I look down at my wrist in fear. I know I'm about to receive 10,000 volts of electricity from my tag disguised as a watch. Wait a minute... no... it should have gone off way before I even had the opportunity to get in this shuttle. I look at my tag curiously, it's broken.
"We disarmed those straight away," A White Skull has noticed my sudden realisation. I can't see his face... they're dressed completely in black and armed to the teeth with weapons, armour and other gear. Like I said... these guys are good, professionals even. You have to be good to have the honour of becoming a White Skull.
The shuttle ride is short but uncomfortable enough to make it last a lifetime. We've arrived at the mother ship, it must have been hiding behind one of Saturn's moons so as to avoid detection. It's a little smaller than the frigate, but it's armed and dangerous. Certainly wouldn't want to come up against it in a fight.
What I don't understand is why they bothered. It was just a frigate carrying supplies and prisoners. No one could give two shits about us and the supplies were as cheap as you can get them from the black market. Cheap crap. These guys are good, too good for our little frigate. They could've taken something twice as big and come away with ten times a much loot. There's only one explanation, they're not in it for the money. If that is the case, what the hell are they in it for?
"I am told that... you fought bravely for us."
Standing in front of me is a captain of the White Skulls. We're on the bridge of the mother ship and I've been separated from the others. This is because of what I did on the frigate, I saved them a lot of trouble. They're either going to be insulted that a low life like me showed them up... or they will be impressed. The captain doesn't give much away, even though I can see his face. In fact the only thing he is wearing is a pair of shorts and a cape. Who does this guy think he is? His whole body and face is covered in tattoos. Mostly symbols... I can't tell what they mean. But he's got a couple of tattoos showing him fighting beasts with his bare hands. His muscles bulge and he's got the face of a warrior... not a pirate.
"This, I find, is strange," The captain continues, "Why would you help us when we are the ones who kidnapped you?"
Kidnapped? Hell, I would have volunteered for this...
"I am Captain Tyrell of the White Skull Clan... and you are?"
"I'm just scum," I reply, "I had no future on that frigate... I figured I'd take my chances with you."
"Do you believe you will have a better life as a slave? That is why we took you... and that is what will happen to the rest of your scum friends. However, you have shown that you have potential. Let me ask you... are you a warrior or scum?"
I look up into the eyes of this captain Tyrell, he knows the answer.
"Do you know the meaning of honour?"
"Honour?" I almost laugh, "I lost it a long time ago."
"But, do you know what it is."
"I don't know... fighting the bad guy, saving the girl, that shit."
"No... that is not honour. Honour is what drives us."
Christ, these guys are nut jobs.
"Honour is what we fight for, kill for... and hunt for. Many years ago we were simply pirates, gorging on the loot we stole and having the pleasures of any woman we laid eyes upon. But then we crossed paths with a mighty species. One that fought for honour and nothing else. We have followed this example... come."
I follow Tyrell from the bridge and into his private quarters. I'm confronted with a display of polished, bone white skulls. There are a few human skulls but the others... beasts and monsters.
"I am proud to show you my own collection... this, my friend, is my honour."
No kidding... I suddenly realise that these guys aren't pulling my leg. They're warriors and they do what they do best... hunt and kill. These skulls... trophies even... symbolize the strength and power of the warrior that won them. And I get the urge to start my own collection. Tyrell reads my mind.
"You can become one of us, you have already shown your skills and I can teach you the ways of the warrior and the hunter," He's giving me the chance to be more than scum, something respectable, someone honourable... how can I refuse?
"I accept your offer."
"Good," He smiles. I follow him back on to the bridge where he addresses his crew.
"Tonight we celebrate the coming of our new brother!" The crew cheer, and then Tyrell turns to me, "Drink well and enjoy yourself tonight, because tomorrow... the training begins."