The Predator: A Bad Star

by Vakrian

When a family witness a shooting star, never in a million years did they expect it to be anything but. Yet when they come into contact with an Alien their world is turned upside down. Especially when the Alien turns out to be a yautja.. Trying to find a way out of his current predicament.. Now includes story arch two ten years later!

28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Smoke and Lies..PT1.

Ze'reikich'ja…

As Ghardeh lies asleep I am sat in the living room of our home, staring at my unsheathed sword the intricate pattern along either side of the blade fades and returns as I slowly rotate it in the light, right down to the runes chiselled into the finish.. The white hilt.. The wolf carved into the lower hilt.. My name chiselled just above the guard.. I slide it back into the white scabbard and with a huff tighten the belting and take my leave of the front door. Deciding to take the speeder I pull my leg over then place my arboreal feet into the footwells then speed off towards Skri'jash'n.. Within moments when pulling up to the medical building I enter.. The doors whisper with a slide, a Yautja stands at the desk waiting for the next in line.

"Name?" Sweeps across my hud as he speaks in the native tongue.

"Ze'reikich'ja."

His head flicks up..

"Ze'reikich'ja? We have not seen you for some time.. How goes it?" The white skinned yautja asks in my own language.

"Just visiting for a check up, make sure everything's working as intended?"

"So long as you don't throw any Punches, we can proceed."

I nod then taken to a room with a desk and several apparatus.

"Someone will be with you shortly."

The Yautja takes his leave.

I sit down on the chair and look around, how on earth did Maiaic Yautja pull so far away from 'Traditional' Yautja? I mean don't get me wrong, they have made some astonishing machinations.. And many have moved on from simply hunting for sport and the betterment of themselves.. But this? I am still amazed. They still have their honour code, their temperament.. But surely this is not what a Yautja will become if they break off? And yet, here I am. Sat in a medical centre, waiting to be tested on.. Or maybe the Traditional Yautja ARE the same and I just haven't experienced it first hand? Who knows.. But then branching off and making a new start while still adhering to the old code is bettering themselves? Realising that not every creature is a target or sport? In my sense it is different, I was once human, so my human habits most definitely take over most of the time.. But still.. Skri'jash'n has grown over the years, and I have had the pleasure of watching it grow with Riz'ghah at the helm.. If only Zir'tehn was here to see it..

"Ze'reikich'ja, it has been many cycles since I last saw you here. Is something wrong?"

"I don't know if I'm going to be completely honest, after the war, to which I had never experienced before, losing my friends and son. I have never been the same Ji'ra.. I have become restless in my sleep, and when I do eventually sleep.. I'm plagued by nightmares.. Not of what happened, but of someone I killed.. It is the same thing over and over again.. To the point it is affecting my perception.."

The brown skinned yautja takes off my sword belt along with both wrist gauntlets and my biomask and places them on the tool table.

"Are you in any pain in the head area when this happens? Any loss of awareness? Or disorientation? Dizziness? Nausea?" He asks as he approaches me with an L shaped item.

"No, just me waking up in a state of anger.."

He shines the green laser and I close my eyes as he lowers it slowly across my head.

"How goes it with Ghardeh? Do you tell her about these occurrences? I am to think she is the reason you are here?"

"Indeed, we talk all the time, and yes she is the reason I'm here."

He places the L shaped scanner down and approaches me with a needled gun.

"I'm going to give you a sedative, I need you to sleep. I'm going to put you in the machine behind you and scan your brain activity. Try not to punch a hole through it? Or me?" He lets out Rapid clicks as he laughs. He clearly remembers the first day I was brought back as a Yautja when I had unconsciously attacked several Medical staff..

He jabs me in the neck and with a beep I feel a sharp injection of some deep blue fluid enter my system..

"Ow." I say looking at Ji'ra.

"Nonsense that was nothing.." He guides me to the machine then I lay down. My leather attire creaking as I move then settles I feel my eyes drop as if they have lead weights glued to them, even though Yautja's eyelids rise not fall to close.

