Explorers of the Universe

Chapter 22: The Wild Cat Girl with the Fluffy Ears… and the Fiery Temper

The Falcon flew through space after leaving Planet Zamaron, and in the science lab, Rei and Hilda were thinking about how to make the armor for the field team to be stronger considering this New Order is going to be after them.

Hilda thought on it, as she scratched her chin, "Well we could always modify the armor with weapons. And not just the loading handheld blasters. I'm talkin' kick ass weaponry built into the armor."

"You mean like hidden daggers," Rei asked, knowing of such tactics that assassins on Earth implemented in past times. Which was the basis for the Energy blade on the PIC.

"Well, that..." Hilda replied, and then whipped out a bazooka, "But I'm talkin' like a rocket launcher built into the SIG pack. Or a plasma castor! They'd never see that coming with the user's hands holding two blasters going all Clint Eastwood/John Wayne on 'em!"

"I suppose the additions of weapons could work, but what about the armor itself to protect the away team from any and all shots fired on them? Not enough weapons in the Universe would be of use if the armor does not protect them." Rei pointed out.

Hilda smiled, "Oooh, we could add maybe Light Shields. They're basically body shield generators you can place on either the forearm, hand, legs, or private regions..." and then mumbled, "... if you can't protect below the belt."

And then smirked again, "They have a number of uses going from shields to holding an opponent's attack in melee combat. Like grabbing the blade before it hits you."

"Similar to Adam's energy shield?" Rei asks, curious while looking at the visual reference from the training Adam had been doing with the others to get accustomed to their enhancements due to the nanobots that Hilda injected them with.

"Pretty much," Hilda replied. "Though I'm sure like Adam's shields, they also have limits. Does Adam have limits with his shields?"

Rei remained silent before she said, "He cannot move his body when he uses it, the most difficult ability he has. That is why he appears to trying not get out of the line of fire when someone shoots him."

Hilda sighed, "Well, that's a relief. I always thought Adam was too powerful for his own good."

"It is because of his power that the Colony Wars that Earth had to face had ended, let alone how we were able to destroy the Monolith back on the Ishimura." Rei explained. But then she got back to business, "So why don't we go over the various types of armors then. The 3 primary and the secondary 3."

Rei then answered Hilda's suggestion about the armor, "Very well then."

Hilda stood up as she whistled, allowing Sphere to float on in as he nodded, "Greetings."

"Sphere will help with visuals to go over the six armor sets that I have learned during my time on the Junkyard space isles," Hilda stated, but then looked to ask to Rei, "So... let's begin."

Sphere showcased six different armors, one with their very own unique style and function, as she pointed them starting with the Titan style, "The Titan armor is made for heavy hitters such as Soldiers and Heavy Fighters. They are a combo of Power and Defense. Hunters are melee fighter styles as well, though they go for long range and fast attacks. Warlocks are more for speed and Power, as their suits take on a kind of Wiseman Magic User style. And then there are the secondary Armor sets. The Interceptor is similar to the Hunters but are more for speed melee combat but no long range; they trade defense and power for speed and agility. Engineer classes are a defense subclass to the Warlock armor, as they specialize in building gadgets and turrets, as well as drones. And finally, are the subclass for the hunters, the Assassins. Their armor is used for stealth and support. Any questions?"

Rei looked at them and stated, "I did not realize how many types of armor there would be compared to our own."

Sphere then explained as he deactivated the slides, "Well, there are various types of fighters and supporters in the galaxy. They can select one, or add on weapons or modifications from one of the others to boost anything they have a weakness or chink they wish to compensate for."

"I see." She said as she then asks, "What sort of metals do they use as I believe that they do not have anything from earth."

Hilda thought on it, as she tapped her chin, looking up at the ceiling, "Hmmm. that's a tricky one."

"The metals vary from different worlds," Sphere replied, as he explained, though brought out another pic but this time of the Titan armor plating, "Though it is rather similar to the base plastic metals used on the more updated SIG suits that Isaac and the others had when they left Earth. Though trace amounts of what is known as Dexteritanium is shown, which is located on the Polaris Cluster about 3,000 light years of our location. It's similar to the metals Titanium and Tungstan."

"We could lessen the requirement by making an alloy if the metals we have with that of what we find?" Rei suggested looking at the two of them.

"It's quite possible," Sphere stated.

"Nice," Hilda smiled. But then daydreamed as she smiled.

Sphere, DRU, and Rei blinked, as the blue-haired girl asked, "Hilda?"

"I'm just thinking on ideas… for Kori."

The trio then sweatdropped, remembering what she was talking about.

Flashback

The moment Kori took her helmet off, Hilda's voice became silent. She stared at Kori with widened eyes. It was as though she had just seen a ghost.

Misty looked up in relief, "¡Finalmente! Pensé que ella nunca callar!"

The others however weren't thrilled about Hilda's sudden silence.

Ben looked at Hilda to try and get a reaction from her, "Did she blow a fuse or something?" He waved his hand in front of her face to get a reaction, but she didn't react at all.

Rei scanned Hilda and then shook her head. "The Hilda 4 model's systems are still operating at optimal efficiency," Rei answered.

Isaac approached Hilda. "Hilda, are you okay," he asked her, "You look like you've seen a-"

Before Isaac could finish, Hilda's stunned expression was replaced by the biggest and happiest smile he and everyone else on the crew had ever seen. Hilda immediately leaped up into the air and yelled out in joy.

"OMG!"

In Another Part of Space

As the Ishimura flew through space, the surviving crew heard a girl's crying out 'OMG' causing all them to look around confused where the voice originated from, and what could yell that loud.

Falcon

Bridge

The crew backed away from Hilda after she leaped into the air in surprise. When she landed on the floor, she dashed forward towards a confused Kori who slightly stepped back from the smiling Kori.

"OMG, you're so beautiful! You're like the Little Mermaid's Ariel. Would you like cosplaying as Her," Hilda gushed as she looked all over Kori with a wide smile on her face, "I can whip up a mermaid tail, a shell bikini top, and I'll even have a mechanical Sebastain with an authentic Jamaican Accent in the scene. You'd kill it."

