Several hours had passed and they had all been quiet the whole time. Kale had figured out the rifle with a little bit of help from Kershala on how to read some of the symbols. Kershala himself had left the navigation interface for a couple of hours and was hard at work repairing the AI core. Anubis had been walking him through it almost step by step even though Kershala insisted that he knew what he was doing. Kale could feel himself getting tired but didn't want to leave until he thought Kershala might leave with him. He felt strange, he had been sleeping alone for the last few years but now that he was used to laying with Kershala he didn't want to sleep alone anymore. Then he realized how clingy he was being and stood up.
"I think I'm gonna go catch some sleep before we get to where we're going. I wanna be rested when you introduce me to these people," Kale smiled as he picked the rifle up and headed for the lift.
"Are you sure?" asked Kershala looking up from what he was working on. He had set up a workstation on a table to the far right of the bridge. "I am almost done with this section of the repairs; I will be down shortly."
"Yeah I'm sure. I'm gonna fall asleep on my feet if I stay here. Come down when you're ready okay," said Kale. Kershala nodded and Kale stepped into the lift. As the door shut, he leaned back against the wall. The dizziness had left him after the first hour or so of travel and now it didn't seem to bother him at all anymore. It wasn't long before the lift stopped, and the door opened. The dimly lit hallway was now looming ahead of him and without someone else there with him it was quite unnerving.
He stepped off the lift and into the quiet hallway, as he walked the only immediate sound were his footfalls, he came to the doorway to the living quarters and the door opened. As he walked in the first thing he noticed, was the light reflecting from the window beside the bed, it was like they were travelling through a tunnel of light. He stepped in and the door slid shut behind him, he sat and listened at the door for several seconds before moving on. "You're freaking yourself out, there's nothing to worry about." He shook his head and walked to the bed and sat down. Surprisingly the metal wasn't cold like he expected to feel. He sat the weapon beside the bed and laid back, rubbing his eyes realizing how tired he really was. It didn't matter that he had no blankets or pillow he closed his eyes and was already starting to fall asleep. It wasn't long as he lay there halfway between fully asleep and dozing that he thought he heard something move in the room. He quickly shot up and looked around the room not seeing anything. As large as the room was made it hard to know if he would even be able to see anything right away. There were several things that something could hide behind. He rubbed his face not sure if his mind was just playing tricks on him given that it could just be another effect of the FTL travel. He slowly laid back down this time laying on his side so he wouldn't be able to look at the rest of the room, he stared at the window the light flickered from and tried to focus on it to put himself back to sleep. He was starting to think un-rationally, given all the beings that lost their lives at the hands of the Arktora and what could potentially be lingering in that trophy room from the atrocities committed. "Space ghosts really? You need to shut off." There was another sound, this time quick moving and very much like light footsteps. Kale shot up again and looked around the room suddenly feeling like he was not alone. He grabbed the rifle from where he had sat it and turned it on. He looked slowly around the room, there was nothing out of place but as he looked around, but he felt suddenly uneasy. Given everything he had learned in the last few months he imagined cloaking technology wasn't such a far stretch from reality anymore. He stood up from the bed and readied the rifle he held his breath and stayed as quiet as he could. "Anubis are you there?" he asked quietly, but there was no response. Anubis was either incapacitated due to the repairs its core was undergoing or it wasn't monitoring because Kershala wasn't with him. If there was something in the room with him, he was otherwise alone with no to contact Kershala. He could feel himself starting to sweat a bead of water running down his forehead, it was so quiet he could hear his heartbeat. He put his back to the wall and slowly scanned every corner of the room. He stopped and focused on the corner opposite him, he could see some sort of distortion and an almost humanoid shape that seemed to be standing and looking at him. The light from the window stopped shining as the ship seemed to drop out of FTL. Kale took his eyes off the corner to look at the window and could see the ship didn't appear to be moving. He quickly looked glanced back to what he had been staring at and whatever it was, rushed him. He managed to get a shot off hitting the figure in the chest making it visible, whatever it was it was wearing some kind of protective suit. He couldn't get a look at much of it before he was grappling with it. It grabbed the weapon and easily ripped it from his grip throwing it to the ground. "Holy shit," he called. Whatever it was took a step back from him, he did his best to get his composure. "I'm not here to cause any trouble don't hurt me." Kale didn't know what else to do, all he could do was hope that somehow this thing would understand him and stand down.
"Pishar!" it yelled at him. Kale immediately recognized the Daoran insult, it had to be a Daoran. Before he could react, the person rushed him again. Kale quickly thought back to his training with Kershala and had to hope that this person was not as fast as Kershala. It swung at his head and he knew if it connected it would easily overpower him. He dodged as quick as he could managing to just stay out of its range. At first it seemed surprised when it missed clearly not expecting Kale to move like he did.
