Angel's Lament

Hello, and welcome to Chapter 10, and thank you for checking my story out, hopefully, this Chapter will be interesting to you. It's the longest chapter yet, mainly due to the action and the introduction of a few new characters and some from the games. Now with this said let the story begin...


Chapter Ten: Openings On The Horizon, Part I

Joslyn Darr woke up tired, she sluggishly made her way around her cabin room towards the kitchen. The kitchen and dining room were small, but they suited her just fine. The kitchen was also simply equipped with only a toaster, can opener, and a coffee machine. After scanning the room she made herself a quick cup of coffee to wake her up and ready for the business of the day. Joslyn was a Botanist for a hydroponics farm not that far from her house. She quickly chugged down the last of her coffee and went back to her room, where she took a fast shower and got dressed for work. After making sure her hair was put up into a neat bun she finally went to wake up the cabin's other inhabitant.

Joslyn opened the door to the small house's second bedroom. She opened it and looked inside. On the bed sat a small little boy staring intently at his Omnitool. The wrist strap barely fit the boy's tiny arm, the boy used his second hand to keep the Omnitool steady. Even after Joslyn coughed in an attempt to get the child's attention he remained completely focused on the holographic screen in front of him.

Joslyn gave a smile and moved deeper into the room, ensuring to stay in front of the boy. The child finally acknowledged Joslyn's existence when she sat at the base of the bed. The boy quickly raised his head to look his mother in the eye. His eyes were cobalt blue with a questioning nature apparent in them. The child was skinny, nearing an unhealthy amount but just barely above a detrimental level. He was dressed in an old pair of Star Wars pajamas. The colors on them heavily faded, to the degree that Luke Skywalker's face on the shirt was near indiscernible from the background.

Joslyn spoke when she was seated, her voice was soft and kind but with a slight serious edge. "How long have you been awake Tobi?"

Tobi was silent a moment as if he was formulating an excuse. "I had to see what was happening in the galaxy." Was what he finally said his voice attempting to excuse what he was doing.

Joslyn chuckled and ruffled the hair on Tobi's head, the boy giggling, Joslyn then saying. "Of course you were, Tobi. You're just like your dad."

Tobi's face went stiff and then sad. "I miss him." Said Tobi, a moment later. For a ten-year-old boy, the memories of his father were still vivid, even though he was taken from them five years ago.

Joslyn pulled her son into a hug giving him a kiss on the forehead before saying. "I know you do, baby." Joslyn then mouthed what she said next hoping Tobi wouldn't hear her. "I miss him too."

After another hour Joslyn had gotten Tobi ready for the day, and had prepared a real breakfast for the both of them, pancakes and hashbrowns. Joslyn helped Tobi get his shoes on and with that, they were out the door. The world outside was bright and beautiful, Trees dispersed between colonist houses. The sun shone high in the sky indicating the time was near seven in the morning, as Horizons rotation was faster than earths by a few hours it caused the sun to be higher in the sky by mid-morning.

Joslyn took only a moment to look around before she led Tobi down the stairs and up the sidewalk. It was a short commute to Tobi's School, the School was called the "Lamb's Cradle." Tobi was harder to convince than usual to go into the School, but after Joslyn promised that she'd see him soon and that after school they would go and get some lunch from her favorite Restaurant, Tobi acquiesced. But before he went inside he asked his mom how long she would be. When Joslyn told him her usual time of 3:55 Tobi became extra nervous as if he was scared to be away from her that whole time.

Tobi then asked if she could get to him any sooner, but Joslyn was honest and told him no, and that she couldn't leave work before then. That had made Tobi even more apprehensive, but after Joslyn calmed him down he eventually walked into the school building once he was given one last reassuring hug. After Tobi disappeared into the building Joslyn waited an extra few moments in case he got too anxious and rushed back out to her. But eventually, after another moment had passed and Tobi had been yet to reappear Joslyn continued on her way.

Joslyn then ran the last half mile to the Farm in an attempt to still be on time. She reached the door at exactly 8:00, meaning she made it just in time. The day after that went normal Joslyn monitored the Farm, and took the occasional sample that she tested to ensure that optimal growing parameters were in place. The day was uneventful until her lunch, where she stopped off in the employee lounge and grabbed a cup of coffee and a bagel. Just as Joslyn was about to leave and return to her lab she heard a giant BOOM. It came from above her causing Joslyn to almost run for cover believing that the building was about to collapse.

Joslyn only realized that the building was fine a moment later, when after realizing that she was safe, for now, she instantly went to a window to try and see what was happening. Joslyn ripped the blinds open in the break room and peered through them. What she saw made her heart skip a beat. There floating above the colony about to land was a massive ship. It was irregularly shaped and bulbous, with rocks jutting out near the base. It looked less like a ship and more like an abandoned space station but it was clearly more than capable of flying.

Joslyn watched the ship land only taking in the occasional breath to keep herself from losing consciousness. But she finally broke from her stupor when she saw what the ship did next after it landed. The monolithic vessel coming to a halt near the center of town. Hatches opened on its sides with strange black clouds flying out from the openings. At that moment Joslyn's old soldier instincts kicked in as she realized what was happening, they were being attacked. Joslyn quickly threw her mug and bagel in the direction of the counter and sprinted out the door. She nearly ran into several of her co-workers as she sprinted by, some asking what was going on while others who had also seen what Joslyn saw.

Joslyn and three of her co-workers who had kids at Lamb's Cradle all ran out of the farm and into the street all running in the direction of the school. They ran the whole way only stopping when they reached the entrance. A father who had reached the door only a second before Joslyn threw one of the double doors open and they each scattered in the direction of their child's classroom. Joslyn found the door to Tobi's classroom adorned with the familiar, but now very out-of-place, finger painted butterfly. She grabbed the doorknob and yanked on the door,p. It wouldn't budge. It was locked.

Joslyn slammed her fists into the door and yelled. "Open the Door! Open the door! My son's in there!" Joslyn continued to yell until finally, she heard the click of the door unlocking. The door opened slowly until the full class was revealed. The small room was filled with a number of children all cowering under their Smart Desks.

The room was dark with only the light of the setting sun from the tinted windows illuminating anything. The students' Smart Desks were powered off, providing no extra light. The wider room was in disarray, drawing supplies and large sheets of paper strewn around the floor. It looked like they had been interrupted in the middle of a project when the Aliens landed, now nearly 10 minutes ago.

The teacher's desk near the front of the room appeared to be in order with a datapad and a Smart Terminal resting neatly on top. However, there was no sign of Tobi's Teacher anywhere in the room. Joslyn continued to scan the room looking for her son. All she saw was the small collection of terrified children, who clearly didn't know what to do. Joslyn gave one last look into the faces of each wide-eyed child hoping to see Tobi's.

After Joslyn finished her hurried scan of the room she spotted Tobi peeking from behind the door - he had heard her and unlocked the door. The two embraced, hearts pounding out of their chests. Joslyn noticed his little body was shaking violently. She pulled him closer trying to reassure him. As she did so she looked out the window hoping the Alien vessel had disappeared along with the black cloud it had spewed out. Sadly, there looming in the center of the window was the ship, the black cloud coming ever closer to the school.

The Cloud was so close Joslyn could make out the details of its composition. That's when she realized it was no cloud, but a swarm like locust, made up of thousands of tiny flying creatures. At that realization, Joslyn's militia protocol kicked in. She gave her son one last squeeze before she stood up to get control of the situation.

