12/19/16
Reading Reviews of "Hello Xenos!" 01 and 02 are now a thing on my youtube channel. Once again I blabbed for over an hour so I cut it up because. I talk about 7 reviews in the 1st video and 4 in the second which is longer to once again show I have no semblance of time.
Anyway, this chapter was a fun write at first but upon putting in more elements it became even better. These last few chapters of "Hello Xenos!" I think really set the stage of "Skells & Love" which is one of my favorite things about this fun little write. As for "Mission" I've written more of the gathering and planning phases the attack still hasn't been penned aside from scattered blurbs. Having "Mission" fall on the Holiday Season was not the best placement for it. Everyone is in a tizzy and I just can't get into that head space to sit down and write 20K words. But I'm not going to give up, have faith in me ya'll. It'll really help! :D
Important note! Apparently a lot of people are having issues with viewing Reviews, in addition to Rexaura's review on "Definians" a review on "Elmira" and "Skells & Love" are unviewable for me even though the review counter still counts them, I don't know what to do but wait till fanfiction fixes this issue. Hope it's soon.
Prone
"…and then they threw me in a box and told me that they'd be back to finish the job! But I wasn't scared! Annoyed. Smelly. A bit of a bruised ego. Definitely hungry! Scared? No way! I knew that someone knew that I was gone and they'd come looking for me!"
Jaynix nodded as Mia continued with her story "They wouldn't be probing me again! No way! I sat in that box and believed! I believed so hard that next thing I know the Chief was at my door all set to free me from my prison and bring me back to NLA like the genuine hero that he is!"
"That Kruse. What are the odds?"
Mia laughed "Like…9 percent or something I think? Anyway, I told him about the alien lady that locked me up and before I knew it he was back with the key!"
Jaynix smiled "He is quite the guy. Works fast."
"Totally! I sat on his lap the whole ride back to NLA. He's like…my knight in not at all shiny armor but you get the point."
Jaynix sighed and shook her head "That Kruse. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was trying to form a harem before settling down with Elma. I don't blame him but what a missed opportunity."
"What Chief? Oh, I don't think he'd do that."
Jaynix looked to Mia "Your opinion of him is far too pure to entertain anything other than heroism."
"What else is there?"
Jaynix chuckled "Never mind. That was quite the story, travelling all over Mira on your own. You definitely became a full-fledged BLADE somewhere along the way. I can totally see it."
Mia's eyes widened "You can?"
Jaynix nodded "I know my battle-hardened gazes. I know my eyes. You have those eyes."
Mia began hopping up and down "Really? Really? Oh, thank you Ms. Jaynix! That means a lot!"
"I can see that it does."
Jaynix began laughing as Mia's eyes sparkled. At that moment, the teleporter flashed, Jaynix turned to see Elma standing on the pad, looking around the deck before spotting Jaynix. With a nod, she approached.
"Looks like my boss is here. Gotta run. I'll share some of my stories next time."
"Can't wait!" With that Mia skipped off.
Jaynix waved after her as Elma stood next to her and asked "Making friends?"
"Yeah well. I had to pass the time. Good thing she was here. She could've probably talked for hours."
Elma nodded "She probably could…sorry I'm late."
Jaynix shook her head "Don't worry about it. I'm sure you have a lot more responsibilities than showing me around town."
"You're quite understandable."
"I was military. I know all about inflated schedules. The fact that you can wander around NLA and take on whatever missions you please is far more shocking to me than being a bit late."
Elma shrugged "As I'm sure you are aware BLADE isn't military despite being staffed by many former soldiers. BLADE is its own entity and does its own thing. Speaking of. You actually never signed off on a Division to join."
Jaynix crossed her arms "I didn't?"
"No. We didn't really do the formal induction after bringing you back from Noctilum and since then we've been busy. Then again Vandham was never one for ceremonies and the like."
"I wouldn't think so…"
Elma pulled out her comm device and input a few commands "I sent you the detailed information on all of BLADE's 8 divisions. What they specialize in, how they benefit NLA, everything. Give it a look when you can and get back to me."
Jaynix gave her device a brief look before nodding "Right. You got it boss. So! What did keep you? Sorry. Just curious."
Elma shrugged "It's fine. It was Kruse."
"Oh. Oooooh. I shouldn't have asked."
Elma watched Jaynix's eyes for a few moments before taking a step back. "No. NO! We were talking! Jaynix! What is wrong with you!?"