I sleep..

"You and your pathetic Yautja have lost Ze'reikich'ja.. You are not Yautja, you are an abomination.. Human.. Sick.. Dying.. I know what you were, what you are and now.. You've killed your only son.."

I see the black skinned matriarch stood with me held in the air by her staff that seems to hold me with unnatural power..

"And you sister.. How do you feel about Ki'xal's death? Holding him inside you for cycles.. Giving him life only for it to be extinguished so soon.."

"Your words mean nothing to me Sa'kara.. You are not Yautja.. It is unnatural!"

"Much like Ze'reikich'ja yes?! For he holds the power of the suns!"

"He does not use his power to take what is not his to take.. He uses it for the action to do good.. He is nothing like you.."

"Very well.. Show me.. Do good.. Ze'reikich'ja.."

I stand up.. My arms flash a fiery flare..

"Show her Ze'reikich'ja, everything will be fine.."

In an instant I grab Sa'kara's staff.. And I feel weak as I transfer my sol ability to her, knowing it will. Kill her.. No one can wield two ascendant powers at once..

Surrounded by four yautja she backs off.. But she begins to roar.. Her arms outstretched she begins to pierce the air with her pained roars.. Before she explodes in a blue and orange cloud.. Sending me and Ghardeh in opposite directions.. I wake up.. With heavy breathing as the machine pulls me out.. These dreams.. These memories.. Are all because of her.. What if somehow she is alive? But we saw her die.. She literally exploded.. No.. It is just some form of PTSD.. It has to be..

"I'm afraid the machine didn't tell me much Ze'rei-te.. But it seems to me you have yet to move on.. Losing your friends and son.. It takes time.. The body may heal, but the mind is not always so resilient.. Yes ten years or so have passed. But it doesn't mean you are ready to move on.. I can give you some form of medication to help you sleep.. But.. Those dreams.. Or nightmares.. That's a fight within you.. No medical advancement can treat that.. Think on your son Ze'reikich'ja, your friends.. Remember them.. In the good times.."

I feel a sadness hit me, that's the point, I didn't want to remember them because it brought me much pain but the matter of fact is I was remembering them in the wrong times.. I nod silently when Ji'ra holds up a needle gun and a belt of blue capsules with it. Then hands me my sword.

"Take one capsule every night, before you sleep.. It should help.. I'm sorry I can't do more.."

"It's fine my friend, I'll take your advice.. I'll be on my way.."

Before I leave Ji'ra tells me one more thing.

"Their deaths, were not your doing.. They would want you to be at peace.. Don't carry the weight of the dead.. They all of them, would be proud to see you now.."

I look back and nod.. Then take my leave I drive back home when I turn towards the cloud district to enter the temple, I climb the stairs then give the Hult'ah my sword. Then given permission to enter. The great white doors open revealing a pillared lobby black marbled floor a two rows of red armoured guard and Riz'ghah whose arm lowers.

"It has been many moons since you walked into this temple Ze'reikich'ja, it is good to see you, my friend."

"Riz, it is good to see you Leader.. Thought I'd come to see an old friend. How goes it on the western fold?"

"Like water mixing with sand.. Take one wrong step and you begin to sink, as it has always been.."

"I know how you feel. We've had our share of the unfolding drama.."

He laughs. Then takes his leave of his throne. His guard all look in his direction in unison then stand facing him slamming their spears into the floor making a loud metallic thud, we walk along the aisle of guard then stand at the summit of the steps looking down at the city below.

"It is strange Ze'reikich'ja, I have always felt so safe behind these walls.. They have long stood against attacks.. But I feel I am out of time.. The verge is preparing for another war with the west.. We must make a decision.. Both of us.. Soon.. We are in the middle of both sides.. Wuis't'kei and Skri'jash'n.. Though we are not sworn to either side.. Our lands will not be the same.. I've never been in such a position.. War.. On our doorstep.. But Ghardeh has.."

"We are both tired of war Riz.. We cannot ask that of her.. As for me.. My path is hidden from me.."