Once she was standing Joslyn instinctively put her hand tightly on Tobi's shoulder, and called to the class of frightened children. "Okay, kids. It's going to be okay. I just need you to listen to me carefully and do exactly what I say." Joslyn waited to see how the children reacted and noticed all eyes firmly on her. She continued, "We need to get to the Militia Armory for safety. That means we leave NOW!" Most simply stayed frozen under their smart desks while a few slowly began to emerge and moved toward Joslyn and Tobi.

When it became apparent many of the children were too afraid to leave the relative safety of their classroom Joslyn resorted to a more parental tone. "I'm not asking you, kids, if you want to go. Now get out from under there and follow me!"

That seemed to get the kids moving as the rest finally scrambled out from under their desks and moved towards the door. Several kids grabbed things of importance like toys, datapads, backpacks, and notebooks. Though Tobi didn't move from his spot, his eyes were fixed on the window and the Alien ship it contained.

After Joslyn counted the small class of 13 kids she was ready to go and headed directly to the school's main entrance, a double pine door. The school's main hallway was now filled with the rest of Lamb's Cradle's students, some of their parents, a few teachers, and other faculty members. The adults were attempting to lead the procession of children out the main entrance, and into the open street.

Joslyn followed the group and soon they were all out the door. Joslyn kept a tight grip on Tobi's hand making sure he stuck by her as she escorted the children down the street. The large number of people seemed to get the attention of the Swarm as a tendril from the greater whole deviated heading straight for them. Seeing this, the large group rushed forward with panic beginning to grip many of the children and even a few parents.

The hysteria only worsened when several parents scooped up their children and began attempting to outrun the rest of the group, some actually knocking down others in their path. It made Joslyn angry to see people turn cowardly so quickly, but she had more important things to worry about. The Swarm was closing in on them fast and gaining momentum.

Joslyn and the more level-headed adults quickly attempted to calm panicked children all the while urging them in the hopes of outrunning the Swarm. Despite their bleak situation, the group pressed on. Joslyn, in an attempt to alleviate some of her own concerns, tightened her grip on Tobi's hand. Just then they rounded the corner in sight of the blessed Armory.

In times of emergency, or attack, it was standard protocol on Horizon for all citizens to rally at the Armories that were spread across the colony. The Armories also doubled as bunkers built to withstand even the most dedicated of assaults. The bunkers were fitted with defensive emplacements, turrets, Mechs, and enough food supplies to last a group of a thousand people at least a month. While there the militia forces would be in charge until the colony was again safe or rebuilt.

After Joslyn and Tobi turned the corner they began to hear the mind-numbing noise of the Swarm as it drew closer. It was a low-pitched humming sound like that being made from a pair of dried out lungs. It grew so loud that Tobi couldn't resist the urge to stop in his tracks to look behind him, causing Joslyn to lose grip of his hand.

Joslyn realized in an instant and pivoted to turn back, but before she could take a step toward Tobi a grown man blind with panic barrelled into her sending her crashing to the concrete. Joslyn landed on her shoulder where she heard a sickening crunch. The terrified man uninjured simply picked himself up and kept running. Joslyn's body quickly responded by pumping her full of fear-laced adrenaline hurling her to her feet. Joslyn looked to where she had last seen Tobi, the pressing crowd making it nearly impossible, but for a split second, she saw him, somehow still standing untouched where he had frozen.

Tobi stood motionless in the middle of the street facing the Swarm, his knees shaking as if they were about to buckle under his own weight. His face was pale, the fear sucking the color from his face. Joslyn was just an arm's length away when she was knocked to the ground again. Pain searing through her shoulder, but her eyes locked on Tobi.

The Swarm was almost upon her diminutive child causing Joslyn's heart to scream out in horror as she sprinted towards her son barreling her way past the crowd to him. She wasn't sure she could get to him in time, but that didn't stop her from pushing her body beyond its limits in the attempt to save him. He was her baby and they would not die today.

Just as Joslyn reached out to grab Tobi one of the tiny creatures landed on his shoulder. It was the size of a human fist covered in a dark black carapace. It was similar in shape to a beetle, but with a giant stinger jutting out from its face. In less than a millisecond the creature pierced Tobi's neck with the stinger and flew away! Joslyn swatted violently, but was too late.

Tobi's body instantly reacted to the sting. Stiffening then collapsing lifeless toward the ground. Joslyn caught him before he hit and flung him carefully over her uninjured shoulder. She turned on a dime and ran as fast as she could toward the safety of the Armory, the Swarm now hovering over them like sheer doom.

Joslyn's body began to slow as she ran out of energy, but she pushed herself onwards, uncaring of the pain she now felt in both shoulders and the growing weakness in her legs. The Swarm had almost passed over them when the first bug landed on Joslyn's shoulder. She swatted it away as hard as she could. It was cold to the touch, as if it was made out of some kind of metal. Immediately after the first bug landed several others made attempts to sting her, but she was able to smack them away before they could jab her. She tried to focus on her target and could see that the giant doors were closing and that they wouldn't make it in time.

Another bug moved from the Swarm launching itself at Joslyn, but just before it could sting her a shot rang out and in the blink of an eye the bug was gone. Joslyn, undaunted by the shot simply pressed on hoping, at the very least, to get her son to safety. The desperate mother was now only a few meters from the closing door.

As the massive Armory door closed Joslyn's body finally gave out along with her hope and she began to stumble trying not to lose her grip on her son. Joslyn used the last of her energy to set Tobi down as gently as she could. Immediately she collapsed dragging in deep breaths in an attempt to revitalize herself. Again, Joslyn heard a shot, then another and another until it sounded like a dozen guns were firing simultaneously. Joslyn's vision blurred from exhaustion, but she knew she was hearing Element Zero weapons fire.

After what felt like several minutes of the firing continuing Joslyn felt a bit of energy return. She used it to quickly get up, ensuring not to use her right arm, for fear of immobilizing herself from the pain. It took her far longer than she wanted but eventually, she was in a crawling position facing down the street. Littering the road were hundreds, if not thousands, of the alien insects all laying lifeless, many in pieces. Joslyn turned around and slowly crawled to pick up her son. As she moved the last of the firing stopped. Before she could attempt to haul her son up onto her shoulder her attention was drawn to a deep voice close behind her. Joslyn looked toward the figure, her shocked mind and body slow to respond.

The voice repeated itself, the masculine voice sounding concerned. "Are you alright, Mame?" The man Joslyn turned to face was dressed in black N7 Commando armor, a bulky pistol attached to his hip and an Assault rifle held in his left hand. The man's hair was jet black and cut short and the air he gave exuded that he was definitely a soldier. The man's face expressed sincere concern as he stared at Joslyn, but he waited for her to respond before he did anything more.

Joslyn was slow to respond but when she did her words were simple. "I need him to be safe."

The man nodded, retracted his rifle and holstered it on his back then crouched down to scoop Tobi up, resting his head gently on his shoulder. With his free hand, he helped Joslyn back up to her feet. As she stood she finally realized that the bunker door had been opened again. The adults were all filing out carrying firearms and a few LOKI mechs were activated and taking up positions around the area.

Joslyn and her military escort were allowed inside the bunker, the crowd of parents and militiamen parting to give them room to enter. Tobi's classmates weren't in the bunker's lobby. Joslyn could only hope they had been taken to the underground portion of the complex where they could be kept safe from the attack. More LOKI Mechs advanced into the street. The Mechs moved to act as a vanguard for the bunker, as well as an early alarm system of sorts.

The bunker's main entrance was set up to aid in its defense, multiple pop up cover panels, a narrow entry point to funnel attackers into a kill box, and a serious amount of permanent heavy weapon emplacements. The narrow entrance widened significantly after passing the main chokepoint, allowing Joslyn to see the Armory better inside. The walls were a concrete gray with a singular navy blue horizontal stripe running down the center of the walls on either side.

