Abandoned Wilderness - Chapter 04
Written By
David Kenneth Lacey
Narration - ...Roughly 2 weeks later, somewhere on the planet Mummphun, an ancient temple is now reveled. These kinds of places are cradles where new Environs are created through a unison of Gaea's Apostles-but this one hasn't seen any use for thousands of years. As this temple is focused on, several familiar silhouettes appear entering into this domain, whom are Ilmatar, Ixchel and Jedlit. With them is a new face-a small alien lolicon girl, to which she leads the trio of women behind her deeper into this unknown labyrinth. As the group travels further into this network, they must contend with various forms of traps and puzzles, of which are easy for the girls to maneuver through because all of these traps are meant to be solved by the lolicon-whose size is barely even up to the waists of the women following her lead. She struggles to evade the traps and maneuver through the puzzles, but because Ilmatar and Ixchel are much taller than she is, they simply opt to carry her through the traps and puzzles, as they near their destination. In the deepest part of this labyrinth, the group enters into a massive dome area, where in the middle they see a sexy stone figure, wrapped in chains. The girls speak in a worried tone to the alien lolicon, whom they identify as-
Captain Ilmatar
A...alright, Shypearl...we finally made it to the core of this temple...
Narration - Now, the small alien woman named Shypearl is seen to be a lolicon with horns sticking out of the sides of her head. She speaks in a considerate manner to Captain Ilmatar-
Shypearl
Thank you all very much for aiding me on my journey to confirm if the legends were true. My village always spoke of tales that described a Gaea's Apostle that was sealed away in this very temple, because her powers were too destructive to give birth to Environ children. Most people thought she and others like her were nothing but myths from a bygone era...but now look what is before us...a Gaea's Apostate!
Captain Ixchel
Yes. I hope you have a plan to release her, as I don't see any of us breaking her out from those chains without breaking them or this Gaea's Apostate.
Shypearl
Of course I came prepared, Ixchel. In fact, I needed 3 more people to unlock this specific Gaea's Apostate, as a final test needs to be completed, before we can remove the chains and return her from stone.
Jedlit
A test? And it requires at least 4 people present...?
Shypearl
That's right. Now, if I can get the 3 of you to follow my lead on this, we can complete this last test and be done with this temple.
Captain Ilmatar
...Alright. Ixchel. Jedlit. Let's do this for Shypearl, ok?
Captain Ixchel
...Ok.
Jedlit
I'm all in...
Narration - Though reluctant, Ilmatar, Ixchel and Jedlit do resolve themselves to take part in this final test with Shypearl, who goes ahead and leads the girls inside of the dome. As they go, she speaks-
Shypearl
Ok, so what this ancient text says here for us to release this Gaea's Apostate from her chains is...we need to each stand on those pedestals at the corners of this dome. Some of them might be covered with foliage, but once uncovered we simply stand on each one and channel our Esse energy into the stone statue. Doing so for a set amount of time should then break the seal on this Gaea's Apostate, thus completing the test.
Captain Ilmatar
...That sounds too easy. Is there some sort of catch to this?
Shypearl
I share your suspicions, as many have ventured out here to claim their own Gaea's Apostates, only to return empty handed. However, I learned from their past mistakes how to correctly release a Gaea's Apostate for myself, of which I'm using their knowledge right now to succeed today.
Narration - With that, the four split up to go to their assigned locations, where after removing a dense amount of foliage from 4 pedestals, each will then stand on top of said pedestals and prepare to channel their Esse energy into the stone statue. Ixchel will then speak up from across the room to Shypearl, saying-
Captain Ixchel
...Alright, Shypearl! I'm in position!
Jedlit
I'm also ready to proceed.
Narration - With the go ahead from both Captain Ixchel and Jedlit, Shypearl looks over to Captain Ilmatar and asks-
Shypearl
...Ilmatar? Are you ready?!
Captain Ilmatar
Yes. On three?
Shypearl
...THREE!
Narration - With that, the four begin amassing a large quantity of Esse energy into themselves, and once having enough, they project the Esse energy from their hands, sending it directly into the stone figure-
Captain Ixchel
hoooooooOOOOOOOOAHHHHHHH!
Jedlit
muuuuuuOOOOOOOOAHHHHHHHH!
Narration - As Captain Ixchel and Jedlit send their Esse energy into the stone figure, cracks begin to develop all across it's surface. The chains that encase this entity also begin to come undone, as Shypearl takes notice and speaks with glee in her tone to everyone-
Shypearl
HAAAAAAAAH! THAT'S GREAT, EVERYONE! JUST KEEP UP THIS LEVEL OF ESSE FLOW, AND THAT GAEA'S APOSTATE IS AS GOOD AS OURS!
Captain Ilmatar
SURE...THING...GURAAAAAAAHHHHH!
Narration - As the four continue to pump more and more Esse energy into the figure, gradually the cracks in the stone continue to break apart, as the chains binding this entity start to dissipate. As the process begins to finish, Shypearl speaks up-
Shypearl
MGH...JUST A...JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE! DON'T FALTER WHEN WE'VE ALMOST UNLEASHED HER!
Captain Ilmatar
RNNNNNNNNNNG!
Captain Ixchel
GRRRRRRRRRRRK!
Jedlit
MMMMMMMMMGH!
Shypearl
...! There-!
"EXPLOUSION!"
