Well, we arrived to the docks in the highest of sprits but it seemed we
were the only ones. Engineers, janitors, and just some random crewmen were
still cleaning up the mess we made just a day ago. Their glares were cold
and hard as we walked by to board our ship. This still didn't hinder our
sprits, though. We were on a journey of a lifetime, NOTHING was getting us
down.
As we entered the holding bay of the ships we saw an old woman screaming frantically at some people as they tried to get in their ship.
"Listen, women! We're not going to find some lost punk for you, so just drop it ok!! We're busy and we don't have time!" A man closest to the lady barked before heading into his ship.
"But please!! He's only ten! The note said they would kill him if my husband didn't give them the money!!"
The man from before poked his head back out. "Then just give them the money!"
"I can't, we don't have it!!"
"Well, that's what you get for getting caught up with high-rolling Outlaws. On top of that, they're also quite powerful. Their Grappler is stocked to the brim with weapons people didn't even know were invented, the crew ain't any less tough. It's suicide to cross them!"
"But my grandson!"
"Screw off, bag! I said we don't have time!"
The man re-entered his ship without another word. Jess turned to me. I already knew what she was thinking.
"No Jess, we don't have-"
"Time?" She said for me. "Is that what you're going to say? We don't have time? Were you listening to the same thing I was?! She needs help, we should see what we can do!"
I waved my arms around. "Whoa, no way. Nope, not gonna happen. You heard those people, that gang sounds pretty loaded. Do you think we stand a chance?"
"Maybe, maybe not. We could at least try..."
"What?! Why? For who? Some senile old lady who's husband messed with the wrong crowd. We don't even know them! We put our lives on the line for strangers?!"
"Strife, don't you want to be a hero to these people?" "Hero? No, not me. I try not to delve in other people's affairs."
"God, Strife!! You're so impossible!"
Jess cursed me out some more then went over to the old women, being followed by Melfina who didn't seemed too impressed with me at the moment. So what? If they wanted to be heroes then more power to them....I thought about our 'journey' we were taking. What if it was going to be filled with detours like this? What if Jess wanted to go one way and I, another? Would we be able to stay together? Well I guess this one situation will solve all my questions.
I made my way passed them and headed towards the Outlaw Star. I only caught a piece of what the lady was trying to explain to them. The Outlaw's base was on some Space Station called Mezadye. I've heard that name before. One of the new waves of stations that went into space during the Galaxy Reconstruction Act about twenty to twenty-five years ago. Maybe Gene's actions started that, too....Man, I still couldn't believe that.....
I walked through the door and climbed to the deck, being greeted by the A.I. as I entered. "Good morning, Strife. How are you today?"
"Miserable. Being stuck with you isn't helping matters."
"Oh, well I am sorry to hear that."
I raised an eyebrow. It's words sank slightly as it spoke. Almost like it was hurt by what I said. Was it really sad? Na, must be a faulty wire somewhere.
I sat down in the pilot chair and stared out the main window. "Jess and Mel are talking to some old chick about her kidnapped son. They might want to go help him out. I, on the other hand, do not."
"If they decide to locate the child, will you accompany them in this craft?"
Hmmm, had to think about that one. "Well, if I go I'm going to have to help, if I help then I'm screwed. Might as well stay here."
"Where is the station or planet the kidnappers are residing at? If, of course, this information is known to you."
"Yeah, I overheard them say it was on the station Mezadye."
"Searching for information about Space Station 142825 "Mezadye". Please stand by."
I sat up in my chair. "What? No! Cancel last action, I don't CARE about Mezadye! I didn't even order you to look for it!"
Gillium ignored my orders. Which I couldn't understand, it was an A.I., it HAD to listen to me....Oh damn, it might have been because I didn't register and a crew member yet. But if that's so then why was it looking information up to begin with? Unless.....
"You're on their side, aren't you! You want to find this little brat too! But how? You shouldn't care either way!"
Gillium once again ignored me. This wasn't right, Gillium was DEFFANTLY malfunctioning.