Once they passed the checkpoint and were away from the main group of Militia they were ushered into the second chamber. It had a few other frightened civilians in it and they turned their attention to the trio the moment they entered. The walls were the same dull gray but there were more colors this time segregating the room into three parts. There was a green line, a red line, and a yellow line. Each color indicated a different corridor.

Joslyn knew what each colored corridor meant as she used to be a part of the militia a few years ago. The red indicated the path to the medical center of the bunker where they kept a large store of medical supplies and machinery. The green led to the real armory where all the firearms, thermal clips and other ammunition were stored. Then the yellow line led to the main housing complex with the barracks for use during emergencies, as well as, the food storage and dining areas.

*The man and Joslyn were led by a younger woman with a calm demeanor, who had a large Red Cross emblem on her uniform. She took them towards the Red doorway and escorted them through. The hallway immediately entered into a spiral staircase that led down, deeper into Horizon. Next to the stairs sat a large service elevator though it required keys to function. The woman continued to lead them, taking them down the stairs occasionally looking back to see if she was still being followed.

Joslyn was now feeling better while she walked down the stairs, the man in front of her carrying Tobi, Joslyn was also finally able to catch her breath. Though this in truth only slightly registered to her as she was barely able to think of anything else but Tobi. He still wasn't moving, he lay limp against the man's shoulder. He looked to be asleep, but Joslyn knew he hadn't simply fainted from fear. Joslyn reached forward and patted Tobi's head, running her fingers through his soft hair. Whatever that insect was must have injected him with was doing this. She didn't know exactly how she knew but deep down she knew that she was right.

Joslyn's mind raced about what could be coursing through her son's veins. 'Poison? A Muscle Relaxant? A Neurotoxin?' She didn't know but the horrible possibilities swirled around in her mind as she descended the stairs. Joslyn couldn't take her eyes off Tobi as she walked, he was cradled against the man's shoulder looking as if he was being carried to bed. It made Joslyn nervous the longer they walked just how peaceful he looked, it terrified her that he could be dead.

Joslyn couldn't help but ask her voice tired but deadly serious. "Is he okay?"

The man not slowing his pace turned his head to the side and said. "He's still breathing, that's all I can really tell, did he hit his head?"

"One of those things stung him, then he fell over, and I grabbed him and ran, after that you know the rest." Answered Joslyn, focusing on watching Tobi more than walking safely.

"Well, whatever those bugs did can be undone. He just needs the right medicine, or time." Responded the man, his voice sounding as genuine as it could.

Despite his assurances Joslyn couldn't help but fear about Tobi, he was her baby and she couldn't take the heartbreak of losing the only gift she had left from her husband. She had lost everything else of him the day he died. Joslyn didn't say anything else the rest of the descent. Despite a growing dizziness she simply watched Tobi as if she were to look away for even a moment his condition would worsen.

After another minute or so they finally reached the bottom of the stairs. There was a large hallway, able to accommodate six people shoulder to shoulder, that led past the service elevator and then to a sealed door. The door at the end of the hallway was a shiny silver color with the two Red Crosses and each half of the Blast Door. The Medic walked up to a terminal next to the door. Where she pulled up her Omnitool and opened it. The Blast Doors sliding open a second later. The Medic then quickly led the N7 and Joslyn into the Medical Center. There were 17 people in the Center already, all wearing the same Red Cross on their shoulders as their guide.

Though unlike their guide not all of them were dressed in Militia Uniforms. Seven of them were dressed in the stereotypical clean white overcoats found on doctors. The rest were either dressed like Joslyn's guide, dull-white military armor with a medical symbol draped on different parts of their suits, or they were dressed in nurse scrubs. The Doctor's, or at least the ones who appeared to be, were discussing things to themselves, while the others were setting up additional medical beds and unwrapping boxes of medical supplies.

The room was pristine with the walls, floor, and ceiling all painted white. There were other colors in the room blues, reds, and silver. Near the entrance of the room was a large collection of mobile medical tables all covered inboxes. Along the back wall were seven rooms, five labeled Surgery 1-5 and the other two marked Supplies. On the left wall were 15 other rooms that ran the whole length of the wall. The 15 rooms were simply numbered, their doors wide open and lights off. While along the ceiling were a large collection of air ducts that took air from the surface and ran it through an industrial purifier.

In between each room were triage bays with retractable curtains for patient privacy. Along the right wall were a number of temporary medical beds and mobile medical scanners and carts of medical tools. In between the beds were rooms for the more complex and larger medical scanners as well as more storage areas. The room was large with several rows of cots filling the space in between, for temporary patients or when they got overwhelmed. In all the Medical Center were 120 meters in length and 60 meters wide with a 5-meter tall ceiling. Scattered around the giant underground chamber were support pillars that doubled as message boards for both patients and the medical staff.

When the Medics saw the N7 carrying a child they rushed into action. Two of the Doctors ordered three medics, including Joslyn's guide, to gather certain medical tools or supplies, such as an IV. While the others ran around the two Doctors split up, one walking up to the N7 and directing him to set the child down on a medical bed in the corner. While the other, an elderly man, talked to Joslyn directly. Joslyn remembered the man, his name was Daniel Gregor, he had been something of a friend to her husband when she and her husband served in the Militia.

"What happened to Tobi, Joslyn?" Was all Daniel asked at first, he had always been a straightforward person, direct and to the point.

"Tobi was stung by one of those swarm bugs. It stung him then he collapsed and he fainted some point after." Answered Joslyn.

"Hmm. How long did it take for him to fall unconscious?"

"I… I don't know, maybe a minute or two. But please tell me if he's going to be okay?" Said Joslyn, her voice cracking as she spoke.

"Well, Joslyn, we won't know until we conduct some tests and do scans. Until that point, I can't give you an honest answer." Said, Daniel. Joslyn just about collapsed from a mixture of grief, pain, and overexertion. The Doctor helped her stand and said trying to in some way to reassure her. "But... if I had to guess I'd say the creature injected him with some sort of muscle relaxant, based on his lack of observable changes, a lack of discoloration, and the fact that he collapsed first then passed out."

Joslyn was terrified of what it meant about the ship and what it meant to the colony. But she was also given a glimmer of hope from finally having a possible answer to what was ailing her child.

Joslyn spoke her voice continuing to crack, but it contained her glimmer of hope. "Doesn't that mean he can sleep it off? It's just a relaxant so he should be fine, Right?"

Daniel's face formed a frown and he said, his voice deadly serious. "No, Joslyn. He can't simply sleep it off. Th-"

"How!? Why? Why can't he?" Said Joslyn, she was losing all sense of composure as terror gripped her as she feared for her son's life.

The Doctor held up his hand saying. "Please let me finish Joslyn, I know you're scared to lose him, but I promise you panicking will not help him recover. We'll do wha-"

Daniel was again cut off, this time by one of the medics. Her voice was loud and apprehensive. "Doctor we need you over here! He's seizing!"

Joslyn turned her head in an instant to see what was happening to her child. What she saw nearly made her fall over in tears. Tobi's small body was in the midst of a seizure, his body shaking violently and limbs flailing. Joslyn attempted to rush to Tobi but was held back by the N7. He knew she couldn't do anything and she would get in the way of the professionals, who could save the kid if given the chance. Daniel passed them heading straight to a storage room. He returned a moment later with a syringe in one hand and a bottle of liquid in the other.

