The trip back to the Plantar farm didn't take too long. Hop Pop had parked their snail, Bessie, nearby with a cart hooked up to her shell. Just another strange creature for Anne to get used to. Much like the various glares and stares from the villagers as Wartwood slowly grew smaller behind them. They reminded Anne of various sects of the Imperial Cult that trusted few outside of their flock. At least they didn't seem ready to mob up for a second time for the day to kick Anne out.
Anne looked over the impressive farm house the Plantars called home. Not as stunning as the large mansions of an upper hive city, but good enough for a farming community in the middle of nowhere.
"Welcome to the home of the Plantars! You're gonna love it here!" Sprig said, bouncing up and down with excitement as he helps unload the cart of her belongings.
Anne smiles, easily influenced by the child's boundless youth. "Definitely looks cozy. Where will I be staying?"
"The Basement!" Hop Pop's arms raised to show off the glory of their basement. It was covered in bits of moss, the doors to the outside were slightly damaged, and the furnace warming up the whole house was in the corner. It wasn't the life of luxury she was used to, but at least it wasn't cramped like the hab units the rest of the Imperium uses. Anne still had her bedroll, she could made do without a real mattress to sleep on.
"Breakfast is at sunrise, so make sure you get up or no food!" The elderly frog threatens.
"Will do." Anne responds, a bit of awkward silence filling the air before Hop Pop excuses himself back upstairs.
Finally alone and no longer fighting for her survival, Anne can feel the exhaustion start to hit her body. But the various items she had brought with her had to be sorted before she could think about resting. A pack filled with the essentials: ration bars and water. The medi-pack she had used before sat with it. She had even managed to scavenge a shovel along with the heavy steel tether she used to capture Sprig from her crashed arvus lighter. Placed with the rest of the supplies would be Anne's laspistol and spare battery packs, already on her second one from the constant fighting. The sword that was a gift from her parents had managed to keep it's edge, but the nicks in the blade and the damage to the guard were showing it's long use.
"Whatcha doing?"
"Gah!"
Anne was so focused on taking inventory she didn't notice Sprig standing beside her sitting form. "Just...looking over my stuff." Taking our her vox-caster and setting it on the stone floor. The device was small, easily able to fit in her hand than the bulky casters the Astra Militarum would use. "I use this to communicate." Sprig looked it over in awe, but Anne wasn't done yet. Her data-slate was the next item pulled out of her coat. "And this is for recording information I find." Turning the device on, she scrolls through the information before bringing up a file at random. It just so happened to land upon a pict of voidsmen working on her ship.
"Whoa, so cool! I don't think I've ever seen anything like this!" Grabbing the device in his hands, Sprig lifted it high above his head. "I'll free you, tiny people!" Before it could shatter on the ground, Anne had managed to snatch it away from him.
"Slow down there, it's just a pict!" She assured him. Anne was aware of feudal worlds and their more savage way of thinking, but this was getting ridiculous.
"If you say so." Sprigs shrugs, his attention for the item already dying. Typical child behavior.
The pink frog lets out a yawn. "Well I just wanted to wish you goodnight. Tomorrow I can show you around town!"
Anne smiles and watches Sprig climb back up the stairs to the living room. "I'd like that. Good way to see what your planet has to offer besides constant danger."
"Probably not the best time to mention the bed bugs then." Before Sprig would elaborate he was already out the doorway. "Goodnight!"
That only made Anne worry more as she makes note of every dark corner of the basement. Setting her coat and armor to the side, Anne lies on the rough fabric of her bedroll. Becoming lost in her thoughts on the future, the fate of her friends and the Stormheart.
What was taking them so long to send help?
High in the heavens, beyond the orbit of the amphibian inhabited planet, the Stormheart licks her wounds. Though no scars marred the hull of the light cruiser it was the internal attack the various enginseers, voidsmen, and servitors had to nurse to bring her back to health. Overseeing the repairs of the ship would be Magos Janaritaz Zullin, the Tech-Priest Majoris to the Stormheart.
Janaritaz had been indebted to the Boonchuy family after the extra funding given to them helped push their research into a metal alloy on their homeworld. Gaining them the rank of Magos among their peers in the priesthood. A favor for a favor, so when the Boonchuy's made the call to serve on the Stormheart to aide their daughter, how could Janaritaz refuse? The chance to study new and exotic materials from unknown reaches of space was an added bonus.
Joining them was colleague TεR-11 and their newest apprentice Marcine W-00α. They could not deny the help TεR-11 gives, she has been a trusted partner for years. Marcine, though new to the Priesthood of Mars, has proven her talent for appeasing the machine spirits and her dedication to the Quest for Knowledge. None of the other tech-priests brought along could ever fill the role as extensions of Janaritaz.
