12/11/19
Before I even posted the first chapter, this story went through A LOT of changes. Like a LOT. The current format it has taken is not at all how I imagined it at work but I think this new format does nothing but good things for the events to come so, yeah. I'm happy to see Rexaura return to leave his as always handy and fun to read reviews and I wanna cut something off before we get too far. Do not worry about ghostwriting, truly. I am way too far ahead in this story and everything relates to something I put in place in an earlier chapter. If I alter a conversation now its going to have far too many rippling effects in the future...so I can't do that for my own sanity.
When I start "Reading Reviews" there are going to be two videos, the first is going to be a more in depth conversation about this story and how it came to be. It's gonna be filled with fun facts so I hope you check it out, after that we'll get to the actual reading of the reviews, anyway that aside...
(Noun) A person who kills for the security of mankind.
Chapter Four
Reapers
Deep in the unknown expanse of space, the White Whale continued its voyage. Escaping from Earth was only half of the vessel's mission. Now all those aboard had the daunting task of finding a new home for humanity. All the while the threat of being found by the Ganglion or the Ghosts loomed.
Yet the more time that passed, the more that urgency began to fade from the minds of most the crew. Focus shifting to completion of the vital Habitat Unit.
Within the quarters of one of the most renowned military units, a woman sat and stared at the ceiling.
"Y'know. I thought exploring the vast reaches of space would be more interesting than...this."
Jaynix let out a long and heavy sigh. None of their radars were picking anything up, not a soul and it has been as such for the last week or so...or perhaps it had been far longer. She honestly couldn't tell anymore.
Shortly before the Exodus, Jaynix had changed her look, no longer did her hair travel all the way down her back, instead it came to an end just past her neck, with some of the excess tied around into a small ponytail. Her face was framed by her bangs, the burning red hair coming to an end in cool violet tips.
The biggest change was courtesy of the Mimeosome Initiative as she found herself with both eyes now, still giving off that same fire like glow. Her look completed by a black lightning bolt tattoo over her right eye, a way to remind her of how she lost that very eye once upon a time.
After another heavy sigh she heard the door open, turning she spotted the General entering the Reapers' Quarters. His own dark brown eyes met Jaynix as she stood at attention.
He wasn't alone, as another familiar face was at his side.
"General. Colonel."
"Corporal Copeland, at ease."
Letting out a sigh, she approached the pair, with an easy smile she spoke.
"So. How is everything out there?"
"The same as its been since we left the Earth, Jaynix. Nothing of note for you to blow up."
Jaynix feigned offense to that as Kumon chuckled.
"Hey Elma, good to see you! Haven't had the chance to talk for...I really don't know how long its been."
The white haired woman returned Jaynix's smile.
"Too long but y'know that everything going on with command at the bridge keeps me occupied."
"And here I thought we were friends."
The two shared a knowing smile as Kumon's eyes observed the Reapers' Quarters.
"Major Alistair!"
Hearing his name, the blind man stood up. His brown hair was long and horribly unkempt. His eyes gave off the impression that he was always tired as such he was more often than not found sleeping somewhere.
"Yes General!"
"Where are Blood One? Two? Agent? Strategist? Where is anyone?"
Alistair shrugged causing Kumon to sigh.
"Take it easy, General. If we detect anything you'll be one of the first to know."
Hearing Elma's words he nodded.
"I'd prefer it if my team was easier to find…it's not often I actually have something to report to the whole team anymore."
Jaynix tilted her head.
"We have orders? To do what?"
Kumon crossed his arms.
"It's not exactly...orders. I'll discuss it in more detail when everyone is here."
Jaynix gave him a questioning look before turning to Tai who was on the verge of sleep.
"Yo! Captain Hook! Don't they have their radios? Or y'know something as fascinating as our personal comms channel?"
Rolling his eyes, the major spoke.
"Of course they do but if they turn them off, then what does it matter? We've all gotten a little complacent with all the nothing happening around here."
"Ain't that the truth."
Jaynix thought before looking back to the General.
"I could go track em down, I'm pretty sure I know where they all split."
Kumon nodded to Jaynix.
"If you would, that'd be a great help. In the meantime I have something to discuss with Nagi...I'll see you after, Jaynix."
With a curt bow, the General walked away leaving Elma to bump Jaynix with her elbow.
"Well? Shall we go find your wayward allies?"
"We shall! Watch all our stuff Tai!"