"Information found. Articles about Space Station 142825 "Mazedye" are as shown: One of thirty-six new stations released into space due to the newly passed Galaxy Reconstruction Act created by Space Forces as safe havens to people that were affected by the conflict surrounding the search of Gene Starwind and his crew along with discovery of the Galactic Leyline. Side notes also state that neither were found but Forces believe Gene and his crew were properly eliminated."
Yeah, sure they were. Nice cover up, coppers....Gillium went on.
"Shortly after Mezadye was located in space, refugees came in various forms to hold off the sudden and unexpected confrontations with police around the area. Reports show people saying Space Force police were trying to seize control of the station but no evidence was found to support this case as Space Forces moved from Mezedye's location sometime later."
Wow, guess the rebellion was too much for them to handle so they booked. Cowards. Gillium continued.
"The refugees soon formed a rogue group called "The Crimson Shadows." They used their force to spread control over the station and soon used it as their base of operations. Various attempts were made by Space Forces to liberate the civilians of the station, but nothing came to avail. This is all the information recorded about Space Station 142825 "Mezadye" Would you like information about The Crimson Shadows?"
Argh, I couldn't say no now. Stupid A.I. peaked my curiosity. "Sure, why the hell not." I grumbled.
"Current information on the rogue group, "Crimson Shadows". Though made up of many people of different species, the main ladder of power is made up of ten men and women with one leader which they fall under. The leader's official name has been lost to history, only his code name, Trak, is known. His physical description has been described as large and muscled. Accounts say he keeps fit to fend off any and all adversaries. He also stands at six feet three inches and can be identified by his black and red streaked hair along with a patch over his left eye."
Patch over his left eye, huh? Blind spot equals big advantage for his opponents. Why did I even care? Not like I was going to fight him anyways.
"Trak is also known to master many different types of weapons, from long range, to explosive and melee. He also excels in many styles of fighting in case he is without a proper weapon. He is a fierce and deadly assassin, as proved by his police record showing jobs he took to deal death for money. His ten high-ranking members' identities have been hidden from record as there is not solid evidence of criminal acts from them. Rumors do say files of these men and women are constantly erased by hackers connected to the Space Forces mainframe, most likely by followers of Trak.
Information on Trak's spacecraft is also limited, all that is know is it's grappler capabilities and highly lethal arsenal. This is all the information recorded on rogue group "Crimson Shadows." Is that all, Strife?"
Holy crap, that was alotta stuff. "Yeah, that's it Gillium. Thanks and all but that's not helping me in the least to go find this kid."
"It is also said the station if full of wong stolen from enemies of the Crimson Shadows, rare shells have also been reported to be in this vicinity."
"Shells what kind?"
"All kinds and weapons to match, but most talked about are the legendary Caster shells only made by one of Trak's men. If we do go help this boy we may find them."
Money....Treasure.....Weapons.....Rare Caster shells! I'm in!! Ohhh, but wait. I would have to help find that kid....But I could SAY I was going to help then just go off and find the stuff on my own. Oh, the plan was perfect.
"Jessica and Melfina are entering the ship. They should be here shortly."
No later did Gillium inform me when the two walked onto the bridge. Jess looked at me with arms crossed, eyebrows bent into a "V" and deep determination in her eyes. She was going to lay into me and would NOT take no as an answer. She was going to make me go no matter what. Jokes on her.
"Alright, listen and listen good. Gwen, the old women, said they're one- hundred percent sure Tim, the grandson, is at this station called Mezadye. The only reason he was taken was because Sam, Gwen's husband, along with Dray, their son and Tim's father, needed money to support their family. The only place to get it was from a guy named Trak. Dray did some slightly illegal things in space but Trak was there to get him out of some sticky situations so they turned to him for money. They got it but wasn't able to pay it back. So now they took Tim in return for the money, they thought Trak was a friend but all he said was 'business is business'. If it doesn't show up in a week then Tim's dead and they take another family member."
"Your basic mafia situation, huh?"
Jess stared at me in confusion "Mafia? What's that?"
"Uh, nothing. That's what they called gangs like hundreds of years ago."
"Oh, ok.....Anyways, we're going to help this family out and you are coming with us. You have no choice in the matter. You're coming and that's it."
"Alright, I'll come."
