Wolfgang Visarett | Posted: 4/10/2004 9:41:06 PM
Amarouk counted the years. There were too many of them, far too many. War, death, pain, and destruction: that was all he knew, the warrior's path. It was just one endless war with the enemy always changing. The war was still the same one he had fought so long ago, just the face of the enemy he fought changed over time. It had started so long ago with the Destluun Hegemony and Jyollenar Federation, then moved on to the Royalist Alliance. Then the Galandrian Campaign, and again the Alliance. The Alliance almost always was the enemy, a government of xenophobic humans who sought the utter annihilation of other species. And then it was the Hagasian...they were his current enemy, and for how long Amarouk didn't know. He left the war, on leave. He was too much a solider to leave. He wouldn't desert. His people meant too much to him.
For all the apathy Amarouk professed outwardly, he would give his life the instant his people were threatened, the moment anyone who had earned his trust and loyalty was placed in danger. He thought of his children often, or Katan who followed in his footsteps, of Ruben who sought to be what his uncle was and what his grandfather had been. And most often, of his wife, departed. The pain of her death still ached in some remote portion of him. He sloughed it off time and again, attempting to forget it rather than indulge in memories past that would open wounds better left closed.
He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply in a sigh the aromas that wafted through the streets and filled the air with their life. Opening his eyes, a set of ice blue orbs that held no warmth to the world around them, Amarouk looked about at the mass of moving bodies. The indigenous species was strange, with scaled skin standing on four legs with small, under-developed arms jutting from their chests. Their heads were capped with a single solitary horn that shone like ivory under the sun, and their skin was tan and orange-brown. There were other species as well, humanoids and felinoids and insectoids, all moving and bustling through this port city.
Amarouk lounged in a small metallic silver chair that glinted in the light. He wore a high collared coat, navy in color to match his trousers, with silver cufflinks at the wrists in the shape of snarling wolf heads. His hair was a tussle of chocolate brown, cut short per regulation, but never combed. Reaching forward, Amarouk gripped the thin, tall glass filled with blue-green liquid and amber foam. He sipped at the drink, idly thinking of how much customs had given him a problem. The drink was pitifully weak compared to the weaker drinks he normally had, and its taste left something to be desired, but he was content with it.
The chair Amarouk occupied was a part of a café near the waterfront not far off from the local spaceport. He could see the ocean, a bright mass of blue-green with the shadows of colorful fish below and of green plumed birds above. Waves crashed against the breakers, splitting into the normal sounds, filled with the shrill cries of the avian creatures and the high pitched whine of ion engines from ships. Ships and vessels of every color and description fell from the sky, descending with their goods to import or flung themselves skyward in a wash of efflux with cargo's meant to be exported. Always there were dots descending and ascending from the lavender sky streaked with azure-grey clouds basked in the warmed of an orange sun.
The ice in his glass slowly melted, but Amarouk didn't care. His mind was elsewhere. He was trying to designate this universe again. He remembered the coordinates, a set of numbers and symbols, but the name of it eluded him. Always he spent his time away from the Aka'eehnLaa. The war was such a terrible thing, and the only peace seemed to be elsewhere in the multi-verse. He had already done some trading to get what went for currency about this place. It had cost him several bottles of wine, but to him, that meant nothing. He had removed the labels when he sold them, and the people when asking him what they were, he smiled and said "Poison."
Getting through customs had been a whole other story. They had asked for identification, and when Amarouk complied with what passed for standard issue given to all officers, they had given him odd looks. Several minutes passed before they handed the cards back, all with odd looks, and said that he had a thirteen day pass--what passed for a week on this world with its lazy orbit. Thirteen days was more than enough. His identification was foreign, and the planet appeared to deal with enough foreigners, but that moment had been the only hitch. Sighing as he inhaled a breeze of salt, Amarouk contemplated the thought of seeking out an inn or hostel or if he just might return to his ship. Either way, his leave would be somewhat enjoyable.
Duelist7783 | Posted: 5/22/2004 11:49:36 AM
Act I: Explorations and Meetings upon an Odd Realm, Scene I: Unexpected Encounter
What could explain a species' need to explore? It was something engraved somewhere within their genes. It was an unsatisfied need, to see that which was beyond their vision, to find that which had previously been unfound, to explore the recesses of regions never once known to anyone before. Maybe there was no reason beyond idle curiosity. It could very well be that a wondering about what was beyond, as if the beyond were some mystical thing, drove people to go out and find some answer to their musings. It was something that many species appeared to experience. It could start with the most basic of exploring beyond the boundary of some small establishment. And, then from there, the need to explore would evolve. To see the rest of the planet, find things which were rare and wondrous, would drive those to travel to very corners of the world. And, then it was interplanetary travel, the need to explore the vast unknown of space. For whatever reason, so many species evolved at such a rate. The result of such exploration could differ, forming wars between species, or merely destroying another as they encountered some new, unknown form of harm. But, that never discouraged any other species from exploration, it was a driving need to hard to ever ignore.
The Malgin were a species that had been through the need for exploration. But, odd history surrounded such events. Upon, their planet of origin of Karash, it took a civil war to lead to interplanetary space travel. The idea was in question before, a way to war against other planets thought up by the government which would soon be ousted. The technology present was soon used to allow the Malgin to travel and set themselves upon new worlds. And many of those sort to establish new lives with very little contact with their former home of so much conflict. Many of the species mingled with the species, hiding their own advancements from their home. On a specific planet it was so for sometime, until eventually with influence from a man with some history which gave him respect it was decided that their technology would be put to use. And, thus this would start another age of exploration for these Malgin. With all this at their fingertips, eventually they had to explore the recesses of space as they had once wandered that planet. Soon enough they were looking for planets in which to trade, make alliances, and eventually form into their own stable interplanetary governing battle. It was odd how things had a tendency to repeat themselves.