After the women left, the Major grunted and muttered something before closing his eyes.
Elsewhere in the ship stood the Reapers' Agent: Lyla Copeland. Brushing her hair out of her face she spoke to the man at her side.
"So how long will the construction take?"
The man continued to read to himself from his data pad. Triple checking the numbers before turning his attention to her.
"I'm not sure myself. My bosses are more familiar with the timeframe. They just want us to be sure nothing breaks."
"Well, we definitely want to avoid that!"
The man chuckled as he looked over the data once again. He had blue eyes to match his hair. A particular tattoo over his left eye. His glasses perched on his nose began to slip causing him to adjust them once again.
"Kruse?"
Jumping he looked to his companion again.
"I'm sorry did you say something else?"
"No, not really."
The woman smiled, her green eyes looked from Kruse to the array of screens showing the status of the Habitat Unit.
That was where humanity would live once they found some place they could touch down on and be safe. The framework was completed and construction began shortly before Exodus and now it was all that half the crew of the White Whale talked about. Completing it was critical.
At her side, Kruse continued crunching numbers. He was one of the countless engineers on the job, working within a team designated Alpha Wolf.
"Lyla!"
Turning, the woman spotted Jaynix and Elma. With a large smile she closed the distance between them and leapt into Jaynix's arms.
Elma stepped aside as they enjoyed each other's company before noticing Kruse still plugging away at his device.
"And here I thought I focused on my work too much."
"Hm? Oh. OH! Colonel Elma!"
Nerves overtaking he didn't know if he should bow or salute so he did both.
"It's fine Kruse. May I ask about the status of the Habitat Unit?"
Nodding quickly, he began to tell her all the important notes as Jaynix addressed Lyla.
"So...playing hooky?"
"Just bored is all. Did the General need us?"
Jaynix shrugged.
"I wish I knew. He kinda wants us all together but it's also not really a critical issue...at least he isn't treating it as such. He just wants to talk."
Lyla tilted her head.
"That almost makes it sound worse."
"I thought the same thing. By the way, where are Sagis, Alto and Eren?"
Lyla thought for a moment.
"The Blood Brothers were heading to the dining hall last I saw them, though they may be getting drunk somewhere not too far from there…"
"Sounds like them."
Jaynix brought out a map of the nearby sectors of the White Whale and began marking places to check later.
"As for Eren, she's over by the discovery wing. She's interested in the newly developing tech as always and y'know, the Professor was giving a lecture."
Hearing the singsong tone in her voice, Jaynix knew exactly what Lyla was getting at and smirked.
"Oh was she? Then Eren is absolutely still there. Alright, well I should be off now. Gotta round em up."
"Not yet you don't."
Lyla leaned in and kissed Jaynix, stepping away she smiled upon seeing Jaynix's blush.
"Every time eh?"
"I can't help it."
The two shared a laugh before Jaynix returned the kiss.
"We heading out?"
Her attention on Kruse and Elma now she nodded.
"Yep. Hey there Blue! How go things?"
"Good. Good. I can't really complain."
"I've never heard you say one bad thing about your work. Do you vent in private?"
Kruse chuckled.
"That stays between me, myself and I…"
The pair shared a laugh before Kruse asked.
"And what about you, Jaynix. How have you been?"
Jaynix smiled.
"Never better...perfect, really."
As Elma and Jaynix continued walking through the White Whale, the former gave a quick look to her companion.
"Happy is a good look on you."
"Is it?"
"All the time I've known you, you always seemed serious. Angry."
Jaynix chuckled.
"It's not like I just got married yesterday. It's been a few years y'know?"
"Indeed but still, I enjoy seeing you happy, Jaynix. It means a lot to me."
Jaynix tilted her head at Elma.
"What about you Elma?"
"What about me?"
"You were kind of like me back in the day...though it wasn't anger that fueled you...you were much more of a loner. Distant. At least that's how you seemed whenever you gave presentations or made announcements for the ECP. Honestly, you should look into expanding your circle of friends beyond me, Kumon, Nagi, Vandham and Blue."
Elma smiled.
"I don't think I need that many friends, Jaynix."
"Maybe not, but it couldn't hurt? Don't you think you deserve a little more happiness?"
Elma frowned, opening her mouth to comment before deciding against it.
"Elma?"
There was a long silence before Elma shook her head.
"I'm not sure how to...present what I want to say Jaynix…"
The Corporal couldn't help but laugh.