Narration - With a titanic explosion, the stone statue suddenly and without warning erupts, creating a dust cloud in the center of the dome area. Once the explosion subsides, Shypearl leaps from her pedestal and rushes into the dust cloud, using Esse to blow away the dust cloud so she can see the fruits of her labor. Captains Ilmatar, Ixchel and Jedlit follow suit, and once close enough, they find-
?
...
Narration - Now kneeling on the floor, a Gaea's Apostate awaits. Stepping forward to this individual, Shypearl speaks out loud to this individual-
Shypearl
...Amazing! This is really her! The ancient texts were correct all along!
?
...
Narration - Noticing that this individual is unresponsive, Captain Ixchel warrants a question to Shypearl-
Captain Ixchel
Um...Shypearl? Didn't you mention earlier that this...person...would only awaken when you ordered her to do so by uttering her name?
Shypearl
Oh, right! I was so caught up in the excitement that I nearly forgot that!
Narration - Remembering this, Shypearl will now concentrate on commanding this individual, whom is still kneeling before her. She says-
Shypearl
...Gaea's Apostate Tyelia. Heed my words and become my friend to aid these people around me at once!
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...!
Narration - A few seconds later, the Gaea's Apostate Tyelia awakens, as she stands up. She doesn't utter a word, which makes Captain Ilmatar speak-
Captain Ilmatar
...Hm? Can you...speak our language?
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...
Narration - Still unresponsive, Tyelia simply nods her head to the sides repeatedly, giving Captain Ilmatar the information she needs to know. Shypearl then speaks-
Shypearl
You have to remember-this person was created around when the universe was born, billions of years ago. Naturally, she wouldn't know of any languages-or even what her name is...I guess we can just call her Tyelia for now.
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...
Narration - Now, Tyelia responds my smiling gingerly towards being called Tyelia. Her smile resonates with Captain Ilmatar, Captain Ixchel and Jedlit, as Tyelia begins to frolic as if a small child.
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...ah...haha...ha...hahaha...ahahaha...ahh...
Narration - Amazed by this display, Jedlit speaks up-
Jedlit
...She looks so...innocent like that. It's hard to believe she was ever entombed in this place long ago...
Captain Ilmatar
I agree. Why would anyone want to imprison such a seemingly blissful person...
Narration - They say, as they continue to watch Tyelia walk about and explore her surroundings. However, suddenly, something cuts the tender moment-
Statues
"CRACKING"
Captain Ilmatar
?!
Captain Ixchel
?!
Jedlit
?!
Shypearl
?!
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...
Narration - Hearing the noise around them, everyone except for Tyelia turns to look around them at several statues lining the upper parts of the walls around them. The mouths of these statues now open up and a strange liquid begins pouring out of them, which when coming into contact with the foliage in the area causes it to immediately disintegrate. The way back is also blocked by this disintegration liquid, as Shypearl explains-
Shypearl
Dammit, this is a trap! That liquid is a kind of corrosive substance that'll disintegrate you if you touch it!
Jedlit
!...And the way we just came is blocked by this pool of liquid...hm?!
Narration - Now noticing something, Tyelia begins to point above the girls towards the ceiling, hinting that something is up there that's important. Captain Ixchel asks-
Captain Ixchel
...Can we escape if we go up there?!
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
..."nods"
Narration - Without anytime to think about it further, everyone bands together and prepares to wrap themselves in a shroud of Esse energy. Forming a cocoon with wings, the girls start to fly, but Shypearl notices Tyelia not producing any wings of her own-despite the disintegration liquid rapidly rising from the floor up. Thus, she quickly grabs ahold of Tyelia's hand, as the five now fly upwards towards the direction where Tyelia pointed to. As they do, they begin to blast their way through layers of ceiling, until they eventually emerge at the top of the dome, only to realize that the entire temple is disintegrating due to the liquid. They thus fly above and away from the temple, shocked that the temple held such a trap. Once a safe distance away, the girls land a distance away, as the temple they were just in continues to disintegrate into nothingness. Once it has disappeared, the girls speak up.
Shypearl
...Phew...is everyone alright?
Captain Ilmatar
I think so...
Captain Ixchel
Whoever would've thought that temple had such a trap left behind... Whoever created that place must've intended the only people who could leave were Esse users.
Jedlit
Let's be thankful that everyone present ARE Intune with Esse energy. If not, then I don't think we'd be here right about now...
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...
Narration - As the group calms down, Shypearl then speaks up-
Shypearl
If everyone is alright, then I think we should leave this area as quickly as we can. These ancient texts say that if one ever were to release a Gaea's Apostate, then the Gaea's Apostles would instantly become a way of such activities and investigate immediately.
Captain Ixchel
That's not good. In our current state, I can't see us going up against beings as powerful as Gaea's Apostles and coming out alive.
Jedlit
We knew the risks in releasing Tyelia beforehand, so naturally we were prepared in the consequences...but more importantly, the reward is that now we have the power of a Gaea's Apostate in our mist...
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...ah!
Narration - As Jedlit points this out, she looks over to where Tyelia is standing. She is enamored with the wildlife around the area where she and the girls are standing, as her presence seems to attract all kinds of small birds and other kinds of animals to her location. They allow her to pet them, to which she does so tenderly, while Shypearl and the others watch with wonder. They then converse-
Captain Ixchel
...I still can't wrap my head around how anyone would want to imprison such an innocent person? From where I'm standing, she's just like a small child...
