Anyway, STANDARD DISCLAIMER APPLIES
Special Thanks to Jade Opal for being my beta on this! Really appreciate it. Also there is a lot of bad language in this chapter, but there is a reason for it. Thanks for following, reading, lurking. Please don't forget to review as well!
Chapter 1
Alarms howled and lights flashed with a warning that sent chills down my spine and raised the hair on the back of my neck. Smoke hazed in the cockpit and everything stank of ozone; I could barely breathe and neither could I wipe away the sweat stinging my eyes with my helmet in the way. All of these were minor to the enemy fighter on my ass and I'm a damn good pilot. I, Aleia Kwon, am one of the best gods-damned pilots on the Witch's Treat, but this guy...another shot clipped my good engine and more red flashed. FUCK!
"Mayday! Mayday! I'm hit!" I screamed into my com as the space above the planet faded the closer I came to the atmosphere. I fought for control of my ship, all the while praying to the stars that the damage wasn't too severe. Sweet Cosmic Goddess, please let whatever backwater planet I crash-land into be habitable for humans.
"Warning Lieutenant! Enemy pilot has weapons locked!" The ship's computer announced politely over the screaming klaxons. FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK FUCKFUCK! Attempting a barrel roll, my ship jerked at another hit. "Port engine has been hit! Critical damage Lieutenant!"
"Thanks computer," I stated sarcastically as my ship hurtled through the atmosphere of the planet, the force of gravity pressing me into the seat.
"You are very welcome Lieutenant!" The cheeky computer just had to reply.
With a frustrated yell, I frantically reached for the emergency release that would shoot me from my damaged ship to a reasonably safe distance should the core decide to meltdown. My fighter spiraled towards the green and brown blobs that quickly formed lush landmasses. Possibly much like the planet I'd escaped from as a younger woman; any other day I would have taken the time to remark upon this, had I not been plunging toward an undoubtedly fatal crash. Reach, dammit! Finally my hand gripped the release and soon my seat became the escape pod.
As my pod propelled me from my ship I prayed the enemy wouldn't follow my escape. I'd be nowhere near my ship if he followed that, but my pod wasn't upgraded with defense equipment yet. Damn captain was too busy with his new husband to remember my request.
Guiding my pod through the blue skies, I scanned for a safe and hidden place to land and await rescue. This planet had lush rolling hills and lazy rivers, fields and fields of fresh produce, dense leafy forests; it was a veritable fantasy land—my pod shook, "What the fuck was that, Computer?!"
"Enemy has grazed the pod on the starboard side, Lieutenant." Shit!
"Computer, put everything into the rear thrusters, when he shoots again, he'll be shoot at my smoke."
"Affirmative, Lieutenant, power to rear thrusters. Countdown in 5…4—"
"JUST DO IT!" I screamed right before the G's slammed me back again and my world blacked out.
I woke to the hum of my internal computer and found myself hanging in my pod upside down, the shield-glass cracked under the weight of the pod. The emergency light that should have lit the interior was gone, damn.
"Computer, scan the area for hostile life-forms. Especially for that Goddess-damned bastard that shot me down. And double check if this planet is at least habitable," I commanded while tugging off my helmet. My braids tumbled toward the earth as I carefully contorted out of the seat onto the shield-glass.
"No signs of hostile life-forms in the immediate area, Lieutenant. Planet can support beings of a similar physiology." At least that was something; my emergency pack may have the supplies I need for at least a week or two if I am careful. Now time to escape my escape pod.
"Computer, what is the chance of survival if I force the ship into a roll? And how much of my energy will be depleted to do this?"
"Chances of survival 78%, you will be left at half capabilities, Lieutenant." Hm, that's not too terrible. If I can—"Warning! Enemy weapons have locked onto your location from the starboard side." SHITPISSFUCK!
"What?! I thought there were no hostile life-forms, Computer!"
"That was over five minutes ago, Lieutenant. The enemy ship has since then locked onto your position." Of course. With an angry growl, I threw my weight into the starboard side of my ship causing it to rock, I kept at it until it started to roll over the forest floor; if he was coming from that side then he'll pass over and have to turn around. Considering the damage I gave him, he'll definitely have enough problems getting it up. The crunching, screaming sounds metal and shield-glass raked at my ears as I was tossed about in the cockpit until finally the ship stopped on its side and I could kick my way out. Just barely.
Pulling my go-bag on, I let out a pained groan when it hit my dislocated shoulder. I demanded a personal damage report. "Lieutenant, please be aware that you are now at 38% capability. You have a dislocated left shoulder, two cracked ribs, one broken rib, and a gash to the dermis above your left eye, internal bruising of your kidneys and spleen, bone bruising of your forearms, left tibia and right femur, and your clavicle is cracked on the left."
I asked how long to heal as I limped to rest against the wide trunk of the nearest tree while scanning the air for my attacker. So far so good; I pushed forward as quickly as my abused 4'11" body would allow. "You will require 9 hours, 34 minutes and 15 seconds to completely heal, Lieutenant." Damn.
"Computer," I hissed through labored breaths, "self-destruct—ah—the escape pod—pant—I don't want—tsss—that bastard—hah—catching up." Let him think I'm dead. I've got him tagged. Once I get back to my fighter, he's dead me—"OW!" my damn bag jostled against my battered body forcing me to stop again. This is gonna take so fucking long! "Computer—pant—find me—ah—somewhere to hide." Already the nano-bots were repairing the damage to my body, I could feel the difference as my energy was slowly depleting and the sky dimmed.
"Affirmative Lieutenant, self-destruct sequence initiated; the blast will be directed skyward. There is a residence with one occupant .20 kilometers south of your location. At your current speed, you will reach your destination within 2 hours and 10 minutes. Recommended course of action: ingest two red energy capsules to reach destination before the planet's sun sets." One thing I truly hate are those damn capsules, the emergency energy they provide is great, but the depending on the physiology of the life-form, the crash can be a bitch. And I just happen to be one of those damn life-forms, Terran aka Human.
Running my fingers along the pockets of my dark grey flight suit, I tap two bright red capsules out from the box and chew furiously. The effects are immediate and I tell my internal computer to dull the pain long enough to get to the residence I'm being directed to.
It wasn't long before I stop along a well-worn path before a green hill with windows and a round green door. There was a pleasant little garden and bench next to the steps and path up to the door. I manage to gasp out, "Computer, you have got to be joking."
"Negative Lieutenant Kwon, this is the nearest residence with one occupant." I let out a sigh as even my reserves are running low. Please be a nice little old lady who can give me refuge for the night, I think to myself as I force myself up the short steps and knock on the door.
The round door opens to reveal a little man shorter than my tiny 4'11" height with light brown curls, kind eyes set in an equally kind but puzzled face, until he notices the dried blood on my face and clothes. He speaks in his native tongue and my computer quickly translates to "Good Evening…? Oh my, are you hurt?"
My mouth moves to shape unfamiliar words until I croak out, "Sanctuary…please," before falling against him in complete exhaustion.
Well, what do you think? Hope you like Aleia. Send me reviews, please!
