Chapter 43

Derk's POV

I glared back at the monster. Great now what am I supposed to do?

"We're travelers," I responded. "Just passing through."

The hideous creature laughed. I could sense the power irradiating off of it like the heat of a bon fire. It resembled a Hydralisk, but much larger. The creature had a sharp jaw and large claws, each easily the size of a human. This beast was definitely one of high power…. I had no doubt that I was indeed speaking with Blerk, the Blue Zerg Leader. His large eyes gazed in my direction, seemingly cutting right through me.

"Travelers, huh?" he growled, scratching his chin. "Must be, to have the ignorance to fly through my land. Not just anyone marches into Blue Zerg territory."

"I really do pity those like you," he said, in a mocking tone. I gazed into the screen with a scowl. "I mean look at yourself. Too stupid to realize where it is okay to travel and where it isn't."

"Well, I apologize for trespassing and I can assure you we will exit your territory immediately," I said, moving the ship as if I were to leave. The corrupters hovering on all sides hissed and moved in dangerously, stopping me in my tracks.

"Go? Oh don't be ridiculous, surely we must invite our new friends to dine with us… or should I say dine in us?" Blerk said, laughing with the rest of the Zerg. I looked around anxiously, trying to find the easiest way out. There is no way I came this far to die. Just as I was about to send us into warp space, a sudden wave of energy came over the ship. All lights went out and controls lost power. I could no longer use the vessel. Blerk's voice echoed all around me.

"Do not think you can fool me Orange Terran…. Yes I know who you are," Blerk growled, sending chills up my spine. "Now I think I've been rather patient with you fools. This is definitely not the first time your kind has marched arrogantly into my land; so I am going to give you your final warning… if you ever lay foot in my territory again, I will be certain to not only blow you into oblivion, but I can assure you that your entire legion will be slaughtered and infested into my swarm! I have confidence that you will deliver a message to your leader, Mr. Plank, that even though we are not enemies, you pathetic Terrans are not welcomed here!"

And on that note, the ship spiraled backward, into space. All controls and lights came back on, and I, without hesitation, launched our ship forward.

"Well that was a close one," Shira said, catching her breath.

I remained silent, irritation gnawing at my chest.I griped the arm rest. Next time I won't be in such a vulnerable position. I moved the ship forward still angry at the fact I had been so humiliated.

"Uh Derk… are you okay?" Shira asked, trying to catch my eye. I glanced in her direction.

"Fine," I said, crossing the border out of Blue Zerg territory. "Alright, the hardest of our trip is over. Now all we have to do is fly forward until we reach Namco. It's a long drive and we're not stopping so try and get some sleep."

"Wait… we're not stopping?" Shira asked, surprised. "I thought you said we would get there tomorrow night?"

"Well that's if we stop, but sense we're not going to, we should arrive sometime tomorrow morning," I said, maneuvering the ship around an asteroid.

Shira sighed. "That's still a long time."

"Yeah well, when we get there you'll have all the time in the world to do whatever you want," I said, annoyed. Shira didn't say anything else and slumped back into her chair.

BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK

The large green planet grew as we approached. Finally. I thought, rubbing my eyes. That was one of the longest trips I've ever been on. I glanced over at Shira, who was fast asleep.

"Hey, wake up princess," I said, shaking her shoulder aggressively. She jolted forward, with a gasp.

"What happened?!" Shira asked, horrified.

"Relax, we're here," I said, pointing to the planet directly in front of us. She let out a sigh of relief and fell back into her chair.

"What we're you dreaming about?" I asked, bringing the ship toward the surface.

Shira blushed. "Nothing…"

I raised my eyebrows. That was not what I intended to hear. "What're you blushing for?"

She turned and looked away, hanging her head.

"Oh, come on now, spit it out," I said, enjoying her unease.

"I-I was just… dreaming about Namco," Shira responded, avoiding eye contact.

I laughed, but didn't push her further. I landed the ship at an airfield near the coordinates Plank gave me. I opened the hatch and stepped out of the ship.

"Uh… thanks for bringing me back," Shira said, feeling awkward.

"Yeah no problem, but it isn't over yet," I said, making my way off of the airfield.

"Umm… Derk you really don't need to walk me home. I know how to get back from here," Shira responded.

"It's no problem," I said, following the coordinates on my transmission. "Plus I need to be sure you get to the destination, safely. So until I see you step inside your house, you'll have to put up with me."

She nodded, but didn't complain. We walked another couple blocks until we reached her house. A confused look crossed my face as I stared at the building. For how rich the Planks were, it was a very small home. Neat, clean, well kept… but small. If it were up to me, my daughter would be living in a mansion the size of Jinksole. I shrugged. But whatever.

I approached the door and knocked loudly. After waiting a minute, a teenager, about seventeen, answered. He had a confused look, until he saw Shira. Letting out a quick yelp, he ran forward and gave her a big hug.

"Shira! What took you so long?!" the tall kid asked, lifting her off the ground. She made a quick squeal, and squeezed back.

"Alright, well, good luck Shira," I said, after the teenager set her down. "I'm sure this won't be the last time we see each other."

Before I could let in another word, Shira unexpectedly jumped forward and gave me a hug as well. I stiffened. "Bye Derk, and thanks so much."

I nodded, and awkwardly patted her back. "Ooookay now. That's enough," I said, pushing her back. Not sure if Shira is truly happy to back or if she is just pretending.

"Maybe one day my mom will let me go back," Shira said, letting go.

"Yeah maybe." I said, turning to leave.

"Wait, surely you should stay for a bite to eat," the guy said, stepping forward.

I laughed. "Aw no my friend, I need to be getting back. It's a long trip so I need to get on the road."

He nodded. "If you're sure then."

"Heh, yes I'm sure," I said, walking down the side walk. Shira gave one last wave good bye, and turned into the house. I made my way back to my ship and got in. Lifting off, I took the vessel out of the atmosphere and into space. Well that was fun. I thought, launching the spacecraft forward. And now a long trip home.

I opened up my transmission and hailed Mr. Plank. I suppose he'll wanna know that Shira made it safely.

"Derk? Is everything going well?" Plank asked, a holographic image of his face popping up.

"Yes, quite well commander. I am on my way home now," I said, nodding.

"Already? Didn't you say you would complete the mission tonight?" he asked, waving away someone who wanted his attention.

"Well yes, but instead of stopping for the night, we continued traveling. I wanted to hurry up and finish the mission," I replied, pleased.

"Good. When you return to base your squad will be waiting for you." Mr. Plank nodded. "About what time will you be arriving?"

"Well, without any stops it is a twenty four hour trip. But I need to get some sleep, so I'll make a stop at the upcoming Tavern, get a few hours of rest and fly the next twenty hours straight," I explained. "So I'll arrive sometime in the morning. Probably five o'clock or so.

"I don't know Derk, are you sure you wanna do that? I understand your capabilities being a ghost, but I'm going to need you ready when you get here," Plank said, folding his arms. "It wouldn't be so bad if you haven't been flying for so long already."

"Look I'll be fine. When I arrive back, I'll sleep for a bit," I said, approaching the next Tavern, which was stationed on a large planetoid.

"Alright, see ya then," Plank confirmed.

"Will do Commander," I replied, landing the ship. Plank nodded and ended the transmission.

Okay, half-way. Now as long as I don't get any interruptions from either the Blue Zerg or Mercenaries, this should be easy.

Sup everyone! Glad that I could get this one up. I had fun writing it, so hopefully you guys will enjoy! Not much else to say soooo yeah.