Chapter 24: Trojan Horse
Disclaimer: I do not own Alien/Predator series or any characters and may not follow all customs and cultures found in Alien/Predator movies.
All of us got into position with Brackett, Lex, and I in the front with Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de holding the ends of the chains connecting us. Lar'ja, Olgoth, and T'uark remained behind each of us, acting as extra guards and also to make our group appear as a hunting party that just got lucky and received some loot in the form of prisoners. But that was only the small cover-up to our plan. There would have to be more to keep appearances.
Yeyinde stood next to me as the ship docked and was in process to connect with the Xy'lophion. The groaning of metal made enough noise that I could whisper to Yeyinde of a great matter. Lar'ja wouldn't like what I was going to say and I didn't want to make him more afraid for me. I leaned closer to him but kept my face to the entrance of the ramp.
"Yeyinde."
He didn't move but indicated that he heard, clicking his mandibles against the mask in a soft tone. "My Lord."
"When we get in, you know what must be done to make this facade real. You may need to do things that are against the Code of Honor."
Yeyinde knew where I was going with this. We were going into the small part of the Bad Blood's world, one in which no honorable Yautja would ever tolerate. There are things that someone of his status wouldn't dare to, especially when it came to treatment towards me. The Killer Yautja would expect him to act like the filthy Bad Bloods they would even go as far as abusing me. It would never be tolerated for a Young Blood like Yeyinde to display dominance over an Elite, much less the Leader like myself unless he was asking for a death wish or wanting to take power. Yeyinde was too honorable to do that or at least in the little time I knew him.
I waited for him to give me at least a small nod or anything. Instead, he sighed deeply and turned his attention away. It was more than enough though so I went back into position. I guess he knows what I mean.
The crackling of the communications on Yeyinde's gauntlet started up until we heard Xen'ork. "They took the bait. They're extending the docking connector to our ship. Good luck, everyone."
The communications turned off as soon as we heard the groaning of metal from the other side of the closed ramp, followed by clicking from the sides that indicated the connector was made. It was designed to create a bridge between two ships. My heart raced in my chest with anticipation as the humming of the connector sounded until the door of the ramp finally moved. Instead of lowering to the ground, as usual, the ramp shortened and spread to grip on the sides, creating an opening for the ramp on the other side to connect. It wasn't long before I could see through the connector and then the closed door on the other side.
Alright . . . Let's get this over with.
Nei'hman-de was the first to move, taking the lead and yanking on the chain for us to follow. He knew full well of what I was asking for but I didn't expect him to be so willingly. I tumbled to the ground from the sudden motion, almost followed behind by Brackett and Lex. Geez . . . Take it easy. We're not even inside yet.
Lar'ja had to grab my arm to keep me from falling, growling in Nei'hman-de's direction. He gave no recall back to which only made Lar'ja angrier. I stopped him before he took another step forward, humming to soothe his anxiety, which I could easily feel from his muscles trembling. We made eye contact and I shook my head.
Please don't . . .
His golden eyes widened before they relaxed, stepping back to get into formation. But his hand grazed my bare shoulder, sending a small wave of warmth throughout my body. I wanted to return the favor but I had to focus so all I gave him was a soft grunt. We were moving forward before Lar'ja could do anymore.
The connector was nothing more than thin metal so it was easy to get worried. It was the equivalent to an old, worn-out bridge despite looking brand new. I glanced back to check on Lex and Brackett, appearing to look fine. I smiled with a nod anyway to reassure them. It wasn't long before we reached the end, stopping at the closed door to the Xy'lophion. We waited for what seemed like forever, worrying me. What's taking them so long? My question was answered when the door slid open, revealing a sturdy male Yautja that almost covered the entire entrance and holding a spear.
The male was much more unique than I've seen before. Unlike the earthly tones of color that Yautjas have in general, this one had deep blue like the sky or ocean, contrasting the red X symbol and lines all over his armor. The mask was the most unique with two protruding ends sticking out from the top like horns. His mandibles were exposed from the mask, making it creepier each time they moved or twitched.
He glanced at Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde first and then to Olgoth, T'uark, and Lar'ja. I noticed Lar'ja became a little tense, probably worried that they might figure out who he is or something. That is all I could guess, reading his body language.
The Bad Blood huffed. "I haven't seen your faces before. Who are you?"