He looks at me.. With a sharp look.

"Your path is already laid out before you.. I understand your grief.. For the losses you bear.. For it is in my heart also.. But we must protect our own.."

"They will be Riz'ghah.. They will be.."

We walk down the steps and across the western promenade.. We sit on the fountain to which memories lie.. Ghardeh and I stood here when Zir'tehn let us go when Ghardeh had killed The Broker Yautja Zu'gat.

"Such is the way with Yautja.. Everything is meant to endure here. I shall keep you both updated.. Do you still own that weapon?"

"Of course, though the munitions it once used are no longer available.. I keep meaning to adjust its chamber.. And synthesise ammunition for it."

"Give it to our weapons master, maybe he can complete such a task? He created your sword and many of our weapons and armour systems.."

"Maybe i will pay him a visit. Never knew he was well versed in human weaponry.."

He laughs.

"He was the one who created the weapons explosive payload.."

My brows raise.. Also remembering the potency of such a small calibre weapon. My P99.. I had used it for many trials and challenges. Including my first ever Xenomorph hunt within a pyramid with Osh'ikeille when I was still human.."

I nod then before taking my leave I hold Riz'ghah's shoulder.

"It is time for me to take my leave.. Farewell Riz.."

"Goodbye my friend, light guide you.." I lower my head in thanks before taking my leave then enter my speeder.

I drive home until I am stopped by a block in the road.. There is a blue flash.. An explosion not metres in front of me.. I swerve.. Then roll off of my speeder.. My hud scans the area when my vision is illuminated by five Yautja hidden in the trees.. Another bolt flies towards me, I take cover behind the road barrier causing it to wobble as I crash into it. I tap my Sat-com and the wrist plasma caster unfolds.. I fire several blasts.. There is a 'ping' as a spent energy cell flies out from the left of my right wrist guard.. I reload from my back storage satchel on my hip, my twin casters unfold. I aim both lasers when I see a berserker sprinting towards me at full speed, who is swiftly annihilated. I aim at two in the trees who jump down and move off, my casters fold into their deactivated state.. I get on my speeder once more and continue my journey home.. I must tell Ghardeh of this.. Though they weren't trying to kill me, it was more of a warning.. Still, it must be addressed.

Ellida..

I let out a cough from my irratation in my respiratory system, still feeling the ticklish remains of moisture in my lungs, I look at Tet'va who has been keeping guard waiting for Joe to collect us she is cloaked, and latched aside a tree. I can just make out her outline though if you weren't looking for it you'd easily miss her. I look around taking out the sidearm I had stolen and look at it, then bring it up slightly as I see several rows of blue-white xenon headlights from the fractured sightline of the trees that surround us I hear Tet'va's slow clicking and a wooden scraping sound as she drops from the tree and lands with a surprisingly light thud, it is a row of GDR SUVs, they are looking for us.. Or rather the thieves that stole their precious files.. Us..

"Joe, What is your location, Ellida and I are exposed here.. This is most slow of you.. Hurry up.." Tet'va says with a hint of agitation.

"Hey Miss Shit hot predator! We have a GDR vessel on our tail! Do you know how hard it is for me to evade these ships?!"

"No and I don't like your tone.. Watch your tongue or I will remove it. We have possible complications.."

"Tet'va, we will pick you up as soon as we can, try and stay undetected. We won't leave you. Alternatively you may wish to acquire a vehicle and attempt to leave the city. But more than likely they will have locked.. It.. Down.. Joe.. That also means they may have a no fly emitter… meaning any non GDR approved vessels may be brought down if they enter the field.." Vi'rassi explains with a sudden realization.. They CAN'T pick us up.. Not from the air..

"What about the Interceptor? Can't you sneak it in?"

"Oh yeah Ell, I'll just knock on their front gate.. Hey guys! I know you are on lock down but can I just pick up my agent who has highly classified intel?! Yeah sure just drive on in! NO! It won't work!" Joe shouts.