"Come on man I'm not an enemy." It came at him again and Kale took up an attack posture taking a few swings and landing a couple of hits to the attacker's head. It hurt his hand, but the adrenaline took over and he barely felt it. The attacker became more aggressive moving faster Kale managed to block a few of the hits with his arms. The carbon fibers of the suit must have been protecting him as he felt pain but not like what he expected. He took a quick jab to the side and it took everything he had not to crumble under the pain. "Alright if you won't be reasonable, I'm gonna have to try harder." Kale knew he had to get to the weapon and that he wouldn't be able to keep this up for long. He jumped at the attacker throwing a heavy punch and missing but rolling past him and falling right beside the weapon. He grabbed it and rolled into a prone position; he fired the weapon twice both shots missing but hitting behind his attacker causing sparks to fly out of the wall. At the distraction he quickly jumped to his feet and ran out of the room. His attacker quickly chased him and as he ran down the hall toward the lift, he could hear footsteps behind him. It sounded like more than one person chasing him. Suddenly a fountain of sparks erupted from above him as he ran down the hall he ducked and rolled out of the way dropping his weapon. He turned around and something cracked him across the face hard. He fell to the ground and instinctively put his hands up so they could see him. "I surrender don't kill me." Kale could taste blood in his mouth and was sure they had knocked a tooth out or something, the blood quickly filling his mouth. They pulled him to his feet the one he had skirmished with held a weapon on him while another grabbed the rifle from the floor. They spoke back and forth, Kale couldn't understand a word, but he knew they were Daoran. He decided to stay quiet not wanting to antagonize them, all he could do was hope that Kershala would sort everything out.
Kale had just taken the lift from the bridge and Kershala was still working on the tertiary command module of the secondary command core in the AI's bioneural relay. His implant was giving him a microscopic view of the area he was working on. The tools he found had been instrumental in starting the repairs, mainly consisting of incredibly precise low powered laser tools. He had found the start of the fusing caused by the overload and had been working tirelessly to repair the command module. It had been a couple of years since he had done any type of precise repair work on anything, having only repaired the engines on his pod when possible in recent years. The AI had been for the most part walking him through it even though he had downloaded the core schematic and new what he needed to do. The AI could give him live feedback as he went, he could also tell that it was worried about the process. It had never been attacked in such a way before and it was a new experience for it having to rely on him for the repairs.
"Once you have correctly bypassed the interlink module, you must remove it. Once this is complete my bioneural net will work to form new pathways," said the AI.
"I am aware, but it is taking much longer than I anticipated." Kershala was starting to feel strain on the implant as he worked it wasn't often that he used it to create a constant image based on scans. This process could prove strenuous on his nervous system and he was starting to feel it.
"I might remind you that while you are repairing my core, I have very little monitoring capability for the ship."
"Yes, I am aware." As Kershala spoke he was able to finish the block he was working on when the ship unexpectedly dropped out of FTL speeds. He sat the tools on the desk and stood up to look at the main viewer. "We aren't there already, are we?" he asked walking over to the navigational interface.
"We should not be, with my interface severed I am not able to determine the cause of the power loss." Kershala looked over the navigational computer the information displayed did not make sense.
"There seems to be something preventing us from generating a propulsion field." No sooner had he finished his sentence he could feel his connection to the AI dampen significantly. He quickly turned around and deployed his helmet immediately sensing that something wasn't right. "Can you re-establish?" He could hear the AI speaking but it was so quiet he was not able to determine what it was saying. He turned again only to have something reaching for him cloaked to the naked eye, but the implant could see it was someone in an environmental armor suit. Instinctively he reacted in self defence and used his elbow to break the encroaching figures arm. There was a scream in pain as the person fell to the floor. A second passed when he felt something dig into his back and he knew someone was pointing a weapon at him. He quickly moved right the weapon going off and hitting the viewer, he quickly disarmed his opponent and went in swinging. To his surprise his attacker seemed to be close in matching him only being able to land a few hits before he took a heavy blow to the face. The nanites that made up the helmet took the hit with no issue and as Kershala struck back the imposing body seemed to be going on the defensive. As he fought suddenly his thought turned to Kale, these beings were clearly stronger than any human could be. This thought echoed in his head and he fought harder landing a succession of heavy hits to his attacker causing them to crumble to their knees. Kershala jumped to the lift, the door opened, and he jumped into it.