Shypearl
Yet the tales from my village spoke of how powerful the beings with the name "Gaea" were in the distant past. The village matriarchs spoke of tales of how they would "level mountains as if they were pebbles" and "a flick of the hand, and a continant that was once barren would become lustrous with green as far as the eye can see". And yet, their tales never once spoke of the power that a Gaea's Apostate wielded...I wonder why?
Captain Ilmatar
We can discuss that later, as we need to hurry back to our ship, the Century Phoenix-E1. It took us just about 2 weeks to get as far as the doorstep of this temple, so we'll just barely manage to get back at this rate.
Jedlit
I agree. By then, we'll need to make the return trip back to the Sol system for supplies and maintenance. I'm sure that your mothers should have an upgrade waiting for us...if we can escape running into a Gaea's Apostle on the way back, that is...
Narration - Jedlit says, worried about a search party coming after everyone, which would be the end of their journey if that were to occur. Shypearl then says-
Shypearl
Since you upheld your end of the bargin, I've decided to accompany you from here on, which will mean that Tyelia will also be coming with you on your adventures. I'm just as curious as you must be to learn more about her and her powers, and we should even have the time to instruct her on our speech while we're at it.
Narration - As Shypearl says this, she gently tugs at the wrist of Tyelia, prompting her to come closer to everyone. Tyelia doesn't object, as Captain Ilmatar then finishes the conversation by saying-
Captain Ilmatar
Thank you, Shypearl. Let's go...
Narration - With that, the group heads off through the forest, heading back to where they first started this journey. As they leave, however, 12 immense beings of light appear hovering above the now ruined temple grounds. As they do so, they speak amongst themselves.
Gaea's Apostle #1
...We were too late. It has been taken already...
Gaea's Apostle #4
...But I can still barely sense it's presence. It is still somewhere on this planet, that I am sure.
Gaea's Apostle #8
We must hurry and bring her back here. Whoever released that apostate doesn't know what they have unleashed, it seems...
Gaea's Apostle #10
Split up and find it at once. We must ensure that it doesn't become aware of it's true nature...
Narration - After saying this, the Gaea's Apostles split up and fly across the skies, searching for Tyelia. As they go, time moves on...
-SCENE TRANSITION-
Narration - After another 2 weeks of traversing back to the area where the group left their ship, the girls are now seen to be in a desperate struggle. They run for their lives from a Gaea's Apostle, who is chasing them from the skies above, while whipping up a terrible storm to hinder their way back. As the group runs, Captain Ilmatar and Captain Ixchel are seen to be racing back to the Century Phoenix-E1, with Tyelia holding onto her hands for dear life.
Captain Ilmatar
. ..
Captain Ixchel
Hurry and get to the ship, Tyelia!
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
. ...HNG!
Narration - As Captain Ixchel says this, Tyelia looks behind her in fear, as she looks up towards the skies, where the Gaea's Apostate is seen in the heavens. It speaks in a powerful and godly tone to the girls below-
Gaea's Apostle #5
...You foolish children... Have you any idea the implications of releasing an apostate as you have?!
"THUNDER!" "LIGHTNING!"
Narration - It says, as it clearly becomes angry at the situation. Black clouds and lightning spew from the skies and onto the ground below, to which in response, Jedlit and Shypearl respond-
Jedlit
We know what you are trying to say, Gaea's Apostle! We saw a small bit of the kind of power Tyelia possesses earlier when we were attacked by bandits!
Shypearl
However, she only showed us that kind of power because my life was in danger! She is not a bad person!
Narration - In response, the Gaea's Apostle's rage continues to grow, as massive tornados form around the area. The winds are so strong that the girls have to use Esse just to keep their footing, as they continue to struggle to make their way back to the Century Phoenix-E1. As they continue, the Gaea's Apostle speaks again-
Gaea's Apostle #5
If you let go of the apostate, then I will spare your lives and allow you to leave this planet in peace. Failure to heed my warning will result in your lives being forfeited here and now...
Narration - As it warns the girls, the storms it is producing continue to become worse and worse. It becomes so severe that the girls cannot continue running towards the Century Phoenix-E1 anymore, to which with their lives in danger, Tyelia steps forward to protect the girls from the Gaea's Apostle.
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...Stop it...STOP IT!
Captain Ilmatar
?!
Captain Ixchel
?!
Jedlit
?!
Shypearl
?!
Gaea's Apostle #5
Hm?!
Narration - Now, in a flash of brilliance, Tyelia extends her hands out towards the Gaea's Apostle in the skies. An instant later, a white beam of energy explodes from her palms and into the skies, propelling the Gaea's Apostle backwards and into the skies above-
Gaea's Apostle #5
GUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!
Tyelia
...
Narration - The blast is so powerful coming from Tyelia, that the Gaea's Apostle is propelled all the way into the dark reaches of space. With it vanquished, the storms that were being produced by the Gaea's Apostle dissipate immediately, leaving behind a bewildered cast of individuals. They speak-
Shypearl
...Tyelia...you used that light again...
Tyelia
...
Narration - Then, in a shocking display, Tyelia kneels down to where Shypearl is and hugs her tightly. Slightly surprised, Shypearl then calmly hugs her back, as Captain Ilmatar, Captain Ixchel and Jedlit approach. They speak-
Jedlit
...That power...it's nothing like our Esse attacks at all...