I huff with a slight frown and rub my face..

"Tet'va.. Fancy trying a non-lethal takedown on those vehicles? They might be our only ticket out of here."

"Sei'i, I can do that, follow me Mei-jadhi." She says as she takes point still cloaked.

I take the sidearm and run with it lowered. But I let out a slight gasp as she lands next to me then holds me in a one armed embrace in a position that allows me to aim. We reach the roadways where in the night time distance we see VTOLS with search lights all around the city. My vision is distorted slightly as Tet'va brings up her map projection which glows orange. A blinking set of triangles show Joes craft a ways out, she must have put a tracker on when she landed on it earlier today the next set seems to be moving around the city. In rows of three or two she has identified those as vehicles.

"Choose your prey." She says bringing her forearm closer to me so I can tap on the runes.

"The two sets will do nicely. Disable the first vehicle, then we can use the second after taking out the occupants." I say tapping my chosen targets.. They pulse with a green outline and the blinking increases its rate of pulsing she lowers her arm and my vision distorted as the map of orange fizzles away she grabs me again and she launches us towards the sky scrapers.

"We are high-jacking a vehicle, I'll meet you back at base."

"Yeah, that will do, but if we lose these A-holes we'll pick you up at a safe location."

"This intel better be worth it Rain.. Or else I'll be doing some wetwork of my own.."

"You and I are going to have a talk about safety." Tet'va says as she literally throws herself towards the next building making me close my eyes due to the force g's of falling..

"Are we now? Says the one throwing themselves into and off of buildings.. What's wrong with using those sexy legs and sprinting?"

"The floor is lava.."

"What?" I look down.. To see tarmac but I hear her rumbled clicking..

"Now is not the time for jokes! Leave those to me.."

"As you wish.."

We land on a flat roof with white air ducts and power boxes.

"Get ready, I will disable the first vehicle and its occupants."

I hear a clatting.. I can't see because she is still cloaked.

WATHOOOM!

I see nothing but a blue bolt hit the first vehicle causing it to explode then a white tracer as the second vehicle is hit.. She grabs me as the two militia troops get out and aim at our roof.. They are fumbling with their ear pieces... But I shoot them both in the head and get in the unscathed vehicle.. Tet'va gets in the large vehicle and hunches down in the back..

"Are you even comfortable in the back?"

"What is this comfort you speak of? It intrigues me.."

I shake my head and drive on past and throw my sidearm in my backpack I drive on when my view is once again distorted by an orange map..

"This is the fastest route out of danger Ellida, I suggest this route.."

"Alright, put that away so I can see where I'm going.."

I drive on and follow Tet'va's route, which takes us back the way we had first came. There is a closed gate. With a security checkpoint.

"Thots.. Well now what?"

"It is just one male, drive up to the station.. Trust me.."

"Te-"

"I said, trust me krit.."

I huff then drive up to the station.. The troop holds up his hand and I stop.

"Where are you headed? You found any sign of the intruders? Got your badge?"

"It's in the back.." I say.

As the troop opens the back door to my left I hear 'T-SING' Then a disgusting crack as Tet'va rams her wrist blade into his chest cavity and throws him into the station wall making him collapse over.. I get out then press the gate button then get back in and drive home free.. Tet'va closes the door.

"Well that worked.. But they will eventually click on.. Let's hope we can get far enough away.." I say flicking my eyes from the road to Tet'va's cloaked silhouette.

"Joe we are heading back to our last location, we will meet you there."

"Need I ask how? Oh wait.. You have a killing machine with you with big guns.. And high techery!"

"That's not even a word Joseph.."

"It is now Rainfall Tet'va.."

"Knock it off lipping her or else she will hammer you and I can't and won't stop her.." I say with increasing annoyance.

I drive on with relative ease.. But my eyes begin to feel like they have weights stuck to them.. It's 4am.. I rub my eyes and drive on paying attention to the SIGNAGE, seeing the strobes of lights flickering past from vehicles on the other side of the highway is making it worse.