It was odd being nothing more than a passenger upon my own ship. I had flown this thing so many times at home, using it as an easy means of travel over long distances. It was well suited for space travel, but I had never used it for that purpose all that much. But, it was still my ship, no matter how much I used it. But, this time I could not pilot it due to explicit orders. The pilot would be someone who had was experienced in traveling through space and used to the pressures of the atmosphere upon landing. They also wanted to be sure someone was there to pilot the ship at all times in case something were to go wrong upon my visit. That was the problem of being a Captain, I still had to listen to my superiors. They wanted my ship, it being one of the best we had, but they didn't want me to be the one piloting. The only course of action I could take was to sit in the cockpit and take care of things upon our landing on the planet. In truth, I actually had the most dangerous course of action but getting there was what I couldn't stand. Why did military orders have to be so boring sometimes?
I reclined in the cushioned gray seat and stared out at the view upon the screen. It was just black, a never ending void, but with bright, twinkling lights which spoke of life. It was like having a close up view of the night. Before I had sat on my back and watched the stars, now I was watching the stars float by in a black ship. I knew we were moving, but if there was no real way to feel it. I guess that was the effect of there being no gravity except for that which the ship created. This was maybe the second time in my life I had traveled on a ship through space. And, the first time was when I was no more than a baby, so I had no memory of it. It was an oddly calming experience, though boring as I hadn't equipped the ship with the thought of entertainment for such lengthy travel. And, then there were the other passengers besides that experienced Captain, he didn't speak much. I was part of an escort for some delegates; the escort was of course all soldiers under my command. The purpose of all this was to setup trade on a planet known to be active in trading with other planets. I could see the merit in it, getting materials we didn't have at home, mixing other technology with our own. I just wish I wasn't obligated to be a part of this escort. Maybe I would slip out when we were upon the planet.
The planet was already alerted to our visit and most of the weapons upon the Tranquil Storm II had already been removed. Only a few basic weapons in case of trouble were left. For all the talk of their worries of something going wrong, they sure didn't prepare for this situation well. I wonder if they were hoping for my resourcefulness to get them out of any messy situations. There was a slight jolt through the ship which disturbed my thoughts. I guess it we were entering the atmosphere and preparing for landing. I hadn't been paying attention for most the trip and time had an odd way of blurring out here. It was only a matter of moments before we landed at the port and then I had my duty to attend to. I was almost convinced that I would slip from the entourage during all that confusion. My men wouldn't care and would make sure no one noticed the absence of my presence. I probably should have paid more attention to the procedures for landing, but I was sure another part of me would notice and record it all.
I felt a small vibration pass through the ship and figured that we had finally landed. I finally stood along with the rest of the escort. They murmured and talked about the length of the trip as I stood off behind them listening with barely any amusement. There was a quick whoosh as the door opened and led out from the cockpit. My men were already standing and ready as I walked through the door. As the sound of my footsteps echoed while I lead the way through the door, my men formed in behind me, and soon formed a loose circle around the delegates. Politics and trade, they were good forces of manipulation, if I had enough interest I could exploit these things someday. I led the way through various corridors and turns and finally down a ramp which led out to a rather large, open metallic room. Various ships were parked throughout the room, and just as many species scurried here and there going about whatever business they had planned. There was a dim hum of conversation and noise was an ever present accompaniment to all the movement. It was typical of so many other places I had seen; only this time was on a different planet.
There were odd looking creatures coming towards the ship, though a good distance away. From what I could see they walked upon fours, their bodies being scaled and oddly proportioned, and had a horn which jutted from the top of their heads. I wasn't in the mood to listen to whatever babbling would take forth. And, there would most likely be some tour of the planet. I was dressed well enough for the occasion, in a black long sleeve shirt with cuffs and three buttons at the top to lead to the proper looking collar. My black cloak was clasped around my neck right under the collar of my shirt, and the two jagged iceberg pins were gleaming a lovely silver under the light. My boots were made sure to shine, polished and all, and I had on one of my best pair of black pants. But, in truth, I was not in the mood to be bored by the politics surrounding all this. I flashed a few hand signals to my men and they moved their positions ever so slightly to make sure my presence was much less noticed by the delegates and the creatures coming to greet us. With that, I slipped through the line my troops and then around my ship. I stood there a few moments, watching all the different species move about, and spotted an easy exit to slip through, a crowd moving through it. I ran walked over calmly, making sure to look as if I were going about some task, and soon slipped in with the mass of humanoids going through the exit.
Stepping outside assaulted my senses with such a vast amount of change from the inside environment. The ever present roar of engines mingled with the noise of all the different species walking the streets. I could hear a familiar crash mixing and melding with everything else and turned my head to my right to see a sparkling sea. The turquoise sea would rise and swell as the waves would move forward to crash against the shore. It added a peaceful feeling throughout all this chaos. My nose was assaulted with a number of smells, the smell of the sea, various spices and incense, and sometimes the unpleasant smell of so many masses moving underneath a hot, bright orange sun. I tilted my head up at the sky, an oddly colored blue, every so often filled with the shadow of a ship coming or going from this port. It was a beautiful day by any standards, I could take some time to relax before one of my men would contact me, alerting me it was time to leave.
<So, what odd place have you brought us to this time?>
Hopefully one where we don't get ourselves killed.
<Well, that's no fun. What's a day without someone to hurt or kill?>
A good day in my opinion.
<I'd hate to interject upon this argument...But, there's someone familiar here.>
On this place? Who could we possibly know here?
<Well, he was someone who once tried to kill you>
That's a very long list.
<Well, just look towards your right>
I turned my head towards my right and flicked my light brown eyes among the scenery. I didn't see anyone I could recognize among the masses of people. And, then my eyes, stopped upon a café in the distance, a nice setup of chairs and tables outside to look upon the riverfront. I recognized the man now, the oddly color suit he had on which I first saw during our first encounter. The eyes were familiar too, though they had somewhat more of an aged look than before. I had always wanted a chance to be able to speak with this odd figure without ending up killed. Maybe the opportunity would present itself. I shrugged to myself and began to walk over towards the café, maneuvering through the crowds of people who would get in my way. It wasn't too long before I was in front of the barrier of the café's seating, not too far from the sight or hearing of the man I knew as Reflection. Maybe I could find out if that was his true name this time. I looked out towards the sea for a moment before speaking so he could hear me.
