Alright everybody I know it has been forever but I've finally got some
written and here it is. Now since I didn't feel up to creating a whole new
language (skrillian) whenever the skrills talk in their native tongue it'll
be in **.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Gossip
In every organization, no matter how secret, the people talk, even if it's only too each other. It is an accepted fact so no one thinks much of the groups that would gather in corners and trade whispered tales. If they did usually they would join the discussions. "You hear about the last mission?"
"Yeah I hear Quinton got it but the Major killed the Atavus who did it."
"One out of fifteen isn't bad."
Some one scolded the speaker. "Damn that's cold."
"But true," A woman noted. "I hear that Renee's people it's the 'red shirt syndrome'." Seeing the confused looks all round she rolled her eyes. "Jeez you'd think in a group that fights aliens we'd have more than on Trekker. On Star Trek the Original series when the good guys would beam down you always knew the guys in red shirts were going to get it. Later on anyone who wasn't a lead, a fresh face, would buy it. Anyway I hear everyone but Renee's dropping left and right. Makes me glad I wanted to see Mister comes- back-for-the-dead Boone and signed up here instead of there."
The others nodded. "You know I hear she's still hiring mercs." Disgusted they shook their heads. Bad memories still accompanied the time before the Major gave the mercs their walking papers.
"I wonder how the Major killed that Atavus." A young man stated a pensive look on his face.
Someone snorted, "Newbie." The boy flushed red with embarrassment at the others smiles. Kindly an elderly man next to him decided to explain it to him.
"Son no one knows how he does what he does. Don't particularly care much anymore. He's like the family wizard, never hurt us with his tricks. Just accept the miracle and move on." Silence reined for a moment as everyone digested his words and silently agreed.
"Augur had a fit the other day when Kelly spilled her diet coke on his hard drive. I didn't think someone could turn that color."
Skrill Queen Margsath
*Children.* I called. They came at my summons eagerly. My hearts pattered. They were so innocent living in this closed off world. They knew of the atrocities preformed on their siblings and me yet they had never experienced such things. All they knew were stories. Now they were gong to have to go out into the world. My children were no longer babies but I did not wish them to lose any of their youthful outlooks. At times like these I certainly feel like a mother though these were the first of my children I'd ever raised. I felt my bond-mate drawing closer. I subconsciously had been nudging him all this while to consider us in this dangerous time. My children and I could not hide away from the world; if it was in danger we must help. It is our world as well now. My father used to call me a loyal schemer. My bond-mate needs us and my children need this to establish ourselves on good terms with the humans.
*Children.* I gazed at the twenty-two faces that I had raised, taught, and loved. *The time has come.* They remained respectively silent like good children. for almost five seconds.
*Mother are your stories true? Will there be bond-mates.friends?*
I purred at my son. *Jaztkit. Are you calling your mother a tale spinner?* His right tendril twitched at my teasing.
*No mother just.* he trailed off but Pharisee, my second daughter, was happy to take over for him.
*Just that you tend to exaggerate mother. Remember that time you said you saw a giant parrot that turned out to be only a foot tall?*
*Or the time.*Gounan started and soon my children were listing ever minor mistake I had made in the previous two years. 'It is times like these that cause me to wonder why I enjoy being a mother.' My bond-mate has a habit of rubbing his forehead to relieve brain pains. Sometimes I wish that technique worked on skrills as well.
*Children.* I said warningly. They quieted almost immediately. Nirkos kept reciting the incident with a rock I'd rather forget for a couple seconds after his siblings had stopped. "We are going to aid the humans with the threat. Do you remember the oaths?" There was a round of clacking confirming their knowledge. I began. *Times are serious. The fight must be joined. Nevertheless fighting is not a task for which all are suited. There is no shame in admitting one's limits. Those who will not fight express yourselves now.* I used the ancient words of the beginning. Tradition is strong among my people and I felt it would be better to start with a tradition to get us through. Silence fell over my children. They were serious now as was fitting for the warrior oath taking and letting.
*I must resign from the fight, dearest mother.* Tharmon. He kept his tone calm as the ceremony demanded. I knew that hiss decision was a hard one to make. I had hoped for this. Thar was a studious boy. Violence was something he was not capable of.
*You may resign retaining full privileges.* My voice also held no feeling. To do so would disrespect those who walked the paths of the past.
