We Need a Deathworlder!

The shuttlecraft merges into another lane of flying traffic, passing by titanic pillars of inhabited structures. The magnitude is astonishing, easily housing millions in each. Even zipping between them at a blazing speed takes a while before the space between gives the passengers a visual break, revealing stacked glimmering grids of near endless transport crafts of many makes and models.

After a standard half hour the vehicle diverts off into a wall tunnel that leads right into one of the pillars. Although there are parking stations galore along the tunnel walls for vehicles to land or lock to, the craft continues deeper and deeper into the depths of the titanic structure within the already monumental station.

Simone reclines back watching as the flashes of lights flicker by, becoming almost entranced to the hypnotic pattern. Never in her life, did she expect to find herself in this place at any capacity. She doesn’t belong here among the elite, where everything looks spectacular and clean. That’s just it though, it isn’t. It’s dirty in its own way, she’s sure of it. The more spotless you want to make a place, the more clutter you need to store away. Then the more clutter you have, the more you’re going to try to hide it. Even if it means taking deals with devils, or becoming one. Politics at its finest.

“You look like you’re deep in thought.” Chak says softly as she leans against her Terran.

“Don’t panic. It happens sometimes.” Simone mumbles back with a smirk, still staring out at the flashing lights.

The Cali giggles as she reaches one of her lower arms up to fix a loose strand of her fiance's head fur.

“I believe we will succeed. In all of this, I truly do.” she says.

“Yeah?” Simone responds.

“You bet.” the Cali says, making the redhead chuckle and look down.

“Hey, that’s my line. You must really be confident. Fitting, this is much more your wheelhouse. I’ll do my best to not muck it up for ya.”

“Simone. I’m not confident because this is what I’m used to. That’s not much of a factor if I am to be completely honest. I’m confident because I have you here.”

The Terran’s eyes tilt over to the Cali with a raised tuft.

“Really? After all we’ve been through, you genuinely think I’m that much of an asset here? I’d get lost in a heartbeat without a Lens, and I’m not ever sure how to leave this station. My plan was to have us all make a plan when we got here. Let’s be real here Bo-peep, not only do I stick out like an infected thumb but I’m a complete fish outta water. Like you said, you’re the only one in your element here.” she points out, shrugging off the Cali’s perceived attempt to comfort her.

After a moment of considering her next words, Chak takes hold of Simone’s hand with hers.

“That’s exactly what I’m counting on.” she starts off before pausing to emphasize her seriousness, “I’m just another cog in this giant machine. It’s true I understand how to operate among them, but that’s not what we’re really here to do, is it? So… I change my mind and I say this without hesitation; I want Simone Thatch to do exactly what Simone Thatch is inclined to do. No matter what happens, I’m with you. And I trust you.” the princess finishes before pressing her forehead to Simone’s lovingly.

“You… might regret that.” the redhead mutters with her smirk returning, “Remember the mess I made on Kamoi? Or Vapor’Perna?”

“Oh, I do. I recall that those messes somehow got us another leap forward in achieving our goals. So mess-away, love. I can’t wait to see where we land next.” Chak says.

“Hate to interrupt ya lovebugs, but ‘looks like we’re nearing our endpoint.” Thorn notifies as he looks up from the front console, “T-minus two standard minutes.”

“Of course.” Chak nods and she refocuses on her garb, ensuring that it is tidy, “Although the security here is second to none, we cannot underestimate our foes.”

“We’ll secure the homebase, don’t ‘cha worry.” Thorn assures.

Simone looks back out the window to witness the exiting of the tunnel as they emerge into the very core of the massive pillar structure. It’s almost too much to fully take in. What must be hundreds of thousands of rings upon rings comprising stacked floors of commercial and public spaces rises up and sinks below almost endlessly. Although distant and not much more than vague movements of specks, the Terran sees species of nearly every kind intermingle and go about their lives. Predominantly those of Central species of course, but it’s still more than the redhead has ever seen in a given moment.

