No Turning Back: Part Two.
His hearing returns first. The sound of flames flickering around him and his own heart pounding in his ear. He breathes in deep. Almost gasping for air as he parts his eyelids. Through the cracked glass of his helmet, he is surprised to see the scene before him. The flaming wreckage of the second Fallen skiff, mere feet away. A pair of survivors crawl from the wreck, desperate to escape. They claw into the dusty rock to drag themselves to safety, labored, painful breaths with every movement. Trying to collect himself, Klutz watches the pitiable pirates struggle. He flinches as trio of Fallen pass by him from behind, slowly approaching the wounded survivors. They hold long spears, tipped with sharp blades, surging with electricity. He quickly searches for his own weapon. Once he finds his rifle, he swiftly fixes its sights on one of the spearmen. His trigger hand is stayed as he watches the creature's actions.
Upon meeting its injured kin, the Fallen offers no assistance or support. Instead it pins the pirate down with one powerful foot and swiftly stabs it through the back with the charged blade. The pinned creature lets out a yelp and goes limp as the blade is pulled from its body. A small hiss of Ether leaks out from the wound. When one of the other spearmen approaches its target, it carries out similar violence.
Taken aback by the executions, Klutz holds his aim and raises to his feet.
"Careful, Klutz." Spark speaks through his helmet's radio. "I think they're 'friendly.'" Her voice is cautious and uncertain.
"Don't seem so friendly to me." He keeps his barrel steady as the executioners turn to look at him.
The trio do not appear threatening. All of them plant the base of their weapons on the rough floor, rather than point them at the gunman.
"While I was bringing you back, one of them fired a rocket at the Skiff. The explosion sent it crashing down toward the surface. They… saved us, Klutz." Her words are woven with conflict.
Taking a few steps back to ensure some distance between himself and the spearmen, Klutz sweeps his sights between the three.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't shoot my associates." A gruff voice sounds over the Guardian's radio. "They won't do me any good if they're dead."
Caught off guard by the intrusion, Klutz questions the mysterious voice. "Who is this? These are your Fallen?"
The voice snorts. "Yes, those Eliksni are my employees, and they have orders not to hurt you, as long as you play nice. As for me, you can call me 'the Spider.'" His grizzled voice is strangely smooth. "Now please, lower that gun so we can avoid any… bad business."
Klutz observes the Fallen for a moment. He watches as they share a look of uncertainty before turning back to face him with tall, unthreatening posture. "I'm a… friend of the Drifter. He sent me here with a package for you." He lowers his weapon.
"Took him long enough. I was beginning to think our mutual 'friend' had fallen through on our arrangement." He chuckles softly. "My associates will lead you to my place of business. I always look forward to meeting a Lightbearer in person!"
The Fallen casually pick up their weapons and direct the Guardian to follow.
After double checking that the channel is closed, Klutz summons his Ghost. "You got the package out of there, right?" he asks nervously.
Spark appears and drops the tall sealed tube in his hand. "Safe and sound. Although I can't say the same about our ship…" She turns to look at the damaged, smoking jumpship resting in the distance.
"One thing at a time, Spark. We'll figure it out." He tucks the light package under his arm and hangs his weapon over his back.
One of the Fallen lets out a short screech to get the man's attention and motions one of its arms, signaling him to hurry.
Klutz shares a look with his Ghost before she disappears. He takes a deep breath and follows his alien guides.
The long speechless trek leads the Guardian to a small hub of civilization. Groups of Fallen gather to work, talk, and rest outside of a number of strangely designed buildings. Many of the inhabitants turn to give curious looks toward the human being led through the camp by the trio of killers. The onlookers do not appear overly threatening, but Klutz stays on guard nevertheless.
Soon the group stops at the entrance of a large, bizarrely shaped building, built into one of the tall stone walls of the asteroid. Two of the guides turn off and enter through a small door around a corner. The third stops at the main entrance and turns to face the Guardian. It raises one of its long arms, pointing at the large round door.
Slowly walking toward the door, Klutz can hear a muffled tune from within the building. As he approaches the entrance, the door slides open automatically. The screech of sliding metal and machinery rings out before it clicks, locking into place with the entryway wide open. The sound of music echoes out enticingly. With the package held tightly in his grasp, he enters.
As soon as Klutz enters the main room, a machine quickly floats over to him and offers the drink resting on the tray affixed to its top. It makes a short symphony of synthetic noise as a welcome. Klutz waves the server away and looks around the room.
The club is dimly lit and the music blasts from overhead speakers. It is an upbeat song. A powerful, hopeful ballad, filled with sweeping, spacious melodies. Surprisingly, the song has undoubtedly human vocals. Peculiar, given the club's clientele. Many tables and booths are occupied by easygoing Fallen, enjoying drinks and conversation. Some even dance awkwardly along to the human tune. None pay attention as the Guardian enters.
Klutz notices one of the Fallen operating the club's sound system. He quickly approaches and waves to get its attention. "I'm here to see the Spider," he announces.
The alien DJ looks him up and down for a moment. It turns to a small device in its hand and speaks in a language unfamiliar to the Guardian. Another voice answers back shortly, and the DJ points toward a door at the back of the room.
After a shared nod, Klutz makes his way around the back of the club. Careful not to draw much attention to himself. The door opens in front of him, revealing a long dark passage. At the end of the passage, Klutz finds a wide curtain made of dense hanging strings, covered with colorful beads. Light bleeds through the beads from the other side. Klutz parts the curtain with one hand and enters. The room is large, bright, and muggy. Only the faintest sound of music can be heard from the club behind. Klutz eyes widen behind his damaged visor when he sees him. The Spider.