The next hour passed with heavy tension as the doctors attempted to stabilize Tobi. Joslyn was situated in a chair and had been fitted with a sling to keep her from moving her shoulder. Finally, as the clock reached 3:00 the doctors stopped their operation on Tobi. At that point, Daniel took Joslyn aside to tell her all that had happened. While the other doctors saw to the more recent patients who had been brought down.

Joslyn was the first to speak once they stepped away. "What happened to my son?"

"He suffered a seizure due to his body's reaction to the muscle relaxant. I had been about to tell you earlier why he couldn't sleep off the drug. The dose the creature injected him with was most likely for that of an average adult, meaning Tobi's tiny body couldn't deal with it on its own." Responded Daniel, his words clear and articulate.

"Will he be okay now?" Asked Joslyn, fearful of his response.

"He should be now. We conducted a Hemodialysis on him which seems to have filtered out most of the venom, now we wait for his body to recover from its effects. But Tobi should make it through, and given enough rest and the correct treatments this won't have any long term effects on him. Though I recommend that Tobi stays in the Medical Center for as long as the attack lasts. Then we'll take him to the hospital so we can keep him for observation and make sure he can recover fully." Answered Daniel he then was called over by a nurse to see another patient where he gave his apologies to Joslyn and went over to help.

Joslyn let out a deep sigh feeling some of her terror leave her. Tobi was going to make it through the sting, but she still feared horribly about what was happening outside. For all, she knew the aliens that were attacking weren't leaving until they won or if they couldn't win. If they were to act that way there was little chance the Militia would be able to stop them.

Before Joslyn could return to Tobi's side the man that had carried her son came up to her, his arms were crossed and he seemed concerned. When he came to a halt in front of Joslyn he asked, his tone worried. "So, how's the kid doing? What'd the doc say?"

"Yes, the Doctor said my sons going to pull through, if he can rest and let the effects wear off. If that can happen my son should be fine." Joslyn after a moment said. "Thank you, you helped save my son."

"Of course, I was glad to help." Replied the man. The N7 then turned to leave, but looked back and said. "My name's Kaiden by the way. Kaiden Alenko, what's yours?"

"I'm Joslyn Darr, and my son's name is Tobi." Answered Joslyn.

"Well, it's nice finally getting your name. Oh yeah, how's your arm doing? I saw the nurse give you that sling, and I'm going to guess for a good reason." Replied Kaiden.

"It's alright it hurts a fair bit, but I'll be fine. I've been through worse."

"Well, I hope it heals fast. How'd it happen anyway?"

"I got hurt while we ran here. A man barrelled into me and knocked me to the ground. After that, it all becomes a blur. But from what the nurse told me I have a broken clavicle. It happened when I fell so to help it heal I have to wear this." Said Joslyn, indicating to the sling.

"Sorry to hear that. Well, I should probably go and see what I can do for the Militia in helping with what's happening here." Responded Kaiden as he began to turn to the Medical Centers entrance. "It was nice meeting you Miss Darr, and I hope Tobi wakes up soon."

"Thank you again, Kaiden, and good luck to you." Replied Joslyn, waving her uninjured hand as he walked to the door.

"Of course." Said Kaiden returning the wave as he walked backward.

With that, the N7 soldier disappeared into the hallway. As soon as Kaiden was gone Joslyn took her chance and headed straight to where Tobi was resting. She took a seat in the chair a nurse had left for her next to her son. She cradled his hand in her own, stroking it gently and whispering, "Mama's here, Baby. Mama's here."

Joslyn fell asleep not long after she sat down by her poisoned son. She dreamed of horrible things, mainly about the swarm of creatures and the haunting noise they made. Joslyn was gratefully interrupted from her nightmares by a nurse.

"M'am? Would you like some food?" Asked the nurse crouched in front of Joslyn touching her knee. Joslyn had to blink a few times to rouse herself back to the safety of the Medical Bay. She simply nodded in response and the nurse stood up in understanding to retrieve something for the weary mother to eat. After she left Joslyn started to try and fully wake up stretching her uninjured arm and yawning.

She then looked back to Tobi, his body completely still except for the rise and fall in his chest as he breathed. It was still a terrible sight seeing him in such a state, looking so deathly pale with tubes sticking out of his arms. Joslyn gently took his right hand again and caressed it against her cheek, taking a moment to monitor his pulse to ensure that he was okay. She only stopped when the nurse came back a minute later pushing a mobile cart with a platter of food on top. The tray had a slab of beef, a portion of instant mashed potatoes, a roll, and a helping of canned corn. Along with the food was a small styrofoam cup of iced water, and a plastic fork, spoon, and knife.

The nurse apologized for the poor food saying it was all that had been stocked in the Medical Centers food supplies. Joslyn assures her it was fine. The nurse turned to leave and reminded Joslyn if she needed anything to press the call button on the gurney and someone would be with them as soon as possible.

Joslyn ate her food slowly, as she was deep in thought and on account of the food's poor taste. While she ate she thought about Tobi and what was happening outside. She was beginning to think they must have the upper hand since the doctors were not making any dreadful announcements and the lack of any panic. Joslyn was sadly mistaken, for as she took the final bite of her beef slab a voice came over the old loudspeaker system.

"I am sorry to report, but our Militia forces have been unable to deal with the alien attackers. They have been pushed back to the Armory and are actively making their last stand against the invaders. We don't know how long they are going to hold but what we do know is that these aliens have an extensive knowledge of our defense systems. They have deactivated the LOKI Mechs, and the Blast Doors for the Armory are no longer responding to our commands and are stuck open."

"Luckily the Militia have been able to open the emergency escape exits in each of the Armory districts. We advise that all those here in the Medical District who are able head immediately to the 3rd Surgery Room. We advise you to prepare yourselves as quickly and orderly as you can. Keep in mind the emergency exit leads directly to the edge of town. Medical Personnel will try and help where they can, but please be aware that we have priorities and loved ones we wish to see safely out, as well. With that said - Good Luck, and may God help us."

As the speaker shut off fear gripped Joslyn as the reality of the situation was forced upon her. She felt as if her chest was going to explode with anxiety. But just as she was about to crumble in fear she gathered her will and fought the internal battle against the nightmare. Once she gained control over her limbs she stood up and looked to the door then back at Tobi. She knew she had to save him, but she also knew it wasn't going to be easy, especially with her shoulder.

Joslyn quickly ran over and grabbed Tobi's clothes and shoved them into a plastic bag near his bed. It was difficult only being able to use one arm but eventually, she got the hang of it. Just as she was about to start removing the cables attached to Tobi she heard someone enter the room. She turned and readied herself for anything. In the doorway stood Kaiden, his armor smeared with dirt, his hair matted with sweat, and a gash on his cheek. He threw his arms up showing he meant them no harm.

Once Joslyn was sure it was him she loosened her stance and said. "Please help me."

Kaiden quickly moved to the other side of the bed saying. "Can he be disconnected from any of these machines?"

Joslyn acted rather than respond, pulling monitors off his body until only the IV remained. She unhooked the IV bags from the stand and motioned for Kaiden to take Tobi.

Kaiden quickly, but carefully picked up Tobi along with the sheets he was wrapped in to keep the boy clean from the soldier's dirtied armor. Before Joslyn could hand him the IV bags he spoke. "Take my pistol, we'll definitely need it where we are going." With that, he unholstered his pistol and handed it to Joslyn.

She took it and handed him the IV bags, which he secured to his shoulder plate. Joslyn checked the Thermal Clip and readied herself to go. With that, they left the room and entered back into the main Medical area. There was almost no one left now, only a few Militia Medics, the nurse who had given Joslyn food, and a few stunned civilians. The Militia Medics were armed with standard rifles and watching the door intently. Joslyn led Kaiden across the chamber straight for the 3rd Surgery room. Following not far behind them were the nurse and the three civilians.

