punching in a few numbers on the security panel before showing Meg along until they reached the kitchen galley, where the engineer set about to cooking. <br><br>Crash Graves was lounging in the adjoining room, stretched out in a chair with his boots up and resting atop another chair. His arms crossed behind his head, eyes closed and chewing on a wooden toothpick. His shaggy crimson hair was still damp from the recent shower, but he was otherwise dressed back into his custom attire, combat pants and a loose fitting sleeveless tan leather vest. A digital holocron hovered not far from him, playing a set playlist of musical tones and songs, most befitting of his personality. Grungy and hard hitting. He opened an eye and watched Ratchet and Meg from across the hall, letting out a simple “Hmph…” before closing it and bobbing his head to the music. <br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>Nero let the droplets of sweat trickle from the tip of his nose. His breath was heavy but his eyes were set as stone as he stared at the rocky ground. His ears were tipped upward, listening intently. One move and it could all be over. He knew this opponent well. His hands trembled as they gripped the pistols in his hands tensely. Not from fear but fatigue. Bodies were spilled about the ground about his feet. He’d lost count already. Their blood was worn on his face and hands. He began to exhale a slow breath when his senses alerted him to a danger at seven o’clock. Spinning around swiftly and bringing the gun up in time he ripped metal through the shadowed figure, dropping it in a hail of bullets before executing a drop and roll to the left, deftly dodging a swiping slash from his previous position. The second assailant chased after him with another lunging strike. Nero parried with his pistols and threw a heel kick, missing by a mere fraction of an inch. The shadowed opponent came at him with a set of blades in each hands. Sparks flashed from the collision of each parry as blades clanged off pistols. Nero caught an arm and drove his knee in to the back, feeling the spine crunch in half from his attack. The opponent managed a painful groan before Nero pulled the figure back across the knee, striking at the exposed throat with the handle of his pistol and feeling the neck break under the force. Nero held the opponent in his arm and pushed the visor helmet open, gazing into the grayed feminine eyes he knew all too well. <br><br>A pebble bounced behind him along the stone ground. <br><br>He spun and pressed the muzzle to the forehead of his neck attacker and pulled the trigger once. The bullet did as the master commanded, firing from the end at point blank range, entering and exiting the skull cleanly. Nero lowered the pistol and looked on with shock. The young child in front of him stared up at the heavily armored ghost with questioning eyes before she collapsed in a heap. Nero dropped the body he was holding and sank to his knees, his eyes misting under his visor. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and spoke clearly so the computer would hear him, “End simulation.”<br><br>The very environment hummed a gentle sound of muffled thunder, an engine winding down, and the scenery disappeared in a matter of seconds. Now he was kneeling alone in an empty room, no longer in his ghostly armor nor carrying any weaponry. He was back on the Condor, alone and catching his breath. <br><br><em>“Subject: Nero,”</em> the computerized AI spoke aloud, narrating the results, <em>“Scenario Alpha. Accuracy: 98 percent. Time: Ten minutes. Objective A: All enemy hostiles eliminated, Complete. Objective B: Safeguard all civilians, Failed. Objective C: Classified, Failed.”</em><br><br>Nero picked himself up slowly and dusted his long coat off, catching his breath and wiping away the mist from his eyes with the back of his hand, taking a breath to steady his nerves and put on his cheerful face. No one would ever see him like this. Not even his most trusted allies. <br><br><em>“Better luck next time, Vice Captain Nero.”</em> The computer chimed with its feminine vocal recording. <br><br>“Of course,” Nero muttered under his breath, heading out the exit, “<em>17th</em> time might be the charm…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>11-04-2017, 10:13:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"There's definitely something wrong with the captain..."</em> Zal stated the obvious.<br><em>"I know, right?"</em> However Meg didn't let out a witty comment about it. She was concerned as well...<br><em>"Let's not jump into conclusions though yet. We'll see how it all goes. But still, we need to be careful."</em> The "voice of reason Zal", speaking her mind straightforward. In Meg's mind...<br>Meg wanted to say something to Ratchet, but he changed subject. To a rather... Tasty one. Food. She only just now felt that she actually wants to eat something. Zal also was too preocupied with all the news around, so they both kind of forgot it.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Well then, let's head to the kitchen."</em><br>They didn't talk along the way too much - the walk was rather short.<br><br><em>"So, uh... Let's analyze. Captain. He is weird. And has some issues with speech."</em> Zal broke the silence while walking.<br><em>"Agreed. Nero has something to hide too and seems a bit too "obedient" under command of this... Captain. Some kind of play here involved? "</em> Meg continued the discussion of the crew - something they both agreed on without words. It had to be done.<br><em>"I usually don't find your human men attractive, but I must admit... The "mystery" around him is at least a tiny bit tempting... Alright, not tiny... But a bit!"</em> Zal said with a shivering intonation, trying to hide excitement in her voice... Their cheeks suddenly blushed a little bit - to the outside person it happened for no reason at all. They both felt the same feeling, so...<br><em>"Crash. He is too impulsive, so he's one of the posible sources of danger among this crew. Let's watch him closely."