Tech-Support

[Embri]

Embri shivers and blows hot air against Angel's hand, leaning into her brushstrokes. Closing her eyes in contented pleasure, she listens to Angel explain.

~Up...side. We're down. That explains why there's no outside... only caves and tunnels.~ Embri nods slowly.

~And... why I can't talk anymore... I'm not the same. Looking for an item... for me ... You mean the stuff that's against my skin?~ Embri absently nibbled on one of the power connectors, feeling around it with her lips.

~Who did you meet topside?~ The mare turns her golden amber eyes to look at Angel.

[Geohevy]

{{Mind if I join in?}}

*Rataka circled the planet, running preliminary scan on th planet. He waited, undetected within the cockpit of the Merciless, his small fighter craft and home. Having the onboar computer, Altair, sift through all the data, he became bored. Suddenly Altair brought to his attention a system of tunnels deep beneath the planets surface. Intrigued, he looked through the diagrams, and deciding their target could be hiding there, he commanded Altair to land at the entrance of the tunnel system. However, on his way down, he was contacted.*

"Ship Merciless and pilot, state your business here!"

"We are simply here to capture a fool who has crossed the Photik government."

"I'm sorry," replied the government drone, "but your landing will not be permitted."

"I am Rataka, and am a licensed bounty hunter, designation 5499-023. I am permitted to land by the Intergalactic Bounty Hunting Guild, and my position within said guild!" Said Rataka, annoyed.

"Very well then," sighed the drone.

*Landing near an entrance to the tunnel system, Altair questione Ratak as to how they would enter.*

"Simple, use the torpedo to blast a hole here, and extend the treads. Follow the tunnels until we reach that base."

"Yes sir!" Altair replied, limitlessly obediant.

*Following a long trek, Rataka reached a large base set inside the tunnel.*

"Yu know the drill, Altair; Blast our way in, search for the bounty, and harm no one or nothing. If they resist we try to reason; if they refuse to reason, destroy them all."

[Micka]

The doctor sighed as he made his way to his last patient. It had been a very busy night. Pushing aside the curtain, he began to run a scanner over the young man's body, glancing occationally at the armed guards that had insisted on staying.

"A prisoner, is he?" The doctor asked casually.
"No sir." replied one of the guards.

Frowning as he looked over the scans results, the doctor continued he questioning. "So who is he then?"
"Your guess is as good as ours, he just kind of, 'appeared' in the command center."
"That so? Well, vital signs are normal, he's suffered some heavy bruising, has a slight concussion, and seems to have been exposed to some low level radiation. Let me know if he wakes up." With that, the doctor left again, confident that this patient was in no immediate danger.

[Angel]

((gah! from orbit to the centre of a heavily fortified base in a single post... isn't it self evident that a rebel base would have a few more defences than you can stroll past!? an entire high-tech army couldn't get in! [/rant]

no i don't mind if you join, but please be reasonable about your entrance. ))

*she pushes Embri's nose away gently so she can get at her neck*
~yeah, except it was for your wings, *she taps on the crystal* hey, don't chew those!

he called himself Joutei, he's a nobleman in the upper city and as corrupt as they come. he collects animals and people too, especially ones with magical origin. some how magical energy doesn't work in this world but that doesn't stop him from searching out those with the capacity.

*she sighs heavily* they have very primitive warp technology so maybe he is planning an invasion or something, i don't know, maybe he's just sick. anyway, he captured me, i was off balance from losing my abilities and pretty insane from having you asleep all the time so i didn't put up much of a fight.