Now one was missing and it had thrown them off balance. Having to rely on the enginseers rather than Marcine.
The Stormheart had suffered ship wide blackouts after the away-team was sent. Not even the emergency lumens had activated, causing many accidents and more work for them. Leaving no time for Janaritaz to study the anomalous wave that had caused the mess. TεR-11 had finally gotten the plasma cores to rouse from their slumber a few days ago. All that was left was to recite the Litany of Repairs and anoint the wiring to prevent further wear. Then they could dedicate more of their time to solving this mystery.
Janaritaz had theories, various hypothesis as to what could knock out an Imperium light cruiser. But the Ship Master, Donavin, wasn't keen on hearing their requests for further study. He was small compared to their augmented form, the red robe pulled loose over their figure as various mechadendrites twitched in frustration. "We are simply proposing another team attempt to breach the atmosphere of the planet. If not that, then a mission to the moon to uncover it's secrets." The vox-caster that had replaced their throat throwing out their words at a higher volume to show annoyance. The various glowing red optics boring into Donavin like lasers.
"No." A simple answer from the stern veteran. "I will not sacrifice more lives or this ship on fruitless endeavors. Until Lady Annelisa returns or makes contact we are on standby. Now, tell me what your thoughts are about this anomaly." Donavin's sunken eyes glaring back at the red lights with authority until he picks up a nearby data-slate from the edge of the hololith. "Our auger array didn't pick up anything from the moon when we entered the system."
"Proximity based electromagnetic wave is a possibility. When the arvus lighters reached lower atmosphere, it activated. There are no records of a weapon matching it's description within our data banks. It is either powerful archeotech or something left behind by xenos." The last word spitting out of Janaritaz's vox-caster with distaste.
"Is that why our long range vox is down? We've managed to get it back up, but no signals are getting through to the surface." Donavin states, his gaze never leaving the data-slate.
"The anomaly is likely jamming all communication to the surface of the planet. It is either keeping us out or keeping something in." The optics of the Magos turn to the viewport and the red moon hanging just beyond them. "Without further study, it is all speculation."
"I have faith Lady Annelisa and her retinue will find a way to reach us. She's been trained for this, and no mission ever goes as planned." A hand instinctively reaching for the scar running from the Ship Master's forehead to his ear. Lessons learned through the heat of battle are not easily forgotten. "We'll wait in orbit until the situation changes. Until we can confirm their demise I want the Stormheart back up to full strength when she returns."
"By your will." Janaritaz bows as best as their form allows, they will submit to Donavin for now. The emotional cores in their body reading back anxiety and worry for their young student.
Just as the Magos was turning to leave the command bridge, a woman wearing a white robe and blindfold briskly walks up the hololith. The eye of the Astra Telepathica letting Donavin know she came from the Astropathic Choir of the ship. "Forgive me, my lords. A message has been received on the waves, but it will take the Chief Astropath some time to decipher it."
"Throne, what could it be now?" The old Ship Master could definitely use an amasec right about now.
Anne wakes up in a cold sweat, eyes wide open and staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling. "Oh yeah, I live here now." The strange dream where she fell out of the sky and was stranded on a death world was real.
"Hey Anne, sleep good?" A familiar shrill voice startles her. Anne's sight snapping to the source and finding the frog family that offered her shelter watching her.
"Holy Terra, what are you all doing in here?!" Anne shouts as she sits up.
"Just making sure you didn't eat anyone in the middle of the night." Hop Pop's eyes squinting and scanning the basement. "No sign of a massacre, unless you swallowed them whole."
"Hop Pop, she's not dangerous! I mean, not dangerous to us." Sprig defends Anne, but almost forgets about her skill with tools of war.
"Whatever you say, boy. That don't mean I won't keep an eye on it." The elder frog states as he makes his way upstairs with Polly hopping close behind.
"Just give us a reason!" The little tadpole shouted with a glare aimed at Anne before joining her grandfather.
Once gone, Anne finally speaks up. "I don't think they like me very much. The little one seems extra aggressive." She says, getting up and putting her gear on one piece at a time after a quick check.
"Yeah, Polly can get a little intense some times and Hop Pop's just not used to new things." Sprig waves it off as little quirks in his family. "But I'm sure you're hungry from yesterday, lets get you some breakfast!"
"Something we can both agree on." Once fully geared up, the two ascend from the basement and into the kitchen. Anne was relieved to find these amphibians actually had the capacity to cook their food as evident by the stove. Taking a seat at the table, the rest of the Plantars were already digging into the laid out meal. A fork in hand, Anne stabs at a slab of something she assumed was meat. "Uh, what's this?"
Hop Pop is the first to answer after swallowing. "That's seared weevil." He points to the other dish. "And that's some scrambled fly eggs. Perfect for startin' the day."