Before Kori could reply, Hilda looked down at the Zamarian's chest in observation much to the princess' confusion.

"Though I have to admit, your bust is much bigger than hers," Hilda said, "But I can work around that."

All the crew members from Earth looked in silent surprise at this new side of Hilda.

Ben finally spoke out breaking the silence in the room, "Hilda is a Little Mermaid fan?"

Karen just shrugged, "Who knew."

Jeff nudged Isaac's elbow, "Bet you'd like that to see some of that cosplay, wouldn't you Isaac?"

This caused Isaac to suddenly picture Kori dressed as Mermaid Ariel lying on her front with her tail up. "What?! Wh-why would you think that," Isaac asked while blushing, "I never watched the film!"

Jeff answered that with a playful chokehold to Isaac, "No need to be embarrassed Isaac," Jeff whispered in his ear, "Gwen told me how the two of you would watch it once a year before your folks went into space. And that you were the most excited as a kid."

Isaac's eyes twitched in anger at his cousin. 'She promised she wouldn't tell,' Isaac thought as he glared at Gwen. Once Gwen noticed, she simply snicked to herself. 'Traitor,' Isaac thought to himself.

After a moment, Kori finally found her voice. "I would like to but what is this cosplay you speak of," Kori asked in confusion, "And what are mermaids, Jamaican, and a Sebastian?"

The moment Kori said those words, Hilda gasped in horror as she backed away. She then fell over as though she was about to faint from shock, only to stop with her head a few feet away from hitting the floor. She then shot back up just as quickly.

"Are you freaking kidding me," Hilda exclaimed in a serious and deep tone of voice, "You cannot be serious!" She turned and glared at the Earthlings of the crew, "How could you tell her about Earth and not tell her of the greatest film that is the number one achievement in the history of the human race!?"

The Earthlings looked at each other for a moment. Not just from Hilda's fangirl outburst, but just seeing her act on shock and anger.

"We were... Trying to stay alive," Ernesto said trying to think of a good reason for a question that had nothing to do with their mission or surviving undead monsters.

"And it's a film from almost two hundred years ago," Teo added, "Which is rarely brought up anymore..."

Hilda just growled while gnashing her teeth at what sounded like a poor reason. She then looked at Kori with a bold smile, "The Little Mermaid is an animated film made by the Disney Pictures in 1989! It's about a mermaid named Ariel who longed to see the surface world and fell in love with a human prince named Eric! After an argument with her father, she makes a deal with a sea witch named Ursula to be human for three days in exchange for her voice. With the help of her sea friends, she has to win Eric's heart or be Ursula's slave forever! It's the greatest example of true love and bravery to follow your dreams," Hilda said explaining the plot of the film, "It was the film that saved the Disney Animated Department from being shut down, it started the Disney Renaissance Era, has the best songs ever, and it was the last Disney film made with hand drawn animation before computer coloring took over!"

Kori simply listened to Hilda with a small smile, "That sounds like a nice movie. But what is cosplaying? Is it some sort of game?"

'I don't like where this is going,' Isaac said as he pulled himself out of Jeff's chokehold, "Hilda, how do you know about that film? There's no way that film could've ended up in space."

Hilda looked back at Isaac, "I had the film with me when I was launched into space. It was the only thing to watch while I was drifting in space. I've watched it six million seven hundred thirty-five thousand eight hundred and sixty-two times."

Hilda's explanation removed any confusion to Hilda's love of the film. To watch something so much with nothing else to watch would make anyone love it.

"You watched an ancient animated film so many times while trapped in a space pod," DRU asked in astonishment, "And it still functions?"

"Sure does. I kept it well preserved," Hilda answered, "Other than that, I had a primitive game system you called a Playstation 4 Pro that was launched with me. I modified it so it could play and download past games of any Sony system. I played every Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet and Clank, Destroy all Humans, Alien, Dead Space, Kingdom Hearts, God of War, Transformers, and Persona games on whenever I wasn't working on projects. You need to keep yourself busy and staring out of a small window into space can only kill time for so long."

All the Earthlings stared in surprise again. This android girl who was declared a failure for being emotional, pulled off feats that human scientists and hackers have been trying to do for years. Yet she treated it like it was nothing.

"Say, why don't we all watch the Little Mermaid right now," Hilda exclaimed excitedly like a child wanting to watch their favorite film with their family.

Hilda's idea was met with much hesitation from the crew. "No thanks," Misty said, "I'm not into that mushy stuff and I have work to do in the engine room."

"Yeah. Teo, Ernesto, and I also have to help out around the ship," Junio replied.

"DRU, Sphere, and I have to continue working on the map and plotting a safe path to the Magellen Galaxy," Gwen said, "But maybe another time."

Everyone looked at Jeff, "I'll only watch it if Gwen watches it as well."

Everyone then looked at Ben who noticed they were waiting for his answer, "I just don't want to," he said as he left the bridge.

Hilda gained a disappointed expression from everyone's lack of interest in her favorite movie. "Okay..."

"I will gladly watch it with you Hilda," Kori said with a smile, "I am most interested in learning more about Earth and its examples of artwork."

Hilda immediately hugged Kori with a happy smile. "Thank you, oh thank you," Hilda said as she started to drag Kori by her hand out of the bridge, "Come on, let's go right now."

Kori however floated over to Isaac with Hilda walking in mid-air unaware that was happening. "Would you like to come to watch the Miniature Mergirl, Isaac," Kori asked Isaac after floating over to him, "Enjoying stories with others was a great tradition on my home world after a magnificent battle."

Isaac looked nervously at how close Kori was. "I'd like to... But I have to help with plotting a course. As the Captain of the Falcon, I have to know everything that goes on with the ship," Isaac answered while thinking of a good reason to say no.

"Go ahead, Isaac," Gwen told him, "I can brief you once you get back."

Isaac immediately turned to look at his cousin in surprise. "What!? But as the captain, I should be responsi-"

"Wonderful," Kori exclaimed as she grabbed Isaac's hand and let Hilda pull them out of the bridge, "Let us go to see the Miniature Mergirl!"