"Trust me, I get that. No worries, we're going to be on this little voyage for a bit so we can get back to it when you've got your words in order."
Elma nodded, the pair continuing along until a voice called out.
"Corporal. Colonel. Sup."
The pair turned to see Sagis Fair and Alto Moore sitting on the floor, drinks empty.
"Seriously guys? Drunk? At this time?"
Alto laughed. The man had long black hair falling behind his back and tied in a ponytail. His deep blue eyes seemed far more clear for a man clearly a little more than tipsy.
"At what time? I can't even tell what day it is anymore."
At that, the other man Sagis nodded, agreeing with his partner. Sagis was bald, older than the rest of the Reapers with scars lining his face.
Jaynix wanted to get mad at them but she was in the same boat. With a sigh, she continued.
"Look guys, Kumon has something he wants to say to us, are you really gonna go into this meeting like this?"
Sagis and Alto looked at each other before Alto spoke up.
"Why not? We met the General like this remember? When we were drunk mercenaries in the Lawless Sectors?"
Jaynix couldn't stop her laughs.
"Oh of course I remember."
Elma crossed her arms.
"If I recall the story correctly you two were stealing from the military reserves and Jaynix apprehended you both drunk off your earnings."
Alto nodded.
"She broke my arm."
Sagis chuckled.
"She broke my nose."
"And she would've done a lot worse!"
Jaynix finished as the pair laughed. With a sigh, she began walking away, Elma following shortly after.
"So should I add them to my friendship prospects?"
Jaynix snorted.
"You've seen them like this many times before. I think you're good."
As they kept walking, Jaynix couldn't help but ask.
"This thing that Kumon wants to talk to us about. Do you know what it is?"
Elma looked at her, eyes locked, Jaynix understood.
"You do...and…"
Staring into Elma's eyes, Jaynix sighed.
"...and it's not good…"
"Jaynix-"
"No. It's fine. You remember how I was back in the Lawless Sectors right? No matter the job, I'll get it done. I always do."
"You always do…"
In silence the pair continued on.
"...and this is why the very concept of this Qlurian barrier is impossible...at least for now. We'll get into the theoreticals of it tomorrow. Come prepared. There is a lot to cover. Dismissed."
With that, the many gathered scientists stood and began exiting the room, talking amongst each other about the particulars and theories on the subjects covered.
At the head of the makeshift classroom, the instructor brought all the data displayed on the wall back into her device. Looking it over again she brought a hand to her chin before speaking.
"Hills."
"Fowler."
Turning, Kriss locked eyes with the Strategist of the Reapers: Eren Hills. Her blonde hair, normally tied up, now fell loose behind her back. Her dress suit was as pristine as ever, though her shirt was unbuttoned and tie missing. At her side was a satchel no doubt holding her ever reliable combat visor which covered her dark eyes.
Currently she wore an intense expression as she studied the 'instructor'. Kriss Fowler.
She was a very tall woman, towering over Eren and maybe even Jaynix, depending on the heels in that case. Her blue hair tied up behind her with one long strand hanging over her right green eye, covering it while her vibrant blue eye was focused on Eren.
"If you are here to study I should have you know I don't do private lessons. Though I may be more inclined if you asked nicely..."
"I'm surprised you're teaching at all. Given the company you usually keep."
Kriss smirked.
"Ah. Is this another one of your theories? About how you think-"
"About how I know."
Rolling her eyes, Kriss turned away, returning her attention to her device.
"Think what you will Ms. Hills. Think what you will. In all honesty, like the idea of being the thing that occupies your free thoughts."
Eren gasped.
"Y-you! You do NOT occupy my thoughts!"
Kriss laughed, clearly pleased with herself.
"Then maybe stop attending all my lectures just to stand outside and stare at me. That might help your case, Ms. Hills."
Eren felt her face burn, narrowing her eyes she stepped forward but before she could say anything she heard familiar voices drawing closer.
Turning she spotted Jaynix and Elma nearing the makeshift lecture hall.
"Jay. Elma...er...I mean Colonel."
Elma shook her head.
"Using my name is fine. What brings you here Eren? I didn't know you were interested in Theoretical Qlurian Studies."
"I'm not...well, I am...but I'm not here for that."
Jaynix snapped her fingers.
"Obviously not! You're here to ask Kriss out again, so what happened? Did she turn you down?"