Simone can only see what must have been the inner rings around this navigational open core, and can only imagine how much more there is that isn’t seen beyond the mostly windowed core.

The craft then halts before rising vertically like an elevator. Its ‘nose’ aims itself towards the wall as its trajectory alters to a more diagonal movement almost as if it’s an inspecting pollinating insect.

Soon enough it finds its destination, stopping right in front of an opening diamond shaped door. This new tunnel that the princess and her entourage find themselves in is rather claustrophobic in comparison to the last one as the shuttle seems to only fit by design. Thankfully this final jaunt is short, as the craft comes to a full stop before rising up vertically through a ceiling access bay. A floor slides under the craft allowing it to finally rest and open up for the passengers to step out.

“Home-sweet-base.” Thorn mumbles as he steps out first, his cyan glowing eye scanning the space up and down.

“I’ll hook up to the local network and check things out there. If it’s clear I’ll implement our own security measures.” Devin notified as he stepped out next, “Someone grab my suitcase for me?”

Simone waits inside with Chak as the others drain out.

“So it’s like a personal garage situation? We’re already in the apartment?” the redhead asks to pass the time.

“Indeed. This craft will be available to take us to other pillars, but the transport system within the core is mostly regulated to walking, tube trains and omnidirectional elevators. Be sure to always have a map at the ready with your Lens.” the Cali responds, tapping the side of her own head with a lower limb.

“No need to tell me twice.” the Terran agrees before Brandy gives her the ‘all clear’ hand signal. Nodding back she gently pats Chak’s shoulder to stand.

The initial space around the parked shuttle is not remarkable, however the door and wall leading into the communal living space is opaquely transparent like a fogged glass.

Stepping through the doors a much clearer view of the fair sized circular space is revealed. Along the curved wall are doors presumably to bedrooms and lavatory facilities. In a specific segment ‘corner’ of the circle was a basic open kitchen and dining furniture layout. Troy was already raiding what is already stored there. Across from it on the opposing side is a convexed room with a desk seemingly for private meetings. Devin has set himself up there to operate his own operation. In the dead center of this space sat a circular couch that surrounds a holographic entertainment media system. The two Gratt splayed themselves on parts of the couch like cats that have always owned the place.

“Seems adequate. Though the ceilings are a bit higher than I’m used to.” Chak jests, nudging the redhead with a poke.

“I’m guessin’ this place is more of a jack-of-trades than the place we crashed in on Vapor? Not Cali-specific in mind at least?” Simone asks as they wander past the couch towards the back bedrooms for inspection.

“Deathworlder-class accommodations. I made sure to attain it with my current staff in mind.” Chak confirms as the two walk into a bedroom, which is an open design with the lavatory space. It’s complete with a larger-than-necessary ‘U’ shaped bed, clothing storage, floor tub, and private step in toiletries.

“Not bad. Almost wish the kids were here, they’d get a kick outta these beds.” Simone says as she falls back with her arms outstretched to give the cushioned sleep furniture a good ol’ fashioned test. To her surprise, instead of the more body-conforming material she’s used to, it proves to be a much more springy gel-like substance. She allows herself to bob a bit as she stares up at the ceiling in thought, just now noticing the air smells of a tart fruit. It’s rather pleasant, if not almost festive to the Terran’s mind.

“Oh, that’s for certain. Perhaps they will be able to come here with us one day.” Chak replies as she lays herself down next to the Terran with much more grace and care.

“Maybe. Though I doubt Jamie would be very welcomed.” Simone points out.

“Perhaps. But he would have a family here to protect him.” the princess says as she rolls to side-spoon Simone, “After we win of course.”

The redhead continues to stare up at the ceiling for a moment longer before replying.

“Hell yeah.” she whispers with a small smile. Having nothing to do but decompress, they lay there together for what must have been over an hour before a notifying singing note gently rings out.

“Someone’s at the front door.” Thorn calls out, “Unarmed. Looks like a welcome party.”