"What!? But! But! But," Isaac started to say before he as pulled out with the two girls against his will.

Gwen simply smiled to herself as she went to work on the map data with DRU, Sphere and Jeff while the others went off to do their own duties. She then noticed Jeff giving her a surprised look on his face complete with a raised eyebrow.

"That's unlike you," Jeff said with his arms folded as he leaned against the map table, "Normally your Doctor Responsibility. Why the sudden Miss Relax impersonation?"

Gwen chuckled at Jeff's little joke, "A Jekyll Hyde reference. That's a new one for you," Gwen said as she used a digital pad to plot a course without any more unintentional detours like before, "As for why, Hilda has been alone for decades. A little interaction with people is exactly what she needs. Plus, I don't want Hilda filling Kori's head with the negatives of the film. Isaac will be there to keep her from making those mistakes."

"Whatever you say Miss Relax," Jeff said not buying that. He believed it was her way to strengthening the bond between Isaac and Kori. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with a crew member wearing seashells on the ship," he added with a smirk earning him a slight glare from Gwen.

Present

"Though we'll need extra hands," Sphere replied, causing the girl to sulk.

"I can help," DRU said, suddenly appearing behind the girls. Suddenly, his arms split and branched out into tentacles, "I can act as multiple hands for anything you might need."

Rei would smile and state, "That would be appreciated, and we are also thinking of replicating the energy patterns and effect of Adam's Kinetic Barrier onto the armor."

DRU thought on that for a moment, and replied, "It would seem quite feasible to do so. But we would have to have some expertise on the matter. For instance, experts involving gravitational arrays, and engineering skills. Of which we have two or three of them on board the ship but one is currently over seeing in the bridge. Namely Isaac."

"We will also need Adam to come in as well to study his Kinetic Barrier's effects fully." Sphere pointed out, "As a reference for the armor's shields."

Rei used her comms to contact the specific experts and her surrogate brother as she and Hilda explained their plan for their armors.

Ragit suddenly popped up, as he stated, "Ah we could get some on Blue Moon. They have armories there you can buy for a cheap price."

DRU looked to him, and asked, "Ragit. When did you get here?"

The Sleazonian looked offended, as he stated, "What do you mean? I was here the whole time!"

Adam narrowed his eyes, "No, you weren't."

Isaac sighs and said, "How do we know that New Order ship isn't still at Blue Moon?"

Vivian, now the ship's new 2nd pilot pointed out at the screen, "Because we just arrived and it's not there anymore."

Isaac and everyone blinked, "Oh. Wait, when did we arrive back?"

Later On
Ship Docking Bay

After the Falcon reentered the docks, Watto and Zimon were there to wait for them. When tehy got there, there were a lot of questions, but the big answer was given to teh two.

"I can't believe it," Watto looked in shock, and yet astonishment, "The Zamaraneans were nearly wiped out, but are scattered all around the galaxy."

Isaac nodded, "And it's because of the Creators."

He looked to Kori concerned. "I see," Watto replied, and then asked, "So... what do you plan to do now, sonny?"

"Well for starters I'd like to know more about this larger galactic community, like the Creators, The New Order, and this Galactic Community we're going to."

Watto scratched the back of his helmet head, as he answered, "well, I can't tell you teh details about the Creators honestly. They're mostly considered a myth in some categories. Btu what I do know is that the New Order has been seeking technology from them. Their leader, Thanatos, is obsessed with it. Mostly to create an invincible army to conquer the expanded universe. Namely those creatures you talked about."

Isaac sighed, "Dagnabbit."

"Although Alpha Prime, or Xandar Prime as it's usually called, is trying to form an alliance to counter these guys," Watto replied. "they're seeking help from anyone and everyone. Even worlds that haven't been discovered int eh Magellan Galaxy. It's one big universe that hasn't been explored even at the Outer Rims. And I've heard stories about that place, let me tell you."

"These stories could be helpful for our mission." Adam suggested to Isaac while the captain considers it.

Watto scratched the back of his head, as she answered, "A while ago, there were stories about the Creators' homeworld. Although the real name escapes me and the coordinates, but I heard that the closest translation to its name was called... Paradise."

Jeff scoffed, "Is that a Joke? After what those bastards did on Aegis VII"

Zimon arched an eyebrow, "Aegis what?"

"A planet that was turned into a barren wasteland by the Creators," Isaac explained.

"Joke or not, that's all we know, to be fair," Watto replied. "But I have heard another rumor ruamongin around this place. It happened an hour after you guys bolted."

Isaac looked and asked, "What is it Watto?"

"A Ctarlplexian is roaming around here. Says they're looking for the one with the fast ship," Watto answered. "And I recall that your ship's pretty fast. So I'd be careful."

Adam and Isaac stared wide eyed as both got close and asked simultaneously, "Which Ctarlplexian?"

Watto scratched his head, as he confessed, "Not really sure. They wore a cloak most of the time."

The two cat lovers deflated and said, "Oh..."

Gwen, sighing said, "Thanks for the heads up Watto, Zimon, we'll make sure that we keep an eye out for the Ctarlplexian."

"No problem." Watto replied. ""So aside from refueling and restocking, what else did you have in mind here?

"We were hoping to take a look at any weaponry that is sold here," DRU responded. "We're currently trying to upgrade everyone's gear in case a similar event like before happens."

"Well, there are two shops on station. Though they're miles apart," Zimon answered. "Guess that's what happens when you have competition in business."

Isaac nodded to that, as he looked to everyone, "Okay then, we'll split up into two teams."

Kori and Vivian immediately went to Isaac, as the Zamaranean said, "Vivian and I shall go with Isaac."

Gwen sighed, "Obviously."

Tak and Ben went with Isaac as well, "We'll go with him too." Everyone just blinked in surprise at this, as Ben replied, "What? I consider Isaac a mentor-figure. I wanna learn all I can from him."