"Ellie we have finally lost that ship.. Took some doing.. Vi'rassi is a crack shot with the rear turret.. We'll pick you up west of Vye.."

"Ok.. Meet you there.. You hear that darling of mine? Finally out.."

I take out my ear piece and look at Tet'va as I pull up once we hit Vye.

"Thanks Tet'va, for saving my life today. You know when I couldn't get that hatch open I thought that was it.. I panicked when I shouldn't have.. I don't know what mom was thinking when she was on the brink but.. Those last moments were.. Scary.. Don't ever want to be put in that position again. Are Yautja afraid of death Tet'va?" I ask this almost too quietly as if I'm asking a personal question.

"No.. If we are killed in circumstances it means we failed in our task. We deserve to die. Rather than accept the shame of defeat."

"But what if there was a choice.. Like say you or me?"

"Then I would choose myself as tribute."

"Even if that would hurt me more?"

"You would heal your heavy heart in time, it is better to live your life than end it prematurely.."

"But, you just said that if you failed your task you would rather kill yourself.. Isn't that dying prematurely?"

"You know our code, it is absolute."

"Tell that to Ghardeh."

"Ghardeh is an exceptionally well decorated Yautja, and she has regained her honour."

"So many outcomes.. It's hard to take it all in, and what about.. Ki'xal?"

I feel a hot flush.. Like I shouldn't have brought his name up. But then I realise it is Tet'va, she leaves the vehicle and slams the door so hard the vehicle rocks and the window to the door smashes, I get out and lean on the front fender of the vehicle, I look at the floor thinking on what I'm about to say then look at Tet'va who is looking out to the passing specks of vehicles on the triple highway below.

"I'm sorry that was insensitive of me to bring Ki'xal up, I don't even know the full story.."

"If it was not for his sacrifice I would not be here today, likewise for Ghardeh and Ze'reikich'ja, I feel their conflict even to this day. That's not to say for my own as well."

I nod gently.

"I suppose I can never replace him.. But I'll do my best to be equal. Whatever it's worth." I look to the black starlit sky and take in a breath then exhale silently.

An hour of waiting and we feel the breeze of a vessel land behind us, Tet'va tosses a charge over her shoulder as she passes the vehicle. Then as we take off she detonates it causing the vehicle to explode..

"And there goes Tet'va's alarm again, waking up the whole planet.. Let's just return to Sisters Law.."

"Amen to that, you know Ellida, I should fire you for that reckless behaviour."

"So.. Why don't you?"

He frowns upon my question.

"You know why, you are one of my best operatives. Don't be so cocky.."

We fly into Sisters Law Station then head back to HQ. I get to my workstation when Joe leans on the back of my chair. "There's a lot of info on this chip Ell.."

I begin looking through it, there is a lot of information on their informants and allies. I see a folder named PROJECT NIGHTSHADE.

I click on it, there are equations of some sort of chemical compound mixture.

Canister designs. And possible trigger reactions.

I look at Joe, and nod.

"He wasn't lying, we just hit payday. This is Aquinox." I look back at the display.

"Now we need blacksites.. Ships deployed.. Allies.. Planet locations.."

I see another file, named GDR requisites.

I see a company that sends a chill down my spine, The United Ferderal Corporation. I read through the file to learn it is a front for the GDR.

There is a list of current operators.

Two sticks out in mind..

Delilah Berkley.

F'jord Mansen.

I hear Tet'va click..

"Your mother is a Tjau'ke?"

I frown at Tet'va. "No.. She can't be.. She would know.. Wouldn't she?!"

I see more names.. F'jord being one of them.. However they are also marked for termination, by USM.

"And how the hell do we tell her about this?" Joe asks with his hand wrapped around his jaw.

I shake my head, "I'll.. Tell her.. She has to know.. I need to take this info to her and Z.."

"Whoa hold on, this is company property now.. Confidential. I can't authorise this.. Even if it is your mother.. I-" I hear him struggle to talk and shoot around in my chair to see Tet'va grab him by the throat and keeps him held dangling..