"You think anyone would complain too much if I slipped into that empty seat across from you?"
Wolfgang Visarett | Posted: 5/22/2004 10:36:21 PM
Amarouk had been holding the top of his glass at an angle such that he could swirl his glass around and watch the ice spin in lethargic circles. The remains of the blue-green liquid scented the air around him. It didn't have the aroma of the stuff he usually drank, nor did it have the same kind of strength to it. And currently, Amarouk needed that strength to drown out his own, to leave his mind behind in some blackened depth where his problems resided, to forget everything for once and just simply relax. But things usually had a way of going awry for Amarouk, ever since that promotion to Captain had taken effect so long ago, things had since changed drastically. And even more so had things changed when he had been elevated in rank to Fleet Commander.
The sun glinted off the glass, and Amarouk found the reflections somewhat fascinating in the orange light. He wondered what time it was now, and flicked his left arm up to check his timepiece. He had set the secondary time counter to local time, which happened to be a twenty-eight hour day. It was only approaching what would be considered nineteen hundred hours for this planet, out of a possible twenty-eight hundred. Sighing once more, he motioned a waiter over, a blue-skinned reptilian thing with small beady eyes and a scale full of small white horns.
"More," he said, gesturing with the glass. The creature nodded, and returned moments later with another glass of the blue-green stuff. It was an awful taste for his palate to stomach, but Amarouk needed to adjust his eating habits to whatever these people ate--and drank--even if it might happen to cause him a little indigestion.
Amarouk's mind turned to musings of a different kind, back to his work. There was the Kil Akaga, that particular warship he had been last working on. It was based on the Antora Frigate frame, and would thus allow him to sneak the ship in among other Antora frigates and cause a deadly havoc. In some ways, he couldn't wait until it was finished, but at the same time, he felt that if things slowed down for him at this moment, it wouldn't actually be all that bad.
What Amarouk hadn't expected was a slight intrusion into his thoughts, a voiceprint that was embedded in some deeper portion of his mind along with a scent he hadn't smelled in quite a while. In fact, this scent he had only had the ‘pleasure' smelling on two previous occasions, and those occasions had turned out well enough, considering what had happened. Since then, this particular smell had turned into a sort of obsession, if it could even be called an obsession with Amarouk. To him it was work; everything was work. That's what his life was, a conglomeration of work.
He turned his head up to his left, his heightened sense of smell aiding in the narrowing of particular individuals it could be. And there he was, standing in all black, right down to the highly polished boots, leaning against the railing staring at him with a sort of intrigued look on his face. <It's a small multi-verse> he though instantly. His mind raced at the sight, dozens of attacks and defenses forming up in his mind. His mind froze on a single name: Duelist. He almost made to rise and reach for his sidearm, but checked the movement. Instead he reached for his glass and downed the blue-green crap he had been drinking all afternoon. He winced as the stuff slide down his throat.
He had his Echo armor already available, but this world wouldn't look to kindly on open conflict, and Amarouk already had enough wars to fight, the current and worst of them being against the Hagasian.
"No," Amarouk finally said, motioning to the metallic chair opposite him with his hand--all the while speaking in his rough accent--, "I don't think anyone would complain too much about and extra body."
He was silent a moment, then motioned for the same waiter, raising his glass while holding up two fingers at the same moment. "So," he finally began at length after staring into his empty glass, "What brings you to whatever it is the hell this place is called, Duelist, or was it..." Amarouk searched for another name, but couldn't quite attach one, except for how his memory seemed to recall the man: spiced-ice. He turned a questioning glance upon Duelist, as though asking for a name, and waited for him to take the seat. And it was at that moment the waiter returned, placing the two blue-green drinks on the table before retreating. However this went, it would be interesting...
Duelist7783 | Posted: 5/29/2004 7:26:18 PM
Act I: Explorations and Meetings Upon an Odd Realm, Scene II: Enjoying the Hospitality.
Oh, of all the planets in all the universes who knew I'd find something interesting here? It had been nothing more than a boring assignment with the prospect of some excitement. And, that was only if the relations between two different species somehow went horribly wrong and exploded into a frenzy of violence. I wasn't exactly looking forward to that happening. The last thing the city of Kir Sa'ath needed was an interplanetary war. In all truth, all the dangers of this duty were mostly unknowns and just in case measures. I really didn't even need all the action that this mission could present. It wouldn't be too bad to relax and spend some time exploring a place I knew nothing of. Besides, most of our species were intelligent enough to be able to handle diplomatic situations such at this. And, if somehow it came to the worst, well, then I guess it wouldn't be such a boring mission in the end. But, I had held no expectations of anything happen upon this rock in space. Life liked to throw surprises around every once in a while. The only hope I had was this surprise would be somewhat more pleasant than some of the others I encountered.
This really did seem to be a nice place once I had the time to take it in. The sound of the waves crashing upon the breakers was relaxing if I could take the time to filter it out. Even all the various species going about their business didn't seem to be much of an eyesore to me. Though, I had to admit, the constant chatter was somewhat of a nuisance, the same with any city. There were such exotic things in the air, even the air I breathed was different to my lungs. It was something totally new and different, a break from the usual I encountered upon my home. And who knew what they could do for fun on this planet? There had to be forms of recreation, entertainment, ways for me to simply relax while I was here. A trade planet wouldn't be a trade planet if it didn't have a way to appeal to its visitors. I imagined the delegates would end up spending a night or two here under the hospitalities of their hosts. That would most likely translate to nights of drinking combined with days of politics. I could easily slip in and out during all that time here. It wouldn't be so bad if I thought of it in that way. After all, these things hardly ever tended to happen overnight.