Yeyinde answered, "New recruits returned from a Hunt. But we have brought something worth the time wasted."
"It better be."
Yeyinde grunted and then moved to the side, revealing myself to the Bad Blood. As soon as the male saw me, he hissed like a rattlesnake that had seen its target. He sounded more like a kainde amedha.It was so unusual that I was taken by surprise. I never heard a Yautja make such a sound.
"Where did you find the hybrid?"
"We were on a Hunt for more enemies and found a part of their group. Most managed to escape but I'm sure this is all worth overlooking."
The Bad Blood gruffed, snorting while he raised his chin in a quick motion. "I should have expected it from inexperienced Young Bloods."
He walked past Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de to get to me. He stopped a few feet away before lifting the tip of his spear to the middle of my throat. The blade began to burn as he skidded it across my skin. He pushed it enough that it stung but not enough to break the skin. Even though I couldn't see from behind, I could sense Lar'ja's anger growing like I was too close to an oven. He didn't make a sound but his muscles made ripping sounds.
Don't do it . . . Lar'ja. Don't.
The male looked past me but I sighed softly when he didn't look for too long. But he wasn't done with me yet. He moves the spear from my throat and onto my cheek, twirling as if making a design on my cheek before releasing. It took all my willpower to keep my emotions in check as the Bad Blood stood back.
"Anyone could have caught her in such a condition but I guess it doesn't matter. And I can see you brought more prey along." The male purrs, making a wet sound with his tongue. It gave me the goosebumps of what this male was thinking at that moment. I could only hope that Brackett and Lex keep their cool. I trust them.
"Very well. The two of you will come with me and bring the hybrid and females. The others can go rest and rejuvenate themselves. Follow me."
The Bad Blood turns and walks away through another hallway. As commanded, Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de lead the cavalry, yanking on the chain once more. I expected it this time so I fought against it, making it seem like I was fighting him for dominance. When the Bad Blood wasn't looking, I turned my head around. Brackett seemed nervous but was fighting to stay cool. Lex was the complete opposite, not even fazed by what's going on. It made me wonder how much horror she had seen in her previous years before she joined CHPS and then with us.
I looked further one last time, watching as Olgoth, T'uark, and Lar'ja watched us leave. It was my first test on this impossible mission. I wanted so much to run back to him and hold him in my arms as I could see the pain in his body language. He was moving from one foot to another, unable to stand still, contrary to what a Yautja is trained to do since birth. Lar'ja was hurting so all I could do was let out a small purr. I didn't know if he heard it since I was too far. I only wished he got the message as we turned a corner and finally lost sight of him.
From there, we had to walk through a maze of rooms and hallways. Unlike the Motherships and others who are designed to fit bedrooms, food areas, and storage in a manner that makes it easier to access in case of an attack, the Xy'lophion was made to hold more prisons and cages than rooms. There's a reason why not many Arbitrators are stationed here. Although required, the ship was designed to carry more tight security, fitted with horrendous weapons that could destroy many things almost to its size with ease. It made me wonder how the Bad Bloods managed to capture one. I could see very little damage to the exterior and the interior was almost brand new. I didn't know if the Killer Yautja cleaned it up or got to the Arbitrators who were originally put in charge. I bet my money on the latter though . . . Sad to say.
"Keep the prisoners moving."
The blue-skinned Bad Blood grunted in annoyance, turning around with a snap. To comply, Yeyinde yanked the chain once more. I held my stance as hard as I could but made it difficult with Brackett and Lex behind. Brackett almost took me out and pushed me to the floor. She groaned when the metal part of the chain hit her leg. I turned to Yeyinde and growled a warning but he didn't respond, exactly the way I wanted him to behave. Good, Yeyinde. Keep it up.
Nei'hman-de was less assertive. His head looked back a few times to make sure I was alright but I gave a short glare, showing my disappointment. I was grateful that he was concerned but it wasn't the best time. One wrong move and the Bad Bloods will know something's up and then go on to investigate. If that happens before the plan goes into motion, we've lost before it's begun.
"Anya. I'm sorry about that."
I heard Brackett whisper behind me. Keeping pace with the group, I turned halfway and smiled, whispering. "It's alright. It did the trick in making them believe the whole thing. But stay quiet."
I looked past Lex. "You're doing okay?"
She nods. "Yeah. But tempted to get out of these chains and teach these sons of a bitch a lesson."