Kershala used his implant to shut off the safeties in the lift causing it to fly to its location faster than normal. Mere seconds after he stepped on it the door opened quickly and he stepped off into the hallway. He stuck to the shadows and crept down the corridor toward the living quarters. The implant picked up Kale's blood on the floor just beyond the doorway. He could hear muffled speaking at the other end of the corridor and as he crept closer, he realized that it was indeed the Daoran language they were speaking though the dialect was different than his own. He came to the end of the corridor where the living quarters was located to find that the group of them were inside. He could hear four distinct voices coming from within the room, they had left the door open. His used the implant to get the exact positions of where they were standing hoping to gain a tactical advantage. He found it strange that he hadn't been able to detect their implants right away if they were in fact Daora. The implant detected one next to the doorway that was indeed facing away from the entrance. If these were other Daora he knew that he would be safe, but he couldn't say the same for Kale and given the fact he was already bleeding he wasn't sure what he would find. He didn't want to have to hurt any of them, but he wouldn't let them harm Kale either. He slipped into the room and quickly grabbed the one by the door disarming him and using he weapon to hold him hostage. The others turned quickly toward him and he could see Kale in a familiar binding kneeling on the floor. His hands were bound and there was blood running down the side of his face.
"Kershala I think they are Daoran," Kale called upon seeing him. He could tell that Kale's wounds were likely superficial. The others raised their weapons and trained them on him, he could feel that the one in his arms was tense but not trying to escape.
"Are you okay en'saba?" Kershala spoke calmly to try and bring Kale comfort. Though he was collected on the surface he could tell that Kale was fearful, but he could feel that he was hopeful now that Kershala had come for him. The tallest of the three attackers stepped forward.
"Who are you and how did you get this ship?" she spoke in Daoran.
"I defeated the Arktora that owned it and we commandeered this vessel to use in pursuit of Baraketh the Hunter." Kershala felt dirty even speaking his name.
"Nonsense. No one has ever defeated an Arktora and what's worse the one named Jinnar was among the worst." The figure took another step forward. "The only way you could have gotten onto this ship would be to collaborate with the Shironian Empire. And since you speak Daoran, you must be a traitor to our people. Let go of my officer." Kershala commanded the nanites in his helmet to devour the top half of his suit revealing his markings knowing that they would identify his family line.
"I assure you; I am no traitor. I am Kershala, my Patriarch was Yailar."
"Yailar?" The man he held whispered and the other two seemed to suddenly be questioning their resolve. "I cannot believe you are still alive."
"Lenari, quiet!" said the women.
"I am sorry Commander Atondra." Kershala felt he no longer needed to hold the man he had restrained and let his arm fall. As he did the man turned to face him and his helmet retracted to reveal a young face. "Yailar saved my family on the Ataria city ship. The resistance leaders claimed that his entire family was killed just recently in the Akia system." The young man threw his arms around Kershala. It had been a long time since Kershala had been around Daora other than his family, the connection and emotion was refreshing.
"Lenari." The leader, Atondra walked over to them and pulled the young man away. "Go back to the ship." Lenari took a step back and tapped a part of his suit causing him to be teleported off the ship.
"Kershala what's going on?" asked Kale. Kershala hadn't realized that he had instinctually began speaking in Daoran and that Kale had no idea what was being said.
"It is okay. Do not worry." Kershala let the nanites rebuild his suit and retreat into the implant as he stepped passed Atondra and helped Kale to his feet. "Remove the bindings, he is human, and a friend."
"He also fought with Lenari and managed to shoot him with this," Atondra threw the Indarien rifle to the ground beside her, "Good thing our suits have a fair amount of protection against energy weapons."
"We thought we were under attack. I fought with two of your people on the bridge, you will find them alive." Kershala touched Kales face wiping away at the blood. "If you do not remove them I will." Atondra nodded to one of the other officers and they walked over to Kale. He tapped in a sequence on his wrist and passed it over the binding causing it to fall away. "The AI will confirm my identity and what we have been through."
"You have one of our AI?" Atondra's tone changed to that of surprise. "Why didn't it respond to our scans?"
"Its secondary processes were severely damaged in our effort to acquire this ship and make our retreat. We did not account for the cyber warfare suite on board."
"It is good to know that more of our AI are active and that they can rival the Shirona Arktora's defence system," said Atondra.
"You are obviously of the Daoran resistance, why did you attack us?" asked Kershala.
"Our scans are not able to penetrate the hull of this ship. No doubt an upgrade picked up along the Arktora's travels. We recognized the configuration of this ship from the archives and thought it a good opportunity to deal with it," Atondra explained.
"Did you really bring the Typhonus here to attack an Arktora?" Kale was standing on his own but sticking close to Kershala.
