"The Sea of Blood, huh? How fucking original." Phoeba quipped irritably.
"Either way, we need to get to the Xenopopulation center. Then to the Mojin Territory. Both trips will take an hour. And we've got the Hybrid to worry about." Mat continued.
"Then we go. We don't stop for anything. We get the information and get to the territory as soon as humanly (and alienly) possible." Deneve interpreted impatiently, and drew her claymores after throwing away her cloak, leaving her in a sleeveless black combat suit with black leggings and boots. The suit also wrapped around her neck as well.
She stretched her arms slowly as she lifted the heavy blades. All of them were still amazed that a human like her was able to lift two claymores that were almost as long as she was tall and heavy as Marc.
"Ready?" Mat nodded as he drew a pistol and pressed his hand against the control.
"Hell yes." Phoeba nodded, her wristblades extending.
As he clicked the control, the rusted door opened.
What lied beyond was horrifying.
Miles of open space, the end not even in sight. And knee deep was a literal sea of gore and blood. The few pillars that dotted the open landscape of the 200th floor of the Interceptor were painted with blood as well.
What were even more grotesque were the corpses. Hung upside down and mutilated, thousands of bodies dangled from the ceiling. They were wrapped in webbing that was similar to both the Volcarona's and the Xenomorph's. The wrapping was sloppy and poorly done, a simple few ropes of it tying their arms and legs and another tied to the pipes from which they hung.
"By the powers…" Even the quiet Marc was taken aback by this.
"Most of them are clones." Deneve muttered. Mat noticed it as well. Several of the corpses (the ones that were still recognizable, that is) were the same person, but with numbers branded on their shoulders or arms.
"Let's keep moving. No time to stand around vomiting." Phoeba pushed past them impatiently, and called them on.
They continued for almost forty minutes, quietly wading through the blood and listening for anything. Finally Deneve stopped them with a hand in the air.
"Wait. Look." She whispered urgently.
A few feet ahead, a curious scene was taking place.
What appeared to be a tree-like creature was desperately attempting to do something to a corpse that had fallen.
Her body was made of naturally molded wood (it seemed to still be alive) with the insides hollow. Her body was riddled with crevices and canyons that allowed one to see inside her. Those crevices were filled with green energy, almost living energy. The wood was fashioned in a female figure, with breasts and spiny branches sticking back from her head for hair. Inhuman features remained present. She had long claws instead of fingers, and only had three fingers with a thumb (making it four-fingered technically). She had two-toed feet, which were sharpened not unlike her claws.
As they watched her, what she was doing was made clear.
She had carefully slit open the dead woman's stomach and had planted a seed inside it before instantly healing the cut. A few moments later, the four were shocked to see a seedling sprout from her belly. It was naturally red, not from the blood, and had red leaves as well. The creature caressed the body gently, and petted the plant.
"Problem." Phoeba whispered. A loud thudding sound was heard. Footsteps.
The creature stood cautiously, raising its lethally sharp claws in defense.
A hulking beast lumbered in front of her.
It had a body not unlike Narissa's, but bloodstained white fur coated its entire torso. Four red-orange wings swayed from behind it. They looked just like petals, a trait which Volcarona shared. The head was dragon-like and the rest of the body was plated in black scales and bone not unlike the Drakon. It had muscled arms that clearly were more powerful than any of the three aliens that it was so alike with.
"What the fuck…?" Deneve muttered quietly.
It looked clearly angry at the creature and at the plant.
Before, however, the invader could attack, the monster opened its jaws and unleashed a gout of flame.
The creature burst into flame and moments later collapsed into the sea of blood. The plant and the corpse were both annihilated instantly.
But it wasn't done. After a brief moment of reaching into the crimson liquid, it grasped the plant creature's leg before throwing it against the ceiling and slamming it into the blood.
The sound of wood snapping echoed multiple times before the hybrid monster discarded her with a simple toss against the wall.
With a satisfied snarl, it lumbered off from where it came from, the rumbling sound slowly growing fainter and fainter.
They looked at each other for a minute and waded quickly to the broken and wounded creature.
"…Nirn…crimson…root…failure…" It was faintly moaning with an inhuman tone. Several parts of her body were broken, one of her legs was broken off completely, and even the green aura in her was dimming.