Captain Ixchel
What kind of power was that...?
Captain Ilmatar
...Can you two stand? I'm sure that won't be the last time we've seen those Gaea's Apostles...
Narration - As Captain Ilmatar says this, the clouds in the distance begin to grow darker and darker, hinting that more Gaea's Apostles are on the way. Faced with this reality, Shypearl stands up and helps Tyelia to her feet, before saying-
Shypearl
...Let's go with them, Tyelia. If we stay here, we'll be separated from everyone and the Gaea's Apostles will seal you back in that temple we took you out of...I don't want that to happen to you ever again...not after what we've been through...
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
!...
Narration - With Shypearl leading her, Tyelia follows her and the rest of the group into the waiting ramp leading into the Century Phoenix-E1. As they rush towards the cockpit, waiting for them is-
Sixty-Nines
Captain Ilmatar! Captain Ixchel! What is going on?!
Captain Ixchel
We'll explain when we get into Pulsespace, Sixty-Nines! For now, just get us off of this planet immediately!
Sixty-Nines
Alright...hang on, everyone...!
Narration - With no more time left to lose, the Century Phoenix-E1 soon departs from the planet Mummphun, flying quickly into the skies and soon into space. As it does, it is greeted by a worrying sight-
Gaea's Apostles
...
Narration - Now, several Gaea's Apostles gather in space, in an attempt to blockade the Century Phoenix-E1 from leaving the airspace around the planet. Faced with this, the girls react quickly-
Captain Ixchel
PUNCH IT!
Captain Ilmatar
Hypervelocity Cannon! FIRE!
Narration - An instant later, the Century Phoenix is propelled into Pulsespace, escaping the grasp of the Gaea's Apostles with but nanoseconds to spare. Upon seeing that the ship has slipped through their fingers, the Gaea's Apostles converse amongst themselves-
Gaea's Apostles
...We must find that ship...before they come into contact with anymore apostates that roam the stars freely...
Narration - As they say this, they will scatter across the cosmos, as a scene transition occurs-
-SCENE TRANSITION-
Narration - After another 7 month long journey through Pulsespace, the crew of the Century Phoenix-E1 make their return back to the Sol system. In their absence, several more things have once again changed, specifically another increase to the Humane Conglomerate's starships. Many Fighters, Bombers, Interceptors and Corvettes are seen, but now, in addition to those ships, many Frigates and Cruisers are seen, hinting at a big operation about to happen. Flying around these ships, many new Parergon mecha are seen-which are giant humanoid combat vehicles. They are all dyed jet black, with menacing red eyes, to which as they fly around by the hundreds, the Century Phoenix-E1 simply flies around them and back towards the Heavy Capital starship. Once docked, several engineers from before flood over the Century Phoenix-E1, as mechanical arms swarm over the ship. In the foreground, several newer improvements are seen, as Ilmatar, Ixchel, Jedlit, Shypearl and Tyelia come out to greet-
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
Welcome back to the Sol system, Ilmatar and Ixchel.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
We got your message just the other day about your new recruits, and now we can congratulate you for your work. You'll have to forgive us for not getting back to you sooner, but things are about to become very busy.
Captain Ilmatar
!...Then, it's true? We really are about to do this?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
Yes...but, this is not a good place to discuss that, Ilmatar. If you and your friends could follow us back to our personal quarters, we'll explain everything that's about to happen-along with some other things that need to be mentioned.
Narration - With that, the group relocates to the private quarters of Jendayi and Omorose. Once there, the group sits down at the table, as Jendayi and Omorose begin to explain-
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
...First things first, we should start with how happy we are that you've brought not only a member of Nature's Acknowledgements to the Sol system, but also a Gaea's Apostate with you.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
We've never seen one of their kind before, but rest assured that we will not treat her badly, as according to your communications with us over the past 7 months, you have become quite good friends with this individual. As such, any friend of our children is a friend of ours, so please, do make yourself at home here.
Narration - In response, Tyelia speaks up for herself now-
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
Thank you very much, Mommy Jendayi and Mommy Omorose. I am happy to become your friend.
Narration - Slightly surprised, the two reply with -
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
Ho? I see you two made good on your word that you'd teach Tyelia here how we speak basic. Very impressive-especially since you only had 7 months in Pulsespace.
Captain Ixchel
Heh. There really wasn't anyway we could get away from teaching Tyelia how to talk like we do. I hope you two like what we've done with her...
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
...Just so long as you didn't teach her to pick up any of your BAD habits, then I'll be fine with that. Though, I don't think we'll get that lucky, considering...
Captain Ilmatar
Ahaha...that was one of the things we taught her immediately after she started talking coherently...
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
Sigh...maybe this wasn't such a good idea to send you to Nature's Acknowledgements...
Narration - Faced with this, Jendayi shakes her head in frustration, but there is little she can do about that at the moment. Thus, Omorose moves onto their next talking point, explaining-
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
Anyway, let's move to discuss why we are gathered here right now, shall we? To start with, in the past 7 months that you've been away in the territory of Nature's Acknowledgements, a number of our plans have been finalized. We've concluded the development of several stealth ships and equipped said tech into some of our Parergon, in preparation for one of our greatest tests for survival...