Eren scoffed.
"Please. I have far higher standards than her."
Kriss laughed at that.
"That's what they all say when they can't have what they want."
Jaynix chuckled as Eren clenched her teeth, trying to keep a very poor smile. Poorly.
"We should take this elsewhere. We apologize for the intrusion, Professor."
Kriss merely nodded.
Once outside, Eren shook herself off. Something about being near Kriss, it was strange. Jaynix patted her back.
"Rejection is tough, no need to-"
"Jay, I'm serious. I wasn't asking her out I was just...asking her about...something."
Jaynix nodded.
"Right, right. You still curious about where she came from? Cause you know we all looked into her and all we could find was that she worked for some group called LAST. They were in weapons development but let's be real...who wasn't in the end of days?"
Eren crossed her arms.
"Yeah I know, the Coalition and the ECP wouldn't have given her the all clear to be here if she wasn't on the up and up but…"
Eren turned away. Still unsatisfied with whatever conclusions she could draw.
"After all. What kinda scientist goes out and wanders around in the Lawless Sectors all on her own…"
Jaynix waved her hand in front of Eren.
"Hello, middle of nowhere in space to Eren, you there?"
Rolling her eyes, Eren batted Jaynix's hand away and smiled.
"Yeah, where else am I being forced to stick around in eh? Anyway, onto more important things than what you still believe is my lady troubles, what brings you here?"
Jaynix laughed.
"I know for a fact it's your lady troubles but beyond that its the General. He wants to have a word."
Eren shook her head, ignoring the first part of Jaynix's statement.
"Doubt its good news."
With that Eren stepped away and walked off. Jaynix remembered something and turned.
"Actually Elma, if I recall the files were originally classified. Now that-"
Elma was not next to her, looking around she found the other woman back in the lab, speaking very quietly with Kriss.
The Professor seemed very interested in what Elma was saying. A ghost of a smile on her lips before they parted ways.
As Elma came closer, Jaynix opened her mouth to speak only to have Elma bring a finger to her lips. Falling silent she nodded and the pair walked away.
Returning to the mess hall for a quick meal, Elma spotted a few familiar faces and approached, Jaynix close behind.
"Colonel!"
"Irina. Gwin. Good to see you."
Gwin scratched the back of his head.
"Y-yeah. What brings you here Colonel?"
"The same thing that brings everyone here, Gwin."
Irina stated.
"We'd be honored to have you along, Colonel. Corporal."
"Corporal? AH!"
Gwin was startled to see Jaynix as well. The red headed woman merely waved.
"Pardon."
Stepping aside they watched as Tai walked by to sit with Gwin and Irina.
"I thought you were gonna sleep the whole day away Captain Hook. What brought you out of the room?"
Tai shrugged and continued eating. The other four all sat down.
"We've been wondering where you were, Colonel."
"I had something to discuss with General Kumon. After that I decided to accompany Jaynix as she rounded up the rest of her squad. It has been a day."
Gwin laughed.
"I can only imagine. Based off what Tai here has told us, the Reapers are...well, interestin' to say the least."
Jaynix turned to her comrade.
"OH! Based off what TAI said. Well then TAI, care to relay that information to me?"
Tai stopped eating momentarily before shaking his head and returning to his meal.
Elma and Irina chuckled as Gwin absolutely lost it. Conversation shifted to lighter topics among the soldiers. A calm atmosphere fell over the table, a welcome change from the otherwise endless boredom and mundane day to day structures they'd all fallen into.
After another laugh at the expense of Tai, Elma stood from the table.
"Well then, Jaynix it has been fun but I do have my own squad I need to track down."
"Of course Elma, we'll catch up later."
Meal consumed the group split up, Elma, Irina and Gwin returning to join the rest of the Skelleton Crew while Jaynix and Tai headed back to the Reapers' Quarters.
Jaynix looked to Tai, there was some sense of understanding in his pale eyes. Answering the unasked question, she spoke.
"It's not good news."
"...I know."
The two exchanged a look before stepping into the room. Jaynix immediately locked eyes with Lyla and smiled before slipping into the seat right next to her and putting an arm around her shoulders.
Tai moved next to Eren and nodded to her. Across from them was Sagis and Alto, looking much more attentive than one would expect.
Hideo Kumon looked at each of them in turn, locking eyes with his loyal unit before clearing his throat.
"Reapers. I have something of the utmost urgency to tell you."