"Wrong with me? I'm a 25-year-old woman, as far as I'm concerned in regards to how my brain works NOTHING is wrong with me! I'm a perfectly functioning adult!"
Elma shook her head as Jaynix began laughing "For being this imposing figure so many people talk about in such a dramatic way, being able to make you blush like that? I feel like I've got a leg up on you."
Elma sighed, looking back at Jaynix who continued laughing. After a few moments but far too long for Elma's liking, Jaynix calmed down and wiped her eyes.
"So! What were you and Kruse gabbing about?"
Elma gestured at the ship around them.
"Yeah. Yeah. The Xenos aren't going anywhere. C'mon. I'm interested!"
Elma sighed "Alright…he…while you were meeting with the Definians we had a talk…it was a talk I didn't really want to have to be honest but at the same time I was grateful for it."
Jaynix smiled "Good. He did figure it out."
Elma gave her a questioning look only for Jaynix to shrug and gesture for her to continue. "After that, he started trying to plan a very long, complicated and inflated date for us as an apology. I told him he didn't have to. We both said what needed to be said but he was adamant."
Jaynix chuckled "That's cute. Did you guys decide on what you're doing?"
Elma smiled, thinking about their talk "It'd be easier to tell you what we aren't doing. He wants to take me everywhere. Not just around NLA but Mira as well…he's well aware how intrigued I am by this planet and with the Lifehold behind us, he figured it was finally time for me to get that no strings attached trip around the world."
Jaynix nodded "Sounds great! Hope you guys enjoy it."
"We will. I know we will…Kruse…"
Jaynix remained silent as Elma looked elsewhere, an evident smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes.
After a few moments, she led into her next question "So…what are we doing up on this good ol' ship? Again?"
Elma looked back at Jaynix "Hm? Oh! Right. Sorry…I spaced out there…"
"Happens to all of us."
Elma nodded before clearing her throat and leading Jaynix to the Port Side of the Ma-non Ship.
"We're here so that you can meet the Prone Clans that have immigrated to NLA."
"Prone. I heard that name quite a few times during Irina's summation of everything that happened with the Lifehold."
Jaynix looked to Elma as she began explaining "The Prone were the first hostile intelligent Xenoforms that we encountered here on Mira. They are employed by the Ganglion as their frontline forces. Grunts. Despite that they are every bit as dangerous as any other species of Xeno or Indigen and far less concerned with morality."
"Geez. Sounds like real pieces of work. So why are they living here?"
The pair came to a stop overlooking the interior of the Ma-non Ship. Jaynix felt completely different compared to the last time she was here. Now able to distinctly point out the various Nopon bouncing up and down, seemingly arguing with a Ma-non. An Orphean sitting amongst several potted plants and a Zaruboggan that looked suspiciously familiar talking with a human woman.
At the same time, she was now more acutely aware of the large lumbering Xenos that she'd seen all over NLA with giant gaping mouths, huge arms, short legs.
"Are those the Prone?"
Elma nodded "They are. We rescued a great many Prone that belong to what they call the Tree Clan. Those Prone are far more understanding and peaceful towards us having been enslaved by the Cavern Clan Prone, the ones that we first encountered."
Jaynix crossed her arms "I see. Makes sense. From the dribble that came out of Kruse's mouth the Prone sounded warlike…so they had to be fighting someone."
Elma shook her head "You could always tell Kruse to slow down or stop, Jaynix. He's not trying to torture you. If he bores you-"
"It's fine Elma. I like pushing his buttons. Don't worry about it."
She sighed "Very well. There are Cavern Clan Prone in the city as well though only one squad. I don't see any from here but a Tree Clan Prone is as good as any. Feel free to chat any of them up."
Jaynix scoffed "I'm not here to pick anyone up Elma."
She tilted her head "Did I misspeak?"
"Don't worry about it. I'll see you in a bit."
Elma nodded as Jaynix walked off. Looking around, the woman examined one Prone after another. The male Prone were the huge, lumbering ones she'd noticed earlier. She was actually quite surprised at seeing how small and dainty looking the female Prone were, but from their attire and the way some carried themselves it was clear they were warriors as well.
Coming to a stop she looked around, trying to decide who to talk with. She barely held in a laugh upon seeing two male Prone flexing, trying to show each other up.
"Even across species. They're still macho. Love it."
She then spotted one Prone speaking to a big group. Possibly the Tree Clan leader. He'd be a good place as any to start.
As she began walking in his direction her eyes caught something else. Slowing to a stop she stared at a female Prone. Unable to take her eyes away from what she was seeing.