But, there was nothing thing which required my attention now. Or I should say there was a person before me who required some attention. I couldn't believe the luck I had. I would have never thought I'd run into him again, at least no in this manor. This seemed like hardly the place someone of his caliber would be spotted at. Then again, this was hardly the place where I would spend my time. It seemed far fetched that this would be his home planet, he didn't fit the bill of the species that greeted us. And, I bet his mind was wondering the same things. I certainly didn't belong here, he had met me at my home before and other places to know that this would not be it. Besides that, he could very well jump up and try to rip out my throat. I did not hate this man, and I doubt he hated me. We had just been opponents at more than one time, and knew each other well enough to be wary when the other was around. The only thing which could stop him was this being a public placed, and how relaxed he seemed to be at his table. I truly doubted he wanted to battle me in the middle of a restaurant.
I had the slightest smile on my face as I looked him when his head began to turn. I could catch the sense of surprise in him, though very well hidden, he was well trained. There was only the slightest hint of irregular movement to suggest he was planning something. I had no idea what could have went through his mind during that time or what the motion could have been about. For all I knew, I could have jolted him out of his thoughts and that was a physical reaction to my intrusion. Or he could have thought to immediately start an offensive with someone he had thought of as an enemy. Either way, he didn't get up or do anything out of the ordinary. He simply grasped the glass in front of him on the table, filled with a blue-green liquid with some ice cubes mixed in, and emptied it. A completely normal action, well except for the wince which made we wonder what he was drinking and why he would continue drinking it if it were not to his enjoyment...Then again, I had no idea what kind of beverages this planet had available. I could really have gone for a glass of wine.
I grasped my gloved right hand around the railing as I heard his verbal agreement to me taking a seat. I made a slight leap from the ground and threw my body over the railing, my cloak fluttering with the sudden movement. That was a bit of a showy action to tell the truth, maybe a bit unneeded. But, I was feeling energetic and I felt good as I landed upon the well kept flooring of the outside café. As soon as my boots clicked upon the bit of pavement, I let go of the railing and straightened with somewhat of a nonchalant shrug, as if to apologize for the show I had just made. I walked towards my seat, quite at ease for someone in a place he knew nothing about, and eyed the waiter placing that blue-green drink in front of my seat. Well, I guess I did deserve to get my curiosity answered for all it was worth. I slipped into the metallic chair, comfortable for being nothing but metal, and grasped my right hand around the glass before me. I brought the glass to my lips and took a few sips of the drink, putting it down in the same spot afterwards and eyeing it for a moment as if contemplating something.
"They have better stuff at home..."
<You're sitting here talking to a man who has tried to kill you on previous occasions. Not as if you don't deserve to die, but may I ask what keeps you from slitting his throat from across this table?>
<Maybe, Night Blade, some warriors just get tired of battle from time to time.>
<Hah. Wimps.>
I let the slightest smile touch upon my lips again. I had to wonder if there was any notice in my outward appearance when started debating with those two in my head. It was somewhat of a silly thought, no one after all this time had ever figured I was carrying two other souls with me. I reclined in the chair a bit more, truly getting comfortable, and glanced at the man's icy blue eyes, the smile still upon my face before I took in a breath to speak.
"Duelist would be the name most know me by. Duelist Alevek, if there must be an ending to the name. Or Captain Duelist Alevek, if that truly matters for anything. In truth, I barely remember my real name at times."
That would give him a thought to pause on. I was sure he suspected that no man could be named Duelist upon birth, no matter how stupid the parents may be. Though, my parents were hardly dumb from what I knew.
"And as for what brings me here. I'm sure you must know of the bore and duties of military service. It can take you to all kinds of places you never wanted to go."
My eyes flicked quickly over his closes as my grin grew a little wider. I grabbed the glass again and took another sip of the rather plain tasting drink that was put before me.
"They really do make much better stuff at home-.And, I should ask, what are you doing at a place like this? Reflection, was it, since we're getting to the point of names and all."
<I'm going to just sleep somewhere and ignore this entire conversation.>
Fine by me. I could use a little extra time to relax.
Wolfgang Visarett | Posted: 5/29/2004 9:40:18 PM
Amarouk watched him vault the railing, taking it all in sidelong, paying what he called the 'scant-fully-attentive.' It meant that he was paying far more attention than what would be natural for any person while at the same time appearing completely nonchalant in both actions and facial expressions. He showed off a bit, but appeared to shrug it all away the moment afterward, taking the thin, metallic chair. Amarouk noted every movement with the precision lent him by years of both training and disciplined learning.
He made not of the odd flicker across Duelists features that seemed to happen fairly often, and usually too quickly to be noted. It was odd, almost as though Duelist was in a form of deep thought, but passed far faster than what a deep thought might entail. Either way, it meant something, if anything. Amarouk filed it away for later when he might be bored, which might very well happen considering that this city didn't much have anything to interest him, unless you happened to count the figure not sitting opposite.
Amarouk had encountered him only on two previous occasions. The first time in a cavern, which didn't exactly turn out too well, and the second time atop a cliff when he had been doing a live-fire test of the original Echo armor concept. That, again, didn't turn out too well, although the data retrieved from the test proved more than valuable in creating further entries into the exoskeleton body armor series that was known as Echo armor.
Amarouk had taken part of that project, among dozens of others. It was the only thing he truly did with any kind of gusto since the death of his wife so long ago. He was either drowning out the memory with work, or by drinking, and neither one proved especially helpful. Some days he felt dead inside when he thought of her. She had died bringing his second son into the world of living creatures, and Amarouk had tried desperately not to blame his son for her death. Katan...he so wanted to be like Amarouk, and could the father fault his son for his ambitions or dreams?
In some ways Amarouk wanted an end to his misery, but his two sons would never forgive him if he gave up so easily. So he ploughed forward, if not to him, but for his children, and for his people. He wondered sometimes if there might ever be another woman for him out there in the multi-verse, but banished the thought as quickly as it came. He didn't believe there could be another, not after Kristav.
Taking his thoughts off the tangent they had taken, Amarouk listened with a form of rapt attention transfixed on Duelist, who had named himself Duelist Alevek, a career military man of the rank Captain. He found the comment about the drink funny, and a slight smile crested his lips, transfixed there and held in place by wry amusement.