Just as they reached the emergency exit door Joslyn heard one of the Medics shout something, then the sound of guns firing. With that helping to push them forward the group made their way through the door that led into a narrow tunnel. The only light was the occasional ceiling mounted LED that gave off limited light. It was cramped, barely able to fit them in a single file. This slowed them down a bit, but Kaiden set a hard pace for Joslyn to match. They could hear the panic coming from the people behind them, but both paid little attention to it, primarily focused on Tobi and his well-being.

After about three minutes of walking in a straight line, the path diverged into two. On the left led to daylight and to the right another path led deeper into the tunnel. Kaiden waited for Joslyn to pick one before he took her son anywhere.

Joslyn quickly decided against going out into the open so soon and decided to keep going with the tunnel. "Right." Was all she said, and with that Kaiden went farther into the tunnel.

Joslyn heard as the other party split up into two groups one following them, the nurse and a civilian, while the other two headed for daylight. Joslyn and Kaiden continued down the tunnel, being sure to go as fast as was feasible in such tight conditions and low light. Soon the path began to incline. Eventually, the path came to an end opening up at the foot of a ladder that led towards the surface. The same LED lights were placed in the upwards tunnel, though it was unclear if it reached daylight.

*Joslyn quickly resolved to go first, shoving Kaiden's pistol into her pocket allowing her to climb without using her wounded arm. After Joslyn was a good 10 feet up Kaiden climbed on, making sure to keep Tobi as safe as he could. Not long after Kaiden reached the top the Nurse and civilian emerged. The civilian, a middle-aged man attempted to yell Kaiden up the ladder, screaming for him to go faster. But after Kaiden gave the man a good kick to the face he shut up, though that was mainly on account of the pain and hassle from his broken nose.

Soon Joslyn came to the end of the ladder, a simple metal manhole, which she slowly lifted and pushed aside. She then quickly crawled out of the hole and scanned the area. She was in a small windowless tool shed, though on account of poor light it was hard to tell if it was a tool shed. All Joslyn could ascertain for certain was that the floor was concrete and that there were a dozen boxes littering the floor. The only exit that she could see was an old-looking wooden door that let in the rooms only light, besides what came from the hole. Joslyn finally took the Carnifex out of her pocket and leveled it at the door as Kaiden came out.

Kaiden quickly took a position behind Joslyn, as they waited for the other two people to get out. The man was first, still attempting to stop the flow of blood that came from his nose. Which the man situated himself as far away from Kaiden as he could for fear of more injury. After him came the Nurse who quickly re-covered the manhole.

The Nurse was the first to speak between all of them, her voice containing no small part of anxiety. "Well, what's our plan? Do we just head out of this shed and hope to get away?"

Joslyn responded attempting to keep her voice down for fear of what could be outside the door. "I plan on going to the Pharmacy. I'm going to need more painkillers and other medications for my son. So that's my plan, you can join me or you can head your own way. I'm extending the choice to you to Kaiden, you've already done more than enough."

Kaiden quickly replied, his voice quiet and honest. "I'm not going anywhere Joslyn, you two still need me. Besides you've got my gun."

"Thank you, Kaiden." Said Joslyn, her voice containing her gratitude to Kaiden for his invaluable help to her. "How about you two? Are you going to follow us? Or are you going to head somewhere else."

"Hell no am I following that lunatic." Replied the man, his voice nasally and angry, as he pointed at Kaiden. Who simply shrugged in response.

The Nurse nodded to Joslyn saying. "I'd feel better with more people, especially ones who have weapons."

Alright let's get ready, I'll open the door and I'll walk out first and check if it's safe for the rest of you then we'-" Began Joslyn.

"Oh, to hell with this!" Interrupted the man as he jumped up and kicked the door open exposing the entire room to the light of outside.

Joslyn cursed and raised the pistol at the light as her eyes adjusted to the change. It took a moment but eventually, she was able to see what was out there. They were in the backyard of one of the more permanent houses near the east side of town. But what caught Joslyn's eye immediately was what lay in the center of town. There looming like the horns of the devil were three of the alien ships. Each unique with different rock formations and colors. What was happening around them was also eye-catching. The Black Swarm of creatures flew around the three ships every once and a while sending out small pockets of their number to random areas of the colony.

After a moment Joslyn got ahold of herself and she looked around the more immediate area. Outside a few yards away was a fence, with its gate already open with the obstinate man rushing through it. Joslyn stood up and checked around the shed Kaiden and the Nurse following close behind. They then made a b-line to the wooden fence and huddled against it. Joslyn looked through the doorway and down the street. She saw the man running down the center of the road and completely in the open. Joslyn couldn't help but roll her eyes as she continued to scan the road. She knew the part of town they were in and she quickly deduced where the closest pharmacy was. After that, she stood and began the arduous task of making their way stealthily down the road.

They slowly progressed jumping from house to house and car to car. Eventually, they were only a block away from the Pharmacy and had yet to run into any trouble. That was when Joslyn caught her first sight on the invading aliens.

They were man-sized and bug-like with a black exoskeleton covering the outside of their body. With a flat head resembling an upside-down triangle. They had four pupil-less eyes each glowing a sickly yellow. Then their most bizarre trait was wings, large, oily in appearance, and somewhat translucent. The Aliens carried guns that seemed to be made of the same carapace as their skin, almost as if the weapons were attached to them on a biological level.

Three of the creatures flew from the direction of the woods, in their arms, they carried the familiar form of the man that had nearly let them be discovered. He was unconscious, or so it appeared, as his body was completely limp in the hands of two of the creatures. They passed within 10 meters of the small group, close enough for Joslyn to hear the beating of their wings. It was a creepy sound almost the same as the noise of the Swarms but with a higher range.

*The aliens passed them by heading in the direction of the three ships. As they went out of sight the group let out a reluctant breath. Joslyn then motioned for them to continue moving so that they could make it to the Pharmacy. They arrived a few minutes later making sure to be as methodical as possible in their approach until finally, they came to the door of the Pharmacy. The inside was wrecked, but they quickly found what they needed, in the way of some food, some painkillers, and a few bottles of water. They also spotted a few items that could be used as improvised weapons as well as extra clothes that would hopefully block the sting of an insect.

Once they felt amply supplied the small group set off back outside, taking their time in the hopes of not being seen by the aliens. After they doubled back on their path they arrived in a park-like plaza. Its name escaped Joslyn but she remembered that she used to bring Tobi here after his father had died to cheer him up with all the festivities that took place there every week.

Now the square was abandoned, the performing stage in tatters and the restaurants around them were wrecked, the once warm and inviting feeling gone and replaced only with darkness and death. The storefronts were ripped to shreds, the wooden tables now littering the ground as splinters. Joslyn felt a piece of her heartache at seeing the place in such a state, it had been one of the few things that had helped her and Tobi get over their loss. And now the aliens had destroyed it without feeling.

*Joslyn felt hatred well up deep in her chest as she took in the scene. The wrath built up so much that she felt like she might explode her thoughts angry only coalescing into these words. 'They attack my home, nearly kill my son, abduct those who can't do anything to them, and they destroy one of the few places left in this world that gave me any amount of peace. I swear to whatever god or entity that is listening I will have my revenge for this, I WILL MAKE THESE FREAKS PAY WITH THEIR LIVES!'

As Joslyn's anger reached its apex she couldn't help but lash out, kicking an *old metal bucket* in front of her feet. She hurt her toe but she didn't care so deep was she in her anger that barely anything registered. That was until she heard the sound of the bucket hit the cement wall. The sound echoed like a train crash in comparison to the quiet that had reigned before. It's noise knocking Joslyn momentarily from her frenzied state.