Vi'rassi approaches Tet'va..

"Release him my friend.. Not the way.."

She drops him. "This is my family.. You will not jeopardise it Joseph.." She says with a growled tone.

"I was about to say.. It would put you all in more danger.. However! You have Yautja to keep you safe! Jeez Tet'va let a guy finish his sentence! Just be careful Ell.. Do what you have to do."

I take the chip then leave, enter my Yemen then drive home. As I enter my abode I see Tet'va stood on the balcony, I contact mom. I See her face and Kaylum in the distance fizzle onto my TV.

"Hey mom, we did it.. We umm.. Managed to get into the mainframe… Got a goldmine of info.. That Tennavian wasn't lying.. There's.. Some things we need to talk about mom. I'll be over when I've had some rest."

Mom frowns.

"Hun is everything alright? You seem different. Did something happen?"

"N-no.. Just tired!" I say with a smile though admittedly it was forced..

Moms head tilts to the right slightly. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then.. Or rather in a few hours.."

She disconnects..

I rub my face. She knew something was up.. But I'm too tired to care. I collapse on my bed and instantly fall asleep. That is until I feel my bed dip..

"Rain you are so heavy.." I say sleepily.

She just wraps her arm around my midriff where I just close my eyes and sleep..

Delilah..

Next day..

Smoke and Lies.. That's all the UFC is.. All this time a front for the GDR? And they are allied with the USM? This information is sickening.. Even to me.. I never knew.. Does F'jord know? If he does I'll kill that wretch myself. Before Z gets a hold of him.. But some things don't add up, if he did know then why help me? And why are we both marked for termination if he is with them? How could I not have known?

"Ellida, it would be beneficial to tell your mother about the incident.." Tet'va says..

I glare at my mate.

"Tet'va.."

"What incident?" Mom asks firing me a look.

"I.. Ran into trouble.. In the mainframe.. I.. Umm.."

"Drowned.. I had to resuscitate her.."

"Tet'va!" I yell just as mom shouts.

"ELLIDA BERKLEY! How could you be so reckless?! I would NEVER ask you to risk your life for THIS! Why didn't you ask for help?!"

"Jee mom! Maybe because the only way in was full of water and the way out was too small for a yautja!"

"But not for Vi'rassi.." Tet'va says.

"Just spill all of the mission why don't you Tet'va!"

Ellida storms off slamming the back door.

I point at the chip.. "This is dangerous.. This information can't get out.. I'll get a hold of F'jord and the others.. We need to act as soon as possible."

"Agreed, it must be handled with care."

Tet'va walks out of the back door. When Kaylum stands up and approaches me.

"I can't believe she even managed to get in and get out without getting spotted. That's some badassness right there mom.. Can't not agree."

"But at the cost of her life almost Kall.. What if Tet'va or Vi'rassi weren't there? What if the mission failed?"

"But it didn't fail, and they were both there. She got the data." He shakes his head.

"Did you honestly not know mom? About the front?"

"No, nothing out of the ordinary.. Remember when I found out about that small postal company being a front for an interpol division below the store?"

"Yeah, then the rogue news outlet trying to expose them?"

"How could I not have seen it?"

"Maybe because the GDR is planet based.. You don't work for the UFC.. Just help them out from time to time.. Maybe it's time for an early retirement mom? Just to be safe? Let paps know you might be in danger.. Go stay over at Wuis't'kei for a while.."

I nod silently.

"I don't want him in danger. Because of me."

"Well sooner or later we are going to find that industrial planet that Ell spoke about so I'd say you are both even."

I walk outside to see Ellida and Tet'va sat on the grass talking quietly.

"Now I suppose you are going to give me a lecture about putting myself in danger? I'm an adult mom, I make my own decisions now and whether you like it or not I went out of my way to get that data."

I walk up to Ellida with my arms crossed looking at the floor then as I stop look at her.