"Yes, there's always something better to drink elsewhere," Amarouk said, suddenly thinking of the alcohol he had stashed away on his ship. "And I'm here on...vacation, or sorts. Leave, mostly, from the usual ongoing declarations and emanations of war the so enwrap my particular home-universe."
He took another quick gulp from his glass, nearly emptying it of its sour contents. He grimaced again, then replied as though the drink had no true effect on him, "And the name isn't really Reflection, although it might as well be." At his Amarouk looked up. "Most people can't even begin to pronounce my name, but they can say Visarett, which happens to be the tail end of it, or last name, surname, whatever it is."
Amarouk waved his hand for the waiter again. When he reached the table, Amarouk started with, "Something stronger than this, if you've got it, and something sweet, to wash this crap down with."
He turned back to Alevek once the waiter had dashed off to fulfill the order. "A career military man, are you? I myself am of the same fortune, or misfortune, however you want to look at it. My current rank is Fleet Commander. Rather prestigious, and gives me more leeway when push comes to shove with High Command and the
illustrious High Admirals." Amarouk snorted in disgust. "Couldn't tell the tail end of a fighter from the ass they happen to be kissing at any particular moment."
"Not was if they ever actually kiss such a thing. Too high and
noble for it." Amarouk shook his head in amusement. "The only thing the happens to go right is that they
do in fact know what the tail end of a fighter looks like, and what to do with said fighters." Amarouk sighed, drinking down the last of the blue-green liquid. "So, Alevek, what
really brings you here? Or is it just to see the sights?"
Duelist7783 | Posted: 6/8/2004 7:20:27 PM
Act I: Explorations and Meetings Upon an Odd Realm, Scene III: Further Investigation.
This place made me miss my home in a way. I couldn't exactly say why. I guess it was a combination of things. The bad drinks, overall foreign atmosphere, and the odd assortment of creatures which wandered the streets, they all help contribute to a semi-longing of home. I was out of place here in a way. I could fit in just as well as anyone else if I so wished and tried. I wouldn't even make a single disturbance which would put me at odds with local police forces. It was just the overall atmosphere of this foreign planet didn't appeal to me. It was the whole diplomatic thing which I didn't have a liking for. I sometimes had a typical soldier attitude and didn't really care about the politics of a situation. It wasn't as if soldiers didn't know its usefulness, they were just used to fighting. I knew fighting all too well. And, talking things out over dinner, signing papers along with whatever else happened during these types of processes wasn't for me. But, I knew I would need to utilize the tools at some point or another. That was the only reason I didn't leave myself in ignorance about the whole thing. But, that still didn't leave me with much room to like this planet.
I had to say though, that there was nothing too special about my home back at Kir Sa'ath. The city was a bustling city, trade happening everyday and plenty of diplomatic sessions to be held. It was just like so many other cities out there upon the planet, though this one was becoming a bit more interplanetary. But, I had been there through the start of the city. I had helped draw up the plans, led the way in the building of it all. I could have been given a high position of influence within the city from all that I had put into it. I was practically seen as a hero to some of my people for giving them a place to live safely and together with their own kind yet at the same time give room to mingle with other species. That city was one of the first places I could call home in who knew how many years of wandering. It was a home I helped build, form, and bring to what it was today. And, all I asked for it was a position as a Captain, just to be able to lead a force to protect that which I had built. It was nice to say sometimes that Kir Sa'ath was my home. Though, that could be considered odd seeing the number of times I was found leaving it.
My own house was a comfortable chateau which I did enjoy spending time at. I lived alone though some of the females in the army wished they could change that much. I had no idea why I would be considered a catch by any of them. I had enough mental things to deal with, and a past littered with all kinds of dark moments. Let's not forget that I had a habit of wandering when I felt the urge. Any woman who happened to love me would obviously have to be crazy. But, not only that, I had seen a number of things that no one would ever seen. I wielded power which most Malgin would not understand. It was an understatement to say that being around me was somewhat dangerous. How cliché of me: keeping someone away because it was dangerous to be around me. I really should stop underestimating people so much and let someone have the time to learn about me. I guess it was something to think over when I got home.
I watched the man as best I could as I talked. He looked casual, distracted almost, yet I was sure he was watching my every move. If I were to pull a knife and hold it to his throat, he'd have a knife at my throat at the same exact moment. But, still, a part of him did look to be off somewhere, maybe thinking about something. I had to wonder what kind of life this man led. I knew so little about him yet I had met him on two prior occasions. But, that was the reason I was sitting across from him. I was here to find out more about someone I may have been a friend with if circumstances permitted. I certainly bore no ill will towards him for the previous two occasions when we had almost killed each other. Warriors fought, soldiers battled, and it was rarely ever for personal reasons. It was certainly an odd life that we led, or maybe better described as an ironic one. Killing those I knew nothing about just because it was part of my job or duty. Sometimes I wanted to throw my head back and laugh at the whole ideal with obvious disdain.
There was a slight pause after I had finished talking, long enough for him to smile at probably my obvious quirky way of speaking and commenting on things. And, soon he began speaking up. The first thing he noted upon was the obvious lack of taste and strength in the drinks. Which reminded me that it was still sitting in front of me unfinished. I took the drink in my right hand and gulped down the rest of the contents, placing it in front of me afterwards with a slight clink of ice against the glass. I looked at the empty glass for a second, not regretting the contents finally being gone and then back to the speaking man. And, I now had a name to refer to him by. Visarett, an odd name, but I thought it rolled off the tongue in a way. Fleet Commander Visarett at that, that was definitely a rank that spoke of influence and power. But, it seemed he held the same disdain for the military as I did. It always seemed that those who served looked down upon the entire military process. I flicked my eyes at my empty drink at Visarett finished his.
<So, it seems you two are similar in some ways.>
It's the life of a soldier. The smart ones realize those they fight are most like them in the entire world.
"This place can serve stuff that's strong? That's a surprise to me. So, do you know of an other place around here that has better stuff?"