She hoped nothing would happen, that her momentary lapse of control wouldn't have any effect. But soon her hopes were crushed. An alien flew out of one of the destroyed businesses its eyes locked on Joslyn's. It seemed for a moment to reflect her same feelings of hatred from a moment ago, but as quickly as the connection was made it ended, with the Bugman landing close to Joslyn raising its biological rifle.

But before the creature could shoot her Joslyn fired her own weapon from the hip. It hit center mass on the creature, but it didn't kill it, only stunning it a moment. Though it was more than enough time for Joslyn to fire three more shots, again hitting the alien dead center. Yellow blood and broken carapace leaked from the creature. It seemed stunned at first as if it hadn't expected to die, but its body quickly got the information, as its knees buckled and it fell to the ground lifeless.

With the creature, dead Joslyn spun around to see if there were any more. She heard them before they could be seen flying up from behind one of the cottages on the far end of the square.

Before they could get in range Joslyn yelled out to Kaiden and the Nurse. "Get to the bakery!"

Kaiden quickly responded instantly, running right for the storefront. He was slowed a little by Tobi's weight but he still quickly made it behind cover. The Nurse reacted far slower only able to run a few meters before the aliens were in range. They aimed wide the first three shots but they shot her with the fourth. A gunshot wound appearing through her leg causing her to stumble forward hobbling. She made it behind a wall before the creatures could fire again. Though the two creatures drew closer hoping to flush the group out with their impending approach.

Joslyn had made sure to take the forward position hiding behind the main entrance gun ready to spit more rounds at the creatures if they dared come closer. Once the creatures realized their fear tactic wasn't working they began firing into the shop hoping to get the three to move. They rained continuous fire for a few moments before the creatures had to reload their biological guns. The items looked somewhat similar to thermal clips but instead of metallic rectangular boxes, they were cylindrical in appearance with chitin covering the exterior.

Before the aliens could put in the new clips though Joslyn popped from behind her cover and shot four rounds into the closest of the two bugmen. The alien now missing most of its head fell over much like the first its body giving one last spasm as it lay on the ground. The second alien reacted instantly to the exchange ducking away from the window and running thereafter to the safety promised by a stone statue in the square.

Once it took cover it sprang back out firing its gun at Joslyn, who just barely ducked back behind cover before she could be injured. The creature stopped firing once Joslyn was behind cover but she knew it wasn't reloading, it was attempting to bait her. After another moment Joslyn threw her gun hand out and shot blindly in the direction of the alien. Her shot failed to connect and for her trouble she got shot by an element zero round, the bullet cutting deep into her forearm.

Joslyn pulled her hand back, cursing at the pain and attempted to assess her wound. There was a small chunk taken out of her arm, the area now bleeding quickly.

Joslyn called out to the Nurse through gritted teeth. "Bandage!"

The Nurse responded a moment later by throwing a small roll of bandages, which landed near Joslyn's feet.

Joslyn quickly grabbed the bandage and went to work trying to stop the bleeding temporarily. She wrapped the bandage twice around and then bit the cloth, tearing it from the rest of the roll. After that, she forced herself to get ready for more. Pulling the pistol from her pocket she checked the clip, she guessed she had maybe Five or Six shots left, she reinjected the clip and slowed her breathing in an attempt to steady her aim, as pain rocked her arm.

As Joslyn tried to regain her strength Kaiden sprang up from his cover in the back. Leaping over the counter rifle in hand and ready to fire. After Kaiden got five feet the alien opened fire on him. Most of the rounds missed but a few would have hit him if not for his kinetic barrier which deflected the rounds that would have hit his armor. Just as the barrier was overloaded he finally reached the window where he stopped and raised his rifle. A millisecond later the gunshot out two precise rounds flying at the alien.

The bullets pierced deep and flew out the backside of the alien's head, going through one of its eyes in the process. But instead of its body crumbling as it died, the creature didn't move. It just stood as if frozen at the moment of death. Then it spasmed its whole body for one instant twitching in every direction. The creature then returned back to normal for a moment, then it spasmed again, more violently, it's armed breaking at the elbow as it's arms extended beyond their limits. A sickening Crunch making it all the way to Kaiden in the back of the store.

Again the creature returned to its normal position, though its body was showing signs of falling apart as its exoskeleton began to crumble. Then it spasmed one final time. The gun which had remained in its hand fell off in the first moment then the creature reeled as its spine was bent back and beyond its breaking point as well. Another horrible crunch, louder than the last, coming from the creature.

Then as if freed from some dark spell its mouth opened but all that came out was a blood-curdling shriek as if the creature was in the midst of the worst torture of its life. The creature began to glow, a sickly yellow, the same as the eyes, the light coming from the cracks in the creature's exoskeleton. As it shone brighter the alien began to straighten its back.

Then a Voice erupted from the creature, this time not a scream of pain but a declaration. "Assuming Direct Control."

Then it began to walk towards Joslyn, it's striding irregular as if it wasn't used to walking with two legs. It cocked its head to the side a moment as it walked casting its eyes over a shaken Joslyn and a stunned Kaiden, it gazed like a predator looking at a wounded animal. Then it took one last step. But instead of landing its foot on the ground it set it in the air. Then as if it was on an invisible step it pulled the other leg up, while the other leg stayed suspended in the air.

With that motion it took flight, floating about a foot off the ground. It moved forward again heading directly for the Shop, it's gaze fixed on Kaiden. It stopped at the empty window sill.

The creature spoke again its voice deep, and seething with hatred. "You will make fitting tools for our work."

With that Kaiden finally woke from his stupor bringing his rifle back up, aiming, and firing off several shots into the creature. They connected cutting deep into the creature's already broken carapace, yellow blood flowing from the open wounds. But instead of recoiling or even attempting to run for cover it stood there absorbing the damage Kaiden dealt it as if it were a minor breeze.

Kaiden kept firing until his rifle stopped as the thermal clip ejected. The creature laughed after that happened, it was a rough and loud noise as if coming from some giant stone being.

It stopped laughing and said, its stone-like voice sounding disgusted. "Pathetic."

*Then it flicked its wrist at Kaiden sending him flying across the room faster than he could react. He connected with the wall the sound of his kinetic barrier snapping as it attempted to save Kaiden from the deadly launch. Kaiden then fell to the floor coughing roughly his breaths ragged and shaky.

The creature turned to look at Joslyn as if expecting to see her applaud its performance. What it saw it was not fully prepared for. Joslyn had also recovered from her moment of fear and was also ready for action. She raised her pistol and shot the Abomination point-blank in the head.

This time though the creature finally responded as she hoped. The glowing creature brightening for a moment, then dissipating a second later. The creature fell to the floor it's body beginning to shrivel as if dried out from something.

As it lay there it's mouth opened one last time the same dark voice coming from the broken form. "Releasing Control."

Joslyn let out a shaky breath as she let her body relax a moment. She remembered Kaiden which sent her stumbling to where he had been thrown. so she could check if he was alright. He lay still where he had fallen, his breathing still ragged. Joslyn knelt by him and attempted to move him with her still functioning arm onto his side. She eventually succeeded and looked at his face to see if he appeared conscious.

"I'm... hoping this... means... that thing… is dead?" Said Kaiden in between heavy breaths.

Joslyn gave a faint smile and said. "I think so."

"Good… Good... well, do I… look alright?"

The nurse limbed up to them at this point , her small medical bag clutched in her hands. She crouched down next to Kaiden and went to work inspecting Kaiden for any open wounds or broken bones. Ultimately taking out her Omnitool and scanning him for any internal injuries.