Captain Ixchel
Stealth tech? Then, if we have that ready, is it time for-
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
Yes. Through working with other alien races that we've come into contact recently, we have finally pinpointed the exact location of the Assembly's Gate Funnel superweapon. As such, we will need to launch a covert infiltration mission-today, in fact, where several other Humane Conglomerate Operatives will work with our new alien allies, in an attempt to alter the trajectory of the incoming Illdown Grei invasion force...
Captain Ilmatar
...The way you say that...it is as if you two aren't too happy about this development. Is there something else that you aren't telling us...?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
...There is, actually...and it is a very important topic that will involve the places you five came from as well. You see...in doing what we aim to do, which is to alter the trajectory of the Gate Funnel superweapon, we will basically be allowing for other territories within this galaxy to experience untold amounts of destruction-given that practically everyone believes the entry point of the Grei will originate from the Sol system at this point. If our actions are successful, then every single territory within this galaxy WILL be blindsided by the Grei as soon as they arrive, which will then become the genesis for how we will continue to exist under the umbrella of the Assembly.
Jedlit
So what you're saying is, we have to be prepared to allow for the places we came from to be destroyed-just for the sake of Humanity having a better chance in the future...is that correct?
Shypearl
If that's true, then...everyone back home might be...
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
...
Narration - While Tyelia is indifferent to the seriousness of the situation, both Jedlit and Shypearl are more weary of what Humanity is plotting. Thus, Omorose and Jendayi attempt to difuse the situation by stating-
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
...That is a very blunt way of putting it, but...yes. That is exactly what we are getting at. However, that is not all that we have to say on this matter, as we've also acquired several reports that hint at some of the plans the Assembly has going on behind the scenes. These reports that we've managed to obtain aren't conclusive, but if they are true, then the Assembly is betting hard on a kind of gas that will essentially kill all of the Grei-AFTER they wipe us out.
Jedlit
Chemical weapons?! Such things are outlawed across the galaxy via various treaties put in place by the...New Invokers...!
Shypearl
While I could see them doing something so heinous, I don't think the Assembly would lift such restrictions-even with the Grei breathing down all of our necks...
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
Just so there is no confusion in what we are trying to conveyed to you all, please allow me to start from the beginning of what it is we are trying to accomplish. The Assembly gave us the mandate that we would become sacrificial lambs, whom would be the first to engage with an enemy force from another galaxy. After being crushed by the Grei right out of the gate, they would harvest any Humans who survived and use them for whatever other projects they have waiting, while allowing all of Humanity to be eradicated. We naturally refuse such an mandate, but cannot go against a superpower as massive as the Assembly, so fostering relations with other aliens was crucial so that the Humane Conglomerate would survive. We now have those relations in various alien races and subfractions from with the Assembly, Nature's Acknowledgements and Titangrip Association-and we are also making good progress in securing a partnership with forces of the Black Requiem, whom have promised us that their assistance in our matters is just a matter of time.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
With those relations, Humanity will lead a covert operation on the Gate Funnel superweapon under the command of the Assembly, which in doing so we will aim to alter its trajectory of the incoming Grei so that Humanity is spared most of the full force from the enemy. Make no mistake-this war with the Grei that is about to happen and will be devastating to ALL races across not only this galaxy, but the other two galaxies nearby as well. But, if those reports that we got from some of our other channels are true, that the Assembly has prepared chemical weapons that could destroy the Grei on a grand scale, then we naturally view this as a clear example of the Assembly throwing an entire race of people to the slaughter-while they secretly have the means to quell the numbers of the Grei behind the scenes.
Jedlit
...I think I'm beginning to understand your perspective...and just to be clear, you people see no other way to resolve this?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
Unfortunately, no, as we are simply far too small to affect the people we call "masters" and their decisions at this stage. The crippled Black Requiem fleets are too busy fleeing from the exhausted Assembly, while the limitless New Invokers force them without rest across the galaxy hunting them down; the Titangrip Association and R-Y-N-Gs have thousands of systems full of starving people across the Outer-Rim and Mid-Rim worlds and Nature's Acknowledgements are too desperate to hold onto whatever little resources they can barely scrounge up in the face of all of this chaos.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
The way we see things, we believe that the Assembly under the control of the New Invokers will allow for the Grei to ravage the Outer-Rim and Mid-Rim systems for a time-until the Core Worlds are threatened. At that time, that is when they will deploy those chemical weapons that we spoke up, which will decimate the numbers of the Grei-but only AFTER they've destroyed most of the other territories. Afterall, the Assembly does not necessarily need either the Outer-Rim nor the Mid-Rim systems to maintain its dominance, as most of their power resides in the Core World systems. Even though we've only been introduced to this galaxy for a very short amount of time, we can see that the Assembly views these territories and the aliens that dwell within them as more of a burden-rather than an asset. Can you personally back up these claims we see?
Shypearl
...Yes. Many times throughout my life I wondered why the Assembly would withhold so many resources away from so many starving people across the Mid and Outer-Rim systems-regardless of being under the thumbs of the New Invokers? The only conclusion I could see is that it was all intentional, as there is no reason why so many have to suffer because of the Assembly-whom are controlled by the New Invokers, I feel.