Chak squeezes her Terran tightly before pushing herself off the bed and up into a standing position.

“Inform them that I’ll be right there! And so it begins.” the Princess says as she assumes her more dignified posture, “Care to join me, love?” she inquires as the Terran sits up.

“Sure thing… but you might want to cool it a bit with the ‘love’ stuff hun. Don’t want people freaking out around you.” Simone responds as she stands.

Chak turns and helps Simone once again straighten her uniform out.

“I’ve come to a decision regarding that, actually. If you are open to it, I’d rather not downplay our relationship. I love you with the intention of marrying you, and I have no reason to even partially hide that fact.” she says as she reaches up to fix the Terran’s fur once again.

Simone lifts an eye tuft, trying to cover from her cheek flushing red.

“Really? You sure about that?”

“Absolutely. Besides, I already declared my love for you on that conspiracy podcast. We will be inundated with questions regardless, so might as well lay it out as it is. Certainly, I will be judged, but at least it will keep the speculative rumors over the otherwise ambiguity to a minimum. We will of course keep Jamie’s existence a secret until we feel it necessary to reveal him.” Chak says as she takes hold of the Terran’s face.

“But… what about your people? Shouldn’t we at least pretend to show the possibility for you to traditionally assume the throne? The Cali are still Central members right? We’d need as much ‘legitimacy’ as possible, right?” Simone asks, a bit fluttered by the Cali’s tender motions.

“I want this…” Chak nearly whispers as she presses herself up against the Terran lovingly, “No more running, and no more hiding. I’ve always pursued what I want, but this time I will stand for it.” she adds as she takes the Terran by the hips and kisses her.

Pulling away slightly, Simone peeks through her nearly sealed eyes.

“I ever tell you that you somehow just keep getting hotter?” she whispers in a growl.

“Oh? I must have you to thank for that. The more I’m around you, the more inspired I become…” Chak replies.

“Then we oughta be careful, we might make an infinite feedback loop and never get anything done.” The redhead jokes.

“Were it so easy…” the Cali utters before giving her love another deep kiss and stepping away “Let’s go. We have politicians to play nice with.”

“R-ahem-right.” Simone affirms as she clears her throat and follows.

The two join up with Thorn and the Gratt at the entrance door.

“We introduce us too?” Meeki asks, “Much important here, yes?”

“It would be more than appropriate.” Chak confirms before looking for two missing Terrans.

“Sent ‘em on a recon trip while Devin works his magic.” Thorn assures as if reading the Cali’s mind.

“Oh. I see. Very well then, shall we?” Chak says with a bounce.

Nodding, Thorn takes lead and opens the door to a hallway with cushioned seats lining the walls. Standing from a resting position, a quadrupedal non-deathworld species presents themselves.

Simone immediately recognizes them as a Scaff; a large headed, four eyed arachnid-amphibian species that more often hops than walks with their frog-esk rear legs and sharp blade-like front limbs.

From the back of their shoulders they have an additional pair of manipulator arms with two long digits each. Their mouth consisting of nine chelicerae-like structures opens and produces a voice of incredibly rapid clicks. To Simone It kinda resembles the effect of if she spoke through a spinning bladed fan.

“Greetings Princess Chakalata’Motaas. I am Qwepi, your assigned diplomatic agent for your stay. It is my duty to arrange your proceedings. If there is any need to contact another official for business or if you wish to participate in any delegation matters, you may declare so through me and I’ll handle arrangements.”

“Your service is appreciated, Qwepi. But this is the first time that I’m aware of where the assigned agent has come in person to announce themselves. Tell me, why has this not been directed to me via message?” The princess replies with a hint of sterness.

The naturally hunched figure hops forward a bit, though the direct stares of the four imposing Deathworlders does seem to cause a bit of nerves to surface.