Tak replied, "I can act as lookout." And surprising everyone, his neck stretched upward going nearly yards up, a s he replied, "My species has a collapsible and stretchable spine and muscles. We're excellent for lookouts." And then stretched back, as he looked a little down, as he mumbled, "It's about all we'[re good for."

Ragit slunked up to him, as his fist pumped forward, looking like punches, "Well. Looks like I'll go for negotiations on and haggling prices. It's one of my specialties."

"You mean when you're not sticky fingering," Adam replied.

Ragit snarked, "I HEARD THAT!"

Misty sighed, as she walked up, "I'll go too." and then thumbed at Kori and Vivian, "To cool those two down."

"I will take the remaining numbers of our group to the other store to check it out and see if they have the necessary items." Adam offered knowing how overwhelmed Isaac must be feeling.

Later On
South District
Isaac's group location

The area seemed vacant and abandoned. Probably due to business being a bit slow or an indoor sale was going about. Most of the area was dimly lit. Isaac and the others seemed a bit wary of this place, even as he stated, "Maybe I should have gone to the other place. This place makes my skin crawl."

"Kinda reminds me of the Ishimura," Misty replied, looking wary... "... before an attack would strike you where you least suspected."

Vivian was a bit confused on that, as she asked, "Was the Ishimura incident really that scary?"

"It was like we were all in a horror film," Ben shivered. "Only we were living it instead of watching it."

Tak blinked, "Horror film?"

"Hey, there!"

The group stopped, as they turned to see a figure cloaked, as the figure stood there, "Weren't you all on that ship? The one that recently docked? The one with the four engines?"

Isaac and everyone else blinked at that, as he nodded, "Yeah. I'm the captain of it."

Kori had to smile at this scene, 'He seems to have taken the role of captain easier now. He should as he should have more confidence in himself.'

The hooded figure smirked, exposing sharp canines, as they spoke, "I waited and waited. And it looks like my waiting finally paid off."

"Who are you?" Isaac asked, cautiously as he noticed the canines.

"I'm the one asking the questions, not you," they shot back, calm but angry at the same time in their voice. "That ship of yours. No ship in this galaxy can bend space and time the way it did. And you even immobilized the two ships that had you cornered, including a third, being the New Order flag ship belonging to one of the 13 Children of Thanatos. Kinda gutsy."

Ragit paled, as he realized what this person said, "That ship had one of the 13 on it? We're so dead and yet so lucky to have gotten away. But mostly dead if they come after us."

"Not as dead as you are unless you answer me. Where did you get a ship like that from," the cloaked figure asked. "Answer me."

"One should answer who they are before asking questions. Why not introduce yourself to us," Kori shot out, angry that this person was demanding those answers.

The figure smirked, as they reached for the hood, "Alright then... my name is..." And then pulled the hood back, revealing it to be the female Ctarlplexian, "Aisa Erisha!"

Ragit gulped and shouted, "It's that Ctarlplexian!"

Isaac went kitty loving mode again as he went, "kitty."

Ben gulped, "Oh boy…"

Vivian and Kori both got ready, as they were prepared to fight, though Isaac was shaking all over as his hands were slowly coming to his face, as Misty, who was about to fight, noticed this too.

Kori blinked, as she noticed it as well, and asked, "Isaac? Are you afraid?"

Asia cackled proudly, "Hahaha! It would seem your great captain is terrified of me. Not to boast or anything, but a Ctarlplexian is nothing to sneeze at."

Misty sweat dropped, "No, that's not the reason."

Isaac covered his smiling mouth, as his face blushed, and his eyes got all sparkly as he confessed, "Even in person..." He pulled his hands from his face, and exploded like a fanboy as he smiled, "YOU'RE SO CUTE!"

Aisa blinked before shouting, pointing accusingly at Isaac, "YOU! YOU WERE THAT TERRAN THAT INSULTED ME BEFORE YOU LEFT!"

Isaac waved it off, as he softly smiled, "Yeah, I'm really sorry about all that. I'm a big cat lover. At my apartment complex, there was a litter in the back alley, and I often stopped to feed and pet them, so…"

"Enough of your bizarreness attraction to cats," Asia shook it off, as she grew serious and professional again, as she got back to interrogation, "I already know that your ship contains a Gravity Drive. Something that the Creators used to get from one point of a universe to another. So stop wasting my time."

Isaac's fanboy nature wore off, as he grew serious again. He arched an eyebrow, as he crossed his arms, "How do you know about the Creators?"

"As I said before, I'm the one asking the questions," Asia snapped at him.

Isaac unfolded his arms and apologized, taking it the wrong way, as he went, "Look I'm really sorry about that. I guess you're a bit edgy about the ship and all. I'm sorry but we had to get out of there. Pirates and all. There wasn't any damage was there?"

"Oh, there was plenty of damage, but more so on me. Namely my pride," Asia hissed, as she finally roared out, "Now answer me… WHERE ARE THE CREATORS YOU KNOW?!"

Isaac sighed, as he hung his head down, and politely answered, "Aegis VII… But they're all dead, including the one that was still alive."

The Ctlarplexian girl looked in shock, and defeated, as she cried out, with sweat drops, "What'd you say?!"

Though the moment of silence needed, as Kori and the others eased up a bit, as Isaac smiled, "Well, if that's it, then we'll all be on our way."

Kori looped her arm around his as she pulled him away, "I am truly sorry for your misfortunes, but it was very nice to see you again, Miss Erisa."

The Cltarplexian stood there flabbergasted for a moment, as it all sunk in. But then she bounced right back, as she screamed, "Hey! Hold it right there!" She suddenly bolted to get in front of them, and then turned around, as she suddenly shoved the others and singled out Isaac. She grabbed him by his collar, holding him in place. Though it was strange, she was only a few centimeters shorter than him, but she was stronger than she looked, as she looked at him with interrogating angry cat eyes.

Kori shook it off, as she was about to charge in, "Isaac!"

"SILENCE!" Asia roared at her, and then looked back at Isaac, "Tell me the coordinates to the Creators' homeworld. Since you met them, you must know more about where they're from. Their homeworld."