She must have said a little too loud because the Bad Blood stopped in his tracks and so the rest of the group had no choice but to do the same. I faced forward and froze, keeping stoic in my expression even though I knew what was going to happen next. The Bad Blood pushes Nei'hman-de aside, causing the chains to yank forward once more and scrap our wrists. It stung but I stayed put, watching from the corner of my eye as he approached Lex. He stared down at her with disgust. I could smell it all around him.
"You have a big mouth for an ooman. You should know your place."
The next instant, he backhands Lex on the cheek. The force knocks her to the ground. She yelps and tries to cover her cheek but the Bad Blood was having none of it. He grabs a fistful of her hair and pulls her back on her feet. I saw her skin reddened a deep color, even seeing ripples of purple stretching across. He hit her so hard that a bruise was already forming. I retaliated for appearances but that was only a small part. Like what Lex said, I wanted to rip him apart just the same. Brackett could only watch as the Bad Blood growls in Lex's face. Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde refused to look behind.
It was only a second until the Bad Blood lets go of Lex, walking back to the front of the group. "Keep them in check or else they'll regret it. And you'll be next."
The Bad Blood hissed when he past Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de, shoving the first one's shoulder out of the way. Yeyinde was doing well but it was only a matter of time before his resolve waned. One sure sign occurred when I could hear a low growl, enough to hear but not to those who weren't paying attention. We continue to walk through the hallway of rooms.
"Are you alright, Lex?" I whispered, not looking back.
"Ask me after I killed that fucking bastard."
I raised my eyebrows, surprised. Guess that answers my question.
We made it to a doorway that was one I didn't recognize. Generally, it has the shape of the ones on Mothership but it appeared modified. There were thick, metal bars on the side rims with several smaller ones connecting them. In the middle, a panel that was melded on with wires running inside the door. It was unusual. There were Yautja symbols written on the top reading out 'Prison Hold'. So this is where they keep the prisoners. Why did they need extra security?
The Bad Blood steps to the panel and enters a code to which the door unlocks. The bars in the middle slide into the thicker ones with a click before the main part begins to open. I couldn't see inside due to bright light so my interest peaked along with my concern. The Bad Blood goes through first and then we enter. I had to cover my eyes to not become blinded after this. What the pauk is the light for? As soon as I saw through my fingers that the light was not as bright, I uncovered my face. I had to hold in a gasp as soon as I realized what we walked into.
It was more of a lab rather than a prison. The massive room was redesigned so that many of the cells were removed, leaving one a few that were against the walls. In the middle, there were rows of metal tables like in a hospital with several lifeforms that I recognized while others I had no idea existed. Several Bad Bloods in special protective gear walked through, holding equipment, vials, and whatnots. Moans and whines echoed, scratching their way into my ears. This was one of the times I wished I couldn't hear. We walked past a quadrupedal humanoid with a head of a horse in general that was strapped onto the table, thrashing as hard as he could. He screeched for a way out and when we got too close, it lunged at me. I jumped back to avoid making contact but one of the Bad Bloods intervened and injected a clear liquid into the being. It stopped thrashing and flopped on the table, closing its alien eyes. We were far gone before I had the chance to see what they were doing to him.
"What is this?" Brackett commented with a small gasp. I could hear Lex do the same but didn't say anything. I shook my head.
"I have no idea . . ."
That's a lie. I bit my lip. They're torturing them . . .
As we continued, I glanced at the tables and even the cells for Daugo. Maybe he's here . . . My eyes scanned for any sign of him but he was nowhere to be found. In some way, I was glad that he wasn't but scared at the same time. What if he was somewhere worse? What if he's being tortured in the same way? I had to close my eyes to not think about it anymore.
But right as I opened them again, I froze in fear.
I was met with an incubator filled with green fluid but inside, there was no doubt it contained a facehugger twitching from time to time. What is this . . ? More incubators holding facehuggers were lined up on each side of the pathway. There had to be dozens of them inside that one room. My heart trembled at the thought of what they were trying to accomplish. I got my answer when I saw one Bad Blood taking a live facehugger to another 'patient' on a metal table, resembling a fish-man. We had to watch as he let it go and the facehugger jumped on the creature's face. There is little that the creature could do but gag before passing out from it. I clenched my teeth at such a sight. It was the same for Yeyinde and Nei'hman-de, twitching their fingers around the chain. They were just as disgusted as I was.