While the nurse worked Joslyn went to find Tobi and ensure that he was safe, as well as so she could watch and see if any more of the aliens showed up. She found Tobi lying on the floor of the backroom, his head held up by a small bag of cotton balls. His IV was suspended by the handle of an open drawer. He was still unconscious his only movement being the rise and fall of his chest.

Joslyn gave him kiss on the forehead and stood back up knowing that she needed to make sure they were safe while both Kaiden and Tobi were incapacitated. She found Kaidens rifle next to where he had jumped over the counter. She took it and checked it over making sure it was still in one piece and functional. Once she was sure it was good she went back to Kaiden. The nurse had set him up against the wall and was injecting him with a syringe of some kind. While she worked Joslyn quickly grabbed a Thermal Clip off of him.

She readied the rifle and headed back to the entrance. After a while the nurse came to her and they spoke.

"How's Kaiden doing?" Asked Joslyn as the nurse approached.

"He could definitely be far worse. His kinetic barrier saved his life. He only sustained a mild concussion and a lot of pain and shock. He should be back up in a few minutes as the painkillers I gave him kick in, as well as the medi-gel I gave him. But I'm not just here to talk to you. I saw you got shot in the firefight."

"I'm fine, we have bigger things to worry about, like getting out of here before those things send reinforcements."

"True but it's my job to help people who get injured, and I need to make sure the wound doesn't get infected as well as ensure your ability to use your arm."

With that said Joslyn let the nurse take a look at her gunshot wound. She disinfected it and bandaged it properly then made sure Joslyn's antics hadn't reinjured her shoulder. After that, she gave Joslyn a shot of medi-gel in the gunshot and handed her some painkillers and a water bottle to help with all her pain.

After all that the nurse went back to check on Kaiden, and a moment later he hobbled over to where Joslyn was. The two spoke for a moment mainly on what their plan was. They settled with gathering their meager supplies and running into the woods in the hopes of getting as far away from the aliens as possible. After that, they searched the store for any supplies that could help them. They found a few kitchen knives that they took for close-quarters weapons should the aliens get that close. After that, they readied to leave the store and make a mad dash for the woods.

Just as they finished packing their supplies into a few rucksacks they had found they heard something. A series of distant Booms. They sounded like they came from above but they were so distant it was hard to pinpoint where it could have come from. Joslyn quickly ran to the open window motioning for the others to get to the back. She saw a dozen fireballs falling from the sky. She at first thought that they must have been missiles at the speed that they were falling, but as they grew closer to the ground the larger they appeared.

Joslyn rationalized that they must have been space debris or satellites that had been scattered by the arrival of the Aliens, but something inside her knew it was something else. The falling star's trajectory appeared to be the hills to the north of the town. That area was mainly open plains and farmland which led all the way to the square Joslyn was holed up in. Joslyn watched the falling 'rocks' a moment longer then went back inside the shop.

Joslyn found Kaiden and the Nurse in the back, the latter of the two held the group's supplies. While the former carried Tobi and his rifle in his arms. When Joslyn saw that they were ready to leave she motioned for them to come out. With that the group left the shop and made to go straight through the square and out into the hills beyond the town. They made it to the performing arts podium when Joslyn had the group hide underneath the structure, after she heard a terrible sound she was quickly becoming well acquainted with.

As Joslyn made it under the structure the quiet and haunting noise became only comparable to a Hurricane of beating wings. The little light that shone through the tarp that covered the podium vanished as countless shadows ran across it. The noise surrounded them a moment later, the flapping of wings blocking out any other sounds. The terrifying noise continued for so long and with such intensity that Joslyn swore that the podium they were hiding under was seconds away from being sent flying. Even after this the horrid tumult only grew louder until finally it blocked Joslyn's ability to think of anything but the disgusting noise that surrounded her. It continued for what felt like an eternity until finally the hurricane ceased and light returned to pour from the openings in the tarp.

The noise stopped completely, so sudden that one might have thought there had never been the hurricane of Bugmen. But Joslyn knew they hadn't simply vanished, so she held up her hand silently telling the Nurse and Kaiden to not move. The group sat there for what felt like an hour, unmoving and silent, slowly tension welling up in them. After another eternity the group finally moved, Joslyn, leading the procession to the edge of the podium. Once there Joslyn slowly lifted the tarp, the change in light taking her a moment for her eyes to adjust.

Arrayed all around the entire square was a horde. The countless Bugmen stood there, rifles raised. Joslyn's blood ran cold as the sight set in, the last of her hope for escape dashed by the horrific sight of the abominations. Joslyn and the Nurse froze their bodies as stiff as a board as they stood at the open point in the tarp. Kaiden who stood behind them was better able to keep his senses setting Tobi down behind him and then turning back to the opening and raising his rifle ready to fire at the aliens that would dare approach them. But that wasn't what happened, the aliens just stood like statues unflinching at the revelation that humans had appeared in their midst. The aliens simply stood ready to fight their eyes locked on the distant hills as if they expected them to come alive and attack them at any moment.

The silence and stillness of the creatures and the group continued for several minutes until finally, Joslyn was able to move again. She raised her pistol to the closest Alien and sighted in its head but held herself back from pulling the trigger. While she could she scanned the courtyard so she could fully gage the number of aliens. They had arrived in force, looking to be at least around a thousand of the horrific creatures arrayed on the pavement, and along the roof of nearby buildings. Among the horrible horde of aliens floated three silent devils. They appeared to be somewhat similar to the Bugmen, though their form was stout like the creature had been crunched in a compactor. They glowed an otherworldly blue with strange waves of energy seeming to ripple around them. They were large and imposing their hide an even darker black than that of the other aliens.

After taking in the horde and the monsters Joslyn heard another series of distant booms, though it sounded more like the roar of a dozen dragons. The alien mob for one instant gave a collective flinch as if the noise had startled even them. Joslyn watched the aliens a moment eyeing any further movement. When no additional changes happened she turned her head to look to where the noise had come from.

Just as she looked something darted down the hill faster than she could fully comprehend. Then another something passed and another, this happened twelve more times ultimately ending with a fifteenth blur. Whatever the blurs where they were wicked fast and headed straight for them from what little she saw of their trajectory before they were eclipsed by another hill. After another second or two the blurs ran over the next hill though they were now formed in a wedge with one blur set in front like a spear's tip. The things then fell behind the final hill to the town and with that Joslyn sucked in a deep breath and readied herself for the worst.

A blinding flash came from someone or thing as the Blur's crested the hill into the colony. Then in an instant, Joslyn heard the loud growl of engines, the whizz of element zero guns firing, and a strange sound like the roar of a lion. After that her eyes finally readjusted, what she saw defied words. There were over a dozen giant flying motorcycles roaming and ramming through the horde of Bugmen. The motorcycles were bulky but had a unique and refined grace that Joslyn couldn't help but subconsciously acknowledge. They were blood red with gold intertwined elegantly. The Bikes were a series of blurs, though Joslyn could just make out a few symbols on the flanks of the hoverbikes, though she couldn't read them despite her translator chips effort.

But what caught Joslyns eye was the riders of the bulky vehicles, Giants the shape of a man but twice the size and enclosed in even bigger armored suits. Their armor varied but all contained blood red and gold as their main colors. The suits were decorated heavily and looked more like costumes than protective armor. But despite their beautiful design, they were tougher than any armor she had seen before, the few shots that did connect with the driver only seeming to chip the paint. The other thing Joslyn noticed was their weapons, massive and bulky guns the size of a human torso and mounted with twin barrels, each spitting out rounds. The bullets they shot were immensely destructive, the rounds exploding on impact and blowing the bugmen they connected with to smithereens. Carapace and yellow blood being launched in every direction.