"Their homeworld," Isaac questioned, but then arched an eyebrow and half-smirked, "Ah, so that's what you're really after."

"Stop messing with me, and tell me the coordinates," Asia growled, though a bit softer.

Isaac sighed, as he interlay said to himself, 'I hate doing this to her, but there's no other way.'

He sighed, as he looked to her, "Okay, I'll tell you. The coordinates are…" but then motioned her to come lose. She did so, without any clue as to what he had planned, as he whispered, "Now listen very carefully…" Asia nodded, as Isaac took a deep breath… and shouted at the top of his lungs, "EXACTLY WHAT THE HELL WE'RE TRYING TO FIND OUT!"

Asia jumped away as she screamed. She landed on all fours, while her arms and hands rubbed her aching ears, like a kitten rubbing its face, looking cute as a result, as she pouted, "Damn you, Terran. That's not funny."

Though Isaac turned away as he paled, 'OH NO, SHE'S TOO CUTE! ONE OF MY MANY WEAKNESSES!'

Where Team two was, Adam stopped. Attea asked, "Whassup?"

"I thought I heard the captain's voice." Adam answered before shaking his head, "It must have been nothing..."

And proceeded to lead his team to the shop to learn more about the weapons and armor they need.

Tak however said, "What the captain's telling you is true, we don't know anything."

Aisa blinked and asked, "Captain? You really expect me to believe this scrawny toothpick is the ranking officer of your ship?" She gave him the once over and said, "I don't believe it."

Isaac sighed, as he asked, "Why is everyone always saying that?"

Asia snarled, as she returned to normal, "So you're all gonna play dumb to the bitter end, eh? Fine, if you don't wanna tell me by choice…" She then got ready for an attack, "I'll make you tell me BY FORCE!"

Isaac held his hands up, "Wait, I don't wanna fight anyone."

"Why? Because I'm a female? That's the excuse you Terrans always use," Asia roared.

Isaac shook his head, "No, mostly because you're too cute."

Asia blushed at that, but shook it off, as she roared, "STOP SAYING THAT!" But then blinked, as she noticed they were running away, and then shouted, "Hey, you cowards!"

She suddenly bolted on all fours after them. Hopping onto one of the rail guards, she managed to build up a bit of speed, to get in front of them, and then round-house kicked Isaac. It him hard in the chest, as he skidded back.

Kori went to his die, as did Ben, as the former asked in concern, "Isaac, are you injured?"

He groaned, "I don't think so…"

"HAAAARGH!"

Isaac looked up and saw the cat-girl falling from above with a kick. He grabbed both Kori and Ben's wrists, as his boots activated the jet boosters, to rocket out of the way. Asia crashed into the ground, leaving a dent in it with cracks. Not physically hurt by it, she stood up, and looked like a warrior on the mission. Ragit close by, freaked out as he scurried over to Isaac and the others.

"Oh man, you had to piss off a Ctarlplexian," Ragit paled, "Next to the Saurians and the Tetramins, as well as the Saiyaoni, the Ctarplexians are the 4th leading authorities in dangerous beings in combat."

Suddenly, Asia whipped out a steel whip, as she lashed at them, though they managed to dodge it as they raced into an alleyway. However, in a frightening show of speed, Asia had gotten into the alleyway in front of them, and shot her whip at them again. Though once it was stretched out, Kori flew in and grabbed the whip, and not budging.

Asia blinked, seeing this Zamaranean match her in strength, as she gulped, "Oh no…" Suddenly, Kori was right in front of her, green eyes glowing and her face in a calm battle scowl, as she delivered a powerful punch to her face curtesy of her right fist. Asia flipped back, and landed on all fours like a cat, with her tail up in the air.

She smirked, as she lapped up a trickle of blood from her lip, as she smiled, "Not bad for a Zamaranean."

"I agree, Ctarplexian," Kori smiled, "You are not as the humans put, full of the hot air."

Asia stood up, as she smiled, "Since both our species are of brute power, I'll not have to hold back. If I want answers, then I just need to beat you and then beat it out of your so-called captain."

She then threw off her cloak… which suddenly let a loud banging sound hit the ground.

Ben paled, as did Isaac, as the former asked, "Just how heavy is that cloak?"

Misty blinked, as she asked, "Is that cloak full of weights?"

"I will show you all the true terror that is the Ctarlplexians," Asia smiled as her eyes became more catlike with her pupils becoming slits, and her teeth bearing more. She flexed her claws as the tips sharpened, and her toe claws dug into the flooring beneath her. The aura she emitted was almost overwhelming. It was as if something within this girl was awakening, and they were all feeling it.

Ragit began sweating as he said, hastily, "We gotta get outta here. She's about to change forms!"

Isaac turned at Ragit and asked, "Change forms?"

"Ctarlplexians are what people call Metamorphs." Tak said getting scared as well.

Ben gulped, "You mean they can change forms? What's she changing into?"

Ragit paled, as he stated, "I don't know the whole details, but they can change into an animal that's powerful and vicious."

Asia smirked, "Did you call me an animal? Then allow me to show you the form and power I inherited…" She then shot up and roared out, "…from my ancestors!" Everyone yelped as they jumped back, as she looked at them, especially Isaac, her teeth gnashing into a grin, 'That's it, boy. Not so cute now, eh? You have no idea how humiliated I was from what you did. No one humiliates me!' She snickered, "This form here that can take down five Tetramines is kept in check for a reason. Its power is shifting with the phases of the planet's moon."

Everyone drew silent at that, as they thought to each other, and then Isaac, who had calmed down, pointed upward, "Um, Blue Moon doesn't have a moon."

Asia blinked, as she looked up, and then slumped over as she saw it was just stars, "Come to think of it... It doesn't."

Isaac said, with a look, "Typical..." Then shouting, "Now RUN!"

And lead everyone away, grabbing Kori's hand and Ben's before running away as fast as he can from the Ctarlplexian.

Asia blinked, as she gave chase, "Hey, come back here!" And then got out, as she looked both ways, seeing she had lost the trail, and then roared out, "I'LL FIND YOU TERRAN!"