At the end of the room, other Bad Bloods were working on panels, tampering with different colored vials, testing them. Out of nowhere, I heard a hiss that was louder than expected for me to hear. I saw a small group of Bad Bloods circling a kainde amedha chained to the wall. It tried to snap at them but the chain prevented that. My breath hitched a knot, even more, when the last few cages were filled with kainde amedha. Some were fighting amongst themselves. I could see the results of how bad it got when I saw a couple feasting on a corpse that was halfway out of the cells, stuck between the bars. The acidic blood melted away the floor and bars a little before it stopped but the burning smell was still there. I was glad that I didn't eat anything before all of this. But then again, my stomach wasn't in the mood, to begin with.
The leading Bad Blood opens another door to reveal it went to a lift. I thanked secretly that we were getting out of this Hellhole. I knew the Killer Yautjas was unhinged but this was going too far. They were breeding kainde amedha like a farm but I had yet to know what they were doing with the vials earlier. I could only assume but regardless, none of them were good.
We were smashed into the lift, being as the boys and the Bad Blood took most of the space. I cramped together with Brackett and Lex in the middle. The lift begins to move to the top levels as I guessed that is where we'll be taken. I thought that we would have some relief in this brief moment . . . what with elevators and everything. But I should have expected otherwise. The Bad Blood decided to make advances to Brackett particularly. He tried to be sneaky about it, slithering his hand between bodies to grab a piece of her hair. She stood uncomfortably, unable to fight back or else get retribution. I watched as the Bad Blood lets go, only to twiddle his fingers on her shoulder and trailing her nails on her exposed neck.
Okay. I did not sign up for this and neither did they.
I whipped my head to him and growled. He didn't like my response and was about to backhand me as he did with Lex. I was prepared for it. At least the Bad Blood drew his attention away from Brackett. But his hand was blocked by Nei'hman-de who grabbed his wrist before he got to me.
"It isn't necessary."
The Bad Blood growled. "She needs to be put in place."
"She's chained up. She already is. Plus, I doubt your Leader would want her damaged before he sees her."
Nei'hman-de must have said something right because the Bad Blood backed off afterward. He shook Nei'hman-de's grip off and growled in annoyance before backing off. I heard Brackett take a sigh of relief, comforted by Lex who rubbed her shoulders. She glances at me and I nod, watching her smile. I wished I could do the same for Nei'hman-de but with the Bad Bloo watching us, it would have to wait until later.
The lift comes to a halt, reaching the highest level it could go. The door opens and the Bad Blood leads us once more.
This level was completely different than the one we saw earlier. The hallway was wider, enough that several Yautjas could easily walk together and not even block it halfway. But the security was tighter here. I could count a dozen or more sensors hooked in the walls, watching our every move. I didn't expect so much security here. This might throw some wrenches into our plan.
I was expecting a fraction of what I saw so relying more on Rory to hack the ship was becoming more crucial. At least, we were buying some time for him to figure out the system. The plan was to wait for Rory to get the security down before he would contact us in some form or another. I tried not to think about why it was taking longer than we thought but it gave me some time to find Daugo. My thoughts went with Lar'ja and the others, hoping they found Arkarb by now.
Finally, we made it to the end of the hallway where it revealed a massive door with two Bad Bloods standing guard. Like the blue colored Bad Blood, these weren't the typical sort. They had the same black armor with the red X in different designs but one male had an extra layer of scales covering his chest and shoulders, making him look like a turtle. The other guard was a female, taller than any I've seen before . . . and that was only comparing Sa'iye and she was one of the bigger ones. She was adorned with golden highlights in her dreadlocks but missing her upper mandibles. I didn't see any scars that indicate they were cut off so it had to be some form of mutation. I mean . . . these are the Killer Yautja we're talking about.
The blue-skinned male stood in front of them. "Is he ready to see them?"
The guards nod and the Bad Blood thrills in excitement, sending chills down my spine. He turns around and speaks to Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde. "These two will take over from here." He reaches for the chain in Yeyinde's hands but jerks it away.
The Bad Blood growls. "What is your pauking problem? I gave you a direct order."