"No, because I used to be like you, full of ambition, wanting to do right for the greater good.. I don't need to know if you are ready.. I know you are. But, there are limits. You have to know when enough is truly enough. Don't ever do something that will put you in mortal danger again, otherwise.. I give Tet'va full permission to bash you into submission and bring you home. Now.. I'm going to Wuis't'kei for a while, talk to Z and Ghardeh. Make up a plan to get that industrial planet nuked."

"So.. Here's the thing mom, they don't actually know where you live, they say you are marked but don't have a location. It's possible they may go for the softer elements for information. Like me, Kall.. Suzie.. I'm going to pay the Tennavian another visit. See if I can't loosen his screws as to why he wants me to kill Qah'dah.."

I look at Tet'va as she turns fully to Ellida.

"What did you say about Qah'dah?"

She asks slowly balling her fist.

"I'm not going to do it Rain, I know who she is. But she also has to be warned of an imminent attack. If she dies by the hands of someone Z knows. It would be. Catastrophic.. To say the least. I'm not letting that happen." Ellida says frowning at Tet'va. She holds Tet'vas fists.

"Do you really think I'd kill a member of Z's circle then live to tell about it? He's family.. I'd die before I would be able to get to my ship."

"What do you mean?"

"It would break my heart."

Ellida walks back into the house and I begin to pack a few things.

"One other thing mom, Ze'reikich'ja is on that list, probably in regards to the USM. Just.. When he's ready to go down to that planet, call me down. I'll come along."

"We. Will come along."

Tet'va says from behind Ellida making her spin round.

"You are worse than Ze'reikich'ja for that Tet'va.." Ellida says almost snapping.

"We are a pairing, I won't leave your side. Get used to it."

"Lucky scud getting a sexy Yautja to look after you.." Kaylum says walking past with some of his things..

"You still find me attractive Kaylum?"

"T'yeah.. What would change?"

Tet'va tilts her head as he walks downstairs but I snorted a laugh.

Ellida raised her arms and walks past the wedge in the door.

"Before you start with this again I'm getting my things and getting started."

Ellida…

I walk downstairs and take the whisper chip then slide it into my front right pocket, I then get in my Yemen and drive back to S.L.S.D HQ, I walk into the investigation wing and plug the chip into an ICT. Or Information Compiling Terminal. Then using key words I can target specific bites of data I want.. My first order of the day is 'Blacksite'. No matter how you term a word facilities are intrinsically linked to code that can be intercepted and translated as a blacksite. Within seconds I have 44 sites.. Though one catches my eye.. Illium four. An M class planet. Industrial and mining system.. Called Farsec Inc.. I am so lost in my assessment that Joe taps my shoulder and makes me jump.. I gasp twisting around so violently that I would have caused my head to do a 180.

"Whoa.. It's only me Miss spy.. What you got there?"

"A possible blacksite I'm interested in, I need to find names and locations.."

"Well when you are finished playing good girl bad girl. I need you in my office.."

"Yeah, see you there."

I see several names pop up.

Two of them being USM personnel.

Wayne Carlton.

Shane Hunter Dixon.

My heart jumps.. No.. Mom killed him.. Or rather Ghardeh.. Or was it Ze'reikich'ja?! I wasn't there when it happened. But mom told me.. But I remember his face when he entered our lives for the first time. If.. He's dead then how.. Unless there are mul-

I take out the whisper chip and contact Ze'reikich'ja.

"Ellida? You look like you have seen a ghost.."

"Is something wrong ma'am? Looks like you've seen a ghost or something.."

His words echo in my memory..

"Ellida." I look to see Z on the comms display turning his head to the left in worry.

"Pa, I went through a list of personnel.. It showed a Wayne Carlton.. And another.. Shane Hunter Dixon.. But you and Ghardeh killed him didn't you? Ten years ago.." I shake my head.. I don't understand.. Are there multiple clones of you? And why?"

"Not here.. Not over comms.. Come I will meet you at the station when I have finished up here. I'll explain everything then.."

"Ok.. Be careful." He bows his head then I disconnect.