As Isaac ran an idea to warn the others popped into his head, Using his comms he warned, "Guys! We met the Ctarlplexian who was looking for us! It's that girl captain!"

"What? Where?" Gwen's voice replied.

Isaac answered, "We met her near the first store my group was heading towards, we had to bolt before she tried anything."

"Where you headed now," Gwen asked.

Isaac looked forward and saw that he and his friends were now in what appeared to be a garden complex, "I think we're in a garden complex park or something, we should be..."

But suddenly, blast shields closed all around, as they entered in there, "It'll be the park complex covered in blast shields," Isaac droned out.

"What?" Gwen asked concerned, "We're sending our fastest to go to your position."

"We'll hold her off until you get here," Isaac answered and looked to the others. "Okay, we're probably trapped in here with a crazed cat girl. But we need to work together on this stop her. So list all your abilities. I know I'm an engineer in training and a captain in training. I also know a little firearm and combat."

"I have trained my life into being a warrior princess, and you know of my abilities," Kori replied.

"I'm an engineer and a brawler, and a swing a mean wrench," Misty replied.

"I also have the proportionate strength of a 14-year-old," Ben replied. "Not sure how that helps."

"Teenage soldier at your service," Vivian smiled.

"Stretchy neck," Tak replied.

Ragit then pulled out one of his quills, "And of course we've got my ability. Ol' Reliable, I calls it." Everyone just had blank stares at him, as he stated, "It's... it's my quills. My quills can make someone paralysis or put someone to sleep." He flicked his quill like a toothpick, though it still had blank stares at him from the others. He finally whimpered, "Don't give me the silent treatment, guys."

"What else are we suppose to give you?" Ben asked.

Isaac shook his head, "Look I gotta plan. Listen up." he pulled them close as he explained the plan.

15 Minutes Later

Isaac waited at the center square, awaiting for the Ctarlplexian girl to show up. She would stalk her way towards him, making sure to stay out of sight until she pounces. Isaac called out, "Alright. I'm here. You want your questions answered, I'll do what I can to answer."

"Too late for that terran.. now we do this... MY WAY!" And Aisa pounces at him.

Isaac shouted, "Tak, now!" And then got out of the way fast.

Tak was right behind him as he got on all fours... and then shot his powerful head and neck right at her, smashing her in the gut. The Ctarlpexian grunted as she wasn't expecting this.

Kori comes flying with Ragit in her arms as he said, "Ragit now!"

Ragit lowered his head, as he calmly stated, "Yes." His quills flexed on his back, as he finished, "My time... has come." And then squealed like a girl as he fired a barrage of quills that hit Asia directly.

Asia roared before the venom took hold and he was paralyzed.

Isaac finally sighed, as everyone else did, "Phaaww. I did not think that plan would have worked."

He radioed Misty as he asked, "Hey, Misty. How goes the doors?"

Down below, Misty was working at a control box with Vivian and Ben guarding her, as she responded, "Have to be honest... This is taking longer than I thought. And Ragit's quills don't work for a peso."

"Hey, those are my quills yer talking about," he shot back.

Tak then asked, "So now what? Bring her to the ship?"

"More like runaway and not..." Ragit started, but then paled, as he pointed.

Everyone looked to see Asia roar and flex, as the quills shot off. She then gingerly stepped up onto her feet, brushing her hair a bit, and smirked as she stood in front of Isaac and the others, triumphantly.

Isaac blinked, as he asked, "What the heck are you? A cat of steel?"

"Ha. I admit, that was a pretty sneaky tactic you pulled off. Using a Weak Spinex and a Sleazonian to take me on in such a combo attack," Asia admitted, "But to an immortal Ctarlplexian, it's just pointless."

She then slowly walked at Isaac shouting, "Now let me tell ya something. You'll tell me what I want to know and accept the defeat you have wrought! Because Ctarlplexians are better than all of you! You clearly just don't have the decency to admit it."

Before the other could do anything, Isaac walked forward, as Kori blinked, "Isaac?"

"Asia. I keep telling you we don't know as much as you are. But we do know that we are still looking for the Creators," Isaac stated, not knowing that the Starbreaker still strapped to his side was slightly glowing orange, as he looked to her, "But even knowing that... you're still following and chasing us out of spite."

And then finally shouted, "HOW CAN THAT POSSIBLY MAKE YOU BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE?!"

(insert My Hero Academia ost - Say You Run)

"IT JUST DOES, SHITNERD TERRAN!" and then she roared, pouncing at him, with two long black claws shooting out of the back of her hands.

Isaac charged right at her, shouting out, as he drew his right hand back, his boot boosters firing and propelling him at her.

As Asia was about to slice him as she and he were six inches, Isaac shot his fist upward. Unbeknownst to him though, his forearm and hand were covered in orange energy that snaked and glowed with the intensity of the sun. And when he shot his fist upward, using only air... the shockwave blast pushed Asia and everyone else away. The tremendous force shook everything and bent and damaged the blast shields. Even the one that covered the doorway as Gwen and the others narrowly dodged the flying door as it smashed into an empty area.

Asia, having kept her ground with her black claws, looked up at the blast doors, as they were dented and one falling down, as she shuttered at such power and strength, as she quivered, "What the Ctarl did you do?"

And then angrily roared at the shadowed form of Isaac, "What the Ctarl did YOU DO?!" But then softened as she saw his state.

Isaac was still standing, but his right arm's armor was torn off, and his arm exposed. His right arm was bruised red, an indication that it was completely broken, but he managed to calmly answer, "I did... what I always have tried to do." Even as Misty, Ben, and Vivian showed up to help the others, they were stunned to see what they saw, as he finished, "Tried my best... to save those I care about." He then looked at Asia as he groaned, "Also, I don't know what the heck happened, but do I still have two arms? I can only feel my right arm, and it's in pain. A lot of pain." And then finally collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Mostly everyone was in a panic when he passed out. They hurried him and their active to the ship while Kera does an examination of what is going on with Isaac during his time unconscious before he began to feel himself waking up in the med-wing. With a familiar figure leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. As well as his red eyes glowing in the darkened room behind his shades.