“W-well you see, Princess… the Central agency acknowledges the sensitive nature of your presence and is preferring to keep correspondence with your name attached to it to a minimum. Of course with said sensitive nature being a factor I understand any scrutiny you may hold, so if you wish to verify my identity and legitimacy I can send someone under your charge everything they’ll need.” Qwepi offers before his graspers tap the Lens above his higher right eye.

“Please do so. You can send him the relevant information we’ll need.” Chak responds as she motions a lower arm towards Thorn.

“Already acquired everything necessary ma’am. He’s legit.” the older Terran informs.

“Oh, excellent. Very well Qwepi, I’m certain that means we have the necessary contact information in order to call upon you once we are settled.” Chak lightly dismisses.

“With all due respect, Chakalata’Motaas. There are outstanding concerns from the Central agency that I’ve been tasked with clarifying. Interest in maintaining public safety you see. So if you could spare the immediate time, I have some inquiries that once answered may help expedite proceedings with your involvement.” Qwepi presses.

“Very well, you have your time.” Chak grants, her lower arms hooking together.

“Thank you, your majesty. Now, the most pressing topic is regarding your… staff. We have verified the identity of all but… the older male Terran standing with us here. And the other Terrans under your charge have… shall we say not the most lawful of pasts. Are they necessary to be present-” the Scaff starts before being cut off by a raised lower Princess limb.

“Are any of my security detail under arrest, agent Qwepi?” she asked sharply.

“Ahh… no your majesty. There’s just concerns that-”

“Then they are necessary. As you know my own safety is imperative to not only my interests, but to our Central hosts. Every Terran accompanying me are trusted allies to the royal family. The true royal family. And I fully accept responsibility for their presence and actions while on this station.” Chak asserts.

Clearly not quite satisfied with that answer, Qwepi moves on.

“Very well… then to another concern… You are aware that the bounty placed on your life is well known, but do you understand that Central’s protections are limited in preventing any harm befalling you? You will be provided the utmost care, but there can be no guarantee that you will be safe at any given moment.” the Scaff asks.

“That’s what the Terrans are for, agent Qwepi.” Chak simply responds, tilting her horned head from side to side, “I arrived here fully aware of the fact that my safety is in question.”

“Right. Understood. Now I can see I’m testing your patience, but I have one more concern to bring up. The Gratt. You have them listed as security, yet their people’s integration into the Central Galactic Community is still pending. May you please send me their payment records?” Qwepi requests, sounding relieved to nearly be finished.

“Of course. I have established proper linked banking accounts that only they have access to as well. Unlike my father I would not turn to indentured servitude.” Chak replies as she activates her Lens and forwards the requested records, “I hope your superiors find the pay rate more than reasonable, they are protecting the last living member of the Cali royal family after all.”

“Wonderful. Before I go, is there anything I can start organizing for you? I understand that the Gratt ambassador is hoping to meet with their kin. Since you are directly involved with them being here it should be of no issue to arrange.” Qwepi offers.

“Oh… that…” Chak considers as she looks to the Gratt couple beside her, both trying and failing to hide their hope, “...would be wonderful. I know my Gratt staff would be grateful for the opportunity as well.”

“Very good. I’ll notify you through your security of a time and place as soon as I’m able. Until then, thank you for sharing your time.” Qwepi dismisses himself before hopping down the hallway to the proper exit.

“Much thanks Chak!” Meeki says once the agent fully leaves.

“I wouldn’t hold you two away from your people like that. Though… we will have to decide how involved they will be with our current task. The minimum we need from them is for us to sit in during their meeting with the Terran president.” Chak replies.

“I ask… limit involvement. Gratt people can’t suffer in case this go bad.” Nodrin inputs.

Thorn’s non-mechanical eye then shoots open as he receives incoming intel.

“It might already be getting bad…” he said before running down the hall at a breakneck pace.

“What!? Thorn!” Simone shouted after him.

“Take the shuttle! Forwarding situation!” the old man replied before disappearing out the exit.

“You heard him.” Simone directed, leading the three others back into the apartment in a rush.

