Page 10 of Uncovered By the Alien Commander
“Useless they’re bringing a new ship with them, I doubt it.” A sigh escapes me as I observe the bullet-like dents. “Who in the void would even risk hyper speed in this heap of junk?”
As if in response, the hiss of the docking hatch door pierces the air. The three of us leap back out of the way as the arcweave ramp extends out to clang upon the black polished hanger floor. A tall, broad Argorian beams down at us from the docking hatch. The plasma rifle slung over his back draws my eyes.
“That weapon might be worth more credits than the ship,” I muse, murmuring.
“Welcome friends!” The Argorian claps his hands together, his face beaming, as he marches down the ramp alongside a Jungarian female, her brown fur offset by a prominent scar across her face, lending her a fierce demeanor despite her smallness.
But only the plasma rifle poses a threat to us. “When does the proper ship arrive?” I ask, my voice dripping with disdain.
The Argorian reacts well, his expression unchanged, while the female’s golden eyes narrow, a hint of fangs being exposed.Oh, she is touchy.
“You have a sense of humor! I like that,” The Argorian remarks with a deep bow, his long coat with oversized lapels billowing in the light breeze. “I am Captain Kaanus of the Mutalisk’s Hammer!” He declares with a dramatic tone, extending a flowing arm towards the ship with a flourish. Impressive, but wasted on the abandoned wreck. “And this lovely female is my co-pilot and navigator, Hyanxa.” She gives the faintest of nods.
I tower over the pair, peering down. “You promised me the finest ship in this galaxy, Kaanus. What you deliver is a heap of scrap,” I accuse, my voice firm, glaring into his milky-white eyes.
Kaanus grins, the blue tint of his gray scales simmering. “Looks can deceive friends, a trick, a mirage to lull my enemies into a false sense of security,” he retorts.
Noroth scoffs, “The only trick here is this charade you’re performing now,” he says, heat in his voice as he gestures to the ship. “An Argorian class C transport ship second generation.” He turns to Kaanus with a smirk. “Might be the oldest ship in the galaxy.”
Kaanus shows no sign of doubt or offense to his credit. “You know your ships, soldier. But this is a modified class C transport, upgraded with a fourth-generation Elerium hyperdrive and reinforced arcweave exterior.” He turns, reaching up to rap the hull. “I replaced the old thrusters myself, too. Gutted out all the old circuits with new polysynth boards.” He throws open his arms. “Like I said, looks can be deceiving.”
“This heap of junk really has a fourth-generation Elerium hyperdrive?” I ask, my voice laced with skepticism. At least the ship will be fast, if it can hold together.
“Of course. Follow me and I’ll show you.” He and the female turn back up the ramp, as I shrug at Noroth before following thepair. We emerge through the docking hatch into a cargo hold brimming with wooden crates and barrels. No doubt this captain indulges in trade, and maybe some smuggling.
“What about shields and weapons?” I call over the Captain’s shoulder.
“No shields, but as I mentioned, thick reinforced arcweave plating. Our weapons. Two twin-mounted railgun placements, and two missile launchers loaded with fusion reactor warheads,” he responds, his voice proud and back straight.
But I’m not impressed. “Those kinds of calibers would do little against plasma shielding,” I state, my tone flat as I look around the cargo room to see a large Barlyxian near the entrance.
“With all due respect, friend. You’re familiar fighting on advanced Scythian warships. My Mutalisk’s Hammer is more than adequate,” Kaanus counters with a smooth confidence.
Maybe he has a point?I’m expecting too much from civilian-class ships. With the modern Elerium engine on such a small vessel, speed will be our greatest strength.
Passing through the door, the bare chested green Barlyxian bristles. “Pfft. Only two arms,” he spits in a loud, deep voice, sending saliva spraying onto my face.
Fury erupts within me like a boiling river of blood at such an offense. Without hesitation, I shove the Barlyxian into the metal wall with a mighty push; the room vibrates as he crashes against it with a thud. I peer down at my attacker as he steadies himself with his four arms spread against the wall. A dumb smile creeps across his lips.This one is either a fool or has a death wish.
Kaanus rushes to stand before me, hands in a placating gesture. “Quad is a simple giant. He’s harmless,” he says in a rush, concern etched on his expression. “Apologize at once, Quad!” He demands with a hint of rage he has kept well-hidden till now.
I wipe the simpletons’ phlegm from myself, studying this fleshy Quad who appears more bemused than hostile. My fists unclench as my rage lessens at the sight of him. “What? I state facts,” Quad brushes himself off as he approaches, a big grin on his face. “You have two, I have four.” He flexes, showing no small amount of muscle.
Beside me, Noroth laughs at the strange sight. No doubt thinking the same as me, that Quad pales compared to us. “Very good. More hands for wiping your ass,” I mock, smiling down at Quad, before nodding towards Kaanus for him to continue.
“Not wiping, but bashing!” Quad bellows after us, but I’ve already turned to leave the cargo hold.
“Ignore Quad,” Kaanus says with a sigh. “I know I try to.” We continue down a narrow corridor, the walls polished gray metal, our boots echo off the grated gangway. The cramped ceiling doesn’t clear my head by much distance. The corridor diverges in three more directions, as two Glaseroids scurry past in a heated discussion, their many arm limbs flailing at each other. They don’t even notice us as they pass. For some reason, this irritates me more than Quad’s interaction does.
“The brothers, Job and Mod,” the female Hyanxa calls out, with a hint of disdain. “Our engineer and scientist. When you can get them to focus, that is,” she adds, flicking her red hair over her shoulder to punctuate her point.
Kaanus leans in whispering conspiratory “Glaseroids work for cheap, but they never shut up.” He shakes his spiked head.
“I’ve had dealings with their kind before. You’d be better venting them into space,” I interject with more anger than I intended. The memory of what they did to Astraxius and the other warriors on Terminus Exile Station is still raw.
Kaanus ignores my advice and continues the path straight ahead. As we pass the intersection, movement down the left corridor catches my eye. A lanky figure with accusing eyes anddrooping tentacles glares at us. I give Noroth a nudge, nodding down the corridor at the stranger.
“A Gorglaxian?” Noroth blurts out in surprise.