*I must resign from the fight, dearest mother.* Qiarin, my most soft spoken child, recited the words. I had wished for her to remain behind as well. I felt both would not do well with the harshness of battle. I had discussed this with them before the ceremony. If none of us were to survive they would be able to carry on for our race. The Taleon engineers did not use genetic material from just one male skrill and me. They used many samples in hopes of someday breeding more. In captivity I never gave birth to a girl. They could not understand why. I believe they made up their own explanations. The reason is thus. I would not let a female child be created. Skrills have the ability to release the hormone to sustain females or not. I chose not to for any female child I might bare would end up living the hell I endured. If we were all to perish in this attempt their children would have to face the resulting genetic inbreeding but my children would not. I released these complicated thoughts and spoke the needed words.
*Thou may resign retaining full privileges.*
Srynbi spoke next, "I must resign from the fight, dearest mother.* Srynbi was my third daughter and last. Her decision was something I had no telling of.
*Thou may resign retaining full privileges.* I waited but no more felt the need.
*May our hearts beat true and our bond-mates watch our ties.* I completed the ceremony. It was an ancient ceremony repeated over and over by every mother on our home world. Our fights were against the Wguaoarlfs, a deadly species of animal that chose from sporadically to her together and attack. The designer of the oath felt the youngsters would be less reluctant to admit their shortcomings to their mothers than others. No one would deny a resignerer anything for people were needed to tend the home place. It was thought that those who could not stand the thought of death would not do well surrounded by it. The fighting would be different. The Atavus were just as savage as the Wguaoarlfs but they were intelligent. I would not begrudge my children their distaste. I did not enjoy the thought either.
Boone
I shacked another vine out of the way with my machete. With no clear path we had to fight for every step. I wiped the sweat collecting on my face away with my arm. Traversing through the jungle wasn't something I thought I'd ever do again. I hate the jungle. 'Why am I doing this anyway?' I glared at Liam's back. But since he was breaking the trail and consequently couldn't see me it didn't affect him as I'd hoped. Since it didn't affect him at all that was an understatement. ' I'm beginning to rethink our friendship.' He wouldn't even tell me why we were going to trek through mosquitoes, snakes, and vines bigger than me. He wouldn't even tell me which jungle we were trekking through! I don't know if I can trust him if he won't trust me. 'Then why are you following him?' I groaned. 'Because I do trust him.' I hacked at the growth with renewed gusto. Suddenly I ran into Liam. He's stopped right in front of me. Really irritated I was about to say something really sarcastic when he let out a breath and said, "We're here."
For a moment I was struck by the awe and hope in his voice but since I couldn't see anything but his back I remembered that I was mad at him and snapped, "Yeah, well where's here?" I'd just started to like this guy but his secret keeping was bugging the heck out of me. "I mean there's not much of a view."
"Oops." Liam moved forward. It took me a few moments to process what I was seeing. 'Oh, my.' I tried to take it all in. I ended up looking like an idiot with my head swing back and forth. There were Skrills, dozens of them. Pulsating and crawling along the jungle floor. Finally my mouth caught up with my racing thoughts.
"Why? How?" Not very articulate true but still it was an improvement.
I saw something flash across Liam's face. It looked like disgust. "Why? Because they're as sentient as you or me. The Taleons used their natural defenses to make them into weapons just as they were planning to do to us. How" Black Wednesday stole the Skrill Queen. I set her free." I was taken aback by how fiercely he talked about it. Like it was personal.
"You have returned young one." I jerked. I hadn't noticed the approach of the skrill now at our feet. 'I didn't think they could move that fast.' I was struck by the weirdly modulating voice with which it spoke. The fact that it spoke English was stranger still. I felt like I'd entered the Twilight Zone. Liam crouched down and stroked the speaker's back. He whispered, "Yes I have." It's color changed to red as I remembered Condor doing when he was happy.
Liam
My first thought was, 'She's so small.' In my mind's eye I had been picturing her as I'd last seen her. Now I saw that she was the same size as any other skrill. I couldn't say how I knew it was her only that I did. Just like I knew she'd be waiting for me. Like a lot of times in my life I had to trust my instincts.
"Liam. What is going on?" 'Uh oh Liam you got some splanning to do.' While I may have faith in my instincts I hadn't been about to tell Boone we were going into the wilds of the Amazon in the off chance that skrills were going to help us save the plant. At the time it had seemed like a good idea to just explain it all after we arrived in skrill valley. Rising I took in Boone's half overwhelmed half angry face. 'It definitely seemed like a good idea at the time.' I had to admit even in face of the consequences it still seemed like the most viable option. Boone's experiences with the skrills were always with the genetically engineered version. The Taleon skrills were obedient pet like creatures. I figured if I told Boone that the untampered with skrills were not only sentient but as smart as humans he'd be more than likely hesitant to believe it. With the proof in front of his eyes I hoped he would have a harder time denying the truth. First thought I had to actually tell him the truth.