"You terrans are confusing as heck," Asia replied, as she caught Adam's attention, "I attacked you and when your captain was still conscious, you invite me to your ship to talk? What's with him?"

"Lady Erisa, please keep your voice down, our captain's resting and needs quiet. He has been through a lot of things. And he is just now getting used to his role as captain of our ship." Adam, requested very politely to her, before stating, "However, we brought you onboard so you could help us get a better understanding of everything else about this galaxy as we're not used to such knowledge of a galactic community other than our lonely part of the universe. And from what Kori told us after we met up with them, you certain seem to know a lot about the Creators. We can share information while you are onboard."

Asia glared at him, as she crossed her arms, "Do you really expect me to lower myself to your kind's sappiness? A measly truce is not enough to appease a Ctarlplexian, let alone your powerful and cute captain."

Adam, for the first time in his life felt his eye twitch visibly and asks, "Cute?" Feeling like another female that was falling for Isaac.

Asia sweat dropped, as she looked exhausted at him and the unconscious Isaac, "Why is it that either one of you say that word to me, I just wanna throttle you both?" But suddenly, Asia collapsed on the ground.

Adam blinked, as he knelt down and asked, carefully reaching towards her, "Miss Erisa?"

"I musta... burnt too many calories... chasing after your captain," Asia grumbled, and then grumbled more as her stomach growled.

Adam sighed, "Oh dear..."

An Hour Later
Mess Deck

Isaac was wide awake and wearing a healing caste on his forearm and hand, as he and everyone else were witnessing something shocking. Asia Erisa, a petite catgirl of whom both Isaac and Adam found cute and worthy of petting or respect, was scarfing down food like there was no tomorrow. Truth be told, it didn't look like she was tasting the food at all. She was just shoveling all the food down her gullet.

Even as Isaac blinked, "So, let me get this straight: Your crew and leader abandoned you on this place?"

"Well, they gave me the title of Resident Officer," Asia explained, as she nibbled on a fish like she was eating a corn on the cob.

"But don't you get paid anything," Gwen asked.

"Nah, I don't get paid squat," Asia explained through chomps as she now drank a bottle worth, "If I tried tracking you with my own money, I'd be broke in no time."

'Meaning, they kicked her out,' Everyone thought simultaneously.

Adam offered her a glass of water to wash her mouthful down as he said, "You poor thing... It's unfair that they did that to a warrior of your caliber and strength, makes me wonder if something is wrong with the entire government if they do not see what they had just cast aside like that."

Isaac then stated, "Either way, we know as much as you are."

Though Asia ignored that as she finally stopped eating, leaving 50 plates empty, as she rubbed her slim but satisfied stomach, "Man, I'm so stuffed, I can't possibly eat another bite."

"Which is admittedly, not as much as one would hope, except they use their monoliths to create undead creatures from the corpses of their victims to be weapons." Adam stated.

However, it seemed that Asia wasn't paying attention, as she stood up, and flexed, showcasing her slim but powerful muscles. It made every guy in the room blush at this, even Isaac, who quickly covered it up, as he asked, "Now what are you doing?"

She chuckled softly, and then erupted in huge laughter, and then stopped as she pointed at Isaac, looking rather smug, "What a bunch of suckers! You Earth Terrans are such saps! Let me tell ya something: A measly meal like this isn't enough to appease a Ctarlplexian."

"Appease? Now wait a moment..." Isaac protested.

Asia wasn't listening as she said, "Understand this, a Ctarlplexian pays no heed to an enemy's compassion."

Isaac sighed, as he asked Kori, "Are all Ctarlplexians a pain in the ass? Despite being so cute?"

Kori thought on it, as she stated, "I am not sure. They are all the ass pains, but I do not know if they are all cute?"

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING CUTE?! I'll clobber ya," Asia roared, but oddly blushing at the cute compliment now.

Sphere stated, "Though it is obvious they are boring and very predictable. Guess that observation about them not being bright wasn't exaggerated."

All that was heard from Asia was a godzilla-like roar.

"No Sphere there's no reason to call all of them like that, especially this beautiful young lady." Adam said trying to play peacemaker.

"SILENCE ALL OF YOU!" Asia roared out, blushing from that word as she stated, "In the name of the Ctarlplexian Empire, I arrest you all and commandeer your ship as my new one! If you don't comply...!"

"Let me guess: you gonna turn into an animal," Gwen asked.

Asia fumed, as she roared, "Who are you calling an ANIMAL?!"

Rei pointed, "Sphere was right. She is predictable."

All that did was earn another godzilla-roar from the Ctarlplexian girl. She then went to pounce on them, However Adam, using his enhanced speed appeared before her and stood perfectly still as Asia slammed into his barrier, causing her fly faster than a bullet into the wall before she slumped down and appeared to be dazed and unconscious while Adam said, concerned, "Whoops..."

Everyone walked over to see if she was still alive, and sure enough, she was on the floor, her eyes spinning, and her paws twitching, as Jeff half smirked, "So, she was an immortal Ctarplexian."

Teo sighed, as he then asked, "So now that she's out... what do we do with her?"

"Leave her here on Blue Moon," Isaac suggested, as he reasonably explained, "She is the Ctarlplexian resident officer here, isn't she?"

Adam looked and asked, "Isn't that... too cruel? She was abandoned here, she should come with us."

Isaac sighed, as he looked to everyone. "Okay, let's put it to a vote. While she's knocked out, DRU, could you pin her down?"

He nodded, and immediately, his arms branched out into tentacles that wrapped around her as she seemed rather uncaring about it.

Adam turned to the crowd and asked, "All those in favor of Asia Erisa joining our crew?"

He raised his hand up. Admittedly, Isaac also raised his hand up, though Ragit groaned, "Cat lovers."

Jonie also raised her hand, as did Kori and Hilda, as the last one commented, "I also am a cat lover."