“Need suit!?” Meeki asks as she lunges for one of her suitcases.

“I don’t-” Simone starts to respond before Thorn’s context message comes to her, “Grab it, change in the shuttle! We need to go, now! Devin!?” she turns to the network room so see the man alternating between hard light panels.

“I’ll hold the fort. Alert messages to the authority forces ware actively being blocked and local units had been diverted to another innocent. Guessing it’s part of the setup too. Just go, I'll do what I can!” he replies.

“I’ll stay too.” Chak notifies, as she opens her luggage suitcase, “I don’t like the idea of leaving Devin here alone, especially since I think we’re expected to all leave.”

Simone paused for a moment as the Gratt piled in the shuttle with their luggage.

“This is all a trap…” she realized.

“Yes, so let us act accordingly. We can’t all go to one place and also can’t let the Gratt ambassador come to any harm. Go, love. They’ll need you.” Chak orders with a nod of her head, locking eyes with her fiance.

It is the duration of a single heartbeat, but to Simone and Chak it may as well have lasted for hours. They are too far away from each other to embrace again in case this is the last moment they share. They will just have to trust in one another that it won’t be.

“Be safe! Be careful!” Simone calls out as she turns away and settles into the pilot seat.

“You too!” Chak’s voice responds just before the shuttle door seals and the shuttle drops into the tunnel.

“What happening?” Nodrin asks as they start to fit on their power armor.

“Troy and Brandy discovered that an armed group of Mikks mercenaries are on their way to assassinate the Gratt Ambassador before we could meet up. They are taking the engineer access tunnels and are closing in.” Simone briefs as she manually rushes the vehicle out the tunnel, causing it to bump and scrape before finding the open core. Tilting up, she floors it towards the coordinates provided by Thorn.

This info sends the Gratt into a frenzy, suiting up faster than any of their previous practice attempts. Once they finish they double-check the other’s work.

“Think they attack apartment too?” Meeki says in concern.

“Hope not. But if they do Chak and Devin will handle it. They’ll handle it.” Simone says more to herself than the Gratt, “Get ready. We’re gonna dock a bit rough-” she adds before the vehicle shakes in a violent shutter.

“We dock already!?” Meeki asks in confusion.

“Nope…” Simone utters before spinning the vehicle in a tight rotation as it ascends towards its destination. However this maneuver proves in vain as whoever just landed on their shuttle stabs a red superheated crystal blade through the roof.

The Gratt chitter in high pitched growls as another blade comes down, unsure of what to do. Finally at the correct ring floor, Simone grits her teeth at her incoming idea.

“Fuck! Hang on!” the redhead bellows as she twists the shuttle upside down and smashes the roof against the landing pad floor. The shuttle screeches in protest as it grinds in a course spin. The red blade carved their way back out in a violent thrash, along with the bastard that owned them.

In a jostle and skip the vehicle rolled up on its side as it came to a full stop. Dazed and bruised but otherwise fine Simone presses down on the emergency override to force open the doors, which only manages to scrape open halfway. Thankfully it’s enough for even her large frame to slip out of.

“Okay Simone?” Nodrin speaks up.

“Yeah, regret not grabbing my suit but here we are. Get out and see if that fucker is still kicking.” she commands as she orientates herself in place.

Without another word the Gratt scurry out before her.

“Alive and angry!” Meeki shouted almost immediately.

“Great…” the Terran utters before lifting herself out of the wreck’s door.

Standing with a haggard limp a masculine shaped Darth Mcfucknugget pushes through the inflicted damage towards the three.

Meeki’s green tail and arm blades ignite and she lunges from the high ground.

The cyborg’s arms ignite to meet hers, swiftly deflecting her initial attack and slamming his leg into her side. Meeki flies free from the impact and crashes into a nearby wall, leaving a significant dent before collapsing to the ground. Before the cyborg can take a step towards her, Nodrin is over her in a defensive stance with their purple blades at the ready.