Well it wasn't grox meat, but Anne had to make do if she wanted to survive. She'd go crazy if she had to consume another Imperium approved ration bar. The weevil wasn't too bad, more bitter than any meat she's eaten before. The scrambled eggs were the trouble, the texture and green coloring making it hard for Anne to swallow.
Anne manages to make it through the meal without any of it coming back up. A good sign that nothing was harmful to humans. Excusing herself, she's joined by Sprig in the living room.
"Trust me, Anne. You'll be amazed by what our quaint little farming village has to offer." Sprig proclaims just as he's about to open the door.
"Hold it right there you two!" Before Sprig could even reach the door knob, Hop Pop forced himself between it and the boy. "No one is goin' anywhere. Especially you, Anne."
"Why?" Anne asks calmly, an eyebrow raised as the older frog goes into a rant.
"The people of Wartwood aren't very open to strangers. They're short sighted, small minded," Hop Pop peeks out a window through the blinds, spotting a neighbor some distance away tending to their own garden and greeting Hopediah with a wave. "Paranoid. It's best not to scare them into a frenzy with your presence. We'll just slowly ease you into society until they no longer fear your tall, unnatural, freakish, horrifying, unsightly!"
"I get it." Anne interrupts the growing list before he yells any louder.
"Good." Hop Pop locks the door and pockets the key. "Expectin' you both to not get into any trouble. Now, I'll be in my study."
Once Hop Pop leaves, Sprig lets out a groan. "Whelp, there goes that plan. Guess we need to find something to do around the house. Oh, wanna try some of Hop Pop's pain peppers? They're so hot, they'll make you wish you were dead!"
"Hm, I'd rather leave the house." Anne suggests, earning her a confused look from the child.
"But, Hop Pop just said we're not allowed." Sprig states.
"Sprig, I am a grown woman who commands an entire ship and has trained her entire life to explore the galaxy. Your grandpa doesn't have any authority over me. Besides, what kind of danger can we get into when we're this close to the town?" Anne replies.
The pink frog rubs at his chin in thought. She was pretty capable, and what could possibly go wrong? "Hard to argue with that logic, let's do it! Wait, how are we going to get the key from Hop Pop?"
"Leave that to me." A smile creeping up on Anne's face.
At the door to the study, Anne and Sprig kept a silent eye on Hop Pop, who was reading in his chair. Anne had plenty of training to learn how to be stealthy, one of the many skills needed to survive the harsh galaxy she lived in.
Sprig tugs at his hat anxiously as Anne tip toes closer and closer to Hop Pop. One false move and they'd be in so much trouble!
Halfway through the room and Anne hears a strange noise coming from Hop Pop. Walking closer, she notices the slow breathing of the elder while his unblinking eyes stared at his book. A quick wave of her hand confirmed her suspicions.
Hop Pop had fallen asleep with his eyes open. "That's disturbing." Her voice low as to not wake him.
"He makes a great scarecrow though." Whispers Sprig as he snatches the key out of Hop Pop's pocket. Both him and Anne rushing to the front door and out into the sunlight.
The trip around Wartwood wasn't as eventful as Sprig had hoped it would be. Once they had gotten closer, most of the citizens would hide themselves in their homes or behind objects. One had even jumped into a barrel of pickles just to keep out of sight! The rest would be shooting suspicious look or angry glares at Anne. This kept them out of the stores along with Sprig not having any money on him. He was hoping the town would adjust to Anne just as quickly as he did. Instead, the motto of "Slow to accept, and even slower to respect" was ever present. It did give Anne a better look at the town without interruption, inspecting each building or stand with a look of indifference. She didn't seem too impressed with the statue of their town founder standing proud on a fountain that didn't work.
Sprig was worried Anne would start to hate it here, so he cooked up one final stop before they headed back home before Hop Pop woke up. "Hey, the friendly people aren't the only thing Wartwood has, it's got scenery too. Follow me!"
"At least there's no pitch forks this time." Anne comments as she follows Sprig down another dirt path.
A short trek down the path and the pair stop in front of the large lake. Normal sized dragonflies dancing across the lily pad filled water. "Tada!" Shouts Sprig as he presents the serene looking lake.
"Oh yeah, this is definitely a beautiful sight. If I didn't know any better, this could be part of a paradise world." Taking a few steps, Anne notices a sign. "See, this is what I was expecting." Motioning to the words "Don't Swim" written on the wooden planks.
"Huh, that wasn't here last week." Sprig hops closer and inspects the sign. "Looks like they wrote it in a hurry too. Like they were scared to be here." Hard to deny it with the last letter was painted longer than normal. "We should probably get out of here."