they did things to me and i couldn't do anything to stop them... Joutei wants a super soldier so he's messing around with people, blending genes with animals, making hybrids. there are at least six people out there with my wings or speed or some other trait that he wants. since he deemed me already physically "perfect" he wanted to use me as.. *she shudders and trails off, just quietly brushing for a while.* he never found out about you though, a minor blessing. the people here want the same thing as i do, Joutei's death.

~~~~~~~~

*on a console measuring seismic activity a light begins to flash, then another. a report comes in from the north gate of a strange ship hauling its way through the corridors. a lieutenant-colonel radio's it in the hope that it isn't a government vessel.*

*hisss...csskh* unidentified vessel, please state your allegiance, name and purpose. if you do not comply you will be assumed to be an enemy and will be destroyed. over. *csskh*

[Cirrial]

Joutei sat as still as granite in his richly appointed monitoring room, chin resting on one fist in a classic pose of contemplation. With a sigh, he filed away the video shots, all except one - the last images from Liearia's cranial implants.

A blurry figure, half obscured by equine legs stared back at him, too indistict to make out any defining features save one - unmistakable black and white wings. Wings he would recognize anywhere.

My onaga... my little magpie ... so, you live still.

The city lord spoke quietly to no one in particular, though a dark shadow roused and detached itself from the wall at the sound of his voice. A huge muscular animal slinks around the side of his chair, settling down at her master's feet. Joutei drops one hand to fondle the ears of the white and black striped beast, a slow smile spreading across his face.

What do you think, Toranoko? Today is a very good day indeed; a new treasure found, and an old treasure to regain.

He rose as last from his throne, padding barefoot across the thickly carpeted floor to a set of ebony-inlaid doors, richly carved. They opened soundlessly at his touch, folding outwards to reveal Joutei's most prized possessions; his collection.

He strides down the corridor, pausing occasionally to inspect a console or admire one of his treasures. His path is lined on either side by large glass enclosures, each containing a miniature habitat and one of the City Lord's prized animals. Toranoko walks beside him, her huge furry paws making no sound as the tigress follows a few steps behind, her jeweled collar twinkling from the bright overhead lights.

Only the prettiest of Joutei's treasures are displayed here, like rare gems. He eyes them lovingly, delighted as always by the majesty of the white wolf, the emerald sheen across the scales of the dragon, the splendid plumage of a scarlet parrot.

The end of the corridor looms all too quickly, and Joutei steps into the elevator beyond. It glides downward many floors before stopping. Here is a very different place than the zoo above... dozens of scientists work quietly and efficiently at their tasks, not even glancing up at Joutei-san's arrival. He walks among them, with an occasional question and immediate reply. A bellow breaks the peaceful atmosphere, and the City Lord frowns, striding towards the back of the lab.

He enters one of the containment areas, observing from the balcony. Below, half a dozen soldiers are trying unsuccessfully to secure their charge. The prisoner snarls, lashing out with long claws. One of the guards screams, clutching his mangled arm.

"That is ENOUGH, Genkai! koshiwoorosu!"

The prisoner reacted immediately, hunkering down on all fours with a whimper.

"Much better... I see you have yet to break the compulsions. So much the better." Joutei climbs down the stairs, eyes fixed on the cowering prisoner. "Restrain him." He instructs the remaining guards, who quickly shackle the prisoner's limbs and neck.

Joutei regards the male in front of him, chained to the floor. Glossy black, furry ears lay low against his slightly elongated skull, and a lupine tail is tucked firmly between his legs.

"Genkai, did I not treat you well?" Joutei feigned a hurt appearance. "You scorned my hospitality, after all that work I put into you. I'm very disappointed. However, I will give you an opportunity to make it up to me. I know you have been aiding the Rebels. Tell me about the one they call ... Angel."

[Nasari]

((Can I join as a member of the Rebels?))

A young, round-bellied female Ormag staggered thorugh the tunnels, looking for a safe place. She found an underground spring seeping out of a wall, and lay down next to it.

Suddenly her breathing became labored. She fisted her tentacle-hands in the dirt, tears of pain seeping out of her eyes, and wailed loudly.

"AAAAAUUUUUGGHH!"

[Embri]