"I SAID YOU'RE COM-.Whoa, what?!"
I laughed a bit. "I said that I'll come with you. This kid seems like he really needs help, along with this family. We'll help them as much as possible."
She stood there gaping at me. I laughed harder. This was priceless, she expected some big battle but only got a simple agreement!! She must have felt so STUPID! I was loving every second!!
She walked over to the seat in front of mine and sat down without another word. Mel got around behind me and entered her tube thing. I looked at her again, but this time had a question.
"Does she always have to be naked to get this thing moving?"
"Yes, to put it simply." Mel answered. She was about to go into the history behind it but I waved my arms in protest.
"No, no. That's ok. Ignorance is bliss. Let's just go."
"Very well." She said to me. "All systems green, the Outlaw Star us ready to launch."
I turned back around and looked at the window. "Ok then. Let's rock!! Mel, get us moving, destination: Mezadye!"
"Roger, Coordinates set and locked. Outlaw Star is now taking off."
The engines rumbled and soon enough we were on our way. Mel and Jess to find whatshisname and me to find money and weapons! Yee haw!!
---------------*-------------*------------------*-----------------*--------- ---------*-------
Author's note: Hey, lookie there. This is actually on time, huh? Coolz..Oh and to Chaos.....Muses? No, I'm not even going to ask. And good luck on your finals. This may be 'one minute too late' but better late then never. Also, I CAN'T BELIVE YOU GOT CRYSTAL CHRONICLES!! Ok, I officially despise you....
Anyways, this was one of my shorter chapters but was stocked piled with info, mostly about Mezadye, Trak and his gang. All three will play a big role in this thing. You thought Hazanko and his goons were over powered...You haven't seen anything yet, and to top it off they're just Outlaws! Damn good ones but still Outlaws.
Will Strife be able to recruit them to help his cause? Will he be forced to fight them in his search of weapons and money? Should he be more afraid of Jess when she finds out his true motives? And what about Ketsu? Did he just disappear into the stars? Was he really fooled by the old "They went thataway" joke or is he riding their tale this whole time? And what's with the Space Forces? Won't they do something in this story or are they just not that important?
Answers to these questions and many more in the next installment of An Outlaw's Dream! "Good reading equals good times." I'm out!
As we entered the holding bay of the ships we saw an old woman screaming frantically at some people as they tried to get in their ship.
"Listen, women! We're not going to find some lost punk for you, so just drop it ok!! We're busy and we don't have time!" A man closest to the lady barked before heading into his ship.
"But please!! He's only ten! The note said they would kill him if my husband didn't give them the money!!"
The man from before poked his head back out. "Then just give them the money!"
"I can't, we don't have it!!"
"Well, that's what you get for getting caught up with high-rolling Outlaws. On top of that, they're also quite powerful. Their Grappler is stocked to the brim with weapons people didn't even know were invented, the crew ain't any less tough. It's suicide to cross them!"
"But my grandson!"
"Screw off, bag! I said we don't have time!"
The man re-entered his ship without another word. Jess turned to me. I already knew what she was thinking.
"No Jess, we don't have-"
"Time?" She said for me. "Is that what you're going to say? We don't have time? Were you listening to the same thing I was?! She needs help, we should see what we can do!"
I waved my arms around. "Whoa, no way. Nope, not gonna happen. You heard those people, that gang sounds pretty loaded. Do you think we stand a chance?"
"Maybe, maybe not. We could at least try..."
"What?! Why? For who? Some senile old lady who's husband messed with the wrong crowd. We don't even know them! We put our lives on the line for strangers?!"
"Strife, don't you want to be a hero to these people?" "Hero? No, not me. I try not to delve in other people's affairs."
"God, Strife!! You're so impossible!"
Jess cursed me out some more then went over to the old women, being followed by Melfina who didn't seemed too impressed with me at the moment. So what? If they wanted to be heroes then more power to them....I thought about our 'journey' we were taking. What if it was going to be filled with detours like this? What if Jess wanted to go one way and I, another? Would we be able to stay together? Well I guess this one situation will solve all my questions.