“Hey!” Simone shouts from atop the wreckage, “Who’s behind that mask, huh? One of the other bitches I put down?”

The cyborg surprisingly diverts its full attention to her, ignoring the Gratt’s existence.

Meeki thankfully seems to recover when Nodrin helps her back up.

“Go guys! I got this one!” Simone orders as the cyborg starts to limp towards her position.

“But-” Nodrin starts before Meeki tugs at them to go.

“Your ambassador needs you more than me!” Simone reasons, “I put one of these fucks down before I can do it again!”

“She doesn’t have armor dearest! We can’t jsut leave!” Nodrin speaks to their bondmate.

“Trust her, love. The ambassador is too important, not just for our plan, but for the very stars themselves.” Meeki replies through her pained gritted teeth as she pulls on Nodrin again.

With another moment of hesitancy, Nodrin concedes and dashes away with their bondmate as fast as their augmenting power armor allows.

Sighing in relief, Simone brandishes her hilt and erupts it to life in its emerald green.

“It’s over, Fucknugget! I have the high ground!” she announced with a smug toying grin.

To this, the cyborg jolted forward with a thunderous kick with his least-damaged leg at the overturned shuttle. With incredible force the vehicle slides back and off the edge of the landing pad. Descending down the core in corkscrewing spirals until it disappears from sight.

With just enough of a reaction time, Simone leaps off to the side. She rolls as she hits the ground and in a fluid motion sends herself back up into a standing position.

“Okay… so not a prequel fan? That narrows it down.” she jests, keeping her weapon’s superior reach between her and the cyborg.

Almost as if to amuse her, the opponent’s arms click and separate into four narrower crystal bladed arms.

“Dude! You can’t do that! That’s just fuckin’ straight up plagiarism!” Simone scoffed in a near-laugh, realizing her reach may now not mean a whole lot.

No longer in the mood to prolong this engagement, the cyborg lurches forward.

-

“I’ve been locked out of the tunnel doors!” Devin notifies as he abandons his station to start digging out more of his own defensive gear.

A fully armored Chak takes position in one of the bedroom doorways, her trusty smuggled pulse rifle up at the ready. Unfortunately her suspicions were proven true.

It’s then the lights all die out into pitch darkness. However her helmet’s system compensates for it immediately, allowing her to witness a single dark figure leap up from the shuttle tunnel and land right by the fogged wall and door.

Cranking the pulse rifle output to its absolute max, Chak readies herself for what’s to come next. A silent message then comes to her from Devin to her Lens.

“Got eyes. If you’re staying I need you to cover me. Wait for the fireworks,”

“Understood. Not leaving.” she responds.

Devin, only having head and chest armor adorned, rolls out a handful of silent marble sized balls towards the fogged door as the dark figure breaks the lock. He then takes hold of a rectangular device with a grip in his right hand and readies himself.

The fogged door is then easily forced open, granting access to a cloaked figure.

“Surrender peacefully. No harm will befall you, Princess.” a clearly automated artificial feminine voice declares from the individual.

Chak’s trigger claw twitches, but she keeps her composure and waits for her Terran companion to make the first move.

The figure steps further in, taking notice of the marbles around them. With a gentle kick, she rolls one away to no effect.

“You have been watching too much Terran media, Princess.” the automated voice speaks out again. Although there's no vocal inflections, the intruder actually seemed amused by the childlike attempt to boobytrap the space, “My son loved those movies too. But they are complete fiction, Princess.”

The intruder walks in further, seeming to look directly at Chak’s location.

A single short red crystal blade ignites out from under the cloak, reflecting the black metal that consisted of the cyborg’s body.

“Last chance, Princess.”

Chak starts to panic as the memory of Sam attacking her and Simone strikes through her mind. Simone struggled in that fight, and that was with her power armor.

There is no way they can win against this new cyborg if she is at all comparable to Sam’s abilities.

It’s then Chak receives one more message before Devin dashes into action;

“Call me Kevin McCallister ;)”