"The Taleons biogenetically engineered the skrills Boone. Their natural ability to discharge energy made them the ideal fodder for weapons. The only problem they could see was what good is a weapon that can refuse to fire? The skrill you had was a result of their tampering. They turned the skrill species into dogs, performing all night for a treat. The Taleons stopped their higher functions from developing and increased the semi symbiotic bond they could share with each other till they couldn't live without a partner. The Skrill Queen showed me all this when we bonded. She picked up our language as I picked up her's."
"We are an intelligent people Mr. Boone." I smiled inside at Margsath's voice. It was a combination hiss-purr that rose and fell at odd intervals. Yet it contained a very motherly quality. "This threat could destroy us all, your people and mine. We have just started to live again I would not see us annihilated before we have a chance to grow once more. My bond-mate feels very strongly about this. My children and I shall help you fight these Atavus."
"How?" Boone was shocked but I could see by the sharp look in his eye that he was thinking again. "Without a CVI how will we control-"
"You shall not." Margsath's voice was very firm. I couldn't blame her. Control is another way of saying slavery. She softened. "Partners do not need control. They need only ask." Her head turned and she trilled in her own language. *Jazkit come here.* Another skrill scurried over.
*Yes mother?* He said. I knew he was a male because of the slight ridge over his head.
*Do you think this man will be a good bond-mate?*
*He is.He is very tall mother.* Margsath made a derisive sound and Jazkit turned green the equivalent of a human blush. *He looks kind.* He hurriedly added. I watched silently trying to keep a straight face. Boone just looked confused.
*You will be partnered if he has no objections. I told you that your mother was no tale spinner.* The male skrill turned a darker green. She switched back to English. "Mister Boone. Jazkit will be your bond-mate if you so wish it." Boone dumbly nodded. "Lean down." I smiled at the way Boone automatically followed her command. The male skrill hesitated then rushed to Boone. He positioned himself on Boone's right forearm. Then slowly eased his tentacles into Boone's flesh. A grimace of pain contorted his face then his eyes took on a far away look as they got to know each other. I smiled at the pair my own memories told me that unlike the rushed sharing that I had shared with Margsath this would take a while and be a joyful experience.
*Young one.*
I turned back to Margsath. *Yes.* I replied in her tongue but I had a feeling my accent was horrible.
*Would you like to link? I know you do not need me to fight. Yet.* I understood. She was lonely. So was I. I had very few friends. Here would be one I could always trust. I bent down.
In every organization, no matter how secret, the people talk, even if it's only too each other. It is an accepted fact so no one thinks much of the groups that would gather in corners and trade whispered tales. If they did usually they would join the discussions. "You hear about the last mission?"
"Yeah I hear Quinton got it but the Major killed the Atavus who did it."
"One out of fifteen isn't bad."
Some one scolded the speaker. "Damn that's cold."
"But true," A woman noted. "I hear that Renee's people it's the 'red shirt syndrome'." Seeing the confused looks all round she rolled her eyes. "Jeez you'd think in a group that fights aliens we'd have more than on Trekker. On Star Trek the Original series when the good guys would beam down you always knew the guys in red shirts were going to get it. Later on anyone who wasn't a lead, a fresh face, would buy it. Anyway I hear everyone but Renee's dropping left and right. Makes me glad I wanted to see Mister comes- back-for-the-dead Boone and signed up here instead of there."
The others nodded. "You know I hear she's still hiring mercs." Disgusted they shook their heads. Bad memories still accompanied the time before the Major gave the mercs their walking papers.
"I wonder how the Major killed that Atavus." A young man stated a pensive look on his face.
Someone snorted, "Newbie." The boy flushed red with embarrassment at the others smiles. Kindly an elderly man next to him decided to explain it to him.
"Son no one knows how he does what he does. Don't particularly care much anymore. He's like the family wizard, never hurt us with his tricks. Just accept the miracle and move on." Silence reined for a moment as everyone digested his words and silently agreed.
"Augur had a fit the other day when Kelly spilled her diet coke on his hard drive. I didn't think someone could turn that color."
Skrill Queen Margsath
*Children.* I called. They came at my summons eagerly. My hearts pattered. They were so innocent living in this closed off world. They knew of the atrocities preformed on their siblings and me yet they had never experienced such things. All they knew were stories. Now they were gong to have to go out into the world. My children were no longer babies but I did not wish them to lose any of their youthful outlooks. At times like these I certainly feel like a mother though these were the first of my children I'd ever raised. I felt my bond-mate drawing closer. I subconsciously had been nudging him all this while to consider us in this dangerous time. My children and I could not hide away from the world; if it was in danger we must help. It is our world as well now. My father used to call me a loyal schemer. My bond-mate needs us and my children need this to establish ourselves on good terms with the humans.