"No, I was on a mission to the nearby Lakora system to acquire supplies in my ship, the Sironia. We detected you on our way back." Atondra walked to the window and looked outside. "It is hidden in the Nebula, four hundred parsecs to port."
"You are fortunate, you did not run into the Arktora. It would have easily defeated you and your people. I almost died when I fought it, it took everything in me and more to defeat it."
"I guess luck was on our side."
"And ours, we were heading to the last known location of the Typhonus, we seek refuge. Will you take us to it?" Kershala helped Kale to sit down on the bed.
"Once I have consulted with your AI, we will get underway."
"Kershala, are we safe?" Kale looked between Atondra and her officers and Kershala.
"Yes Kale, they are of the resistance, they will take us to the city ship Anubis spoke of."
"Okay well let me know what's going on. It's really strange not being able to understand what you guys are saying." Kale flinched and put his hand to his jaw. "I gotta be careful one of them cracked me while we were fighting. Might be worse than I thought."
"I am impressed at the skill you displayed. She told me what happened," Kershala smiled through his concern. He knew that the Sironia would likely have a medical staff that could help Kale after a few quick scans. "I must go with her to the bridge to consult with the AI. I will be back." Kale nodded and returned the smile before laying back on the bed.
"I'm gonna try and nap for a bit. Let me know what happens." Kershala touched the back of Kale's head before standing up and walking to the doorway to the room.
"Come with me. The AI is on the bridge." The four of them stepped out into the hall leaving Kale alone in the bedroom. "Why am I not able to detect your implants?"
"Our equipment has been designed for stealth; it blocks the low-band transmissions the implants give off." With that Atondra's helmet withdrew into her chest plate. Her features easily fit her stoic tone. Her long neck and thin jawline accompanied by her shaved head told Kershala what he needed to know of her. Her markings ran up the back of her neck into a unique design that circled her head. He could feel their implants communicating, he could tell that she was a strong leader, respected by her crew.
"It is nice to feel this connection again." They stepped onto the lift and proceeded to the bridge. As they arrived and stepped off the lift Kershala could tell that the AI was aware of what had been going through interaction with his implant. He instructed it to keep in depth details about the Arktora hidden to be used as bargaining tools later, also noting Atondra's lack of reaction to his father's name. He could also tell the AI had already acquired the crew manifest of the Sironia and the Typhonus. The two of Atondra's companions Kershala had fought had now come to. She gestured to them as they turned to face them from the teleporter area, they quickly relaxed their body language showing relief likely that they wouldn't have to fight anymore.
"Where is it?" asked Atondra.
"I am here." The AI core sprung to life and floated over to them hovering a few feet in front of them.
"I have not seen an AI core in so long." Kershala found it strange that Atondra seemed stricken with the AI.
"Does the Typhonus not have its own AI?" he asked.
"Yes, but it is not like this one. And the core has been safely embedded in the ship since it's installation," Atondra explained. Kershala could tell she was scanning the AI core and could see the moment in her the AI synced with her implant.
"What are you showing her?" he asked as Atondra's expression seemed to go blank.
"My records of the day we fled to Earth and your battle with the Arktora." Kershala looked down at the floor remembering his family.
"Karu," he whispered and raised his head with misty eyes. Atondra came out of the daze and looked at him. He could see the raw emotion in her eyes though she chose not to let it out.
"Kershala…" she paused. "You have been through so much." She stepped over to him and took him into her arms like a true matriarch letting her strength of spirit comfort him. The familiar feeling of a matriarch's embrace was not lost on him and he did not resist. "Yailar taught you well. Lucky for those humans you chose not to listen to his advice more recently." She chuckled and took a step back. "The Arktora would likely have destroyed that whole civilization looking for you."
"That is why I chose to fight it."
"There are not many Daoran's left with your combat prowess. Your strength and discipline are exceptional."
"I have been fighting my whole life. After the Ataria City Ship was destroyed and my family went on the run… there was no choice." Kershala looked at the others scattered around the room before meeting Atondra's stare again. "Will you take my friend and I back to the Typhonus? My goal is to defeat Baraketh the Hunter and dislodge the Shironians from our home. I cannot do it alone."
"We will take you back to the Typhonus, we will see what the leaders have to say of your plan…" Atondra looked at the four others who were taking scans of the bridge with their equipment. "Return to the Sironia and tell the others to prepare to bring them aboard." The others did what they were told each activating something on their suits to teleport them aboard. "Let's go get your friend so we may return to the ship. I will have members of my security team take control of this ship to get it back to the city ship." Kershala nodded and they headed to the lift.