"Agreed." Anne takes a single step from the shore before a large splash is heard from the water. Turning around just in time to gaze up at the monstrous sized water snake just before it lunges at the two of them. Both Anne and Sprig leaping out of the way as the large jaws strike the sand and mud. Anne quickly draws her sword, striking the tough scales of the snake hard enough for it to reel back. "Run!"
Sprig doesn't need to be told twice and makes a break for it! The snake shows off it's speed and cuts them off from escaping. Forcing them against the water. "It's too fast, what do we do?" Sprig shouts in panic.
Anne looks around, trying to come up with a solution but not seeing many options. Her time to think was up, the water snake shoots it's head forward. Only stopping mid strike when Anne swings her sword at the beast. Tired of being on the defensive, Anne pulls out her laspistol before it sings with life. Hot laser fire sing the scales of the snake, but doesn't break through.
The snake hisses in irritation, slipping into the reeds and vegetation of the shoreline to avoid the painful stings of laser fire. Anne cursing as her line of sight is broken. Her and Sprig would slowly make their way away from the lake. Both pairs of eyes locking onto any movement from the tall blades of green. Just when they think they're safe, the blue scaled reptile bursts out of the weeds. Snatching up Sprig in it's mouth before swallowing him.
"Sprig!" shouts Anne, charging at the snake with sword in both hands. It was too busy savoring it's meal to notice the human as Anne forced the sword into it's hide. Driving the blade into it's softer underbelly, Anne rent a great gash down it's body. The lump in the snake's body traveling down to disgorge a saliva and blood covered Sprig onto the mud. With it's food gone and seriously injured, the water snake slinks back into the lake.
Anne looks over Sprig, he's a little shaken up but no serious injuries despite being eaten. "You alright?"
Sprig sits up, wiping off the spit and blood from his face. "Y-yeah. All good. Just gonna wash this off." He says before dunking his whole body into the lake water. Best not to have evidence of their outdoor adventure.
Anne's coat was already stained with blood. Her own and various animals she's had to fight off since arriving on the surface. A few extra splatters won't be too noticeable.
Once Sprig was properly cleaned up, the two made a hasty retreat back to the house. Pained roars and thrashing water driving their feet faster. Sneaking back inside and quietly locking the door behind them.
Hop Pop jolted awake in his study, dry eyes blinking from his intense reading session. "Good place to stop for the day." Setting the worn book on his desk, Hop Pop checks to make sure the key was still in his pocket. Frantically patting and checking the empty vest pocket for the important item. "The key, it's gone!" He bursts out of his study, seeing no one in the living room. "Where are the kids? Are they hurt? Did Anne eat them? The whole town?!"
Moving at top speed, he grabs the front door to fling it open. It remains firmly in place, making Hop Pop inspect the doorknob. "Huh, still locked." Hop Pop creeps to the basement doors and slips his head inside. Instead of blood and guts, he finds his grandson and the monster playing one of their board games. Anne was dressed down, the armor and coat she wore neatly folded on the floor, throwing the dice and moving her piece before she notices the old frog by the stairs.
"Hey, Hop Pop." She waves.
"So, you two have been down here the whole time? No crazy adventures?" Hop Pop asks with an eyebrow raised.
"Yep!" Sprig answers after tossing the pair of dice. "I owe her my first born child!"
"Not far from what my parents do." Anne comments.
"We'll discuss that later. So no sneakin' out behind my back?" Hop Pop pointing an accusatory finger to drive the truth from them.
"Nope."
"Nuh-uh!"
"By the way, Hop Pop." Anne fishes around in her nearby coat and pulls out the key. "You dropped this earlier." She tosses it high through the air into Hop Pop's hands after scrambling to catch it.
"There it is, dang shallow pockets! Well, ya get what ya pay for. You two have fun." The elder takes his leave.
Once out of earshot, both Sprig and Anne deflate from the tension. Somehow their lie had worked. "Hey, Sprig." Anne's eyes dart about the basement as she tries to find the words. "Sorry for almost getting you killed back there. I should have listened to Hop Pop and stayed in the house. Then you wouldn't have felt you needed to show off the town."
"It's alright, Anne. Sorta my fault too. I just wanted you to not feel like you're trapped on some danger filled mud ball and actually enjoy your time here in Amphibia." Sprig gazes at the floor. "Guess I messed that up, huh?"
Anne reaches over and gives Sprig a tender pat on his head. "Sprig, this is my first time time exploring the galaxy on my own. Pretty sure I'm gonna have way worse experiences than this in the future. But hey, having a friend like you by my side has been great so far."
"Friend?" Sprig asks, his question answered by a nod from Anne. He didn't have too many friends in Wartwood, so making one with the monster from out space made him feel ecstatic. "So, what's this about your parents?"
"Oh boy, make yourself comfortable because this is gonna take a long time to explain."