((Of course Nasari, you're welcome, as is anyone else, to join either the Rebels or the Citylords, or just free agent yourself.

Just avoid walking straight into the Rebel Command and Control unless you're a member of the Rebels or an ally. Poor Angel is getting a tad annoyed at all the instant "guests"... ))

[Geohevy]

{{I don't mean to be rude, but I don't recall ever saying that Rataka (or the Merciless) ever entered the base. He was in the tunnels when my post ended. In fact, Rataka does not even know the base is inhabited; all he knows is that his target is probably in there.}}

"Unknown base, I demand that you let me enter. I am a bounty hunter, and I have reason to believe you are harboring a criminal of my native planet," said Rataka through the Merciless's external intercom. He wondered if whatever sapient beings inside thought that the ship was the one saying this; if they were Humans, they would have a habit of doing stupid things.

{{not saying the bounty is a Photophoid, just commited some crimes there (it seems I have to explain everything .)}}

Altair quickly became bored, as usual. "Wanna play some solitiare?" he asked Rataka.

"How can it be solitiare if we're both playing?"

"I don't care, just do something! I'm bored out of my hull!"

"It's been five minutes. I think you can wait a little longer."

[Angel]

((dont worry, that comment wasnt aimed specificaly at you, *glares at GBE* sorry for getting tetchy.))

*the luitenant-colonel winces, this could be complicated. the Rebel movement has a strict "dont ask, dont care" policy towards criminals since most of the members have commited crimes against the local authorities. he boots the old radio system and it hisses into action again*

*cssskh..* am i correct in assuming that you are not in the pay of the government of this planet but that of your own? if this is the case please exit your ship by the barrier, it will be guarded for our safety and its own, and we can talk terms. it is not our way to persecute our people for crimes commited here or elsewhere. we would be willing to settle the bounty if it is reasonable and the criminal is on this base. *csk*

*he clicks the radio off and rubs his head, he has recently been promoted and he dosent quite know if he's cut out to make decisions like this.*

[Geohevy]

"Yes, you are correct in assuming I am payed by my native government. Or at least, anyone who will pay. Maybe even you. I will exit my ship shortly; Altair gets so bored, so I need to find something to occupy his time..." said Rataka.

"Do any of your guards like to play solitaire?" said Altair enthusiastically.

"Altair, I doubt it," said Rataka, the megaphone deactivated. "Altair, I'll be using my battle armor. I don't trust these rebels. If I need any help, I'll send you an emergency signal. Don't dawddle!"

"Yes sir!" said Altair. This was probably what Altair said most.

"Maybe I'll bring you back some taqitoes," Rataka said. "But only if your good. No killing these people."

"Okee dokee."

*Fully clad in his bio-armor (simialar to Samus Aran's power suit, but at the point in Photophoid history this takes place, in which they have reached intergalactic travel, all of their technology is organically grown.), Rtaka hops from the cockpit and walks to the base.*

"If my bounty is inside here, and you do not let me retreive him, you understand I will have to be payed... copiously."

[Embri]

*she pushes Embri's nose away gently so she can get at her neck*
~yeah, except it was for your wings, *she taps on the crystal* hey, don't chew those!

The mare desists chewing on the power couplings with a snort, flicking her ears back. ~Itchy~ She sends. ~Itchy sore inside~

Embri pulls up one hoof, resting while she listens to Angel's account of the events that led up to the here and now. Her head droops sadly.

~I was... asleep. Poor ashke, all alone...~ Embri nuzzles her heart sister fondly.

~Joutei sounds bad... very bad. He sent the attackers? The ones in the tunnel. Mwurrr...~ The mare stiffens as she senses Angel's thoughts behind her outwardly evasive words. She pulls snippets of images from their link, flying through some of her sister's experiences at Joutei's hands. A shiver runs down the length of Embri's neck. Breeding. He's breeding his own hybrids...

Embri shakes herself out a bit, feeling much better for being clean once again. ~Thank you, ashke. Are we still in danger? I will fight!~ She stomps her hoof for emphasis.

[Cirrial]

"It hurts me to see you like this, Genkai... I raised you to be so much more." Joutei sighed.

"I won't tell you anything!" Silverstreak half growled, half whimpered.

"You always were stubborn. Thankfully, I bred that out of your line. You should see the latest litter; beautiful whelps." The Citylord walked over beside the wolf hybrid, crouching down. Silverstreak leaned away from his presence.