I waved my right hand around, a gesture to dismiss the question.
"I should answer your question first before going off on another tangent. Well, in truth, I'm here on assignment. I don't think there's much to see of this place. I'm part of a military escort for delegates looking to forge trade agreements with this planet. It's the usual boring bureaucratic things that need attending to. I'm sure the group is being taken somewhere on a tour of the planet right now before they sit and talk over agreements. They both know what they want, but they'll circle around the issues for a couple of days until an agreement which could have been made on the first day is forged three days later. Politics, a useful tool but utterly boring."
I clasped both of my hands together and placed my elbows upon the table while leaning forward. I focused my light brown eyes upon his icy blue and took on a serious look though there was a slight smile upon the right corner of my mouth.
"With those greeting questions out of the way. How about we get into the more serious things? Like what kind of person are you? I mean, not the military aspect, but the actual Visarett. What kind of life you lead, what kind of species you are. And, I'm intrigued about your home universe. I'm sure you have plenty of questions for me. And, I think, it might be a good idea to have a discussion without so many prying ears."
I leaned back again, and cradled the back of the chair with my right arm, looking relaxed as I stared off at nothing while waiting for his answer.
Wolfgang Visarett | Posted: 6/10/2004 10:19:44 PM
Amarouk barked a laugh at the comment about there being a stronger drink and couldn't help but smile at the question of a place that served better drinks. Amarouk was in a half-decent mood, despite the melodrama of his own inner thoughts. He didn't much care for the circular path they ran in, always moving back to the fact he was without a wife. It didn't much matter what he thought of, sooner or later it would be replaced with vivid imaginings of what his life might be like were she still with him.
The waiter chose that moment to show up again bearing a tan colored drink in a tall thin glass mixed with a combination of what could be construed as fruits, and a misty orange-green looking drink with a few cubes of ice floating in it. Amarouk gave quick thanks as the waiter walked away and took a quick sip of the taller glass. It was sweet, far too sweet, and made him grimace in response to the flavor, which was exotic and tangy, and not in an enjoyable way.
He gripped the glass filled with the orange-green liquid and gulped it down quickly. It tasted just as bad, except it was sour beyond belief, and not nearly as strong as he would have hoped. It was weak, but a tad stronger than the drink he had had beforehand. While he was engaged with his drinking he was still aware of the conversation Alevek was carrying on, and the questions he was posing.
"Well, I don't think any place on this planet has a place better than this. At least, this one has a view,"--Amarouk gestured at the panorama of ocean beyond, taking the moment to inhale deeply the smell of salt and listen to the waves breaking against shoreline. Gre'kuquen didn't have oceans, merely lakes, rivers, mountains and grassland, nothing more. "Other places lack this kind of...natural beauty."
"And diplomatic, you say? Those are always tedious, unless you happen to be of a species that is far too blunt for their own good. Where I come from, any good politician or delegate will circle around the matter and hope to drive the other man into frustration in hopes of breaking him. You see, I come from a highly political background. Impossible to get away from it, really." Amarouk shrugged. "It is in itself useful, but those who often find it boring are those incapable of using it fully."
And with that, Amarouk stood, gesturing for Alevek to do the same. "If you dislike prying ears, I suggest we walk. I hear the ocean is lovely this time of year." Amarouk deposited several tokens on the table, what passed for money of an appropriate value for all the drinks he had had, then began to weave his way out from the café, not even bothering to look and see if Alevek was keeping up. He knew he was simply by smelling the air. His scent was very close by.
"What kind of person am I? Now there is a question you don't hear often." Amarouk worked his jaw several times in quick thought, his left hand in his pocket while his right rubbed at his chin as he walked. "That is difficult to say. People have an opinion that's enough to say on that. I am simply what I was destined to be, a warrior. And the actual 'Visarett' happens to be a, how does this translate." Amarouk thought for several long moments as he walked, the bustle of various species moving past him in droves. His mind searched for an appropriate translation to what he wanted to say: "Lord, but not quite a Lord, but also a Prince. In some cases you could say I am royalty, I suppose."
"The life I lead is simple. I am a family man of sorts, two sons, a dead wife whose ashes have been turned to the wind in proper ceremony. I happen to have a brother as well, a womb-mate...hmm; it doesn't translate well, does it? Well," Amarouk said, "as to species, it is Vadasian by way of the Galandrian translation, or Albeado, by way of a...
human translation." Human was said distaste, as though saying it would somehow poison the speaker. "But anyway, the universe, she is marvelous. A beauty to look upon, with the grandest of nebulae awash in colors and filled with life. It is called... Well, the translation means 'Toward my home,' but the way it is said is
Aka'eehnLaa."
Aka'eehnLaa was said in a guttural context, with a glottal stop after the "ah" sound. He said it 'Ahk-ah e-ehn Lah.' Amarouk kept walking in silence a moment then turned his attention to Alevek again. "And what of you, Alevek? What exactly are you?"
Duelist7783 | Posted: 6/15/2004 11:23:13 PM
Act I: Explorations and Meetings Upon an Odd Realm, Scene IV: A Talk by the Waves.
I was surprised at how much of an agreeable man Visarett appeared to be. Then, again, who a person was in battle was generally not who they were all the time. I shouldn't be so surprised that he was not a menace to be dealt with when I wasn't engaged in battle with him. If anything, my own experiences in battle should have told me so. I was not the same person outside of battle as I was in battle. A life and death situation generally made someone much more dangerous than they normally could be. It was good to have a chance to relax and not worry about if the next move I make would bring about my death. But, it was also awkward at the same time to sit here, talking with a man I had once tried to kill. I was even drinking with him, as if we were old friends and soldiers upon the battlefield. It was truly odd how this whole thing had come about. Visarett could definitely make a good ally and friend if circumstances worked towards us. I think I would have to start convincing the council to explore alternate universes. I'm sure an alliance with his people would work well enough for us. But, this wasn't the time for me to be thinking about those things.