Jedlit
I'd also like to say I concur with the belief that the Assembly is being controlled by the New Invokers, to keep the status qou the way it is right now. However, I only say that on the belief that you Humans really have gotten such reports from the Assembly and that they are true, as if they don't have such chemical weapons at the ready and are not prepared for the Grei in any way outside of the Gate Funnel superweapon, then that would also mean they could be more benevolent when it comes to their decisions regarding the Mid-Rim and Outer-Rim systems.
Gaea's Apostate Tyelia
She's right. For all we know, if we casted our lot in with Humanity and they ended up giving us false words, then we'd have the most to lose-should the Assembly and New Invokers have other means to deal with the Grei. Can we TRULY believe that the Humane Conglomerate has given the proper thought into these gambles?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
You can, as the true test will come as soon as we sabotage the Gate Funnel superweapon and see for ourselves how the Assembly will handle the Grei going forward. Even without that single mechanism and the sacrifice of the Sol system, the Assembly and most other fractions should have the manpower to withstand the Grei-as we believe that should they just combine their assets and face the Grei head-on, they would prevail against them...but sadly, that isn't how this galaxy operates at all-and the New Invokers are clearly up to something behind the scenes.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
While nothing we have is conclusive on their actual activates, the facts cannot be denied that the New Invokers are too powerful to NOT have something up their sleeve. They too are situated mostly in the Core World systems, so we wouldn't put it past them to not care about the Mid-Rim and Outer-Rim systems.
Jedlit
You have a point. I could certainly see them wanting nothing more than to have the Grei wipe out the Mid-Rim and Outer-Rim systems, so that they and their puppets being the Assembly alone survived to clean up the mess. They could then repopulate the galaxy with their cloning techniques, as I'm not sure if you've heard, but they can even clone entire planets with their technology. Such methods are not unknown to the New Invokers.
Captain Ixchel
!...If that's the case, then it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to believe they would just fill this galaxy with clones-for whatever purpose they have in the far future.
Captain Ilmatar
And I have to wonder if the New Invokers would still keep around the Assembly of Pioneers in that said future? Since they are just their puppets, why would they share the desolate galaxy with what they probably consider their tools?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
Our thoughts exactly, which finally brings up back to the point of this meeting. In addition to keeping this a secret, we want the three of you to continue lending your strength to us and our daughters.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
With the covert operation about to be initiated today, we need our allies to be in our good graces, as any insurrections would not only endanger our mission, but all of us, since the Assembly would be none too happy to hear of their "subjects" plotting to corrupt one of their most important assets.
Captain Ilmatar
About that mission...are we going to be a part of the ships that will infiltrate the Gate Funnel superweapon?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Jendayi
...If you were thinking we'd put our only precious daughters into such a dangerous situation, where failure of any kind would result in the immediate deaths of everyone involved-then you'd be dead wrong. Besides, we had another mission for you to potentially recruit for us a member of R-Y-N-Gs , as we recently picked up a distress signal in the Outer-Rim from a fleet of ships under their jurisdiction.
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
If you are lucky, then by the time you secure for us another recruit, we'll have gotten to the Gate Funnel superweapon-located around the Galactic Core. The trip there will still take 13 months for our other operatives, so you'll have plenty of time to proceed with your mission as you see fit.
Captain Ixchel
Oh, great. I just love going away from the more exciting situations in the galaxy. How long will the upgrades to the Century Phoenix-E1 take anyways?
Humane Conglomerate Representative - Omorose
...They'll be done later tonight-just as our other operatives are about to begin to trek to the Gate Funnel superweapon. Your destination should be given to Sixty-Nines by now and will take you 5 months to arrive at. If you have anything to do before departing, I suggest you do so now.
Narration - With the meeting adjourned, the ladies leave the personal quarters of Jendayi and Omorose, to which they then have some time before the upgrades are finalized for their starship. To pass the time, the group goes ahead and enjoys some of the locals of the planet Eris. They go to spas, swimming pools, cafes and restaurants, before night comes and the group reboards the now new and improved "Century Phoenix-E2". With their preparations complete, the crew of the Century Phoenix-E2 moves to the ramp from before and launches into space. Seconds later, Captain Ilmatar and Captain Ixchel engage the ships' Hypervelocity Cannon, propelling it into Pulsespace. Then, time moves on...
-SCENE TRANSITION-
Narration - Approaching their destination after 5 months of traveling through Pulsespace, the Century Phoenix-E2 then returns to normal space, where they are greeted to a shocking scene of hundreds of destroyed starships-strewn across an cluttered stretch of space. As the crew observe the wrecks around them, they converse-
Captain Ilmatar
"GASP!"...What a horrible sight!
Captain Ixchel
Sixty-Nines?! Can you tell whose ships these belonged to?!
Sixty-Nines
Yes...the majority of destroyed starships around us belonged to the Black Requiem. There are almost as many starships belonging to the Assembly of Pioneers scattered about as well, while there are also a few debris from a gravity well generator-suggesting that the Black Requiem destroyed that before making the jump to Pulsespace.
Narration - Sixty-Nines says, as the crew continues to survey the destroyed starships. Sixty-Nines then speaks up-
Sixty-Nines
...Both sides must be suffering heavy losses, as there are several frigates, cruisers and even a few capital starships among the wreckages. It's clear that the New Invokers want the Black Requiem wiped from existence-no matter the cost to the Assembly...
Captain Ilmatar
Based on how many starships there are in this area, could this have been a major battle between them?