I made my way passed them and headed towards the Outlaw Star. I only caught a piece of what the lady was trying to explain to them. The Outlaw's base was on some Space Station called Mezadye. I've heard that name before. One of the new waves of stations that went into space during the Galaxy Reconstruction Act about twenty to twenty-five years ago. Maybe Gene's actions started that, too....Man, I still couldn't believe that.....
I walked through the door and climbed to the deck, being greeted by the A.I. as I entered. "Good morning, Strife. How are you today?"
"Miserable. Being stuck with you isn't helping matters."
"Oh, well I am sorry to hear that."
I raised an eyebrow. It's words sank slightly as it spoke. Almost like it was hurt by what I said. Was it really sad? Na, must be a faulty wire somewhere.
I sat down in the pilot chair and stared out the main window. "Jess and Mel are talking to some old chick about her kidnapped son. They might want to go help him out. I, on the other hand, do not."
"If they decide to locate the child, will you accompany them in this craft?"
Hmmm, had to think about that one. "Well, if I go I'm going to have to help, if I help then I'm screwed. Might as well stay here."
"Where is the station or planet the kidnappers are residing at? If, of course, this information is known to you."
"Yeah, I overheard them say it was on the station Mezadye."
"Searching for information about Space Station 142825 "Mezadye". Please stand by."
I sat up in my chair. "What? No! Cancel last action, I don't CARE about Mezadye! I didn't even order you to look for it!"
Gillium ignored my orders. Which I couldn't understand, it was an A.I., it HAD to listen to me....Oh damn, it might have been because I didn't register and a crew member yet. But if that's so then why was it looking information up to begin with? Unless.....
"You're on their side, aren't you! You want to find this little brat too! But how? You shouldn't care either way!"
Gillium once again ignored me. This wasn't right, Gillium was DEFFANTLY malfunctioning.
"Information found. Articles about Space Station 142825 "Mazedye" are as shown: One of thirty-six new stations released into space due to the newly passed Galaxy Reconstruction Act created by Space Forces as safe havens to people that were affected by the conflict surrounding the search of Gene Starwind and his crew along with discovery of the Galactic Leyline. Side notes also state that neither were found but Forces believe Gene and his crew were properly eliminated."
Yeah, sure they were. Nice cover up, coppers....Gillium went on.
"Shortly after Mezadye was located in space, refugees came in various forms to hold off the sudden and unexpected confrontations with police around the area. Reports show people saying Space Force police were trying to seize control of the station but no evidence was found to support this case as Space Forces moved from Mezedye's location sometime later."
Wow, guess the rebellion was too much for them to handle so they booked. Cowards. Gillium continued.
"The refugees soon formed a rogue group called "The Crimson Shadows." They used their force to spread control over the station and soon used it as their base of operations. Various attempts were made by Space Forces to liberate the civilians of the station, but nothing came to avail. This is all the information recorded about Space Station 142825 "Mezadye" Would you like information about The Crimson Shadows?"
Argh, I couldn't say no now. Stupid A.I. peaked my curiosity. "Sure, why the hell not." I grumbled.
"Current information on the rogue group, "Crimson Shadows". Though made up of many people of different species, the main ladder of power is made up of ten men and women with one leader which they fall under. The leader's official name has been lost to history, only his code name, Trak, is known. His physical description has been described as large and muscled. Accounts say he keeps fit to fend off any and all adversaries. He also stands at six feet three inches and can be identified by his black and red streaked hair along with a patch over his left eye."
Patch over his left eye, huh? Blind spot equals big advantage for his opponents. Why did I even care? Not like I was going to fight him anyways.
"Trak is also known to master many different types of weapons, from long range, to explosive and melee. He also excels in many styles of fighting in case he is without a proper weapon. He is a fierce and deadly assassin, as proved by his police record showing jobs he took to deal death for money. His ten high-ranking members' identities have been hidden from record as there is not solid evidence of criminal acts from them. Rumors do say files of these men and women are constantly erased by hackers connected to the Space Forces mainframe, most likely by followers of Trak.
Information on Trak's spacecraft is also limited, all that is know is it's grappler capabilities and highly lethal arsenal. This is all the information recorded on rogue group "Crimson Shadows." Is that all, Strife?"