*Children.* I gazed at the twenty-two faces that I had raised, taught, and loved. *The time has come.* They remained respectively silent like good children. for almost five seconds.
*Mother are your stories true? Will there be bond-mates.friends?*
I purred at my son. *Jaztkit. Are you calling your mother a tale spinner?* His right tendril twitched at my teasing.
*No mother just.* he trailed off but Pharisee, my second daughter, was happy to take over for him.
*Just that you tend to exaggerate mother. Remember that time you said you saw a giant parrot that turned out to be only a foot tall?*
*Or the time.*Gounan started and soon my children were listing ever minor mistake I had made in the previous two years. 'It is times like these that cause me to wonder why I enjoy being a mother.' My bond-mate has a habit of rubbing his forehead to relieve brain pains. Sometimes I wish that technique worked on skrills as well.
*Children.* I said warningly. They quieted almost immediately. Nirkos kept reciting the incident with a rock I'd rather forget for a couple seconds after his siblings had stopped. "We are going to aid the humans with the threat. Do you remember the oaths?" There was a round of clacking confirming their knowledge. I began. *Times are serious. The fight must be joined. Nevertheless fighting is not a task for which all are suited. There is no shame in admitting one's limits. Those who will not fight express yourselves now.* I used the ancient words of the beginning. Tradition is strong among my people and I felt it would be better to start with a tradition to get us through. Silence fell over my children. They were serious now as was fitting for the warrior oath taking and letting.
*I must resign from the fight, dearest mother.* Tharmon. He kept his tone calm as the ceremony demanded. I knew that hiss decision was a hard one to make. I had hoped for this. Thar was a studious boy. Violence was something he was not capable of.
*You may resign retaining full privileges.* My voice also held no feeling. To do so would disrespect those who walked the paths of the past.
*I must resign from the fight, dearest mother.* Qiarin, my most soft spoken child, recited the words. I had wished for her to remain behind as well. I felt both would not do well with the harshness of battle. I had discussed this with them before the ceremony. If none of us were to survive they would be able to carry on for our race. The Taleon engineers did not use genetic material from just one male skrill and me. They used many samples in hopes of someday breeding more. In captivity I never gave birth to a girl. They could not understand why. I believe they made up their own explanations. The reason is thus. I would not let a female child be created. Skrills have the ability to release the hormone to sustain females or not. I chose not to for any female child I might bare would end up living the hell I endured. If we were all to perish in this attempt their children would have to face the resulting genetic inbreeding but my children would not. I released these complicated thoughts and spoke the needed words.
*Thou may resign retaining full privileges.*
Srynbi spoke next, "I must resign from the fight, dearest mother.* Srynbi was my third daughter and last. Her decision was something I had no telling of.
*Thou may resign retaining full privileges.* I waited but no more felt the need.
*May our hearts beat true and our bond-mates watch our ties.* I completed the ceremony. It was an ancient ceremony repeated over and over by every mother on our home world. Our fights were against the Wguaoarlfs, a deadly species of animal that chose from sporadically to her together and attack. The designer of the oath felt the youngsters would be less reluctant to admit their shortcomings to their mothers than others. No one would deny a resignerer anything for people were needed to tend the home place. It was thought that those who could not stand the thought of death would not do well surrounded by it. The fighting would be different. The Atavus were just as savage as the Wguaoarlfs but they were intelligent. I would not begrudge my children their distaste. I did not enjoy the thought either.
Boone
I shacked another vine out of the way with my machete. With no clear path we had to fight for every step. I wiped the sweat collecting on my face away with my arm. Traversing through the jungle wasn't something I thought I'd ever do again. I hate the jungle. 'Why am I doing this anyway?' I glared at Liam's back. But since he was breaking the trail and consequently couldn't see me it didn't affect him as I'd hoped. Since it didn't affect him at all that was an understatement. ' I'm beginning to rethink our friendship.' He wouldn't even tell me why we were going to trek through mosquitoes, snakes, and vines bigger than me. He wouldn't even tell me which jungle we were trekking through! I don't know if I can trust him if he won't trust me. 'Then why are you following him?' I groaned. 'Because I do trust him.' I hacked at the growth with renewed gusto. Suddenly I ran into Liam. He's stopped right in front of me. Really irritated I was about to say something really sarcastic when he let out a breath and said, "We're here."
For a moment I was struck by the awe and hope in his voice but since I couldn't see anything but his back I remembered that I was mad at him and snapped, "Yeah, well where's here?" I'd just started to like this guy but his secret keeping was bugging the heck out of me. "I mean there's not much of a view."