"Tarumu" Joutei whispered, a slight smile crossing his face as the shackled male went slack and glassy eyed. "Now, tell me what I want to know." He grilled Genkai for several hours, leaving only once he was satisfied there was nothing more to learn. There was one thing that puzzled the overlord... Genkai knew nothing of the unicorn. Was it that well hidden, or newly arrived? Another mystery to unfold.

"Joutei-sama? What would you like done with him?" One of the lab assistants bowed hastily.
"Send him to the Pits. His genetics are inferior, though the intelligence is commendable. Collect samples. We have better live studs already." He dismissed the scientist with a wave of his hand.

Joutei headed for his favorite part of the laboratory, the nursery. Dim, soothing lighting in calm blue bathed the rows of chambers, each attended by a worker caring for the young creatures within. He paused next to a clutch of dragon eggs, caressing the smooth shells. The newest litter of wolves caught his eye. Three of them, all male of course. Genetic engineering had it's perks.

The next room was segmented into individual holding pens for the breeding livestock, both animal and hybrid. He spent little time here, for the female breeders were alters, or tamed as the scientists preferred. The Citylord regretted the necessity, but too many of his laboratory staff had been sustaining injuries to maintain efficiency. He spared them barely a glance, for they were good for only one thing now - producing offspring.

A third massive room loomed beyond, down another elevator shaft and through several security checkpoints. Here was the heart of his kingdom, his greatest projects. The one which had spawned Genkai was only one of many. There, on the left were the Dogs, augmented canines. On the right, a less successful project currently working with dragon spawn.

The largest project, however, taking up more than half the floor and workrooms was the hybrid soldier project. Joutei regretted the early loss of his little magpie, for she had been intended as the cornerstone of the recon strain. Lips compressed into a thin line, he studied three large tanks, each holding an immature clone - females with white and black wings.

I want her back. I will have her back. My onaga's loss set back the project by at least five years.

He studied the young creatures in the tanks, the only survivors of countless hundreds that were started.

I will be patient. But not too patient. Let the Dogs have a few more days. If they fail . . . The new morphs will get their first taste of war.

[Angel]

~it wasnt so bad, not once i found my way here anyway. they're good people and you where always there in a way, behind glass.~

*she drops the brushes back in their box and nuzzles Embri back, burrying her face in her warm mane.*

~yeah, it was him. this little orginisation makes him look bad, we cause as much trouble as we can and he tests his little pets on us. there are a couple of escapees of his around... but i think we're ok now, they're retreating, probably discussing what to make of you!~ *she grins and hugs Embri's neck*

~eww.. i think its my turn for a "rub down"... this stuff is gross.~ *she tugs at her matted hair which is full of lab-gel from her tank* ~not to mention a change of clothes. i've still got an hour before i go back on duty, plenty of time for a hot shower!~ *she smiles, oddly light for someone who has just told of a disturbing experience*

[Nasari]

Another wave of terrible agony washed over Reyeka, causing her to scream again. She needed help, she could not do this on her own.

Gasping, she calledout for aid.

"HEEEEEEELLLLP!"

[Somefreakoverthere]

Andria's head snapped upwards,her ears laid back against her head. She had once been called Linda, but couldn't remember that. She had been working on the main message server when she'd heard Reyeka's scream.

"You two keep working, I'm going to go see whats up."

She told them quickly while she activated her shield. What had remainded of Freya had died when she was forcefuly teleported to the weird planet, letting her and her borg half work together. She couldn't remember her name, what had happened or why she was there, but could remember that she was a good mechanic.

Both of her hands and both of her legs were metal, and around her right eye was a lump of metal that looked slightly like a cresant moon. She had a large scar going from her left shoulder down her arm from when she'd escaped the test lab in which she'd been kept and every time she fell asleep she saw it all happen again in her head.

Ears still laid back, Andria silently walked along the tunnels with her Phazer set on "Stun". She had trained with it for two hours a day for the past three mounths and sure, she didn't have pinpoint skills but hey, who did?