The waiter had come by once again, bring the drinks which Visarett had asked for earlier. One glass was tall and held a tan colors drink, with some odd looking fruits decorating it. The other glass held an orange-green looking drink; neither of them looked to be too desirable. And, it seemed he might have agreed with my thoughts as he took a sip from the tall glass, making a face which obviously said he didn't enjoy it. I glanced at my empty glass then, glad that I had finished it then and asked for nothing else from this place. They certainly weren't the best at satisfying the needs for other species besides their native one. I didn't think I would be ordering anything else from this place for whatever duration I was here on this planet. I should have brought some drinks on my ship. I'm sure anything from my home would be better than whatever this place was serving. I was already making notes of what I should do the next time I need to make such a trip. Most notably, I was going to pilot my own ship regardless of what orders I was given. I let them have their way this time, but they should have known I was far too stubborn to listen a second time to the same order.
I followed Visarett's arm, looking out over the ocean view with the waves crashing repeatedly onto the sand. It was a beautiful sight, and I had seen it many times upon my own home. Natural beauty was always the best to observe. I couldn't count the number of times I had sat there and watched a sunset and admired the simple thing which happened everyday. I turned my head back to him as he spoke, commenting upon what I had just said about diplomatic. I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head at his response. It was almost a slight insinuation over my own intelligence and cunning to use politics if I had to. I would think he was trying to gauge my reaction to such a comment. There was still much he had to learn about me, and testing my reactions would be a good way to find out how well I balance my emotions. I was definitely starting to like this Visarett, this intriguing creature. Diplomatic mission had their advantages after all it seemed. Though, I doubt that any future missions would give me a chance like this. This was one of those rare occasions I would have to enjoy for what it was.
"Then again, those who tend to find politics boring can sometimes be the best politicians."
I followed close behind the man, on his left side as we walked upon the beach and away from the restaurant. I clasped my hands behind my back as we walked and looked down slightly at all the sand my boots kicked up with each footsteps. I guess I would have to clean them again whenever I got to my room, wherever that was. It was odd how I thought about these things when I had no reason to. I rose my head up again as I listened to Visarett provide an answer to the question I had previously posed. A family man, and royalty, he had quite the life. And, a dead wife, that must be something hard to leave behind. It was a subject I would have to avoid. No man ever talked much about the love of their life after the love had died. I was learning a lot from this little conversation. I even learned his species, Vadasin would do since I was not necessarily human and he did not have the greatest of relationships with them by the sound in his voice. I certainly did not have good experiences with humans in my past, and would have reason to hate them if I hadn't long gotten over such feelings.
I stopped walking for a moment after hearing his next question. Now, there was a question that would be hard for me to answer. How much should I tell such a man? He already knew of my True State, though not what it really was. He had seen what I was and what I had been beforehand. Not many ever saw me in such a state. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the salt air, closing my eyes to let the sound of the crashing words, and the calls of various birds fill my ears. It would be best not to hide such a thing, he had placed quite a bit out in the open during the progress of this conversation. The only problem I truly had was explaining what it really was. It would be best for me to ease into it. I opened my eyes again and walked forward, turning back towards Visarett so to finally give some answer to his question after the prolonged question.
"Ah, what am I. Now, there's a question that has kept me up many a night. Well, to put it simply, I am Malgin. We're a species of humanoid creatures that hail from the planet Karash. I'm not exactly sure where the planet Karash is, or if it is even in this universe. I only know that much from books and firsthand accounts of our original home. I have no family, wife, or kids. I prefer to live alone, to tell the truth, though there are many who would love to change that. My father was a military man, so I've heard. And, as for my grandfather, he was a renowned scientist upon Karash. At least, these are all things I've read about."
I let out a slight chuckle and sighed, raking my gloved fingers through my hair.
"But, as for what I truly am...I am something beyond any Malgin..."
<You may no longer be truly like the others of your kind. But, you are still of your kind.>
Sometimes, it's hard to believe that.
I looked past my companion for a second and then smiled, focusing my eyes upon his.
"Tell me, Visarett. Have you ever heard of a concept called Forced Evolution?"
Wolfgang Visarett | Posted: 7/1/2004 10:45:35 PM
Amarouk stopped in his tracks at the term "forced evolution." He had heard of it, in his travels. Some species employed it to make themselves into what they desired, usually for power. The Hagasian employed a similar technique to create their "Cloakers," a Hagasian created from inception to be exactly like a target species while remaining completely like the mother species. It was something Amarouk avoided. In fact, the Gre'kuquen Confederation looked down upon the concept, believing it to be something only the weak did in hopes of attaining what the strong had. Amarouk knew himself to be strong, and his species wasn't employing any such techniques. His species was proud and arrogant, and Amarouk wondered if this was their singular praiseworthy feature, and their failure in that selfsame moment.
He opened his mouth to say something, then stopped, biting back a comment that would have been more than derogatory. Amarouk might have liked Alevek in a sense and had respect for him, but Alevek was not Vadasian, and Amarouk's xenophobia was deeply enough ingrained that it still held powerful sway over him in many moments in his life when dealing with others outside his species. He shook his head. "Those who employ such ideals are usually of a weaker nature, unable to face the fact that they are inferior," Amarouk said, his hatred evident in his voice, more than it had been when he had talked disdainfully of the Higherarchy of Command.
"I have heard of the technique, used to attain results that nature doesn't give readily. Disgusting thing, wretched." Amarouk turned an eye to Alevek wondering if he was alluding to something within himself. He felt no compunction to apoligize for his comment, either. He was more than entitled to his opinion, he knew that. And he felt doubly proud that he was holding back his native anger toward such things. The animalistic rage was already growing in the back of his mind, waiting for a moment to unhinge itself and let loose.
Amarouk again shook his head, resuming his previous pace. "I dispise "forced evolution." I have never agreed with it, nor its purposes. All it is truly meant for is the pursuit of power, which is probably why humans use it most often to "augment" their bodies. It is not something I or any of my species would do, either." He snickered. "To prideful. It is beneath ourselves to admit we are so weak as to require the augmentation of ourselves to perform on the galactic stage of life. We are not weak beings in need of a power boost. We are healthy, in our prime, with proud traditions and strength running through us. Our past is a glorious one; we have never faultered or flagged in our struggles."