Holy crap, that was alotta stuff. "Yeah, that's it Gillium. Thanks and all but that's not helping me in the least to go find this kid."
"It is also said the station if full of wong stolen from enemies of the Crimson Shadows, rare shells have also been reported to be in this vicinity."
"Shells what kind?"
"All kinds and weapons to match, but most talked about are the legendary Caster shells only made by one of Trak's men. If we do go help this boy we may find them."
Money....Treasure.....Weapons.....Rare Caster shells! I'm in!! Ohhh, but wait. I would have to help find that kid....But I could SAY I was going to help then just go off and find the stuff on my own. Oh, the plan was perfect.
"Jessica and Melfina are entering the ship. They should be here shortly."
No later did Gillium inform me when the two walked onto the bridge. Jess looked at me with arms crossed, eyebrows bent into a "V" and deep determination in her eyes. She was going to lay into me and would NOT take no as an answer. She was going to make me go no matter what. Jokes on her.
"Alright, listen and listen good. Gwen, the old women, said they're one- hundred percent sure Tim, the grandson, is at this station called Mezadye. The only reason he was taken was because Sam, Gwen's husband, along with Dray, their son and Tim's father, needed money to support their family. The only place to get it was from a guy named Trak. Dray did some slightly illegal things in space but Trak was there to get him out of some sticky situations so they turned to him for money. They got it but wasn't able to pay it back. So now they took Tim in return for the money, they thought Trak was a friend but all he said was 'business is business'. If it doesn't show up in a week then Tim's dead and they take another family member."
"Your basic mafia situation, huh?"
Jess stared at me in confusion "Mafia? What's that?"
"Uh, nothing. That's what they called gangs like hundreds of years ago."
"Oh, ok.....Anyways, we're going to help this family out and you are coming with us. You have no choice in the matter. You're coming and that's it."
"Alright, I'll come."
"I SAID YOU'RE COM-.Whoa, what?!"
I laughed a bit. "I said that I'll come with you. This kid seems like he really needs help, along with this family. We'll help them as much as possible."
She stood there gaping at me. I laughed harder. This was priceless, she expected some big battle but only got a simple agreement!! She must have felt so STUPID! I was loving every second!!
She walked over to the seat in front of mine and sat down without another word. Mel got around behind me and entered her tube thing. I looked at her again, but this time had a question.
"Does she always have to be naked to get this thing moving?"
"Yes, to put it simply." Mel answered. She was about to go into the history behind it but I waved my arms in protest.
"No, no. That's ok. Ignorance is bliss. Let's just go."
"Very well." She said to me. "All systems green, the Outlaw Star us ready to launch."
I turned back around and looked at the window. "Ok then. Let's rock!! Mel, get us moving, destination: Mezadye!"
"Roger, Coordinates set and locked. Outlaw Star is now taking off."
The engines rumbled and soon enough we were on our way. Mel and Jess to find whatshisname and me to find money and weapons! Yee haw!!
---------------*-------------*------------------*-----------------*--------- ---------*-------
Author's note: Hey, lookie there. This is actually on time, huh? Coolz..Oh and to Chaos.....Muses? No, I'm not even going to ask. And good luck on your finals. This may be 'one minute too late' but better late then never. Also, I CAN'T BELIVE YOU GOT CRYSTAL CHRONICLES!! Ok, I officially despise you....
Anyways, this was one of my shorter chapters but was stocked piled with info, mostly about Mezadye, Trak and his gang. All three will play a big role in this thing. You thought Hazanko and his goons were over powered...You haven't seen anything yet, and to top it off they're just Outlaws! Damn good ones but still Outlaws.
Will Strife be able to recruit them to help his cause? Will he be forced to fight them in his search of weapons and money? Should he be more afraid of Jess when she finds out his true motives? And what about Ketsu? Did he just disappear into the stars? Was he really fooled by the old "They went thataway" joke or is he riding their tale this whole time? And what's with the Space Forces? Won't they do something in this story or are they just not that important?
Answers to these questions and many more in the next installment of An Outlaw's Dream! "Good reading equals good times." I'm out!