The Prone was dancing.
She'd never seen a dance like this before but she could feel the emotion in every movement. Before she knew it, her legs were moving and she was now close to the other woman. Waiting.
Once she finished, the Prone bowed to no one and let out a long breath.
"That was incredible."
The Prone turned to her "Ah…you were watching?"
"Yeah. How could I not? It was mesmerizing."
The Prone bowed to her "Thank you for your kind words."
"No problem. Why are-"
Jaynix shook her head "I should probably introduce myself. My name is Jaynix."
"Jaynix. Good to meet you, Jaynix. I am called Thea Falsaxum."
Jaynix approached her and held out her hand, the Prone looking at it for a few moments before shaking it.
"Hello Thea. You are quite the dancer. Why are you dancing so far away from everyone else?"
"I'm practicing. Hala always says that as skilled as I am, I can always improve and I intend to. I'll never settle with just being good, I have to be a grand dancer."
Jaynix nodded "As I'm aware, those who dedicate themselves to an art so completely have something that drives them. Not just their love for it but something else."
Thea tilted her "You are correct. For me I of course dance for my love of it but I've also returned to it for my love. My fiancé…
Jaynix frowned, able to tell immediately from Thea's voice that her fiancé was no longer around.
"I'm sorry. I didn't-"
Thea shook her head "It is fine. He's been put to rest and as his final sign of his love for me he made these clothes for me I now wear. He loved me with everything he had and he loved my dancing all the more."
"What a guy."
There was a short silence before Jaynix spoke up again "I'm actually supposed to be here to learn more about the Prone as a whole. About Tree Clan, Cavern Clan and all that. But I'm more interested in you and that dance."
Thea tilted her head "Learn? Did you just arrive?"
"Yeah. I wasn't even aware your kind were called Prone until a short while ago."
Thea chuckled "I see...well. The Prone Clans have been at war with one another for 10,000 suns. A bloody, savage war with no end. We…"
Thea fell silent before crossing her arms "I can tell this isn't what you want to know."
"Huh?"
"There is some interest but there was a spark in your eyes earlier, it isn't there anymore. Unless I'm mistaken…you are a dancer as well."
Jaynix smiled "You aren't mistaken. I am impressed you could tell."
Thea nodded "As I said. Earlier when we were talking of dance. Of drive and determination, I could see it in your eyes."
"I don't ever openly tell people about my ability to dance. Beyond…beyond my Unit no one else really knew."
"Why would you keep such a wonderful talent a secret? Dancing is…"
Thea fell silent, looking elsewhere. While it was hard to tell from her alien features, Jaynix knew that Thea was lost in thought over how to describe the beauty of dancing.
"I get it. There aren't too many words to express what I've no doubt we both feel when we dance. I keep it a secret because…it's so meaningful to me. Who taught me. Who danced with me. I'd only ever tell it to someone really special."
"Someone who captures your heart?"
Jaynix nodded "Yeah. I don't know if I'll find a person like that here in NLA but…you never know."
"Indeed not. This is strange. I've only just met you but…I feel we could become very good friends."
Jaynix chuckled "I think so too…do you…do you think you could teach me your dance? If it's not too private?"
"Quegga loved my dancing. I'm sure he'd love it if I could spread it to even more people. Especially to someone who understands dancing and shares my love of it. I'd be happy to teach you, Jaynix."
Letting out a long breath, Jaynix bowed to Thea "Thank you."
"You are very welcome, Jaynix. I look forward to our next meeting…I'm very interested in how you dance."
Jaynix looked up and smirked "I'll blow you away with my skills."
"I can't wait."
With that Thea bowed to her before taking up her pose to continue practicing. Jaynix watched for a few more minutes, a smile on her face.
Realizing she had other things to do, she bowed to Thea again and turned around. Taking out her comm device she began reading through the BLADE divisions while walking back to Elma.
"Dancing. I never understood it."
Jaynix came to a halt and turned.
"You can't kill someone with graceful moves like that. It serves no purpose for a warring people such as ours."
"Who are you?"
Another Prone woman approached Jaynix, unlike Thea, this one had a different coloration. No doubt she was of Cavern Clan.
"Slovity Pagus. Leader of Team Slovity. And you are Jaynix…dancer. Imagine that."
Jaynix narrowed her eyes "You don't have to say dancer with such distaste…and not around me, unless you wanna throw down. Right here, right now."
Slovity looked Jaynix over and shook her head "No. I think not. Despite your delving into a pointless art I can tell you've seen combat. A fight between us? Here? That wouldn't do for anyone."