The Guns were terrifying the roar they produced upon firing sounding like the crackling roar of a thunderstrike. Despite the hectic appearance of the Giants and the speed of their vehicles, their aim was incredible. Shots only rarely missing their targets and connecting with the surrounding buildings and objects. The Bugmen were attempting to fight back but their attempts were feeble compared to the wrath of the mounted giants. The courtyard was being littered with the corpses of the aliens. Their dreadful machines dying in brilliant explosions, with what remained of their loathful bodies collapsing to the pavement with their brethren.

The Giants flew about the square like birds on the wind, their movements insanely fast and precise, to an inhuman degree. The new arrivals were decisive in their every move, every time a cycle moved it crushed an alien with its bulk, and with every volley of fire, the Bugmen's lines shriveled further and buckled under the immense strain of the Giants assault. The fighting swirled around the podium at the center of the square, the hoverbikes seeming to specifically take care every time they shot near the stage. Joslyn could barely take in all of the sights and smells that she was now witness to, ranging from the sickening stench of the bugmen, to the powerful scent of gunpowder, and finally a strange smell like Ozone. With her first whiff of the strange smell, she saw a blinding series of flashes and the sound of thunder crackling to her right.

Joslyn looked to see what had made the sound and lights and saw a hoverbike flying quickly past a small cloud of black ash that quickly fell to the floor. Joslyn looked at the cycle's rider expecting to see the usual red or gold giant, but instead, they were cobalt blue with red and gold accents. But what struck Joslyn was what they carried in their right hand, aloft and defiantly, a Flaming Sword! The blade was massive well over the size of a person, but the giant carried it as easily in one hand as she would a knife. They were even still able to drive the bike as well as their comrades. The sword was mid-strike when Joslyn fully understood what she saw and a millisecond later it had slashed through three whole bugmen, all in one stroke. Their bodies lighting aflame the instant the blade touched their flesh, reducing them to black ash before they could even fall to the floor.

Joslyn's eyes followed the blue giant only to witness them shoot red bolts of lightning from their left hand as they paused in their maneuvering a moment. The lightning flew into a group of a dozen bugmen sending their bodies falling to the ground as the lightning tore them apart.

As the blue giant killed the creatures it roared out a battle cry in its own tongue, its voice was masculine and strong, but it had a strange and terrifying undertone as if the voice could break mountains to mere pebbles. "Et Abominatones Contrus Deum Mori Imperatoris!"

With his words spoken the giant sped off again not giving the Bugmen a second glance. Joslyn's eyes didn't follow the giant this time, she was too shocked by what she was seeing, her mind racing to try and understand all that was happening so quickly around her. 'How did they… or what are these guys? They're Fekking massive and they're fighting 15 to a thousand and Winning in a landslide! One of them also appears to be some sort of super biotic or they have some seriously high tech weapons for him to be able to shoot lightning from his fingers. Honestly, what are these things? Why did they come here? Are they going to take advantage of our weakened state to steal from us after they get rid of the Bugmen? I'm going to need to keep my guard up, I won't let them get anywhere near my son.'

As Joslyn quickly decided her next course of action the battle raged on around her. The Giants congregated around the front of the stage and then pressed forward like a battering ram crushing any aliens still within the square until only a few remained along the roofs and firing from within the lining buildings. In response to the remaining enemies, the Giants lept from their cycles, some with wings of fire sprouting from jet engines attached to their backs slamming them onto the roofs were the Giants butchered the Bugmen with large glowing blades and pistols that shot more of the explosive bullets. The Bugmen on the roofs attempted to flee but before they could fly away they were sent back to the tiled roofs with the impact to shatter bones.

Joslyn looked to what had caused the Bugs deaths and was again greeted to the sight of the Blue Giant. He stood on top of a building on the other side of the square his hand outstretched towards the now crushed Bugmen and his eyes glowing a dark and powerful purple. In the next several moments the last of the Bugmen were slain, their broken forms littering the ground and their blood seeping in between the cracks in the stones. Once their fight was done the Giants began to patrol around the square looking for any surviving enemies or for any new ones. They seemed completely oblivious of Joslyn's group hidden under the podium. That was they seemed oblivious until Two Giants made their approach to the podium. The blue armored Giant and another dressed in pristine white armor.

As they approached Joslyn got her first full unhindered sight of the Giant's physic and the armor that they wore. The armor was bulky and intimidating, like everything they seemed to have, the helmet's eyes seemingly bent into a furrowed brow. While the armor seemed huge and encumbering the Giants moved as if they were unarmored. The chestplate that each had carried the same golden symbol, a dual-headed eagle with its wings stretched across the whole plate. Their armor also had many little details and bits of craftsmanship like golden leafed pictures expertly crafted and ornamented. The other main symbol Joslyn noticed was a set of angelic wings paired with the ruby teardrop. The image was everywhere their armor, their bikes, and even their weapons.

Joslyn rationalized that the giants must have been some sort of mech hence their size and power. She assumed that they could be some sort of new secret prototype the Systems Alliance military had developed, but that didn't explain why they used ballistic weapons as opposed to Element Zero ones. Which wouldn't have made sense if she hadn't seen the sheer destruction those guns had caused to the aliens and the surrounding area. She debated whether they could be a new species of alien, hence why she couldn't understand them, as well as explain their different technology and unconventional weapons. But that was highly unlikely, especially with other new aliens having already arrived at her home, so two new aliens just sounded impossible. But Joslyn's thoughts stopped as the Giants got closer.

The Giants approached, their eye lenses glowing a bright and piercing green, making Joslyn feel as if her very soul was under scrutiny. The Giants stopped a few feet away from the podium both eyeing the small group of people.

Then the blue Giant spoke this time in perfect English, the tone even but his voice soothing in a strange way. "I mean you no harm mortal."

Joslyn froze for a moment as her mind tried to wrap itself around the increasingly bizarre situation she was caught in. Kaiden ultimately answered for the group, his voice attempting to sound intimidating in some way. "Yeah, well I'd prefer it if you kept yourselves over there so I don't have to shoot you."

The giant seemed to be unaffected by Kaiden's threat and responded, his voice still even. "My brother and I have not come to hurt you, Mortal, nor those under your protection. Quite the opposite in fact, we came to see if you were in need of any further help."

Kaiden was silent a moment as he thought about what the Giant said, but his retort was a simple one. "We don't need any help, you just move along and leave us alone."

The giant responded immediately. "I see that you all have suffered recent injuries, and that the child you keep behind you is in need of medical attention. I will state it again Mortal, I mean you no harm, I only wish to offer you help in the ways I am able."

Kaiden fell quiet another moment pondering what he should do. After a moment Kaiden looked to Joslyn hoping she could chime in on what to do. She was still somewhat lost for words but she had been at least somewhat able to keep track of what was happening, so she simply nodded her head to Kaiden, which allowed him to make the call. "Fine, but you are going to tell us exactly what you're doing as you see to our wounds. And if we say no to anything, you stop what you're doing and walk away. Deal?"

The Giant nodded his head saying. "Deal."


And that is the End of Chapter ten! What do you guys think? Please let me know by leaving a review on your thoughts, and your possible gripes with the story. It REALLY helps me learn how I can improve and what I might be doing wrong. With that, all said a BIG thank you for all of you who have favorited, followed and reviewed it gives me genuine happiness when I see that people are enjoying the story. Now Thank you for your time and please have a great rest of your day!