Yeyinde hesitates and I begin to worry. This isn't like him. Why is he doing this now? The Bad Blood reaches for it again and Yeyinde pulls back. Now the male was running out of patience and he wasn't going to be much lenient like he did with Lex, Brackett, and I.
Without hesitation, I moved until I pressed my side to his. It made the perfect cover since I was already close and I could move my hand enough to tap my fingers on his back. He didn't move his head but his eyes were on me.
It'll be alright. Wait for me here.
Hoping he would get the message one way or another, I waited patiently, keeping an eye on the Bad Blood in case he thought we were doing something suspicious. I held my breath in anticipation. Finally, Yeyinde understood and relaxed. I pushed away to allow him to give the chain to the Bad Blood. He snatched it away in annoyance and handed it to the female guard. He goes for Nei'hman-de's and does the same with the male guard.
"Go away."
He hissed at Nei'hman-de and Yeyinde before he stepped on the threshold and the door automatically opened. He goes through followed by the guards who tugged us harshly to proceed. Brackett, Lex, and I were led inside as the door began to close behind. I glanced back to the brothers once more and nodded.
Keep the plan going.
Both nodded back before the door finally closed. We were on our own now.
Inside, it appears that we've entered the front deck where I saw a few Bad Bloods commanding the ship, working on the panels. My eyes wandered around. No sign of Daugo either . . . My heart dropped a few inches or so from what I could feel. A chair the size of a throne stood on a small pillar of stairs where the head Leader of the ship would preside. Its back was turned to us but then tension was building, knowing who it was in that seat.
Hakr'ouh. It has to be him.
"My Lord."
I heard a grunt from the chair but nothing else. The Bad Blood kneels to the ground with his arm crossing his chest and head lowered. "We brought the hybrid female along with prey."
There was silence for a moment. Then, the chair begins to slowly turn around. Instinctually, I prepared myself, bending my knees as if I was preparing for a fight. It was no guess that there will be one eventually. The image of Hakr'ouh formed in my mind with his stupid grin. I've waited for a while to hack it into pieces. Now . . . it might be my only chance to end it all.
The chair kept on turning and it was halfway when the guards got into the same position as the blue-skinned Bad Blood. Neither of my friends or I moved an inch. I glared at where I would see Hak'rouh's face. Here we go.
But all my ambitions and thoughts crumbled into dust. It wasn't Hakr'ouh in the chair but rather his second-in-command with the signature red X marks on his gauntlets . . . Qut'suak.
My lips tightened and my eyes widened. C'jit . . . It's not him.
Qut'suak aims his sights on me, smiling as if he won a trophy worthy of his Hunt. "Welcome, Ta'kasa. We've been expecting you."
My muscles began to tremble at his voice alone. I sensed Brackett and Lex shifting the chains. They were restless and it was understandable. I could see the bloodlust in Qut'suak's eyes that haven't waived since the last time I saw him. He got off from his chair and slowly came towards up with a chuckle. He moved in a way a hunter was stalking its prey.
Pauk . . . this isn't going to end well.
Hello Everyone!
So we're in the ship and Anya is acting as bait to get inside. Not much is revealed about the details of their plan but I love to keep the suspense going. But we got Qut'suak instead of Hakr'ouh in the seat and that might not be good news for Anya and her friends. I mean . . . they already experimenting on more lifeforms with the kainde amedha and I fear there is more ill will to be revealed.
What is his intention for Anya? Will he torture her? And her friends?
What about Daugo? Is he still alive or is it too late? The consequences will be devastating.
Find out when Chapter 25 is posted next week (Friday the latest) unless changes are posted on Instagram.
Thank you for Mariah, Anonymous-E, NeverNeverLady, Guest, and Nightroad816 for the reviews on Chapter 23. I can say that the blood and gore are coming by the next chapter and will get shittier than ever before with more to come. Thank you all for being very patient with me.
And I think Anonymous-E was asking about the chapters for Nexus and I can say that they'll be three or four chapters left but all depends on the progress of Balance (which will be one of my longest stories ever . . . but that's because it will be packed with more blood and gore than ever before lol). I hope that's okay for now.
Thank you and Good Hunting! Stay safe and healthy! :)))
Reading notes:
Normal = Anya (human form) or any human speaking English (ooman language)
Italic = Anya (human form) or any human speaking Yautja
Bold = Any Yautja speaking English (ooman language)
Bold and Italic = Any Yautja speaking Yautja language