Jaynix smirked "Good to know you aren't underestimating me."
"I would never."
Jaynix felt her muscles ease up and took a deep breath. "Mind if I ask you a few questions."
"Questions?"
"Yeah. Assuming you eavesdropped on the conversation I had with Thea and heard everything you'd know I'm not that familiar with the Prone."
Slovity nodded "I am aware of that…go ahead and ask whatever you wish."
"I was told that Cavern Clan served the Ganglion. That your people did horrible things not only to mine but to many of the other Xeno races on Mira."
The Prone nodded again "Cavern Clan is indeed guilty of many of the transgressions you've heard of."
Jaynix crossed her arms "Then why are you here? How was anyone comfortable with letting you into NLA? Even if it is just the one squad."
Slovity let out a long sigh "As much as it pains me to admit…or rather, it pains me that it doesn't pain me to admit this. The humans of NLA. Saved my team. My comrades. My…family."
Slovity watched Jaynix's reaction. Seeing a powerful sense of recognition.
"You understand…don't you?"
Jaynix remained still as Slovity continued "I can see that you do. When you spend so much of your time at war or in combat. Those at your side, brothers and sisters in arms. Regardless of their origin, position or rank. They become the people you'd give everything for."
Slovity continued watching Jaynix, seeing many things she did not expect to see. What was this woman harboring inside?
Jaynix shook her head "Go on."
"My team was involved in an attack on the humans but after the attack was thwarted the Ganglion pulled out and left us behind. Our numbers dwindled in the harsh Primordian landscape and we were forced to hide in a cave. If not for the arrival of Kruse and Elma we would've died there. I refused their help at first of course. I had my pride and there was no way these people we've tormented for so long were just going to help us. It didn't matter how pathetic we looked at the moment…at least that's what I believed."
Jaynix couldn't help but smile "I imagine it isn't much of a stretch to say that Kruse has helped everyone on this damned ship eh?"
Slovity spat "The man is caring to a despicable degree. I'm amazed no one's taken advantage of his nature and stabbed him in the back. I know I would've, in fact I tried to. I fought him to distract him so that my team could escape. I was bested and despite my desires Trigo and those loyal fools…they came back…at that moment I knew. It was either stay out there, alone and dwindle to extinction or come to NLA so that my team could be safe. Whatever the punishment. Whatever the trials. We'd be alive. So, I took the deal and while my pride may never recover-"
"Your family is alive."
Slovity nodded "They are."
The pair fell silent, just staring at one another. Jaynix taking a deep breath and nodding "I get it."
"I can tell that you do. I don't speak with many humans…with many other Xenos beyond my Team and a few other Prone…but I feel a…kinship with you."
"You're lucky Slovity. Despite the trials you've been through, you have your family."
"Not all of them Earth alien…but yes, at the very least half of my team is still alive."
Jaynix sighed "I'm glad we had this talk, however brief."
"There is much I wish to know about you Earth alien."
Jaynix smirked "And you think I'd share it with you?"
"After everything I told you? And after seeing the way your reacted to my story? I have a pretty good guess that you will."
Jaynix crossed her arms "We'll see what happens next we meet. Though could you lay off the Earth alien thing? I have a name."
Slovity scoffed "Very well, Jaynix. Until next time."
Nodding to each other in understanding the pair turned and walked off in opposite directions.
Jaynix was still thinking about her talks with Thea and Slovity when she heard Elma's voice "You were gone longer than I thought you'd be. I honestly thought you got into a fight."
Jaynix smirked "I almost did. This close. Maybe next time."
Elma chuckled "Next time indeed."
The pair began walking back to the deck. "How many more species of Xenos do I have to meet, Elma?"
"One more. I do have to ask, are you hungry?"
Jaynix shrugged "I'd never turn down food, that's for sure."
"Then you'll love where Lin is taking you."
Jaynix clapped her hands together "Alright then! I can't wait!"
In a flash the pair was back down at BLADE Tower.
"Lin is waiting for you in the Commercial District. I'll see you later, Jaynix."
"Elma wait! Since you're here at BLADE Tower I take it you can run my BLADE registration through all the proper channels, right?"
Elma nodded "You already decided on a Division?"
Jaynix grinned "It was no contest."
"I feel like I know what you're about to say. Tell me anyway. What Division do you intend to join?"
Taking a deep breath, Jaynix looked Elma in the eyes and spoke.
"The Interceptors."