"Oops." Liam moved forward. It took me a few moments to process what I was seeing. 'Oh, my.' I tried to take it all in. I ended up looking like an idiot with my head swing back and forth. There were Skrills, dozens of them. Pulsating and crawling along the jungle floor. Finally my mouth caught up with my racing thoughts.
"Why? How?" Not very articulate true but still it was an improvement.
I saw something flash across Liam's face. It looked like disgust. "Why? Because they're as sentient as you or me. The Taleons used their natural defenses to make them into weapons just as they were planning to do to us. How" Black Wednesday stole the Skrill Queen. I set her free." I was taken aback by how fiercely he talked about it. Like it was personal.
"You have returned young one." I jerked. I hadn't noticed the approach of the skrill now at our feet. 'I didn't think they could move that fast.' I was struck by the weirdly modulating voice with which it spoke. The fact that it spoke English was stranger still. I felt like I'd entered the Twilight Zone. Liam crouched down and stroked the speaker's back. He whispered, "Yes I have." It's color changed to red as I remembered Condor doing when he was happy.
Liam
My first thought was, 'She's so small.' In my mind's eye I had been picturing her as I'd last seen her. Now I saw that she was the same size as any other skrill. I couldn't say how I knew it was her only that I did. Just like I knew she'd be waiting for me. Like a lot of times in my life I had to trust my instincts.
"Liam. What is going on?" 'Uh oh Liam you got some splanning to do.' While I may have faith in my instincts I hadn't been about to tell Boone we were going into the wilds of the Amazon in the off chance that skrills were going to help us save the plant. At the time it had seemed like a good idea to just explain it all after we arrived in skrill valley. Rising I took in Boone's half overwhelmed half angry face. 'It definitely seemed like a good idea at the time.' I had to admit even in face of the consequences it still seemed like the most viable option. Boone's experiences with the skrills were always with the genetically engineered version. The Taleon skrills were obedient pet like creatures. I figured if I told Boone that the untampered with skrills were not only sentient but as smart as humans he'd be more than likely hesitant to believe it. With the proof in front of his eyes I hoped he would have a harder time denying the truth. First thought I had to actually tell him the truth.
"The Taleons biogenetically engineered the skrills Boone. Their natural ability to discharge energy made them the ideal fodder for weapons. The only problem they could see was what good is a weapon that can refuse to fire? The skrill you had was a result of their tampering. They turned the skrill species into dogs, performing all night for a treat. The Taleons stopped their higher functions from developing and increased the semi symbiotic bond they could share with each other till they couldn't live without a partner. The Skrill Queen showed me all this when we bonded. She picked up our language as I picked up her's."
"We are an intelligent people Mr. Boone." I smiled inside at Margsath's voice. It was a combination hiss-purr that rose and fell at odd intervals. Yet it contained a very motherly quality. "This threat could destroy us all, your people and mine. We have just started to live again I would not see us annihilated before we have a chance to grow once more. My bond-mate feels very strongly about this. My children and I shall help you fight these Atavus."
"How?" Boone was shocked but I could see by the sharp look in his eye that he was thinking again. "Without a CVI how will we control-"
"You shall not." Margsath's voice was very firm. I couldn't blame her. Control is another way of saying slavery. She softened. "Partners do not need control. They need only ask." Her head turned and she trilled in her own language. *Jazkit come here.* Another skrill scurried over.
*Yes mother?* He said. I knew he was a male because of the slight ridge over his head.
*Do you think this man will be a good bond-mate?*
*He is.He is very tall mother.* Margsath made a derisive sound and Jazkit turned green the equivalent of a human blush. *He looks kind.* He hurriedly added. I watched silently trying to keep a straight face. Boone just looked confused.
*You will be partnered if he has no objections. I told you that your mother was no tale spinner.* The male skrill turned a darker green. She switched back to English. "Mister Boone. Jazkit will be your bond-mate if you so wish it." Boone dumbly nodded. "Lean down." I smiled at the way Boone automatically followed her command. The male skrill hesitated then rushed to Boone. He positioned himself on Boone's right forearm. Then slowly eased his tentacles into Boone's flesh. A grimace of pain contorted his face then his eyes took on a far away look as they got to know each other. I smiled at the pair my own memories told me that unlike the rushed sharing that I had shared with Margsath this would take a while and be a joyful experience.
*Young one.*
I turned back to Margsath. *Yes.* I replied in her tongue but I had a feeling my accent was horrible.
*Would you like to link? I know you do not need me to fight. Yet.* I understood. She was lonely. So was I. I had very few friends. Here would be one I could always trust. I bent down.