Captain Ixchel
Possibly, but you have to remember, the super fractions in this galaxy have an insurmountable number of starships-beyond anything we could ever produce. What we consider a major battle could be viewed as a small skirmish between such massive fractions.
Captain Ilmatar
...Good point. Sixty-Nines? Can you detect any active starships?
Sixty-Nines
Let me see...oh?!
Jedlit
What's wrong?!
Sixty-Nines
Starship detected! Right on top of us!
Captain Ilmatar
WHAT?!
"TRACTOR BEAM"
Narration - Suddenly, the Century Phoenix-E2 finds itself being caught in another tractor beam from above. The occurrence is a surprise to the crew of the ship, as they hadn't detected anything until moments before being tractor beamed. They speak-
Captain Ixchel
Dammit! How did we not detect something that huge?!
Sixty-Nines
It just showed up on my radar! Most likely it was watching us from the moment we exited Pulsespace! We are locked in it's tractor beam!
Shypearl
Heh. Never a dull moment with the two of you...
Tylia
...I sense something...good...
Narration - Unable to escape, everyone on the Century Phoenix-E2 is forced to allow for the mysterious ship to proceed to ensnare the ship and draw it into one of its many hangers. The size of the ship is considerably larger than that of either a Corvette or Frigate, indicating that it must be some kind of Cruiser. Arriving in a large hanger full of junk and scrap, the crew of the Century Phoenix-E2 consider the options in the Captain's Nest.
"LANDING NOISE"
Captain Ilmatar
...Phew...alright, what do we do now, everyone?
Captain Ixchel
Well, it seems like whoever brought us here doesn't want to destroy us. If they wanted to, they would've done so BEFORE they engaged their tractor beam, I believe...
Jedlit
That's a good point. However, if they didn't want to destroy us before we arrived here, why would they bring us into their ship not knowing of our intentions?
Shypearl
It could be that this ship might be another person investigating the remains of the fleet of destroyed ships outside. If that is the case, then they just might be from R-Y-N-Gs , so this could actually be the perfect opportunity for us.
Gaea's Apostate Tylia
We have to make sure that they really are from R-Y-N-Gs , though. Sixty-Nines? Can you do a scan of the ship, please?
Sixty-Nines
I'm already on it...! We are in luck! This ship really IS from R-Y-N-Gs !
Captain Ilmatar
Then, we might be able to negotiate. And if all goes well, perhaps we can even get a new member to our crew...
Jedlit
Indeed. However, I do believe you two should be a little cautious around these kinds of people. Remember, they specialize in the trading of people to various high-ranking political and governmental figures to get what they want, so they might want to use us in that way...
Captain Ixchel
Oh, I wouldn't be too worried about that part. Ilmatar here has made it clear she wouldn't mind selling her body to various kinds of aliens-so long as we can get out of it whenever we please.
Captain Ilmatar
Yep! Maybe if all goes well, we can add that into the negotiations. Let's go outside and meet whoever it was that brought us here, shall we?
Captain Ixchel
Right...
Narration - With their decision decided upon, the 5 get up and proceed to venture out of the Century Phoenix-E2 and discover the identities of who brought them here. Once out of the Century Phoenix-E2, an odd stench can be smelled by everyone, to which the smell is inviting to both Ilmatar and Ixchel, as they will know what it is from. Suddenly, a mechanical door opens a short ways ahead of them, reveling-
?(Mysterious Alien Woman)
Fufufu...My, my...what a marvelous catch we procured today...such fantastic measurements-and even a Gaea's Apostate is with them...fufufu...
Captain Ilmatar
Oh...hello there. Could we ask you for your name, please?
Captain Izirs
Of course. My name is Izirs, and I am the Captain of this Light Frigate you are standing upon, called "Heaven's Dump". I bet you girls are wondering why I ordered for your ship to be tractor beamed here, right?
Captain Ixchel
That's right. I assume you brought us here for a good reason...
Captain Izirs
Of course. You see, upon spotting you as you exited from Pulsespace, I ran a scan on your ship and discovered that you all were from the Sol system, meaning that there would be humans on your ship. I find your race fascinating, especially in regards to...sex...
Captain Ilmatar
..."smiles"
Captain Ixchel
..."smiles"
Captain Izirs
Fufufu...it seems I might have hit the jackpot with you girls, no? If so, then I believe we can...
Captain Ilmatar
Wait a moment. We do have some conditions, before we can proceed with you.
Captain Izirs
...Go on. Ask away.
Narration - As Captain Izirs asks this, she will produce a kind of contract for the girls to sign in a moment. Captain Ixchel then lists off their conditions.
Captain Ixchel
Let's see...I think that the most important condition would be simply that we have a very strict time limit as to how long we can loan out our bodies to other individuals. We have no preferences, as we love things that are new to us, but just remember that we do have a limit before needing to leave. Being apart of the Humane Conglomerate and having the Grei about to show up in our home system, we naturally want to aid in its defense.
Captain Izirs
Of course. We within R-Y-N-Gs are very flexible individuals when it comes to servicing our guests. Might I just ask how long your stay with us will be?
Captain Ilmatar
8 months. We'll have to then return back to the Sol system, as the impending Grei invasion will probably begin around that time. So long as you can agree to those terms...we'll be happy to spend some time with you.
Captain Izirs
...All right. Your contract is all set. I just need you five to step forward and sign, and we can leave and make our way to the Galactic Core immediately.