</em> Meg noticed the sound Crash made and the pose he was sitting in when they entered the kitchen.<br><em>"Yeah, he seems dangerous. Not literally, I bet we can handle him in a fight, but... Other dangers can come from his impulsiveness and most likely recklessness."</em> Zal also looked at Crash cautiously.<br><em>"Still, let's give him a chance too. Maybe he just doesn't trust strangers. And we are strangers on this ship for now..."</em> Meg suggested and looked away from the redheaded crewmember.<br><em>"Agreed. Ratchet? He seems... Like a good person. Simple. In a good way."</em> Zal said shortly, not knowing which words to use. <br><em>"I know. However his reaction towards our note about captain... Was strange."</em> Meg was still puzzled to why Ratchet suddenly changed from a "wise grandpa" type to a clumsy jumpy servant type when he heard a comment about the captain.<br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"Need some help with the cooking perhaps?"</em> Meg suddenly asked, stepping closer to where Ratchet was, away from Crash.<br><em>"Ok, anyway. To sum it up. We need to watch Crash and captain closely. Both can be dangerous for us, the team and themselves too. Nero is... Interesting. We need to watch him too. All the secrets... And Ratchet. I really hope we can move at least him off the list of possible dangers..."</em><br><em>"Agreed."</em> Meg answered shortly. For now, it's better to be always ready for danger, so both of them were focued now, listenting to every sound, every word, noticing every detail. It's good to have two minds in one body - when one mises or forgets something, the other would definitely hear or see the danger or a problem.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>12-04-2017, 03:31:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So ya wanna lend a hand then, eh? Alright, there's a buncha boxes of vegetables in the walk in fridge over there. Just get a single box, they're all pre-mixed together for each meal. I'll need those veggies diced and sliced while I get things on my end cooking up." Ratchet grinned at Meg and Zal, sliding on a cooking apron with his three arms and opening up the cupboards throughout the kitchen.<br><br>While he retrieved the pots and filled them with water for boiling, the crew members were soon joined by Nero after a course of five minutes. The vice captain was dressed down into a simple pair of fresh green pants and a tight fitting black tank top that hugged to his torso. He carried with him a container of water for hydration, his forehead damped by sweat from his workout in the simulation chamber and a towel about his shoulders to wipe away any runaway droplets. He took notice of Meg and Zal assisting Ratchet with the dinner and a small smirk crawled onto the corner of his mouth. <br><br>"I see you're already being put to work. I should have warned you earlier. Ratchet is a stickler for work around here. I don't even think he's capable of taking a vacation if he ever had the chance." he spoke softly, yet with firmness in his tone. The sort a natural born leader would utilize in his mannerisms. He glanced down at his side where Crash was seated and observing the two cooking the dinner, "And Mister Graves, ever our professional food critic. Everything up to standards Crash?" <br><br>Graves snorted and broke his watchful gaze off of Meg, looking up to Nero at his side, "Dinner was started five minutes late. That enough criticism for ya?"<br><br>"If it is, then you must be taking a liking to Meg already." Nero spoke with a teasing fashion, smiling lightly, "I don't think I've ever heard you be that nice before."<br><br>Graves huffed, "What?! Don't be crazy, I can't criticize anyone if they haven't done anything yet!" He turned his head to the side and grunted crankily. <br><br>"I'll make a mental note of that for future reference." Nero chuckled, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen entrance, observing Meg and Ratchet interacting. <br><br>The scent of the food simmering in the pots soon brought out the Captain of the Condor from his quarters. The big man poked his innocently mustached face around the corner and blinked twice, peaking curiously into the kitchen before joining everyone. He folded his large forearms one over the other and beamed with a contagious grin, "Ah, I see dinner is already on the stove! Very good! It smells most appetizing! What are we cooking my comrades?"<br><br>"<em>Sadzian Stew.</em> Mum's old recipe." Ratchet answered calmly, stirring the special sauce he had prepped. <br><br>"Excellent! I look most forward to trying your mother's special formula!" Dirk complimented.<br><br>Graves stared at the Captain with distaste, "When you talk, I feel my brain on the verge of an aneurysm."<br><br>Nero laughed as he retrieved the dishes for serving, standing next to Meg at the time, "Mister Graves wit becomes something more tasteful over time. You'll see."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shy Huntress</strong> on <strong>17-04-2017, 14:50:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meg walked over to the fridge, as asked, and took only one box, as instructed.<br><em>"You are better with a knife, so..."</em> Meg then gladly allowed Zal to take over. At first Zal didn't want, lazily not accepting. But after a brief pause, Meg's iris turned to a small slit.<br><em>"Alright, alright. At least finally we'll eat something at least distantly decent than rations."</em><br>Meg wanted to answer something, but Zal instantly interrupted:<br><em>"And I know they are good for health, figure and combat efficiency. No doubt in that. But at least SOMETIME we could eat something... Tasty for a change?"</em><br><em>"It's originally my body, ya know. So..."</em><br><em>"Sure, it is. But we now have to share it... So why not eat something that tastes good? Wait, don't tell me you want to walk away from this dinner..."</em><br><em>"No, but we won't eat anything."