Nodding as he took down the votes of five, "And All against?"

Everyone who didn't vote just raised their hands. Isaac sighed, "I guess the Nays have it."

Adam sighs as well before asking Rei, "Et Tu Rei?"

"I'm sorry, Adam, but I must think of the ship first," Rei stated.

Ernesto nodded, "Don't get me wrong I welcome Isaac another interest to break him out of his phobia of girls, but this one might tear the ship up due to her temper."

"And then there's the fact she does change into a creature of frightening power," Ragit added in.

"And the fact that some of us have frightening powers doesn't deter you? Or is it because you're a rodent and she's a feline?" Adam asked narrowed his eyes behind his glasses. Ragit glared back at that remark.

"THIS IS NOT OPEN TO DISCUSSION, ADAM!" Isaac shouted, as he was putting his foot down, and got in front of Adam, "She's not coming with us. And I'd rather not have the Ctarlplexians on our asses if she radios her people and we're suddenly overrun by dozens of these hotheaded catpeople..." and then grumbled, "... as enjoyable as that is."

Isaac looked at the Hero of Humanity in the eye, stating, "She is staying. Period. Am I clear on this, Adam?"

Adam glared back at Isaac from behind his shades, which was evident by how anger he was with his irises glowing brightly behind them, as he said coldly, not holding any respect or politeness that he previously had, "Transparently... 'Sir'."

And went to carefully pick her up and take her off the ship on the docks before they took off, leaving her behind.

After Take-off

Isaac was currently in the mess deck after they had successfully left Blue Moon. Adam wasn't all that thrilled as he had placed Asia down on the deck, in which security apprehended her. Apparently, she had broken a few laws to hack into the security shields and caused such a ruckus. They also thought the explosion was her doing as well. In truth, if Adam had gotten his way, they would have been chased and aided as known nuisances along with her. Though for both cat lovers, she was off with 3 months of community service.

At that moment, Adam was in the mess deck as well getting a drink, when he noticed a downed Isaac, who looked at the platinum blond with sympathy. Adam remain silent as he sat alone looking out into the seat of stars, his eyes still glowing as to show he was still seething angry.

"I'm sorry I did that, Adam," Isaac apologized. And then tried to reason, but also show empathy, "I know you seemingly by appearance had a thing for her. But we were out-voted. What was I supposed to do, play favorites?"

"No... Objectively you did the right thing... I cannot control my emotions as greatly as it seems, especially since she reminded me of that one cat I told you about when we met Hilda." Adam stated, before putting his glasses down to show Isaac that his irises were really glowing, and brightly too. He then asked, "How do we know that the Xandarians that everyone keeps mistaking us for are any better than the humans from our galaxy? How do we know they would've have executed her just because of her species like what Mathius was going to do to Kori when he found out that she weren't his precious "herald"?"

Looking at his hands Adam commented, "My anger always seem to be very strong... Especially when I see someone committing a wrong in front of me."

"Just like when I was in that orphanage before Wayward found me." Adam revealed, "I saw kids picking on that cat and her kittens and I just lost it... Beaten them to an inch of their lives before one of my only friends there got me off them and the other one took both mother and kittens to a vet we knew."

After a moment of silence he said, "That is why I wanted you to take charge after we met again on the Ishimura. Genus' betrayal really got to me and I was unfit to lead then."

He then asked, "But let me ask you something Isaac, If it was Kori who was in Ms. Asia's position and you in mine, would you defied orders to help her after finding out she was betrayed by her people?"

"Betrayal is the one thing that I can never forgive. An Evil that turns ruins everything and leads people down the wrong path. As you saw on Aegis VII and the Ishimura." Adam ended after giving Isaac his food for thought.

Isaac sighed, "I would probably defend her the best I could, and if nobody followed, I'd kill them..." and then Isaac's tone and eyes got darker, as he instinctively clawed at the table, "Kill... kill.. kill…"

"Isaac?" Adam asked, and then finally shouted, "ISAAC!"

Isaac snapped out of it, as he blinked, "I'm sorry, what?"

"You somewhat drifted away," Adam answered, before he asked, rather concern, "Are you okay?"

Isaac sighed, as he stretched his head, "I'm just feeling out of it, Adam. This whole day's been stressed filled from one second to the next."

Adam nodded, "Why don't you go see Kera before you do. Have her look you over."

Isaac nodded, as he got up, "Yeah, I'll do that." And with that, he walked off to leave Adam to his thoughts.

Adam looked at the claw marks and thought, returning his glasses to his face, 'So... the symptoms have started to show themselves...' Activating his P.I.C. he hacked the cameras to watch Isaac as he went to the Medical wing and thought, 'For the sake of Crew and mission, I need to keep an eye on Isaac.'

"Oh Adam," Isaac suddenly shot back at the door, surprising the Warrior.

"Ah.. yes, Isaac?" Adam asked keeping his arm behind him while his PIC interface disappeared from over his arm when he turned to face him fully, but kept it on to scan his mind to see if he was losing it again.

"I wouldn't worry about Asia," Isaac assured him. "She seems pretty determined to chase after us. We'll meet again. Hopefully things will be on better terms."

"I certainly hope so." he said, with a smile the camera feed is still showing in the view of his vision, "Thank you for assuring me."

"No prob." Isaac said as he left to get examined by Kera. Adam turned to look at the sea of stars, hopeful to meet Asia again.

Meanwhile
Back on Blue Moon

Asia muttered, "Damn those terrans... I'll make them pay for this... Especially that scrawny captain and that weird-eyed terran..."

"Hey stop slouching over there furball! You still need to clean up 30 more serving plates for the next three days!" The owner of the restaurant that Asia was forced to work yelled.

"Y-Yess Sir..." She said scared, before scrubbing more before screaming out, "I'LL REMEMBER THIS YOU SHITNERDS! ESPECIALLY YOU, ISAAC SHEPARD!"

Next Chapter: The Devil Queen of Xandar Prime; the Pirate Princess

Sorry for the mixup, I was in a rush to post the last chapter, and this was the one to come before the Queen and Princess