It was pretty much a speech, but one Amarouk believed in whole-heartedly. He finally decided that the question in the air had to be asked. "I take it that you were yourself once forced, yes?" It was a question filled with a little contempt on Amarouk's part, but he couldn't keep it from his voice. The crash of the waves filled his ears as he strode. The scent of salt itched against the inside of his nostrils. "The sea is such a trivial thing. Encompasing so much with such power, and yet, when viewed from afar, it is such a weak thing relying on so many chains of molecules for that strength. But, aren't we all a sea? A wellspring of power waiting to be tapped?"
He walked in silence for several moments, his eyes staring ahead of him for a moment before shifting the stare at the ocean. Amarouk suddenly realized that he was hungry and wanted something to eat, yet he didn't fully trust the foods that might be prepared here. "Tell me, Alevek, are you hungry? If so, know of any place that might not upset the palate too much?" Amarouk narrowed his eyes. He didn't particularily want to go back to his ship and eat nutriant bars...
Duelist7783 | Posted: 8/27/2004 6:46:46 PM
Act I: Explorations and Meetings Upon an Odd Realm, Scene V: A Species Apart.
There was a wry amusement I had to hide while I listened to Visarett talk. He was obviously a proud man and one who believed in his species. It was an admirable trait in a sense. One should have faith in their species as it was the sole thing they could not change about themselves. I had to wonder at the attitude in general of the Vadasian species. If Visarett was at all an example at what the others thought of themselves as a whole, then I would imagine conflicts would eventually arise with each other, though not on a large scale. But, it wasn't truly the pride he had in his speech, but the hint of arrogance which brought my amusement. I could not blame him for being proud of his species, as I was proud of my own origin, though I never explicitly said it. But, the arrogance was an insight into his nature, and it too a bit of restraint to keep any hint of a mocking smile off my lips.
As I listened to Visarett continue his speech, I couldn't help but think how every sentient species seemed arrogant as a whole in some way. The Vadasian people were obviously proud in their traditions and believed themselves stronger than most any who could face them. The human species could be said to be much the same way. They believed that their species was superior to any others upon their planet, it wasn't true for all but definitely a trait inherited by many. They basked in their superiority and were always looking for a chance to prove it. But, it would by hypocritical if I thought my race was exempt to this. My soldiers all took pride in their species, believed themselves to be one of the best fighting units not only of their species but out of all the species they had met. The leaders of my home believed in keeping our race strong and held fast in any traditions we might have. It was something that looked to transcend species and race. I could have laughed at the notion of it all. Even though Visarett and I were of a completely different species that had never come in contact with each other, they still managed to share similar traits ad did we. Irony was a friend to many.
I couldn't help but pick up the hint of disdain in his voice as he posed his next question. And, at this point I couldn't hold back my amusement. I reared back my head and laughed, not a mocking laugh, but just simply a need to laugh at the absurdity of this situation. I lowered my head and shook it, my shoulders shaking as the last chuckles left my body. I then, met Visarett's eyes again, not showing the slightest hint of being insulted at the tone or nature of his question. The familiar amused smile upturned the corners of my mouth as I gathered my thoughts together. I liked the fact that this man could be so blunt with his questions and even less tactful in the manner he proposed. It was a pleasant departure from dealing with politicians who said many things in a tactful manner but ultimately said nothing at all. This was a rare occasion that I would have to relish. I was actually feeling a little bit glad that I had been chosen for this mission.
"All races are somewhat prideful. That would be the exact reason why the Malgin leadership had chosen to experiment with Forced Evolution ages ago. They took pride in their species as a whole and wanted to bring them to the full glory in which they saw in their minds. I would say it's pride in a different sense, a selfish sense. The governing body wanted to see their race eventually conquer and expand by whatever means possible."
I shook my head and laughed softly turning my head towards the sea once again.
"History is full of fools..."
I said the comment more to myself than to Visarett as I turned back towards him to give some form of answer to his inquiry. It was not easy to explain a thing which I did not have full knowledge of. And, there was a number of influences and circumstances which in a way interfered with yet helped the Forced Evolution process set in motion sometime ago. How does one explain oneself when they aren't sure what they truly are?
"It's an interesting question you pose. One that I'm not sure that I could answer with a simple yes or no. I guess you could say I was "forced", but that is not entirely truthful. My parents were originally part of the forced evolution experiment. After the revolution upon Karash, some chose to forcefully remove all tampering, some did not. Both of my parents chose to stay the way they were and thus I was born, in a natural way, from two artificially enhanced beings of my species. But, I'm sure I'm not the only child to be born from such parents. Which, I'm sure would make you wonder why there are not more of my unique appearance around. I can only say for now, there are certain unique circumstances which have brought me to my current state. So, in a way, I am not forced, a mere byproduct of evolution centuries or millenniums ahead of its time."
I looked out towards the sea and shrugged my shoulders, a futile gesture to myself.
"Not as simple as you would think, is it?"
I watched the waves ebb and recede from the shoreline over and over again as Visarett made his speech. I couldn't help but agree with him in a way. I had always admired the sea and the power of water in general. Maybe that was why the "Element" of water was the first I had killed, and also the in another usage of the word, the first magic skill I had acquired. The sea was truly a wondrous thing when one took the time to observe it. I turned towards Visarett at the mention of food and began to rub my chin in thought.
"Well, as part of a gesture of good faith and an exchange of cultures, the embassy I'm leading happened to bring along quite a bit of food that's native to my planet. Many of the meals are already prepared kept warm and fresh in storage in the back of my ship. If you wouldn't mind trying something from my home, I could provide something to eat. I'm sure my men would simply let a few boxes disappear when they ask for an invoice at home."
So, Divinence. Do you think I should ever get to the part of explaining you and your cheery companion?
<Let's not give out too much about ourselves until the time best suited for it.>
I agree. After all, I've given him so much to digest already.