</em><br><em>"Now THAT is rude, Meg. That will be VERY rude, you know that?"</em><br>Meg and Zal had similar conversation thousands of times over the years. Both of them understood that military space rations(of different races) are good for health and combat efficiency... However Meg didn't really want to accept the truth that she herself wants something else that tastes better too... Zal turned out to be weaker in that matter. She "lost it" after twelve years of rations, constantly nagging Meg about <br>something tasty. Even though sometimes it was fresh and uncooked meat, some strange alien worms or larvas... And a lot of other things that any human would consider disgusting. However Zal is an alien, so such foods for her seem tempting.<br>Also, while having this conversation, Zal was handling those "veggies" like a pro - incredible speed, precision. Like if she's in combat, slicing n dicing enemies, not food. In about a minute or two everything was ready, in pieces, just as Ratchet asked.<br><br><strong>(A)</strong> <em>"It was our initiative to help. Nobody forced us to do that."</em> Zal said to Nero with her weird distorted Meg's voice.<br>They both noted that little conversation between Nero and Crash, but didn't comment, nor discuss it. At this moment anyway.<br>Instead, Zal assisted Ratched with cooking further than just sliding the veggies. That included serving the stew, of course. For all except one crewmember. Well, two... In one.<br><em>"Maybe just a little bit..?"</em> Zal whispered, already knowing the answer.<br><em>"No. We have plenty of food on our shuttle. The rations."</em> Meg replied instantly, predicting Zal's words. Deep inside she also wanted some real, normal, nice, tasty, delicious... food. But she was too stubborn and still held her ground - rations! For healthy body and combat readiness!<br><em>"Well, maybe some day you will break... I really hope so."</em> Zel let go of the body, giving control back to Meg.<br>Meg didn't answer and after putting down the last dish in front of Crash, she walked over to a free spot(without any food) and sat down there. The only thing she had was a glass of water, brought from the kitchen too.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Across the Cosmos! (Emperor Darius X ShyHuntress)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Emperor Darius</strong> on <strong>22-04-2017, 05:09:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the food finally heated and served to near perfection, the men of the ship put on display their voracious appetites by immediately devouring their bowls in seconds. Of course there was plenty to go around. The large pot was drained at an alarming rate. Like warriors returning from battle with bottomless pits for stomachs, each man shoveled the mouth watering grub into his gullet and showed the stew no mercy. Refinement wasn't on display either, they ate wildly and with great fervor. Nero and Crash both took note of Meg's hesitancy to partake in the meal at a different time but remained silent rather than pressure her into dining. Nero considered that perhaps her diet would not allow for such delicacies, while pilot Graves figured her to simply being fickle. <br><br>The meal vanquished and devoured, the men reclined in their chairs with large grins on their faces. Crash picked his teeth with a clean toothpick, Nero rubbed his own stomach with a dreamy grin, Ratchet let out a loud belch, and Captain Dirk had already raced off to the freezer for dessert. He returned later with a large portion of chocolate cake and set to munching away, getting a few bits of crumbs in that flawless thick mustache but barely even noticing at all. <br><br>"Aila." Nero spoke aloud, until a familiar chime from the ship's AI unti replied back.<br><br>"Yes Vice Captain Nero?" a smooth female operator responded.<br><br>"Travel time to the Aquaria planet?" Nero asked of the ship.<br><br>"There remains less that four hours sir." the ship calculated.<br><br>"Thank you. That will be all." Nero finished, sitting up and stretching his arms, "In that case, I think I'll catch a nap. Captain?"<br><br>"Mm?" Dirk looked up from his cake, the corner of his mouth wearing a touch of chocolate fudge.<br><br>Nero smiled slightly, "Would it not be in the crews best interest for a few hours of liberty? That would give us ample time to rest up and be fully prepared for our next mission?"<br><br>Dirk swallowed and after a moment understood some sort of code the two were exchanging, "Oh! Yes, yes of course! As your Captain, I want all of you to find any way possible to rest up or partake in any stress relieving activity, that's an order. Everyone is to be fully rested and prepared when we reach the planet, no excuses. Dismissed." <br><br>Graves growled and shook his head, collecting everyone's dishes and taking them to the sink to be cleaned, part of his duty for this week, "Ladies and gentleman, Captain Dirk Mansteele, idiot of the cosmos..."<br><br>Dirk and Ratchet both took their leave back to their cabins, each yawning and stretching on their way out.<br><br>Nero chuckled and looked to Meg and Zal, "I notice you did not dine with us. I understand this must be part of your daily routine, so I thought it not to be asked. I know things have been going a little slow with the past hour, but once we land I anticipate we may find our hands full in short time. Be ready for anything. One never knows what we'll encounter on these excursions." He rose up and fixed his chair back under the table, "I'll see you again in a few hours. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you in action." he grinned, bidding her a short dismissal before the co-captain ventured off back to his own quarters. <br><br>In the kitchen, Graves was washing away at the pot, still muttering and cursing his role and even more less flattering things about the captain and his opinion of the famous Dirk Mansteele.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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