"It's a sentient plant-like creature. I've never heard of something like this." Mat studied it, as it was too delirious to care. Sticky green sap slowly dripped from its broken pieces.
"C'mon! The Xenopopulation Center isn't much farther! I can see it right now!" Deneve called.
"We can't leave this thing to die. Perhaps there is a medical storeroom in the center. Or at the very least a way to alleviate the pain so we can euthanize it." Marc cradled its head gently.
They both lifted it. Being made of wood, it was incredibly light. They slowly followed Phoeba and Deneve towards the Center.
Phoeba was the first to reach the blast door. It was large enough to fit several tanks through. After fiddling with the controls for several minutes she opened the door.
"Let's hurry!" Deneve suddenly yelled as they noticed the rumbling notice of footsteps returning.
They carried her inside just in time for Phoeba to seal the blast door as its shadow darkened the area.
"Any bigger lights?" Phoeba groaned as they were sealed in pitch blackness.
The only lights were Deneve's glowing silver eyes and the faint glow from the creature.
"…Where is it…that's not it…here we are!" Mat muttered to himself as he pulled the light switch. Bright lights turned on as if they'd only been used yesterday.
Marc pointed at a sign. It read Medbay. They nodded only once and carried it away.
A single terminal inhabited the circular room across the hangar as the remaining two explored.
As soon as Phoeba enter, the terminal lit up. A hologram of the entire ship flickered with red energy, mapping every inch of it.
"Welcome to the Interceptor. What would you like to increment today?" A young female voice patched through the terminal.
"A recording. I'd like to see how many alien species are aboard currently." Deneve spoke clearly and carefully.
"Yes, ma'am. Calculating…calculating…" The voice cheerily thanked her.
Moments later a single file opened in front of them, one that made them gasp.
There are currently 8012 alien species aboard this ship, and the number is decreasing at the moment.
The highest number has been identified with Project 3243, the Volcaronas project. Current population of Volcarona's: 32,432,942,343.
The number is stagnant and is increasing only to match any losses.
Lowest numbers are Project 4354, the Mojin Project. They are currently at 3,954,034.
On May 34th, their numbers were rapidly decreasing due to a territorial conflict with Project 2342, the Arachne Project.
However on June the 78th, Project 22 seemed to align itself with the rapidly dwindling species (their lowest numbers were calculated at 812) and population skyrocketed due to Project 22's general alignment with nature and fertility.
The Arachne's were driven back and territory secured.
Generally skirmishes take place at a calculated rate at once every 6.23 months.
However, Cloned Human rates are increasing drastically. Project 0 has been relentlessly cloning them at a 900% rate higher than before. Most clones are killed within minutes of creation for food and sustenance. The rest are cattle and used for sexual pleasure.
"Enough. What is Project 22? Give me all the data on it." Deneve interrupted and ordered the interface.
"Yes, ma'am. Project 22 files being recovered." It spoke cheerfully.
Project 22 is also known as the Spriggan or Nymph Project.
They were discovered on a planet classified as Pandora. However, they were extinct aside from one remaining member of the species.
It was completely unknown that the remaining member was the spore carrier, and due to carelessness on Security's part, over twenty growing sprouts were undiscovered.
It was dubbed the Spriggan Matron due to its generally larger body, orange aura, and increased ability and strength in general.
They were discovered too late, and twenty Spriggans were more than a match for the security. Due to the fact the Fire Squad was already trying to deal with the escape of Project 4354, they were helpless. Captured subjects encountered odd symptoms from being exposed to them.
Female personnel exposed to the Spriggan Matron's direct aura were immediately impregnated, only to give birth five minutes later. Unfortunately that resulted in the deaths of most of them due to the pain and the re-impregnation that would occur moments later. The offspring were nursed by the Spriggans, who seemed to have a disdain for killing anything aside from that which threatened or attacked them. A week later after the rebellion's successful closure, the babies (which had grown to already ten-year olds) were returned to shocked personnel and the remaining female prisoner (only one remained, and unfortunately had to attend therapy for several years) was released as well.
Requests to return the twenty-five male security officers and scientists captured were vehemently refused, and contact was promptly cut off.