I walk towards Joe's office then enter knocking twice.

"Ellida, sit down. We need to talk."

I sit down when he also sits with his arms crossed but he seems conflicted with something.

"You've been here for years, worked hard to get to where you are now. You've took some risks.. Made a name for yourself.. And done this division proud.. But.." He shakes his head..

"I'm.. I've been told to let you go.. This comes from higher up.. Way up.." He leans on his desk.

"That little op we pulled last night? Has the ears on some of those higher ups.. I didn't see it.. They were bringing a file close to 3 years.. And we.. Fucked it.. I fucked it.. The pursuing craft got a lock on our DP number.. And.. It came back to me.."

"Hang on.. You get caught but I'm the one getting let off the reservation?"

I ask calmly.

"I had a choice Ell.. Either.. I get forty years imprisonment for violating the directive.. Or.. I let you go.. For insubordination.. Now, they don't know about the files we stole.. Thanks to the whisper chip.. But.. I'm going to need those files Ell.." He holds out his hand.

"No, I'm not done with them.. If they don't know they are gone what's the point telling anyone.."

"Ellida, I need the files.."

"No.."

He walks up to me. And something isn't right, he grabs me by the throat.. Turns on his window screening to black out the room then begins to choke me.. H hold my breath and hit him in the head hard.. But on the second punch my arm is stopped dead..

I feel lightheaded..

I resist.. I kick off of the wall and we both fly towards the desk.. "What are you doing?! Stop it Joe!"

He walks towards the desk and throws it aside. His expression is blank. Vi'rassi enters and looks at both of us.. Her hooded brow descends.. She in a flash slithers up to Joe and grabs him.. But he turns around and shoves her with an unnatural strength.. I grab his drawer rip it out and with all my own strength I throw it into his head.. Knocking his head completely sideways and i see tensile cables and blinking lights.. Its then a whir and a deafening burst of Vi'rassi's weapon goes off.. Joe falls back with a white substance leaking from his weapon wounds.

"What the fuck is Joe?!" I shout I call for security.

Members walked on in with hands at their mouths at the sight, Vi'rassi moves me away from whatever it is.. "Ellida Berkley? Would you come with me please?" I see a member of security holding his hand out to me holstering his weapon.. But I can't take my eyes off of Joe.. I begin to look at everyone.. Who else is one of those things?"

Vi'rassi comes with me.

"I didn't know.. Do you believe me?"

I ask the security personnel.

"I believe you, someone will be with you shortly. Wait in here."

He nods to Vi'rassi who stays with me.

She holds my shoulder..

"Your neck is injured Ellida, so you require medical attention?"

"No. I just.. What was that? An android? I've been working with an android all these years?!"

Vi'rassi holds me close against her warm scales.

"Everything will be fine my friend. I am not an android."

I take out the whisper chip..

"Vi'rassi, you are the only one I trust.. Keep this safe for me, guard it with your life.. Please.."

I relieve myself of her when I leave the office as Vi'rassi calls my name.

"Ma'am could you come with me please?" I hear as I leave the building.

Two more officers walk up to me.

"I really must be going.."

"We'll take you there it's fine.."

"No I re-"

"Just get in the car!"

One of the men tries to manhandle me but I elbow him in the stomach and club my havds together smashing the second male in the jaw knocking him Unconscious and sprawled on the floor, I get his car kard then sidearm after getting into my Yemen I speed on home after I throw the car kard into a nearby trash compactor. I pull up at home.

But I see my home has been trashed.

I panic.. My armour system..

I enter my room to see it has not been discovered..

I open the false panel then get into the armour.. Then close up the panel. The weapons clat and click into place.

"Payback time.. Let's see you weave your way out of this one.. Vectra.."

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Author note: With only six more chapters to go it is starting to hot up once again! USM on one side with its lies and the UFC/GDR blowing smoke blinding all to what's coming.. Smoke and Lies part two is underway. See you in the next one.

Reviewers circle: NeverNeverLady; It's getting there! Thank you!