Captain Ilmatar
Sure thing...though, please forgive my ignorance, but wouldn't a trip to the Galactic Core from here take over a year alone? How are we going to make it all the way to the Galactic Core, when we are in one of the farthest points of the Outer Rim?
Captain Izirs
Not to worry, my dear, as ships constructed by R-Y-N-Gs have a special construction detail that not many know about. By installing multiple Hypervelocity Cannons onto a ship, we can effectively cut the time it takes to reach a specific destination by half, and even more so if we installed 3, 4 and even 5 Hypervelocity Cannons. This ship currently has 7 Hypervelocity Cannons, which when factored into our destination being the Galactic Core, a trip that would take over a year is cut down to just 2 weeks.
Captain Ixchel
WOW! I never even once considered having more Hypervelocity Cannons installed into the Century Phoenix-E2...though, how could people like the New Invokers not be aware of such a concept?
Captain Izirs
To be honest, many probably do know of how we in R-Y-N-Gs add more Hypervelocity Cannons into our ships to reach destinations in a quicker timeframe than their own. However, you have to consider how many ships everyone has under their umbrellas and how much time, money and effort it would take to retroactively go back and rework into those aging designs several new Hypervelocity Cannons. It makes more sense for the New Invokers and other supernations to simply invest these concepts into the newer "Mk-XXI" generation of starships that are rumored to be under construction as we speak. It's better to incorporate newer technologies into one or two lines of brand new starships, rather than dividing and doubling the resources that would need to go into both the current generation of ships and the newer ones that are under construction.
Captain Ixchel
Hm. Good point.
Narration - With that, everyone steps forward and proceeds to sign the contact with Captain Izirs. Afterwards, Captain Izris gives them all a tender smile, as she explains-
Captain Izirs
Wonderful, ladies. Now, if you'd just follow me, we'll start with decontamination and then assessment of your assets. Then we'll give you a few hands-on evaluation tests, which will allow for us to gauge your skills with some of our clients in the Assembly.
Captain Ilmatar
Roger that, Captain Izirs. We're looking forward to exceeding your expectations in us for the foreseeable future.
Narration - With that, a scene transition occurs.
-SCENE TRANSITION-
Narration - Later on, Ilmatar, Ixchel and Jedlit all emerge from a decontamination chamber-clean as a whistle. The girls are then brought to another part of the ship, where they are greeted by hundreds of other women attached to several sexual instruments. It is here where the girls are put into these machinations and told that for the next 2 weeks these machines will train their bodies to better suit the politicians that they will soon encounter within the Core Worlds.
Before the machine begins, however, Ilmatar and Ixchel notice that the woman next to them is a young alien woman, to which they grow interested in speaking to her-
Captain Ilmatar
!...Hey there, miss. You look a little nervous there...is this your first time or something?
Female Alien Assembly Assistant Veinzei
Oh...um...yeah, it is... My name is Veinzei, and I was an assistant on the Assembly fleet that was attacked earlier.
Captain Ixchel
Wow...was it the New Invokers that put you up against the Black Requiem?
Female Alien Assembly Assistant Veinzei
Yes. However, the Black Requiem knew we were coming, so they actually turned the tables on us early on...many of those starships that were destroyed were of the Assembly, if you can believe it. The ship that I was on was one of the starships that suffered most of the attacks, which forced me and many others to be rescued by the kind people of this ship...though, as it'll be my first time, I'm very scared right now...
Captain Ilmatar
Don't you worry so much, Veinzei. My name is Ilmatar, and I promise you we'll be by your side throughout this fun parade.
Female Alien Assembly Assistant Veinzei
...Can this really be considered...fun...? My mother was originally a part of the Assembly, but after she fell prey to R-Y-N-Gs a while ago, she eventually joined them and then had me not too long afterwards...am I going to become the same way if I stay here long enough...?
Captain Ixchel
I think so, Veinzei-and you might think it's scary right now, but trust me-it'll become second nature the more you experience it. My name is Ixchel, and I think we just found our next recruit...right, Ilmatar?
Captain Ilmatar
Yeah...!
Narration - With that, soon the doors open to reveal several politicians who are kept onboard, as the ship called Heaven's Dump begins it's short trek to the Galactic Core. It engages its first Hypervelocity Cannon-propelling it into Pulse-space, and while in Pulse-space, the ship engages Hypervelocity Cannon after Hypervelocity Cannon, speeding it up faster and faster through Pulse-space. While on the ship, the girls are able to come and go freely to and from the Century Phoenix-E2, to which as the days go by, eventually they do become good friends with Captain Izirs, who as a member of R-Y-N-Gs can offer to them various kinds of information about the organization-but at a price. Then, a scene transition occurs.
SCENE TRANSITION
Narration - Roughly 2 weeks later, the Heaven's Dump starship arrives in the Core Worlds to a busy freeway of hundreds of thousands of starships of all sizes, busily coming and going from megastructure to megastructure. Heaven's Dump simply passes by all of them and heads towards the underbelly of one particular megastructure, where a group of shady-looking aliens are waiting. From there, the girls are then transported to several booths, where many high-ranking Assembly senators and other such individuals are waiting for their "payments". For the next 7 and a half months, the girls engage in many acts of under the table dealings, as time moves on...
-END OF CHAPTER-