Later study discovered their fates.
They stimulated exponential sperm growth which resulted in their testicles simply exploding in a shower of human semen. Those who survived went into shock moments later and died. Not one prisoner survived the process even once.
Their bodies were buried in the soil that was dispersed around the lab.
Only two weeks later, the entire B-34 Lab was a jungle-like area filled with plants that were similar to those on Pandora and those on Earth (the latter determined to be Professor Teriyaki's Bonsai Tree).
Spriggan numbers had increased exponentially and there was eventually no doubt as to the fact they were self-sufficient.
Studies showed that they required some form of UV Light (sunlight?) to regenerate energy or to be exposed to their plants. For food they simply ingested nutrients from the soil they lived on. They also required massive amounts of water or a similar form of liquid nutrition. This almost resulted in their deaths when the water systems to the area were shut down.
As they had not impregnated or killed the females yet, they simply took their breast milk (another side effect of being around them for any amount of time was for females to begin producing milk). Finally when the company gave up on regaining control they turned the water back on in exchange for the survivors.
After the company lost control of the Interceptor, they began expanding and the jungle enveloped half of the 12th level.
Until Project O arrived. After a hostile exchange, a war broke out that ended in the complete demolishment of their forest home.
Only an estimated twenty escaped out of the five thousand. Among them was five of the fifty Matrons. The rest that had not escaped were executed and burnt.
They reached Mojin Territory just as they collapsed from exhaustion and lack of water and sustenance.
At first, Chief Palok was intent on their demise until his mate became pregnant. As she was sterile, this came as a surprise. Once it was discovered that the Spriggans were responsible for this, they were welcomed with open arms. They had gained control over their ability of fertility so they would not impregnate or sperm-explode anyone nearby.
The 60th level was soon green and forest-like again. At the chief's request, they modeled their new home as to match the Mojin's old home in entirety.
As of this report, which was updated twenty seconds ago, they are numbered at two thousand and continue to slowly grow.
"I see. I'm guessing Project O is the Drakon. What's Project 8012, just out of curiousity? What's the highest number that's been calculated?" Deneve asked on a whim.
"Project 8012 is the Chimera Project…" It began before Deneve shut the terminal off the moment she heard Chimera.
She ignored the quizzical look Phoeba gave her, and turned her head as Mat appeared.
"We set it in the medbay, but we have no idea how to treat its injuries." He explained, and they noticed he was covered in the glowing green sap.
"Computer, give me a medical diagnostic on how to treat a wounded Spriggan." Deneve finally spoke as she turned the terminal back on.
"Of course. All information has been sent to Medbay in a Cherus Package. Code is 7997" It answered cheerfully.
"Thanks. You heard her. Let's go." Deneve shut it off and the three started towards the medical room.
"According to the database here, this is called a Spriggan. It was genetically engineered through binding tree DNA to a human ovum." Deneve read from the file as the others tried to calm the dying creature.
"What about healing injuries?" Mat asked urgently.
"…Here! Immerse her in water and expose her to UV light." She answered quickly.
It took only moments to find the tray-like platform nearby, obviously built to do such things. Cold water filled to the brim as they shut the water off.
"Hard to believe the ship's life support systems still work after such a derelict state of existence, not to mention the warfare going on here." Marc noted quietly as they slowly settled the Spriggan into the cold water.
"This lamp might help." Phoeba interrupted, and switched the odd contraption on. A bright light lit over her broken body and it let out a relieved sigh. Already it appeared the broken branches that composed her arms and legs were being to heal and grow.
"What was that?" Mat suddenly broke in.
A clanging sound echoed through the hallways.
"Do you think it got in?" Deneve whispered as the lights flickered.
"Let's find out what's happening there." Mat spoke forcefully and took out his pistol before the four quietly crept down the hall.
"Nothing." Marc angrily announced as they searched the hangar.
"Not quite." They froze the moment that familiar voice rang out.
Elijah stepped out of the shadows, accompanied by two of his soldiers both wielding rifles glowing with golden energy.
"Elijah." Deneve gasped.
"It's been too long, Mat. Too long. Tell me, are you enjoying yourself on the Interceptor?" He cackled mockingly.
"Can't complain. How'd you find us?" He replied coldly.
"It's not too difficult. Have to say, for a bunch of people who're trying to avoid capture…it's not too hard to track you." He laughed.
"I'll handle him." Phoeba roared angrily, and with a swipe of her wrist-blades she launched herself towards him.
"Sorry, Yautja. Can't have you being so aggravating to my day." He smiled evilly, and just before she reached him he pulled out a pistol before firing three times. It glowed with the same energy the rifles did, and so did the shots.
Two hit her, one scorching her shoulder and the other her leg.
The smell of burning flesh was evident over the smell of blood from outside as she collapsed instantly.
He lazily walked over her, stepping on her wristblades and snapping them into pieces as he went.
"It's time. For too long I've indulged your little escapes and attempts to rally those who hate us." He spoke to Deneve slowly.
"Time for what?" She asked slowly.
He answered with a gesture. One of the soldiers produced a large tube from his bag. Inside was a gigantic facehugger, black and covered in spikes.
"You have a purpose, Deneve. And you performed admirably for a time…just as you were created for." He spoke absentmindedly.
"Created?" She asked suddenly.
He let out a roaring laugh, one that echoed through the entire Center.
"I suppose I ought to tell you." He guffawed.
"TELL ME!" She demanded angrily, her silver eyes piercing.
"You're a clone, Deneve. Not any different from the clones we feed on…aside from the fact you have our DNA as well." He explained gleefully.
She dropped to her knees the moment he finished.
"You were implanted with false memories, given your powers, and dumped in the hangar with the salvaged ship. What you think you arrived in doesn't even work." He laughed evilly as he paced around her.
"You're the only one who can carry the Crescent, Deneve. And you're going to serve your PURPOSE." He whispered, and took a whiff of her before gagging.
"Human scum. You're the counterbalance, you know. Humans created Mat and the Chimera to counter our overwhelming power. They were too late, and Mat was erased of his memories and thrown into space until coming here again twenty years later. Chimera over there is a complete failure! He doesn't the strength to kill a puppy." He continued loathingly.
Deneve didn't move, her huddled body still outstretched on the floor.
"The Yautja shouldn't have even arrived, but they did. So yet again, it is my job to fix everything." He finished before strolling over to Phoeba.
With a single hand he picked her up and threw her wounded body against the wall. She was too hurt to move.
He leisurely picked up one of the broken wrist-blades and walked to her, gripping her by the throat and holding her in the air.
"Time to die, bitch." He smiled before driving the shard into her belly. Luminescent light-green blood poured out, spilling all over the floor. Phoeba only made a few gurgling sounds as her mask came off and blood dripped from her mouth.
"Weak. Pathetic. Dead." He mocked the Yautja before dropping her corpse onto the floor.
"Open it." He ordered, and the soldier removed the seal and opened the canister where the creature squirmed.
"I called it the Crescenthugger, since I designed the project." He explained as he gripped the flailing creature before slowly and deliberately walking to Deneve.
"You bastard!" Marc roared angrily and launched himself towards Elijah.
One of the soldiers blasted him in the shoulder with their rifle, the sheer power of the shot sending him flying back into the wall.
Unable to do anything, Mat could only stand there as he picked her up by the throat. The Crescenthugger instantly latched onto her face, wrapping its enormous tail around her neck. She offered no resistance.
"Now, let's end this once and for all…what?" He dropped her and unholstered his pistol, pointing it at Mat. However, the sound of his own laughing interrupted him.
The soldiers gathered around the dying Yautja. Apparently she had not died quite yet.
"For the love of the Empress! Do I have to fucking do everything around here?" He angrily complained and broke through the crowd, landing a brutal kick to her side before picking her up by the throat.
"Just die!" He roared in her face. Unfazed she held up her arm.
Slightly stained by her blood, her armband was open. On a set of small screens, several red symbols glowed. They were rapidly changing with a set of beeps and the symbols were disappearing one by one.
"Now, let's end this once and for all…" Phoeba imitated Elijah's voice as she coughed up blood.
"You stupid…!" He swore one final time as the last symbol disappeared, his soldiers already fleeing.
The last thing he saw was her grin.